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Coordinates: 39°56′04″N 75°08′37″W / 39.9345°N 75.1435°W / 39.9345; -75.1435
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{{short description|National Historic Site of the United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}

{{Infobox NRHP
{{Infobox NRHP
| name = Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church<br>National Historic Site
| name = Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
| nrhp_type =
| nrhp_type =
| image = 2014 Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church from west.jpg
| image = 2014 Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church from west.jpg
| image_size = 250px
| image_size = 250px
| caption = (2014)
| caption = The church in March 2014
| coordinates = {{coord|39.9345|-75.1435|region:US-PA_type:landmark|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| lat_d = 39
| location = 929 South Water Street<br>[[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]
| lat_m = 56
| locmapin = Philadelphia#Pennsylvania#USA
| lat_s = 4
| map_caption = Location in metropolitan Philadelphia
| lat_NS = N
| built = 1678–1700<br>'''additions:''' 1703, c. 1733
| long_d = 75
| long_m = 8
| long_s = 37
| long_EW = W
| coord_display = title
| location= 929 South Water Street<br>[[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]
| locmapin = Philadelphia
| built = 1678-1700<br>'''additions:''' 1703, c.1733
| architecture = English vernacular
| architecture = English vernacular
| added = October 15, 1966
| added = October 15, 1966
| area = {{convert|3.7|acre}}
| area = {{convert|3.7|acre}}
| website = [http://www.old-swedes.org Official site]
| governing_body = Corporation of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
| refnum = 66000682<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>
| refnum = 66000682<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>
| designated_other1_name = Pennsylvania state historical marker
| designated_other1_name = Pennsylvania state historical marker
| designated_other1_abbr=PHMC
| designated_other1_abbr = PHMC
| designated_other1_date = December 17, 1954<ref name=phmcdatabase>{{cite web | title = PHMC Historical Markers | work =Historical Marker Database | publisher = Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission | url =http://search.pahistoricalmarkers.com/ | accessdate = December 10, 2013}}</ref>
| designated_other1_date = December 17, 1954<ref name=phmcdatabase>{{cite web |title=PHMC Historical Markers |work=Historical Marker Database |publisher=Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission |url=http://search.pahistoricalmarkers.com/ |access-date=December 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131207041235/http://search.pahistoricalmarkers.com/ |archive-date=December 7, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| designated_other1_link = List of Pennsylvania state historical markers
| designated_other1_link = List of Pennsylvania state historical markers
| designated_other1_color = navy
| designated_other1_color = navy
| designated_other1_textcolor=#ffc94b
| designated_other1_textcolor = #ffc94b
| designated_other2_name = National Historic Site
}}
}}


'''Gloria Dei Church''', known locally as '''Old Swedes'''', is a historic church located in the [[Southwark, Philadelphia|Southwark]] neighborhood of [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]], at 929 South Water Street, bounded by Christian Street on the north, South Christopher Columbus Boulevard (formerly Delaware Street) on the east, and Washington Avenue on the south. It was built between 1698 and 1700,<ref name=philarch>{{cite philarch}}, p.20</ref><ref name=philarchmit>{{cite philarchmit}}, p.178</ref> making it the oldest church in Pennsylvania and second oldest Swedish church in the United States after [[Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes)]] in [[Wilmington, Delaware]].
'''Gloria Dei Church''', known locally as '''Old Swedes{{'}}''', is a historic church located in the [[Southwark, Philadelphia|Southwark]] neighborhood of [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], at 929 South Water Street, bounded by Christian Street on the north, South Christopher Columbus Boulevard (formerly Delaware Avenue) on the east, and Washington Avenue on the south. It was built between 1698 and 1700,<ref name=philarch>{{cite philarch}}, p.20</ref><ref name=philarchmit>{{cite philarchmit}}, p.178</ref> making it the oldest church in Pennsylvania and second oldest Swedish church in the United States after [[Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes)]] in [[Wilmington, Delaware]].


