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Our History

From Sabbath Schools to Citywide Service: A Legacy of Empowering Communities

The United Methodist City Society’s rich history can be traced back to 1838, when it began as the Sunday School Society. Established to promote quality religious education and support Methodist congregations, the organization played a crucial role in shaping the Methodist landscape of New York City.

In 1866, reflecting its expanding mission, it incorporated as the New York City Sunday School and Missionary Society. Recognizing the need for church growth, the Society actively supported establishing new congregations through financial aid and land acquisition. This focus on mission extension led to another name change in 1871 – the New York City Church Extension and Missionary Society.

Meanwhile, across the East River, the growing Methodist community in Brooklyn mirrored the developments in Manhattan. In 1878, the Brooklyn Church Society was formed, expanding to encompass Long Island by 1898 and becoming the Brooklyn and Long Island Church Society.

 

At its peak, the New York City Society owned 69 churches in Manhattan, while the Brooklyn and Long Island Society possessed 26. After nearly a century of independent service, these two influential organizations merged in 1971 to form the United Methodist City Society as we know it today.

From Sabbath Schools to Citywide Service: A Legacy of Empowering Communities

The United Methodist City Society’s rich history can be traced back to 1838, when it began as the Sunday School Society. Established to promote quality religious education and support Methodist congregations, the organization played a crucial role in shaping the Methodist landscape of New York City

In 1866, reflecting its expanding mission, it incorporated as the New York City Sunday School and Missionary Society. Recognizing the need for church growth, the Society actively supported establishing new congregations through financial aid and land acquisition. This focus on mission extension led to another name change in 1871 – the New York City Church Extension and Missionary Society.

Meanwhile, across the East River, the growing Methodist community in Brooklyn mirrored the developments in Manhattan. In 1878, the Brooklyn Church Society was formed, expanding to encompass Long Island by 1898 and becoming the Brooklyn and Long Island Church Society.

At its peak, the New York City Society owned 69 churches in Manhattan, while the Brooklyn and Long Island Society possessed 26. After nearly a century of independent service, these two influential organizations merged in 1971 to form the United Methodist City Society as we know it today.

Beyond Merging: A Growing Network of Support

The United Methodist City Society’s mission has continued to evolve. The establishment of subsidiaries like Anchor House (1979), The United Methodist Center in Far Rockaway (1993), and the Olmsted Center (1997) reflects the organization’s commitment to providing a wider range of social services alongside its core mission of supporting Methodist churches.

Beyond Merging: A Growing Network of Support

The United Methodist City Society’s mission has continued to evolve. The establishment of subsidiaries like Anchor House (1979), The United Methodist Center in Far Rockaway (1993), and the Olmsted Center (1997) reflects the organization’s commitment to providing a wider range of social services alongside its core mission of supporting Methodist churches.

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