St. George's United Methodist Church

St. George's Church is a house of worship in Old City with colonial architecture featuring white brick and arched windows. The structure sits at the corner of 4th and New Streets, preserving its traditional layout and original architectural elements.

The congregation was founded in 1769 and hosted the first three national Methodist conferences in the 1770s. It remained an active place of gathering during the American Revolution and played an early role in the Methodist movement of the new nation.

The departure of Richard Allen and Absalom Jones from this congregation in 1787 directly led to the founding of two important African American institutions. This connection to the origins of Black religious and social organizations remains visible to visitors today through the church's role in that pivotal moment.

The museum and archives offer insight into the congregation's history and the Methodist movement, though access is limited. Tours are available by arrangement, so contacting ahead helps you plan your visit properly.

When the Benjamin Franklin Bridge was designed in the 1920s, engineers altered its route to avoid disturbing this building. This decision shows how the church's presence shaped the infrastructure that would define the waterfront for generations.

Location: Philadelphia

Website: https://historicstgeorges.org

GPS coordinates: 39.95497,-75.14634

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:28