Church of the Advocate, Gothic Revival church in North Philadelphia, United States.
The Church of the Advocate is a Gothic Revival structure in Philadelphia built with rough-faced granite walls and detailed sandstone accents throughout its exterior. Its interior features a three-aisle nave with vaulted ceilings, tall narrow windows that fill the space with light, and original architectural details preserved from its construction period.
Built between 1887 and 1897, the structure was created as a memorial to merchant George W. South and designed by prominent architects of that era. The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1996, marking its national importance in the country's religious and social history.
Large murals covering the interior walls, created between 1973 and 1976, tell stories of African American life including slavery, freedom, and the struggle for civil rights. These painted scenes remain central to how the congregation experiences and understands the building today.
The building sits on North Philadelphia's 18th and Diamond Street, making it relatively easy to find once you know its location. Since it remains an active church serving the community, visitors should respect the active congregation and check visiting hours in advance.
In 1974 the church hosted the ordination of the Philadelphia Eleven, the first women priests recognized by the Episcopal Church in the United States. This groundbreaking ceremony took place within these walls and remains a pivotal moment in American religious history.
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