Hospital Point Range Rear Light
Lighthouse
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Hospital Point Range Rear Light is part of a pair of range lights in Beverly, Massachusetts. It is located in the steeple of the First Baptist Church of Beverly.[1][2][3][4]
| |
 | |
| Location | Beverly, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 42°32′53.94″N 70°52′42.43″W |
| Tower | |
| Shape | church steeple |
| Markings | White |
| Light | |
| First lit | 1927 |
| Focal height | 183 feet (56 m) |
| Characteristic | Fl W |
History
The Hospital Point Light was established to help guide ships through Salem Sound. It was originally established as a single light, but in 1927 the beacon from a lightship was used to create a range, with the existing light made the front light.[1] This beacon was set in the steeple of the First Baptist Church, the tallest spire in town; it projects a very narrow beam, only 2° either side of the range course, leading across the northern part of the sound.[3][1][5] The church was destroyed in a fire in 1975, but the steeple survived; it was incorporated into the rebuilt church.[1] The light continues in active service.