Cokesbury is a welcoming United Methodist Church located in Marcus Hook, PA (Delaware County) striving to live out
the command to love God, each other and our neighbors well. This means worshiping and following Jesus Christ
not only through our words, but also through the lives we lead.
OUR HISTORY
Methodism in Marcus Hook actually predates the birth of the nation due to the efforts of British Army Captain Thomas Webb, one of John Wesley's converts in England. Wesley said of him, "He is a man of fire and the power of God attends his words."
In 1833, Rev. Brooke Eyer led the first Methodist class meeting in town. A second class was formed and both classes met in various locations including local taverns, homes, and front lawns.
As the classes increased in size it became necessary to consider building an official meeting place. In 1837, a one story building with a simple platform, plain wooden pulpit, and wooden benches was built on Second Street (Discord Lane) for a cost of $200. The name chosen for the church was Cokesbury in honor of the first American Bishops, Coke and Asbury.
A charter was granted in 1869. The corner stone of the present building, at Market and Plum Streets, was laid July 6, 1871. The parsonage was built in 1885.
Our church has been part of the community during boom and bust. In spite of the changes, Cokesbury has remained active and involved in the life of the community. Many who are active in the life of the church are also active in the firehouse, local politics, and the community in general. The church has always had a heart for ministry and has opened its doors to embrace and include the community.
Cokesbury currently hosts two Girl Scout troops, AA and NA recovery groups. We run an Emergency Food Pantry which provides non-perishable groceries to families in need and we host a quarterly free community dinner. Cokesbury has also responded to needs outside of our immediate community in various ways such as: making emergency kits for victims of natural disaster, donating to the local and global relief efforts, providing Christmas gifts to a local families through our Santa's Secret Shop, and participating in Operation Christmas Child's shoe box ministry.
Ministering to the children of the community has always been a particular passion for Cokesbury. The church runs a free Summer Reading and Lunch Program and Vacation Bible School. We are part of the South District of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church.
307 Market Street,
Marcus Hook, PA 19061