Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church is an inner city church blessed with the beauty and charm of a garden-like setting. This lovely church, surrounded by historic buildings, spacious grounds, and ample parking has attracted many members of the congregation.

The Gloria Dei congregation finds great joy in coming together for worship and various other events and gatherings.

The Liturgy at Gloria Dei is truly the work of the family of Gloria Dei. Without question, it reflects the openness and flexibility which characterize our parish community as a whole.

Our service is comprised of uplifting music, Episcopal worship and spiritual/biblical teachings by our Rector. All parts of the service are considered important aspects of the whole experience. Gloria Dei incorporates elements from Holy Catholic traditions such as celebrating the Eucharist at both regularly scheduled services, but with a distinctive character to each celebration. The 11 o'clock service incorporates more music, including a choir piece, and other, less traditional elements from time to time. These have included dance and tableaux performed by the children, prayers drawn from other Christian and non-Christian traditions and forms created for specific occasions.

Gloria Dei has the distinction of being the first church in colonial America where an organ was used.

An organ was first played at Gloria Dei in 1703 at the ordination of Justus Falckner (the first protestant clergyman ordained in America). By virtue of this event, Gloria Dei has the distinction of being the first church in Colonial America where an organ was used. Several organs are known to have been installed in the church in the 19th century. The present Hook and Hastings of Boston instrument (#1981) was commissioned in 1902 and has served the congregation well since then.

The organ is larger than the building requires because Hook and Hastings designed it to showcase their product in the Philadelphia region.

At that time, Hook and Hastings was one of the most respected organ builders in the country and several dozens of their organs were eventually purchased in Philadelphia, many of which have since been discarded, burned or neglected. The Gloria Dei instrument was fully restored in 1992 by R.J. Brunner and Co. of Silver Springs, Pennsylvania.

The organ has 27 ranks - about 1300 pipes. It is controlled by three sets of keyboards - the swell, the great and the pedals. During the recent restoration, tonal additions were made in keeping with the style and spirit of the instrument. The most ambitious element of the restoration was the addition of an electronic combination action, enabling the organist to make quick sound changes without an assistant.

While we are always a work in progress, Gloria Dei strives to be a place where all will feel welcome in faith and spirit.

At Gloria Dei, you quickly become a member of this extended family.

Visit ... old-swedes.org