Historic St. George's United Methodist Church

This timeline was created by Nicole Rivelli through Temple University's Cultural Fieldwork Initiative collaboration.

1729-01-06 03:20:43

The Holy Club at Oxford

(Created at Christ College in Oxford) The Wesley brothers John and Charles, wanted to create a group with whom they could share their beliefs and practice their discipleship. The Idea was short lived and the brothers went on to get their educations at different schools. John was studying to become an ordained priest in the Church of England and was elected a "fellow" at Lincoln College, a smaller college in Oxford. Years later, John received a letter from Charles explaining how he renewed his desire for spiritual growth. The brothers reunited in Oxford and gathered other men to join their religious group, which was known as the Holy Club. "The Holy Club, as this group is most often referred to today, was adopting a holistic approach to their Christian formation. They studied the Bible, prayed, and worshiped together." This club was a significant contributor to the Methodist Church in the years to come and this group later became the United Methodists.

1736-02-06 00:00:00

John & Charles Wesley Visit America

In 1736, John and Charles Wesley arrived in Savannah, Georgia. The trip to America produced the first Anglican Church in Savannah and the first Anglican hymn-book in America (Collection of Psalms and Hymns, 1737), written by John Wesley. It also impacted the early stages of Methodism with the establishment of the first "Methodist" religious society meeting at Frederica in 1736.

1740-01-01 08:32:40

George Whitefield

Considered one of the "Fathers of Methodism," George Whitefield was a member of the Holy Group formed by the Wesley brothers. Whitefield took upon one of the main leadership roles in the Oxford group. In America, Whitefield and the Wesley brothers were gaining popularity in Philadelphia for their inspirational preaching. However, there was some underlying tension with John Wesley, which lead to a breakup with the Wesley brothers. Whitefield also had a conflicted relationship with slavery, vocally criticizing slave owners initially, then championing the institution of slavery. Though conflicted in his thoughts on the subject, in the end he invested in slavery over time, unlike John Wesley. Whitefield was dedicated to the church and when he passed away in 1770, he had preached an estimated 18,000 times to over 10 million listeners.

1744-01-06 03:20:43

John Wesley

Considered to be one of the Father's of Methodism, John Wesley worked along side his brother Charles to create a religious group at his college known as "The Holy Group" which later became the Methodist Church. During his ministry he traveled over 4,000 miles annually, preaching some 40,000 sermons in his lifetime.

1750-01-01 00:00:00

Charles Wesley

Considered to be one of the Father's of Methodism, Charles is famous for his Hymns that were commonly used at the Historic St. George's United Methodist Church, as well as other Methodist Churches around the country. With over 6,000 hymns, Charles Wesley is the "Poet Laureate and Great Writer of Methodism." Many of his famous hymns focus on the Liberation of the Human Soul. His writings and hymns help those who sing them to learn about the Methodist theology and truly understand the meaning of the movement through liberation and joy.

1758-01-01 23:54:02

John Wesley Baptizes two African American slaves.

In 1758, John Wesley baptized two African-American slaves. This was an influential moment in history, as it broke some of the societal color barriers in the Methodist community. This was the first act of many where the Methodist community participated in equal rights. There is a long road for full equality in the Methodist community and society as a whole, but this was one of the first times we see equality in the church.

1763-01-01 00:00:00

The Purchasing of the Church

The building was originally purchased by German Reformed Congregation. This congregation were not financially able to continue the building and the church's trustees were put into debtor's prison. A young speculator purchased the church for 700 pounds. His father was unable to fulfill the financial responsibilities that the young man agreed to. The family sold the church to the Methodists in 1769.

1767-03-17 03:59:46

Captain Thomas Webb

Thomas Webb was an important figure in the early development of American Methodism. After serving as a British officer in the American colonies, he returned to England where he converted to Methodism in 1765. In 1767, Captain Thomas Webb and Joseph Pilmore led the push to establish the first Methodist classes in Philadelphia and other venues along the East Coast of the new colonies. From 1765 and on, he traveled from Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware, spreading the word of Methodism.

