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St. James-The-Less Episcopal Church
West Clearfield Avenue, Allegheny West, Philadelphia

Type of Structure: I have read that this is the first Gothic Revival church built in Philadelphia and is the first example of the "English Parish Church" style in America. I am not sure if "Gothic Revival" and "English Parish Church" mean the same thing. It probably does. If anyone who has seriously studied architecture can give me a crash course in this I would appreciate it. This church was built as a duplicate of a church built in Cambridge, England. There is also a detached belltower that I am guessing was built sometime later then the church.

Year(s) of Construction: Built between 1846 and 1848

Builder: Robert Ralston

Gargoyle carver(s): Same as the builder?.

Location: Located in the cemetery to the left of W. Hunting Park Avenue (where it intersects with W. Clearfield Avenue) - This is assuming the you are driving up W. Hunting Park Avenue from Kelly Drive (and the river). West Clearfield is a one way street so it is best to continue on and make a left onto W. Allegheny Ave. Then make a left onto 34th St. and a left onto West Clearfield. Go a couple of blocks and make a right into the cemetery. The church is to the left. A caretakers house (???) is on the right. The belltower is ahead of you at the end of the road (tall locked iron gate).

Website: There isn't an official website for the church. However, I have found two webpages specific to this church: Bells & Chimes at St. James & Historic Landmarks. It isn't much but it is the best I can come up with at present.

Interesting Features: The belltower has four functioning "flying fish" at the top. There are two faces on each entrance to the tower and two faces on each of the entrances to the two tiny chapels inside the tower. The church has two or for faces located at the side entrances.

Personal Observations: This is a very quieting place... very peaceful... very pretty. There are a handful of famous people buried here one of which is John Wanamaker (founder of Wanamaker's dept. store. I am interested in finding out more about the history of this wonderful church and grounds.

Photos/Images: (all photos on this page can be "clicked on" to see larger versions)

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