Foundations of Service

(two centuries of outreach and missions)

1848 - The Pennsylvania Medical Society was organized in the First Methodist Episcopal Church edifice. A historical marker commemorating the event was placed on Walnut St. by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in 1999.

1885 - Dr. and Mrs. Henry G. Appenzeller, members of First Methodist Episcopal Church, Lancaster, PA, went to Korea to establish a Christian mission. Henry died in 1902. Their daughter, Alice, served in Korea until her death in 1950. A close tie between First Church and Korea continues today.

1907 - About 700 members at time of centennial celebration

1939 - The Women's Society of Christian Service was created to consolidate all women's activities in the church, including mission, social, and spiritual interests.

c. 1963 - The Alternative, a Christian coffee house, opened in the Carriage House.

1967 - Position of Director of Outreach established to oversee First Methodist's efforts to meet needs in the city and surrounding area and within the congregation

1970 - Pastor Charles Kerr conducts a round-the-world tour seeking mission connections for First United Methodist

1973 - The Women's Society of Christian Service renamed United Methodist Women

1975 - Space established for We Care Food Program providing food for those in need in the community

1992 - The "Discovery Corner" was organized as a two-day preschool educational program.

1997 - The Praise and Power Service was founded as a Sunday morning contemporary worship service in Fellowship Hall.

2001 - The new Children's Choir of Lancaster, fostered by First United Methodist Church, presented its first public concert.