Standing Strong Since Way Back

A lot has changed in the last few hundred years, but some churches haven't gone anywhere. Built by different hands for different reasons, they still echo the values and workmanship of early settlers. Here, we will explore the oldest twenty churches still standing in the United States. Let's begin.

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1. Cathedral of San Juan Bautista: 1521

Somewhere in Old San Juan, this cathedral is the oldest in any U.S. territory. Originally built from wood, it was destroyed by storms and later rebuilt in stone. It contains the tomb of Juan Ponce de León, a Spanish explorer, and still hosts services.

Daderot on Wikimedia

2. San Miguel Mission: 1610

Constructed from adobe by Indigenous laborers under Franciscan guidance, this church features original walls and altar. What makes it unique is its longevity—it's the oldest surviving church in the continental U.S. Despite repairs, much of the 17th-century artistry remains visible today.

MARELBU on Wikimedia

3. San Agustín De La Isleta Mission: 1613

This adobe mission was built using traditional methods with timber and clay. Over time, the church became a rare symbol of cultural fusion and religious continuity. Still in use after four centuries, it continues to serve the Isleta Pueblo community.

M.Bucka on Wikimedia

4. San Estevan Del Rey Mission Church: 1629

Few churches have a more dramatic setting than this one, perched atop a 367-foot mesa in Acoma Pueblo. Construction required hauling every timber and adobe block by hand. After over 10 years of labor, the result was one of the Southwest's most enduring Spanish missions.

Hasselblad500CM on Wikimedia

5. Jamestown Church: 1639

This Anglican church stands near the ruins of America's first permanent English colony. Previous wooden versions burned or collapsed, so colonists used brick for durability. Today, a restored version incorporates those original foundations and connects modern visitors to a pivotal piece of early U.S. history.

Tony Fischer on Wikimedia

6. Old Bergen Church: 1660

In what's now Jersey City, Dutch settlers founded this Reformed Church congregation over 360 years ago. Although the current structure dates to the 19th century, records and traditions trace straight back to 1660. Services, once held in Dutch, reflect its deep colonial heritage.

King of Hearts on Wikimedia

7. St. Mary's Whitechapel: 1669

Used by elite colonial families, this Virginia church design is simple but elegant, typical of 17th-century Virginia Anglican tradition. Its brick walls and rectangular layout still stand today. After facing alterations, some parts were repaired in the 19th century.

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8. Old Trinity Church: 1675

This modest Episcopal church, built along Maryland's Church Creek, still holds weekly services. Handmade brick, a colonial-era roof beam, and consistent use since the 1600s set it apart. Through wars and floods, it's remained a steady part of the region's spiritual life.

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9. Fairfield Presbyterian Church: circa 1680

Among the oldest Presbyterian churches in the U.S., Fairfield began in colonial New Jersey during the late 1600s. Early congregants worshiped in a log structure, later replaced with brick. The church remains active, preserving its role in America's Reformed tradition.

Smallbones on Wikimedia 

10. Old Ship Church: 1681

Unmistakable for its unique hammer-beam ceiling, this church in Hingham, Massachusetts, is the last surviving Puritan meetinghouse in the U.S. Still in use today, it blends plain architecture with maritime craftsmanship. Its ship-like frame earned it a name that truly fits its bones.

Timothy Valentine on Wikimedia

11. St. Luke's Church: 1682

Often called the oldest brick church still standing in Virginia, St. Luke's showcases Gothic-style design rarely seen in early American buildings. Colonists used handmade bricks and mortise-and-tenon framing. Despite structural changes, it has stayed remarkably true to its 17th-century origins.

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12. Old Dutch Church Of Sleepy Hollow: 1697

If the name sounds familiar, that's because it is. This church inspired Washington Irving's famous tale. It still holds services. Built by early Dutch settlers in New York, the thick stone walls and surrounding graveyard create an eerie charm.

Patrick Ashley on Wikimedia

13. Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church: 1700

This Philadelphia church, originally built by Swedish Lutherans, marks a rare glimpse into the city’s pre-English era. Brickwork was imported, and inscriptions still appear in Swedish. It’s the oldest church in Pennsylvania, standing quietly near the Delaware River.

NMGiovannucci on Wikimedia

14. St. Mary's Episcopal Church: 1703

St. Mary’s began as a wooden chapel before being rebuilt in brick. It played a central role in colonial Burlington and reflects early Anglican expansion in the region. Despite modern updates, the church grounds still include some original headstones and a historic parish hall.

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15. Old St. Andrew’s Parish Church: 1706

Built from brick and designed with classic Georgian proportions, this church survived earthquakes and wars. Services here have run almost continuously for more than 300 years. In Charleston, South Carolina, it claims the title of the oldest surviving church building in the state.

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16. Bruton Parish Church: 1715

Colonial Williamsburg wouldn't feel complete without this iconic church. Built for Virginia's elite, including governors and revolutionaries, it played host to some of America's earliest political sermons. The original box pews and organ remain.

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17. St. Paul’s Chapel (New York): 1766

Though overshadowed by towering buildings today, this chapel is Manhattan's oldest surviving church. George Washington prayed here after his inauguration. Remarkably, it withstood the 9/11 attacks just a block away and served as a relief center.

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18. Old North Church: 1723

Old North is famous for its role in Paul Revere's Midnight Ride. It lit two lanterns to warn of British troops. Beyond folklore, it's the oldest standing church building in the city. The tall steeple and historical ties continue to draw thousands each year.

Adavyd on Wikimedia

19. Trinity Church (Newport, RI): 1726

Constructed entirely from wood, this church stands out for its rare architectural style and original wineglass pulpit. British soldiers occupied it during the Revolutionary War, but it remained structurally intact. Today, it still uses the same elevated pulpit installed nearly 300 years ago.

Bmzuckerman on Wikimedia

20. Christ Church (Philadelphia): 1727

This landmark, known as "The Nation's Church," saw worshippers like George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. Its soaring steeple once made it the tallest building in the colonies. Located in Philadelphia's historic district, it continues to represent the link between faith and early American leadership.

Al R on Wikimedia