Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (Old Swedes), Wilmington
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, also known as Old Swedes, is a historic temple and the second church in Wilmington's Trinity Parish. Built in 1698鈥�99 in the territory formerly known the colony of New Sweden, it is considered to be the city's oldest religious site. The church was consecrated on Trinity Sunday, June 4, 1699.
The building is constructed from local blue granite, with the entrance tower made of Swedish bricks that had been used as ship's ballast.
The church is located on the site of the Fort Christina's burial ground, which dates to 1638, and as such claims to be "the nation's oldest church building still used for worship as originally built". There are reportedly over 15,000 burials in the churchyard. Lutheran church services were held in the Swedish language here well into the 18th century.
Holy Trinity in Wilmington has housed an Episcopal parish since 1791 and is now part of the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware.
Being a fine example of Swedish-American architecture, it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961. The church is currently among the few surviving public buildings in Wilmington that reflect the Swedish colonial effort. It is considered part of First State National Historical Park, and is often visited by tourists, remaining open for both tours and religious activities.
The building is constructed from local blue granite, with the entrance tower made of Swedish bricks that had been used as ship's ballast.
The church is located on the site of the Fort Christina's burial ground, which dates to 1638, and as such claims to be "the nation's oldest church building still used for worship as originally built". There are reportedly over 15,000 burials in the churchyard. Lutheran church services were held in the Swedish language here well into the 18th century.
Holy Trinity in Wilmington has housed an Episcopal parish since 1791 and is now part of the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware.
Being a fine example of Swedish-American architecture, it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961. The church is currently among the few surviving public buildings in Wilmington that reflect the Swedish colonial effort. It is considered part of First State National Historical Park, and is often visited by tourists, remaining open for both tours and religious activities.
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
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Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (Old Swedes) on Map
Sight Name: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (Old Swedes)
Sight Location: Wilmington, USA (See walking tours in Wilmington)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Wilmington, USA (See walking tours in Wilmington)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Wilmington, Delaware
Create Your Own Walk in Wilmington
Creating your own self-guided walk in Wilmington is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Wilmington Introduction Walking Tour
Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware. It lies at the confluence of the Brandywine and Christina Rivers. Wilmington was originally home to the Lenape people. However, the land was purchased from Chief Mattahorn by the Swedish South Company in 1638. They built Fort Christina at the mouth of what would later be called the Christina River.
The Swedish lost control of the Fort Christina... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Swedish lost control of the Fort Christina... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Quaker Hill and Downtown Historical Buildings
For many visitors to Delaware's Wilmington, the downtown district is the main area of interest.
Indeed, the majority of Wilmington's most distinguished attractions are found here. Steeped in history, this part of the city still carries legacy of its first Swedish settlers much as that of the du Pont family who left a great deal of mark on the town's history. Some of the key local... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Indeed, the majority of Wilmington's most distinguished attractions are found here. Steeped in history, this part of the city still carries legacy of its first Swedish settlers much as that of the du Pont family who left a great deal of mark on the town's history. Some of the key local... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles