Touching History - Philadelphia, part 2

     In the previous post about our trip to Philly, we saw Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell (check out that post here). Today, we'll take a look at three more of the dozens of historical sites in Philadelphia.


     Standing right next to Independence Hall, is the Library Hall of the American Philosophical Association (APS). The organization was started in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin and numerous others. Still in existence today, it's purpose is to "promote useful knowledge."

     The building displays a marble statue of Ben Franklin holding an inverted scepter in one hand, an open book in the other, and is wearing a toga (because togas are a must-have if you want to look philosophical).  :) 

     In 1751, Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond (who was also a founding member of the APS) saw the need for and decided to start the Pennsylvania Hospital. It was the first hospital to be established in America and is still in operation today. The hospital was created to "care for the sick poor of the Province and for the reception and care of lunaticks." Interestingly, the official seal of the hospital portrays the account of the Good Samaritan with the words "Take care of him and I will repay thee" inscribed underneath. 

     The statue in front of the building, visible in the lower left of the picture (which I took while we were driving, hence the poor quality), is of William Penn holding an unfurled document entitled "Charter of Privileges to Pennsylvania MDCC."  

     Our last visit in Philadelphia was to Christ Church, which was frequented by several of our founding fathers. Built between 1727 and 1744, this Anglican church, with its 200 foot tall tower and steeple, dominated all other buildings in height until 1856 when Tenth Presbyterian Church was built.

Unfortunately, due to time and weather, entrance up into the steeple is prohibited. :(  

     Inside the grand church, there are many colonial-era pieces. The chandelier has been in use since 1740, the pulpit dates to 1769, and part of a wooden carving depicting King George III's coat of arms is also on display. 

     The royal coat of arms formerly hung on the outside of the building but was torn down and smashed during the Revolution. Part of it however was secreted away and has since been returned for public viewing. 

     Notable individuals who attended Christ Church include Betsy Ross, Benjamin and Deborah Franklin, John Penn (grandson of William Penn), and George and Martha Washington. In fact, row number 58 is renowned for being the Washington pew. 

     As we exited the church, I was delighted to see the lights had been turned on in the steeple. 

     And thus we conclude our trip to the city of brotherly love. While there are so many more sites I wished we could have seen (Christ Church burial ground being one of them), the trip was thoroughly enjoyed. Of the five places we saw, my favorites are Independence Hall and Christ Church. I love the upward-pointing style of Georgian architecture as it always causes me to lift my eyes towards the heavens. Also, being able to see and touch the places where the godly founders of our nation worked and worshipped was truly thrilling.

Have you ever visited Philadelphia? What were your favorite historical sites?