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

"Gloria Dei" Church

National Historic Site

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

1. Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site Marker

Inscription. Here in 1677, Swedish settlers founded the first Christian church within what is now Philadelphia. Religious services were originally held in a log blockhouse. The present edifice, was erected in 1698-1703 and dedicated on June 2, 1700. In 1845 the congregation was received into the convention of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. On November 17, 1942 this site was designated as a national historic shrine commemorating the cultural and religious aspects of Swedish colonization in America.

Erected 1950 by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Buildings • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is June 2, 1700.

Location. 39° 56.074′ N, 75° 8.613′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Southwark. It can be reached from South Swanson Street, on the left. 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.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

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,

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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 (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 . . .
1. History of Old Swedes' Episcopal Church. (Submitted on August 20, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Gloria Dei (Old Swedes Church). National Parks Service Website (Submitted on July 21, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Gloria Dei Church National Historical Site Marker image. Click for full size.

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

2. Gloria Dei Church National Historical Site Marker

Partially hidden on church wall at right side of photo. The nearby Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission blue and gold marker is just beyond the extreme left edge of photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,139 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 10, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.