Trivia VIIIby the Quizmeister | ![]() |
The Quizmeister has an extra plate to give away for Christmas since nobody answered last month's question:
In 1854 a casket lay in state at Old South: What was the occasion? Who was the occupant?
The answer: The OCCASION was the arrest of Anthony Burns under the Fugitive Slave Act and there was NO OCCUPANT. The arrest of Burns led to an outcry in the Cradle of Liberty. Public opinion in Boston was four square against the enforcement of this legislation, the result of the Compromise of 1850 under which California entered the Union. Old South placed a coffin bearing a banner with the word "Liberty" out front to display its thoughts about the Act and Burns' arrest. Ultimately, Burns was returned to Virginia; happily, his freedom was eventually purchased. (cf. the trivia-filled "The Massachusetts Legacy" by Christopher Kennealy)
And now, Trivia VIII: What's so special about a Bay Psalm book? How many are there? How many does Old South have? Once again, previous winners are asked to let others have a shot at the gold.

Submit your answers to the Publications Box in the Narthex or via e-mail to ssilver@law.harvard.edu. And for the record: Even the Quizmeister can be in error. While the Quizmeister acknowledges no limits to his Old South Trivia Knowledge (yes, yes, "Pride goeth before the fall"), he will `fess up to less than perfect mastery of '60s rock trivia. "Love that Dirty Water" was performed by the Standells, not performed by Paul Revere and the Raiders; the Dirty Water being crooned over was our fair River Charles, not the not-so-unfairly maligned Boston Harbor. +
A correct answer and trivia glory can be yours . . .
Send your answers to
Quizmeister, or to the Publications Box at the OSC Narthex office.
Back to Table of Contents
Old South Church
You can E-mail us by clicking here: OSC Publications
Copyright © 1997-8, Old South Church