In with the Old

New renovations preserve Old Pine.

By Karen Winey

Since before the American Revolution, Old Pine Church has been a cornerstone of the surrounding neighborhoods. Located on Pine Street between 4th and 5th Streets, Old Pine is a distinctive landmark with its yellow stucco, tall white columns, historic graveyard—and, for those who pause to read the message board, ever-changing inspirations for daily living.

Moreover, the church aims to serve the community as a place of quiet respite, spiritual sustenance, and community gathering. We regularly host Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra concerts, and special events for St. Peter’s School and the Boy Scouts. As a vibrant institution, Old Pine attracts members, visitors, performers, history enthusiasts, and occasionally film crews.

Beginning in 2019, the congregation initiated the first major renovations in 30 years, with a focus on preserving this historical gem to continue serving the neighborhood. Those renovations began with repairs to the wrought-iron fence, installed in 1837. You might recall that along the west side of the church, the fence used to lean out over the sidewalk. With painstaking attention to detail, the fence has been refurbished and now stands straight.

More recently the yellow stucco and ornate cornice along the roof have been restored on three sides. While the pandemic left the sanctuary empty, the pews where John Adams worshiped were beautifully reupholstered. The sanctuary has also been air-conditioned with energy-efficient units allowing for year-round worship and events, including weddings. Now, work is beginning on the first floor to improve the entrance, add an accessible gender-neutral restroom, and improve the multipurpose room, used for AA meetings and receptions after community and special events. Future projects might include restoring the portico, the columns along Pine Street, and the windows.

These recent, current, and planned renovations projects will protect the integrity of the building and, more important, make Old Pine even more beautiful and welcoming for the members and community for decades to come.

You are invited to come see these improvements and move through the past in this vibrant historical landmark. Stroll the grounds or sign up for a tour of the interior at oldpine.org/the-church/ community-fundraising/, where you can learn more about the renovations, peruse before and after photos, and even donate to the cause. ■