You Are Here: Home > Our History
Our History
 |
 |
Table Of Contents
FOREWORD |
As we come to the celebration of our 125th year as the congregation of the Morganville United Methodist Church I am reminded of the hymn "Forward Through the Ages." This hymn tells a story just as our congregation tells a story.
Forward through the ages, in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits at the call divine;
gifts in differing measure, hearts of one accord,
manifold the service, one the sure reward.
Forward through the ages, in unbroken line,
move the faithful spirits at the call divine.
We have moved forward through the ages with God as our guide and Christ as our companion. Our story is that "As followers of Jesus Christ, our mission is to be a vessel for the love and Word of God which ministers to the needs of all people, both physically and spiritually with love and compassion, and to provide a facility which speaks to these needs and says WE CARE.
We feel the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us as we are reminded of all those who have gone before us and who have helped to make this congregation what it is today. We are answering God's call just as the faithful spirits have before us. It is our prayer that those who follow us will find us worthy to follow in our footsteps as we endeavor to emulate Christ's footsteps.
We offer our praise and thanksgiving to our loving God for strength, purpose and presence as we go Forward Through the Ages.
Mary F. Jones
History
The Morganville Methodist Episcopal Church
Among the early settlers of Morganville was the family, Morgan, from which it derived its name. A store was established in 1853 by W. S. Cloke, who two years later built a store building. A post office was established in 1868 and E. P. Coats was appointed postmaster.
The Morganville Methodist Episcopal Church began as a Sunday School which served a number of families in the Morganville area.
According to the records of the Matawan United Methodist Church, John Lewis, husband of Margaret E., was a class leader and held meetings in the school house at Strong's Mill on Sabbath afternoons. It is believed that the location of Strong's Mill was out Texas Road. The earliest record of this class meeting was 1863. The class was transferred to Morgan's Neighborhood at the Morgan School House on Jan. 16, 1864. This did not meet with the approval of Rev. Charles R. Hartranft, the minister at Matawan.
Many interested families gathered weekly in the Morganville Public School for instruction and worship over a period of a couple years prior to 1869 for Sunday School. The New Jersey Confe
There being no organized Church in the hamlet of Morganville townsfolk attended the Matawan Methodist Episcopal Church in 1869 for a revival service. As a result of this revival service and others a small nucleus of people gained the inspiration, incentive and courage to try to build their own church to serve this small hamlet of Morganville.
Charles Leynes, Jeremiah D. Bedle, John Lewis, John A. Heiser and Daniel Bedle, trustees of the Bishop Janes' Chapel, contracted with Maria E. Leynes and Charles Leynes, her husband, to purchase a plot of land located on the southwest corner of Church Lane and Highway 79 in Morganville for the sum of one hundred dollars. The Deed was recorded November 11, 1869 in Deed Book #220, on page 447. On this plot, measuring approximately 120 feet by 75 feet, a modest frame structure was erected for a church building at a cost of $2100.00 during that same Fall. It was named, "The Bishop Janes' Chapel," in honor of Bishop Edmund Storer Janes. Bishop Janes was born April 28, 1807, entered the ministry in 1830 and was consecrated in 1844. He died in New York City on Sept. 18, 1876.
A local newspaper, The Matawan Journal, dated Saturday October 10, 1869 reported that the corner-stone of the new church was laid on Thursday last by Rev. Ellwood Haines Stokes and $100 was raised on the spot. October 1st was the Thursday last before the 10th.
Much of the labor was done by interested people at no cost. A mortgage was given on the property for $850. It was held by Mr. Christian Grimm. By the year 1874 $200 had been paid off on the loan reducing it to $650.
It is interesting to note that Jeremiah D. Bedle, Daniel Bedle and John A. Heiser, being trustees of Bishop Janes' Chapel, were also members of John Lewis' Class meeting which was connected with the Middletown Point Methodist Episcopal Church. This was the old name for Matawan. Jeremiah died Jan. 12, 1870.
Many lay ministers were called upon to conduct services when it was not possible to secure an ordained minister.
The first man to conduct services was John Lewis, a lay preacher, Sunday School Superintendent and trustee of the church.
Caroline (Carrie) Lewis, dau. of John and Margaret, and Lewis Stultz were one of the first couples married in the church on October 8, 1871 by Rev. Albert Matthews. Their daughter, Adeline (Addie) E. Stultz (Mr. Lewis' granddaughter) married Garret C. Woolley on Feb. 21, 1895.
Nellie Gertrude Woolley, dau. of Garret and Adeline and great granddaughter of John Lewis, married Raymond Wenzel on Feb. 13, 1942.
The earliest marriage on record at Morganville was on June 1, 1870. Sarah E., daughter of John Hiser of Morganville, was married to Mr. Elias Brewer at Morganville by Rev. Albert Matthews.
William Tully Ryer born Sept. 11, 1869 and Caroline Tully Ryer born Dec. 31, 1870 were the first recorded infant
baptisms performed by William. S. Jane on Dec. 14, 1873. They were the children of Thomas and Louisa Ryer.
Among the early ministers called to serve were the Rev. J. Swain Garrison, Rev. J. R. Manning and the Rev. Aaron Edward Ballard. All three served the Morganville church during 1873. The first regularly appointed minister was the Rev. Socrates Townsend Horner, a Local Preacher from Atlanticville. He served from March 19, 1873 to March, 1874. He was paid a salary of $450. Ministers were appointed their charges at Annual Conferences which were held every March. The Morganville church was connected with the New Brunswick District of the New Jersey Conference.
On June 1, 1873 one of the class meetings from the Matawan Methodist Church was transferred to Morganville. One such person was named Maria Werner. According to the Matawan Journal she was one of the first members at Morganville. Other members who transferred their membership were Margaret Lewis, wife of John; Lynda M. Lewis; Mary A. Lewis; John A. Heiser; Teressa Heiser; Elizabeth Stultz and Louis Stultz;
Morganville made its first report to the N. J. Annual Conference held March, 1874 in Camden, N. J. It appeared in the Conference Minutes for 1874. This was the first time the Morganville Church had been mentioned. It listed a membership of 55 with 21 probationers. Two children and 13 adults were baptized during 1873. The probable value of the church property was set at $2700. The church indebtedness was $650 at the time. There was one Sabbath School with 16 officers and teachers and 84 scholars.
Class meetings were held in the area. Class No. 1 met at the Chapel on Thursday evening with John Lewis as its leader, Class No. 2 met at Spring Valley S. H. on Thursday evenings with Asbury Nivison as its leader, Class No. 3 met at Mt. Pleasant on Friday evenings with Charles White as its leader.
The Sunday School Report was printed in the minutes and lists the following class names, members
and their contribution.
