Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
This is a 16mm film that contains footage of a Bicentennial Lantern Service held at The Old North Church in Boston. The ceremony's purpose was to begin the commemoration of the Bicentennial of the United States. After the title screen, there is footage of people marching down a street to the church in period costumes, representing different military units from early America. The camera then moves into the church, where the people inside sing America the Beautiful. After the song, Reverend Robert W. Golledge, vicar of Old North Church, speaks about Paul Revere and the lanterns hung in the church window. An unidentified man then reads Paul Revere's account of his ride. Next, the President of the United States, Gerald Ford, gave a speech. He talks about Paul Revere's ride and the start of the American Revolution. He speaks about the beginning of the Bicentennial celebrations, the national origins of America, immigration to America, and the characteristics and character of Americans. He also talks about the history of the American experience, about the centennial celebrations in 1876, and calls for a rededication to the ideas and ideals of the Founding Fathers. He also stresses the importance of unity, the accomplishments of the American dream, and what America has to offer the world. The congregation then sings.
Afterward, two descendants of Robert Newman light two lanterns and place them in the window of the steeple. Robert Newman, the sexton of Old North Church in 1775, lit two lanterns at that time as a message to Paul Revere. The congregation sings My Country, 'Tis of Thee. Vicar Golledge then remarks on America's progress since 1775 and what was left to be done. President Ford then lit the third lantern for the third century, symbolically ushering in a new century and calling for renewed efforts and hope toward the American promise. There is a benediction from an unidentified clergyman, and the congregation sings Faith of our Fathers while President Ford and Vicar Golledge carry the lantern toward the steeple.
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Resource Identifier: 1922-000-004_05mp
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This is a 16mm film that contains footage of a Bicentennial Lantern Service held at The Old North Church in Boston. The ceremony's purpose was to begin the commemoration of the Bicentennial of the United States. After the title screen, there is footage of people marching down a street to the church in period costumes, representing different military units from early America. The camera then moves into the church, where the people inside sing America the Beautiful. After the song, Reverend Robert W. Golledge, vicar of Old North Church, speaks about Paul Revere and the lanterns hung in the church window. An unidentified man then reads Paul Revere's account of his ride. Next, the President of the United States, Gerald Ford, gave a speech. He talks about Paul Revere's ride and the start of the American Revolution. He speaks about the beginning of the Bicentennial celebrations, the national origins of America, immigration to America, and the characteristics and character of Americans. He also talks about the history of the American experience, about the centennial celebrations in 1876, and calls for a rededication to the ideas and ideals of the Founding Fathers. He also stresses the importance of unity, the accomplishments of the American dream, and what America has to offer the world. The congregation then sings.
Afterward, two descendants of Robert Newman light two lanterns and place them in the window of the steeple. Robert Newman, the sexton of Old North Church in 1775, lit two lanterns at that time as a message to Paul Revere. The congregation sings My Country, 'Tis of Thee. Vicar Golledge then remarks on America's progress since 1775 and what was left to be done. President Ford then lit the third lantern for the third century, symbolically ushering in a new century and calling for renewed efforts and hope toward the American promise. There is a benediction from an unidentified clergyman, and the congregation sings Faith of our Fathers while President Ford and Vicar Golledge carry the lantern toward the steeple.
If you enjoyed the video, please make sure to give it a like as it lets us know what kind of content everyone wants to see. For more videos like this, explore our YouTube channel. We post historical footage from the Archives every week so if you’re interested be sure to subscribe.
Resource Identifier: 1922-000-004_05mp
FOLLOW:
Website - archives.delaware.gov
Subscribe - youtube.com/channel/UC7_WXMeC-vpYdJmxBIJR7uQ
Instagram - instagram.com/DEPublicArchives
Facebook - facebook.com/DelawarePublicArchives
Twitter - twitter.com/DEPublicArchive
#explore #history
