Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church P.O. BOX 101

PORT ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY 08348-0101 http://PortElizabethNJUMC.org/

Phone: (856) 825-2258

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 101 Port Elizabeth, NJ 08348-0101 Church: 142 Port Elizabeth - Cumberland Road Port Elizabeth, NJ 08348 John Boggs Hall: 152 Port Elizabeth - Cumberland Road Port Elizabeth, NJ 08348 Email: portelizabethnjumc@gmail.com Twitter Feed: http://twitter.com/PortElizNJUMC YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/PortElizabethNJUMC A MINISTRY OF HISTORY As caretakers of our heritage, we give thanks for those who have gone before us. We can be inspired by those who have been good and faithful servants. By reflecting on our past, we learn a great deal and can determine the future directions of our ministry. We hope to inspire present and future members. Vision Statement: Faith, our heritage from the past, our help in the present

and our hope for the future. Edition: 2015-06-18

The History of

Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church

230 Years: 1785 – 2015

Mission Statement

To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.

Adopted 2013

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SOURCES Asbury, Rev. Francis. Journal of Rev. Francis Asbury, Bishop of The Methodist

Episcopal Church – In Three Volumes. New York: Land & Scott, Joseph Longking, Printer, 1852. Google books. Web. 14 Jul. 2009. http://books.google.com

Francis Asbury’s Journals

Volume I: August 7, 1771 – December 31, 1786 Volume II: July 15, 1786 – November 6, 1800 Volume III: January 1, 1801 – December 7, 1815 Cushing, Thos., M.D. and Sheppard, Charles E., Esq. History of the Counties of

Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of their Prominent Citizens. Philadelphia: Everts and Peck on press of J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1883, Print.

Ffirth, John, Esq. The Experience, and Gospel Labours, of the Rev. Benjamin

Abbott, To Which Is Annexed, A Narrative of His Life and Death - Fourth Edition. New York: Daniel Hitt and Thomas Ware, for the Methodist Connection in the United States by John C. Totten, printer, 1813. Google books. Web. 12 Jul. 2009. http://books.google.com

Wilson, Bill. “Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church Historic Site.” FISH

Annual Conference 2015: The Annual Conference of Greater New Jersey Pre-Conference Journal + Handbook May 28-30, 2015. Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood, New Jersey. Ocean, New Jersey: The United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey, 2015. 63. Print.

Records of the Trustees of Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church 1785-2015. Other church records including organization books, deeds, maps, wills, programs and photographs from 1785-2015. Cumberland County Clerk’s Office, Bridgeton, New Jersey Methodist Archives at Drew University, Madison, New Jersey Rutgers University Special Collections at the Alexander Library, New Brunswick, New Jersey Research by The History Team for the 225th Anniversary in 2010.

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OUR BEGINNINGS In 1772, Benjamin Abbott of Pittsgrove Township, Salem County, came to know Jesus Christ as his savior. He had felt distress about his “open rebellion against God, in drinking fighting swearing and gambling, &c.” He was deciding what to be: Presbyterian, Baptist, Quaker, Moravian, or Methodist.

While I was thus meditating, the Lord, by his Spirit, in power spoke in my mind to the following effect: “I have shown you the way wherin you ought to walk; but your ways are a grief to my Spirit.”

He decided to become a Methodist. Converting to Methodism meant that he could be considered a tory, a friend of the British during the American Revolution. It meant his family would need to travel miles to the nearest Methodist Society. He then became convicted and began his work as an evangelist and local preacher in 1773. He was no doubt the most remarkable man among early Methodists in southern New Jersey where he was a “war time evangelist.” In 1778 Benjamin Abbott had attended a quarterly meeting in Morris’ River. In 1792 he wrote, “We had precious times generally at that place [Morris-river church] while I rode the [Salem] Circuit.” Around 1778, the Methodist Society was organized at Morris’ River, also called Maurice River Town and soon to be called Port Elizabeth. William Donnelly who resided here, was a local preacher of the Methodist connection who served from 1778-1781. At the time of his death, in August 1784, the question of building a church was being agitated. Henry Reeves had offered a lot on the North side of the dam and Mrs. Bodly a portion of the present church lot. At the time of his funeral, it was decided to bury him on his own land, very near the line of the lot offered by Mrs. Elizabeth Bodly. It was finally decided to accept her offer. On October 1, 1785, for five shillings, she deeded a lot containing one acre and twenty-seven hundredths, “for the purpose of building a preaching house on, and a burying yard, and to build a school house for the use of the neighborhood after the said meeting-house was built.” The first church erected on the ground, which was the first church in the county for the exclusive use of the Methodists was about half the size of the present one, a frame building, and was completed in 1786. The present brick edifice was built in 1827. Dr. Benjamin Fisler furnished the plan and superintended its erection. The dedication took place the latter part of 1830, and the dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Geary, of Bridgeton from Ezra 5:9 “Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?” When this church was completed it was considered the most complete and beautiful church within the State south of Trenton.

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Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church Historic Site (no financial impact) WHEREAS, Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church is one of the oldest organized Methodist Episcopal Church congregations in New Jersey at two hundred and thirty years and was part of the original Salem circuit in southern New Jersey. WHEREAS, Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church started out as the Methodist Society at Morris’ River around 1778 during the American Revolution. Benjamin Abbott, southern New Jersey’s influential “War Time Evangelist” attended the quarterly meeting. WHEREAS, Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church was visited by Bishop Frances Asbury on September 17, 1785 at quarterly meeting. He would return on October 6, 1786 to an attentive crowd. He returned for a last time on April 17, 1809 to preach and confer with Dr. Benjamin Fisler about building an academy on the church grounds. WHEREAS, Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church’s cemetery contains the remains of Richard Swain and his family. Swain served under Abbott and was appointed to several circuits in the New Jersey area until 1803. His leadership helped make Methodism successful in the southern New Jersey area. WHEREAS, Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church erected the first building exclusively used by Methodists, completed in 1786. The present edifice dates from 1827. THEREFORE, As one of the most successful southern New Jersey churches whose tremendous impact upon South Jersey Methodism since 1785 deserves to be recognized by this body as a Greater New Jersey Annual Conference Historic Site. RATIONALE: Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church has a special place in southern New Jersey’s Methodist history. The fact that Francis Asbury visited three times and set in motion plans for an educational academy built later on the grounds gives proof to its expanding ministry and importance to Methodist work in the area. Port Elizabeth’s spiritual heritage through the years includes a famous 1869 revival and strong temperance stand in 1884. Submitted and Presented by Rev. Bill Wilson, Chair Commission on Archives and History (856) 939-1007 pastorbill@chewsumc.com The amended Recommendation of Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church to be designated as a Greater New Jersey Annual Conference Historic Site was presented on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the 2015 Annual Conference held at the Wildwood Convention Center in Wildwood, New Jersey. Revised by Theodore F. Prohowich, Jr., Church Historian Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church

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BIBLE STUDY This is an analysis based on the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is as relevant today as when it was written. Bible study is a prayerful period, a time of small group fellowship and a way to learn how to apply the Word now. Before each Bible Study, a briefing on news of people and situations requiring prayer are brought forth. Brief prayers before and after occur and sometimes a hymn is sung. During every Bible Study, new perspectives are learned from the pastor. There is opportunity for dialogue to ask questions and have brief discussion. Meeting with like-minded Christians provides a midweek lift and a renewed focus on God’s spirit within us. Bible studies occur several times a week to fit the schedules of people unable to make regular Sunday Church. Maps and other historic documents of the Holy Land and the Middle East are compared with today, as proofs that events in the Bible occurred. Comparisons of the Old Testament to the New Testament:

Passover meal at the Exodus : The Lord’s Last Supper Shavuot (Festival of Weeks) : Pentecost Ceremonial washing : Baptism Animal sacrifices in the temple : Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross for all

God being everywhere, in all times all at once. We have had reflections on how our country was founded as a Christian nation. Christianity was mandated by the Founding Fathers as a national religion, but we were given the freedom to practice religion without interference from the government. Are you new to the Methodist Church? There are sessions on the basics of Christianity and Methodism.

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PRAYER Jesus taught us to pray.

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.”

We begin and end all gatherings with prayer. Twice a week, we have Corporate Prayer. 1. It is a focus on our relationship with God as opposed to a vending machine

approach where we pray primary to get personal things from God. 2. We spend time telling God what we like about Him and His character. 3. We spend time in thanking Him for what he has done in our church as a

whole. 4. Sometimes we wait in silence before Him just soaking up His manifested

presence. 5. If we ask for things, the focus is on the big picture, the progress of our

church as a whole: leading people to a personal relationship with Jesus, making faithful disciples of converts, who will in turn, train other disciples, so that the world is transformed into the character of our Lord Jesus

Christ.

