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

Gloria Dei Church

(Old Swedes')

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

1. Gloria Dei Church (Old Swedes') Marker

Inscription. Oldest church in Philadelphia. Founded, 1677, by Swedish settlers. This edifice of Swedish architectural design, was erected 1698-1703. The earlier place of worship was a blockhouse.

Erected 1954 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1677.

Location. 39° 56.074′ N, 75° 8.613′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Southwark. Marker is along the north facade of the church, with entrance 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. A different marker also named "Gloria Dei" Church (here, next to this marker); Catherine Hanson (here, next to this marker); Captain John Douglass (a few steps from this marker); Old Swedes' Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Swedes' (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Avenue Immigration Station

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(about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Summary of Mummery (about 700 feet away); The Grand Battery (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Also see . . . Gloria Dei (Old Swedes' Church). National Park Service website (Submitted on July 21, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

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

2. Gloria Dei Church (Old Swedes') Marker

Gloria Dei Church and Burial Ground image. Click for full size.

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

3. Gloria Dei Church and Burial Ground

Looking east.

Gloria Dei Church Interior image. Click for full size.

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

4. Gloria Dei Church Interior

1708 Rev. Rudman Burial Marker Inside Church image. Click for full size.

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

5. 1708 Rev. Rudman Burial Marker Inside Church

This marble covers the remains of the Rev'rend Andrew Rudman: being sent hither from Sweden. He first founded & built this church. Was a constant, faithful preacher in th' English, Swedes & Dutch churches eleven years in this countrey: where he advanc'd true piety, by sound doctrine & good example. He died Sepr. 17, 1708. Aged 40 years.

<i> Old Swedes Church (Gloria Dei Church) and cemetery, Philadelphia</i> image. Click for full size.

circa 1860

6. Old Swedes Church (Gloria Dei Church) and cemetery, Philadelphia

Old Swedes Church (Gloria Dei Church) and cemetery, Philadelphia, with Reverend Jehu Curtis Clay standing among gravestones, one half of a stereographic print, Marian S. Carson Collection, Library of Congress.

Private John C. Hunterson image. Click for full size.

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

7. Private John C. Hunterson

Civil War Medal of Honor. Buried in graveyard.

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 771 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 10, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 6. submitted on November 29, 2014. 7. submitted on August 10, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.