Gloria Dei Church
(Old Swedes')
National Historic Site

Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church was built between 1698 - 1700 and is the oldest church in Pennsylvania. The Swedes preceded the English to this part of America, arriving here in 1646. For nearly two centuries, this church was a mission of the Church of Sweden. As Swedes were absorbed into the general American population, Gloria Dei became English speaking and was admitted into the Episcopal church in 1845. The Church is owned and maintained by its congregation and contains important historic relics and artifacts.

Revolutionary War patriots John Hansen, president of the Continental Congress under the Articles of Confederation, John Morton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and five of General Washington's officers rest in the churchyard burial ground.

VISITATION:

An active house of worship, the site is open to visitors for weekly services and by special arrangement.

LOCATION:

Philadelphia, PA

ADDRESS:
Columbus Boulevard and Christian Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147

TELEPHONE

(215)389-1513

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS

Gloria Dei is an active religious congregation, and is home to the parish minister. For more information about visiting, contact the Rector at (215) 389-1513

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Average minimum temperature from December through February is less than 30øF. Average maximum temperature from June through August is more than 80øF with high humidity.

DIRECTIONS:

By car: From northbound I-95 Exit at the Columbus Boulevard/Washington Avenue exit (#16). Turn left onto Christopher Columbus Boulevard. At the second traffic light, Christian Street, turn left. Church parking lot is on the left.

From south bound I-95 Exit at the Penn's Landing (exit 16, left hand off ramp). Turn right onto Christopher Columbus Boulevard. At the first light (Christian Street) turn right. Church parking lot is one the left.

Site is easily accessible by car or public transportation from Center City. Call (215)597-8975 for transportation information.

TRANSPORTATION:

By Airplane: Philadelphia International Airport, eight miles from Center City, is served by all major domestic carriers as well as a gateway for flights from Europe, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The SEPTA Airport Line connects the airport with Center City.

By Train: Philadelphia is served by Amtrak which operates rail service along the Northeast Corridor (Boston to Washington, Atlantic City, NJ to Harrisburg, PA). Inter city service is provided to many points south and west.

By Bus: Inter city bus service is excellent, with daily arrivals from all parts of the country. The Greyhound Terminal is located at 10th & Filbert Streets, within walking distance of the park.

GETTING AROUND:

Philadelphia has an excellent transit system (SEPTA). SEPTA offers commuter rail service between the city and the suburbs. SEPTA also operates a large fleet of buses and street cars through the city and suburbs. Day pass ($5.00) is a SEPTA transit pass that's good for unlimited riding on all City transit vehicles.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

Visitation to the site is free of charge, but arrangements must be made in advance.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Exhibits:
The church exhibits items from the early log church including a Baptismal Font, the golden sprays on the lectern and pulpit, and the Cherubim below the organ. Buried in the cemetery are numerous members of George Washington's army as well as the famous naturalist Alexander Wilson (the "Father of American Ornithology").

PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES:

A site bulletin and outdoor signage interprets the story of Gloria Dei.A tour of the Church and cemetery are available by reservation only.

LODGING AND CAMPING FACILITIES:

The Thomas Bond House (129 S. 2nd Street, (215)925-1919)) is a restored colonial-period guest house operated under a historic lease program with the National Park Service, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many hotels, bed breakfast facilities, and a youth hostel are within walking distance.

FOOD/SUPPLIES:

Many restaurants, drug stores and grocery stores are within walking distance of the park.

 

OTHER CONCESSIONS/NPS-MANAGED VISITOR FACILITIES

Museum shops managed by Eastern National (215-597-2569) are located in the Visitor Center (3rd and Chestnut Streets) and Pemberton House (316 Chestnut Street). Proceeds fund park programs.

The City Tavern (2nd and Walnut Streets) is a reconstruction of what John Adams referred to as "the most genteel Tavern". Now a working restaurant, the City Tavern serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. For more information, prices and reservations call (215) 413-1443.

ACCESSIBILITY:

The Church and walkways from the parking lot or the street are fully accessible.

 

RESERVATION/PERMITS:

Church is open daily, though arrangements should be made in advance by contacting the Rector at (215) 389-1513.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
An hour is needed for basic visit. Other National Park Service sites nearby

could occupy and additional 8 - 12 hours. The Philadelphia area offers a

large number of cultural, scientific and sports opportunities that could take a

week to fully appreciate.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
During the first week of December the congregation celebrates the

Scandinavian festival of St. Lucia. Contact the Rector for dates and times.

 

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Thaddeus Kosciuszko National Memorial is located at 3rd and Pine Streets.

For more information about the Philadelphia area contact: Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1515 Market Street, Suite 2020, Philadelphia, PA 19102, (215) 636-1666

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

For more information about the park write: Visitor Information, Independence National Historical Park, 313 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106; or call: (215) 597-8974 or (215) 597-1785(TTY).