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OUR MINISTERS: THOSE WHO LEAD AND SERVE The most prominent was Dr. Benjamin Fisler, who was born in 1769 and converted at Fislerville, now Clayton, Gloucester County. He was licensed as a local preacher in 1792, and immediately began traveling, first in Nova Scotia, and in 1797 on the Salem circuit. In 1799 he moved to Port Elizabeth, and practiced medicine. He married Martha Murray and they had nine children. He preached in a very acceptable manner until his death on July 4, 1854, at the age of 85. His last sermon, based on Genesis 27:2, was preached about one week previous to that. “I am an old man, I know not the day of my death.” Fifthian Stratton, who lived at Schooner Landing on the Menantico, was also an energetic local preacher for a number of years. He died in 1810. List of Ministers We first started as a Methodist Society during the American Revolution. 1778 – 1781 ........ William Donnelly, local preacher In 1781, the church became officially connected with the Methodist Conference and it was placed on the West Jersey Circuit. 1781 .................... Caleb Pedicord, Joseph Cromwell 1781 Nov.: .......... James O. Cromwell and Joseph Everett 1782 .................... Joshua Dudley, Richard Ivy 1783 .................... Woolman Hickson, John Magary 1784 .................... Samuel Rowe, William Partridge, John Fidler

The Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States formed at the Christmas Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

1785 .................... Thomas Ware, Robert Sparks, William Phoebus 1786 .................... Jacob Brush, John Simmons, Jacob Lurton 1787 .................... Robert Cann, John McClaskey, John Milburn The Salem Circuit formed in 1788, including Port Elizabeth. 1788 .................... Joseph Cromwell, Nathaniel B. Mills, John Cooper 1789 .................... Simon Pyle, Jethro Johnson, Sylvester Hutchinson 1790 .................... Joseph Cromwell, William Dougherty 1791 .................... James Bell, John Clark 1792 .................... Benjamin Abbott, David Bartine

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1793 .................... Willson Lee, Hugh Work 1794 .................... Richard Swain, Anthony Turck 1795 .................... Moses Crane, Jacob Egbert 1796 .................... Robert McCoy, Peter Vannest 1797 .................... William McLenahan, Dr. Benjamin Fisler, M.D. 1798 .................... Jacob Egbert, Jesse Justice 1799 .................... Richard Swain, Wesley Budd 1800 .................... Richard Swain, Richard Lyon 1801 .................... Thomas Everard, Asa Swain In 1802 Salem circuit was divided into Salem and Cape May circuits. Port Elizabeth remained in the Salem circuit. 1802 .................... Jesse Justice and David Dunham 1803 .................... Richard Swain, Asa Smith 1804 .................... John Walker, John Durbin In 1805, the Salem and Cape May Circuits were again united. 1805 .................... John Walker and Nathan Swain In 1807, the Cumberland Circuit was formed. This included all the southern and eastern portions of Cumberland County. 1807 ................... David Bartine, Jose Stephens 1808 .................... William Smith, Charles Reed 1809 .................... Daniel Ireland, John Fox 1810 .................... Samuel Budd, Daniel Ireland 1811 .................... Thomas Dunn, Joseph Bennett; Michael Coates, presiding elder 1812 .................... William Smith, Joseph Bennett 1813 .................... William Swain, Daniel Fidler 1814 .................... Daniel Fidler, Daniel Ireland 1815 .................... Solomon Sharp, Nathan Swain; James Smith, presiding elder 1816 .................... Solomon Sharp, Thomas Davis 1817 .................... Thomas Neal, Thomas Davis 1818 .................... Thomas Neal, John Creamer 1819 .................... Edward Stout, John Creamer; Lawrence McCombs, presiding elder 1820 .................... Edward Stout, Daniel Fidler 1821 .................... John Finley, John Collins 1822 .................... John Finley, James McLaurin 1823 .................... Edward Page, Eliphalet Reed; Jacob Moore, presiding elder

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MISSIONS John Wesley began Methodism based on scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. He said, “The world is our parish.” Rev. Paul Pedrick challenged our congregation to become involved in global mission. Below is a list of missions and missionaries who benefit from our generosity: Camden Neighborhood Center Rev. Dave Bailey: Ranch Hope for Boys Mark and Jodi Amey: Handi*Vangelism Ministries International Wycliffe Bible Translators Jeff and Connie Gulleson: Indonesia – Theological Education John and Kendra Enright: Ndola, Zambia, Africa World Gospel Mission Atlantic City Rescue Mission Mission Teens Wings of Eagles – a prison ministry Red Bird Mission in the Appalachia region of Kentucky UMCOR: United Methodist Committee on Relief Habitat for Humanity Health and Hope Ministries: Food Closet of Millville: In West Side UMC Food Closet of Maurice River Township: Located in the Heislerville UMC. GNJ Sandy Relief Fund Wings of the Morning Imagine No Malaria A Future with Hope We have supported aspiring ministers. As a result, Doug Spencer, Val Garron, and Jim Scagnelli have now become ministers. SUNDAY SCHOOL It is very important to nurture the child’s soul. With encouragement and a strong foundation in the Bible and Jesus’ teachings, children will be able to develop their God given talents. In 1898 Sunday School was called The Port Elizabeth Sabbath Society and the Superintendent was J. W. B. Vanaman. In the early 1900’s Sunday School was held in various parts of the church and from the 1920’s to the 1950’s it was also held in Lee Hall. John Boggs Hall has been used for that purpose since 1962. Different methods have been used to teach children about the Bible; from singing songs, chalk talk, and flannel boards. Vacation Bible School, Youth Group, and retreats add other dimensions to religious education and are continuing to grow.

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ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL Originally called the Official Board of the Port Elizabeth Methodist Episcopal Church, the Administrative Council was organized for transacting all business of the Church as written in the 1912 Book of Discipline. All organizations meet at Administrative Council. Here are some of the people and committees involved: The Pastor, Beautification, Cluster, Finance Committee, Hospitality, Lay Leader, Membership, Missions, Ministry for Seniors, Staff / Pastor Parish Relations, Sunday School, Trustees, United Methodist Women, Visitation, Worship, Youth, and other ad hoc committees. Approvals for any church activities go through the Administrative Council and decisions are made as a group. WOMEN Over 140 years ago, the predecessor to United Methodist Women, the Mite Society, supported missions for women, children, and youth through charitable giving. Their legacy in creating hospitals, neighborhood centers and foreign missions worldwide, continues today in local and global arenas. The Purpose of UM Women helps to define its activities -The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose PURPOSE is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative, supportive fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. MUSIC Singing hymns is a vital component of our worship of God. Organ and piano music has been an integral part of the worship experience. A Senior Choir, Junior Choir, Youth Choir and a Gospel Choir have provided praising voices. Ambitious musical programs such as “An Enchanted Journey” a version of “Pilgrim’s Progress,” and “It’s a Small, Small World.” “Psalty” took children camping and kids sang praise songs. Christmas pageants like “Angels Aware” and “Once Upon a Starry Night” have been spectacular. Each month our Cluster Churches hold hymn sings. For the past four decades, the Cluster Choir Festivals have been held in May. Each member church brings a choir or a special musical selection and the evening ends with a combined anthem.

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1824 .................... Edward Page, Eliphalet Reed 1825 .................... William Williams, William Lummis 1826 .................... William Williams, William Lummis; Charles Pitman, presiding elder 1827 .................... John Woolson, Robert Gerry, and Sedgewick Rusling 1828 .................... John Woolson, Sedgewick Rusling, and Joseph Ashbrook 1829 – 1830 ........ Watters Burroughs, James Ayars 1831 .................... William Folk, William Stevens 1832 .................... William Folk, Nathaniel Chew 1833 .................... John Henry, Joseph Ashbrook 1834 .................... Edward Stout, George Raybold 1835 .................... Nathaniel Chew, George Raybold 1836 .................... William Williams, John W. McDougall 1837 – 1838 ........ Joseph J. Sleeper, Thomas G. Stewart 1839 – 1840 ........ John F. Crouch, Thomas G. Stewart 1841 – 1842 ........ Jacob Loudenslager, George Jennings. 1842 during ........ Mr. Jennings’ health failed - Dr. Perdew was supply. 1843 .................... Abraham Gearhart, Levi Herr 1844 .................... David Duffield, William Rogers. Mr. Rogers failed - Samuel Parker was supply 1845 .................... David Duffield, Joseph Gaskill 1846 .................... Thomas Christopher, Joseph Gaskill 1847 .................... N. Edwards, S. B. Beegle. Mr. Beegle left the circuit - Samuel Parker was supply. 1848 .................... N. Edwards, James J. White 1849 – 1850 ........ Joseph Atwood, J. T. Canfield In 1851 Cumberland Circuit, by that name, ceased to exist, and the Port Elizabeth Circuit was created; Millville, Woodruff’s and Willow Grove being made Millville’s charge. 1851 .................... Abram K. Streets, William A. Brooks 1852 .................... William A. Brooks, William Walton 1853 .................... E. Watters, J. B. Heward In 1854 another change was made and the river was made a dividing line; Leesburg, Heislerville, West Creek being taken from Cape May Circuit, and added to Port Elizabeth Circuit. 1854 .................... E. Watters, B.O. Parvin 1855 .................... Furman Robbins, William McCormac 1856 .................... Furman Robbins, Matthias H. Shimp

