Apology of Samuel Sewall is read in Old South Church.

While Sewall stands nearby, Rev. Samuel Willard reads Sewall’s apology for the role he played in the deaths of the 20 people executed for what is described as “the later tragedy” of the witchcraft trials in Salem. In his diary, Sewall had written, “I take the blame and shame.” The church service is part of a day of contrition, fasting, and prayer in Boston over the witchcraft hysteria.