In 1760 the Swedish Lutheran rector and congregation of Wicaco (Gloria Dei) Church in Philadelphia, decided that the crowded condition of that church should be relieved by the organization of two other churches, one of them in Kingsessing. This is a area of present day West Philadelphia, which takes its name from an Indian place name. The building was completed in 1762, and the transept was added in 1854. The first charter was given by John Penn in 1765 for the Swedish Lutheran Church at 3 locations- Wicaco (Gloria Dei), St. James at Kingsessing, and Christ Church in upper Merion. However, in 1787 the Pennsylvania General Assembly enacted an order that the Church Wardens and Vestrymen establish rules and regulations for the future chooice or election of a Rector and other ministers. Dr. Nicholas Collins was in charge of the three churches at this time. When he became Rector in 1789, it was clearly understood that when he should return to Sweden, the Swedish mission would cease, and the congregation would reserve the right to make a new appointment. The king of Sweden in 1789 gave his royal assent to these proposals.

The Church continued to be Swedish Lutheran until Dr. Collins' death in 1831. After his death, Protestant Episcopal rEctors were choses by almost unanimous vote of the congregation. Moreover, application was made to the legislature to make the united congregations three dinstinct parishes, each with its own rector.


The appearance of the church was influenced by James Coultas, High Sheriff of philadelphia in 1758. He had a beautiful home near the church and was concerned that the church be similar architecturally. To him is due the pleasing appearance of the old gray stone building in its setting of green.

For the Broomall family members who worshiped here and are buried here, see Descendants of John Broomall, b. 1801.

Sources:
1. Faris, John T. "Old Churches and Meetinghouses in and around Philadelphia."
2. Woodroofe, H. H., "A Chronological List of Philadelphia Churches and Cemeteries 1642-1796."
3. Smith, George M.D., "History of Delaware County Pennsylvania."
Thanks to Nancy Kapperman who provided much of this information, and to Ethel Broomall Dougherty for her photos.