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1857 .................... William Walton, Napoleon B. Todd 1858 .................... William Walton, Garner H. Tullis 1859 .................... John S. Beegle, Joseph G. Crate 1860 .................... John S. Beegle 1861 .................... James Vanzant 1862 .................... James Vanzant, Joseph L. Roe 1863 – 1864 ........ David McCurdy, Ananias Lawrence 1865 .................... Henry G. Williams, George White 1866 – 1868 ........ Henry G. Williams, William Moffatt 1869 – 1870 ........ J. B. Turpin, John W. Morris 1871 .................... J. B. Turpin, J. O. Downs Up to 1872 Port Elizabeth, Dorchester, Leesburg, Heislerville, West Creek, and Cumberland Furnace formed the Circuit. By April 1872, the Circuit was divided into two parts. Port Elizabeth, Dorchester, and Leesburg formed the Port Elizabeth Circuit. The lower part was the West Creek Circuit. 1872 – 1875 ........ Calvin C. Eastlack 1875 – 1877 ........ James Vanzant 1877 – 1879 ........ Furman Robbins 1879 – 1882 ........ Godfrey Ebner Hancock 1882 – 1885 ........ Charles W. Livezly 1885 – 1887 ........ Edwin J. Lippincott 1887 – 1889 ........ C. Rollin Smith 1889 – 1891 ........ A. Leddon Izard 1891 – 1894 ........ David B. Ackley In 1891 The Port Elizabeth Circuit was reorganized. The new circuit included Port Elizabeth, Cumberland, and Menantico. Services were held in Menantico and Cumberland on alternating Sundays. 1894 – 1896 ........ J. F. Lowden 1896 – 1897 ........ L. S. Pancoast 1897 – 1899 ........ James W. Poolton 1899 – 1900 ........ John W. Reid 1900 – 1903 ........ Richard Smith 1903 – 1905 ........ N. W. Wickward 1905 – 1909 ........ John R. Grear 1909 – 1912 ........ Howard A. Moore 1912 – 1914 ........ A. Lincoln Creamer 1914 – 1916 ........ Pennington Corson 1917 – 1918 ........ Samuel Cawman 1918 – 1920 ........ Thomas J. Morgan 1920 – 1923 ........ Albert C. Bailey

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Parcel #5: Date: April 9, 1925 Grantor: Joseph G. Hampton and Mary A. Hampton, his wife Grantee: Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Elizabeth. Price: Three Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($350.00) Size: Approximately 10,000 square feet Purpose: Cemetery Addition: Plots 45-88 (Potter’s Field at rear).

Referred to as Hampton purchase #2. Recorded: Book 425: Page: 275&c. [275-277] Cumberland County Clerk, May 4, 1925 Parcel #6: Date: December 4, 1953 Grantor: Mary A. Hampton, widow Grantee: Board of Trustees of the Port Elizabeth Methodist Church. Price: One Dollar ($1.00) Size: Approximately 1.25 acres Purpose: Cemetery Addition: Plots 89-240. Sunday school and social

hall building “John Boggs Hall” Referred to as Hampton purchase #3. Mary Hampton lived in her house on this parcel until her death

in 1958. Recorded: Book 797: Page: 220&c. [220-223] Cumberland County Clerk, December 10, 1953 CEMETERY Bordered by a pristine stream on the left side of the church and the Manumuskin River in the back, our cemetery is a place of solitude and reflection. The Meditation Garden is a welcome addition beyond the stream. It was dedicated on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 at the Sunrise Service. Many who have served are buried here; those have served our country in the military and/or those who have served God as ministers. Jonas Vanaman is the only veteran from the Revolutionary War. There are a total of 43 Civil War Veterans buried in this cemetery. A memorial for nine men lost at war is at the right side of the church. The American Legion sends an “Around the Horn” contingent each year near Memorial Day to provide a gun salute to these fallen soldiers. The oldest tombstones in the cemetery are those of Hezekiah Lore, who died June 19th, 1770 and his wife Elizabeth who died on January 2nd, 1761. Harry Lore, Sr. moved their stones here from the Swedish Moravian Cemetery on the east side of the Maurice River near Spring Garden Ferry in September 1881, because the river washed away most of that graveyard except those stones.

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Parcel #2: Date: March 28, 1809 Grantor: Elizabeth Bodly of the Township of Maurice River in the

County of Cumberland and State of New Jersey Grantee: William Silver, Elisha Smith, Benjamin Fisler, Joseph Gray,

John Young, Stephen Willis, James D Park, Henry Gray and John Budd all of the Township, County and State aforesaid, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Elizabeth.

Price: Twenty-one Dollars ($21.00) Size: 25 square rods (approximately 6800 square feet) Purpose: Purchase land between the front of the church and Port

Elizabeth – Cumberland Road, also cemetery use. Recorded: Liber O: Folio: 223&c [Book 14: Pages 223-224] Cumberland County Clerk, June 21, 1809 Parcel #3: Date: December 25, 1840 Grantor: William Donnelly, Administrator of Silas Long, deceased Grantee: William Silver, Elisha Smith, Benjamin Fisler, Joseph Gray,

John Young, Stephen Willis, James D Park, Henry Gray and John Budd all of the Township, County and State aforesaid, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Elizabeth.

Price: One Dollar ($1.00) Size: 10 links by 15.5 perches (6.6 feet by 255.75 feet) Purpose: Bring the grave of Rev. William Donnelly into the cemetery

(d. August 1784). There was no marker at the time of the property purchase. A marker was dedicated in his memory, June 6, 2010.

Recorded: Book AT (68): Page: 511&c. [511-512] Cumberland County Clerk, September 5, 1884 Parcel #4: Date: April 16, 1908 Grantor: Joseph G. Hampton Grantee: Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Elizabeth. Price: Seventy Five Dollars ($75.00) Size: Approximately 9300 square feet Purpose: Cemetery Addition: Plots 1-44 (Potter’s Field at rear)

Referred to as Hampton purchase #1. Recorded: Book 296: Page: 156&c. [156-158] Cumberland County Clerk, June 3, 1908

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1923 – 1926 ........ Walter A. Pine 1926 – 1927 ........ Ira J. B. Hill 1927 – 1929 ........ Benage Lord 1929 – 1934 ........ Lawrence G. Atkinson 1934 – 1935 ........ Leon Lore Blackman 1935 – 1936 ........ L. Burdell “Chick” Hawk 1936 – 1939 ........ Edmund H. Carlisle 1939 – 1941 ........ Robert S. Judge 1941 – 1942 ........ Frederick S. Gallop 1942 .................... Levi Sharpe (filled the pulpit until conference) 1942 – 1944 ........ Raymond G. Morgan 1944 – 1946 ........ Fred W. Slater 1946 – 1950 ........ Charles W. Doutt 1950 – 1952 ........ Julian M. Brown 1952 – 1953 ........ Edward A. Chambers 1953 – 1955 ........ Arthur B. Mix 1955 – 1956 ........ Earl C. Snyder 1956 – 1957 ........ Joseph E. Uncle 1957 – 1960 ........ Paul Wesley Pedrick 1960 – 1964 ........ Julius Henry Meyer 1964 – 1966 ........ Leon Tavitian 1966 – 1967 ........ Julius Henry Meyer 1967 – 1969 ........ Richard Sullivan 1969 – 1970 ........ Warren Light, James Sterman – Assistant 1970 – 1975 ........ Louis A. Kickasola 1975 – 1978 ........ Jay Amey, Paul W. Pedrick – Assistant 1978 The Maurice River Parish was dissolved and for the first time, the Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church was a single charge. 1978 – 1982 ........ Paul Wesley Pedrick, Carlton N. Nelson – Assistant 1982 – 1985 ........ Paul Wesley Pedrick 1984 – 1998 ........ Mr. Richard Chester Terry – Assistant 1985 – 1998 ........ Dr. John F. Garrahan 1998 – 2000 ........ Sunny M. Shim 2000 – 2003 ........ Dr. George E. Stauffer 2003 – 2005 ........ Efraín D. Seguí 2005 – 2006 ........ Shawn L. Cooper 2006 – 2007 ....... Melanie J. Kalla, James T. Scagnelli – Assistant 2007 .................... James D. Peterson – Interim 2007 – 2009 ....... Carol Ann Bass 2009 – 2014 ........ David L. Carber, Jr. 2014 – ................ Philip G. Pelphrey

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GUEST PREACHERS Francis Asbury (August 20, 1745 – March 31, 1816), one of the first two Methodist Bishops in America, preached here on three occasions. The following are from Francis Asbury’s Journal: [September 1785]

Saturday, 17. Quarterly meeting at Morris’ River: our house was not quite covered, and it was falling weather; the people, nevertheless, stayed to hear me preach; afterward brother A[bbott] and brother L[ucas] spoke to them.

Sunday, 18. We had a great time; the people spoke freely of the dealings of God with their souls.

[October 1786]

Friday 6. At Morris-River church, I was warm and close on, “Lord, are there few that be saved?” The people were attentive to the word.

[April 17, 1809]

A heavy ride brought us on Monday to Port Elizabeth. I preached on 2 Cor. xiii, 5; it was a searching season. This is a new town, and we have a large house built here: the Baptists are building a grand house. We lodged at Benjamin Fisler’s.

Henry A. Atkinson, Secretary General of the Church Peace Union preached at Old Home Day in 1940, 1947 and 1948. He lived in New York, owned a home here from 1933-1944, died in Baltimore in 1960 and he is buried in our cemetery. In 1984, Peter Marshall, Presbyterian minister and evangelist preached on America's Christian heritage and on Christian discipleship and revival. He died at the age of 70 on the evening of Wednesday, September 8, 2010 in Orleans, Massachusetts. On June 6, 2010, Old Home Day – 225 Years, we had the honor of Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar delivering the message at our morning service. OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS On October 2, 1988, we hosted a meeting with many distinguished guests including U. S. Congressman, William Hughes, for the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

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Current Properties with deed information:

Parcel #1: Date: October 1, 1785 Grantor: Elizabeth Bodly of the Township of Maurice River in the

County of Cumberland and State of New Jersey Grantee: Phillip Cressey and Abraham Wolson, of Cape May, Henry

Firth, of the county of Salem, James Sterling of the County of Burlington, John Champion, Esq. of the County of Gloucester, and William Furnis, Daniel Heisler, Eli Budd, and Martin Long of Maurice River, in the County of Cumberland, Trustees chosen in behalf of the Society called Methodists of the Episcopal Church.

