C. Wharton Churchman was born in Philadelphia, the son of Charles James and Ann (Morgan) Churchman. His early education was received at the Lawrencevil1e Preparatory School, and he received his Certificate of Proficiency in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in 1899. He also took supplementary courses in architectural design at the Pennsylvania Museum and School of Industrial Art, for whom he also worked as an instructor in building construction for the school year 1904 to 1905. He spent two and one-half years as an apprentice in the firm of Furness, Evans & Co. and another three years with Cope & Stewardson before establishing his own firm with Walter H. Thomas in 1905. This firm was expanded to Thomas, Churchman & Molitor in 1907, when John Molitor joined the partners. Thomas, Churchman & Molitor continued in practice until 1915, when Churchman went to work for E. J. Holmes Co., interior decorators. During this time he resigned from the Philadelphia Chapter of the AlA, stating that under his business arrangement with E.J. Holmes, he did not feel that he should remain a member. By 1919 Churchman was associated with younger architect Frederick Dreher in the firm Dreher, Churchman, Paul & Ford. By 1923 this had been shortened to Dreher & Churchman, a firm which remained in operation through 1939. Chief among the works of Dreher & Churchman was the development of Suburban Square in Ardmore, Pa.

Churchman had joined the AlA in 1907 and was active as well in the T-Square Club. He also held memberships in the Philadelphia Club and in Zeta Psi Fraternity.

Written by Sandra L. Tatman.