United Methodist Church of the Redeemer

In 1910, a small group of Methodists gathered in the Lackey family home. This marked the humble beginnings of the United Methodist Church of the Redeemer. They held services in homes until they secured a property at Cottman and Rising Sun Avenues. Imagine worshipping in a tent on that very spot! The first church building was completed and dedicated in April 1911. The United Methodist Church of the Redeemer continued to grow. In 1925, they moved their building to Cottman and Lawndale Avenues after purchasing the property. The growing congregation needed more space. They built a basement in 1933, a new sanctuary in 1949, an education wing in 1952, and finally a parking lot in 1972. The church’s name officially became the United Methodist Church of the Redeemer in 1968. This change resulted from the merger of the Methodist Episcopal and Evangelical United Brethren Churches. Today, the United Methodist Church of the Redeemer is part of the East District of the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference. They continue their mission to “WIN people to Christ! GROW people in Christ! SEND people for Christ!” Led by Pastor Lemeul (Jack) A. Ross Jr., they offer Sunday services at 9:15 a.m. at 1128 Cottman Avenue. The United Methodist Church of the Redeemer remains a beacon of faith and community in Philadelphia.