St. George's United Methodist Church

Lying at the northern edge of Old City is St. George's United Methodist Church, the oldest Methodist church in America. The Methodist movement first started here in 1769 and the building itself has not changed much in the past 240 years of use.

Services are still held here regularly. However, if you'd like a tour of the building itself and the museum and artifacts held within, you should make an appointment in advance. This can be done easily by contacting the church through their website at www.historicstgeorges.org. We were able to secure an appointment with Donna Miller, who spent an hour showing us around and giving us an excellent tour.

In the museum portion of the church, you can learn about the various contributors to the history of the Methodist movement and their contributions to Philadelphia. What stood out most to me is how one of its members in the early 1900s, Anna Jarvis, started Mother's Day. Originally, the holiday was meant to honor the mothers of this nation and she very much dis-liked how Hallmark made it a commercial holiday. At least she can rest in peace knowing how all Americans still celebrate this holiday.

For the church itself (which isn't air conditioned by the way for those of you thinking on visiting on a 100 degree day!), you'll see excellent craftsmanship and it is quite impressive.