Historic St. George’s United Methodist Church is the oldest Methodist house of worship in continuous use in the United States. Captain Thomas Webb organized a Methodist Society in Philadelphia in 1767, and the group purchased St. George’s Church in 1769. The building had originally been constructed in 1763 as a Dutch Reformed Church. St. George’s is linked to many important “firsts” in American Methodism. In 1769, Joseph Pilmore preached the first public Methodist message in America and led the first prayer meeting there. The first Watch Night service was held in 1770, and Francis Asbury delivered his first American sermon at St. George’s in 1771. From 1773 to 1775, the church hosted the first Methodist conferences in America. In 1784, Richard Allen and Absalom Jones became the first African Americans licensed to preach by the Methodist Episcopal Church at St. George’s. Francis Asbury later called it “The Cathedral Church of American Methodism.”
Visit HSG Museum & Archive’s new website (www.hsgmuseum.org) for the latest updates on post-renovation accessibility!
Photo Gallery
Upcoming Events
Yoga at the Museum
September 18, 2026 — 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Join Christ Church and Historic St. George’s for Yoga at the Museum, starting August 7th.
Ease into the weekend with free yoga and meditation every Friday in Old City this August and September. We recommend bringing a mat!
Crafting History - Historical Jewelry
September 19, 2026 — 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Create your own jewelry and learn about our historical jewelry.
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Where: 235 N 4th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106.
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When: Saturday, September 19th, from 1pm – 3pm
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Who: All ages
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FREE!
Yoga at the Museum
September 25, 2026 — 6:00 PM-7:00 PM
Join Christ Church and Historic St. George’s for Yoga at the Museum, starting August 7th.
Ease into the weekend with free yoga and meditation every Friday in Old City this August and September. We recommend bringing a mat!
Crafting History - Pumpkin Painting
October 17, 2026 — 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Paint a pumpkin!
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Where: 235 N 4th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106.
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When: Saturday, October 17th, from 1pm – 3pm
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Who: All ages
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FREE!
Crafting History - Thank You Cards
November 21, 2026 — 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Make your own cards and wax seals to show you care!
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Where: 235 N 4th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106.
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When: Saturday, November 21st, from 1pm – 3pm
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Who: All ages
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FREE!
Crafting History - Victorian Ornaments
December 19, 2026 — 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
Make Ornaments, cards and meet Santa!
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Where: 235 N 4th St., Philadelphia, PA 19106.
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When: Saturday, December 19th, from 1pm – 3pm
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Who: All ages
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FREE!