ARCHIVE

September 2020:

Repair of the north and west walls and the chimney of the parish house completed by Knapp Masonry. Friends of 2125 Chestnut Street funded the work.

Before After 2.jpg

November 29, 2020:

Michael J Lewis, art historian and author of several books on Frank Furness, presents a virtual talk on the ideas behind Furness’ design of the church. Over 100 listeners tune in. Here is a link to the recording: https://uuma.zoom.us/rec/play/PPHJNgs7pUC6xT2QEK5cYmGjjEtX-7AO23g1pc3rw6pzpxSNuXYn2Hhr1tiKHrluPv7jNHZMl1A6bzlb.ZMjqU2jC7YrUib5C

January 2021:

We welcome three new members of the Board of Friends of 2125 Chestnut Street. 

·      Marianna Thomas, an architect specializing in historic preservation, has worked on several past projects with the church. 

·      Michael Lewis is a friend of the church and an advocate for the architectural patrimony of Frank Furness. Michael is Professor of Art History at Williams College, and author of several books on Furness. 

·      Bill Caldwell is a long time member of the church. With his professional background in financial operations, Bill assumed the role of Treasurer for Friends of 2125 Chestnut.

September 21, 2021: THE GREAT LA FARGE ROSE WINDOW RETURNS AFTER 30 YEARS

Friends of 2125 Chestnut Street sponsors a day of festivities

The First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia is a jewel box of stained glass, containing windows by the leading designers of the day, including Louis Comfort Tiffany, Henry Holliday, and John La Farge. La Farge, who created the magnificent rose window on the east facade of the church, developed a system of layered opalescent glass to produce rich colors that rivaled the beauty of medieval windows. By 1990 the great window had weathered to the extent that it had to be removed for safety. It sat crated in the church for the next thirty years. In 2021 Friends of 2125 Chestnut Street partnered with the church to fund restoration by Associated Crafts and Willet Hauser stained glass studios.

At least 150 people attend to hear talks and participate in tours of the church and our historic neighbors: Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, CFI Corporate Center, College of Physicians. The First Unitarian Band perform and water ice is free to all.

View Professor Michael Lewis’ talk: Modern Color: Furness and LaFarge at First Unitarian

View conservator Kathy Jordan’s talk: Restoring Isaiah

Spring 2022: First Unitarian Church and Friends of 2125 Chestnut Street receive a 2022 Preservation Achievement Award from the Preservation Alliance of Philadelphia for the restoration of the LaFarge Window.