Know Us

Meet Our Community

Come and experience the love at Old First.

A resident of Philadelphia since 2009; I graduated from La Salle University with a BA in Religious Studies. I aspire to be a military chaplain, but for now I work Old First and at a nearby coffee shop. On Fridays, you can find me out in the city for fellowship. Join Us and Be Merry!

John

Old Firster since 2014, Lives in Old City

I have spent my life living a faith/love of God that I have never fully understood and that is filled with as many questions as certainties. It is in the questions and uncertainties that my faith finds its energy and vitality.

Skip

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

English teacher at Philly's agricultural high school (where I teach Shakespeare, start tomatoes in the greenhouse, bottle-feed lambs on the night shift, and cook meat raised lovingly by my students). I came to Old First as a long-term volunteer, was as music director for nearly two decades, al...
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English teacher at Philly's agricultural high school (where I teach Shakespeare, start tomatoes in the greenhouse, bottle-feed lambs on the night shift, and cook meat raised lovingly by my students). I came to Old First as a long-term volunteer, was as music director for nearly two decades, almost gave birth to my daughter while tuning the piano, introduced my son to service in the shelter before he could walk, and currently serve as an elder.

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Julie

Old Firster since 1986, Lives in Germantown

Spring is my favorite season, I love the energy, the blooming, growing things, in spite of sneezing for months with seasonal allergies. I'm a happily married grandma and mother to 2 wonderful adults. I love to learn, to read, cook, quilt and make music. I enjoy movies and plays of all kinds so...
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Spring is my favorite season, I love the energy, the blooming, growing things, in spite of sneezing for months with seasonal allergies. I'm a happily married grandma and mother to 2 wonderful adults. I love to learn, to read, cook, quilt and make music. I enjoy movies and plays of all kinds so I usher at 2 theaters in Phila. and one movie theater.

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Teresa

Old Firster since 2016, Lives in Wyncote, PA

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

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 like the phrase "cradle" Congregationalist to describe my faith journey. My father was a Congregational minister so being part of a church is my natural environment. My faith has grown and deepened with the years. Next to my love for my family is my love for Old First.

Margaret

Old Firster since 1996, Lives in Mt. Airy

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 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 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

I’m a refugee from Liberia, West Africa. I came to the US for my daughter’s medical treatment when she was an infant, and Old First was very instrumental in helping my family get settled in the US.When people or politicians say refugees or immigrants are unwelcome in this country, I'll always ...
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I’m a refugee from Liberia, West Africa. I came to the US for my daughter’s medical treatment when she was an infant, and Old First was very instrumental in helping my family get settled in the US.When people or politicians say refugees or immigrants are unwelcome in this country, I'll always stand up for them. I want to be a voice for other refugees like me who want to come to the US, to find a better life for their families.

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Teetee

Old Firster since 1996, Lives in Northeast Philly

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

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

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

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.