Easter Church Services in Philadelphia

While every neighborhood church will be holding Easter Services, here are some notable historic locations to celebrate Easter in Philadelphia.

Cathedral Basilica of Saints. Peter and Paul
18th Street & Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Phila., PA

This magnificent cathedral, dating from 1846, is the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It is Roman-Corinthian architecture, modeled after the Lombard Church of St. Charles (San Carlo al Corso) in Rome. Its dome rises over 60 feet. The walnut pews seat 900, and the marble tiled floor is over an inch thick. The altars are Botticino, Mandorlato rose and red Antique Italian marble. Ten foot high white Italian marble Angels stand at the corners of the baldachin. Massive columns, stained glass windows, Italian marble mosaics and eight side altars make this basilica a breathtaking experience. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament is on the north side of the Cathedral. The Stations of the Cross are located here, and the stained glass windows picture the Seven Joys of our Lady. Holiday services are not posted until two weeks before, so visit this site for any changes in the regular schedule for Easter services.

Here is the list of regularly scheduled Sunday masses:
8:00 am in Cathedral Chapel
9:30 am in Basilica
11 am in Basilica (in Latin on 1st and 3rd Sundays from October to June)
12:30 pm in Cathedral Chapel
5 pm in Basilica.

Christ Church
On Second Street, between Market and Arch Streets, Phila., Pa., 215-922-1695

Historic Christ Church, known as "The Nation's Church" because of the famous Revolutionary leaders who worshipped here, was founded in 1695, and is still an active Episcopal parish. Its famous burial ground includes the tomb of Benjamin Franklin and the graves of four other signers of the Declaration of Independence. Others who worshipped here included George Washington, Betsy Ross, Robert Morris, Absalom Jones, Benjamin Rush, William Penn's grandson John Penn, and Francis Hopkinson. Visit their website for more information about this historic church.

Easter Sunday Services at Christ's Church:
6:00 am: The Great Vigil of Easter at Sunrise
9 am: The First Eucharist of Easter
11 am: The Festive Eucharist of the Feast of the Resurrection.

Tenth Presbyterian Church
Corner of 17th and Spruce Streets in Center City Philadelphia; 215-735-7688

The Tenth Presbyterian Church was founded in 1828, and is located in the very heart of Philadelphia. Boasting 1,500 members, it holds three Sunday services, 9:00 and 11:00 am. and 6:30 pm. Below is the schedule of events for Easter, April 4th. Please visit their website for directions and more information.

Easter Sunday Services at Tenth Presbyterian:
7:30-8 am: Sunrise Service in Rittenhouse Square
9 am and 11 am: Morning Worship Services
Dr. Philip G. Ryken will preach at the Sunrise and Morning Worship services, and all will feature the Westminster Brass.
7:45 am: Pancake Breakfastt in Fellowship Hall
6:15 pm: Easter Hymn Festival, Dr. Paul David Tripp preaching, and featuring the Tenth Church Choir and Soloists and the Tenth Chamber Players.

Sources: SS Peter and Paul Basilica Cathedral; Christ Church; Tenth Presbyterian Church; Westminster Brass