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

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

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 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 grew up in a blended family.I’m very close to all of my siblings/cousins/ aunts/uncles. Family and close friends are everything to me. I love anything involving history, interior design, good food and--even better--cocktails. Old First is my first UCC "experience." As the Outreach Coordinato...
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I grew up in a blended family.I’m very close to all of my siblings/cousins/ aunts/uncles. Family and close friends are everything to me. I love anything involving history, interior design, good food and--even better--cocktails. Old First is my first UCC "experience." As the Outreach Coordinator for the church, I’m enjoying getting to know more and more about the domination and incorporating the traditions/beliefs and openness into my Christian journey.

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Alesha

Old Firster since 2016, Lives in West Mt Airy

Cradle Catholic. My wife and I came to Old First with our then 1 yr old daughter. I am the director of a wonderful preschool in center city called Kids on 12th and love it! I also like to write, play guitar and am a movie buff.

Julius

Old Firster since 2006, Lives in Northern Liberties

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

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 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

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

I am the third of six children and one of two girls. Old First's welcoming embrace keeps me in the fold and the fellowship sustains the renewing relationships. My journey of faith is nourished through the word of God. I believe God sees me beyond my current circumstances and the path to salvat...
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I am the third of six children and one of two girls. Old First's welcoming embrace keeps me in the fold and the fellowship sustains the renewing relationships. My journey of faith is nourished through the word of God. I believe God sees me beyond my current circumstances and the path to salvation comes only through Jesus. I enjoy coffee hours after worship; it gives time to say hello. It's a blessing to be where one finds meaning and looks forward to going again.

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Ibidunmoye

Old Firster since 2000, Lives in Sicklerville, 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 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

Retired from the Free Library of Philadelphia. I am religious and I love to volunteer where I am needed. Mother of one son.

Barbara

Old Firster since 2014, Lives in West Philly

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.