Editing Christ Church

{{Infobox LocalBusiness
| name = Christ Church
| image =
| image_caption = Christ Church steeple
| type = Church, historic site
| address = 20 North American Street
| neighborhood = Old City
| coordinates = 39.9505,-75.1440
| phone = (215) 922-1695
| website = https://christchurchphila.org
| established = 1695
| founder = Church of England / Anglican
| owner = Christ Church Preservation Trust
| employees =
| hours = Mon-Sat 10 AM - 5 PM, Sun 12:30-5 PM
| products = Active worship, historic tours
| status = Active
}}

'''Christ Church''' is a historic Episcopal church located at 20 North American Street in [[Old City, Philadelphia|Old City]], founded in 1695 as the first Anglican parish in Pennsylvania. Often called "The Nation's Church," Christ Church was the place of worship for many of the Founding Fathers, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Betsy Ross. Its graceful Georgian steeple, rising 196 feet above the street, was the tallest structure in North America from its completion in 1754 until 1810.<ref name="history">{{cite web |url=https://christchurchphila.org/about/history/ |title=History of Christ Church |publisher=Christ Church Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The church remains an active Episcopal congregation while also serving as a major historic site, welcoming over 250,000 visitors annually. The building is considered one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in America and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970.<ref name="nhl">{{cite web |url=https://www.nps.gov/places/christ-church-philadelphia.htm |title=Christ Church Philadelphia |publisher=National Park Service |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Colonial Founding ===

Christ Church was founded in '''1695''' by members of the Church of England living in William Penn's Quaker colony. The congregation first worshipped in a small wooden structure before constructing the current brick building.

Construction of the present church began in '''1727''' and was completed in '''1744'''. The church was designed in the Georgian style, influenced by the work of Sir Christopher Wren's London churches. The design is attributed to Dr. John Kearsley, a church vestryman and amateur architect.

=== The Steeple ===

The 196-foot steeple was added in '''1754''', funded in part by a lottery organized by Benjamin Franklin. For 56 years, the steeple was the tallest structure in the American colonies and later the United States, until it was surpassed by New York's Trinity Church in 1810.

The steeple's bell, cast in 1754 by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry (the same foundry that cast the Liberty Bell), continues to ring for services and special occasions.

=== Revolutionary Era ===

During the Revolutionary period, Christ Church was the spiritual home of many Founding Fathers:

{| class="wikitable"
! Name !! Role !! Pew/Association
|-
| George Washington || Commander-in-Chief, President || Pew #58
|-
| Benjamin Franklin || Founding Father, Diplomat || Pew #70
|-
| John Adams || Delegate, President || Attended during Continental Congress
|-
| Betsy Ross || Seamstress, Flagmaker || Pew #12
|-
| Robert Morris || Financier of the Revolution || Vestryman
|-
| Francis Hopkinson || Signer of Declaration || Parishioner
|}

Seven signers of the Declaration of Independence worshipped at Christ Church.

=== Post-Revolution ===

After the Revolution, the church adapted to the new nation. The Book of Common Prayer was revised to remove references to the British monarch, and Christ Church became part of the newly organized Episcopal Church USA.

== Architecture ==

Christ Church is considered one of the finest examples of '''Georgian ecclesiastical architecture''' in America.

=== Exterior ===
* '''Material:''' Red brick with white trim
* '''Steeple:''' 196 feet, wood-frame construction
* '''Windows:''' Palladian window over the altar (east end)
* '''Entrance:''' Classical portico with columns

=== Interior ===

* '''Chancel:''' Original 18th-century configuration preserved
* '''Pulpit:''' Elevated wine-glass pulpit (preaching was central to colonial worship)
* '''Pews:''' Many original box pews with historic nameplates
* '''Chandelier:''' Brass chandelier installed 1744
* '''Organ:''' 1737 case housing modern pipe organ

=== Palladian Window ===

The church's east-end Palladian window, featuring a semicircular fan above two rectangular openings, floods the altar with natural light and is considered the finest example of its type in colonial American architecture.

== Christ Church Burial Ground ==

The '''Christ Church Burial Ground''' is located separately, at 5th and Arch Streets (not adjacent to the church). The burial ground contains the graves of:

* '''Benjamin Franklin''' and his wife Deborah
* Four other signers of the Declaration of Independence
* Benjamin Rush (physician, Founding Father)

Admission is charged for the burial ground. Visitors traditionally throw pennies on Franklin's grave for good luck.

== Visiting Christ Church ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Monday-Saturday:''' 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* '''Sunday:''' 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM (after services)
* '''Sunday Worship:''' 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM (visitors welcome)

Hours may vary seasonally; check the website before visiting.

=== Admission ===

Suggested donation for historic site visits. Active worship services are free and open to all.

=== Tours ===

* '''Self-guided visits:''' Docents available to answer questions
* '''Guided tours:''' Available for groups by reservation
* '''Historical interpreters:''' Present during peak visitor hours

=== Steeple Tour ===

Occasionally, the church offers special '''steeple tours''' allowing visitors to climb the tower for views of Old City. These tours are limited and offered seasonally.

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Market-Frankford Line:''' 2nd Street Station (2 blocks)
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 5, 17, 33, 48
* '''Walking:''' 2 blocks from [[Independence Hall]]

=== Etiquette ===

* Visitors may be asked to wait during scheduled worship services
* Quiet, respectful behavior requested at all times
* Photography permitted (no flash during services)
* Modest attire appreciated

== Christ Church Today ==

Christ Church remains an active Episcopal parish with weekly services and an engaged congregation. The church balances its dual role as living parish and historic site, hosting:

* Regular Sunday and weekday worship
* Choral Evensong services
* Educational programs
* Historical lectures and events
* Community outreach ministries

== See Also ==

* [[Old City, Philadelphia]]
* [[Benjamin Franklin]]
* [[Colonial Philadelphia]]
* [[Independence Hall]]
* [[Betsy Ross House]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://christchurchphila.org Christ Church Philadelphia Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/christ-church/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]
* [https://www.nps.gov/places/christ-church-philadelphia.htm National Park Service]

{{#seo:
|title=Christ Church Philadelphia - The Nation's Church | History and Visitor Guide
|description=Complete guide to Christ Church, where Founding Fathers Washington, Franklin, and Adams worshipped. Colonial history, Georgian architecture, visiting hours, and the burial ground with Benjamin Franklin's grave.
|keywords=Christ Church Philadelphia, George Washington pew, Benjamin Franklin church, Founding Fathers church, Old City historic church, colonial Philadelphia church, Episcopal church Philadelphia, Nation's Church
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Landmarks]]
[[Category:Historic Buildings]]
[[Category:Old City]]
[[Category:Religious Buildings]]
[[Category:Colonial Philadelphia]]