Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site
National Historic Site ยท Pennsylvania
NPS Photo
National Historic Site of the United States
Gloria Dei Church, known locally as Old Swedes', is a historic church located in the Southwark neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 929 South Water Street, bounded by Christian Street on the north, South Christopher Columbus Boulevard on the east, and Washington Avenue on the south. The church reported 162 members in 2017 and 181 members in 2023; no membership statistics were reported in 2024 parochial reports. Plate and pledge income reported for the congregation in 2024 was $64,342. Average Sunday attendance (ASA) in 2024 was 38 persons.
About Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site
Before Pennsylvania there was New Sweden. Discover this last historic link to a forgotten past. Visit the church's pastoral surroundings and its burial ground of patriots and ordinary citizens alike.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
Church Grounds Hours
NOTE: The church grounds are closed from 11PM to 5AM.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00AM - 11:00PM | 5:00AM - 11:00PM | 5:00AM - 11:00PM | 5:00AM - 11:00PM | 5:00AM - 11:00PM | 5:00AM - 11:00PM | 5:00AM - 11:00PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site?
Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site is free to enter.
What are the best activities at Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site?
Popular activities at Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site include: Museum Exhibits.
What is the weather like at Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site?
Summers are typically hot and muggy, fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is cold. Snowfall is highly variable, with some winters bringing only light snow and others bringing several major snowstorms, with the normal seasonal snowfall standing at 22.4 in (57 cm). Precipitation is generally spread throughout the year, with eight to twelve wet days per month.
How do I get to Gloria Dei Church National Historic Site?
The Gloria Dei Church is accessed from Christian Street in South Philadelphia. As in any city, use your street smarts and do not leave any valuables visible in your car. Several SEPTA bus routes serve the vicinity of the site. Visit the website for more information.
Entrance Fees
Free Admission
Weather
Summers are typically hot and muggy, fall and spring are generally mild, and winter is cold. Snowfall is highly variable, with some winters bringing only light snow and others bringing several major snowstorms, with the normal seasonal snowfall standing at 22.4 in (57 cm). Precipitation is generally spread throughout the year, with eight to twelve wet days per month.
Directions
The Gloria Dei Church is accessed from Christian Street in South Philadelphia. As in any city, use your street smarts and do not leave any valuables visible in your car. Several SEPTA bus routes serve the vicinity of the site. Visit the website for more information.
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in Pennsylvania
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