Price: Five Shillings Size: 1.27 acres Purpose: Church Building and cemetery. Recorded: Liber A: Folio: 229&c [Book 1: Pages 229-231] Cumberland County Clerk, February 9, 1791

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2010 Sanded and painted church floor. New first-floor carpeting “cathedral red” (after 42 years). Padded first-floor pews “crimson”. Bolted second-floor pews. Bridge across stream to grassy corner. Added wooden safety rail on dais. Cleaned hundreds of gravestones (Bryan Jackson Eagle Scout Project). Four new cemetery benches. Portable projection screen purchased for church events

2011 Added clear polycarbonate panels to interiors of all eleven second-floor windows of the church. Oak table for DVD ministry and periodicals. 110-foot well and water hydrant at left church front. Meditation Garden, bird garden and front-of-church flowerbed borders. Raised first eight feet of brick walk to be even with sidewalk. Placed 6-mil Vinyl moisture barrier on basement floor of John Boggs Hall. Shelf and enclosure for replica of our first church. Installed new ADA approved accessible railing on ramp. Installed safety rail on the right side of the church dais (stage) steps. Cemetery prices now include $300 for (1 plot graves).

2012 228-foot black powder-coated aluminum fence with solar lights. Sound booth redesigned. Added two (2) buff-colored vinyl-top card tables. Projector screen added to John Boggs Hall (four hanging locations possible).

2013 Created a Unisex ADA compliant accessible restroom in John Boggs Hall by converting the two downstairs restrooms of our four restrooms. Library moved to the original 1962 church office. Wireless phone system for John Boggs Hall Purchased beverage table for events. Installed two clear polycarbonate panels to interiors of first-floor windows of the church on the creek side.

2014 Removed front pew from junior choir in church. Repaired and painted Meditation Garden benches. Replaced cracked sidewalk near John Boggs Hall. Replaced cinder block border around 2 lot gravesite Replaced 88-lb., 8-foot tables with 42-lb., 6-foot tables in John Boggs Hall. Adding infant changing station to Accessible Restroom in John Boggs Hall. Moved fire proof safe to Records Room.

2015 Cleaned ducts on first floor. Replaced Plexiglas in right weather door. Replaced ballast on church sign. May 19-20 Replaced 20 windows. May 27-29 Replaced metal fascia. Repointed loose areas of mortar on the church. Power washed, Painted church exterior. Added topsoil to filled ditch; 20 bags of mulch to gardens. Replaced lamp posts on brick walk. Added new opposing powdered-coated aluminum benches on the brick walk. Plotting of remaining cemetery land begins in the 1953 section. Replaced side concrete stoop with wooden deck on John Boggs Hall.

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THE TRUSTEES The Trustees of our Church are charged with the responsibility to care for, maintain, and improve our church, buildings and its grounds. It is important to do upkeep on our facilities to preserve our church for future generations. Current Trustees for 2015 calendar year:

Diane Prohowich, Chair Grace Rapp Adrian Vanaman, Vice Chair Roosevelt Smith Earleen Kellett, Secretary Jean Tomlin Valerie Piper, Treasurer Richard Tomlin Robert Heulings Historian (2010) and Cemetery Administrator (2012):

Ted Prohowich, Jr. - by vote of the Trustees Selected Historical Improvements by Trustees 1786 The church building, the first church in the county for Methodists only, was

completed within the footprint of the present church. 1810 The original church hall was built on the site of Mahlon Foster's blacksmith

stop by Benjamin Fisler in 1810, as "Benjamin Fisler's Store" (his office being across the street, later becoming the library). It was owned later by Joseph Brown and still later by Isaac Townsend, at which time it was used by Cooper and Townsend in connection with the Eagle Glass Works as a store house. Subsequently used by Francis Lee, also as a storehouse. In 1883 it was turned into a hall for public use, and an addition was put on for a stage. It was acquired by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1926 and used as Sunday School rooms; it is presently owned by Library Association.

1811 Bought the first parsonage, on the north side of Broadway (formerly named Turkey-Ho Street), was purchased from Benjamin Fisler in 1811 and sold in 1812, to Thomas Lee.

1812 July 25: The second parsonage on the southwest corner of Quaker and Second Streets, was purchased from John Eggman for $600 [Deed Book CC (28), pages 285&c, Area: 44 perches, Buildings: Two] – sold in 1959.

1885 Replaced roof with monies left over from the February 1885 centennial celebration.

1894 Built a wall across the back of the sanctuary to create a vestibule. Installed six (6) new columns and new more modern, comfortable pews downstairs.

1904 The kerosene lamps were replaced by acetylene gas lighting. 1908 April 6: Incorporated as The Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Elizabeth 1911 We replaced the acetylene lighting with gas lighting, because the gas lines from

Millville were laid. 1920 Added bell and belfry to the church and in 1924 dedicated them with a bronze

plaque memorial to the twelve boys who served in World War I.

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THE BELL AND BELFRY ON THIS CHRUCH WERE ERECTED

AS A MEMORIAL TO THE FOLLOWING MEN WHO SERVED

WITH THE ARMY OR NAVY OF THE UNITED STATES IN

THE GREAT WAR 1917 – 1918.

JOHN A. BARTH JOHN BOGGS HARRY H. HARRIS B. BROOKE HICKMAN SAMUEL REEVES FRANK WIDENER

CHARLES D. BENNETT BYRON BROADWATER THOMAS HENDRICKSON JOHN O’NEILL HERBERT W. VANAMAN WILLIAM WILLIAMS

1926 Acquired the Lee hall at Broadway and Second Streets for Sunday School

rooms. This is currently the town library. 1927 Electricity became available, and gas lights were replaced with electric lights. 1937 Added brick walk with funds raised by the Delta Bible Class. 1950 Installed organ and memorial chimes. 1955 Oct. 4: Cemetery lot cost increased to $200 for 8 graves; $100 for 4 graves. 1958 Moved the Port Elizabeth School building, which was built in 1854, from

across the street and remodeled it into a church school. John Boggs Hall was completed and dedicated in 1962.

1970 Replaced the roof on John Boggs Hall. 1982 Air conditioning added to the church. 1985 Extended parking lot at John Boggs Hall. 1987 Added on to John Boggs Hall to create a larger general meeting room

downstairs and two more Sunday School rooms upstairs. 1988 Church property was surveyed to determine boundaries and install a fence. 1989 Installed a 4-foot chain link fence around the church cemetery.

Bought a used organ for the church. 1990 Installed a metal fire escape behind John Boggs Hall.

A cement walk was poured in front of John Boggs Hall. 1991 Raised the red brick walk to the level of the doorways of the church to comply

with accessibility standards. A cement walkway was poured in front of the church at the road.

1992 New 3-burner heating system in John Boggs and first time air conditioning. 1993 Added a cement ramp with railing at side entrance of John Boggs Hall. 1995 Built an entry way roof over the front steps of John Boggs Hall.

Replaced the organ that was damaged by lightning with a new digital organ. Installed a new brick lighted weatherproof bulletin board. Painted the bell tower and church windows and capped them with aluminum.

1996 Replaced well at John Boggs Hall. 1997 Classrooms in John Boggs Hall were painted and re-carpeted.

The kitchen was painted. Two wooden lampposts were installed in front of the church.

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1998 Replaced the roof on John Boggs Hall. 1999 Replaced the roof on the church. 2002 Repaired church belfry and roof area. 2003 Painted downstairs fellowship room in John Boggs Hall. 2004 Painted church interior

Installed new church sound system including wireless microphones Furnished vestibule in John Boggs Hall Installed 360° motion light at front entry in the hall. Changed all first floor outlets to grounded outlets and added five outlets upstairs and in foyer of John Boggs Hall. Installed electric window candles in the hall. Repainted and re-installed sign on building. Re-carpeted and furnished Pastor’s office, added outlets, phone and computer. Installed new 7-day programmable thermostats in both buildings. Paved the parking lot and striped spaces for 26 vehicles.

2005 Cemetery prices adjusted to $500 (2 plots) and $1,000 (4 plots). Replaced refrigerator. Installed new hot water heater, replaced all pipes with PVC. Replaced water pump, one toilet and tank mechanisms in all restrooms. Replaced fire extinguishers and added lighted fire/exit signs in both buildings.

2006 Laid new gas line and replaced 28 year-old oil furnace with two natural gas furnaces and sold oil from underground tank. Installed two more lampposts at front of the 1908/1925 part of the cemetery. Added wooden and steel shelving in Trustees Room.

2007 Became incorporated as “Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church” Furnished Assistant Pastor’s office. Purchased two portable events signs and constructed wooden boxes for letters. Installed new kitchen island. Purchased 100 steel vinyl padded chairs and chair truck for forty chairs. Added metal cabinets and other office furniture. Replaced rolled roof on John Boggs Hall addition.

2008 Cleared overgrowth at rear of cemetery (Dean Tuttle Eagle Scout). New entrance sign on John Boggs Hall. Overhead fan above kitchen island installed. Added 8 foot by 10 foot metal storage shed. Replaced one second-floor AC compressor. Added two electric circuits in kitchen

2009 Added a fifth lamppost. Installed building numbers for 911 purposes:

Church is “142” and John Boggs Hall is “152”. Added ten eyeball lights under balcony. Cleared 30 feet beginning at left church fence, exposing gravestones, a stream and grassy corner beyond. Added a humidistat to each piano in both buildings. New high-arch kitchen faucets and vented drains. Added three new filing cabinets to new Records Retention Room. Replaced first-floor gas burner in hall, with 95% efficiency burner.

