A Short History of Our Landmark Building

First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia was chartered in 1796, and erected its current building in 1885. An architectural landmark designed by Frank Furness, it is one of his most significant structures. Frank Furness was the son of William Henry Furness, the first settled minister of the church, serving from 1825-1875. The building was planned as a tribute for Dr. Furness. It is one of the few civic structures designed by Frank Furness that remain standing in Philadelphia, along with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Fisher Fine Arts Library of the University of Pennsylvania.

Our mission: Preservation and Restoration

Friends of 2125 Chestnut Street (F2125) has a mission to preserve and improve the buildings and grounds of the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, located at 2125 Chestnut Street. The church, designed by Frank Furness, is an architectural landmark with a vibrant growing congregation and wide-ranging program of service to the community. With a generous initial grant from a long-time friend of the church, we formally launched as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization on January 27, 2019.

First Step: Concept Plan

In 2020 Friends of 2125 Chestnut Street engaged DIGSAU, an innovative Philadelphia architectural firm, to undertake an assessment and planning process that will shape the conservation, preservation, and renovation of our historic landmark.

In December 2023 DIGSAU delivered a Concept Plan that will chart steps to preserve the building and at the same time bring its functionality up to present day standards for the needs of our congregation and the myriad groups and tenants who use the building.

Next step: Fundraising

Moving forward Friends of 2125 Chestnut Street will focus on raising the funds to support our preservation, restoration, and renovation plans. We envision a multi-year process that will commence immediately and continue in phases subject to fundraising.