Welcome to Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral

May 4, 2025

Dear Cathedral Family,

It is with great joy that I share with you the news that the Reverend Abigail Crozier Nestlehutt has been elected Dean of the Cathedral Church of the Saviour, Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral.

Currently, Abigail serves as Rector of St. Peter’s Church in the Great Valley in Malvern, Pennsylvania.  She has guided the parish in fostering connections among parishioners and between the parish and community. An atmosphere of welcome and engagement in ministry focused on Jesus is abundantly clear to all who visit or become involved.

An engaging preacher, worship leader, and pastor, Abigail brings to the Cathedral management her expertise and strategic thinking expertise, as well as a commitment to collaboration. Her experience in a wide range of settings – rural, suburban, and urban – uniquely prepare her to become our Cathedral’s Dean. 

Abigail will be familiar to many of you.  She served on Cathedral Chapter and as one of the concelebrants for the July 2024 celebration of the 50^th anniversary of the ordination of women to the priesthood.

Time and again in our conversations, Abigail highlighted the importance of the Cathedral as a seat for the Bishop, a home for the Diocese, and a welcoming community for all.

Please join me in thanking those who served on our Nominating and Review Committees – the Reverend Barbara Ballenger, Charles Carr, Phyllis Cater, John Chou, the Reverend Ernest Galaz, and Norman McClave - for their generous commitment of time and effort to this discernment process.  It was truly Spirit led.  We are grateful, too, for the support and guidance of the Reverend Jane Gober, Diocesan Cannon for Transition.  Finally, many thanks, too, to our Interim Dean, the Reverend Al Holland.  His steady hand and quick smile helped the Cathedral community prosper during this transition.  We will recognize him and his service with a reception on Sunday, July 20th.

Abigail brings extraordinary skills to the Cathedral. We look forward to a shared ministry that is truly transformative for the Cathedral, the Diocese and the community. Please plan to be at the Cathedral Sunday, August 31^st when Abigail celebrates her first Eucharist with us as Dean.

In joyful and prayerful anticipation,

Luisa M. Rabe,  Dean's Warden

The Very Rev. Abigail Crozier Nestlehutt, Dean-elect of the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral

In Person

Online

Map and Parking Directions

Download the service leaflet for Sunday, May 25

Weekdays: Noonday Eucharist on  Friday.  If you require weekday pastoral care, please call the Cathedral Office at 215-386-0234.

Learn more about worship and prayer at the cathedral.

Our Statement of Commitment and Action: Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral Covenant

Read the Profile of our Cathedral Congregation here.

Here's a video tour including historic images of our holy space.

Get Involved

Whatever brings you to the cathedral community you are most welcome! We'd love to get to know you and help you find your place within our diverse and loving community. Fill out a newcomers form

The best way to belong to the cathedral is to get involved in one of our ministries. To work out where you might fit we have a survey designed to help you find your place of ministry within our community. Fill out the survey

We also encourage members to support the cathedral financially. When we get financially committed we get our heart committed too! You can give online here, fill out an online pledge for 2024 here or if you're a pen and paper kind of person, you can download a printable pledge form for 2024 here.

Visit Us or Get in Touch

Please visit us at:

19 S. 38th Street  
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Our mailing address and offices are at:

3717 Chestnut Street, Suite 200 
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Phone us: 215-386-0234

Email: info@philadelphiacathedral.org

Map and Parking Directions