CHEERFUL WORKERS S. T. HORNER
Mary Leynes, Addie Smith,
Teacher 20 Teacher 60 DEW DROPS
Lydia Cottrell 42 Minnie Warner 7 Jennie Morris 6
Mary E. Lewis 75 Elista Smyth 75 Rachel West 12
Nilia Cottrell 10 Linda Lewis 87 Martha E. Boice 5
Elizabeth Hizer 12 Ida Tunis 10 Small sums 10
Emma Wilson 10 Etta Dennis 6 --
Maggie Cottrell 6 --- 33
Mary E. White 75 $2.45
Small Sums 7 SNOW FLAKES
--- NAOMI PENNOYER Maggie Boice 5
$2.23 Maggie Hoffman, Nettie Coates 16
Teacher 26 --
WILLING WORKERS Scholars 12 21
Thomas Ryer, --
Teacher 38 38 J. B. WAKELEY
Albert Smyth 42 E. P. Coates
Gus Wooley 30 SILVER LEAF Teacher 17
Reuben Wooley 5 John Werner 14 Wm. Werner 5
Benj. Tully 80 John Helm 7 H. Smock 10
John A. Dill 25 Albert Boice 5 Albert Heizer 10
John Wooley 20 Chas. Vanpelt 5 John Cottrell 5
Wm. Hyre 10 Small sums 8 --
Thomas Ryer 70 -- 47
Chas. White 30 39
George Greenwood 10 YOUNG BEGINNERS
Fred Stultz 80 BUDS OF PROMISE Libbie Tully,
Small Sums 50 Charles Lewis 14 Teacher 50
---- Wm. M. Boice 7 Arthur West 5
$4.90 Vand Boice 8 Crissie Helm 14
Small Sums 8 J. W. Snyder 5
-- Small Sums 6
37 --
80
C. D. Mead served Morganville only from March 25, 1874. His salary was $450 and there were 62 members. During Feb. 1875 Rev. Mead exchanged pulpits with the pastor at Matawan, Rev. William Spence Zane.
Harry A. Clifford was called to serve the Morganville charge in 1875. Weddings were performed by Rev. W. W. Moffett. It is not clear why Harry Clifford did not perform weddings while at Morganville, perhaps, he did not have the authority to do so or was only a lay preacher.
Rev. E. H. Bacon was appointed the combined charge of Morganville and Jacksonville for 1876. This combined charge would continue for several years. Jacksonville had been on a charge with Cliffwood from 1854 to 1876.
The charge at Morganville and Jacksonville was supplied by O. Ellerson, a local elder from Keyport for the conference year 1877-1878. His salary was $500 and nothing special was reported to the Conference. According to church records baptisms were officiated by W. F. Randolph in 1878.
The Sunday School provided the entertainment for the 1877 Christmas Eve service. at which there were addresses by the scholars and singing, etc. Admission was 15 cents.
W. F. Randolph was appointed the charge for the year 1879.
Henry Justus Heinenman and wife Lidie S. served Morganville and Jacksonville from April, 1877 to 1880. The Conference minutes indicated that he was at Morganville for the years 1879 to 1881. He earned a salary of $500 and there were 39 members. In 1880 there were 84 members. Henry died on Aug. 29, 1926. Church records indicate that the Presiding Elder Samuel VanSant officiated during Baptisms for the year 1879 and Rev. A. Manships during 1880
S. P. Cossaboom served Morganville and Jacksonville from March 1880 to March 1883. There were 35 members and he was paid a salary of $400..
The 1881 N.J. Conference minutes indicate that S. P. Cossaboom, a local Deacon from Morganville, was to be appointed the charge beginning March, 1881.
The quarterly meeting service was held on Sunday April 3rd 1881. Preaching by Rev. J. G. Crate at 3 o'clock and the new pastor, Rev. S. P. Cossaboom at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
C. B. Abbott served Morganville and Jacksonville for the year 1883 only.
Sanford Morrell Nichols, a supply pastor, served a single charge of Morganville from Sept. 2, 1883-1886. Supply pastors were local preachers who were employed by the District Superintendents to serve churches. During 1884 and 1885 several baptisms were performed by Rev. W. W. Moffett Presiding Elder and Rev. Jesse Styles. Rev. A. H. Eberhardt baptized Lucy Barbara Theodosio on Sept. 26, 1886.
Rev. Henry Stetson Gascoyne and wife Lucy A. served the churches at Morganville and Cliffwood from March 15, 1886-1888. He died on June 10, 1932.
The Morganville church became a three point charge having been put on a circuit with Jacksonville and Cliffwood from March, 1888-1889 and Rev. George Washington Pine was the minister. Brother Pine baptized Lizzie Matthews on Oct. 10, 1888 as an adult. He entered the ministry in full connection in 1884. His wife, Madeline L. Hammill died March 20, 1890. He died January 23, 1916 at the age of 67 having been in ministry for 17 years.
Rev. Samuel C. Chattin assisted by Rev. James Donaldson Bills was the appointed minister for Morganville and Matawan from March, 1889-1890.
Rev. James Donaldson Bills and his wife Deborah L. were appointed the charge at Morganville from March, 1890 to 1892 under the presiding elder and from 1893 to 1895 as a full member of the conference. He was born May 19, 1862 at Freehold. He died at Ocean Grove on April 19, 1923.
Often the minister was also the school teacher. Mrs. Bills taught Nellie Wenzel's mother how to play the organ. Nellie recalls that seven of the eight children were married in the Morganville Church and Rev. Bills returned to perform the marriage of one of her older sisters.
Asbury Nivison had charge of the church services while Rev. Bills was in attendance at the New Jersey Conference according to the local newspaper of March 21, 1891.
The first quarterly conference of this conference year met in the church on Saturday, April 11, 1891 at 2:30 p.m. The members of the board for the year, who were appointed at the last quarterly conference, are as follows: Stewards: Asbury Nivison, Bartemus Tice, C. White, D. Smythe, J. B. West, J. Matthews and J.C.Dill. Trustees, Asbury F. Nivison, John C. Dill, and Bartemus Tice.
"A very interesting Easter service was held at the church last Sabbath evening by the members of the Sabbath
School. The children met at Mr. Al McElvaine's and marched into the church during the playing of the
processional. Prayer was offered by the pastor. A responsive service was conducted by Supt. John C. Dill.
Fourteen small scholars appeared each bearing a card with a letter. Each recited a verse of scripture and then the
cards were hung up on a large cross and spelled the legend "The Lord Is Risen". Miss Ada Dunham recited the
Apostle's Creed in verse and a beautiful poem entitled "The Watch at the Sepulcher." was read by Mrs. Wesley
Snyder. Miss Rose Hornor rendered the poem, "He Giveth His Angels Charge." Pieces were spoken by Olive
Moran, Clara Woolley and Tilite Giese. Recitations were nicely rendered by groups of scholars: one by seven
young ladies, another by five girls, and still another by four boys. Mr. Walter Cottrell, of Atlantic Highlands,
delivered an appropriate address. These exercises were interspersed with singing, consisting of solos, duets,
quartettes and choruses, all of which were appreciated by the audience. Flowers were furnished by Mrs. George
Greenwood, Mrs. Snyder, Mrs. Hendrickson and others."
Through the years the Morganville United methodist Church has shown its determination to expand to meet the needs of its people and of the community. The first such need for expansion came in 1892 when it was determined that sheds should be erected to house and accommodate the several teams of horses that would bring the families to worship.
He enlisted the aid of the people of the community and purchased the adjoining property.
This was done through the donation of a piece of land, twenty feet by seventy-nine feet six inches, at the rear of the church by a trustee and a neighbor, Mr. Charles Leynes. The deed was dated February 20, 1892 and recorded in the Monmouth County Clerk's Office in Book 500 of Deeds, page 167. Once again as with the building of the church the labor and some timber needed to house ten teams of horses were donated by members of the church and friends. The lumber and nails not given cost between $50 and $60.
