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'''Christ Church''' is a historic Episcopal church | '''Christ Church''' is a historic Episcopal church at 20 North American Street in [[Old City, Philadelphia|Old City]]. Founded in 1695, it was the first Anglican parish in Pennsylvania. Known as "The Nation's Church," it became the spiritual home of many Founding Fathers, including [https://biography.wiki/a/George_Washington George Washington], [https://biography.wiki/b/Benjamin_Franklin Benjamin Franklin], [https://biography.wiki/a/John_Adams John Adams], and Betsy Ross. The graceful Georgian steeple rises 196 feet above the street. When completed in 1754, it was the tallest structure in North America, holding that distinction 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 | The church still functions as an active Episcopal congregation. At the same time, it serves as a major historic site, drawing over 250,000 visitors annually. It's 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 == | == History == | ||
| Line 26: | Line 26: | ||
=== Colonial Founding === | === Colonial Founding === | ||
Christ Church | Members of the Church of England founded Christ Church in '''1695''' in William Penn's Quaker colony. The congregation didn't start with the brick building we see today. They worshipped first in a small wooden structure. | ||
The present church came next. Construction began in '''1727''' and wrapped up in '''1744'''. It was designed in the Georgian style, taking cues from Sir Christopher Wren's London churches. Dr. John Kearsley, a church vestryman and amateur architect, gets credit for the design. | |||
=== The Steeple === | === The Steeple === | ||
They added the 196-foot steeple in '''1754''', with help from [https://biography.wiki/a/Benjamin_Franklin Benjamin Franklin], who organized a lottery to fund it. For 56 years, nothing in the American colonies or the young United States stood taller, until New York's Trinity Church surpassed it in 1810. | |||
The steeple's bell | The steeple's bell came from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1754. That's the same foundry that cast the Liberty Bell. It still rings for services and special occasions. | ||
=== Revolutionary Era === | === Revolutionary Era === | ||
During the Revolutionary period, Christ Church | During the Revolutionary period, many Founding Fathers called Christ Church their spiritual home: | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
| Line 56: | Line 56: | ||
|} | |} | ||
Seven signers of the Declaration of Independence worshipped | Seven signers of the Declaration of Independence worshipped there. | ||
=== Post-Revolution === | === Post-Revolution === | ||
The church changed with the new nation. They revised the Book of Common Prayer to drop references to the British monarch. Christ Church became part of the newly organized Episcopal Church USA. | |||
== Architecture == | == Architecture == | ||
'''Georgian ecclesiastical architecture''' at its finest. That's what you'll find at Christ Church, one of the best examples in America. | |||
=== Exterior === | === Exterior === | ||
* '''Material:''' Red brick with white trim | * '''Material:''' Red brick with white trim | ||
* '''Steeple:''' 196 feet, wood-frame construction | * '''Steeple:''' 196 feet, wood-frame construction | ||
* '''Windows:''' Palladian window over the altar | * '''Windows:''' Palladian window over the altar on the east end | ||
* '''Entrance:''' Classical portico with columns | * '''Entrance:''' Classical portico with columns | ||
=== Interior === | === Interior === | ||
* '''Chancel:''' Original 18th-century configuration preserved | * '''Chancel:''' Original 18th-century configuration, preserved as it was | ||
* '''Pulpit:''' Elevated wine-glass pulpit | * '''Pulpit:''' Elevated wine-glass pulpit, a central feature since preaching mattered greatly in colonial worship | ||
* '''Pews:''' Many original box pews | * '''Pews:''' Many original box pews still bear historic nameplates | ||
* '''Chandelier:''' Brass chandelier installed 1744 | * '''Chandelier:''' Brass chandelier installed in 1744 | ||
* '''Organ:''' 1737 case housing modern pipe organ | * '''Organ:''' 1737 case housing a modern pipe organ | ||
=== Palladian Window === | === Palladian Window === | ||
The | The east-end Palladian window is stunning. A semicircular fan sits above two rectangular openings, flooding the altar with natural light. It's considered the finest example of its type in colonial American architecture. | ||
== Christ Church Burial Ground == | == Christ Church Burial Ground == | ||
The '''Christ Church Burial Ground''' | The '''Christ Church Burial Ground''' isn't next to the church building itself. You'll find it separately at 5th and Arch Streets. It holds graves of considerable historical importance: | ||
* '''Benjamin Franklin''' and his wife Deborah | * '''Benjamin Franklin''' and his wife Deborah | ||
* Four other signers of the Declaration of Independence | * Four other signers of the Declaration of Independence | ||
* Benjamin Rush | * Benjamin Rush, a physician and Founding Father | ||
There's a charge for admission. Visitors traditionally throw pennies on Franklin's grave for good luck, a practice that's become something of a ritual. | |||
== Visiting Christ Church == | == Visiting Christ Church == | ||
| Line 99: | Line 99: | ||
* '''Monday-Saturday:''' 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | * '''Monday-Saturday:''' 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM | ||
* '''Sunday:''' 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM | * '''Sunday:''' 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM, after services end | ||
* '''Sunday Worship:''' 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM | * '''Sunday Worship:''' 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, visitors are welcome | ||
Hours | Check the website before you go. Hours vary seasonally. | ||
=== Admission === | === Admission === | ||
Historic site visits run on a suggested donation basis. Active worship services are free and open to everyone. | |||
=== Tours === | === Tours === | ||
* '''Self-guided visits:''' Docents | * '''Self-guided visits:''' Docents stand ready to answer questions | ||
* '''Guided tours:''' | * '''Guided tours:''' Groups can reserve these in advance | ||
* '''Historical interpreters:''' | * '''Historical interpreters:''' They're on hand during peak visitor hours | ||
=== Steeple Tour === | === Steeple Tour === | ||
The church occasionally offers special '''steeple tours'''. Visitors can climb the tower for views of Old City. These tours are limited and offered seasonally only. | |||
=== Getting There === | === Getting There === | ||
