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The plaque in front of No. 10 Spring Street says that the house was built by Samuel Noyes circa 1786. Captain Abraham Wheelwright, a Revolutionary war soldier that crossed the Delaware with Washington, became a privateer, and was one of the wealthiest merchants in Newburyport, lived here from 1789-1850. It is an attractive, rather simple Georgian house with fluted pilasters framing the door. Note the modern QR code for mobile phones on the traditional house sign. It will bring you to a website with more information on the house and its historical occupants.
Before you reach the last building on the street, stop by the grey garage and look up over the roof of the brick building at No. 19 Spring Street for an interesting view of the steeple and cock weathervane of Old Sooth Presbyterian Church. Note the round window under the gable, the alternating brick cornice, and granite lintels of the Federal period brick building. Stand on the corner of Spring and Federal Streets and look at Old South Presbyterian Church. While the church was built in 1756, it was altered extensively in the mid-19th century; and the exterior combines elements of late Greek Revival (the classical temple-like entrance, the four simple Doric pilasters, the pediment) and Italianate (the hood mold over the windows). The old steeple was replaced in 1848 by the octagonal one you see now, and it is probable that the other alterations were made then, The bell in the steeple was cast by Paul Revere. The roof is supported by one roof truss, so that no pillars obstruct the interior space.
Inside the church is one of the most important architectural elements in Newburyport - a cenotaph (monument) designed in 1829 by William Strickland, one of the foremost Greek Revival architects in America, It is made of black and white contrasting marble, as was the fashion, and is in excellent condition. The cenotaph is a memorial to the famous evangelist George Whitfield, a minister of the church.
Another distinguished minister of the church was Jonathan Parsons, who raised an entire company of volunteers to serve in the Revolutionary War right in the main aisle of the church. This company is said to have been the first volunteer company in the Continental army. During the height of Newburyport's maritime glory, it is said that a sea captain sat at the head of every pew.
