WHEREAS, Ten well-dressed ladies and nine gentleman gathered on the evening of June 18, 1855, in the meeting room above the newly-built Chestnut Hill Railroad Station, and resolved to form a Protestant Episcopal Church in Chestnut Hill; and
WHEREAS, On May 8, 1856, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Chestnut Hill was officially admitted to union with the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania to serve a growing community within a growing city, and called its first Rector, Alexander Shiras, on November 5, 1856; and
WHEREAS, Over the many years since then, St. Paul’s has been the source of much leadership both in the City and especially in the Episcopal Church—with three of its Rectors subsequently elected as Bishops; and
WHEREAS, St. Paul’s is a sanctuary for worship and a well-spring of spiritual nourishment so that its Parishioners will use their gifts in service to the world; and
WHEREAS, St. Paulites are still trying to identify all their angels in and around their magnificent gothic sanctuary numbering 55 at last count (not to mention its many gargoyles); and
WHEREAS, This year, St. Paul’s celebrates its 150th year, and begins a new era under the Rectorship of E. Clifford Cutler, with much excitement and promise for another 150 years and more of faithful service to God in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, and the World-At-Large; and
WHEREAS, It is widely-known that St. Paulites know how to party, celebrating their Sesquicentennial with a speaker series, musical events, a parish cookbook, guest preachers, a gala, the commissioning of a special anthem, and a festival service; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That It Recognizes, Honors, And Celebrates St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Chestnut Hill “The Church Of The Angels”—For Its Invaluable Contributions To The Community Of Chestnut Hill And The City Of Philadelphia—On The Occasion Of Its 150th Anniversary: 1856-2006.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Chestnut Hill, further evidencing the sincere respect and gratitude of this legislative body.
End