Before William Penn founded Philadelphia Swedish settlers already worshipped here. This is Gloria Dei Old Swedes’ Church. It stands proudly as the oldest church in Pennsylvania. The oldest surviving brick building in Philadelphia.
Gloria Dei’s story begins long before its 1700 consecration date. Swedish pioneers established a congregation on Tinicum Island in 1646. They relocated to this site in 1677. Five years before Philadelphia’s founding. Imagine the bustling riverbanks. Imagine these early settlers building this church. It was initially a simple structure. Carpenters John Smart and John Buett constructed it. Richard Cantril supplied the bricks.
The English vernacular style blends medieval and Gothic elements. The church’s design has changed through time. Additions in 1703 strengthened its walls. A tower was added around 1733. Samuel Sloan designed interior alterations in 1845. These renovations reflect the church’s changing needs and its lasting presence.
Gloria Dei is more than a building. It’s a living testament to faith. It has witnessed centuries of worship. In 1703 Justus Falckner became the first Lutheran ordained in the Americas. The famed Jenny Lind once sang here. A Swedish chandelier donated by Carl Milles hangs in the center aisle.
The church holds many treasured memories. Including models of the Fogel Grip and Kalmar Nyckel. The first Swedish ships to arrive in New Sweden. These ships brought settlers. They brought hope. They brought faith.
Gloria Dei’s history is filled with significant events. Its congregation transitioned from Swedish Lutheran to Episcopalian in 1845. The church boasts a collection of artifacts. Bronze crosses. 18th-century Bibles in Swedish and English. These items speak to Gloria Dei’s rich heritage. The church’s adjacent cemetery is a final resting place. For sea captains. Revolutionary War soldiers. Even early American painter James Peale and ornithologist Alexander Wilson are buried there.
Today Gloria Dei Church remains a vital part of Philadelphia. A National Historic Site. A place where history and faith intertwine. A testament to the enduring spirit of its founders. A beacon for future generations. Take a moment to appreciate the enduring legacy of Gloria Dei Old Swedes’ Church. Feel its history. Feel its faith. Feel its presence.