Christ Church

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Visit our “Tour Destination: Philadelphia” page to see the entire walking tour of the first Philadelphia cluster of Save America’s Treasures sites.

Christ Church as seen from 2nd Street.
Photo by Tom Crane.

Christ Church

2^nd Street above Market Street

Philadelphia, PA

Website:  Christ Church in Philadelphia

The Treasure:  Christ Church dates to 1695 as the first Church of England parish in Pennsylvania.  The current structure was built between 1727 and 1744.

Accessibility:  The church is open to the public free of charge 7 days a week (closed in the winter on Monday and Tuesday).  History guides are on site to provide further information.

Christ Church in 1879.

Notes:  Christ Church is called the Nation’s Church because of its role during the Colonial and Revolutionary War eras.  Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Robert Morris, Absalom Jones, Elizabeth Graham Fergusson and other early leaders were members of Christ Church.  Seven of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried at the church or the nearby Christ Church Burial Ground.

Christ Church was the largest structure in North America when it was finished in 1744.  The steeple, completed in 1754 by the architect Robert Smith, was the highest structure in North America for 56 years.

Notable features of the church include the grand Palladian window (one of the first in America) and the 200-foot-tall steeple that was built using funds from a lottery organized by Benjamin Franklin (and famously climbed by John Adams in 1774).  The balconies and pews were re-built in 1835 under the guidance of Thomas U. Walter.  Currently on display is a 1702 bell from the original church, one of the earliest bells in America.

Preservation projects have happened at regular intervals throughout the 300+ year history.  Most recently, the exterior of the church underwent a $2.5 million preservation program and fire safety systems were added to the interior.  Support for this work came, in part, from Save America’s Treasures.

Christ Church, side view.
Photo by Tom Crane.

Notes from the Editor:  Well into its fourth (!) century of service, Christ Church continues to thrive as a center of community in Old City Philadelphia.  Their preservation work through the nonprofit Christ Church Preservation Trust is exemplary—they are passionate about preserving their past and meticulous in their attention to detail.

One of my particular favorite items from their collections is the page in the 1776 Vestry minutes where the minister crossed out references to the royal family.  Looking at this page, you suddenly get the feel of real people making life-or-death decisions about their allegiances in a time of change and uncertainty.

Other Recommended Sites:  Don’t miss the Christ Church Burial Ground where five signers (including Benjamin Franklin) of the Declaration of Independence are buried.  The Burial Ground is open March through December, closing for the winter months.  From the Christ Church website, you can download a map of the Burial Ground that will help you locate the final resting places of many national and regional leaders.

Other historic sites in the immediate neighborhood include Elfreth’s Alley and the Betsy Ross House.

Interior of Christ Church.
Photo by Tom Crane.

Tour America's History Itinerary 
Tomorrow’s destination:  Pennsylvania Hospital

© 2011 Lee Price