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THE BELL AND BELFRY ON THIS CHRUCH WERE ERECTED

AS A MEMORIAL TO THE FOLLOWING MEN WHO SERVED

WITH THE ARMY OR NAVY OF THE UNITED STATES IN

THE GREAT WAR 1917 – 1918.

JOHN A. BARTH JOHN BOGGS HARRY H. HARRIS B. BROOKE HICKMAN SAMUEL REEVES FRANK WIDENER

CHARLES D. BENNETT BYRON BROADWATER THOMAS HENDRICKSON JOHN O’NEILL HERBERT W. VANAMAN WILLIAM WILLIAMS

1926 Acquired the Lee hall at Broadway and Second Streets for Sunday School

rooms. This is currently the town library. 1927 Electricity became available, and gas lights were replaced with electric lights. 1937 Added brick walk with funds raised by the Delta Bible Class. 1950 Installed organ and memorial chimes. 1955 Oct. 4: Cemetery lot cost increased to $200 for 8 graves; $100 for 4 graves. 1958 Moved the Port Elizabeth School building, which was built in 1854, from

across the street and remodeled it into a church school. John Boggs Hall was completed and dedicated in 1962.

1970 Replaced the roof on John Boggs Hall. 1982 Air conditioning added to the church. 1985 Extended parking lot at John Boggs Hall. 1987 Added on to John Boggs Hall to create a larger general meeting room

downstairs and two more Sunday School rooms upstairs. 1988 Church property was surveyed to determine boundaries and install a fence. 1989 Installed a 4-foot chain link fence around the church cemetery.

Bought a used organ for the church. 1990 Installed a metal fire escape behind John Boggs Hall.

A cement walk was poured in front of John Boggs Hall. 1991 Raised the red brick walk to the level of the doorways of the church to comply

with accessibility standards. A cement walkway was poured in front of the church at the road.

1992 New 3-burner heating system in John Boggs and first time air conditioning. 1993 Added a cement ramp with railing at side entrance of John Boggs Hall. 1995 Built an entry way roof over the front steps of John Boggs Hall.

Replaced the organ that was damaged by lightning with a new digital organ. Installed a new brick lighted weatherproof bulletin board. Painted the bell tower and church windows and capped them with aluminum.

1996 Replaced well at John Boggs Hall. 1997 Classrooms in John Boggs Hall were painted and re-carpeted.

The kitchen was painted. Two wooden lampposts were installed in front of the church.

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1998 Replaced the roof on John Boggs Hall. 1999 Replaced the roof on the church. 2002 Repaired church belfry and roof area. 2003 Painted downstairs fellowship room in John Boggs Hall. 2004 Painted church interior

Installed new church sound system including wireless microphones Furnished vestibule in John Boggs Hall Installed 360° motion light at front entry in the hall. Changed all first floor outlets to grounded outlets and added five outlets upstairs and in foyer of John Boggs Hall. Installed electric window candles in the hall. Repainted and re-installed sign on building. Re-carpeted and furnished Pastor’s office, added outlets, phone and computer. Installed new 7-day programmable thermostats in both buildings. Paved the parking lot and striped spaces for 26 vehicles.

2005 Cemetery prices adjusted to $500 (2 plots) and $1,000 (4 plots). Replaced refrigerator. Installed new hot water heater, replaced all pipes with PVC. Replaced water pump, one toilet and tank mechanisms in all restrooms. Replaced fire extinguishers and added lighted fire/exit signs in both buildings.

2006 Laid new gas line and replaced 28 year-old oil furnace with two natural gas furnaces and sold oil from underground tank. Installed two more lampposts at front of the 1908/1925 part of the cemetery. Added wooden and steel shelving in Trustees Room.

2007 Became incorporated as “Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church” Furnished Assistant Pastor’s office. Purchased two portable events signs and constructed wooden boxes for letters. Installed new kitchen island. Purchased 100 steel vinyl padded chairs and chair truck for forty chairs. Added metal cabinets and other office furniture. Replaced rolled roof on John Boggs Hall addition.

2008 Cleared overgrowth at rear of cemetery (Dean Tuttle Eagle Scout). New entrance sign on John Boggs Hall. Overhead fan above kitchen island installed. Added 8 foot by 10 foot metal storage shed. Replaced one second-floor AC compressor. Added two electric circuits in kitchen

2009 Added a fifth lamppost. Installed building numbers for 911 purposes:

Church is “142” and John Boggs Hall is “152”. Added ten eyeball lights under balcony. Cleared 30 feet beginning at left church fence, exposing gravestones, a stream and grassy corner beyond. Added a humidistat to each piano in both buildings. New high-arch kitchen faucets and vented drains. Added three new filing cabinets to new Records Retention Room. Replaced first-floor gas burner in hall, with 95% efficiency burner.

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2010 Sanded and painted church floor. New first-floor carpeting “cathedral red” (after 42 years). Padded first-floor pews “crimson”. Bolted second-floor pews. Bridge across stream to grassy corner. Added wooden safety rail on dais. Cleaned hundreds of gravestones (Bryan Jackson Eagle Scout Project). Four new cemetery benches. Portable projection screen purchased for church events

2011 Added clear polycarbonate panels to interiors of all eleven second-floor windows of the church. Oak table for DVD ministry and periodicals. 110-foot well and water hydrant at left church front. Meditation Garden, bird garden and front-of-church flowerbed borders. Raised first eight feet of brick walk to be even with sidewalk. Placed 6-mil Vinyl moisture barrier on basement floor of John Boggs Hall. Shelf and enclosure for replica of our first church. Installed new ADA approved accessible railing on ramp. Installed safety rail on the right side of the church dais (stage) steps. Cemetery prices now include $300 for (1 plot graves).

2012 228-foot black powder-coated aluminum fence with solar lights. Sound booth redesigned. Added two (2) buff-colored vinyl-top card tables. Projector screen added to John Boggs Hall (four hanging locations possible).

2013 Created a Unisex ADA compliant accessible restroom in John Boggs Hall by converting the two downstairs restrooms of our four restrooms. Library moved to the original 1962 church office. Wireless phone system for John Boggs Hall Purchased beverage table for events. Installed two clear polycarbonate panels to interiors of first-floor windows of the church on the creek side.

2014 Removed front pew from junior choir in church. Repaired and painted Meditation Garden benches. Replaced cracked sidewalk near John Boggs Hall. Replaced cinder block border around 2 lot gravesite Replaced 88-lb., 8-foot tables with 42-lb., 6-foot tables in John Boggs Hall. Adding infant changing station to Accessible Restroom in John Boggs Hall. Moved fire proof safe to Records Room.

2015 Cleaned ducts on first floor. Replaced Plexiglas in right weather door. Replaced ballast on church sign. May 19-20 Replaced 20 windows. May 27-29 Replaced metal fascia. Repointed loose areas of mortar on the church. Power washed, Painted church exterior. Added topsoil to filled ditch; 20 bags of mulch to gardens. Replaced lamp posts on brick walk. Added new opposing powdered-coated aluminum benches on the brick walk. Plotting of remaining cemetery land begins in the 1953 section. Replaced side concrete stoop with wooden deck on John Boggs Hall.

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THE TRUSTEES The Trustees of our Church are charged with the responsibility to care for, maintain, and improve our church, buildings and its grounds. It is important to do upkeep on our facilities to preserve our church for future generations. Current Trustees for 2015 calendar year:

Diane Prohowich, Chair Grace Rapp Adrian Vanaman, Vice Chair Roosevelt Smith Earleen Kellett, Secretary Jean Tomlin Valerie Piper, Treasurer Richard Tomlin Robert Heulings Historian (2010) and Cemetery Administrator (2012):

Ted Prohowich, Jr. - by vote of the Trustees Selected Historical Improvements by Trustees 1786 The church building, the first church in the county for Methodists only, was

completed within the footprint of the present church. 1810 The original church hall was built on the site of Mahlon Foster's blacksmith

stop by Benjamin Fisler in 1810, as "Benjamin Fisler's Store" (his office being across the street, later becoming the library). It was owned later by Joseph Brown and still later by Isaac Townsend, at which time it was used by Cooper and Townsend in connection with the Eagle Glass Works as a store house. Subsequently used by Francis Lee, also as a storehouse. In 1883 it was turned into a hall for public use, and an addition was put on for a stage. It was acquired by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1926 and used as Sunday School rooms; it is presently owned by Library Association.

1811 Bought the first parsonage, on the north side of Broadway (formerly named Turkey-Ho Street), was purchased from Benjamin Fisler in 1811 and sold in 1812, to Thomas Lee.

1812 July 25: The second parsonage on the southwest corner of Quaker and Second Streets, was purchased from John Eggman for $600 [Deed Book CC (28), pages 285&c, Area: 44 perches, Buildings: Two] – sold in 1959.

1885 Replaced roof with monies left over from the February 1885 centennial celebration.

1894 Built a wall across the back of the sanctuary to create a vestibule. Installed six (6) new columns and new more modern, comfortable pews downstairs.

1904 The kerosene lamps were replaced by acetylene gas lighting. 1908 April 6: Incorporated as The Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Elizabeth 1911 We replaced the acetylene lighting with gas lighting, because the gas lines from

Millville were laid. 1920 Added bell and belfry to the church and in 1924 dedicated them with a bronze

plaque memorial to the twelve boys who served in World War I.

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GUEST PREACHERS Francis Asbury (August 20, 1745 – March 31, 1816), one of the first two Methodist Bishops in America, preached here on three occasions. The following are from Francis Asbury’s Journal: [September 1785]

Saturday, 17. Quarterly meeting at Morris’ River: our house was not quite covered, and it was falling weather; the people, nevertheless, stayed to hear me preach; afterward brother A[bbott] and brother L[ucas] spoke to them.

