The Reverend and the Old North Bridge Battle

Reenactor Henry Cooke will portray the life and preaching of a significant Concord resident, the Rev. William Emerson, during the weeks leading up to the battle at the Old North Bridge and his experiences on the day itself.

He will interpret Rev. Emerson’s artillery sermon on Muster Day on March 17, 1775, which presages the outbreak of hostilities a month later, and included this charge: “let every single step we take in this most intricate affair be upon the defensive…. God forbid it be said that we struck the first blow!” Cooke, who owns Historical Costume Services in Randolph, will also recount the feelings of ordinary Concord residents who watched the battle.

Doors open at 2 PM for a social period and refreshments
2:15 PM – Brief Society announcements followed by the Guest Speaker