Built in 1905, Tarlac United Methodist Church has stood for more than 120 years as a mission-driven church that sits in the heart of Tarlac City. The church started as a simple structure built with intricately woven split bamboo mats and only a few dedicated members who yearned to create a community.
Eventually, the church steadily grew through shared outreach efforts of the members in areas without existing congregations, such as Baras-Baras and San Juan de Mata. Being strategically located in front of the city plaza and beside the city hall, the church reflects the diverse community of Tarlac City—a melting pot of Kapampangans, Ilocanos, Pangasinenses, Bisaya, and many others drawn by the city’s vibrant trade and commerce.
From humble beginnings, the church has expanded to include ten daughter churches and even granddaughter churches, continuing to spread its message of faith and salvation.
Today, Tarlac UMC carries out a wide range of ministries serving different sectors of the community. These include children’s ministries in various barangays, a weekly police ministry, and a partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Home for Women, where worship services and Bible studies are conducted. The church also leads Bible studies in 17 areas, supports a campus ministry in partnership with Ecumenical Christian College, and regularly visits those in prison.
Tarlac UMC serves as a warm space for inclusivity and diversity!
This video was published on February 20, 2026. The contact is Joe Iovino.
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