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 located at 20 North American Street in 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.[1]
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.[2]
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:
| 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
References
- ↑ "History of Christ Church". Christ Church Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Christ Church Philadelphia". National Park Service. Retrieved December 30, 2025