1769-11-01 00:00:00

Mary Evans Thorn(e)

Mary Thorn(e) was a converted Methodist who became the first female Class leader at St.George's. Originally a Baptist, Mary became a converted Methodist in the 1760s after she moved to Philadelphia. She was working as a school teacher and a seamstress when she became enthralled with the preaching of Joseph Pilmore/Pilmoor. Pilmore/Pilmoor recognized her talents of teaching and asked her to teach the newly-formed classes at the church. During the Revolutionary War, Mary served as a nurse and offered her home on Arch Street as temporary quarters for the St. George’s Methodist Society. During the late 1770s, Mary met a British man and moved to England where she continued her Methodist teachings. One of her most recognized documents was a letter written to Bishop Thomas Coke in 1813 recounting the story of her conversion and remarkable role in the founding of Methodism in Philadelphia. This letter also documented the British occupation of Philadelphia during the Revolutionary War. With no clear record, historians believe she passed away between the years 1815-1816.

1772-12-08 00:00:00

Joseph Pilmore

Joseph Pilmore (1739-1825) was an English Methodist preacher and missionary, who helped spread Methodism in early America. When Pilmore was 16 years old, he was influenced by the teachings of John Wesley and converted to Methodism. He came to America in 1769 and conducts and preaches The Dedication Service and his first sermon in America in 1770. Known as an "aggressive evangelist," he helped grow Methodism in Philadelphia and peached at places in Delaware, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. On November 24, 1769, Pilmore conducted and preached at the Dedication Service and first sermon ever in the St. George's building. Moreover, he also held the first Methodist Love Feast in America in 1770 at St. George’s Church in Philadelphia.

1775-12-01 00:00:00

American Revolution

The American Revolution-also called the U.S. War of Independence-was the insurrection fought between 1775 and 1783 through which 13 of Great Britain's North American colonies threw off British rule to establish the sovereign United States of America, founded with the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

1780-10-28 00:00:00

Francis Asbury

"The First American Bishop," Francis Asbury influenced the shape of early American Methodism more than any other person and his portrait hangs in the Sanctuary of the church. Asbury preached often at St. George's and was devoted to the mission of Methodism. Asbury died in 1816 after forty-five years’ service in America. The church's museum holds the Communion Chalice given to Francis Asbury by John Wesley. The Museum also holds personal artifacts of Francis Asbury, including the Asbury Bible that he used in his first sermon in 1771, a watch he gave to his mother when he left England which was later purchased and presented to the museum, and the Francis Asbury Medal Centennial of the M.E Church in America (1784).

1784-12-01 03:20:43

Christmas Conference of 1784

The Christmas Conference was an historic event that helped progress the Methodist Religion. In 1784, with the Christmas Conference's unanimous approval, Asbury was ordained and appointed as co-superintendent. He was ordained deacon on Christmas Day by laying on of hands; elder on the next day; and superintendent the next. This Conference set the groundwork for historic meetings to come.

1787-10-14 07:47:44

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke worked alongside many significant Methodists, such as John Wesley and Francis Asbury, and worked as one of the first bishops in American Methodism. Originally from Wales, Coke was educated in law and leaned towards the beliefs of the Wesleys. John Wesley would later become one of the trusted companions of Thomas Coke. After serving as superintendent of Methodism’s London circuit (1780) and first chairman of the Irish Conference (1782), Coke was ordained and ap­pointed by Wesley in 1784 as superintendent for the work in the newly independent United States. Coke was one of the leading figures in unifying Methodism on both sides of the Atlantic. He was later called "the Father of Methodist Missions" due to his frequent travels and spreading of Methodism.