The carpenters for the building were John Smart and John Buett<ref name=philarchmit /> and bricks were supplied by Richard Cantril.<ref> Craig, Peter Stebbins; and Kim-Eric Williams, eds. ''Colonial Records of the Swedish Churches in Pennsylvania.'' Philadelphia: Swedish Colonial Society, 2006., v. 2, p154.</ref> The church displays the English vernacular style of church design, which combines elements of the Medieval and Gothic styles.<ref name=philarch /> The church's vestry and entranceway were added in 1703 to buttress the walls, which had begun to buckle under the weight of the roof.<ref name=philarch /> The tower was added c.1733, and interior alterations were made in 1845, designed by [[Samuel Sloan (architect)|Samuel Sloan]].<ref name=philarchmit />
The carpenters for the building were John Smart and John Buett<ref name=philarchmit /> and bricks were supplied by Richard Cantril.<ref name=":0">Craig, Peter Stebbins; and Kim-Eric Williams, eds. ''Colonial Records of the Swedish Churches in Pennsylvania''. Philadelphia: Swedish Colonial Society, 2006., v. 2, p154.</ref> The church displays the English vernacular style of church design, which combines elements of the Medieval and Gothic styles.<ref name=philarch /> The church's vestry and entranceway were added in 1703 to buttress the walls, which had begun to buckle under the weight of the roof.<ref name=philarch /> The tower was added c.1733, and interior alterations were made in 1845, designed by [[Samuel Sloan (architect)|Samuel Sloan]].<ref name=philarchmit />


The congregation dates to 1677, and the graveyard around the church to about the same time. Formerly a [[Swedish Lutheran]] congregation, the church has been [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopalian]] since 1845.
The congregation was established on Tinicum Island in 1646.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Craig|first=Peter|title=Colonial Records of the Swedish Churches in Pennsylvania, Vol 1.|publisher=Swedish Colonial Society|year=2006|isbn=|location=Philadelphia|pages=6|language=English}}</ref> It moved to its present site in 1677, five years before the founding of the city of Philadelphia, and the graveyard around the church to about the same time. Formerly a [[Swedish Lutheran]] congregation, the church has been [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopalian]] since 1845.


==History==
==History==
[[File:Gloria Dei 1860 Clay.jpg|thumb|275px|left|The Reverend Jehu Curtis Clay in the churchyard (c.1860)]]
[[File:Gloria Dei 1860 Clay.jpg|thumb|left|The Reverend Jehu Curtis Clay in the churchyard (c.1860)]]
Gloria Dei is the oldest church in [[Pennsylvania]] and second oldest [[Church of Sweden|Swedish church]] in the United States after [[Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes)]] in [[Wilmington, Delaware]]. [[Swedish people|Swedish pioneers]] of [[New Sweden]] were the first to settle the area in 1646. An existing blockhouse at [[Wicaco]] (now South Philadelphia), had been renovated for worship in 1677 and was used until the present church (built beginning in 1698) was consecrated on the First Sunday after [[Trinity Sunday|Trinity]], June 2, 1700.<ref>O'Connor, Mary Eileen, ''Gloria Dei "Old Swedes" Church'' (''Holy Philadelphia'' highlights region's religious diversity), ''Holy Philadelphia'', an original WHYY program)</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.genealogia.fi/emi/art/index4e.htm |title=G. Sjöblom, "The 75-Year-Old Gloria Dei Church and Its Predecessor 1891-1966" |access-date=2009-09-06 |archive-date=2009-10-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091027210702/http://www.genealogia.fi/emi/art/index4e.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Colonial painter [[Gustavus Hesselius]] was a member here.<ref>Records of Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes') Church, Wilmington, Delaware. Separate Index, 1730.</ref>


In 1703, Gloria Dei was the site of the first regular [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] ordination in the Americas, that of [[Justus Falckner]], a German theology student. [[Jenny Lind]] sang here during one of her American tours. Hanging in the center aisle is a Swedish chandelier given by famous Swedish artist [[Carl Milles]]. Recollections of many [[Monarchy of Sweden|Swedish royal]] and episcopal visits are treasured memories, including models of ''[[Fogel Grip]]'' and ''[[Kalmar Nyckel]]'', the first Swedish ships to arrive in New Sweden.<ref>Williams, Rev. Dr. Kim-Eric ''The Eight Old Swedes' Churches of New Sweden'' (Wilmington, DE: New Sweden Center, 1999)</ref>
Gloria Dei is the oldest church in [[Pennsylvania]] and second oldest [[Church of Sweden|Swedish church]] in the United States after [[Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes)]] in [[Wilmington, Delaware]]. [[Swedish people|Swedish pioneers]] of [[New Sweden]] were the first to settle the area in 1646. An existing blockhouse at [[Wicaco]] (now South Philadelphia), had been renovated for worship in 1677 and was used until the present church (built beginning in 1697) was consecrated on the First Sunday after [[Trinity Sunday|Trinity]], July 2, 1700.<ref>O'Connor, Mary Eileen, ''Gloria Dei "Old Swedes" Church'' (''Holy Philadelphia'' highlights region's religious diversity), ''Holy Philadelphia'', an original WHYY program)</ref><ref>[http://www.genealogia.fi/emi/art/index4e.htm G. Sjöblom, "The 75-Year-Old Gloria Dei Church and Its Predecessor 1891-1966"]</ref> A fire destroyed many of the church records in 1740. Colonial painter [[Gustavus Hesselius]] was a member here.<ref>Records of Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes') Church, Wilmington, Delaware. Separate Index, 1730.</ref>


