This unique multi-ethnic United Methodist Church has its roots in Morgan Chapel, acquired in 1869 by Rev. Henry Morgan. Rev. Morgan was an independent preacher who worked with the poor. In 1884 he stipulated in his will that the minister at his Chapel be a Methodist because "they know how to preach the Gospel."
Rev. Edgar J. Helms became the Pastor of Morgan Chapel-in 1895, and began working with the poor in the South End where the majority were immigrants from the Old World - Italians, Greeks, French, Syrians, Portuguese ... Rev. Helms sought to meet the spiritual, economic and social needs of the people, and he did this by establishing numerous programs that included the first church-sponsored day nursery, Fresh Air Camps, residences for alcoholics, released prisoners and homeless men, teenage boys, and, elderly working men and women. A School of Applied Christianity (which later became Boston University School of Social Work) was also started. Out of all these ministries developed the work of Goodwill Industries, a self-help organization with the motto "Not Charity, But a Chance", that today operates throughout the United States and in 44 countries around the world.
In 1917, a beautiful gothic structure was built to replace the old church. Morgan Memorial Church then also became known as the Church of All Nations, "a house of prayer for all peoples", where worship services were conducted in the different languages of the immigrant population of the parish. In 1963, this church building was torn down to make way for the new Massachusetts Turnpike. Our present church was built in 1975, and its circular form symbolizes the world and the worldwide origins/emphasis of this congregation.
In many ways the Church of All Nations today represents what the old church stood for at the turn of the century. As a multi-ethnic congregation with people representing over 25 different nationalities, this church stands as a testimony that the Gospel of God's love in Jesus Christ is for all people. In an age of racial prejudice and discrimination, this church celebrates its diversity as well as its unity in Christ.
Having been chosen by the Council of Bishops of the United Methodist Church as a nationally recognized "vital congregation, " the Church of All Nations continues to embody its Wesleyan heritage of "personal salvation and social holiness" through its manifold ministries. These include evangelism and Christ-centered preaching that emphasize personal salvation as well as social justice ministries such as Saturday's/Sunday's Bread, an interfaith, interdenominational feeding program for the poor and hungry, a tutorial program for youth and children from the community, and an adult literacy program.
The story of the Church of All Nations continues to be written; it is the story of the lives and ministries of the women, men and children who make up this unique, loving and friendly congregation!
In 1995 we celebrated the hundred years of growth and development of the Church of All Nations from the days in 1895 when Rev. Dr. Edgar James Helms was appointed to serve in the Morgan Chapel in the South End of Boston which was some two years after Henry Morgan died.
By 1995, a hundred years later, the major social services programs which are the outgrowth from initiatives undertaken by Dr. Helms and staff of the Morgan Chapel include:
In 1967 the Massachusetts turnpike extension broke up the Morgan Memorial Church of All nations as an industrial and community service complex resulting in the loss of social services never re-constituted:
During the last twenty-five years, the following programs were offered facilities and/or support or were instituted collaboratively, some of which have moved to other resources:
In 1975 the present award winning Church-in-the-round was built on the present site of 333 Tremont Street. Some of the programs developed at the new site to date are:
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©1996 Church of All Nations, 333 Tremont
Street, Boston, MA 02116 (617)357-5777