1791-01-01 00:00:00

Rev. John Dickins

Rev. John Dickins was an influential preacher and considered to be one of the founders of early American Methodism. He was appointed as Pastor of St. George's in 1789. "He preached like a lion" is what many have said about his touching preaching abilities. From 1778-1780, Dickins was the leader of a group that opposed Francis Asbury's views and was one of the leading figures of the sacramental controversy. Dickins was also an influential member of the "Christmas Conference" of 1784 and has also been called the the first author in American Methodism as he created "Short Scriptural Catechism." Dickins also founded the Methodist Publishing House at Old St. George's in1789 and became its first book Steward/Editor. Although Dickins was a wildly successful pastor, author, and editor, his name became involved with a mystery. Although he survived the first two scourges of the deathly Yellow Fever plaque, he unfortunately did not make it past the third wave. He as well as his daughter, Elizabeth, passed in 1798. For years, many believed Dickins and his daughter's remains were located at St. George's Cemetery on Crown Street. However, in 1847, the cemetery relocated due to urban development and all of the unclaimed remains were moved to the vault located in the ossuary beneath St. George's Church. However, behind Old St. George's, there is a headstone with his name engraved on it. Historian Edwin Warriner explains that the remains of Dickins and his daughter were moved to Baltimore with the rest of his family and then moved back to another cemetery in Philadelphia. In recent years, controversy has struck whether his body is truly located at the Church in Philadelphia or in Baltimore with his family's remains.

1795-12-01 07:21:31

The Wesley Chalice

John Wesley presented the Wesley Chalice cup as a gift to Francis Asbury and St. George's Methodist Church in 1785. Its purpose was for the Methodist people to use in the United States. This Chalice resides in the archives of St. George's United Methodist Church today and is occasionally used during services in the Sanctuary as a means of connecting people to the Methodist religion.

1800-03-31 03:12:39

Harry Hosier

Henry Hooiser (1750-1806) was born a slave in North Carolina. He was known during his life as "Black Harry" and was a converted Methodist after the American Revolution and during the Second Great Awakening. He was recognized by Francis Asbury in one of his journals and was considered to be an influential evangelist for the Methodists. Hosier became a traveling partner of Asbury's and together they captured the audience of both white and black Methodists. Although never ordained or formally recognized by the Methodist Church, his preaching was influential: he was able to spread the message of Methodism to large numbers of people. Unlike the African Methodist Episcopal congregations, Hosier’s church remained part of the Methodist denomination. Mother African Zoar United Methodist Church, that Hosier helped found, has remained a force in the community, having moved from its original location to now residing at 12th and Melon.

1802-11-01 00:00:00

Absalom Jones

Born into slavery in 1746, Absalom Jones was brought to Philadelphia until he was released from his master in 1784. In Philadelphia, he worked alongside Richard Allen and served as lay minister for the Black membership at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church. Racial tensions flared and after a time a progressively segregated seating policy for Blacks brought Allen and Jones to lead the African congregation in a historic walkout leading to the formation of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas and Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Allen formed the AME but Jones went to the Episcopal Church. The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) was the first independent African-American denomination in the United States. Jones and Allen also formed the Free African Society to aid in the emancipation of slaves and to offer sustenance and spiritual support to widows, orphans, and the poor.

1808-05-17 00:00:00

Jacob Albright

Born in Pottstown, PA in 1759, Jacob Albright became an American religious leader and the founder of the Evangelical Association (later the Evangelical Church). He served as drummer and guard for Hessian prisioners in the American Revolution and settled in Lancaster county in 1785. After several of his children died, Albright experienced a 'spiritual crisis' in 1790 and joined the Methodist religion. He became licensed by the Methodist Church and began preaching all over Pennsylvania. During the time of 1796, the Methodist people refused to begin ministry on German-speaking people. This led Albright to preach "the Lord granted me his blessing". In 1800, Albright organized his first meeting with a group of loyal followers, which later became his beginning workings in the Evangelical Movement. He continued his work until he passed away in May of 1808.

1811-01-01 22:34:05

Martin Boehm

Martin Boehm was born on November 30, 1725. He later became an American pastor and clergyman of the Methodist community. In 1791, he donated a lot of land to the Methodists to help build more religious buildings and they built Boehm's Chapel. Considered "too evangelical," he was expelled by the Mennonites. Boehm and Phillip William Otterbein then formed the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and became one of the Church's first bishops. In 1802, Boehm joined the Methodist Episcopal Church while he was still bishop of the Brethren church and expanded his religious teachings. He continued his religious work until he died on March 23, 1812.

