Harvard – Epworth United Methodist Church

Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church is a welcoming, inclusive congregation in Cambridge that invites people to explore the journey of faith. Its focus rests on joyful worship, building community, encouraging faith exploration, social justice and outreach. Sunday mornings include an early communion service, Sunday school and an adult forum, and a later worship service with choir, and the church says newcomers just beginning to explore and longtime churchgoers alike will find a spiritual home there.

The church traces its roots to 1790, when Methodist preacher Jesse Lee first visited Boston, and its direct predecessor, North Avenue Methodist, was organized in 1868 with Harvard students as part of its mission. The current Richardsonian Romanesque building, designed by Worcester architect Amos Cutting in red granite and sandstone with a 110-foot tower, was dedicated in 1893. Today the congregation runs programs for kids and youth, young adults and students, spiritual formation, fellowship and mission work.

What to Know

• The late-morning choir service is live streamed on the church’s YouTube channel.
• Spaces in the church building are available for rent.
• The church hosts the Edward L. Mark Lecture.
• The congregation took the name Epworth in 1892, after the English birthplace of Methodism founder John Wesley.
• A weekly newsletter and written reflections keep members up to date between Sundays.