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Church of the Advocate

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
County of Philadelphia.
18th and Diamond Streets
National Register Number: 80003620
 Resource type: Building.
Property type: Religious facility. The threat level was Watch in
2004.
Certified Local Government: YES
This NHL offers public access.
Please contact the NHL directly for visitor information.
Current use/information: Active church.

Statement of Significance (as of designation - June 19, 1996):
The Church of the Advocate (1887-1897) is a landmark in the religious, social and architectural history of the United States. Built as a private bequest and intended to serve as the Episcopal Cathedral of Philadelphia, the church is a major monument in the American Gothic Revival. No other American church has so complete a repertoire of the canonical elements of Gothic Revival architecture.

Condition:
The Church of the Advocate serves as host space for Art Sanctuary, a black art performance program in the heart of the black community. The first rate work touches the region as a whole.

The ceiling is deteriorating due to problem gutters that need to be replaced. If not for the construction type netting in place, the space could not be used at all. The old electrical system need to be replaced.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
The estimated cost for restoration of the gutters and ceiling is $7-8 million.


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