1813-11-01 00:00:00

Philadelphia Conference

The Philadelphia Conference was one of many congregated conferences held at St. George's United Methodist Church. The Church was more than a place of worship, but a place where influential men could discuss political aspects of the country and city. The Philadelphia Conference produced a journal which is in the possession of St. George's. It holds recorded minutes of the Philadelphia Conference from 1800 through 1814, presided over by Francis Asbury and others. This is one of many original journals that St. George's Church holds.

1816-11-01 00:00:00

Richard Allen

Born into slavery in 1760, Richard Allen later bought his freedom and went on to found the first national Black church in the United States, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1816. At HSG, Allen preached to the African American members at pre-sunrise services, so as not to get in the way of the white members. By 1787, Allen, Absalom Jones, and other black community leaders pressed to have a religious and social fellowship of their own. White members at St. George’s attempted to push black members to segregated seating and interrupted their kneeling in prayer during one particular Sunday service. Richard Allen, alongside Absalom Jones, led black congregants in a walkout. Three Black congregations originate from this historic act of protest. Allen went on to found the Mother Bethel AME Church. Allen remained committed to establishing an independent Methodist church. Mother Bethel AME Church was dedicated in July 1794 on land located at Sixth and Lombard Streets that Allen had purchased in 1791. The church remains at this location today, the oldest continuously black-owned plot of land in the country. The white leaders of St. George's of that time were wrong and today the church views their actions as racist. Historic St.George's ministry today has made a commitment to fight oppression of all forms, including oppression based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender and sexual orientation.

1821-01-01 14:26:19

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

The African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AMEZ) Church was a response to racial discrimination and segregation.With the permission of Francis Asbury, the AMEZ was formed and today, it is the second largest African-American Methodist denomination.

1825-01-01 00:00:00

Reverend Thomas Ware

Thomas Ware was born in New Jersey on December 19, 1758, and grew up a trained Calvinist. After the Revolutionary War, during which Ware served, he began to appreciate the deeper aspects of religion. He soon joined the Methodists and was sent by Asbury to the Dover circuit in 1783. As an early Methodist circuit rider, Ware was present at the Christmas Conference in 1784 and became a pastor of St. George's in 1807. His memoirs, "Sketches in the Life and Travels of Rev. Thomas Ware (1839)," tells the many tales of being a traveling preacher.

1828-06-21 00:21:33

Freeborn Garrettson

Known as the "Paul Revere" of American Methodism, Freeborn Garrettson was an influential Methodist leader. Freeborn Garrettson was one of the first American-born preachers to serve the Methodist Church. At the age of 23, Garrettson heard Rev. Robert Strawbridge preach and became inspired. Garrettson began his own ministry in 1775. In 1784, Freeborn Garrettson rode 1200 miles in six weeks to gather all the Methodist preachers in America for the Christmas Conference. Garrettson was against slavery and freed his own slaves from his family's plantation. He was one of the few preachers in Maryland that opposed slavery in a state where it was supported. Garretson's papers from 50 years of ministry mention his fellow preachers and traveling companions including Francis Asbury, Richard Allen and Harry Hosier. At the age of 76, after 50 years of ministry, freeborn Garrettson passed away in 1827.

1833-01-01 00:00:00

Reverend Henry White

Reverend Henry White was working with St. George's Church from 1833-1834. There is a painting of him hanging in the church's museum in memory of his Methodist services to the Church.

1835-12-01 00:00:00

William McKendree

The museum at St. George's United Methodist Church holds a portrait of the late William McKendree. Born in 1757, McKendree was the first bishop of the Methodist Church born in America. The church holds a line engraving by F.E. Jones, after the portrait by Paradise.

1843-02-21 00:00:00

Ezekiel Cooper

Ezekiel Cooper was born on February 22, 1763, in Caroline County, Maryland. Cooper grew up Catholic and attending the Church of England. When he was 13 years old, he became intrigued with the Methodist religion. On June 3, 1787, Cooper was ordained a deacon by Bishop Francis Asbury at John Street Church in New York City. Although he did have ties to Boston, New York, and even South Carolina, Cooper focused much of his attention on Philadelphia, specifically the peninsula between Chesapeake and Delaware Bays. After a decade of ministry, in 1779, Cooper was appointed to run the Methodist Book Concern, which was located at St. George's, where he would help for the next nine years. Ezekiel Cooper was an opponent of slavery and used his status as "a freeman" to write letters to legislative figures seeking the freedom for slaves. Cooper served as pastor of St. George's from 1795-1796, 1820-1821, 1826, and finally 1837-1843. He continued his work until he was 64, when he passed away in 1847. His grave can be found at the main entrance of the Historic St. George's United Methodist Church in Philadelphia and his photo is located in the museum portion of the church.

