As time passed, the countryside of Philadelphia County became less rural, and in the 1880s, the Northern Liberties neighborhood became part of the city. So the building of the church, with its imposing size and grand columns, distinguished architecture, and majestic appearance was impressive. This was the first parish to establish itself in the Northern Liberties area of the county, not a fashionable neighborhood at that time as it was still an area with unpaved muddy streets jammed with one- and two-story workers’ houses, workshops and factories. It took two years to complete the temple-like church for the newly-formed congregation, and on March 5, 1854, the building was dedicated by the Rev. The architecture of the church was a popular classical revival design. In 1852, the Second Dutch Reformed Church was looking for ground to build a church and it ultimately bought Mr. Fisher’s land made the property 100'x100'. Sharpless, dissatisfied with the small size of his farm, purchased his neighbor’s – Mr. The property consisted of six brick buildings and one frame building which was a barn. Davis sold his property to Joseph Sharpless for $5,916.66. These properties were situated on the east side of 7th Street, a rural area at the time in the County of Philadelphia. In 1840, John Davis and his wife Sarah bought the land adjoining to the south. In 1833, Joshua Fisher and his wife Elisha purchased property which is now the site of St. That we can celebrate 100 years of steadfast faith and dedication in 2017 is inspiring – and joyous! Nicholas Eastern Orthodox Church has survived - and thrived - amidst a changing neighborhood, changing social and moral values, changing church bureaucracy and changing financial circumstances.

Almost 5,000 people attended the Church’s dedication.* St. Nicholas Eastern Orthodox Church was founded in 1917 through the donations of 782 hardworking immigrant families.

Harry mullas iconographer