Tour is postponed. Our guide for Friday’s tour of the First Unitarian Church has come down with a bad cough and is unable to lead a tour this week. The new date will be announced when he is well and ready to reschedule.

Philly Forward: A Tourism Symposium is coming up on November 12. If you would like to learn more about the beautiful Furness-designed building that the event is being held in, join us for a tour! Drawing on forty years of study of Frank Furness’ architecture, APT member Richard Frey will give a tour of First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia on Friday, November 18, at 11 am. Weather permitting, this comprehensive question-and-answer tour will look at the entire 1885 building: three floors inside as well as the outside masonry.

The church’s architect was a son of the Reverend Dr. William Henry Furness, who, at the age of 23, became the church’s first pastor. Serving the congregation from 1825 to his death in 1898, he was a great influence on Frank’s life and work, as will be evident in this tour. Time allotted is 1.5-2 hours, though participants are welcome to leave earlier or stay longer according to their interest and availability. The tour is complimentary; tips will be accepted at the end for those who choose to donate. Please email Marianne at to register for this unique opportunity.