An exerted effort was made by the Morganville congregation to eliminate their debt of $650. Nellie Wenzel, a descendant of John Lewis, recalls her grandmother talk of a solicitation drive conducted in the village at the time with individual contributions ranging from one dollar to twenty five dollars. The holder of the mortgage, Mr. Christian Grimm, contributed $100 and the interest due. Mr. Norman, of New York, was a summer boarder in Morganville. He solicited the aid of some of his personal friends in New York to make up the $145 balance. Thus it was in 1892 that the original mortgage for $650.00 was paid off.
The local Matawan Journal newspaper depicted the day long celebration in its column.
"Bishop Janes' M. E. Chapel at Morganville has paid off her debt and it was decided to hold a praise service on
Washington's Birthday at 3 o'clock p.m. Nearly every one in the neighborhood was present, and we noticed
several former residents who now live in the city. The church was well filled."
On the front of the cupola hung a large banner bearing the legend, "Free From Debt". It was the gift of Mr. Hendrick Snyder. Under it floated a beautiful flag which had been paid for by small sums solicited by Mr. Snyder and presented by the church.
The services were opened by singing. Prayer was offered by Rev. Samuel C. Chattin of Matawan, who also read a portion of scripture.
Letters were read from Rev. Socrates Townsend Horner (1873-1874), Presiding Elder Moore, Rev. Sanford Morrell Nichols (1883-1886), Rev. Henry Stetson Gascoyne (1886-1888), and Mr. G. A. J. Norman. Mr. Horner's letter was especially interesting, as he was the first pastor and this was his first charge. His letter contained recollections of the time when he was pastor, and of those members who were associated with him. Rev. Horner was serving as pastor of a church in Wilton, New York and unable to attend.
The service ended around 5 o'clock when they adjourned until evening when in the light and heat of blazing tar barrels the mortgage was cremated.
Rev. J. L. Roe performed ten adult and four children baptisms on Sept. 4, 1892. The church records indicated the method of baptism was sprinkling.
The following article appeared in the Journal of Oct. 1, 1892:
"The Morganville church bought new hymn books for use in prayer meetings. The Presiding Elder Strickland
will hold quarterly meeting Saturday morning at 10 o clock and will preach Sunday morning at 10:30 o'clock. On
one Sunday Rev. D. B. Harris of Ocean Grove would deliver a lecture on "The Every Day Life of a Soldier." The
program will be for the benefit of the Sunday School library."
There were many people living in and around Morganville for the summers and commuting to New York for work. They would board at the homes of friends, relatives or acquaintances. Some would spend their vacations in the country.
James Leland Howard performed the baptisms during 1893. Revivals were prevalent in the New Brunswick District with 1500 being converted to God. During a revival of 1893 Morganville made extensive work in proportion to the population by adding 35 probationers. The number of full members increased from 62 in 1893 to 90 in 1894.
Rev. W. Strickland Presiding Elder performed the baptisms during 1894.
During 1894 Morganville had again distinguished itself by purchasing property on the right side adjoining the church for a parsonage, consisting of a house and five acres of land for $750. The premises being approximately 200 feet by 123 feet was conveyed to the Trustees of Janes' Chapel by Matthias Woolley, High Sheriff of Monmouth County, by deed dated April 13, 1894 and recorded in the Clerk's office in Book 535 of Deeds, page 85. The whole amount had been paid.
Rev. Howard J. Conover entered the ministry in 1879 and was appointed the Morganville and Cliffwood charge for the year 1895. His wife's name was Caroline. He died June 29, 1922.
Rev. George C. Poolton performed baptisms during 1895 and received people on probation for membership on Nov. 13, 1895. Though there is no record of his being appointed the Morganville charge it seems as if he may at sometime had been its minister during 1895. According to his biography as listed in the 1897 Conference minutes George entered the N. J. Conference in 1895 and did serve both Cliffwood and Morganville in 1896. He transferred to Puget Sound in 1907.
C. D. Morris served Morganville in 1896 and was paid a salary of $400. He performed baptisms during 1896 and later became a missionary in Korea. In 1896 there were many revivals in the area which increased the probationary rolls of many churches.
At the annual conference of churches a resolution was passed warning parishioners against reading Sunday newspapers, unnecessary bicycle riding, visiting or doing anything that would detract from the holiness of the day.
Chas. H. B. Seliger, a supply pastor, served Morganville from March 30, 1897 to August 8, 1897. He was paid $105 for four months plus one Sunday. The church was connected with the New Brunswick District. It had reported an average attendance of 30 with a total of 53 members.
A resolution was approved by the pastors at the annual conference held in March in support of a bill in the state legislature which would require that no liquor be sold within 200 feet of a church.
Between August and October the church was without a minister.
G. H. Cook is listed in the Conference minutes as a Licentiate from Pt. Pleasant. He served the Morganville church during the winter months from Oct. 10, 1897 to March 30, 1898 and received a salary of $75.00. There were 81 members. In the 1928 conference minutes he is listed as a local preacher living in Ocean Grove. During his appointment Rev. Henry J. Whalen performed any weddings.
During 1898 John C. Dill conducted class meetings on Sunday morning at 11:30.
George S. Goff served the Cliffwood and Morganville churches from Aug. 7, 1898 to March, 1899 with a salary of $350. The church returned to a double charge being connected with the Cliffwood Church. There were 69 full members with 6 on probation. Rev. Goff was received as a full member of the conference in 1904. His wife was Almira. He died October 12, 1916 after 12 years in the ministry at the age of 41.
Nathan W. Wickward, a supply pastor, served the Cliffwood and Morganville charge from March, 1899-March 1900. During 1899 a new ceiling and other repairs to the church were made at a cost of $180. The bill was paid.
Milton Relyea Eastlack was received on trial in 1900 and appointed the Cliffwood and Morganville charge. The Morganville church put in a new ceiling and otherwise repaired the church at a cost of $180 and paid the bill. He transferred to West Virginia in 1908.
During 1901 Rev. E. H. Post performed the baptisms while J. C. Dill, jr. was the appointed pastor. There were 45 members.
Henry E. Garrison served as a supply pastor for 1902, 1903, 1904 under the Presiding Elder. The Class Records lists his name as Harry E. Garrison. His wife was Florence McElvaine. They were married Oct. 29, 1904. He was admitted into the New Jersey conference in 1905 and died Oct. 25, 1956.
The December 1, 1904 Matawan Journal printed the following activities at Morganville.
"All those who are willing to help with the Xmas entertainment are requested to be present at the Sunday
School next Sunday afternoon at 2:30 p.m."
"Two Methodist Pastors from Keyport, and the pastors of the M. E. churches at Matawan, Cliffwood,
Morganville and Keansburg are expected to be present and make addresses at a group meeting for evangelical
purposes held in the Methodist church here next Monday night at 7:30 p.m."
Baptisms were performed during 1904 by John B. Haines, presiding Elder.
The Class Records indicate Charles H. DuBois received several members during 1905. His wife, Virginia, was received as a member March 14, 1905. He was admitted into the N.J. Conference on probation in 1910 and discontinued in 1914.
The July 6, 1905 Matawan Journal lists the times of the Sunday services: Preaching at 10:30 a.m., Sunday School at 2:30 p.m., Song service at 7:30 p.m. Preaching at 7:45 p.m.
