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First Church Miami is one of the city’s most historic congregations, and it’s been a leading space for inclusive community in Miami since 1896. It’s this centrally located, historic sanctuary in bustling downtown that’s watched Miami grow into the utopian space we know today. Many of its earliest members were pioneers who helped build the city itself, including Dr. James Jackson, the namesake of Jackson Memorial Hospital. Now, the church feels like a vibrant cultural hub and remains one of the most inclusive, longstanding community spaces in Miami’s urban core.
Even with its deep roots, the church has always evolved with the times. In its modern new building you’ll now find a coffee shop, a gallery, and one of Miami’s most beloved Candlelight concert venues.
Candlelight: Mozart vs Beethoven
January 31, 2026 6:45 PM
First Church Miami
From $46.64
Candlelight: Queen vs. ABBA
First Church Miami
From $41.57
Candlelight: From Bach to The Beatles
February 20, 2026 8:45 PM
First Church Miami
From $47.25
First Church Miami: Its reinvention for modern Miami
First Church Miami has always been a religious space with a forward‑looking, modern trajectory. Even though its foundations were laid in the 1890s, the church is progressive in more ways than one, serving as a hub for organizing integrated communities during the civil rights movement and providing a longstanding spiritual home for queer people. Its move into a modern building reflects this instinct to grow with the times, a shift championed by Reverend Audrey Warren when she arrived and urged the congregation to leave behind their nearly 40‑year‑old, repair‑ridden former home.
The current building is a striking architectural anchor in a neighborhood now dominated by modern skyscrapers, and it’s shared with The Elser Hotel, making it arguably the city’s highest sanctuary, with dazzling panoramic views and gorgeous stained glass windows framing the skyline. The interior uses a specialized acoustic treatment package—including custom wall panels and ceiling clouds—designed to provide superior speech intelligibility and concert-quality sound for musical performances.
What can you do at First Church Miami?
As one of the most modern Christian community spaces in Miami, the space is kitted out with modern amenities like an open gym, pickleball courts, an indoor climbing wall, and much more. Inside the church you’ll also find Corner Coffee, a café where a portion of every purchase supports its mission to fight homelessness and hunger. The wider outreach work includes “Serve Sunday,” a volunteer‑run food kitchen, and a monthly brunch club focused on serving neighbors who need it most.
The church is also a hub for all things art and culture. The Fifth and Biscayne Micro Gallery exhibition space directed by Reverend Nyya Toussaint, showcases emerging artists and socially engaged projects. And, taking advantage of its beautiful acoustics, the Candlelight concert series is hosting beautiful tribute concerts to popular artists and the classical greats.
FAQs
What denomination is First Church Miami?
The church is ‘United Methodist’, and is otherwise known as First United Methodist Church (FUMC).
Is it accessible ?
Yes, First Church Miami has multiple features making is accessible for persons with disabilities: a wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible restrooms, and disabled parking.
Is there parking available?
On Sundays, you can park for free on level G6 of The Elser Hotel & Residences garage at 398 NE 5th Street, and on other days there’s plenty of paid street and garage parking along Biscayne Boulevard and the nearby cross streets.
How to get there & nearby venues
First Church Miami is in Downtown at 398 NE 5th Street, just steps from Bayside and the Metromover College/Bayside station, which makes getting there by public transport really easy. For landmarks, you’ve got Bayside Marketplace, Bayfront Park, the Kaseya Center (Miami Heat arena), Pérez Art Museum Miami and the Frost Museum of Science all within a short stroll or quick Metromover hop.