The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia

Located at the northeast corner of 10th & Locust, the "Octagon Building" was begun in March of 1812, and dedicated February 14, 1813. This brick structure was designed by Robert Mills, thought to be the first native American to be trained primarily as an architect, and seated 300. It's octagonal shape was unusual for Philadelphia, however it followed the pattern of Unitarian churches in England. These typically used an octagon design in a symbolic move away from the traditional cross-shaped floor plans of orthodox Christian churches. The construction cost was approximately $25,000 at the time.

Desiring a larger and more elegant building to reflect the growth of the congregation, church members voted to construct yet another facility. Using the same location (10th & Locust), the cornerstone of the "Doric Building" was laid on March 24, 1828. Designed by William Strickland, this building was described in contemporary books as one of the most outstanding churches in the city. Dedicated on November 5, 1828, this was our building until we moved to our present site on Chestnut Street in 1885.

This building saw our church with a central role in many of the leading issues of the time. Prior to the civil war, Reverend Furness was a leader of the abolitionist movement in the city. His speeches were so impassioned that both he and the congregation feared reprisals from southern sympathisers, so several members of the church quietly armed themselves and watched over the pulpit on Sundays. His zeal in attacking the notorious Fugitive Slave Law was such that during one of President Buchanan's cabinet meetings, there was even discussion of indicting the minister for treason.

After the war, the church continued to be involved in social issues (something we continue today), with luminaries such as Susan B. Anthony holding rallys in the building.

Begun in 1883, dedicated in 1885, and completed in 1886, our current building was designed by Reverend Furness' son, Frank Furness. The sanctuary features a unique hammer beam and truss roof support system with seating for 750. Stained glass windows are by by Louis Tiffany & Co. (believed to be their first ever installed in the city) and John Lefarge, among others. Later additions include a concert-grade Casavant pipe organ with 3 manuals and 50 ranks.

In addition to the sanctuary, the building also contains a basement level housing Griffin Hall, which includes a stage and commercial-size kitchen. The rear portion of the building contains the Parish Room for meetings, and a smaller chapel.

The mezzanine and 3rd floors contain a variety of offices, meeting rooms, storage, and day care facilities