Alonzo Chambers, a supply pastor served Morganville in 1906 and performed baptisms.
G. H. Doughty, a supply pastor, served Morganville for 1907.
The April 11, 1907 Matawan Journal printed the following:
"After the prayer meeting at Morganville on Friday evening a dime social will be held at the parsonage. The new
pastor will be present and will take this opportunity to meet the people and get acquainted. Should it prove
stormy the reception will be held on Sat. eve."
At the New Jersey Annual Conference held at the First Church, Millville on March 11 to 17, 1908 the District Superintendent reported that the little society at Morganville requested to be put on with some other charge , where they can be cared for, and do better work. For 1908 the District Superintendent approved their request and added the society to the Matawan charge under the pastorate of John Whitaker Morris. He died Feb. 16, 1924.
In 1909 the church was supplied with R. P. Mason, a local preacher from South Amboy.
James. B. Shaw, undergraduate, served Morganville for the early part of 1910 before being appointed to Navesink the rest of the year. While at Morganville he was only able to preach once each Sabbath because he was ill. He entered the ministry in 1907.
At the annual Conference held at Ocean city on March 15, 1911 the Secretary was instructed to send a telegram of protest against the passage of Senate Bill #157 which, if passed, would legalize base ball, golf and other sports under the direction of School Boards, Play Ground Commissions or similar bodies on Sunday.
Rev. Shaw died Sept. 3, 1935.
George Hamer, a supply pastor from Freehold, accepted the charge at Morganville in the fall of 1911 (August 20), to 1918. It was reported in the conference minutes of 1912 that during the short pastorate 20 have been added to the church by certificate and an increase of 39 in attendance at Sabbath School. There were 21 probationers. A society for youth known as the Epworth League had been organized with a membership of 35. Membership in the Epworth League was not restricted to youth only but the young at heart. George Hamer's salary was $260 in 1911, $300 in 1913 and $400 in 1915.
Both the church and parsonage were improved in 1913 with electric lights and a heater at a cost of $350, all was paid. 22 full members and 15 probationers were added to the rolls. During 1914 a fine reed organ was installed. There was music in the air everywhere, and it was not discord but the sweetest melodies and harmonies of Christian life and blessing for the community. George Hamer gave up the task on earth and entered into heaven sometime during 1919.
Rev. John F. Heilenman, a retired minister living in Matawan, was appointed to take charge at Morganville beginning 1919. The amount of his salary was $500. All worked hard for the good of the church and its members. Revival meetings were held in the church during the last week in January.
On July 6th, 1919 Dr. James Donaldson Bills the district superintendent preached and held quarterly conference. It was the 30th anniversary of his coming to Morganville as preacher and public school teacher.
On June 8th the pastor held the first Mother's Day service and on the 29th instructed a Fathers' Day service. Both services were well attended and proved of great interest.
On Aug. 17th Dr. Bills, the District Superintendent preached the evening service and held the 2nd and 3rd
quarterly conferences. The pastor had a full report of his six months work. This was given to the secretary for
second and constituted a particular history.
"August 31st, Rev. George Garrison, pastor of 20 years ago preached a strong and interesting sermon at the
evening service."
Dr. Bills delivered his 3rd sermon for the year and held the 4th quarterly conference. Brother Heilenman asked to
serve next year. Lou Lane was the delegate to annual conference.
"The Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution passed into law on January 16, 1920. It not only marks the glorious culmination of one hundred years of warfare upon the liquor traffic, but demonstrates in a striking way the power of the church when properly organized and loyally united upon a given program. We join with all Christian America and recognize this great step forward as the act of Almighty God, in answer to prayer. For, while we congratulate the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, our own Board of Temperance, the Anti-Saloon League and all other agencies that had a part in the overthrow of the rum traffic, we record our humble judgment that in its last analysis the victory belongs to God."
At the New Jersey Annual conference held on March 3, 1920 the following resolution was presented:
"Whereas, the World War has demonstrated the importance of the work of our army chaplains, therefore be it,
Resolved, that we urge our senators and representatives in Congress to support legislation for the organization of a chaplain's corps."
On April 15, 1920 was the first quarterly conference. Dr. Muller of the Newark Conference preached the sermon with Dr. Bills present. A special Revival Service was held from the 4th to 18th with no results. There was small attendance due to bad weather.
In the progress of a District Group Meeting services were held from Nov. 8th to 13th with a sermon each night given by one of the pastors of the other five churches, each taking some part in the service. The meetings were widely attended and of a deep religious interest. Three persons were converted and received into preparatory membership.
Brother Bills preached on Nov. 21st and held the 3rd quarterly conference. Brother Heilenman was requested to keep the charge another year.
The 4th quarterly conference was held on Feb. 6, 1921 in the evening and Dr. Bills preached.
Harry C. Hyer was the leader of the Epworth League Service on Feb. 17, 1921 held at Matawan. He was listed as a local preacher in the conference minutes of 1921 and sometimes preached in Morganville when their minister was away.
It was pointed out at the annual conference of 1921 that the American National Association of Dancing Masters have created a new dance which they have called the "Wesleyan" in order to conciliate the Methodists on their stand on dancing. The New Jersey Annual Conference viewed this action with disdain and registered their protest at the disgraceful attempt to associate the reverent name of our founder with the modern dance and its sensous and shameful heredity. To name an unholy dance after the holy Wesley is nothing short of an outrage on decency and a direct insult to Methodists everywhere.
On May 1st Brother Heilenman was unable to preach due to sickness therefore Dr. Bills preached at night and held the 2nd quarterly conference.
On October 9th there was a special service with Dr. Bills in charge. He presented a love Feast sermon for the quarterly conference. Brother Heilenman presented his resignation as preacher in charge but the quarterly conference asked that he remain in charge and Harry Hyer be employed to perform the Sunday Services. Brother Heilenman agreed to this until the Spring conference.
On October 30th Theo Martin was removed by Certificate and on Nov. 24 Laura, Maggie, Maud, Russell, Arthur and Ache Lamberson were removed by letter.
Morganville of 1922 had a population of 175 persons, a station on the Freehold & Atlantic Highlands division of the Central Railroad of New Jersey. The mercantile trade consists of four general stores, a blacksmith shop, garage, nursery, a wagon-maker and three groceries, while its manufacturing industry was confined to the Stratford Chemical Company.,
George V. Mundy was appointed the Morganville charge in 1922 but resigned at the beginning of the school year and Harold C. West was assigned followed by James E. Lutz (supply pastor) until the conference of 1923. He was received on trial in 1924 and ordained a deacon while in his third year of studies.
James E. Lutz was appointed the charge for 1923 and 1924. He was assisted by local preachers J. C. Dill and Charles Luther in 1924. The New Jersey Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church held in Atlantic City on March 5, 1924 adopted a telegram to be sent to State Senator Roberts protesting against the passage of any bill legalizing professional boxing in our state.
James transferred to the Pittsburgh Conference in 1926. Harvest Home Festivals were held under a tent attached to the side of the church.
The next major step forward came in 1925 during the ministry of John O. Mabuce, a supply pastor.
Nellie Wenzel recalls during his ministry there was a large group of young people who were very active. One project undertaken by this group was to dig out under the church and install a hot air furnace in the basement for central heating. It was not finished off. The floor was dirt with ridges going from one side to the other for drainage.
