Know Us

Meet Our Community

Come and experience the love at Old First.

I am a resident alien as well as a professional portrait photographer and photojournalist working with activists, artists and healers. I love exploring new-to-me spaces in Philadelphia, getting up early to watch sunrises, and taking the El. I am also a dad / husband and frustrated householder....
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I am a resident alien as well as a professional portrait photographer and photojournalist working with activists, artists and healers. I love exploring new-to-me spaces in Philadelphia, getting up early to watch sunrises, and taking the El. I am also a dad / husband and frustrated householder.

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Chris

Old Firster since 2016, Lives in Frankford

I'm cradle UCC, but I thought confirmation was a vaccination. Immune to further exposure, I stayed away from church for 30 years. When I moved to Philly, I discovered Old First, though I wasn't especially looking for a church. Maybe I was looking for a community, and that's what I found. We do...
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I'm cradle UCC, but I thought confirmation was a vaccination. Immune to further exposure, I stayed away from church for 30 years. When I moved to Philly, I discovered Old First, though I wasn't especially looking for a church. Maybe I was looking for a community, and that's what I found. We don't ask you to stop thinking here. We value your questions and doubts. My faith has grown in this varied, talented, dedicated, hospitable, funny, caring--and occasionally exasperating--congregation.

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Margaret

Old Firster since 1989, Lives in Society Hill

Hello, my name is Sunghye. I am a linguist, vegan, and animal rightist. I am a mother of two cats, Oliver and Leo!

Sunghye

Old Firster since 2012, Lives in Chicago (sometimes back in Philly!)

I love living and working in Philadelphia, and I love worshiping at Old First! I stay active by running, yoga-ing, and trapeze-ing.

Carrie

Old Firster since 2013, Lives in Bella Vista

People are often surprised -- can't believe -- I am a minister. That's a compliment to me (it means I'm not SO stodgy!). Honored to be the pastor at Old First -- the third congregation I have served, but the first one where I can be most easily myself. Thanks for letting me be me, and your pas...
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People are often surprised -- can't believe -- I am a minister. That's a compliment to me (it means I'm not SO stodgy!). Honored to be the pastor at Old First -- the third congregation I have served, but the first one where I can be most easily myself. Thanks for letting me be me, and your pastor.

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Michael

Old Firster since 2009, Lives in Francisville

Married with four kids (two teens, two tweens), and value diversity of ALL kinds. Things I love, besides my wonderful inter-faith family: music -- especially piano and opera, the ocean, Monty Python, hot yoga, museums, my quirky and welcoming church community, and my town.

Kris

Old Firster since 2006, Lives in Collingswood, NJ

I raised beef cattle to put myself through college, had a brief career as a teacher, went to Seminary, tried the church but found my ministry in hospice. Now I volunteer at Old First, Pennsylvania Hospital, and William Way Community Center.

Clark

Old Firster since 2013, Lives in Headhouse Square

I'm a recent college graduate looking to advance out in the work world. Family is from Liberia in west Africa and came here to the United States in 1995 because of civil war in Liberia and we fell right at home here at Old First .

Dorothy

Old Firster Since 1997, Lives in Northeast Philly

Landing at Old First after being the Music Director at Tabernacle United Church for 25 years, was one of the most extraordinary gifts I have ever received. My entire life's work (& play!) has been centered on music, singing, & facilitating opportunities, either with individuals or g...
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Landing at Old First after being the Music Director at Tabernacle United Church for 25 years, was one of the most extraordinary gifts I have ever received. My entire life's work (& play!) has been centered on music, singing, & facilitating opportunities, either with individuals or groups, for ALL beings to find their own "voices" by diving deeply into the vast array of possibilities for finding singing as a means to expressing themselves.

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Holly

Old Firster since 2016, Lives in Roxborough

Finder of faith, later in life. Lover of music, fan of church administrative tasks, and father of two. I love singing in the choir and playing tuba in the OFR Band.

Adam

Old Firster since 1994, Lives in Oaklyn, NJ

I am the school nurse at McCall Elementary - the Philadelphia public school that serves Old First's neighborhood. My father was a UCC pastor, so you could say I was born and bred UCC! I value the welcome, inclusiveness, and hospitality of the UCC and Old First. Love First!

Bobbie

Old Firster Since 1996, Lives in Penn's Landing

I grew up in the UCC church, in my hometown that has more cows than people! I love the outdoors and being by the water. I'm all about rock concerts, yoga, and dogs!

Meg

Old Firster since 2016, Lives in Washington Square West

I grew up in a family of five. I've lived most of my life in the Fishtown and Kensington areas of Philly before my current residence in Turnersville, NJ. Singing is my passion. Family, friends and my dogs give me joy comfort and purpose in life. I love working around my home, and most days in ...
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I grew up in a family of five. I've lived most of my life in the Fishtown and Kensington areas of Philly before my current residence in Turnersville, NJ. Singing is my passion. Family, friends and my dogs give me joy comfort and purpose in life. I love working around my home, and most days in the warm months I can be found lounging by the pool or pulling weeds in the garden.

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Woody

Old Firster since 2007, Lives in Turnersville, NJ

Mastery Charter educator. Proud Penn State alum. College football fan. Was so happy to find Old First and the wonders of UCC denomination shortly after moving to Philly. Love participating and serving in this inclusive community.

Yajeh

Old Firster since 2010, Lives in Washington West

Get to Know Us

Old First Leaders

Our Fearless Leaders

Our Leaders are our rock and our inspiration.

They help us envision new ways to be faithful members of Christ’s church, within the context of our numerous roles in our families, communities, nation and world.

Check out our leaders here and be sure to say hello next time you see them in person.

Old First Leaders

Membership

Old First’s uses Realm, a password-protected Web site for communicating and sharing resources. Click here to login and and find a tips and tricks for using Realm.

Membership

Our Denomination

United Church of Christ

Old First is one of over 5000 congregations across the United States that belong to the United Church of Christ (UCC). With colonial-era beginnings going back to the Pilgrims in New England and German immigrants in Pennsylvania, the UCC is a church with deep roots in the American story.

Learn More

Our History

Founded by German immigrants in 1727, Old First has been part of the fabric of Philadelphia for over 280 years.

History of Old First

Book our Spaces

Old First UCC is blessed with a unique historical campus and we are happy to share. Our spaces are well suited for theatrical and musical events, receptions, community and condo association meetings, weddings, birthday parties and more…

Charges to use spaces on our campus depend on the type of event being held and the number of hours you wish to use the space. Fees range from $25 for the use of a classroom to $850 for the use of the sanctuary for three hours. Contact us for more information.

Smoking is not permitted in the buildings and alcohol is not permitted on the campus.

Book Our Spaces

Get in Touch

There’s all sorts of ways to contact us. Send an email, call, knock on the office doors, morse code. Find all the information you need to get in touch including email, our address, and parking directions

Meet Our Community

Old First Leaders

Membership

Our Denomination

United Church of Christ

Our History Founded by German immigrants in 1727, Old First has been part of the fabric of Philadelphia for over 280 years.

Book our Spaces

Get in Touch

Our History

Founded by German immigrants in 1727, Old First has been part of the fabric of Philadelphia for over 280 years.