Gloria Dei Church

Gloria Dei Church is a brick structure that blends Medieval and Gothic elements with English vernacular design, featuring a tower, sacristy, and vestibule arranged in cruciform layout. The interior displays the craftsmanship of the early colonial period with original structural elements still visible today.

Built between 1698 and 1700 by Swedish colonists, it stands as Pennsylvania's oldest church and the second oldest Swedish church in the United States. The founding of this parish reflects the early European settlement of the Delaware Valley.

The church preserves Swedish heritage through its furnishings, including bronze crosses and a chandelier created by artist Carl Milles. Visitors can see these objects and understand how central the Swedish community was to this place.

Sunday worship services begin at 10:00 AM, while evening prayer takes place on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. The historical graveyard is open for public visits and invites a quiet walk through the grounds.

The graveyard holds burials dating from the early 1700s of notable figures such as ornithologist Alexander Wilson and Revolutionary War officer William Irvine. These graves connect the site to important figures in American history.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: 1698

Address: 916 South Swanson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147

Website: http://old-swedes.org

GPS coordinates: 39.93440,-75.14360

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:47