There was sufficient room to hold Harvest Home Suppers. Before this they were held outside under a tent, erected for this purpose. These suppers were the big fund raising event of the year. Many former residents of Morganville would return to the Harvest Home Supper to have a big meal and to meet old friends. The first table was ready at 6 o'clock. The menu for the supper was always the same: Sliced chicken, baked ham, delicious chicken salad, potato salad, fresh lima beans, corn, cole slaw, sliced tomatoes, sliced peaches and cake for dessert. All food was fresh being procured by the women who were given an area to canvas. Live chickens were donated and picked up the morning of the day before the supper. The women gathered together to pluck and dress the chickens. They were then given to the women of the community to cook. Salads were made the day of the supper and kept on tubs of ice.
Nellie's mother always made the cole slaw. She made a special home cooked dressing for the cole slaw that everyone apparently enjoyed. There was a doctor from South Amboy who always came and ate and ate. "We were sure he hadn't eaten for days before the affair."
All community activities centered around the Church, Schools and the Fire Company. One of the big events of the year was the Sunday School Picnic. Trucks gathered at the Church and everyone piled in with their packed lunches and their bathing suits. Finally, we were on our way to Clark's Landing for the day. Later we went to Point Pleasant. In the winter time socials were held in private homes. There were Candy Socials or Box Lunch Socials, the ladies would bring a box of Candy or a Box lunch, and the men would bid on each box, with the winner being the highest bidder, and he then had the privilege to eat with the lady. At these socials seating was provided by putting boards on boxes or crates, then covering the boards with blankets or quilts. Group games of Post Office and Spin the Bottle were often played by the younger folks. The older men would play dominoes. Late in the evening refreshments of sandwiches, cake and coffee were served. Thus money was made for the Church Budget.
The women often had quilting parties, charging a certain amount to quilt a quilt. Sometimes a quilt was made to be auctioned off, perhaps at the Harvest Home Supper. Other forms of fund raising was by a Strawberry or Peach Festival.
Roll Call would usually be held in the Fall. This normally started in the afternoon with a former Pastor as a speaker followed by a covered dish supper. As each member's name was called, he or she would present their contribution to the church.
Carlton Newton Nelson, a supply pastor, served Morganville in 1926 and was the son of Rev. Newton Nelson and his wife, Mary.
He received his education wherever his father was appointed. He studied at the Pennington School and while there in 1926 served as a supply pastor serving at the Morganville Church according to Conference minutes. In 1927 he was graduated from the Pennington School.
During 1926 they held a poverty social in the basement of the church.
Brother Carlton, having been at Morganville only one year, found it necessary to relinquish his work about Christmas time because of ill health and that charge had been supplied by F. B. Whitson, a local preacher from Freehold.
At conference Brother F. B. Whitson was appointed the charge at Morganville for the years of 1927 and 1928. He was paid a salary of $1000.
According to the conference minutes there was one parsonage. The church membership was 93.
During 1927 pound socials were held at the homes of Mrs. Raymond Brown, Mr. & Mrs. John Smith, Mrs. Margaret Bowne, Mr. & Mrs. W. E. Preston and others to benefit the Morganville Church. They were able to raise about $40.
Around this time there was an influx of New York commuters and summer residents to the area due in part by the development of 1200 new homes, small cottages and bungalows known as Marlboro Gardens. Soon Cottage prayer meetings were held at the Spring Valley S.S. room and other places.
The Matawan Journal dated Friday Afternoon, July 1, 1927 reported the following event:
"Wednesday was the greatest Sunday School excursion day in the history of Monmouth County when five
special trains carried the young people and their friends to Jersey City, where they took the steamer,
"Clearmont," for Bear Mountain. The excursion was participated in by almost every Protestant Sunday school in
the cities and towns in this county. One special train started at Freehold with Matawan its last scheduled stop."
There were no services during the end of August, 1927 so that the members could go to Ocean Grove to hear Billy Sunday, an evangelist, preach. Sunday School did not resume until the end of September because of an infantile paralysis scare at Freehold.
On a Wednesday evening in early October, 1927 there was an evangelistic service held with help from the pastors of Cliffwood, Matawan and Harry Heyer of Atlantic Highlands. Brother Whitson's grandson, Milton, sang during the service.
A Sunday School Christmas entertainment program was held on Friday night Dec. 23, 1927. The new bell was put up Friday morning.
The congregation was unable to hold services in the church during January and February due to renovations. The leader in this work was Rev. Whitson who had the assistance of many members of the church as well as other interested persons in the community. In addition to the painting and repair work which was done, new art glass windows and electric light fixtures were installed adding greatly in the attractiveness of the building.
During renovations morning worship services were held at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Lambertson and evening services at Mr. & Mrs. John Smith.
Rev. & Mrs. Whitson were both ill with the flu and unable to leave their home in Freehold to attend the reopening of the church on Sunday March 4, 1928. Dr. Herbert J. Belting, Superintendent of the New Brunswick District presided at the morning service at 11 a.m. and delivered the dedicatory address of the new bell.
Professor William Smith, County Superintendent of Schools preached at the evening service. The Morganville-Wickatunk Republican Club attended the evening service as a body.
There were 350 ministers and 78000 members in the New Jersey Conference as of 1929.
Arthur Harold Salin was appointed to the charge at Morganville on March 12, 1929. He was entered on trial as an undergraduate pastor attending Drew Seminary and later transferred to the Wyoming Conference in 1931.
Edward Gebhard served as Supply pastor in 1930 while attending Drew University. He was paid a salary of $943. The Church had 30 members and the Sunday School had 110 members.
Rev. Robert Alexander Anderson was ordained elder in 1928 and served Morganville from 1931-1939. He was a
chaplain in the U. S. Navy in 1942-1946. His children were Alice and Robert. Peach Festivals were held regularly.
Twenty one of the churches of the New Jersey Conference had reduced the pastor's salaries for 1934 because of hard economic times. They also have been so intermittent in their payments for pastors' support that a few of the ministers have been in actual want. A little more forethought on the part of church officials would give their pastors wings instead of crutches.
In 1931 the church was unable to provide full support for Rev. Anderson being short $348; in 1932, the shortage was $66; and 1933, $269. He was paid $612 in 1931, $520 in 1932 and $663 in 1933.
Yet in spite of economic conditions many improvements were made to both church and parsonage properties throughout the conference.
A resolution was adopted at the 1935 annual conference and presented to Avery Brudage, President of the American Olympic Committee requesting the withdrawal of the United States from the 1936 Olympic Games if they are held in Germany because of the unsportsmanlike attitude of the Nazis toward Jewish athletes and those Christian athletes who remain faithful to their religion.
The High School Sunday School class started the Sunshine Club in 1939. Lucy Beal was the secretary. Other members of the class were Elizabeth Pent, Hazel Hyer, Muriel Frie and Marion Schilke. They met regularly at different homes to decide on activities and things to do together. They used to go with their Sunday School teacher to Atlantic City to see the diving horse.
According to the secretary's record they met through 1941.
In 1939 the Methodist Episcopal Church, Methodist Protestant Church and Methodist Episcopal Church South were united to form The Methodist Church.
In 1940 the minister was Rev. Elijah Freeman Reed. He had just retired when the conference asked him to accept the charge at Morganville. He was paid a salary of $520 while at Morganville.