The church has a collection of historical and religious artifacts the church has acquired over three centuries, including bronze crosses and 18th century Bibles in Swedish and English. In 1845, the formerly Swedish Lutheran congregation joined the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]].<ref name=WDL1>{{cite web|title=Philadelphia. Old Swedes Church|url=http://www.wdl.org/en/item/9570/|work=Work Projects Administration Poster Collection|publisher=[[Library of Congress]]|access-date=5 January 2014}}</ref> Today the church is owned and maintained by its congregation of Episcopalians.<ref>Ashmead, Henry Graham, ''History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania'' (Chapter II, Philadelphia: L. H. Everts & Co. 1884)</ref>
In 1703, Gloria Dei was the site of the first regular [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]] ordination in the Western hemisphere, that of [[Justus Falckner]], a German theology student. [[Jenny Lind]] sang here during one of her American tours. Hanging in the center aisle is a Swedish chandelier given by famous Swedish artist [[Carl Milles]]. Recollections of many [[Monarchy of Sweden|Swedish royal]] and episcopal visits are treasured memories, including models of ''[[Fogel Grip]]'' and ''[[Kalmar Nyckel]]'', the first Swedish ships to arrive in New Sweden.<ref>Williams, Rev. Dr. Kim-Eric ''The Eight Old Swedes' Churches of New Sweden'' (Wilmington, DE: New Sweden Center, 1999)</ref>

The church has a collection of historical and religious artifacts the church has acquired over three centuries, including bronze crosses and 18th Century bibles in Swedish and English. In 1845, the formerly Swedish Lutheran congregation joined the [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopal Church]].<ref name=WDL1>{{cite web|title=Philadelphia. Old Swedes Church|url=http://www.wdl.org/en/item/9570/|work=Work Projects Administration Poster Collection|publisher=[[Library of Congress]]|accessdate=5 January 2014}}</ref> Today the church is owned and maintained by its congregation of Episcopalians.<ref>Ashmead, Henry Graham, ''History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania'' (Chapter II, Philadelphia: L. H. Everts & Co. 1884)</ref>


The church was designated a [[National Historical Park|National Historic Site]] on November 17, 1942. It is an affiliated area of the [[National Park Service]] under [[Independence National Historical Park]]. The church site is owned and administered by the Corporation of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church. It was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] on October 15, 1966.<ref>''The National Parks: Index 2001-2003''. Washington: [[United States Department of the Interior|U.S. Department of the Interior]]</ref>
The church was designated a [[National Historical Park|National Historic Site]] on November 17, 1942. It is an affiliated area of the [[National Park Service]] under [[Independence National Historical Park]]. The church site is owned and administered by the Corporation of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church. It was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] on October 15, 1966.<ref>''The National Parks: Index 2001-2003''. Washington: [[United States Department of the Interior|U.S. Department of the Interior]]</ref>
{{clear left}}


==Swedish pastors==
[[File:2014 Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church graveyard.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Part of the graveyard (2014)]]
* [[Andreas Rudman]], 1697-1702
* Andreas Sandel, 1702-1719
* Jonas Lidman, 1719-1730
* Johan Eneberg, acting 1730-1733
* [[Johannes Dylander]], 1737-1741
* Gabriel Näsman, 1743-1750
* Olof Parlin, 1750-1757
* Erik Nordenlind, acting 1757-1759
* Carl Magnus Wrangel, 1759-1768
* Anders Göransson, 1768-1779
* Matthias Hultgren, 1779-1786
* [[Nicholas Collin]], 1786-1831
Source:<ref>Norberg, Otto (1893). ''Svenska kyrkans mission vid Delaware.'' Diss. Uppsala universitet.</ref>


