Mission & History
The Arch Street United Methodist Church is devoted to our constituents and community. Our history dates back to the mid-1800s, making our church one of the oldest in Philadelphia.
Our Vision
Arch Street United Methodist Church will be a welcoming Christian community that inspires openness, understanding, and reconciliation both within the congregation and in the community-at-large.
Our Mission
Arch Street United Methodist Church’s mission is to love God and neighbor by nurturing individuals on their spiritual journeys, encouraging creativity in faithful service, strengthening relationships, and promoting justice.
Reconciling Ministry
GOD’S TABLE IS OPEN TO ALL. THERE’S ROOM AT THE TABLE FOR YOU.
Arch Street United Methodist Church is a community of faith-keeping and faith-seeking people who embrace diversity in our congregation and community, and affirm the dignity and worth of every person as created in the image of God. We celebrate and give thanks for all of the gifts of God among us. Our welcome knows no boundaries, whether of age, racial or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity, economic or marital status, or physical or mental ability. We welcome all to share in the ministry, fellowship, and blessings of full participation as members of Christ’s body.
Our History
Adapted From Arch Street UMC History, By Dale Shillito, Church Historian
Where We Began
For decades in the mid-20th Century, Arch Street UMC used as its motto the title of an old hymn, “Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life”, since the church was so centrally located, one half block from City Hall in downtown Philadelphia.
This was not always so.
Established in 1862 as a neighborhood church long before City Hall was completed, ASUMC was built with the vision of greater things to come…both for the City and the church’s role in that grand view of the future.
In the mid-1800’s, ASUMC was the church home of Bishop Matthew Simpson who served as a close friend and ally of then-President Abraham Lincoln and was selected to deliver the eulogy of the fallen Commander-in-Chief.
The building itself has historical significance as it was only the 2nd American Methodist church built in the Gothic style. Architecturally, the church holds its own against the large Gothic structures of the Masonic Temple (1868) and City Hall (1901).
“This place was here before City Hall, here before the municipal center, here before the Masonic Temple — there’s something foundational about this building being first and still in Center Square.”
– Reverand Robin Hynicka
More About The Church
The sanctuary is large, seating over 900, and has been packed to capacity on many occasions. Some 40 annual conferences have been held here over the years.
It has witnessed the merging of the Delaware and Philadelphia Annual Conferences to form the current Eastern Pennsylvania Conference in 1968. In 2012 the sanctuary was filled to overflowing with local activists who formed the Occupy Philadelphia Movement. In addition, on November 9, 2013 the sanctuary was the site one of the largest weddings in the congregation’s history when over 30 clergy officiated at the Ceremony of Sacred Marriage for long time members who just happened to be gay.
The baptismal font was created from a section of column taken from the high altar of City Road Chapel, in London, where John Wesley once preached. The Celtic cross, above the altar, was given in 1928, by 2 daughters of Bishop Simpson, who had been members for over 40 years.
The egg-shaped spotlights shining down above the altar are a reminder of God’s promise of the renewal of life. Other symbolism, such as the Trinity in various forms, can be found carved or plastered throughout the sanctuary.
