The Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church dates back to 1852 when a Methodist society was organized in the village of Olinville, an area on the east bank of the Bronx River. At that time, the society consisted of opulent landowners, developers, businessmen, legislators, judges, architects, bankers, and insurance brokers. An early church was built in 1864 and served the congregation for the nex
t thirty years. In later years, the Olinville neighborhood became part of the larger area known as Williamsbridge. By 1893 the church had become known as Williamsbridge Methodist Episcopal Church. Plans were made for the creation of a large and Romanesque structure to be designed by Weary & Kramer, architects of Akron, Ohio. The built would contain a 650-seat sanctuary for worship and the Sunday-school hall, later known as the lecture hall, to be united into one large auditorium seating a total of 1300 people. The lower level included a lecture room and rooms for the social gatherings of the church. In October 1926 the church was destroyed by fire, but was completely rebuilt in 1928 with much the same design, and dedicated on January 27, 1929 by Bishop Ernest Gladstone Richardson of the Philadelphia area at which time the church became known as Crawford Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church. Later members of the church formed a Women’s Auxiliary to reach out to the community and build the church spiritually. The church, known as the Church on the hill, has remained a beacon of hope in the community. Much of the mission work started by the Women’s Auxiliary of the early 20th century remains today. Currently the church has a weekly breakfast program for homeless or struggling individuals in the community. Also space is provided for an afterschool program, local basketball teams as well as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. In addition the church has thriving Music and Evangelism programs. Under the vision of our pastor Rev. Chin, the church has been revitalized and continues to gain deeper spiritual growth as it flourishes in the 21st Century. The church is celebrating its 162nd year and invites all to come worship on Sunday mornings at 11am.
