Jehu
Curtis Clay served twice as an assistant to Collin, and succeeded him
in 1831. Clay was Gloria Dei's pastor during some of the most difficult
times in the history of the United States: the sectional controversy of
the 1850's, and the first years of the Civil War. He also guided the
congregation through an era of impressive growth and fundamental
change. The sexton's house and the present rectory were both
constructed in the 1830's. In the 1840's, the annex churches at
Kingsessing and Upper Merion separated from Gloria Dei, and all three
joined the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania. Gloria Dei was renovated
extensively, a necessity for a congregation that outgrew its church
building.
Balconies
were added in 1846 - it was that or build a new church. Jenny Lind, the
toast of two continents, sang from the new balcony in 1850. The church
was also heated centrally for the first time and acquired the modern
convenience of gas service in 1853. In the years just after Clay's
death in 1863, the church continued to grow with the addition of the
present parish hall (1864) and a schoolhouse (1868).
D. Joy Segal, Rector | Columbus Blvd. & Christian Street | Philadelphia, PA 19147 | (215) 389-1513
