Wow. Look at the Witherspoon Building. This magnificent structure has quite a story.
For over sixty years this building served as headquarters for the Presbyterian Church. It housed numerous offices. The Board of Publication and Sabbath School Work had offices here. So did the Presbyterian Historical Society the General Assembly and the church’s historical society.
Built between 1896 and 1897 the Witherspoon Building is a testament to the church’s influence. Its ornate design showcases its prestige. The Walnut and Juniper Street entrances are stunning. They feature large arches and Corinthian columns. These are topped by pediments. Some decorations are seals of Presbyterian Church boards and agencies.
The building’s namesake is Reverend John Witherspoon. He was the first president of Princeton University. He was also a member of the Second Continental Congress. He was the only Presbyterian minister to sign the Declaration of Independence.
Architect Joseph M Huston designed the Witherspoon Building. He also designed the state capitol building. Alexander Stirling Calder sculpted six statues of prominent Presbyterians. These statues adorned the main entrances. They’ve since been moved to the Presbyterian Historical Society’s courtyard. The building also features Witherspoon Hall. It hosted many gatherings and concerts. One memorable performance was by Marian Anderson in 1958.
In the 1960s the PCUSA began moving its offices. The Witherspoon was sold to a holding company. It continues to serve as an office building. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The Witherspoon Building a Philadelphia landmark stands as a symbol of faith history and architectural beauty.