Welcome to the Bryn Athyn Cathedral

The Bryn Athyn Cathedral is situated on a hill overlooking the picturesque Pennypack Creek Valley in the borough of Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. It is the central place of worship for Bryn Athyn Church and a gathering place for members of the New Church throughout the world.

The main construction of the Cathedral took place between the years 1913 and 1928 with work on the stained-glass windows and interior decoration continuing into the early 1940s and beyond. The main Cathedral building is Gothic, while the northern and southern buildings are in the early Romanesque style. The symbolic plan is based on the teachings of the New Church.

Hours of Operation

Tours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 1:15 pm & 2:45 pm, walk-ins accommodated, reservations recommended
NEW TOUR: Sunday Adult Worship & Tour. Read more here.
Grounds: Sunrise to Sunset, except when closed for Church services and special events

Worship Services

We welcome you to attend Sunday worship services.
There are four in-person services: the 9:30 AM Young Children's Service, the 9:30 AM Family Service, the 10:15 AM Informal Family Service, and the 11:00 AM Adult Service. All services are livestreamed.

Grounds

The beautiful and expansive grounds of the Bryn Athyn Cathedral are enjoyed by both church members and by many visitors from the extended community.

Visitors are invited to enjoy the serenity of the grounds daily from sunrise to sunset unless the grounds are closed for special events. Quiet and reflective activities are encouraged. Our intention is to establish a connection between the peaceful internal and external aspects of the Cathedral.

Please bear in mind that this sacred house of worship is an active church on private property.

These are not permitted: animals, smoking, alcohol, profanity, food, kites, balloons, blankets or chairs, sunbathing, sports activities, balls, riding toys, sledding, tents, and loud noises.

Also, no picking flowers, bushes, trees, or fruit. Please stay on walkways or grass and do not walk in the gardens.

The primary purpose of the grounds surrounding the Cathedral is to support the activities and needs of the Bryn Athyn Church congregation and demonstrate our doctrine in a living way, while maintaining the Cathedral as the symbolic center of the New Church. The master landscaping plan for the grounds strives to combine the spiritual correspondences of the building and the landscape into one comprehensive whole. Providing a beautiful environment is important in creating an inspirational atmosphere for those who worship with us.

Small Chapel

Open for prayer on Monday & Friday from 10AM-4PM and Tuesday through Thursday from 10AM until 1PM

All are welcome to visit the Bryn Athyn Cathedral's Small Chapel for quiet prayer and reflection. Note that the Cathedral and Small Chapel will be closed whenever there is a church service. Please enter the Small Chapel through the exterior door. We ask that you close the door behind you as you enter and exit the Chapel to prevent animals and environmental debris from getting in. Also, please silence your cellphones upon entering the Chapel. Click here for more information and for directions to the Small Chapel.

Book Room

The Cathedral Book Room is open during tour times and by appointment or feel free to stop in when you're visiting for Sunday worship. The books in the book room focus on Swedenborg's writings and come from the General Church of the New Jerusalem, Swedenborg Foundation, Swedenborg Scientific, and Swedenborg Society. You can also find books written by New Church Ministers. If you'd like to order books online, please visit www.NewChurchBooks.com.

Photography

Portrait photography and celebration photography (i.e. prom, engagement, wedding, graduation, pregnancy, birthdays, anniversaries, holy communion, automobile, family or other special occasions) is not permitted to be taken by friends or professionals. Wedding photography is only permitted for Cathedral weddings. No drones, props, or costumes. Informal snapshots for personal use are welcome as well as building and garden photography. Please see our Cathedral Photography Policy for more details.

Weddings

Weddings offer couples a chance to come before their families, friends and God to form a sacred bond. It is our privilege to support couples within our congregation as they begin their journey as a married couple. Read more about Wedding Services with the Bryn Athyn Church.

Please contact our wedding coordinator for more information at weddings@brynathynchurch.org.
Learn more about the New Church teachings on marriage.

Bryn Athyn Cathedral