==Cemetery==
==Cemetery==
{{See also|Category:Burials at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church}}

[[File:2014 Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church graveyard.jpg|thumb|Part of the church's graveyard in 2014]]
The church cemetery includes the following interments:
The church cemetery includes the following interments:
* [[Johan Dylander]], pastor 1737-1741
* [[Sven Gunnarsson]] (d. 1678), one of the first buried at the church, a founding father of the [[New Sweden]] colony.
* [[Sven Gunnarsson]] (d. 1678), one of the first buried at the church, a founding father of the [[New Sweden]] colony
* [[John C. Hunterson]], Civil War soldier and [[Medal of Honor]] recipient (issued August 2, 1897).
* [[John C. Hunterson]] (1841-1927), [[American Civil War]] soldier and [[Medal of Honor]] recipient
* [[William Irvine (physician)|William Irvine]] (1741–1804), Revolutionary War officer and physician.
* George Ord, Sr. (d. 1806), Revolutionary War adventurer, sea captain.
* [[William Irvine (physician)|William Irvine]] (1741–1804), [[American Revolutionary War]] officer and physician
* [[Amandus Johnson]] (1877–1974), Swedish-American scholar and founder of the [[American Swedish Historical Museum]]
* [[George Ord|George Ord, Jr.]] (1781–1866), ornithologist.
* [[George Ord]] (1781–1866), ornithologist
* [[James Peale]] (1749–1831), Revolutionary War officer and artist (brother of [[Charles Willson Peale]]).
* [[Andreas Rudman]], pastor 1698-1702
* [[Sarah Miriam Peale]] (1800–1885) portrait painter, daughter of James Peale.
* [[James Peale]] (1749–1831), American Revolutionary War officer, artist, and brother of [[Charles Willson Peale]]
* [[Thomas Smith (Pennsylvania congressman)|Thomas Smith]] (d. January 29, 1846), U.S. Congressman.
* [[Sarah Miriam Peale]] (1800–1885) portrait painter and daughter of James Peale
* [[Alexander Wilson]] (1766–1813), ornithologist and illustrator.
*[[Amandus Johnson]] (1877–1974), Swedish-American scholar and founder of the [[American Swedish Historical Museum]].
*[[Peter Gunnarsson Rambo]] (1611–1698), [[Sweden|Swedish]] immigrant who became known as "the Father of [[New Sweden]]"
* [[Alexander Wilson (ornithologist)|Alexander Wilson]] (1766–1813), ornithologist and illustrator
There is also a memorial to [[John Hanson]], a [[President of the Continental Congress]] during the [[American Revolution]].

==Gallery==
<gallery mode=packed heights=180>
File:Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church National Historic Site GLDE5011.jpg|Church interior with balcony and organ
File:Gloria Dei (Church), 929 South Water Street, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA HABS PA,51-PHILA,174- (sheet 3 of 10).png|[[Architectural drawing]] of the church's west and east sides
File:Gloria Dei (Church), 929 South Water Street, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA HABS PA,51-PHILA,174- (sheet 5 of 10).png|Drawing of the church's south side
File:Gloria Dei (Church), 929 South Water Street, Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, PA HABS PA,51-PHILA,174- (sheet 2 of 10).png|[[Floor plans]] of the first floor and balcony
File:Philadelphia_LCCN98517356_(cropped).jpg|[[Works Progress Administration|WPA]] poster promoting the church as a Philadelphia destination
File:Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Episcopal Church 916 S Swanson St Philadelphia PA (DSC 3851).jpg|National Historic Site plaque on the church wall
File:Gloria Dei Church (Old Swedes) Historical Marker 916 S Swanson St Philadelphia PA (DSC 3837).jpg|[[Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission]] marker
</gallery>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Philadelphia}}
{{Portal|Philadelphia}}
*[[List of the oldest buildings in Pennsylvania]]
* [[List of the oldest buildings in Pennsylvania]]
*[[Laurentius Carels]], Swedish American Lutheran pastor
* [[Laurentius Carels]], Swedish American Lutheran pastor
*[[Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes)]] in Wilmington, Delaware
* [[Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes)]] in Wilmington, Delaware


