A devastating 1944 fire that destroyed dozens of gravestones and threatened one of Pennsylvania’s oldest churches has inspired a new memorial at Historic Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church in South Philadelphia.
Preserve Old Swedes has installed a permanent Memory Wall featuring fragments from 20 gravestones damaged when a fire engulfed a 4-story vacant factory building about 100 feet south of the church.
The blaze caused a brick wall to collapse, burying graves and markers beneath a foot of debris. At least 45 gravestones were crushed, according to Amy Grant, president of Preserve Old Swedes.
According to historians, the church at 916 S. Swanson St. survived as winds pushed the fire toward the Delaware River and away from the historic sanctuary.
With help from a $10,000 matching grant from America250PA and donations, Preserve Old Swedes collected recoverable fragments. Heritage Conservation Collective cleaned and preserved the pieces for display on the south side of the rectory.
The exhibit is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Visitors can access a free audio tour through the Old Swedes app, featuring the stories of eight former church members, including patriots, mariners, civic leaders and craftspeople.
A free self-guided brochure is available inside the sanctuary. Donations to support preservation efforts can be made at preserveoldswedes.org. ••
