Gloria Dei Church

Postcard image of Old Swedes’ Church, Philadelphia, Pa. by Detroit Publishing Company (1901-1902).

Transcription:

John Weber: I'm John Weber, and this is your WHYY Philly Phun Phact. Take a walk or ride near Columbus Boulevard and Christian Street, and you'll see the oldest church in Pennsylvania. It's historic Gloria Dei or Old Swedes’ Church that started construction in 1698 and was consecrated in 1700.

Jim Murphy: Gloria Dei is the only church I've ever seen that has two ships, the Kalmar Nyckel and Fogel Grip, suspended above the middle aisle. The parishioners honor the ships for bringing them some 3,700 nautical miles from Sweden safely.

John Weber: That's tour guide Jim Murphy, author of Real Philly History, Real Fast.

Jim Murphy: Some historians believe it is the only surviving building in Pennsylvania William Penn ever set foot in.

John Weber: It was also designated a National Historic Site in 1942, six years before Independence Hall. I'm John Weber, and that's your WHYY Philly Phun Phact.