Southwark in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Old Swedes' Church

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 1, 2009

1. Old Swedes' Church Marker

Inscription. “I joined in marriage the first couple, viz., Jonas Jonson, a Swede, and Anne Amesby, an English woman, in the English language.” Diary of Rev. Andreas Sandel, July 29, 1702
Here are the memories of an all but forgotten group of early settlers in America - the Swedes. More than 300 years ago, before the founding of the city of Philadelphia, Swedes settled the Delaware Valley. Religion was important to these early pioneers who first worshipped in log buildings in 1677.

The present church was dedicated in 1700, and is now the oldest church in Pennsylvania. Later, English immigrants founded Philadelphia, resulting in the eventual assimilation of the Swedes.

Today the Episcopal congregation of Gloria Dei Church helps to preserve the pioneering heritage of the Swedes who settled here when this was only wilderness.

Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church was designated a National Historic Site in 1938. Park-owned land surrounding the church helps to preserve the historic setting. The church buildings and burial ground are privately owned and administered. Visitors who enter with respect are welcome during scheduled hours.

Erected by National Park Service and Gloria Dei Church.

Topics. This historical marker is listed

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in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • Notable Places • Political Subdivisions • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is July 29, 1777.

Location. 39° 56.08′ N, 75° 8.64′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Southwark. Marker is in the parking lot of Gloria Dei Church, off Christian Street, between Columbus Boulevard and Interstate 95. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Philadelphia PA 19147, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Swedes' (within shouting distance of this marker); Gloria Dei Church (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named "Gloria Dei" Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Catherine Hanson (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain John Douglass (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Avenue Immigration Station (about 600 feet away,

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 1, 2009

2. Old Swedes' Church Marker

Looking south.

measured in a direct line); A Summary of Mummery (about 600 feet away); Shot Tower (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Also see . . . History of Old Swedes' Episcopal Church. (Submitted on August 20, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Old Swedes' Church Engraving on Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 1, 2009

3. Old Swedes' Church Engraving on Marker

Engraving of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church by C. G. Childs, after a drawing by Thomas Sully in 1825. At that time the church was already 125 years old. Courtesy Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 1, 2009

4. Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 862 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 10, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.