Unearthed beneath the annexes of Saint Stephen’s lies a poignant story. Saint Stephen’s Methodist Church in Philadelphia boasts a rich history. It began in 1823 a bustling new neighborhood near the University of Pennsylvania. The original churchyard served as a tranquil space. This intimate churchyard held the departed members close. It provided a peaceful outdoor area in the busy city for over fifty years. However the church expanded. In 1878 Frank Furness designed a transept. This was built over the original churchyard. The open space disappeared. Most of the vaults were hidden from view. Some vault lids ended up in the floors. These were repeatedly covered and damaged by carpets.
But the story doesn’t end there. When Saint Stephen’s reopened in 2017 a remarkable discovery occurred. The original churchyard was found intact. This led to a remarkable project. The Furness Burial Cloister was created. This commemorative space displays the nine original vaults. This ambitious project physically symbolically and ritually reintegrates the dead into the present. The project’s aim is to honor the church’s earliest vision. Saint Stephen’s sought to include the dead among the living. The Furness Burial Cloister beautifully achieves this goal. Those buried here represent all of us. They reflect diverse lives beliefs and experiences. By placing them physically among us we honor their contributions. We connect with them as fellow travelers across time. The Cloister is versatile for meditation gathering and performances. A painted labyrinth symbolizes our shared journey. This project earned the 2020 Preservation Alliance Award. It exemplifies Saint Stephen’s mission. The church embraces us all as a community breaking down barriers across time and difference. Saint Stephen’s Methodist Cemetery stands as a testament to this enduring spirit. This is a place where history and faith intertwine. It offers a meaningful reflection on life death and community.