Fodor's Expert Review Old St. Joseph's Church

Society Hill Religious Building/Site/Shrine

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 Penn's 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.

Religious Building/Site/Shrine

Quick Facts

321 Willings Alley
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania  19106, USA

215-923–1733

www.oldstjoseph.org

Sight Details:
Rate Includes: Free, A free, self-guided audio tour is available for download on the church\'s website

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