Sarah Garrett Lungren
She grew up at “The Lilacs” – one of the homes used to create Philly’s Fairmount Park.
She grew up at “The Lilacs” – one of the homes used to create Philly’s Fairmount Park.
William Lungren was a paper-maker and hotel landlord who left an impressive family legacy.
Augustus Sargent and his brother Edward were closely linked in their lives and careers.
She was the first Lucia at our Lucia Fest, a diving horse lady at Steel Pier and a masseuse with famous clients like Liberace, Gypsy Rose Lee, Al Capone and the King of Sweden.
The Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church community lost longtime member and friend Barbara Chilcott. Barb is remembered for her big heart, unwavering kindness, and positive attitude.
The Reverend Andreas Rudman was the builder of Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church and its first rector. He is buried under the sanctuary.
Michael Schreiber tell us about Capt. James Snell’s daring acts and rescues at sea and his unsuccessful attempts to avoid capture by the British and the French.
John Lungren operated a papermill located on Chester Creek, PA. The house he built in 1799 is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Andris Souplis was a French Huguenot, a weaver, the first sheriff of Germantown, and the progenitor of the Supplees in America.
Jake and Betsy Roak were married 56 years. They died within 2 days of each other. They lived their lives fully and inspired in the service of others. Together they advanced a family legacy.
The inscription on Capt. Charles Sandgran's headstone is now obliterated. But, a century ago, it was possible to read this terrible pronouncement: "the earth and the sea shall give up their dead."
A large obelisk commemorating the life Capt. Robert Rae stands in the Gloria Dei churchyard. Rae was "lost at sea" somewhere along the River Nuñez in 1839.
Capt. Henry Sharp was "lost at sea" while on a voyage to Africa in 1836. What caused his demise? We may never know but many seamen of the time died from exposure to tropical diseases like malaria.
The words “lost at sea” are the most melancholy, and often the most mysterious, inscriptions on gravestones at Gloria Dei. In those cases, the stones are merely markers for a person who never came home and never saw their loved ones again.
Bill Isaacs, a South Philadelphia taproom owner and lifelong Mummer, founded the Downtowners Fancy Brigade. Within a decade, he changed Mummers history.
Jack and Margaret Dunn were a wonderful couple from Southwark who had long family histories in the community. The Dunn’s lived on the unit block of Fitzwater where they raised their twin sons before their home was demolished for I-95.
Joseph and Mary were lifelong residents of Southwark/Queen Village. Married for over 52 years, they raised their four children in their Front Street home. They were both dedicated to helping family and friends throughout their lives.
Frank and Margaret Moock both grew up near Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church in Philadelphia. Although they were not parishioners of this church, Gloria Dei held a special place in both of their hearts. Here Margie Moock Schernecke shares stories about her parents and their love for Old Swedes'.
Francis (Frank) Stermel was born on June 3, 1916 to Anthony Stermel and Helen Szymanski Stermel. He was a lifelong resident of South Philadelphia and a true mummer.
The Rectorship of Mr. Simes holds a unique place in the record of the Gloria Dei Church’s ministry. During his long tenure, the congregation grew, developed and prospered. He was the spiritual guide of more than a generation of affectionate parishioners.