
St. Charles Project

History
A Location Rich in History
The St. Charles property in Lower Merion Township has a storied history dating back to the 1500s. The site has served as a model for healing, sustainability and security - and while the campus itself has been beautiful and purposeful, it has had a limited and inactive role in the daily lives of community members. Most recently, the site has hosted the St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, the oldest Catholic institution of higher learning in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

Since the 1860's
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary has grown into a spiritual learning campus. Over time the property has grown with the construction of the Upper and Lower Campus and other complementary additions.

2019
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia sold the St. Charles Seminary property to Main Line Health, a not-for-profit health system serving portions of Philadelphia and its western suburbs.
1682
William Penn grants the ‘Welsh Tract’ to Quakers for farming and mining.

1925 to 1928
Construction of the Lower Campus designed by Paul Monaghan.