1850-01-01 00:00:00

“The Philadelphia Movement”

“The Philadelphia Movement” was organized, which contributed significantly to the present day Lay Activities of the UMC.

1854-12-01 00:00:00

Charles Pitman

Charles Pitman was an American Pastor, who served twice at St. George's. He helped raise funds for Dickinson College and served as the Secretary of the Missionary Society of the M.E. Society. He was an orator, an evangelist, presiding elder, and denominational administrator. His portrait hangs in the museum at St. George's.

1859-01-01 11:59:33

United Methodist Historical Society

Housed at St. George's, the Historical Society of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference is among the oldest in the United Methodist Church. Founded in the 1860s, the Society is entirely voluntary and open to all, and works in partnership with the appointed members of the EPA Commission on Archives and History. The Society has formal meetings three to four times a year, and is active in the work of preserving St. George's collection of historic documents and artifacts, participates in events to promote a deeper understanding of the Church's historical legacy, and has published an annual journal. The Annals of Eastern Pennsylvania journal features articles which chronicle and examine the rich heritage which are available online. To learn more, please click the "Learn More" link.

1862-01-01 00:00:00

Bishop Matthew Simpson

Bishop Matthew Simpson was a Methodist Bishop from Ohio. He moved to the city of Philadelphia during the Civil War and became a Bishop for the M.E (Methodist Episcopal) Church. Simpson was a colleague of President-Elect Abraham Lincoln and spent much time with him in 1860-1861. The Lincoln Administration placed particular importance on maintaining the Union support of Methodists and Bishop Simpson was a key leader of Methodists as he was a supporter of the Union. Simpson became a known speaker on behalf of the Union and was a huge supporter of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862 and even traveled across country speaking. In 1863, Simpson preached at the church in Washington D.C. that Abraham Lincoln worshiped at. He spoke not only about the religion but the state of the country and the beliefs of the Union. In 1865 when President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, Simpson preached at the memorial and funeral sermons in Washington, D.C. He went on to continue his preaching and played a huge role in supporting the North.

1865-08-01 00:00:00

Fire at St. George's

Considered to be one of the most traumatic events at the historic landmark, St. George's caught on fire in August 1865. The Sanctuary was the most devastated part of the church and the repairs of the church transformed it into a church with a new 19th century look.

1880-01-01 21:32:07

Anna Howard Shaw

Anna Howard Shaw was licensed as a local preacher (women didn't get full ordination until 1956). Prior to 1880, she had an active role in the Methodist community as she began preaching in sermons since 1870. In 1871, she became a licensed preacher. Anna Howard Shaw was also an influential leader in the Women's Suffrage Movement. She was one of the few women to actually pursue higher education in the late 19th century. In 1878, she graduated from the divinity school of Boston University and was the only female. Shaw resigned her pastorates in 1885 and became fully invested in the Women's Suffrage Movement, alongside Susan B. Anthony. Through the early 20th century, she was a familiar figure in demonstrations, conferences, congressional hearings, and lecture circuits, speaking in every state of the Union. Shaw was an influential figure within her religion and for the larger social movement of achieving equality for women.

1883-01-01 04:41:27

Rev Samuel Barnes

Pastor of large Methodist Episcopal Churches of Four Eastern Conferences at one time, Samuel Barnes was one of the most prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal clergy. He enjoyed the reputation of having held the pulpit in the largest churches in four of the most important Conference districts in the East. He was pastor of St. George's in 1883-1884, in Philadelphia Pa. He continued his services until he passed away in 1912.

