SITE OF THE FIRST PAPER MILL IN AMERICA-RITTENHOUSE MILL, GERMANTOWN, 1690 Facing the Lincoln Drive is the Rittenhouse homestead, built in 1707, in which was born the celebrated David Rittenhouse. CHRIST CHURCH-BUILT 1727—FOUNDED 1695 An architectural triumph in brick work in the colonial style, the first diocesan church of Pennsylvania is pre-eminent also for its historic associations. Route 4–The Ancient Churches—46.6 m. Notable for traversing the whole length and breadth of the city to its outermost boundaries, this trip to the ancient churches is full of scenic and historic charm. Beginning in the time-worn and crowded quarters of the old city, the route carries one the length of the old Passyunk district, across the Schuylkill River, and, by way of a section of the Cobb's Creek Boulevard, to and through the beautiful suburban regions lying about Merion; along the ever-charming Wissahickon drive to Germantown, and thence by way of the new Roosevelt Boulevard to the upper stretches of Rising Sun Lane, ending with quaint old Trinity Church at Oxford. Independent of its historic interest, which is great, it is a remarkable trip. O.ID LDER than the nation itself, antedating tablished 1856. Founded 1733, as the Ger the Declaration of Independence by many man Reformed Church. years, all the churches visited on this trip St. Michael-Zion German Lutheran Church. have been in continuous service, with one or Built 1870. Founded 1742. two exceptions, from their foundation until Second Presbyterian Church. Built 1869the present day. 72. Founded 1743. Ten of the twenty-two churches included St. Michael's Lutheran Church, Germanin the following list were established more town. Rebuilt 1896. Founded 1730. than two centuries ago, and the oldest house First Baptist Church. Built 1899. Founded of worship in Pennsylvania, the Friends' 1695. Meeting House at Merion, was built in 1695. Beginning in the old Friends' Meeting at a time when Merion was still a part of House, Twelfth Street below Market (0.1), Philadelphia County. where one breathes at once the atmosphere Merion Meeting House. Built 1695. of the pious Quaker founders, we finally Founded 1682. reach Trinity Church, Oxford (36.5), standOld Swedes' Church. Built 1700. Founded ing in a still sequestered suburb of the city, 1677. where in picturesque surroundings, sheltered Trinity Church, Oxford. Built 1711. by antique trees, Church of England services Christ Church. Built 1727. Founded 1695. have gone on unbroken throughout more St. Peter's Church. Built 1758-61. than two centuries. Following the order of St. James Church, Kingsessing. Built 1760. the "Mileage Itinerary,” arranged for conSt. Paul's Church. Built 1761. venience of access, the tourist who completes St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Built this trip will enjoy some rare experiences, 1763. Enlarged 1810. scenic and historic. Old Pine Street Presbyterian Church. The Friends' Meeting House, No. 20 South Built 1768. Twelfth Street (0.1), was built in 1812, and St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church. the Monthly Meeting was set off from Arch Built 1769. Remodeled 1837. Street in 1814. The First-day morning atMennonite Meeting House, Germantown. tendance in winter is large, numbering from Built 1770. Founded 1708. 150 to 250. Until this year Mid-week MeetChurch of the Brethren, Germantown. Germantown. ing was attended by more than 300 older Built in part 1770. Founded 1723. boys from the William Penn Charter School, Friends' Arch Street Meeting House. Built row removed to Germantown. In summer 1804. First Friends' Meeting at “Shack- both Meetings are small. There are six reamaxon," 1682. corded ministers and vocal service is freTwelfth Street Meeting House. Built 1812. quent. The interior is always open and First Presbyterian Church. Built 1825. should be visited. Founded 1695. The First Baptist Church, Seventeenth St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church. Re- and Sansom Streets, southeast corner (0.7), built 1838. Founded 1733. located in its present site in 1899, conveys Germantown Friends' Meeting House. little suggestion of the early Baptist conBuilt 1866. Founded 1683. gregation that met first in 1695 at the northMarket Square Presbyterian Church. Es- west corner of Chestnut and Second Streets An all-day trip. It may be covered, however, in two afternoons by terminating the first section at Merion Meeting House. Driving time for the full trip about 4 hrs. Additional time required will depend upon the length of stops. A minimum of 3 hrs. should be allowed for stops, including at least 30 minutes each for the more notable places, such as Christ's Church, Old Swedes' Church, and Trinity Church, Oxford. A unique insight into the diversified religious life of the old Quaker City may be secured by attending services at each of these old places of worship on occasional Sundays. Time of service will be found usually in the newspapers. For full details see “Descriptive Itinerary.” 1 Mileage Continue south on 17th St. 1695. Stop. Continue left around Washington Square on 7th St. 2.4 Race St.; turn left and immediately right on Franklin St. 2.5 Franklin St. above Race, west side, St. Michael-Zion German Lutheran Church. Built 1870. Founded 1742. Stop. Continue on Franklin St. 2.6 Wood St.; turn right. 2.9 4th St.; turn right. 1 FRIENDS' ARCH STREET MEETING HOUSE |