Home Destinations USA Pennsylvania Philadelphia Sights Old St. Joseph's Church

Old St. Joseph's Church Review

Read our Philadelphia sights reviews. Or post your own.

Old St. Joseph's Church

Address: 321 Willings Alley, Society Hill, Philadelphia, PA | Map It
Phone: 215/923-1733
www.oldstjoseph.org

Category: Religious Sites
Location: Society Hill

Write a review

Fodor's Review:

In 1733 a tiny chapel was established by Jesuits for Philadelphia's 11 Catholic families. It was one of the first places in the English-speaking colonies where Catholic mass could be legally celebrated, a right granted under William's Penn 1701 Charter of Privileges, which guaranteed religious freedom. But freedom didn't come easy; on one occasion Quakers had to patrol St. Joseph's to prevent a Protestant mob from disrupting the service. The present church, built in 1839, is the third on this site. The late-19th-century stained-glass windows are notable.

Cost: Free
Open: Weekdays 9:30-4; mass Mon.-Sat. 12:05, Sat. 5:30, Sun. 7:30, 9:30, 11:30, 6:30

Find more sights in Philadelphia »