Sunday, 18. We had a great time; the people spoke freely of the dealings of God with their souls.

[October 1786]

Friday 6. At Morris-River church, I was warm and close on, “Lord, are there few that be saved?” The people were attentive to the word.

[April 17, 1809]

A heavy ride brought us on Monday to Port Elizabeth. I preached on 2 Cor. xiii, 5; it was a searching season. This is a new town, and we have a large house built here: the Baptists are building a grand house. We lodged at Benjamin Fisler’s.

Henry A. Atkinson, Secretary General of the Church Peace Union preached at Old Home Day in 1940, 1947 and 1948. He lived in New York, owned a home here from 1933-1944, died in Baltimore in 1960 and he is buried in our cemetery. In 1984, Peter Marshall, Presbyterian minister and evangelist preached on America's Christian heritage and on Christian discipleship and revival. He died at the age of 70 on the evening of Wednesday, September 8, 2010 in Orleans, Massachusetts. On June 6, 2010, Old Home Day – 225 Years, we had the honor of Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar delivering the message at our morning service. OTHER SPECIAL GUESTS On October 2, 1988, we hosted a meeting with many distinguished guests including U. S. Congressman, William Hughes, for the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

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Current Properties with deed information:

Parcel #1: Date: October 1, 1785 Grantor: Elizabeth Bodly of the Township of Maurice River in the

County of Cumberland and State of New Jersey Grantee: Phillip Cressey and Abraham Wolson, of Cape May, Henry

Firth, of the county of Salem, James Sterling of the County of Burlington, John Champion, Esq. of the County of Gloucester, and William Furnis, Daniel Heisler, Eli Budd, and Martin Long of Maurice River, in the County of Cumberland, Trustees chosen in behalf of the Society called Methodists of the Episcopal Church.

Price: Five Shillings Size: 1.27 acres Purpose: Church Building and cemetery. Recorded: Liber A: Folio: 229&c [Book 1: Pages 229-231] Cumberland County Clerk, February 9, 1791

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Parcel #2: Date: March 28, 1809 Grantor: Elizabeth Bodly of the Township of Maurice River in the

County of Cumberland and State of New Jersey Grantee: William Silver, Elisha Smith, Benjamin Fisler, Joseph Gray,

John Young, Stephen Willis, James D Park, Henry Gray and John Budd all of the Township, County and State aforesaid, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Elizabeth.

Price: Twenty-one Dollars ($21.00) Size: 25 square rods (approximately 6800 square feet) Purpose: Purchase land between the front of the church and Port

Elizabeth – Cumberland Road, also cemetery use. Recorded: Liber O: Folio: 223&c [Book 14: Pages 223-224] Cumberland County Clerk, June 21, 1809 Parcel #3: Date: December 25, 1840 Grantor: William Donnelly, Administrator of Silas Long, deceased Grantee: William Silver, Elisha Smith, Benjamin Fisler, Joseph Gray,

John Young, Stephen Willis, James D Park, Henry Gray and John Budd all of the Township, County and State aforesaid, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Elizabeth.

Price: One Dollar ($1.00) Size: 10 links by 15.5 perches (6.6 feet by 255.75 feet) Purpose: Bring the grave of Rev. William Donnelly into the cemetery

(d. August 1784). There was no marker at the time of the property purchase. A marker was dedicated in his memory, June 6, 2010.

Recorded: Book AT (68): Page: 511&c. [511-512] Cumberland County Clerk, September 5, 1884 Parcel #4: Date: April 16, 1908 Grantor: Joseph G. Hampton Grantee: Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Elizabeth. Price: Seventy Five Dollars ($75.00) Size: Approximately 9300 square feet Purpose: Cemetery Addition: Plots 1-44 (Potter’s Field at rear)

Referred to as Hampton purchase #1. Recorded: Book 296: Page: 156&c. [156-158] Cumberland County Clerk, June 3, 1908

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1923 – 1926 ........ Walter A. Pine 1926 – 1927 ........ Ira J. B. Hill 1927 – 1929 ........ Benage Lord 1929 – 1934 ........ Lawrence G. Atkinson 1934 – 1935 ........ Leon Lore Blackman 1935 – 1936 ........ L. Burdell “Chick” Hawk 1936 – 1939 ........ Edmund H. Carlisle 1939 – 1941 ........ Robert S. Judge 1941 – 1942 ........ Frederick S. Gallop 1942 .................... Levi Sharpe (filled the pulpit until conference) 1942 – 1944 ........ Raymond G. Morgan 1944 – 1946 ........ Fred W. Slater 1946 – 1950 ........ Charles W. Doutt 1950 – 1952 ........ Julian M. Brown 1952 – 1953 ........ Edward A. Chambers 1953 – 1955 ........ Arthur B. Mix 1955 – 1956 ........ Earl C. Snyder 1956 – 1957 ........ Joseph E. Uncle 1957 – 1960 ........ Paul Wesley Pedrick 1960 – 1964 ........ Julius Henry Meyer 1964 – 1966 ........ Leon Tavitian 1966 – 1967 ........ Julius Henry Meyer 1967 – 1969 ........ Richard Sullivan 1969 – 1970 ........ Warren Light, James Sterman – Assistant 1970 – 1975 ........ Louis A. Kickasola 1975 – 1978 ........ Jay Amey, Paul W. Pedrick – Assistant 1978 The Maurice River Parish was dissolved and for the first time, the Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church was a single charge. 1978 – 1982 ........ Paul Wesley Pedrick, Carlton N. Nelson – Assistant 1982 – 1985 ........ Paul Wesley Pedrick 1984 – 1998 ........ Mr. Richard Chester Terry – Assistant 1985 – 1998 ........ Dr. John F. Garrahan 1998 – 2000 ........ Sunny M. Shim 2000 – 2003 ........ Dr. George E. Stauffer 2003 – 2005 ........ Efraín D. Seguí 2005 – 2006 ........ Shawn L. Cooper 2006 – 2007 ....... Melanie J. Kalla, James T. Scagnelli – Assistant 2007 .................... James D. Peterson – Interim 2007 – 2009 ....... Carol Ann Bass 2009 – 2014 ........ David L. Carber, Jr. 2014 – ................ Philip G. Pelphrey

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1857 .................... William Walton, Napoleon B. Todd 1858 .................... William Walton, Garner H. Tullis 1859 .................... John S. Beegle, Joseph G. Crate 1860 .................... John S. Beegle 1861 .................... James Vanzant 1862 .................... James Vanzant, Joseph L. Roe 1863 – 1864 ........ David McCurdy, Ananias Lawrence 1865 .................... Henry G. Williams, George White 1866 – 1868 ........ Henry G. Williams, William Moffatt 1869 – 1870 ........ J. B. Turpin, John W. Morris 1871 .................... J. B. Turpin, J. O. Downs Up to 1872 Port Elizabeth, Dorchester, Leesburg, Heislerville, West Creek, and Cumberland Furnace formed the Circuit. By April 1872, the Circuit was divided into two parts. Port Elizabeth, Dorchester, and Leesburg formed the Port Elizabeth Circuit. The lower part was the West Creek Circuit. 1872 – 1875 ........ Calvin C. Eastlack 1875 – 1877 ........ James Vanzant 1877 – 1879 ........ Furman Robbins 1879 – 1882 ........ Godfrey Ebner Hancock 1882 – 1885 ........ Charles W. Livezly 1885 – 1887 ........ Edwin J. Lippincott 1887 – 1889 ........ C. Rollin Smith 1889 – 1891 ........ A. Leddon Izard 1891 – 1894 ........ David B. Ackley In 1891 The Port Elizabeth Circuit was reorganized. The new circuit included Port Elizabeth, Cumberland, and Menantico. Services were held in Menantico and Cumberland on alternating Sundays. 1894 – 1896 ........ J. F. Lowden 1896 – 1897 ........ L. S. Pancoast 1897 – 1899 ........ James W. Poolton 1899 – 1900 ........ John W. Reid 1900 – 1903 ........ Richard Smith 1903 – 1905 ........ N. W. Wickward 1905 – 1909 ........ John R. Grear 1909 – 1912 ........ Howard A. Moore 1912 – 1914 ........ A. Lincoln Creamer 1914 – 1916 ........ Pennington Corson 1917 – 1918 ........ Samuel Cawman 1918 – 1920 ........ Thomas J. Morgan 1920 – 1923 ........ Albert C. Bailey

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Parcel #5: Date: April 9, 1925 Grantor: Joseph G. Hampton and Mary A. Hampton, his wife Grantee: Methodist Episcopal Church of Port Elizabeth. Price: Three Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($350.00) Size: Approximately 10,000 square feet Purpose: Cemetery Addition: Plots 45-88 (Potter’s Field at rear).

