What if I told you that this unassuming church witnessed a Kennedy wedding? Right here, at St. John Vianney in Gladwyne, Joseph P. Kennedy III, the eldest son of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, exchanged vows with Sheila Brewster Rauch in 1979. The event, shrouded in secrecy, brought a touch of Kennedy glamour to this peaceful corner of Philadelphia. St. John Vianney, established in 1927, is steeped in history. It all began with a letter from John A. Doran to the Archbishop of Philadelphia, highlighting the plight of Gladwyne’s Catholic community who had to travel long distances for mass. Father Augustine Schulte, initially sent to investigate, became the founding pastor of St. John Vianney, named after the recently canonized patron saint of parish priests. Starting with a humble converted house, Father Schulte nurtured the congregation, even raising his own food during the Depression. By 1940, with the community’s support, a new church, reflecting the charm of an English countryside church, was built. Interestingly, Father Schulte, a friend of the wealthy Roberts family, secured exquisite wood paneling and doors from their dismantled estate, “Pennhurst,” adding a touch of grandeur to the simple structure. Today, St. John Vianney continues to be a vibrant community, its story interwoven with the lives touched by its presence, from humble beginnings to a Kennedy wedding.
Zion Baptist Church
Founded in 1882 Zion Baptist Church stands proudly in Philadelphia. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community. This wasn’t