In 1696, a simple log Quaker meeting house stood on this very spot, marking the humble beginnings of what we now know as Old Trinity Church. Old Trinity Church, nestled in what was once Oxford Township and is now part of Philadelphia, has witnessed centuries of change and played a significant role in the religious landscape of the area. The story of Old Trinity Church is one of transformation. It began not as an Episcopal church, but as a Quaker meeting house built around 1684 by two teenagers, John and Rees Price. Imagine these young men, driven by their faith, constructing a place of worship with their own hands. This meeting house served the Quaker community until a dramatic shift occurred in 1696. Almost the entire congregation, including the Price family, converted to Anglicanism. This mass conversion is a unique event in Quaker history, largely attributed to the influence of George Keith, a Radical Quaker who later became an ordained minister in the Church of England. Keith even returned to preach at Old Trinity Church twice after his ordination.
The present structure of Old Trinity Church, built in 1711, reflects a blend of history and architectural evolution. The red and black bricks used in its construction are believed to be ballast from ships arriving from England. This gives the church a tangible link to its colonial past. The church evolved over time. Pews were installed in 1759, offering a more comfortable setting for the growing congregation. The flooring was completed in 1807, and the main entrance was shifted from the north side to the west end, altering the flow and feel of the church. The church expanded physically with the addition of transepts in 1833, creating more space for worshipers. In 1839, a tower was constructed at the west entrance, further enhancing the church’s presence. The current corner tower and belfry, designed by the renowned architectural firm of Furness & Hewitt, were added in 1875. These additions not only changed the church’s silhouette but also marked a significant investment in its future.
Old Trinity Church boasts a rich history, intertwined with prominent figures from American history. The Reverend Aeneas Ross, rector from 1742 to 1758, was the brother of George Ross, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the father-in-law of Betsy Ross. The Reverend Dr. William Smith, who served as rector twice, was the founder and first Provost of the College of Philadelphia, later to become the University of Pennsylvania. The Reverend John Henry Hobart, rector from 1798 to 1801, later became Bishop of New York and founded Hobart College. Even President James Buchanan has a connection to Old Trinity Church. His brother, Edward Young Buchanan, served as rector from 1854 to 1882. A tangible piece of history resides within Old Trinity Church: a silver communion set gifted by Queen Anne in 1713, inscribed “Annae Reginae”. It is still used for special occasions, a gleaming reminder of the church’s long and storied past. Old Trinity Church wasn’t just a place of worship. It played a role in the daily lives of the community. Ministers were paid to preach in Welsh at Radnor, a testament to the linguistic diversity of the area. After the American Revolutionary War, in 1786, Old Trinity Church was officially recognized by the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, solidifying its place within the newly formed nation. As you stand before Old Trinity Church today, remember, you’re not just looking at bricks and mortar. You are witnessing a living testament to faith, resilience, and the intertwining of history and community.