History
Methodism is based on the theology of John Wesley, beginning in the 1730s. Wesley’s influence spread to the Americas by the mid-eighteenth century. While Methodism holds several beliefs similar to other Protestant denominations, John Wesley emphasized what are known as the "means of grace": acts of piety and acts of mercy. Like other mainline Protestant denominations, Methodism believes in salvation through faith alone. It specifies three types of grace: prevenient grace, which is God's active presence in people's lives before they even sense the divine at work in their lives; justifying grace, through which all sins are forgiven by God; and sanctifying grace, which allows people to grow in their ability to live like Jesus. Like many churches, Methodist churches can be decorated quite elaborately with stained glass, marble, etc. However, their decorations are usually more symbolic than literal, such as stained glass windows showing symbols of Christianity, and very rarely will they have any depictions of Jesus or God.
Grace United Methodist Church
The congregation of Grace United Methodist Church can be traced back to 1802, when a traveling preacher passed through Harrisburg and began the first Methodist church there. The first permanent church was built in 1820, and the congregation moved in 1839. The church was used as a concert hall on one occasion because, at the time, it had the largest auditorium in Harrisburg. The present structure was dedicated in 1878, but the present name was not adopted until 1968. In 1897, following a fire in the Capitol Building, Grace Church became the temporary home to Pennsylvania's legislature. Although only used for this purpose for five months, it took over a year to restore the building for worship.
Photos
Click the thumbnails for larger images. Photo by Rebecca Krieger unless otherwise noted.
The chancel of Grace United Methodist Church
Grace United Methodist Church in Harrisburg
Note
This is a static, archived version of the PHMC Pennsylvania Architectural Field Guide website which will not be updated. It is a snapshot of the website with minor modifications as it appeared on August 26, 2015.
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As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of Methodism and its historical roots, let me establish my expertise by delving into the rich theological foundations laid by John Wesley in the 1730s. Wesley's profound influence quickly transcended geographical boundaries, extending to the Americas by the mid-eighteenth century. The core tenets of Methodism share similarities with other Protestant denominations, but Wesley's emphasis on the "means of grace" distinguishes it.
John Wesley's theology emphasizes two essential categories of spiritual practices: acts of piety and acts of mercy. This emphasis on the means of grace is a hallmark of Methodism, setting it apart in its approach to spiritual growth. Moreover, Methodism aligns with broader Protestant beliefs in salvation through faith alone, a principle central to many mainline Protestant denominations.
Methodism delineates three distinctive types of grace. First, there is prevenient grace, signifying God's active presence in individuals' lives even before they are aware of the divine at work. Second, justifying grace, through which God forgives all sins. Lastly, sanctifying grace enables individuals to progress in emulating the life of Jesus.
While Methodism shares these theological foundations, it is intriguing to note its unique approach to church adornment. Like many churches, Methodist places of worship can feature elaborate decorations, including stained glass and marble. However, these adornments are often symbolic rather than literal. Stained glass windows may depict Christian symbols, with rare depictions of Jesus or God.
One illustrative example of a Methodist church with a rich history is Grace United Methodist Church, tracing its roots back to 1802. The church's initial establishment coincided with the visitation of a traveling preacher in Harrisburg. The first permanent structure emerged in 1820, and the congregation relocated in 1839. The current church building, dedicated in 1878, acquired its present name in 1968. Notably, during a period of reconstruction after a fire in the Capitol Building, Grace Church served as the temporary home to Pennsylvania's legislature in 1897.
This brief exploration of Methodism touches upon its theological foundations, distinctive beliefs in the means of grace, and the unique characteristics of its churches, exemplified by the historical Grace United Methodist Church in Harrisburg. It provides a glimpse into the broader context of religious buildings and their significance, as outlined in the Pennsylvania Architectural Field Guide.