1888-07-28 16:24:47

The Memorable Conference of 1788

Rev. George W. Lybrand (1888). Information appeared in the Philadelphia Methodist of July 28, 1888, and was prepared by conference historian, George Lybrand. It documents that a conference was held in Philadelphia in 1788, despite the fact that the official records do not show it. This was important because the Philadelphia Conference had decided to begin numbering its sessions based on a conference held within its geographic bounds that year.

1890-01-01 07:27:28

Pilgrim Holiness Church

The Pilgrim Holiness Church (1897) was originally a Methodist prayer league that grew into a denomination by the early 20th century. It was developed as a church in the Holiness tradition with a strong emphasis on the Wesleyan principles of sanctification of believers and evangelistic missionary work. 'In 1897, Martin Wells Knapp, a Methodist minister in Cincinnati, Ohio, organized the International Apostolic Holiness Union to restore the primitive spirit of John Wesley on "apostolic practices, methods, power and success." Twenty-five years later, the International Holiness Church (derived from the Union) joined with the like-minded Pilgrim Church of California to become the Pilgrim Holiness Church. In 1968, the Wesleyan Methodist Church merged with the Pilgrim Holiness Church.'

1897-06-01 19:23:04

Regina Music Box

The St. George's United Methodist Church is currently in possession of a Regina Music Box. Sitting in the church's designated museum area, this music box is on full display. During the 19th century, there was a popular demand for Regina music boxes as they were new inventions. 'The industry grew rapidly in Europe and America as the new disc music box invention allowed the owner to purchase new music for his disc music box as new music was arranged and produced by the music box maker.' The popularity of the music box begin to fade by the 20th century as new inventions were produced. However, St. George's museum holds an original Regina Music Box from the 19th century.

1902-01-01 00:00:00

Rev. Charles Albert Tindley

Charles Albert Tindley was born on July 7, 1851, in Berlin, Maryland. His father was a slave and his mother was 'free', so Charles was considered to be a free man. After the Civil War, Charles moved to Philadelphia where he worked low paying jobs to support his wife, Daisy. Tindley was very interested in schooling and although he was not allowed to attend school, he found ways to educate himself of the workings of the world. He learned Greek, Hebrew and became fascinated with the Methodist religion. Tindley became an ordained deacon in 1887 and was known as the "Prince of Preachers" for his inspirational services and was a noted hymnwriter. One of his famous works was the "Beams of Heaven" which helped influence American gospel music. Tindley was a delegate to the seven General Conferences and was a Civil Rights advocate. He even created a Civil Rights anthem titled "We Shall Overcome." In 1902, he was appointed pastor at the Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia where he helped grow the membership from 700 people to over 2,000 people. He even created a sanctuary known as the Tindley Temple United Methodist Church where he continued to influence the lives of Methodist people.

1911-01-01 14:45:47

Rev. Samuel W. Thomas

Reverend Samuel W. Thomas worked very hard to help the Methodist Society in Philadelphia. It was under his guidance that the 1018-1026 Arch St. buildings were purchased. This allowed for the Methodist Book Room and the Wesley Hall to open. Thomas was also a trustee of the Methodist Hospital and the editor of the Philadelphia Methodist. St. George's is currently in possession of the "Anniversary Address" from March 16, 1911, by Samuel W. Thomas and is on display in the museum portion of the church.

1914-05-17 02:59:21

Anna Marie Jarvis

Anna Marie Jarvis was born in Webster, West Virginia, on May 1, 1864. Anna had always been inspired by her mother, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis' work for other women. Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis became instrumental in developing the "Mother's Day Work Clubs" in several counties across West Virginia. These clubs were developed to improve health hygiene practices and conditions before the beginning of the Civil War. During the Civil War, instead of choosing a side, Anna Jarvis encouraged the Mother's Day Work Clubs to claim 'neutrality' and help both the Confederate and Union soldiers. She then developed the “Mothers Friendship Day” club which was dedicated to the healing process after the Civil War to help bring together soldiers and neighbors of all political beliefs. Anna Marie Jarvis moved to Philadelphia in 1902 with her mother and sister. They joined the St. George's United Methodist Church. After her mother died in 1905, Anna Marie Jarvis decided to honor her mother's work and in 1907, she began to campaign to have Mother's Day an established holiday. Anna worked with churches and communities to spread the word of Mother's Day and by 1911, Mother's Day was celebrated in every state in the Union. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson made an official announcement, proclaiming Mother's Day as an official National Holiday on the second Sunday of May. As a member of St. George's Church, the museum of the church displays a photo of Anna Jarvis in celebration of her work. She kept her membership at her home church in West Virginia, but she attended St. George's and taught Sunday School here.

