Status: Closed, Former Episcopal

Founded: 1846
Construction: 1846
Closed: 2006

Clearfield Street & Hunting Park Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19132

Welcome back to the *Abandoned* Philadelphia Church Project. This time, we take a gander at the former Episcopal church St. James the Less, a very historic property with a messy legal history.

“But Project,” you say, “That church can’t be worthy of your attention!” Yes, yes, I know. Normally, I wouldn’t even give a church like this a second look. St. James, you see, doesn’t fit the exact definitions of the Project—namely, grandiose and ornate religious architecture. This church looks like something Immaculate Conception would eat for breakfast. Or step on. You know, if it could actually walk.

That said, it’s still a renowned piece of architecture, a sterling example of 19th-century American Gothic revival that’s based very closely on St. Michael’s church in Longstanton, England. That’s why it’s not only on the Philadelphia Historical Commission’s list, but also on the National Register of Historic Places. It might not be what I personally like, but I have to give props where props are due. (Although I secretly hold a grudge that these “experts” haven’t bestowed the same awards on any of the fantastic places we’ve seen. Wake up, history people!!!!)

To be fair, St. James owes a good chunk of its appeal to the surrounding graveyard. The Project likes graveyards very much, and this one has the potential to be the right kind of creepy, from the brick driveway to the covered gate to the gothic tower to the crazy and ancient tombstones. In daylight, though, the effect is an incredibly peaceful, sun-dappled escape. It’s easy to forget that you’re standing in the middle of Allegheny West.

LOOK FOR IT: The aforementioned gothic tower, which is the family tomb of one John Wanamaker.

LISTEN FOR IT: The bells. Be warned that they have a tendency to go off when you least expect it, so keep them in mind or be prepared to jump out of your shoes.

Not the most impressive physical structures around, but this place has a fantastic vibe—so much so that the Project will be making return visits.

Its address puts it at the corner of Clearfield and Hunting Park, but don’t bother trying to come down Hunting Park; Clearfield is one way, so you can’t turn onto it, and you’ll only end up going in circles.

The smart choice is to turn onto Clearfield from Ridge, which will bring you right to the front gates. You can try street parking, but if the gates are open, you can probably just pull in and park on the property.

The neighborhood is not great, but you’re within five minutes of East Falls—not to mention big corporate office of Pep Boys and TastyKake, as well as the famous Laurel Hill Cemetery—so things aren’t too worrisome. And if you park on the property, you won’t have to deal with it at all.

Two things here:

While wandering around I was accosted by a UPS deliveryman, who was looking to deliver a package. After I explained that I was not the “new caretaker,” and that I had not seen anyone else, the deliveryman simply took his package and got back on the truck.

I guess this church’s status is so ambiguous that even mail services can’t figure it out.

Also, this church, like St. Francis de Sales, rates its own Wikipedia page. You can find it here, as well as some interesting links that talk further about the parish and its fate.