The Gloria Dei Cemetery has been in continuous use since the early 1700's and is one of the oldest burial grounds in Philadelphia. Its "tenants" include sea captains, scientists, revolutionary and civil war soldiers, artists and ministers. Among them is the ornithologist Alexander Wilson, who emigrated to America from Scotland and became an authority on birds of the eastern region (preceeding Audubon). The "Father of American Swimming", James H. Sterrett is also buried in the church yard. The remains of eight Revolutionary War Officers and their families are interred at Gloria Dei, including James Peale, brother to Charles Wilson Peale and a skilled artist in his own right, and Brigadier General William Irvine who served as a Unites States Congressman after the war.
D. Joy Segal, Rector | Columbus Blvd. & Christian Street | Philadelphia, PA 19147 | (215) 389-1513