Referred to as Hampton purchase #2. Recorded: Book 425: Page: 275&c. [275-277] Cumberland County Clerk, May 4, 1925 Parcel #6: Date: December 4, 1953 Grantor: Mary A. Hampton, widow Grantee: Board of Trustees of the Port Elizabeth Methodist Church. Price: One Dollar ($1.00) Size: Approximately 1.25 acres Purpose: Cemetery Addition: Plots 89-240. Sunday school and social

hall building “John Boggs Hall” Referred to as Hampton purchase #3. Mary Hampton lived in her house on this parcel until her death

in 1958. Recorded: Book 797: Page: 220&c. [220-223] Cumberland County Clerk, December 10, 1953 CEMETERY Bordered by a pristine stream on the left side of the church and the Manumuskin River in the back, our cemetery is a place of solitude and reflection. The Meditation Garden is a welcome addition beyond the stream. It was dedicated on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 at the Sunrise Service. Many who have served are buried here; those have served our country in the military and/or those who have served God as ministers. Jonas Vanaman is the only veteran from the Revolutionary War. There are a total of 43 Civil War Veterans buried in this cemetery. A memorial for nine men lost at war is at the right side of the church. The American Legion sends an “Around the Horn” contingent each year near Memorial Day to provide a gun salute to these fallen soldiers. The oldest tombstones in the cemetery are those of Hezekiah Lore, who died June 19th, 1770 and his wife Elizabeth who died on January 2nd, 1761. Harry Lore, Sr. moved their stones here from the Swedish Moravian Cemetery on the east side of the Maurice River near Spring Garden Ferry in September 1881, because the river washed away most of that graveyard except those stones.

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ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL Originally called the Official Board of the Port Elizabeth Methodist Episcopal Church, the Administrative Council was organized for transacting all business of the Church as written in the 1912 Book of Discipline. All organizations meet at Administrative Council. Here are some of the people and committees involved: The Pastor, Beautification, Cluster, Finance Committee, Hospitality, Lay Leader, Membership, Missions, Ministry for Seniors, Staff / Pastor Parish Relations, Sunday School, Trustees, United Methodist Women, Visitation, Worship, Youth, and other ad hoc committees. Approvals for any church activities go through the Administrative Council and decisions are made as a group. WOMEN Over 140 years ago, the predecessor to United Methodist Women, the Mite Society, supported missions for women, children, and youth through charitable giving. Their legacy in creating hospitals, neighborhood centers and foreign missions worldwide, continues today in local and global arenas. The Purpose of UM Women helps to define its activities -The organized unit of United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose PURPOSE is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative, supportive fellowship and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church. MUSIC Singing hymns is a vital component of our worship of God. Organ and piano music has been an integral part of the worship experience. A Senior Choir, Junior Choir, Youth Choir and a Gospel Choir have provided praising voices. Ambitious musical programs such as “An Enchanted Journey” a version of “Pilgrim’s Progress,” and “It’s a Small, Small World.” “Psalty” took children camping and kids sang praise songs. Christmas pageants like “Angels Aware” and “Once Upon a Starry Night” have been spectacular. Each month our Cluster Churches hold hymn sings. For the past four decades, the Cluster Choir Festivals have been held in May. Each member church brings a choir or a special musical selection and the evening ends with a combined anthem.

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1824 .................... Edward Page, Eliphalet Reed 1825 .................... William Williams, William Lummis 1826 .................... William Williams, William Lummis; Charles Pitman, presiding elder 1827 .................... John Woolson, Robert Gerry, and Sedgewick Rusling 1828 .................... John Woolson, Sedgewick Rusling, and Joseph Ashbrook 1829 – 1830 ........ Watters Burroughs, James Ayars 1831 .................... William Folk, William Stevens 1832 .................... William Folk, Nathaniel Chew 1833 .................... John Henry, Joseph Ashbrook 1834 .................... Edward Stout, George Raybold 1835 .................... Nathaniel Chew, George Raybold 1836 .................... William Williams, John W. McDougall 1837 – 1838 ........ Joseph J. Sleeper, Thomas G. Stewart 1839 – 1840 ........ John F. Crouch, Thomas G. Stewart 1841 – 1842 ........ Jacob Loudenslager, George Jennings. 1842 during ........ Mr. Jennings’ health failed - Dr. Perdew was supply. 1843 .................... Abraham Gearhart, Levi Herr 1844 .................... David Duffield, William Rogers. Mr. Rogers failed - Samuel Parker was supply 1845 .................... David Duffield, Joseph Gaskill 1846 .................... Thomas Christopher, Joseph Gaskill 1847 .................... N. Edwards, S. B. Beegle. Mr. Beegle left the circuit - Samuel Parker was supply. 1848 .................... N. Edwards, James J. White 1849 – 1850 ........ Joseph Atwood, J. T. Canfield In 1851 Cumberland Circuit, by that name, ceased to exist, and the Port Elizabeth Circuit was created; Millville, Woodruff’s and Willow Grove being made Millville’s charge. 1851 .................... Abram K. Streets, William A. Brooks 1852 .................... William A. Brooks, William Walton 1853 .................... E. Watters, J. B. Heward In 1854 another change was made and the river was made a dividing line; Leesburg, Heislerville, West Creek being taken from Cape May Circuit, and added to Port Elizabeth Circuit. 1854 .................... E. Watters, B.O. Parvin 1855 .................... Furman Robbins, William McCormac 1856 .................... Furman Robbins, Matthias H. Shimp

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1793 .................... Willson Lee, Hugh Work 1794 .................... Richard Swain, Anthony Turck 1795 .................... Moses Crane, Jacob Egbert 1796 .................... Robert McCoy, Peter Vannest 1797 .................... William McLenahan, Dr. Benjamin Fisler, M.D. 1798 .................... Jacob Egbert, Jesse Justice 1799 .................... Richard Swain, Wesley Budd 1800 .................... Richard Swain, Richard Lyon 1801 .................... Thomas Everard, Asa Swain In 1802 Salem circuit was divided into Salem and Cape May circuits. Port Elizabeth remained in the Salem circuit. 1802 .................... Jesse Justice and David Dunham 1803 .................... Richard Swain, Asa Smith 1804 .................... John Walker, John Durbin In 1805, the Salem and Cape May Circuits were again united. 1805 .................... John Walker and Nathan Swain In 1807, the Cumberland Circuit was formed. This included all the southern and eastern portions of Cumberland County. 1807 ................... David Bartine, Jose Stephens 1808 .................... William Smith, Charles Reed 1809 .................... Daniel Ireland, John Fox 1810 .................... Samuel Budd, Daniel Ireland 1811 .................... Thomas Dunn, Joseph Bennett; Michael Coates, presiding elder 1812 .................... William Smith, Joseph Bennett 1813 .................... William Swain, Daniel Fidler 1814 .................... Daniel Fidler, Daniel Ireland 1815 .................... Solomon Sharp, Nathan Swain; James Smith, presiding elder 1816 .................... Solomon Sharp, Thomas Davis 1817 .................... Thomas Neal, Thomas Davis 1818 .................... Thomas Neal, John Creamer 1819 .................... Edward Stout, John Creamer; Lawrence McCombs, presiding elder 1820 .................... Edward Stout, Daniel Fidler 1821 .................... John Finley, John Collins 1822 .................... John Finley, James McLaurin 1823 .................... Edward Page, Eliphalet Reed; Jacob Moore, presiding elder

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MISSIONS John Wesley began Methodism based on scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. He said, “The world is our parish.” Rev. Paul Pedrick challenged our congregation to become involved in global mission. Below is a list of missions and missionaries who benefit from our generosity: Camden Neighborhood Center Rev. Dave Bailey: Ranch Hope for Boys Mark and Jodi Amey: Handi*Vangelism Ministries International Wycliffe Bible Translators Jeff and Connie Gulleson: Indonesia – Theological Education John and Kendra Enright: Ndola, Zambia, Africa World Gospel Mission Atlantic City Rescue Mission Mission Teens Wings of Eagles – a prison ministry Red Bird Mission in the Appalachia region of Kentucky UMCOR: United Methodist Committee on Relief Habitat for Humanity Health and Hope Ministries: Food Closet of Millville: In West Side UMC Food Closet of Maurice River Township: Located in the Heislerville UMC. GNJ Sandy Relief Fund Wings of the Morning Imagine No Malaria A Future with Hope We have supported aspiring ministers. As a result, Doug Spencer, Val Garron, and Jim Scagnelli have now become ministers. SUNDAY SCHOOL It is very important to nurture the child’s soul. With encouragement and a strong foundation in the Bible and Jesus’ teachings, children will be able to develop their God given talents. In 1898 Sunday School was called The Port Elizabeth Sabbath Society and the Superintendent was J. W. B. Vanaman. In the early 1900’s Sunday School was held in various parts of the church and from the 1920’s to the 1950’s it was also held in Lee Hall. John Boggs Hall has been used for that purpose since 1962. Different methods have been used to teach children about the Bible; from singing songs, chalk talk, and flannel boards. Vacation Bible School, Youth Group, and retreats add other dimensions to religious education and are continuing to grow.

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PRAYER Jesus taught us to pray.

“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.”

We begin and end all gatherings with prayer. Twice a week, we have Corporate Prayer. 1. It is a focus on our relationship with God as opposed to a vending machine

approach where we pray primary to get personal things from God. 2. We spend time telling God what we like about Him and His character. 3. We spend time in thanking Him for what he has done in our church as a

whole. 4. Sometimes we wait in silence before Him just soaking up His manifested

presence. 5. If we ask for things, the focus is on the big picture, the progress of our

church as a whole: leading people to a personal relationship with Jesus, making faithful disciples of converts, who will in turn, train other disciples, so that the world is transformed into the character of our Lord Jesus

Christ.

