Albright-Bethune United Methodist Church

Albright-Bethune United Methodist Church, located in State College, PA, is a welcoming congregation rooted in the African American tradition and open to diverse cultures and ethnicities. About Us

Albright-Bethune United Methodist Church has a long, rich history that began in 1915 when an Evangelical Church with a mission to minister to college students was formed. This congregation later merged with the United Brethren in Christ Church and, later, the Methodist Church. In July 1993, St. John’s United Methodist Church, a predominantly white congregation, and Bethune Memorial, a predominantly African American church, yoked to form the Jacob Albright-Mary McLeod Bethune United Methodist Church. As part of this yoking, the two congregations shared a pastor and building but maintained separate workshop services. The namesakes for our church were Jacob Albright, a Pennsylvania German preacher, and Mary McLeod Bethune, an eminent African American educator, civic leader, and advisor to U.S. Presidents. The church bearing her name, Bethune Memorial, was founded in 1985 as United Black Fellowship Church. This predominantly African American congregation met in several locations including the Baptist and Brethren Church, St. John’s, and the Wesley Foundation before yoking with the St. John’s congregation. Today, Albright-Bethune UMC exists to provide worship experiences drawing strongly on the African American tradition, and open to worshipers of diverse cultures and ethnicities. About Us

Worship services are held every Sunday at 12:00 noon, with Sunday School beginning at 11:00 a.m. during the school year. Children of all ages are welcome to sit with their family during the service. Worship

The church has two parking lots adjacent to the building, with additional street parking available on Sundays. Directions & Parking

The congregation is described as warm and welcoming, with a friendly and casual atmosphere that includes people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. Review 1

The church is housed in an older building, which gives a sense of history and comfort. Review 2

Albright-Bethune United Methodist Church in State College, PA, blends a rich African American worship tradition with inclusive community spirit. First-time visitors will notice a warm, casual atmosphere where diverse ages and backgrounds gather for Sunday services at 12:00 noon. The congregation’s historical roots and older building add a welcoming sense of heritage, paired with a commitment to cultural openness.

Pros

• Welcoming and inclusive congregation with a focus on diverse cultures and traditions
• Rooted in African American worship practices with a friendly, casual service style
• Sunday worship at 12:00 noon with 11:00 a.m. Sunday School during the school year
• Historical building offering a sense of tradition and comfort
• Two adjacent parking lots for convenient Sunday attendance