‘Firsts’ in the City of Independence July 4, 2021 by Web Master By Joseph Pronechen At lower left, Old St. Mary Church at 252 S. 4th Street was built in 1763 by Charles Johnson and was altered in 1782 and 1810-11. At right, Old St. Joseph’s Church was the first Catholic church in the city. Philadelphia, the Birthplace of Religious Liberty Read More: National Catholic Register