==References==
==References==
'''Notes'''
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church}}
{{Commons category|Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church}}
*{{official website|http://www.old-swedes.org/}}
*{{Official website|http://www.old-swedes.org/}}
*[http://www.nps.gov/glde/ NPS website: Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site]
*[http://www.nps.gov/glde/ NPS website: Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site]
*[http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/hhh.pa0760 Listing, photographs, and drawings] [[Historic American Buildings Survey]]
*[[Historic American Buildings Survey]] (HABS) documentation, filed under 929 South Water Street, Philadelphia:
**{{HABS |survey=PA-120 |id=pa0760 |title=Gloria Dei (Church) |photos=15 |dwgs=11 |data=3 |cap=1 |supp=yes |link=no}}
*[http://www.colonialswedes.org/Churches/GloDei.html Churches of New Sweden]
**{{HABS |survey=PA-120-A |id=pa1209 |title=Gloria Dei (Church), Rectory |photos=2 |cap=1 |link=no}}
*[http://www.colonialswedes.org/Churches/GloDei.html Churches of New Sweden] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110407094831/http://www.colonialswedes.org/Churches/GloDei.html |date=April 7, 2011 }}
*[http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=641291&CScn=Gloria+Dei&CScntry=4&CSst=40& Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church Burial Ground] at [[Find A Grave]]
*[http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=641291&CScn=Gloria+Dei&CScntry=4&CSst=40& Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church Burial Ground] at [[Find A Grave]]
*[https://philadelphiacongregations.org/records/items/browse?collection=4 Digitized historical documents from Gloria Dei, on the Philadelphia Congregations website.]

<!--spacing-->
<!--spacing-->
{{South Philadelphia}}

{{National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania}}
{{National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania}}
{{Protected Areas of Pennsylvania}}
{{Protected areas of Pennsylvania}}


{{Authority control}}
[[Category:1677 establishments]]

[[Category:1942 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Cemeteries on the National Register of Historic Places in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Churches in Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Independence National Historical Park]]
[[Category:South Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Episcopal churches in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Episcopal churches in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:National Historic Sites in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Historic American Buildings Survey in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Churches in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Properties of religious function on the National Register of Historic Places in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:New Sweden]]
[[Category:New Sweden]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Swedish-American culture in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Swedish-American culture in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Churches completed in 1700]]
[[Category:Churches on the National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Cemeteries on the National Register of Historic Places in Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Properties of religious function on the National Register of Historic Places in Philadelphia]]
[[Category:National Historic Sites in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Philadelphia]]
[[Category:1677 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:1942 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Historic American Buildings Survey in Philadelphia]]
[[Category:17th-century Episcopal church buildings]]
[[Category:17th-century Episcopal church buildings]]
[[Category:World Digital Library related]]
[[Category:17th-century churches in the United States]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Independence National Historical Park]]
[[Category:18th-century churches in the United States]]
[[Category:South Philadelphia]]
[[Category:Colonial architecture in the United States]]
[[Category:1700 establishments in Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Philadelphia]]

Latest revision as of 22:54, 3 August 2024

Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
National Historic Site
The church in March 2014
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church is located in Philadelphia
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
Location in metropolitan Philadelphia
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church is located in Pennsylvania
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church (Pennsylvania)
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church is located in the United States
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church (the United States)
Location929 South Water Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Coordinates39°56′04″N 75°08′37″W / 39.9345°N 75.1435°W / 39.9345; -75.1435
Area3.7 acres (1.5 ha)
Built1678–1700
additions: 1703, c. 1733
Architectural styleEnglish vernacular
WebsiteOfficial site
NRHP reference No.66000682[1]
Significant dates
Added to NRHPOctober 15, 1966
Designated PHMCDecember 17, 1954[2]

Gloria Dei Church, known locally as Old Swedes', is a historic church located in the Southwark neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 929 South Water Street, bounded by Christian Street on the north, South Christopher Columbus Boulevard (formerly Delaware Avenue) on the east, and Washington Avenue on the south. It was built between 1698 and 1700,[3][4] making it the oldest church in Pennsylvania and second oldest Swedish church in the United States after Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes) in Wilmington, Delaware.

The carpenters for the building were John Smart and John Buett[4] and bricks were supplied by Richard Cantril.[5] The church displays the English vernacular style of church design, which combines elements of the Medieval and Gothic styles.[3] The church's vestry and entranceway were added in 1703 to buttress the walls, which had begun to buckle under the weight of the roof.[3] The tower was added c.1733, and interior alterations were made in 1845, designed by Samuel Sloan.[4]

The congregation was established on Tinicum Island in 1646.[6] It moved to its present site in 1677, five years before the founding of the city of Philadelphia, and the graveyard around the church to about the same time. Formerly a Swedish Lutheran congregation, the church has been Episcopalian since 1845.

