Discover Our Journey
Emilie United Methodist Church
Join us in celebrating a rich heritage of faith, community, and service in Levittown, PA.
Our History
A Legacy of Faith Since 1842
The story of Emilie United Methodist Church began in 1842, when residents of the rural community then known as Centreville came together to establish a Presbyterian church in Bristol Township.
The community raised money, donated building materials and supplied the labor needed to construct a permanent place of worship. Work on the stone chapel began on June 22, 1842, and was completed the following spring. A dedication collection was recorded on June 13, 1843.
Although the year 1845 appears on the chapel, that was the year the land was formally purchased and deeded to the congregation. Historical records indicate that the chapel itself was completed and in use by 1843.
From Centreville to Emilie
The church quickly became a center of spiritual and community life. Members organized dinners, fairs, concerts and other gatherings to support the congregation and maintain the property.
Sometime between 1854 and 1858, the community’s name changed from Centreville to Emilie. The precise origin of the name has been lost to history. Local traditions associate it with a beloved schoolteacher, while another story suggests that it was simply the name of the first person encountered by those responsible for renaming the community. The change was most likely made to avoid confusion with another Pennsylvania community already named Centreville.
The original Presbyterian congregation eventually declined. In 1862, Methodist Episcopal congregations in Bristol and Attleboro—now Langhorne—began raising money to purchase the chapel. The property was acquired for Methodist use on January 15, 1863.
Emilie therefore recognizes two important beginnings: the construction and dedication of the original chapel in 1842–1843 and the establishment of the Methodist congregation in 1863.
A Small Country Church
For many years, Emilie was a small country church serving the farms and families of Bristol Township. At different times, it was part of Methodist circuits that included Neshaminy, Tullytown and Fallsington.
The congregation frequently faced financial challenges, but generations of dedicated members kept the church active. The Ladies Aid Society was organized in 1912 and became an important source of service and financial support.
During this period, the chapel underwent several improvements. The high pulpit was lowered, stained-glass windows donated by church members replaced the original plain glass, and a vestibule was added in 1914 through a gift from financier Effingham B. Morris.
Electricity was installed around 1930, and the former horse sheds were converted into storage space. In 1939, Emilie purchased the neighboring one-room schoolhouse for use by the Men’s Bible Class.
During both World Wars, members supported those serving in the armed forces and participated in relief efforts. The congregation canned food, prepared supplies for the Red Cross and provided spiritual and practical support to local military families.
Emilie and the Birth of Levittown
Emilie’s role in the community changed dramatically when construction of Levittown began in 1951. The small country church suddenly found itself in the center of one of the largest suburban developments in the nation.
In 1953, Emilie had approximately 130 members and was the only church within the developing Levittown community. As thousands of young families moved into the area, the historic chapel could no longer accommodate the rapidly growing congregation.
That year, Emilie became an independent station charge, with the Rev. L. Thomas Moore Jr. appointed as pastor. Members worked together to construct a new seven-room parsonage, with much of the work completed by church volunteers.
After negotiations with Levitt & Sons, Emilie obtained additional land for the parsonage, cemetery and future church buildings.
A New Sanctuary
A new sanctuary, designed by Levittown architect Oliver H. Marron, opened for worship in May 1955. Bishop Fred Pierce Corson led its consecration service on October 9, 1955.
Growth during this period was extraordinary. Easter worship in 1954 drew approximately 1,175 people. Closed-circuit television was used to carry the service into the Social Hall so everyone could participate.
The new sanctuary was dedicated debt-free in September 1958. On that same day, the congregation broke ground for a new church school building.
Christian Education at Emilie
The Emilie Christian Day School was established in August 1958. It began with three classes in the basement of the original church building.
Sunday school enrollment had also grown to more than 770 children and adults. Classes met throughout the church complex—in sanctuaries, social halls, cloakrooms and even church buses—making additional educational space essential.
The cornerstone of the new church school building was laid on April 12, 1959, and the first classes were held there that July. The mortgage for the building was fully paid in 1976.
A major new Education Wing was completed in 1994, allowing the Emilie Christian Day School to move into its present location. The school has continued to grow and today serves more than 200 children through toddler, preschool and Pre-K programs.
Preserving the Historic Chapel
Emilie’s buildings have survived several significant challenges. In June 1964, a fire damaged the administrative offices and destroyed many irreplaceable church records. While the main building was repaired, the congregation returned to the historic chapel for worship.
High winds tore the roof from the chapel in 1976. As the building continued to deteriorate, the congregation faced a difficult choice between demolition and extensive restoration. Members overwhelmingly voted to preserve this important connection to Emilie’s past.
A steeple from a church in Washington Crossing was added in 1983. Following extensive repairs, the chapel was rededicated in October 1987.
The restored chapel has continued to serve the church and community by providing space for youth activities, scouting, prayer gatherings, recovery groups and other ministries.
Continuing the Mission
Emilie celebrated its 125th anniversary as a Methodist congregation in 1988 and its 150th anniversary in 2013. The 2013 celebration included former pastors, special music, performances by Emilie Christian Day School students, a commemorative video and a pictorial directory.
In 2019, the congregation established a Revitalization Fund to help renew and maintain its aging buildings while creating a welcoming environment for members and visitors.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Emilie expanded its use of online communication and livestreamed worship. When in-person services resumed, the church continued offering an online option, allowing people to worship from home or watch the service later.
Emilie has continued to strengthen its commitment to the Levittown community through Christian education, children’s and youth ministries, scouting, music, small groups, recovery ministries and community outreach. Its thrift store provides affordable clothing and assistance to individuals and families facing homelessness, fires and other emergencies.
In July 2025, the Rev. Stacey Jones-Anderson became Emilie’s pastor, bringing a passion for reconciliation, pastoral care and community outreach.
Building on Our Heritage
From the neighbors who quarried stone and donated building materials in 1842 to the congregation worshiping and serving together today, Emilie’s history is one of faith, perseverance and a willingness to respond to the changing needs of the community.
The original chapel, main sanctuary, Education Wing, cemetery and Christian Day School each represent a different chapter in that continuing story.
Today, Emilie United Methodist Church remains a community called to worship and glorify God by:
Bringing People to Christ
Growing People in Christ
Serving People for Christ