Know Us

Meet Our Community

Come and experience the love at Old First.

I grew up in a big family in rural North Carolina. I was raised in the Christian Church, one of the denominations that eventually formed the UCC. I love to play games and jigsaw puzzles and gather in small groups to "hang out." Family is very important to me.

Delilah

Old Firster since 2009, Lives in Sicklerville, NJ

Between managing a small independent pharmacy in Elkins Park and helping out with my grandkids, I stay pretty busy. My two cats keep me company when I'm home. Old First helps me keep things in proper perspective and stay sane.

Darla

Old Firster since 2012, Lives in Fishtown

A former Catholic, I never changed what I believed, but found in the UCC a church that allowed me the freedom to be me. I enjoy traveling anywhere, especially out of the way places. I am an avid knitter, gardener, and grandma. Being involved in politics of all sorts is a large part of my life....
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A former Catholic, I never changed what I believed, but found in the UCC a church that allowed me the freedom to be me. I enjoy traveling anywhere, especially out of the way places. I am an avid knitter, gardener, and grandma. Being involved in politics of all sorts is a large part of my life.

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Vicki

Old Firster since 2013, Lives in W. Deptford, NJ

Although I live 45 minutes away from church in the First State (I work at the University of Delaware), the diverse, urban and forward-thinking atmosphere I found at Old First on a random visit caused me to stay. (Playing Stonewall Kickball on Sundays after service didn't hurt either!) In excha...
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Although I live 45 minutes away from church in the First State (I work at the University of Delaware), the diverse, urban and forward-thinking atmosphere I found at Old First on a random visit caused me to stay. (Playing Stonewall Kickball on Sundays after service didn't hurt either!) In exchange, the church gained a vibrant, fun-loving and constantly-curious new member.

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Christian

Old Firster since 2016, Lives in Newark/Bear, DE

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

Lionel Messi is proof of God's greatness. Ya, ok - my lovely wife and kids too. Umm, trees? yes, holy cow (oops!), and the whales. yes, all 'em creatures.

Bula

Old Firster since 2009, Lives in Old City

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

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

A little twist of faith in my professional life has brought my spouse and me from New York to Philadelphia. I worked in information technology before and was considering a career change, leading to the move to Philadelphia. My spouse and I are both loving it here.

Ernest

Old Firster since 2016, Lives in Old City

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 have lived in and around Philadelphia for most of my life and I love showing our fair city to out-of-towners. My husband and I enjoy traveling, hiking, and spending time with our two teenagers (who mostly like spending time with us, too).

Suzanne

Old Firster since 2000, Lives in Chestnut Hill

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 am a Massachusetts girl with an Alabama heart living in Philadelphia. I have lived in Philly since 2005 and started attending Old First in 2010. I am passionate about higher education, the advancement of womanhood, philanthropy, working out, food and your 2017 Super Bowl Champions - the New ...
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I am a Massachusetts girl with an Alabama heart living in Philadelphia. I have lived in Philly since 2005 and started attending Old First in 2010. I am passionate about higher education, the advancement of womanhood, philanthropy, working out, food and your 2017 Super Bowl Champions - the New England Patriots.

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Beth

Old Firster Since 2010, Lives in Fairmount

Retired registered nurse, I enjoy visiting Old First shut in's and family/friends. Enjoy gardening but a little slow now (hard to get up once down). Love traveling, will go just about anywhere with or without a companion. Always open to changes.

Jacqulin

Old Firster since 1969, Lives in Claymont, DE

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.