St Jude & the Nativity Episcopal Church

Before us stands St Jude & the Nativity Episcopal Church a testament to Philadelphia’s rich history. But did you know this wasn’t always its name? For many years it was known simply as the Church of the Nativity. This Gothic beauty was designed by the renowned architect Napoleon Le Brun. He also designed the Academy of Music and the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Le Brun’s work on the Church of the Nativity began in 1844. The church was completed two years later in 1846. It was a remarkable feat. The original structure measured 50 by 80 feet not including the tower. A lithograph from 1844 depicts the church’s grandeur. It shows the exterior in stunning detail. It even includes a caption appealing for funds for its construction. The caption requests donations to help extend the Gospel. The caption highlights the church’s cost of 9000 dollars. The cost of the church also is stated in the caption. It was a significant sum for its time. The church could seat 600 people without side galleries. The Church of the Nativity had a turbulent history. It was rebuilt and enlarged in 1909. Tragically it lost its steeple to a lightning strike in 1979. Sadly the building itself was eventually demolished. Developers chose demolition due to expensive structural issues. Twelve townhouses now stand where the church once stood. A small piece of its history remains in a community garden. Some of its schist masonry was repurposed. The story of St Jude & the Nativity Episcopal Church is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of our city. Yet its legacy lives on. It stands as a beautiful illustration of faith persistence and architectural artistry in Philadelphia’s past.