Christ Church

Founded in 1695, Christ Church, Philadelphia was the first Anglican church established in Pennsylvania, William Penn’s colony devoted to religious freedom.  The congregation soon outgrew its small frame structure and began to build an imposing new edifice in 1727.   Carpenters’ company member John Harrison, with other craftsmen, worked on this project throughout the next decade under the supervision of Dr. John Kearsley.  The main body of the church was completed by 1739.  Construction of the imposing steeple, designed  by  Robert Smith, took another 15 years.  Benjamin Franklin and others headed up the lottery that helped pay for its construction.  Carpenters’ Company members John and Joseph Thornhill volunteered some of their time as did a few others and others still pledged materials. Upon  the completion of the steeple  in 1754 the church was the tallest structure in North America.