At the 1940 session of the New Jersey Annual Conference it was resolved that the following churches of the former Methodist Protestant Church had refused to accept pastors appointed by the authority of and pursuant to the Discipline of the Methodist Church and had failed to send representatives to the sessions of that Conference:
Second Church, Bridgeton Calvary Church, Camden
Glassboro Church Haddonfield Church
Moorestown Church Mariners Bethel
Penns Grove Westville Church
Westville Grove Church Scullville Church
Steelmanville church Manasquan Church
Osbornville Church Church at Robertsville
Church at Hardingville Church at Point Erial
Church at Allenwood Church at Glendola
Church at New Freedom Church at Cedar Brook
The above Churches organized themselves as the Bible Protestant Churches constituting a denomination to be known as the Bible Protestant Church.
In 1940 the Women Foreign Missionary Service and the Women Home Missionary Service along
with the Ladies Aid Society entered into the new Women's Society of Christian Service with
enthusiasm and mean to advance the missionary interest and help to bring in the Kingdom of God
quickly.
War conditions existed during Rev. Reed's pastorate making the times more difficult, yet our church kept the spiritual life aflame.
Due largely because of the fine work of the ministers and their laymen, in the visitation Evangelism Campaign and the continuing pastoral visitation since, as well as the revival services held in our churches, the total full members-active increased from 61 in 1940 and 63 in 1941 to 81, an increase of 18 more new members received this past year, 1942.
During 1943 until Conference in September Brother Reed was assisted by William H. Carhart Sr., a local Preacher from Little Silver and Leon McKelvey.
In spite of the fact of fuel shortages, gas rationing, and other handicaps the churches have pressed toward the mark of their high calling. It was reported at the 1943 Annual Conference that over 2000 young men and a few young women have gone from our churches and are now serving in some branch of our nation's armed forces. The pastors and people have been very zealous in their efforts to keep in close contact with them. Many methods have been used, pastor's letters, Upper Room, church bulletins, cookies, gifts, etc. Many pastors have printed the names of service men each week in their bulletin asking church folk to write to them. A large majority of churches have placed beautiful service flags and honor rolls in their sanctuaries.
Sickness, death and war have compelled changes on the District during the year.
Morganville and Jerseyville were made a circuit between Sept. 1943 and Sept. 1944 and Donald W. Pimm transferred his studies from Dickinson College to Brothers College in order to supply these churches. Only a few months elapsed, however, when the government inducted Donald into the military branch of the war effort and Richard Bennett was appointed to the charge. He was a student supply pastor attending Bloomfield College in Bloomfield, NJ.
The Conference Journal for 1944 indicates that he was not paid a salary from the Morganville Church in 1943. Membership had dropped to 47 in 1943. 70 in Sunday School.
In 1944, James D. Fraser, a Local Preacher from Bradley Beach, was appointed to the charge of Morganville. The church was part of the New Brunswick District.
Homer Paul Leap, an undergraduate, was appointed to serve the Navesink and Morganville churches beginning October, 1944. He entered the N.J. Conference on trial in 1944 and transferred to the Troy Conference on September 26, 1946.
Irving Crabiel, District Lay Leader and local preacher from Milltown, was appointed the charge in 1946 as a part time supply. There were 35 active members. He wrote the following in the history of the church:
"October 1946 to Oct. 1947, I served the parish for this year and certainly did enjoy the fellowship of a fine group of people-loyal and devoted to their church. Irving Crabiel, Lay Preacher, Milltown, N. J."
On February 19, 1947 the couples club of the Calvary Methodist Church at Keyport performed "A Rural Minstrel", a musical under the direction of Dr. Charles R. Smyth. It was given as a benefit for the Women's Society of Christian Service (WSCS) of the Morganville Methodist Church.
Rev. John Bruce Kirby Jr. served Fair Haven and Morganville for the years 1947-1949. He entered the New Jersey Conference in 1938.
They made their home at the parsonage in Fair Haven. Sixteen miles separated the churches. Morning worship was held in Fair Haven. Having no contact with Morganville Sunday mornings, the church school thrived under the leadership of Walter Lambertson, Church School Superintendent and lay leader. There was a Sunday evening worship service held by Rev. Kirby at Morganville.
One summer we held a vacation church school where Nellie Wenzel was one of the principle teachers. Rev. Kirby persuaded several churches that a three week VCS was more than twice as valuable as a two-week VCS. For three weeks John would leave Fair Haven by 8 o'clock each week-day morning to help with the Morganville VCS which was held from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Rev. Kirby recalled Morganville had a teen age bass/baritone soloist by the name of Richard Izquierdo who had a beautiful voice. He participated in a vocal concert held at Fair Haven where he sang "Deep River."
During 1948 there was discussion regarding ways in which to improve the church facility. Building a room to the rear of the church was the first suggestion. Brother Kirby's last year at Morganville the Church membership was 61, Sunday School membership was 118 and his salary was $780.
Rev. Kirby retired in 1979 and resides with his wife, Margie, at 2003 S Shore Rd, Ocean View, NJ.
During October, 1950 Rev. Moore preached 5 services. It is unknown what his first name was since the conference minutes listed several that it could be.
Morganville's next pastor was the Rev. William Besand Magsam. He was the son of George and Margaret Magsam and was born December 15, 1884 in Salem, New Jersey. His first appointment was to the Lower Bank Circuit in 1907. He was an Elder in the New Jersey Conference in 1933.
He married Thelma Florence Worth, dau. of Charles and Mary Worth on January 1, 1921.
He was a member of the Fire Department in every community where he served.
In 1950 at the age 66, he served Fair Haven and Morganville as an accepted supply pastor. In 1951 he became an approved supply pastor and then the following year appointed as a full time Lay Pastor until 1955. After retirement in 1957, Bill lived in Bayville for twenty years.
Pursuant to a resolution unanimously passed at a special meeting of the trustees of the Janes' Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church of Morganville held on February 7, 1951, a deed was prepared to convey all parcels of land now owned to the Morganville Methodist Church. It was recorded in Book 2292 of Deeds on page 367 & C. Those trustees being Lester Woolley, Leslie Woolley, Edla R. Schilke, Raymond Schilke and Clarence Orvin Perrine.
The church continued as a one-room rural church until 1955 when the area was further expanded to accommodate an ever growing church school. To remedy this the church building was raised on its foundation to accommodate an oversized basement suitable for a large church-school room with two bathrooms. At this time a larger kitchen with a storeroom were installed and equipped for serving suppers. The women used money which they raised to buy a new stove, sink, dishes, cutlery refrigerator, etc. Many other improvements have been made. It was now possible to hold Sunday School classes in the basement. Two of the ladies loaned their money to the church. The church was able to obtain money without paying any interest. The attendance increased with the enlarged population in the community.
Rev. Frederick H. Bowen served Sayreville and Morganville from October, 1956-1963. The 1958 Annual Conference Minutes does not list a parsonage for Morganville. Mrs. Ella Honce Perrine, the second oldest church member at that time, owned and occupied the home once used as a parsonage. It was located next to the church on Route 79. The house was later torn down by Exxon around 1992 when they remodeled their gas station at the corner of Tennent Rd. and Route 79 to provide a better facility to include food and snack items.
