Memorial Church of St. Luke

In 1861, amidst the burgeoning turmoil of the Civil War, the Memorial Church of St. Luke, also known as St. Luke’s, first opened its doors. A beacon of faith and remembrance, St. Luke’s stands in the Bustleton section of Northeast Philadelphia. It was established by Pauline Henry as a tribute to her husband, Bernard Henry, a naval surgeon lost at sea during their honeymoon. The Memorial Church of St. Luke was built on what was then quiet farmland, a stark contrast to the bustling city that surrounds it today. This church wasn’t just a place of worship. It became a memorial, imbued with Pauline’s love and grief. She gifted the silverware used for communion in memory of her mother and the altar cross in memory of her father. Two large marble medallions, gracing the back wall of the church, serve as enduring reminders of Pauline and Bernard. The Memorial Church of St. Luke wasn’t designed by just any architect. It was the work of Richard Upjohn, a renowned figure in American architecture. This historical significance was officially recognized when the Philadelphia Historical Commission designated it a historical building in 2017. The history within these walls extends beyond the Henrys. Buried in the adjacent cemetery are notable figures like State Senator Louis Farrell, a vestry member for 50 years, members of the Gregg and Tomlinson families, and even Civil War General Penncock Huey. One of the cemetery’s more unusual residents is Elias Toy, a crew member of the very train that carried Abraham Lincoln’s body home to Illinois. Generations of families who worshipped at the Memorial Church of St. Luke have also found their final resting place here, their stories interwoven with the fabric of the church itself. Today, the Memorial Church of St. Luke continues to thrive, a testament to its enduring legacy. A congregation of around 100 families calls this church home, a diverse community united by faith and a shared history. They embrace the church’s motto: “All are welcome.” They carry on Pauline Henry’s vision, offering a haven of peace and solace to all who enter.