Know Us

Meet Our Community

Come and experience the love at Old First.

I'm a "lapsed" Baptist, and eternally grateful to God & Old First pastor emerita Geneva Butz who led me to this, my chosen family and especially quixotic, unique congregation.

Rochelle

Old Firster since 1984, Lives in Northern Liberties

I am a young, professional operatic soprano and I nanny for two families in Philadelphia. I am also the director of corporate sales and events for a local bakery.

Audra

Old Firster since 2016, Lives in East Falls

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 live in Philadelphia with my partner, Mike. I have five nephews and three nieces over three states that I love to spend time with. I love college basketball, especially March Madness, cooking, long walks, reading and swimming.

Mimi

Old Firster since 2014, Lives in Mt. Airy

I was born and baptized into the UCC, growing up in Lancaster County, PA. I joined Old First UCC in 1986 and love it! I am not there in person very often because my work as a physical therapist and teacher takes me around the world. I work with children and adults with neurological challenges ...
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I was born and baptized into the UCC, growing up in Lancaster County, PA. I joined Old First UCC in 1986 and love it! I am not there in person very often because my work as a physical therapist and teacher takes me around the world. I work with children and adults with neurological challenges such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delay, head injury, etc. I love to garden, swim, read, bike, and hike and love the quiet and solitude of the mountains.

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Jane

Old Firster since 1986, Lives in Upper Darby, PA

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

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

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 was born and raised a Catholic, but married into UCC. It has certainly been an adjustment, but a worthwhile one.

Jonathan

Old Firster since 2010, Lives in Francisville

I'm a mother, spouse, nurse, student and activist. I have had the privilege of traveling all over the world and now find myself in Philly where I enjoy gardening and climbing trees with my boys.

Samantha

Old Firster since 2016, Lives in Frankford

I grew up in the UCC because my father was a UCC pastor. I am a married mother of 2 teenage daughters and I work at Temple University as a nurse practitioner. I love music, sports, and animals.

Sarah

Old Firster since 1995, Lives in Oaklyn, NJ

Old First is my neighborhood UCC church. I joined Old First because it is a congregation that believes in living out Christ's call to care for the least of these in a real way. I am uncomfortable calling myself a Christian because of the judgments that have been cast on others in that name. I ...
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Old First is my neighborhood UCC church. I joined Old First because it is a congregation that believes in living out Christ's call to care for the least of these in a real way. I am uncomfortable calling myself a Christian because of the judgments that have been cast on others in that name. I am a follower of Jesus and find that the members of Old First are great companions on this journey. There is much to be learned and much to be shared in this community.

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Beth

Old Firster Since 1994, Lives in Old City

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

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.

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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.