Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Episcopal Church

I’ve been reflecting recently about how a man I only met a handful of times has nevertheless had a profound impact on my life. Rev. David Rivers, who was the priest of Gloria Dei from 1972-2004, passed into the next life in the early hours of September 20. Many of you will have known Dave, and even those who did not have that opportunity have experienced the impact of his years of faithful service to this community.

Dave arrived at a time of significant change, as the National Park Service was buying property around the church and establishing the open spaces that we know today – and as the construction of I-95 was isolating the church from the rest of the city. From what I’ve heard, there was a real possibility of the congregation shrinking to the point that the church would close and become nothing more than a historical attraction. Instead, Dave helped to build new relationships and establish the broader and more inclusive community that exists today (to include the first elections of women and people of color to our Vestry).

Dave also had an important perspective on time, recognizing a difference between “church time” and the ever-increasing hurry of the world around us. This difference is especially important in light of increasing political violence, polarization, and economic pressure, when so many people are reacting quickly and forcefully to every story in the news or on social media. While I certainly understand the fear that drives those responses, I hope that the church can offer a different experience of time. By embracing church time, we make space for community, for prayer and worship, for the example of saints who have gone before, and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This, it seems to me, is a wonderful way to remember and honor Dave’s life and service to our congregation.

Are you interested in brainstorming, discussing, planning and participating in Gloria Dei missions? New ideas are always welcome, and questions can be directed to Jill Duink (jillddd@hotmail.com) or Rev. Chris (rector@old-swedes.org).

We meet on the first Wednesday of every month at 9:00 on Zoom (Meeting ID: 897 2826 6283 Passcode: 098374, or use the link below).

Join Zoom Meeting: Click here to join the Zoom.

Current Outreach Efforts:

Lunch Packing after Sunday Service
Please join us monthly in Riverside Hall immediately following the Sunday service to pack meals for people in need in Kensington.The meals will be delivered to Prevention Point for distribution.
Upcoming Dates: October 19, November 23, December 28, January 25, February 22.
Prevention Point provides many services to the homeless and those struggling with addiction. To learn more about the work of Prevention Point, see their website at https://ppponline.org/
SACCPhilly Food Cupboard
You can contribute to the food cupboard at Snyder Avenue Congregational Church, which serves many local immigrant and refugee families. Look for the basket in the church foyer.
To learn more about SACCPhilly, go to https://saccphilly.org/
Volunteering with the Philadelphia Ukranian Cathedral
Sort clothing for Ukranian Immigrants and Refugees. Contact Cathy Ufheil for more details at newamcat@aol.com.
Volunteer opportunity with St. Luke and the Epiphany Church
Once a month, a team at St. Luke and the Epiphany (SLATE) prepares a hot and hearty meal to serve to folks up in the Feltonville neighborhood of North Philly at St. Gabriel's church. However, that team is currently in need of additional volunteers to cook at SLATE on the 2nd Thursday of each month, and to serve the meal at St. Gabe's on the following Saturday. Volunteers can contact administrator@slatechurch.org. for more details.

Reverend David B. Rivers passed into eternal life on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Wyncote Pennsylvania, following a long illness.

Born May 22, 1937, in New Haven, Connecticut, he was the son of Reverend Burke Rivers and Phyllis McCausland Rivers, who predeceased him. A brother, Richard Rivers, also preceded him in death.

David Rivers spent his childhood largely in Johnson City, New York and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where his father was the priest serving All Saints Church, Johnson City and St Stephen's Church, Wilkes-Barre. He loved vacations on the Maine coast with his family. He graduated from Wyoming Seminary, Kingston and Haverford College. After teaching English at The Pennington School in New Jersey, he earned a Master of Divinity degree at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In 1961, Rev. Rivers was wedded to Elizabeth Zeller; Dave and Liz recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. He viewed his ministry as their ministry. Their first parish was St. Elizabeth's Schnecksville, where he was ordained in 1965 by Bishop Frederick Warnecke. Interested in adventure, they explored mission opportunities. After several months learning Spanish in Cuernavaca, Mexico, Rev. Rivers became the Priest in Charge at San Esteban, San Pedro de Marcoris in the Dominican Republic. After 3 years as a missionary, they returned to the United States and Rev. Rivers was called to Gloria Dei (Old Swedes) Church in Philadelphia, PA. Rev. Rivers was the Rector at Old Swedes Church from 1972 through 2004. While serving this historic church (the oldest church in Pennsylvania), he oversaw renovations and commemorated the 300^th anniversary of its construction. For several years, he was Dean of the Episcopal Southwark deanery. He was a member of the Swedish Colonial Society. Rev. Rivers then served in interim and part-time roles at Philadelphia area churches, including Holy Trinity Church, Lansdale and St. Dunstan's Church, Blue Bell.

Rev. Rivers was a gifted preacher of the word of God, following in his father's footsteps. He was a leader by example, and genuinely interested in people from all walks of life who he welcomed to church. His sense of humor, fondness for jokes, and love of a good party extended throughout his lifetime. He could be an irreverent reverend.

A fishing, hunting and camping enthusiast, Rev. Rivers enjoyed time outdoors particularly at the New Jersey shore, in northeast Pennsylvania and at Algonquin Park, Ontario. He was a devoted Eagles, Phillies and Penn State fan. He was a skilled photographer, particularly for black and white photos, and maintained a dark room for many years. Rev. Rivers appreciated classical and folk music, and sang bass in church choirs as a boy and adult. He supported music as part of services as well as separate musical programs, considering music to be an integral part of church life.

Rev. Rivers is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Zeller Rivers; children Christine (Stephen Albert) Rivers; Julia (Mark Chatman-Royce) Rivers; Diana (Lawrence) Bloom; and John (Frances) Rivers. He is also survived by his grandchildren Meagan, Nicholas, Kyra, Lukas, Alexander, Robert, Noel, Larson and Beatrice; great grandchildren Julian and Sienna; and numerous nieces and nephews. Rev Rivers is survived by his sister-in-law Virginia Rivers.

Please join us for a memorial service and celebration of life on Saturday, November 15, at 2:00 pm; internment in the church graveyard will follow the service. A reception will follow the internment, and further details will be posted on our website as plans are finalized.

To send condolences, please visit https://www.rachubinskiandrogersfh.com/