John Street United Methodist Church

"Wow! It was a horrible experience today. I have been going there for 30 years and have never had an experience like that. There was a new pastor that I had never seen before, and he turned it into a political debate/his gay confession. People go to church seeking help; they are in desperate situations, and this guy is talking about who he is sleeping with and reading his love letters from 20 years ago?! They must have lost their minds. He should go to therapy before preaching in church. All I heard is 'I am gay', 'save our LGBTQ+ children', 'it's all republican's fault'. Wow. It was all about him. Irrelevant, ignorant, vulgar. I prayed for my parents who recently passed away and left. It was like a slap in the face."

"I was in NYC on vacation and I had been wanting to check this place out. It's the oldest Methodist congregation in the United States. Pastor Stefani was very welcoming and gave us a tour of the church when we arrived. The service was wonderful with amazing music and a powerful message. Also, it was evident that this was a church that welcomes and cares for everyone. I hope to make it back to John Street UMC next time I am in NYC."

"Historic Church ! First Methodist Church in US . Good Small Museum"

"I went to this church for about 3 months right after 9-11. Many many people were there because of their fear after 9-12. The pastor told me that less than half the people came to that church before 9-11. I continued to come every Sunday for 3 months until I moved away from NYC. As the Sunday’s came and went many people quit coming. It seems to me that true faith is every week not just someone needs a crutch for a few days or weeks."

"Neat Methodist church that has been around for 250 years. Despite its location in the busy and fast-paced Financial District, the place was quiet and peaceful when I stopped by one weekday afternoon."