For local residents who walk past these buildings daily, this self guided tour will be an opportunity to enjoy historic, world class interiors and learn about the varied activities of the places of faith in our midst.
For out of towners, the Sacred Spaces Open House provides an amenity commonly found on the continents where even the most humble houses of worship open their doors daily to tourists. Visiting all ten sites makes an easy afternoon stroll and can serve as a welcome respite to the holiday season hustle and bustle.
Center City Residents Association executive director Steve Huntington said, "We hope that projects can encourage interest in the wonderful faith communities in our neighborhood and foster cooperation among the congregations of our area."
Leaflets with a tour map and building descriptions will be available at all participating sites, courtesy of the Preservation Alliance for Great Philadelphia.
The buildings on the Sacred Spaces Open House tour are:
Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel
18th and Spruce Streets
Trinity Memorial Church
22nd and Spruce Streets
Tenth Presbyterian Church
17th and Spruce Streets
The Shambhala Center
2030 Sansom Street
First Unitarian Chruch of Philadelphia
Chestnut Street, between 21st and 22nd Streets
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Locust Street, between 16th and 17th Streets
St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church
20th Street, between Locust and Spruce Streets
Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion
Chestnut Street, between 21st and 22nd Streets
Church of the Holy Trinity, Rittenhouse Square
19th and Walnut Streets
First Church of Christ Scientist
Pine Street, between 19th and 20th Streets
First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia
21st and Walnut Streets
