The building located at E. 111th and Lexington Ave. traces its roots to the First Spanish United Methodist Church, founded in 1922, But the People's Church was born in 1969 when the Young Lords, a radical Puerto Rican organization, occupied the church for their community programs. On December 7, after the Young Lords had asked for permission to use the space, they were attacked by the police while the organist played “Onward, Chrstian Soldiers.” One had a broken arm and needed eleven stitches; four others were treated at the emergency room, and thirteen were arrested. Three weeks later, they took over the church and occupied it for eleven days. When they left, they declared, “This is the People’s Church now.” While officially still known as First Spanish or FSUMC, neighbors have called it “The People’s Church” ever since.

The relationship between First Spanish, the Young Lords, the local community, and the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church has had its ups and downs ever since. In 2017, a young, new pastor, the Rev. Dorlimar Lebrón Malavé, was appointed here and soon began receiving broad recognition for her work. Seeking to obey Jesus’ teaching to feed the hungry and clothe the naked, she launched a number of community programs, nurtured a community that welcomed people of all races, genders, classes, and LGBTQ identities, and sought to reconcile the Young Lords and the church. She was abruptly forced to resign in November, 2023.

Like them, we believe that the church exists to show God’s love in concrete forms for all people. Faith is a living, breathing journey that transcends the dogmas and doctrines. We are committed to being a sanctuary for all – a place where individuals from all walks of life can find solace, strength, and a sense of belonging. Our congregation is a tapestry of stories and identities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people of diverse cultural and religous backgrounds, and those seeking a connection with their spiritual and community roots.

Our mission is to live out the Gospel in action. As people who know how it feels to be treated as “less than,” we affirm the dignity and value of everyone, within our walls or beyond them. Our worship is a dynamic blend of reflection, celebration, and activism – a testament to our belief that faith should uplift every aspect of one's identity and emotional landscape.