Even the expansion of the larger basement in 1955 was not enough and in 1964 it was found necessary to erect a separate church school building north of the church to accommodate the increasing membership and to provide better Christian Education. The congregation undertook the task of constructing an education building.
On April 12, 1964, under the leadership of the Rev. Fred H. Bowen ground was broken for the erection of a five-room church school building which he designed. This building was completed and accomplished at a cost approaching $30,000, an amount which the church paid off in four and a half years. The people of Morganville had raised a sizable percentage of the cost before the building ever began. The corner stone situated in the left corner of the building was laid and the building dedicated on Sept. 17, 1964.
Rev. William Nelson Frantz, a local preacher from Long Branch, was the minister from October, 1964 with Rev. Gray or Rev. Gilbert Fell officiating for communion services. According to the 1965 Conference Minutes he was listed as a student supply pastor attending Monmouth College. Rev. Gilbert Fell terminated his conference membership in 1970 by voluntary location.
During January, 1966, aluminum storm windows were installed and a mimeograph machine was purchased April 14, 1966 for $145.30. 100 Hymnals were purchased April 27, 1966. A well was dug by the Bound Brook Well Drilling Co. The cost of the well was $895.43, $400 of which was paid from the profits of a supper served by the WSCS.
The church basement was repainted during Dec. 1966.
Rev. Harlan Marsh Baxter was the pastor of Englishtown and Morganville as of June, 1968 until April, 1971. The church was part of the Northwest District. He was a graduate of the University of Massachusetts in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. After serving as 2nd Lt. in the U. S. Army reserves, he worked for Olin Mathieson Chemical Corp. as a research chemist and then a sales engineer. In September of 1964 he entered the Theological School at Drew University in Madison, NJ. While in Drew he served the Grace Methodist Church in Union Beach and St. Paul's church in Bay Head. In June of 1968 he graduated Cum Laude from Drew and was appointed to serve the Morganville Church and the Sanford Memorial Church in Englishtown. He resided with his wife, Jane, and five children.
During 1968 The Methodist Church and The Evangelical United Brethren Church united to form The United Methodist Church. All Methodist Churches are empowered to assume and use the name "The United Methodist Church."
The mortgage for the Education Building was paid in full on December 9, 1968, an event that was celebrated at the 100th Anniversary. On Sunday, November 23rd at 3:30 p.m. the church formally celebrated its 100th anniversary of its formation on November 11, 1869. Returning for this service were several previous pastors, Rev. John Bruce Kirby, Jr., Rev. Frederick H. Bowen. In addition, the Rev. L. Burdelle Hawk, District Superintendent of the Northwest District was in attendance.
Members of the Morganville church repaired the Englishtown parsonage. People were assigned different rooms to paint.
Harlan planned fun activities and took the youth to rallies in Ocean Grove. During his time at Morganville he played games with the kids and had many activities such as Car Washes, Camp rallies, and camping trips in freezing weather.
The statistician's report of the 1971 conference journal reflects that the total church membership was 87 with an average of 50 per Sunday; church school membership was 105 with an average of 55 per Sunday. In an effort to increase the attendance at church worship services he had the children stay after Sunday School hoping that the parents would also stay. Many Sundays he would have forty children and few adults. The parents would drop the kids off.
Confident of future growth in membership, and desiring to be in a position to serve Marlboro Township, a congregational meeting of the Morganville United Methodist Church held in February, 1969 voted in favor of purchasing five acres of land on Highway 79 south of our present location on Conover Road from Stacy Conover. The property was purchased by the Board of Missions of the SNJ Conference. A variance would be necessary because of the zoning which required 10 acres. Here it is hoped that our congregation will be able to build a new church and a parsonage in the near future.
Church morning worship was conducted each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Average attendance was 40 people and was increasing.
Church school met each Sunday at 10:15 a.m. under the leadership of Mr. Walter Lambertson, the church Lay Leader. Church school membership was 115, including 17 teachers and officers. Religious instruction was provided for all ages, beginning with 3 year olds up through adult classes.
The Women's Society of Christian Service met monthly on the second Thursday of the month. Mrs. Lucy Eckel was acting president. The WSCS involved 20 women in activities of service and Christian Fellowship.
Youth Fellowship activities were provided for two age groups. First there was the Junior fellowship for young people in 5th and 6th grades. They met weekly on Friday after school under the supervision of the Pastor and Miss Virginia Beck. The second group was for 7th through 12th grades. They met Sunday afternoons under the supervision of the Pastor and Miss Violet Ludvick. The UMYF president was Glen Hansen.
Church Leaders in 1969 were Mr. Walter Lambertson, Lay Leader and Church School Superintendent; Mrs. Ernest Zienowicz, Chairman of the Administrative Board; Mrs. Fred Eckel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; and Mrs. Walter Lambertson, organist and church treasurer.
A building program was started in 1971 by Rev. Baxter and a fund-raising drive was organized.
Rev. L. Wayne Musgrove was the minister from Nov. 1971 to March, 1973. He was a full time Lay Pastor and his wife's name was Betty. He was admitted into the Southern N. J. Annual Conference as an associate member since he was transferring as deacon from another Christian Church as of the 1974 Conference Minutes. In 1982 he was granted a leave of absence and in June 15, 1983 he transferred to the Peninsula Conference.
Rev. John H. Coffee Jr. was the minister as of June, 1973 serving Englishtown and Morganville according to the 1974 Annual Conference minutes. His wife's name was Donna. He was admitted into the Southern New Jersey conference during 1970. He was remembered as wearing colorful suits and singing with Susan Denise as she played the organ. As of January 1, 1974 he was appointed to the Keansburg charge. He was granted an Honorable location on June 11, 1979.
C. Garland Pollard, Jr. was appointed probationary pastor of English- town and Morganville as of January 1, 1974. He was a student going to Drew Seminary and preached at Morganville for about six months until Rev. Grein- er was appointed the charge. Rev. Pollard was transferred to the Northern New Jersey Conference on June 15, 1975 where he was appointed to the Jersey City United Methodist Church. He is currently the pastor of the Gateway Community Church in Manalapan.
Rev. Newton W. Greiner became the pastor on Feb., 1974 until 1984, with A. Wray Ingram filling in as supply pastor during vacation time. Rev. Greiner came from the Keansburg Methodist church where he had just completed a building program. He graduated from the Pastoral Counseling program at the Princeton Seminary with a masters degree. He then began working part-time at the Brookdale Community College counseling office as Campus Counselor. He left the Keansburg Church in 1973 but less than a year later was asked by the United Methodist Church to take over the small Morganville church.
Greiner took over the fund drive and infused the program with the continuity it needed.
In 1976 the membership voted to move on its long awaited building program. After discarding two alternative approaches, the 100-member congregation with more than $36,000 in the bank from the heavy fund-raising effort decided to construct a new building on Conover Rd. at an estimated cost of $250,000. A total of $50,000 was trimmed from the cost leaving $200,000. With the $36,000 it was felt they could contact an architect. Edgar Tafel of New York City was recommended to the church.
A goal of $25,000 was set to be raised in donations from the congregation over a three-year period beginning in 1976.
Having gained permission from the township council to build the church in a residential zone they then appeared before the township planning board armed with their architect's plans seeking final site plan approval for their new church.
The plan called for a 150-seat narthex, combined with six classrooms for Sunday Schoolers, a lounge, a bride's room, a sound proof nursery, two offices and a choir room. A new pipe organ would be installed.
