<P> Before the construction of the "Old North Church" (Christ Church, Boston), there was another church in Boston called the "Old North" (Meetinghouse). This Congregationalist meeting house was founded in North Square, across the street from what is now called "Paul Revere's house". This church was once pastored by Cotton Mather, the minister now known largely for his involvement in the Salem witch trials . </P> <P> In 2009, an archeologist began examining the estimated 1,100 bodies buried in 37 tombs in the basement . The crypt was in use between 1732 and 1860, and each tomb is sealed with a wooden or slate door, with many doors covered over by plaster as ordered by the city of Boston in the 1850s . </P> <P> Founding Rector Timothy Cutler and his wife were buried under the altar together . Other notable figures buried under the church include British Marine Major John Pitcairn, who died at the Battle of Bunker Hill and was entombed along with many other soldiers killed in this battle . So is Captain Samuel Nicholson of the USS Constitution . A behind the scenes tour run by the church takes tourists down into the crypt, as well as up to the bell - ringing chamber . </P> <P> Old North Church is today one of four church sites among the 16 stops on the Freedom Trail . </P>

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