History

[edit]
The Reverend Jehu Curtis Clay in the churchyard (c.1860)

Gloria Dei is the oldest church in Pennsylvania and second oldest Swedish church in the United States after Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes) in Wilmington, Delaware. Swedish pioneers of New Sweden were the first to settle the area in 1646. An existing blockhouse at Wicaco (now South Philadelphia), had been renovated for worship in 1677 and was used until the present church (built beginning in 1698) was consecrated on the First Sunday after Trinity, June 2, 1700.[7][8] Colonial painter Gustavus Hesselius was a member here.[9]

In 1703, Gloria Dei was the site of the first regular Lutheran ordination in the Americas, that of Justus Falckner, a German theology student. Jenny Lind sang here during one of her American tours. Hanging in the center aisle is a Swedish chandelier given by famous Swedish artist Carl Milles. Recollections of many Swedish royal and episcopal visits are treasured memories, including models of Fogel Grip and Kalmar Nyckel, the first Swedish ships to arrive in New Sweden.[10]

The church has a collection of historical and religious artifacts the church has acquired over three centuries, including bronze crosses and 18th century Bibles in Swedish and English. In 1845, the formerly Swedish Lutheran congregation joined the Episcopal Church.[11] Today the church is owned and maintained by its congregation of Episcopalians.[12]

The church was designated a National Historic Site on November 17, 1942. It is an affiliated area of the National Park Service under Independence National Historical Park. The church site is owned and administered by the Corporation of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.[13]

Swedish pastors

[edit]
  • Andreas Rudman, 1697-1702
  • Andreas Sandel, 1702-1719
  • Jonas Lidman, 1719-1730
  • Johan Eneberg, acting 1730-1733
  • Johannes Dylander, 1737-1741
  • Gabriel Näsman, 1743-1750
  • Olof Parlin, 1750-1757
  • Erik Nordenlind, acting 1757-1759
  • Carl Magnus Wrangel, 1759-1768
  • Anders Göransson, 1768-1779
  • Matthias Hultgren, 1779-1786
  • Nicholas Collin, 1786-1831

Source:[14]

Cemetery

[edit]
See also: Category:Burials at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church
Part of the church's graveyard in 2014

The church cemetery includes the following interments:

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ "PHMC Historical Markers". Historical Marker Database. Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved December 10, 2013.
  3. ^ a b c Gallery, John Andrew, ed. (2004), Philadelphia Architecture: A Guide to the City (2nd ed.), Philadelphia: Foundation for Architecture, ISBN 0962290815, p.20
  4. ^ a b c Teitelman, Edward & Longstreth, Richard W. (1981), Architecture in Philadelphia: A Guide, Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, ISBN 0262700212, p.178
  5. ^ Craig, Peter Stebbins; and Kim-Eric Williams, eds. Colonial Records of the Swedish Churches in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia: Swedish Colonial Society, 2006., v. 2, p154.
  6. ^ Craig, Peter (2006). Colonial Records of the Swedish Churches in Pennsylvania, Vol 1. Philadelphia: Swedish Colonial Society. p. 6.
  7. ^ O'Connor, Mary Eileen, Gloria Dei "Old Swedes" Church (Holy Philadelphia highlights region's religious diversity), Holy Philadelphia, an original WHYY program)
  8. ^ "G. Sjöblom, "The 75-Year-Old Gloria Dei Church and Its Predecessor 1891-1966"". Archived from the original on October 27, 2009. Retrieved September 6, 2009.
  9. ^ Records of Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes') Church, Wilmington, Delaware. Separate Index, 1730.
  10. ^ Williams, Rev. Dr. Kim-Eric The Eight Old Swedes' Churches of New Sweden (Wilmington, DE: New Sweden Center, 1999)
  11. ^ "Philadelphia. Old Swedes Church". Work Projects Administration Poster Collection. Library of Congress. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
  12. ^ Ashmead, Henry Graham, History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania (Chapter II, Philadelphia: L. H. Everts & Co. 1884)
  13. ^ The National Parks: Index 2001-2003. Washington: U.S. Department of the Interior
  14. ^ Norberg, Otto (1893). Svenska kyrkans mission vid Delaware. Diss. Uppsala universitet.
[edit]
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