Christ Church

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(215) 922-1695https://christchurchphila.org20 North American StreetPhiladelphiaPAUS

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.

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.

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

• Old City, Philadelphia
• Benjamin Franklin
• Colonial Philadelphia
• Independence Hall
• Betsy Ross House

External Links

• Christ Church Philadelphia Official Website
• Visit Philadelphia Guide
• National Park Service