Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is home to a few of the most superb religious landmarks in the United States. In fact , plenty of the religious landmarks in Philadelphia have been portrayed as architectural masterpieces and make for exciting tours.
Christ Church
The Christ Church, found on 20N. American street on the corner of 2nd street and Market Street is among the most amazing spiritual landmarks in Philadelphia. The primary body of the Christ Church was built in 1727. However , the addition of the steeple in 1754 increased the height of the church to 60 meters and which made it the tallest building in North America, at the time. Some of the nation?s founding fathers including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Francis Hopkinson worshiped there. Visitors can visit the church from 9AM-5PM on Mondays to Saturdays and 1PM -5PM on Sundays.
St. Peters Episcopal Church
St. Peters Episcopal Church is located on the corner of 3rd and Pine streets. This red-brick Episcopal Church was originally opened for worship in 1761 because the Christ Church was considered too muddy for fine gentlemen. The church is considered one of the special Philadelphia religious landmarks because George Washington and Mayor Samuel Powel among other founding fathers worshiped there and sat in pew 41. The visiting hours are 8:30am – 4pm on Monday to Fri., 8:30am – 3pm on Saturdays and 1pm to 3pm on Sundays. Tour guides can be gotten from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and 1pm to 3pm on Sundays.
Masonic Temple
The church-like Masonic temple is found on the corner of North Broad Street. Although the church was first dedicated in 1873, it took 30 years to decorate the temple?s interior which makes it one of the most dazzling Philadelphia religious landmarks. The temple is open Tuesday to Friday every week with steered tours at 11 am, 2 pm and 3 pm. The church is also open each Saturday except in June and Aug with guided tours at 10 am, 11 am and 12 noon. Visitors are charged a small admission fee which goes toward the maintenance of this superb church.
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church
Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church located Near Christina Avenue and Columbus Boulevard is one more of the magnificent religious sites in Philadelphia. Gloria Dei was constructed between 1697 and 1700 and is so the oldest church in Pennsylvania. On most weekdays, the church is open for visitors from 9 am to 4 pm. But like plenty of other spiritual sites in Philadelphia, Gloria Dei recommends its visitors to call ahead so as to arrange a tour.
National Shrine of St. John Neumann
This Roman Catholic Shrine which is found at 1019 North 5th street gets its name from St. John Neumann the 4th Bishop of Philadelphia. The Shrine constitutes the lower church of St. Peter the Apostle Church which was built in 1843. Next to the lower church is a museum containing exhibits of St. John Neumann?s life. The church is open everyday during mass.
Thomas Franklin has had an interest in landmarks in Philadelphia for many years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications. For more details about religious sites in Philadelphia, feel free to visit his site.
