Christ Church
Christ Church
| Type | Historic church |
|---|---|
| Address | 20 N American Street |
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Old City |
| Phone | (215) 922-1695 |
| Website | Official site |
| Established | 1695 |
| Hours | Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm |
Christ Church is a historic Episcopal church in Old City, Philadelphia, often called "the Nation's Church" for its associations with the Founding Fathers. Founded in 1695, the current building (1744) hosted George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Betsy Ross, and other Revolutionary-era figures. The church continues as an active parish while welcoming visitors.[1]
History
Founding
Christ Church was founded in 1695 as a Church of England parish:
- First building: 1695 (small wooden structure)
- Current building: 1744 (Georgian, designed by John Kearsley)
- Steeple added 1754 (tallest structure in colonies)
- Continued after Revolution as Episcopal church
Revolutionary Congregation
The church's pews held the Revolution's leaders:
- George Washington*** — Attended when in Philadelphia
- Benjamin Franklin*** — Contributed to steeple construction
- John Adams*** — Attended while in Congress
- Betsy Ross — Married here (first marriage, 1773)
- Robert Morris*** — Financier of the Revolution
- Many signers of Declaration and Constitution
The Steeple
When completed in 1754, Christ Church's steeple was:
- 196 feet tall
- Tallest structure in the American colonies
- Remained Philadelphia's tallest until 1856
- Lightning rod designed by Franklin
The Building
Architecture
Christ Church is a masterpiece of Georgian church architecture:
- Designed by physician-architect John Kearsley
- Influenced by Christopher Wren's London churches
- Palladian windows
- Box pews (some original)
- Wineglass pulpit
Interior
- Chandelier brought from England (1744)
- Washington and Franklin pews marked
- Historic organ
- Tiffany-era stained glass additions
Christ Church Burial Ground
The church's burial ground is a separate site:
- Located at 5th and Arch Streets
- Benjamin Franklin's grave*** — Most visited site
- Other signers of Declaration buried here
- Separate admission
Visiting
The Church
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1pm-4pm |
| Admission | Suggested donation $5 |
| Address | 20 N American Street |
| Time needed | 20-30 minutes |
| Active church | Services on Sundays |
Burial Ground
- Separate location: 5th and Arch Streets
- Separate admission ($5)
- See Benjamin Franklin's grave
- Open seasonally
Getting There
- SEPTA Subway — 2nd Street Station (Market-Frankford Line)
- Walking — In Old City, off Market Street
- Near — Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley
Frequently Asked Questions
See Also
References
- ↑ "Christ Church". Christ Church Philadelphia. Retrieved December 23, 2025