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OUR MINISTERS: THOSE WHO LEAD AND SERVE The most prominent was Dr. Benjamin Fisler, who was born in 1769 and converted at Fislerville, now Clayton, Gloucester County. He was licensed as a local preacher in 1792, and immediately began traveling, first in Nova Scotia, and in 1797 on the Salem circuit. In 1799 he moved to Port Elizabeth, and practiced medicine. He married Martha Murray and they had nine children. He preached in a very acceptable manner until his death on July 4, 1854, at the age of 85. His last sermon, based on Genesis 27:2, was preached about one week previous to that. “I am an old man, I know not the day of my death.” Fifthian Stratton, who lived at Schooner Landing on the Menantico, was also an energetic local preacher for a number of years. He died in 1810. List of Ministers We first started as a Methodist Society during the American Revolution. 1778 – 1781 ........ William Donnelly, local preacher In 1781, the church became officially connected with the Methodist Conference and it was placed on the West Jersey Circuit. 1781 .................... Caleb Pedicord, Joseph Cromwell 1781 Nov.: .......... James O. Cromwell and Joseph Everett 1782 .................... Joshua Dudley, Richard Ivy 1783 .................... Woolman Hickson, John Magary 1784 .................... Samuel Rowe, William Partridge, John Fidler

The Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States formed at the Christmas Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

1785 .................... Thomas Ware, Robert Sparks, William Phoebus 1786 .................... Jacob Brush, John Simmons, Jacob Lurton 1787 .................... Robert Cann, John McClaskey, John Milburn The Salem Circuit formed in 1788, including Port Elizabeth. 1788 .................... Joseph Cromwell, Nathaniel B. Mills, John Cooper 1789 .................... Simon Pyle, Jethro Johnson, Sylvester Hutchinson 1790 .................... Joseph Cromwell, William Dougherty 1791 .................... James Bell, John Clark 1792 .................... Benjamin Abbott, David Bartine

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Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church Historic Site (no financial impact) WHEREAS, Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church is one of the oldest organized Methodist Episcopal Church congregations in New Jersey at two hundred and thirty years and was part of the original Salem circuit in southern New Jersey. WHEREAS, Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church started out as the Methodist Society at Morris’ River around 1778 during the American Revolution. Benjamin Abbott, southern New Jersey’s influential “War Time Evangelist” attended the quarterly meeting. WHEREAS, Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church was visited by Bishop Frances Asbury on September 17, 1785 at quarterly meeting. He would return on October 6, 1786 to an attentive crowd. He returned for a last time on April 17, 1809 to preach and confer with Dr. Benjamin Fisler about building an academy on the church grounds. WHEREAS, Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church’s cemetery contains the remains of Richard Swain and his family. Swain served under Abbott and was appointed to several circuits in the New Jersey area until 1803. His leadership helped make Methodism successful in the southern New Jersey area. WHEREAS, Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church erected the first building exclusively used by Methodists, completed in 1786. The present edifice dates from 1827. THEREFORE, As one of the most successful southern New Jersey churches whose tremendous impact upon South Jersey Methodism since 1785 deserves to be recognized by this body as a Greater New Jersey Annual Conference Historic Site. RATIONALE: Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church has a special place in southern New Jersey’s Methodist history. The fact that Francis Asbury visited three times and set in motion plans for an educational academy built later on the grounds gives proof to its expanding ministry and importance to Methodist work in the area. Port Elizabeth’s spiritual heritage through the years includes a famous 1869 revival and strong temperance stand in 1884. Submitted and Presented by Rev. Bill Wilson, Chair Commission on Archives and History (856) 939-1007 pastorbill@chewsumc.com The amended Recommendation of Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church to be designated as a Greater New Jersey Annual Conference Historic Site was presented on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the 2015 Annual Conference held at the Wildwood Convention Center in Wildwood, New Jersey. Revised by Theodore F. Prohowich, Jr., Church Historian Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church

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BIBLE STUDY This is an analysis based on the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is as relevant today as when it was written. Bible study is a prayerful period, a time of small group fellowship and a way to learn how to apply the Word now. Before each Bible Study, a briefing on news of people and situations requiring prayer are brought forth. Brief prayers before and after occur and sometimes a hymn is sung. During every Bible Study, new perspectives are learned from the pastor. There is opportunity for dialogue to ask questions and have brief discussion. Meeting with like-minded Christians provides a midweek lift and a renewed focus on God’s spirit within us. Bible studies occur several times a week to fit the schedules of people unable to make regular Sunday Church. Maps and other historic documents of the Holy Land and the Middle East are compared with today, as proofs that events in the Bible occurred. Comparisons of the Old Testament to the New Testament:

Passover meal at the Exodus : The Lord’s Last Supper Shavuot (Festival of Weeks) : Pentecost Ceremonial washing : Baptism Animal sacrifices in the temple : Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross for all

God being everywhere, in all times all at once. We have had reflections on how our country was founded as a Christian nation. Christianity was mandated by the Founding Fathers as a national religion, but we were given the freedom to practice religion without interference from the government. Are you new to the Methodist Church? There are sessions on the basics of Christianity and Methodism.

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SOURCES Asbury, Rev. Francis. Journal of Rev. Francis Asbury, Bishop of The Methodist

Episcopal Church – In Three Volumes. New York: Land & Scott, Joseph Longking, Printer, 1852. Google books. Web. 14 Jul. 2009. http://books.google.com

Francis Asbury’s Journals

Volume I: August 7, 1771 – December 31, 1786 Volume II: July 15, 1786 – November 6, 1800 Volume III: January 1, 1801 – December 7, 1815 Cushing, Thos., M.D. and Sheppard, Charles E., Esq. History of the Counties of

Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey with Biographical Sketches of their Prominent Citizens. Philadelphia: Everts and Peck on press of J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1883, Print.

Ffirth, John, Esq. The Experience, and Gospel Labours, of the Rev. Benjamin

Abbott, To Which Is Annexed, A Narrative of His Life and Death - Fourth Edition. New York: Daniel Hitt and Thomas Ware, for the Methodist Connection in the United States by John C. Totten, printer, 1813. Google books. Web. 12 Jul. 2009. http://books.google.com

Wilson, Bill. “Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church Historic Site.” FISH

Annual Conference 2015: The Annual Conference of Greater New Jersey Pre-Conference Journal + Handbook May 28-30, 2015. Wildwood Convention Center, Wildwood, New Jersey. Ocean, New Jersey: The United Methodist Church of Greater New Jersey, 2015. 63. Print.

Records of the Trustees of Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church 1785-2015. Other church records including organization books, deeds, maps, wills, programs and photographs from 1785-2015. Cumberland County Clerk’s Office, Bridgeton, New Jersey Methodist Archives at Drew University, Madison, New Jersey Rutgers University Special Collections at the Alexander Library, New Brunswick, New Jersey Research by The History Team for the 225th Anniversary in 2010.

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OUR BEGINNINGS In 1772, Benjamin Abbott of Pittsgrove Township, Salem County, came to know Jesus Christ as his savior. He had felt distress about his “open rebellion against God, in drinking fighting swearing and gambling, &c.” He was deciding what to be: Presbyterian, Baptist, Quaker, Moravian, or Methodist.

While I was thus meditating, the Lord, by his Spirit, in power spoke in my mind to the following effect: “I have shown you the way wherin you ought to walk; but your ways are a grief to my Spirit.”

He decided to become a Methodist. Converting to Methodism meant that he could be considered a tory, a friend of the British during the American Revolution. It meant his family would need to travel miles to the nearest Methodist Society. He then became convicted and began his work as an evangelist and local preacher in 1773. He was no doubt the most remarkable man among early Methodists in southern New Jersey where he was a “war time evangelist.” In 1778 Benjamin Abbott had attended a quarterly meeting in Morris’ River. In 1792 he wrote, “We had precious times generally at that place [Morris-river church] while I rode the [Salem] Circuit.” Around 1778, the Methodist Society was organized at Morris’ River, also called Maurice River Town and soon to be called Port Elizabeth. William Donnelly who resided here, was a local preacher of the Methodist connection who served from 1778-1781. At the time of his death, in August 1784, the question of building a church was being agitated. Henry Reeves had offered a lot on the North side of the dam and Mrs. Bodly a portion of the present church lot. At the time of his funeral, it was decided to bury him on his own land, very near the line of the lot offered by Mrs. Elizabeth Bodly. It was finally decided to accept her offer. On October 1, 1785, for five shillings, she deeded a lot containing one acre and twenty-seven hundredths, “for the purpose of building a preaching house on, and a burying yard, and to build a school house for the use of the neighborhood after the said meeting-house was built.” The first church erected on the ground, which was the first church in the county for the exclusive use of the Methodists was about half the size of the present one, a frame building, and was completed in 1786. The present brick edifice was built in 1827. Dr. Benjamin Fisler furnished the plan and superintended its erection. The dedication took place the latter part of 1830, and the dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. Robert Geary, of Bridgeton from Ezra 5:9 “Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?” When this church was completed it was considered the most complete and beautiful church within the State south of Trenton.

Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church P.O. BOX 101

PORT ELIZABETH, NEW JERSEY 08348-0101 http://PortElizabethNJUMC.org/

Phone: (856) 825-2258

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 101 Port Elizabeth, NJ 08348-0101 Church: 142 Port Elizabeth - Cumberland Road Port Elizabeth, NJ 08348 John Boggs Hall: 152 Port Elizabeth - Cumberland Road Port Elizabeth, NJ 08348 Email: portelizabethnjumc@gmail.com Twitter Feed: http://twitter.com/PortElizNJUMC YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/PortElizabethNJUMC A MINISTRY OF HISTORY As caretakers of our heritage, we give thanks for those who have gone before us. We can be inspired by those who have been good and faithful servants. By reflecting on our past, we learn a great deal and can determine the future directions of our ministry. We hope to inspire present and future members. Vision Statement: Faith, our heritage from the past, our help in the present

and our hope for the future. Edition: 2015-06-18

The History of

Port Elizabeth United Methodist Church

230 Years: 1785 – 2015

Mission Statement

To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the World.

Adopted 2013