Museum

American Methodism starts here

Founded before the United States itself, we held the first Methodist meeting in America in 1766.

We were a way station for Francis Asbury and generations of circuit riders spreading Methodism. And the place from which African-American preachers would depart in 1796 to form the AME Zion church.

We shaped America's history as well as its religious beliefs.

We congratulated George Washington when he was inaugurated steps away after the Revolutionary War. And in the 19th and 20th centuries, we welcomed everything from stock shareholder meetings to Alexander Graham Bell's first commercial telephone call.

Visit the history museum

Visitor information

We're located steps from MTA Fulton Center station and Westfield World Trade Center.

Admission is always free.

Individuals
See hours, location, and directions
Confirmation classes, guided tours, and other groups
Schedule a group tour
Nearby attractions
  • 9/11 Memorial and Museum
  • South Street Seaport Museum
  • Fraunces Tavern
  • Battery Park and Statue of Liberty
  • Wall Street / NY Stock Exchange
  • Federal Hall

Help us share Methodist history.

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Photo of book cover
Our history

The Story of Old John Street Church

By Raynor R. Rogers

A history of Methodism and Manhattan in the 1700s and 1800s, told through the design and architecture of our historic buildings: the Rigging Loft (1767), Wesley Chapel (1768), Old John Street Methodist Episcopal Church (1818), and our current building (1841).

Download the PDF
Further reading on the history of Old John Street Church