* '''SEPTA Market-Frankford Line:''' 2nd Street Station | * '''SEPTA Market-Frankford Line:''' 2nd Street Station is 2 blocks away | ||
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 5, 17, 33, 48 | * '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 5, 17, 33, 48 serve the area | ||
* '''Walking:''' 2 blocks from [[Independence Hall]] | * '''Walking:''' It's 2 blocks from [[Independence Hall]] | ||
=== Etiquette === | === Etiquette === | ||
* | * You might be asked to wait during scheduled worship services | ||
* Quiet, respectful behavior | * Quiet, respectful behavior is expected at all times | ||
* Photography | * Photography is allowed, but no flash during services | ||
* Modest attire appreciated | * Modest attire is appreciated | ||
== Christ Church Today == | == Christ Church Today == | ||
Christ Church remains an active Episcopal parish | Christ Church remains an active Episcopal parish. They hold weekly services with an engaged congregation. The church walks a line between living parish and historic site, which means they host: | ||
* Regular Sunday and weekday worship | * Regular Sunday and weekday worship | ||
Latest revision as of 17:18, 23 April 2026
Christ Church
| Type | Church, historic site |
|---|---|
| Address | 20 North American Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Old City |
| Phone | (215) 922-1695 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1695 |
| Founder | Church of England / Anglican |
| Owner | Christ Church Preservation Trust |
| 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 at 20 North American Street in Old City. Founded in 1695, it was the first Anglican parish in Pennsylvania. Known as "The Nation's Church," it became the spiritual home of many Founding Fathers, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Betsy Ross. The graceful Georgian steeple rises 196 feet above the street. When completed in 1754, it was the tallest structure in North America, holding that distinction until 1810.[1]
The church still functions as an active Episcopal congregation. At the same time, it serves as a major historic site, drawing over 250,000 visitors annually. It's one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in America and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970.[2]
History
Colonial Founding
Members of the Church of England founded Christ Church in 1695 in William Penn's Quaker colony. The congregation didn't start with the brick building we see today. They worshipped first in a small wooden structure.
The present church came next. Construction began in 1727 and wrapped up in 1744. It was designed in the Georgian style, taking cues from Sir Christopher Wren's London churches. Dr. John Kearsley, a church vestryman and amateur architect, gets credit for the design.
The Steeple
They added the 196-foot steeple in 1754, with help from Benjamin Franklin, who organized a lottery to fund it. For 56 years, nothing in the American colonies or the young United States stood taller, until New York's Trinity Church surpassed it in 1810.
The steeple's bell came from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1754. That's the same foundry that cast the Liberty Bell. It still rings for services and special occasions.
Revolutionary Era
During the Revolutionary period, many Founding Fathers called Christ Church their spiritual home:
| 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 there.
Post-Revolution
The church changed with the new nation. They revised the Book of Common Prayer to drop references to the British monarch. Christ Church became part of the newly organized Episcopal Church USA.
Architecture
Georgian ecclesiastical architecture at its finest. That's what you'll find at Christ Church, one of the best examples in America.
Exterior
- Material: Red brick with white trim
- Steeple: 196 feet, wood-frame construction
- Windows: Palladian window over the altar on the east end
- Entrance: Classical portico with columns
Interior
- Chancel: Original 18th-century configuration, preserved as it was
- Pulpit: Elevated wine-glass pulpit, a central feature since preaching mattered greatly in colonial worship
- Pews: Many original box pews still bear historic nameplates
- Chandelier: Brass chandelier installed in 1744
- Organ: 1737 case housing a modern pipe organ
Palladian Window
The east-end Palladian window is stunning. A semicircular fan sits above two rectangular openings, flooding the altar with natural light. It's considered the finest example of its type in colonial American architecture.
Christ Church Burial Ground
The Christ Church Burial Ground isn't next to the church building itself. You'll find it separately at 5th and Arch Streets. It holds graves of considerable historical importance:
- Benjamin Franklin and his wife Deborah
- Four other signers of the Declaration of Independence
- Benjamin Rush, a physician and Founding Father
There's a charge for admission. Visitors traditionally throw pennies on Franklin's grave for good luck, a practice that's become something of a ritual.
Visiting Christ Church
Hours
- Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:30 PM - 5:00 PM, after services end
- Sunday Worship: 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, visitors are welcome
Check the website before you go. Hours vary seasonally.
Admission
Historic site visits run on a suggested donation basis. Active worship services are free and open to everyone.
Tours
- Self-guided visits: Docents stand ready to answer questions
- Guided tours: Groups can reserve these in advance
- Historical interpreters: They're on hand during peak visitor hours
Steeple Tour
The church occasionally offers special steeple tours. Visitors can climb the tower for views of Old City. These tours are limited and offered seasonally only.
Getting There
- SEPTA Market-Frankford Line: 2nd Street Station is 2 blocks away
- SEPTA Bus: Routes 5, 17, 33, 48 serve the area
- Walking: It's 2 blocks from Independence Hall
Etiquette
- You might be asked to wait during scheduled worship services
- Quiet, respectful behavior is expected at all times
- Photography is allowed, but no flash during services
- Modest attire is appreciated
Christ Church Today
Christ Church remains an active Episcopal parish. They hold weekly services with an engaged congregation. The church walks a line between living parish and historic site, which means they host:
- Regular Sunday and weekday worship
- Choral Evensong services
- Educational programs
- Historical lectures and events
- Community outreach ministries
See Also
References
- ↑ "History of Christ Church". Christ Church Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Christ Church Philadelphia". National Park Service. Retrieved December 30, 2025