Notes |
Zion Church, built by the second congregation of the German Lutherans in Philadelphia in the year 1766, was located at the
southeastern corner of Fourth and Cherry Streets. The original structure was burned in 1794 and rebuilt, two years later,
as shown in the drawing. It was considered to have been the largest and finest church in America. Like a number of other
of the city churches, Zion was occupied in 1777-8, as a hospital, by the British Army. At the close of the Revolution, Congress
met here in a service of thanksgiving for the surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and, in the restored building, Congress again
assembled to mourn the death of Washington. It was upon this occation that General Henry Lee gave the nation the immortal
tribute to the father of his counry in the words, "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen!"
Zion congregation removed to their new church on Franklin Street above Race Street in 1870.
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