A cornerstone of American Methodism. That’s what this building represents. Welcome to the John Street Methodist Church.
This isn’t just any church. It’s the oldest continuous Methodist congregation in America. Founded in 1766 by Irish immigrants Philip Embury and Barbara Heck. They were known as the Father and Mother of American Methodism. Imagine their journey from County Limerick to New York.
Their first church was a simple structure. A plain and decent blue stucco barn. They called it the Wesley Chapel. It stood right here on this very spot. They built it in 1768. The timber from that original chapel was later reused in other Methodist churches. A fascinating piece of history.
The current building you see before you dates back to 1841. Its Georgian style stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the congregation. This church has witnessed incredible events. It served as a refuge during the Revolutionary War. Injured citizens even received medical treatment here after the Golden Hill protest. This was a time of upheaval and conflict. The church’s location made it a focal point during those tumultuous years.
A drunken group of British officers once disrupted a service. Dressed in costumes for a play. The incident led to General Howe providing a military guard. Quite a story!
Downstairs. You’ll find a museum. It holds many artifacts. Among them is a picture of the ship Perry. It brought Embury Heck and others to New York in 1760. They called it the Methodist Mayflower. A fitting name don’t you think?
The church even has a plaque. It commemorates the Irish Palatines who organized the Wesley Chapel. It highlights their conversion to Methodism in County Limerick by John Wesley himself. The church stands as a testament to their faith and resilience.
Fanny Crosby a well-known hymnist was a member of this congregation. The John Street Methodist Church. A place steeped in history faith and community. It’s a living monument. A story waiting to be rediscovered.