Arch Street Presbyterian Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Arch Street Presbyterian Church
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Arch Street Presbyterian Church, February 2010
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 Location in Philadelphia
Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1726-1732 Arch St., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1855 |
| Architect | Hoxie & Button |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000717 |
| Added to NRHP | May 27, 1971 |
The Arch Street Presbyterian Church is a historic Presbyterian church located at 1724 Arch Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It stands between two large Comcast skyscrapers in the Logan Square neighborhood.
The building was designed by the architects Hoxie & Button and finished in 1855. It is a one-story building built in the Classical Revival style. This means it uses design ideas from ancient Greece and Rome. The church has a large entrance porch, called a portico, supported by four tall Corinthian order columns. It also features a beautiful dome with carved panels inside.
This important church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
History of the Church
Early Years and Important Debates
The Arch Street Presbyterian Church (ASPC) was built in 1855. For many years, it was a very important Presbyterian church in downtown Philadelphia. Its Greek Revival style looks very different from the modern Comcast Center skyscraper next door. Inside, the church has fancy columns, a domed ceiling, and a very large organ.
In the 1920s and 1930s, the church was known for supporting traditional ideas. During this time, there were many discussions about faith within the Presbyterian Church. The head pastor of ASPC, Rev. Clarence E. Macartney, even had a public debate with another well-known preacher, Rev. Harry Emerson Fosdick. From 1932 to 1948, Vincent Persichetti worked at the church as the organist and choirmaster.
Later in the 20th century, fewer people attended the church. Many members had moved out of the city center.
The Church Today
By the early 2000s, only a few dozen people were regularly attending the church. However, on January 28, 2007, the church was full. This was because Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla visited and worshipped there during their trip to the U.S.
In 2008, the Presbyterian Church (USA) decided to help the church grow again. Rev. William Golderer was asked to lead this effort. The church now has a team of pastors. This team includes Rev. Golderer, Rev. Carla A. Jones Brown, Rev. David Norse, Rev. Anne Park, and Rev. Mike Pulsifer. Dr. J. Donald Dumpson leads the music program. He brings music from different traditions, including classical, traditional, folk, and gospel.
Today, the church has more than 100 members, and attendance is growing. People from many different backgrounds attend. The church welcomes everyone and focuses on being inclusive. They have a Sunday School for children during worship services. They also do outreach activities to help the community. There is a "Good Book Club" for Bible study and a monthly meeting called "Church in the Alehouse" to discuss faith. The church also hosts the Arch Street Preschool, which is a weekday preschool. The church's goal is to welcome people who are new to faith or want a deeper connection with God and others.
Gallery
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Interior, c. 1861.
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Looking east from 19th Street, with the Comcast Center towering over the church.
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See also
In Spanish: Iglesia Presbiteriana de Arch Street para niños
