On July 4, 2026, the United States of America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence that marks the begininng of the nation. In a new video series titled "From Crown to Conferencing: Methodism and the New Republic," we reflect on the roles Methodists have played leading up to and after the Declaration of Independence was signed. The resource, produced in partnership between the General Commission on Archives and History (GCAH) and the New York Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, is designed for use by Sunday School classes, small groups, youth groups or individual study.
In addition to viewing the videos on ResourceUMC.org, you may also view the videos on GCAH's YouTube channel and at the UM History Hub. Questions to be used for personal reflection or group discussions are also available with the respective videos.
There is no cost to utilize the videos, but If you value the work you see here along with countless other ways GCAH serves the wider church, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to The United Methodist Church's Ministry of Memory at the link.
In the introduction, The Rev. Dr. Rob Lee, Connectional Coordinator for GCAH, introduces the six-video course. This video was filmed inside the sanctuary of John Street United Methodist Church in Lower Manhattan, New York, New York.
In the second video, titled "A Republic is Formed," the Rev. Dr. Rob Lee, Connectional Coordinator for GCAH, offers context for the formation of the new republic and its form of federalized government, along with Methodist inroads to the nation. This video was filmed inside the museum of John Street United Methodist Church in Lower Manhattan, New York, New York.
In this third video of the series, titled "The Methodists' Founding," Dr. Ashley Boggan, GCAH general secretary, offers context for the formation of the Methodist Episcopal Church and its form of holy conferencing after the United States won its independence. This video was filmed inside the museum of John Street United Methodist Church in Lower Manhattan, New York, New York.
In the fourth video, Dr. Ashley Boggan, GCAH general secretary, interviews the Rev. Stefanie Bennett, pastor at John Street United Methodist Church, one of the oldest Methodist congregations in the United States.
More videos in this series are coming soon.
This content was created by the General Commission on Archives and History on April 30, 2026. Contact is Crystal Caviness.