In 1930 Christ Church Old Swedes in Swedesburg, Upper Merion’s oldest parish, erected a Lych Gate – a roofed gate with side benches – as an entrance to the churchyard. it was dedicated “To The Glory of God and in Memory of Abbey Holstein, Charles Holstein, Sar
a Holstein and Elizabeth Paist.”
The Lych (pronounced lich) Gate was patterned after a similar structure in Strafford on Avon in England, the birth and burial place of William Shakespeare.
In some churches in England and the United States, the Lych Gate was a place where the coffin could be set down to await the arrival of the clergyman before the funeral service.
The Swedes Church Lych Gate was built across from the Swedesburg trolley station on River Road, Route 23, and was used by parishioners as a waiting place. At this point, there were two sets of tracks where the trolleys changed direction between Swedeland and Norristown. Several years later the trolleys were replaced by buses operated by the Schuylkill Valley Bus Company.
Many visitors who come to the historic Swedes Church enjoy the Lych Gate as an added attraction.
King of Prussia Courier article by Ed Dybicz.
SOCIETY NOTE: On Tuesday, December 13, Christ Church will be celebrating their annual Saint Lucia Fest, A Patriot’s Lucia, at 7:00 pm.
Come celebrate with church members and learn a little more about one of the most historic places in Montgomery County. The Christmas Celebration will be followed by a lite fare refreshment gathering in the Church Hall.