Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site

Before William Penn, the Swedes were here, building log homes and a brick church, Gloria Dei. Imagine the transformation - town becomes city - 13 colonies become a nation - Swedish Lutheran church becomes Episcopalian. Re-discover patriots and ordinary citizens buried in the cemetery. Enter Pennsylvania's oldest church and feel 300 years of history welcoming you.

The Basics

Hours:

Gloria Dei is an active religious congregation, and is home to the parish minister. For more information about visiting, contact the Rector at (215) 389-1513

Address:

143 South Third Street (Mailing Address)
Columbus Boulevard and Christian Street (Site Address)
Philadelphia, PA 19106

Phone:

215-389-1513

Fax:

215-597-0321

Directions

From northbound I-95
Exit at the Columbus Boulevard/Washington Avenue exit (#16). Turn left onto Christopher Columbus Boulevard. At the second traffic light, Christian Street, turn left. Church parking lot is on the left.

From south bound I-95
Exit at the Penn's Landing (exit 16, left hand off ramp). Turn right onto Christopher Columbus Boulevard. At the first light (Christian Street) turn right. Church parking lot is one the left.

Climate

Four distinct seasons with moderately cold winter and hot, humid summer. January average temperature, 33° Fahrenheit; July average temperature, 75°; average yearly rainfall, 41 inches; normal seasonal snowfall, 21 inches.

Fees

There is no fee for this park.

Things To Do

The church exhibits items from the early log church including a Baptismal Font, the golden sprays on the lectern and pulpit, and the Cherubim below the organ. Buried in the cemetery are numerous members of George Washington's army as well as the famous naturalist Alexander Wilson (the "Father of American Ornithology").

After visiting Gloria Dei, check out some of the new programs and events listed in the "Gazette"

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