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

I chase a toddler, because it's fun. I work for you, because it's my calling. I go to church, because it helps me be a better person.

Jonathan

Old Firster since 2001, Lives in Center City

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

I grew up in a family of five. I've lived most of my life in the Fishtown and Kensington areas of Philly before my current residence in Turnersville, NJ. Singing is my passion. Family, friends and my dogs give me joy comfort and purpose in life. I love working around my home, and most days in ...
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I grew up in a family of five. I've lived most of my life in the Fishtown and Kensington areas of Philly before my current residence in Turnersville, NJ. Singing is my passion. Family, friends and my dogs give me joy comfort and purpose in life. I love working around my home, and most days in the warm months I can be found lounging by the pool or pulling weeds in the garden.

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Woody

Old Firster since 2007, Lives in Turnersville, NJ

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 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

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

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 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

I'm a recent college graduate looking to advance out in the work world. Family is from Liberia in west Africa and came here to the United States in 1995 because of civil war in Liberia and we fell right at home here at Old First .

Dorothy

Old Firster Since 1997, Lives in Northeast Philly

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 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 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

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.