Peniel was the name Jacob gave to the place
where he wrestled with God as he prepared to
meet his estranged brother Esau. As the morning
light was breaking, God touched Jacob's hip
causing him to be
lame and changed the name to Israel.
Israel then named the place Peniel which means
the face of God - saying, "For I have seen God
face to face and lived." (Genesis 32: 23-32)
Peniel is also mentioned in (Judges 8: 8,9,17
and 1 Kings 12: 25)
From these Biblical references the name Peniel
is associated with the struggles of faith as we
meet God in our daily lives.
In 1786, a young Irish girl came to live in
Newport, Delaware. She had been a Methodist in
her own country and sought out a Reverent
Caldwell at the Methodist Society in Wilmington,
Delaware who consented to come to Newport and
preach in a rented hall, thus the Methodist
Society of Newport was begun. In 1796, the
Reverend Ezekiel Cooper was appointed by Bishop
Francis Asbury to lead regular worship services
in private homes and shops.
The first church building was built in 1809.
The members chose the name PENIEL. This name
reflected the faith of Newport's church founders
and those who have continued in their stead as
they have struggled and grown in their
relationship to God.
A new building replaced the original structure
and was dedicated in 1865. The sanctuary we
worship in today was dedicated on October 24,
1954.
Peniel United Methodist Church is a place you
will find love and warmth of fellowship that
will make you feel wanted and welcome.
The opportunities for personal growth are many.
At Peniel, you will experience the nearness of
God in the warmth of:
