Old City in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Christ Church
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 5, 2008
1. Christ Church Marker
Whereas the honorable Continental Congress have resolved to declare the American Colonies to be free and independent states … it will be proper to omit those petitions from the liturgy wherein the King of Great Britain is prayed for …
Christ Church vestry minutes, July 4, 1776
Built between 1727 and 1754, Christ Church stands not only as a masterpiece of Colonial architecture, but as a reminder of the role of religious faith in the struggle for American freedom.
The 200-foot high steeple of Christ Church dominated the Philadelphia skyline in 1776, serving as a landmark for residents and travelers. Equally prominent were the church's leaders who signaled their commitment to American independence by eliminating from their service all references to the King.
Congress worshipped here as a group. Among the congregation were Revolutionary leaders Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and Robert Morris. Seven signers of the Declaration of Independence are buried in the churchyard here or in the Christ Church burial ground three blocks west of here at 5th and Arch Street.
Although it is part of Independence National Historical Park, Christ Church remains independent of the Park. The church is an active congregation of the Episcopal Church in the United States, and the
this page online
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks, and the Signers of the Declaration of Independence series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1987.
Location. 39° 57.037′ N, 75° 8.648′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Old City. Marker can be reached from 2nd Street. Marker is south of Christ Church steeple. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 204 Church St, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Christ Church Fence (here, next to this marker); The Original Eight Bells in this Church (a few steps from this marker); James Wilson (a few steps from this marker); Resting Place of Seven Signers of the Declaration of Independence (within shouting distance of this marker); Robert Morris (within shouting distance of this marker); Jacob Broom (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
2. Christ Church Marker
Regarding Christ Church. Portrait
The Reverend William White served as rector of Christ Church and chaplain to the Continental Congress. In 1787 he was conscreated the first Epsicopal Bishop of Pennsylvania.
Landscape Painting
The steeple of Christ Church dominated the Philadelphia skyline. This 1778 engraving shows the city as seen from the New Jersey side of the Delaware River.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Christ Church & Burial Ground markers.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
3. Christ Church
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 25, 2017
4. Inside Christ Church
Postcard published by the Detroit Photographic Co., circa 1901
5. Christ Church, Philadelphia
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,023 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 20, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 31, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on August 3, 2017.
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