From Mill Workers to Modern Times: The Evolution of St. David's Church in Pennsylvania

Early Beginnings and Growth
St. David’s Episcopal Church is a historic parish located in the Manayunk neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established as part of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania, it falls within the Wissahickon Deanery of the diocese. The church has deep roots in the local community, with its early population heavily comprising English-born mill workers. The wealthier mill owners also played a significant role in the church’s leadership, with many serving as wardens, vestrymen, and treasurers. At its height in 1960, the parish had 621 members. By 2022, this number had decreased to just 23 members, reflecting both changes in the neighborhood and the broader trends of urban and religious shifts.

The First Church Building
The first church building, designed by renowned architect John Notman, was completed in 1835. This early structure was a cornerstone of the parish community, but tragically, it was destroyed by fire on December 23, 1879. Following the fire, the parish undertook plans to rebuild, leading to the construction of a new church on the same site.

Construction of the Current Building
The current brownstone church building was designed in the Gothic Revival style and consecrated on December 26, 1881, by Bishop William Bacon Stevens. The laying of the cornerstone took place the previous year, on May 15, 1880. The church’s striking architecture, particularly its distinctive tower and high altar, make it a significant landmark in the Manayunk neighborhood. In recognition of its historical and architectural value, St. David’s Church was added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places on March 8, 2019.

The Altar and Liturgical Traditions
One of the standout features of St. David’s is its high altar, designed by the studio of English Gothic revival architect George Frederick Bodley and completed by Cram and Ferguson Architects. This altar was dedicated on October 31, 1919, by Bishop Philip M. Rhinelander in memory of Orlando Crease, who had served the parish as warden for 56 years and as Sunday school superintendent for six decades. The sanctuary of the church is designed for ad orientem liturgical celebrations, a practice that has been part of the parish’s occasional worship since the 1970s.

The Tower Clock
In 1886, St. David’s Church installed a four-face tower clock made by the E. Howard Watch and Clock Company. The clock’s six-foot diameter faces and striking bell, which weighs 2,500 pounds and rings on an E-flat, became an iconic feature of the church. The clock has long been a landmark in the Manayunk area. In 2007, the clock underwent a restoration campaign to preserve its historical significance.

Expansion and Community Impact
Throughout its history, St. David’s has played a significant role in the local religious landscape. The church operated a separate chapel on Terrace Street in Manayunk until 1886. By 1889, the parish had established a surpliced male choir, marking a move toward a more High Church style of worship. Another milestone came in 1919, when the church abandoned the practice of pew rents, making its services more accessible to the community.

In addition to its central role in the Manayunk neighborhood, St. David’s was instrumental in the founding of several local daughter parishes, many of which grew out of its Sunday school programs. Among these were the Church of St. Alban in Roxborough, St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Roxborough, and the former St. Stephen’s Church in Wissahickon, which was demolished in 1975.

Conclusion
Today, St. David’s Episcopal Church stands as a symbol of both the rich history of the Manayunk community and the enduring traditions of the Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. Despite a significant decrease in membership over the years, its historic building, active parish life, and connection to local history continue to make it an important institution in the area.