THE METHODIST SOCIAL CENTER

One of the most significant contributions of Methodism to the Philippines has been its Social Center in the Sampaloc District of downtown Manila. Founded in 1950, the Methodist Social Center stands as a monument to the practical application of the Christian Gospel to the social ills of humanity. As such, it is expressive of the growing social vision of Methodism that seeks in many and varied ways to create a better society-one which can more nearly approximate the vision of the just, humane social order embodied in the Christian concept of the Kingdom of God. Although the Kingdom of God is by no means fully attainable in this life, this concept nonetheless stands as a continued corrective and judgment upon present society and it leads the Christian to seek every creative means by which a more responsible society can come into being.

As the first social center for group work to be established in the Philippines, the Methodist Social Center has a remarkably varied program, which has been widely hailed throughout the country by Protestants and non-Protestants alike. Under capable leadership and with a well-trained staff, this institution has pursued a program of cultural, recreational, educational and spiritual development. The Center has, for example, regular Bible study, church school and daily vacation Bible school. Medical and dental services provide health care to the needy. Indigent women find guidance in pre-natal care and child-rearing, sewing instruction, and opportunities for recreation. Hungry children benefit from the UNICEF feeding program. The mental health program of "MSC" has been the only one in the country, outside of tbe National Psychopathic Hospital, where the mentally ill can receive adequate help without incurring great debts. Hugh Wilson Hall, previously mentioned, is always full to capacity, providing a clean, Christian atmosphere for girls away from home and attending college in "the big city." For these girls and other students of the area the Social Center provides an excellent library, a social hall and a chapel. Then there is a spacious auditorium, as well as a number of classrooms. Finally, there are boys' and girls' clubs, a kindergarten, a scouting program and many sports activities.

Such is the program of the Methodist Social Center. And it is particularly significant because of its location – right in the heart of the city. It is not only near the excitement of metropolitan Manila, but also near the heartache and tragedy as well. Families, crowded into tiny, inadequate living quarters... literally tens upon tens of thousands of students, alone and often bewildered in impersonal universities...undernourished children and harried, working mothers...rebellious juvenile gangs, roaming the city streets in search not only of adventure but for meaning in life....the lost, the forgotten, the down-trodden – to such conditions of “the family of man" does the Social Center seek to minister in the name of Him who went about doing good.

Go to Next Section: Children's Garden

Back to Table of Contents