1921-01-01 09:50:53

Bishop Thomas Neely

Thomas Neely was born in Philadelphia in 1841. He spent the majority of his life as a traveling pastor, spreading the word of Methodism. After returning back to Philadelphia in 1912, he remained active in the Philadelphia Conference. Neely became an important figure to St. George's Church in 1921, where he helped save the Church. The construction of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge threatened the home of the oldest Methodist Church in America. Neely's efforts to save the church gained support from congregants. With Neely's support, he pleaded with the Joint Delaware Bridge Commission for a new location for the bridge. On July 7th, 1921, the commission decided to move the bridge 14 feet from the original proposal, which saved the historic building of St. George's. Today, you can see the fourteen foot separation from the building and the bridge.

1926-07-01 01:13:41

Completion of the Ben Franklin Bridge

In the 1920s, the Construction of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge was one of Philadelphia's big projects. this project required the reconstruction of 4th st. This meant the original foundations of St. George's needed to be lowered.

1933-09-01 22:43:15

The Great Depression

The depression of the 20th century, changed the way many Americans lived their lives. Many businesses, churches, stores, and even schools were closing. This changed the way society was completely.

1940-01-01 10:26:50

Women's Missionary Movement

The Women's Missionary Movement began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This movement developed because American women grew increasingly unsatisfied with the limited roles granted them in church, home and missions. The Women’s Union Missionary Society was developed overseas in 1861 and women in America were inspired by their work. As result, groups of women began organizing their own missionary boards. By the turn of the 20th century, at least 40 women’s missionary societies were in existence, involving two million female mission workers and thousands of American women in leadership roles that had been nonexistent decades earlier. This movement inspired more and more women to take active roles in the church communities.

1950-01-01 02:59:44

John Raleigh Mott

John Raleigh Mott was an American Methodist layperson who is recognized as the "father of the modern ecumenical movement." Born on May 25, 1865, at Livingston Manor, Sullivan County, New York, and raised in Postville, Iowa, Mott was the son of a prosperous timber merchant with a strong Methodist Episcopal Church family tradition. At the 1888 Mount Hermon Student Conference under Dwight L. Moody’s leadership, Mott was one of the original "Mount Hermon Hundred" to sign the student volunteer declaration for missionary service promoted by Robert P. Wilder that launched the Student Volunteer Movement. He is best remembered for his efforts toward Christian unity across denominational divides. He was the principle organizer of the International Missionary Council and World Council of Churches. Due to his ecumenical efforts, he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946.

1959-06-23 00:00:00

St. George's courtyard becomes part of Independence National Historical Park

The Act of Congress approved on June 23, 1959 (73 Stat. 88) authorizes the acquisition certain land adjacent to the Church's property (the church courtyard) for inclusion in the Independence National Historic Park. This was approved for preserving the integrity of the historic structure for the benefit and inspiration of the American people and their national inheritance.

1968-01-01 00:54:40

Fred Pratt Green

Fred Pratt Green was widely known as the greatest Methodist hymn writer since Charles Wesley. He has composed over 300 hymns and other pieces of worship. Green attended a Methodist boarding school in North Wales (Rydal) and accepted a call into ordained ministry. He helped create influential religious material that was prominent in the Methodist community.

1976-08-01 00:00:00

John Wesley's American Parish

In 1976, St. George's declared itself the site of John Wesley's American ministry. The site is a national landmark that allows visitors to acknowledge the location of John Wesley's first sermon in America.

1993-01-20 00:00:00

Ecumenical gathering of Philadelphia clergy at St. George's

Ecumenical gathering of Philadelphia clergy at St. George's, where white clergy repented of the sin of racism in marginalizing Mother Bethel AME's founders before the black clergy of Philadelphia.

Historic St. George's United Methodist Church

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