Gezicht op de Presbyteriaanse kerk van Frankford before 1872

This anonymous print shows the Presbyterian Church of Frankford. While its exact date and the artist remain unknown, the image evokes the historical and cultural contexts of faith, community, and identity. On the right side of the book we see the church in full form, an impressive stone structure surrounded by trees, a symbol of stability and tradition within a community. On the left the church is barely visible, blurry and ghost-like. Perhaps the church has become a faded memory? Frankford, now part of Philadelphia, was a place where religious institutions played a central role, particularly for its European settlers. Churches were not just places of worship, but also social hubs that reinforced community bonds. The austerity of the architecture reflects the values of the Presbyterian faith, emphasizing simplicity. As you contemplate this image, consider how places of worship shape collective identity, and provide continuity through times of social change.