My Genealogy Hound

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gloria Dei Church, or Old Swedes Church, historic photos and vintage postcard

An historic photo view of the Gloria Dei Church, or Old Swedes Church and Cemetery, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This church was built between 1698-1700 with the tower completed in 1703. This is the oldest church building in Pennsylvania and the second oldest Swedish church in the United States. Originally founded as a Swedish Lutheran church, it has been an Episcopalian church since 1845. A number of notable persons including those with ties to the American Revolutionary War are buried in the adjoining cemetery which dates to the beginning of the church.

This photo is by Detroit Photographic Co., 1900-1906. Additional views of Gloria Dei Church, or Old Swedes Church are shown below.

An historic stereograph card photo from about 1860 of the Gloria Dei Church, or Old Swedes Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Reverend Jehu Curtis Clay, pastor from 1831-1863, stands among the tombstones in the adjoining cemetery. More photos are below.

A interior view of Gloria Dei Church, or Old Swedes Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Notice the tablets or markers inset into the floor of the center isle. This photo is by Detroit Photographic Co., 1908.

A vintage postcard view of the Gloria Dei Church, or Old Swedes Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The church building still stands, is still used as a church and is open to visitors. The church is located at 916 Swanson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This church building was named as a National Historic Site in 1942 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.