The founders of Historic St. George’s were deeply committed to social justice and community service, addressing issues such as poverty and education in their religious life. They played a pivotal role in the ordination of Richard Allen, the first Black Methodist minister in the United States. Allen departed Historic St. George’s due to racial tensions and established the African Methodist Episcopal Church at Mother Bethel A.M.E. In the nineteenth century, the congregation played a significant role in the abolitionist movement by providing support to people traveling the Underground Railroad. Congregation members continued to advocate for equality during the Civil Rights Era. The church building was not designed by a single architect. It was built by congregation members in a Georgian architectural style, characterized by its symmetrical design and modest ornamentation.

Historic St. George’s supports the community by offering financial support to a local food bank and childhood literacy programs and has ongoing partnerships with organizations like the Old First Unitarian Homeless Shelter and Justice For Our Neighbors. A museum and archives on site trace the history of American Methodism.

A National Fund grant of $97,125 with $97,125 in matching funds raised by the congregation will support repairs including interior plaster and stained glass windows.

Historic St. George’s UMC Photo by Kate Nolan

First Church in Oberlin