Know Us

Meet Our Community

Come and experience the love at Old First.

I moved to Philly 9 years ago from Romania. My first Sunday at Old First I felt a connection. But I was living a double life. My church life was happy, full of hope and energy. My other life was often angry and depressed. Did believing in God make me suffer more? But through prayer, I began to...
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I moved to Philly 9 years ago from Romania. My first Sunday at Old First I felt a connection. But I was living a double life. My church life was happy, full of hope and energy. My other life was often angry and depressed. Did believing in God make me suffer more? But through prayer, I began to feel energized, peaceful, powerful. Even if I cannot overcome my challenges sometimes, I believe in an infinite, eternal, almighty God, perfect in holiness, truth and love. God is Love.

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Roxana

Old Firster since 2015, Lives in Northeast Philly

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 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

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

I garden, sing in the shower (occasionally) and have been UCC forever (except for a couple short departures!). Faith means a lot to me. It holds the world together and gives life purpose. It is a huge gift from God.

Bob

Old Firster since 1995, Lives in Mt. Airy

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

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

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

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 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

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 was born in the UCC in central Pennsylvania. My grandparents were both UCC ministers and my father is a UCC minister. I am a young man with ADHD and Asperger's Syndrome who moved to Philadelphia for graduate school to get my master's degree on the way to veterinary school.

Korbin

Old Firster since 2016, Lives in Center CIty

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

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.