Galilee United Methodist Church stands as one of Englewood’s most enduring African American religious institutions, rooted in migration, education, and community building during the early twentieth century. Its origins date to 1906, when the congregation began as a small mission serving African American families newly settled in Englewood. These families were part of a broader migration from the Carolinas, particularly Bennettsville, South Carolina, where “Old Galilee” had been founded in 1895.

The church was formally established in 1913 under the leadership of Reverend Edward L. Pearson and Reverend Frank D. McQueen, who brought both religious guidance and a strong educational mission to Englewood. Even before the church’s official founding, they were teaching and organizing in the community as early as 1905, reflecting Galilee’s early emphasis on learning, youth development, and spiritual formation.

By the 1910s, the congregation had constructed its first permanent church building, anchoring Galilee as a central gathering place for Englewood’s growing African American population. As the church expanded, it invested not only in worship space but also in housing for clergy, purchasing an additional parsonage on Forest Avenue in 1949.

A major turning point came in 1958, when the original church building was destroyed by fire. Rather than weakening the congregation, the loss marked the beginning of a new chapter. In 1959, Galilee became the first African American church admitted to the Newark Conference, a significant milestone reflecting both its leadership and its standing within the denomination. The following year, construction began on a new church building on Genesee Avenue, symbolizing renewal and perseverance.

Through denominational changes—including the merger that formed the United Methodist Church—Galilee emerged as Galilee United Methodist Church, continuing its mission of faith, education, and historical consciousness. Over the decades, the church has remained deeply committed to preserving African American history, connecting younger generations to their roots, and serving as a spiritual and cultural anchor within Englewood.

“Church History.” Galilee United Methodist Church.

Dazio, Stefanie. "Church, at 100, thinks young." Northern Valley Suburbanite (North), November 21, 2013, p.29,31.

"College President Will Speak At Galilee Methodist Service." The Record, 18 Oct. 1962, p. S-2.

"Englewood church exploring roots." The Record, May 25, 1997.

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