Restoration of Christ Church Tower & Steeple

FAIN: CHA-264403-19

Christ Church Preservation Trust (Philadelphia, PA 19106-4509)
Barbara Hogue (Project Director: August 2018 to present)

Exterior restoration of the Christ Church steeple and supporting brick tower, and interior restoration of the upper level of the tower. Steeple restoration would include repainting, wood restoration, re-gilding of the weathervane, and roofing. Tower restoration would include replacement and reinforcement of the interior frame and braces, masonry restoration, and brick replacement.

Christ Church is a National Historic Landmark, founded in 1695, and the 6th most visited historic site in Philadelphia. Each year, 250,000 tourists visit to learn about the founding of America and the American Revolution. Today, its historic 1754 steeple is listing two feet to the right. In March 2016, a commissioned engineering study found that the steeple -- one the few standing wooden structures of its kind from the colonial era -- needs urgent and costly structural support. The steeple remains Christ Church's most important artifact that is gazed upon by tourists, students and educators alike to learn about the founding of America, William Penn's experiment of religious liberty, the Revolutionary War and the founding of the Episcopal church. The steeple and its brick tower remain Philadelphia's most treasured historic landmark. The Christ Church steeple needs immediate preservation and needs structural support to remain for centuries more.

Associated Products

New Heights (Article)
Title: New Heights
Author: Joe Sugarman
Abstract: The article reviewed the restoration of Christ Church Tower and Steeple.
Year: 2020
Primary URL: http://https://savingplaces.org/stories/restoring-philadelphias-historic-christ-church#.YXBzhhrMKUk
Primary URL Description: Saving Places.org
Access Model: Subscription only
Format: Magazine
Publisher: Preservation Magazine

Leaning Tower Gets A Grant (Radio/Audio Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Leaning Tower Gets A Grant
Director: Unknown
Producer: Unknown
Abstract: Fox News features the steeple restoration
Date: 04/15/2019
Primary URL: https://www.fox29.com/news/397577496-video
Format: Web

Steeple Salute (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Steeple Salute
Writer: Carrie Hagen
Director: Carrie Hagen
Producer: Barbara Hogue
Abstract: A salute to funders and community support of the restoration of the 1754 Christ Church Steeple
Year: 2020
Primary URL: https://vimeo.com/488672659
Format: Video

---