Old North Church

Old North Church. . , This church is a replica of Christ Church in Boston, long known as Old North. It is a memorial to the early American patriots who offered their lives and fortunes in the cause of liberty. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized Paul Revere and his famous midnight ride to warn his fellow patriots of a British attack. And all the world knows that "The fate of a nation was riding that night". , Not so well known is the name of another rider who also rode through the dark April night to spread the alarm. His name was William Dawes, Vice President of the United States and regent of Forest Lawn. , Long after the famous ride, Helen F. Moore wrote a wry, but touching verse which told the story. Excerpts from both poems appear below: , Paul Revere , Listen my children and you shall hear , of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, ... , He said to his friend, "If the British march , By land or sea from the town tonight, , Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry arch , Of the North Church tower as a signal light, - , One if by land, and two if by sea; , And I on the opposite shore will be, , Ready to ride and spread the alarm , Through every Middlesex village and farm. ..." , A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door , And a word that shall echo forevermore! , For, borne on the night-wind of the past, , Through all our history, to the last, , In the hour of darkness and peril and need, , The people will waken and listen to hear , The hurrying hoof-beats of that steed, , And the midnight message of Paul Revere. , From "Paul Revere’s Ride" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. , William Dawes , ...’Tis all very well for the children to hear , Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere; , But why should my name be quite forgot, , Who rode as boldly and well, God wot? , Why should I ask? The reason is clear - , My name was Dawes and his Revere. , When the lights from the old North Church flashed out, , Paul Revere was waiting about, , But I was already on my way. , The shadows of night fell cold and gray , As I rode, with never a break or a pause; , But what was the use, when my name was Dawes! ... , From "The Midnight Ride of William Dawes" by Helen F. Moore.