It has only been recently that I have known that one of the churches of the United Methodist Church here in the Philippines, the Central United Methodist Church (CUMC), is a very part of our Philippine history. I grew up and came to know God in another Methodist Church, the St. Peter United Methodist Church of Navotas City. My Uncle and Aunt-in-law got married in this very church more than 16 years ago.
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CUMC present-day facade
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The very first Methodist Church established in the Philippines, the Central UMC stands along T.M. Kalaw St. in Manila, near United Nations LRT Station and Manila Doctors’ Hospital. The church’s first indoctrination services were held on March 5, 1899. The first place of worship was built on Dec. 23, 1901. The church was then constructed of stone and was converted to a cathedral in the year 1932.
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| Church services are rendered in English, Ilocano and Tagalog |
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| Church interiors The main church is air-conditioned for the convenience of its members |
The old stone church saw its demise during the Second World War. It was then reconstructed to its old glory after the war in 1949. The church was called several names: Central Methodist Episcopal Church; Central Student Church; Central Methodist Church and finally Central United Methodist Church.
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| Cathedral windows |
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| Church altar |
The Church openly welcomes those who would like to be a part of its ministry. Praising God Almighty should always be part of our everyday lives and of our history.
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| Bibles and hymnals are provided for the church-goers |