A large basement would remain unfinished until enough money was raised for the construction of possible bathrooms and a kitchen. Greiner expected the six classrooms to be used for a number of community service-type events, including Boy Scout meetings and other "social service" functions.
As of Dec. 31, 1977 the total church membership was reported at 103 with an average worship service attendance of 42 according to the Annual Conference minutes.
In April, 1978 the contract for construction was awarded to the Church Construction Company in Vineland, the only bidder that would allow members of the congregation to assist in the construction. That stipulation would lower the costs some $75,000.
Money-saving help came from non-members as well including one who volunteered the use of his back-hoe to conduct "perc test," the soil quality test necessary for all construction. Greiner said, "He did it all for a cup of coffee."
The old church and an adjacent education building were sold and ground was broken in 1978 for the new church. The old church building was sold to Mico Carpets for $34,000. A stipulation of the sale was that the stained glass windows remain with the church. Soon after the sale of the church the stained glass windows were removed and sold. The education building was sold in 1979 to Dr. Lichtman as his offices for $77,000. Having no building in which to worship the Morganville Independent Fire Company on Route 79 allowed the church membership to use its hall until the new sanctuary was completed. They painted and fixed up the back room so that it would be suitable for their needs.
As of Dec. 31, 1978 the total church membership was reported at 109 with an average worship service attendance of 50 according to the Annual Conference minutes.
Hopefully the end of an eight-year period of anxiety and hard work would culminate in the construction of the new building between March, 1979 and the end of next year (1980).
In September, 1979 they had hoped to break ground but some soil test complications forced them to adjust their plans. A high concentration of clay was found in the soil requiring some minor changes in the plans, causing a delay in the starting date from Sept. to March, 1980.
As of Dec. 31, 1979, according to the Annual Conference minutes, the total church membership was reported at 102.
Inflation and rising interest rates had ballooned the estimated cost to $400,000.
The congregation of the Morganville United Methodist Church was $90,000 short of completing the three-old project for its new $400,000 church on Conover Rd.
The latest in a series of fundraising events, a roast beef dinner, was held and they were able to raise $2300. The building project chairman, Anthony Tomeski, said that Greiner's expertise had been a great help in instituting and overseeing the fundraising programs needed to build our new church. The final amount raised through fundraising was $36,000.
Coupled with the $114,000 raised in 1976 from the sale of the original Educational building on Route 79 had left the group $50,000 short of the goal. The Central Jersey Bank loaned the church $50,000 for the remaining costs of construction.
The Methodist Conference provided the church with $25,000 and had indicated that it would give them another $15,000. The additional monies was needed in order to complete the building to qualify for a certificate of occupancy. The church was still faced with the $30,000 needed to complete the landscaping, paving and basement.
To save additional money, the membership became their own contractor, handling all the subcontractors and dealing with cash on the spot, which was a great savings. There were between 20 to 25 people in the congregation who had an affiliation with contracting groups enabling them to save as much as $75,000 with them working on the project.
The church's men and women volunteers worked on the building, digging ditches, moving blocks and stone, putting in pipe for the drains, etc. Because of the high water level they put a water sealant membrane under the church and on the sides of the basement along with a plastic sheet. Many volunteers were needed to pull up the membrane while dirt was put in place. Our church women worked from sun up to sundown alongside the men and by the end of the day there were many cuts and blisters, related Anthony Tomeski. The building committee comprised of Anthony Tomeski, Building project Chairman; Violet Ludvick, the administrative board chairman and assisted in reviewing blueprints for the new building; John Ludvick, president of the trustees; Betty Downey, church treasurer; Norma Ott, Fred and Lucy Eckel, Mrs. Vi (John) Ludvick, Charles & Anna Mae Button and Roberta Greiner.
The construction was set back when Mr. Tomeski passed away and Rev. Greiner had to step in to fill the post of Building Chairman in addition to his pastoral duties.
As of Dec. 31, 1980 the total church membership was reported at 107 according to the Annual Conference minutes.
The new church nestled on a rolling hillside a mile south of the one room rural structure it replaced was built at a cost of $285,000 nearly double the original estimate. A local contractor and more than 50 volunteers kept down the spiraling costs.
Pipes for the organ were installed around Christmas while the church was still being constructed.
The congregation received special permission to hold a Christmas Eve Service even though they did not have a certificate of occupancy. Sitting on pails and cans surrounded by bales of hay the congregation praised the Lord in song and prayer.
The membership moved into their new church facility on Easter Sunday, 1981. The Appalachia Organ Co., Mt. Savage, Maryland had worked 24 hours straight in an attempt to have the organ available for use but to no avail. Work was completed during the summer months.
The organ was donated to the church by Edward A. Terry, organist, in memory of his parents. His mother died from cancer. George Plitnick who was a good friend built the organ at cost from parts of other organs and yearly visits Morganville to service it. It was to have been installed in the old church on Route 79 but when it was learned that a new church was being built they waited. Although the cost of the organ was paid for by the church, Mr. Terry contributed his salary until the organ was completely paid.
On November 29, 1981 at 4 p.m. Bishop C. Dale White dedicated the new sanctuary fulfilling a long-held dream. The Rev. David M. Finch, Northwest District Superintendent and the Rev. Earnest W. Lee, Southern New Jersey Council Director assisted.
Conover Road was renamed United Methodist Way for the week and Mayor Saul Hornik donated the sign to the church as a memento from the Administration on this important event for Marlboro Township.
The attendance had doubled since moving into the new building. Morganville experienced new vitality and growth during the past year due to increased attendance and the new building as revealed by the total church membership of 137 as of Dec. 31, 1981 which was reported in the Annual Conference minutes.
The interior cross was built by Linda Ludvick. In back of which the pipes for the organ were installed.
The elm tree in front of the church was grown from a seed by Fred Eckel. The Mimosa tree was given by April Kidd. The Maple was given by Lucy Eckel. The Pin Oak and birch was given by Hannelore Wilden. The Pink Dogwood was given in memory of Porter's father by Jean Gall.
When the new church building was completed there was no water. A line was put in from Route 79 to the church property at a cost of $1000. The cost was shared by the Stafflinger family and the church both of whom were located on Conover Rd.
The choir under the direction of Janet Darnell presented a sacred anthem "Feed My Lambs" for Easter, 1982 accompanied by two flutists. The organist was Ed Terry.
During 1983 Lucy Eckel carried through the project for the pouring of the curbing in the parking lot.
The Organization United Toward Limitless Enrichment Together known as OUTLET was formed in 1983 with Patsy Clemetson as its chairperson. Its goals were to support World and Community missions. In order to raise funds they held garage sales, corsage sales and old fashion box suppers.
An Adult Fellowship group was also formed by Warren Layton. This was a new outreach to all age levels. They went on trips to Cape Cod and other places.
Rev. Greiner's ministry at Morganville ended with the 1984 Annual Conference in June. He would be resuming his Chaplaincy at Brookdale Community College full time and continuing his private pastoral counseling practice. Rev. Warren Layton and his wife Pauline, who had been the church developer for the past three years, also left in 1984.
On the evening that Rev. John Groth was introduced to the PPR committee it was raining. A load of white stone had been dropped in front of the church and caused quite a pool of water.
Rev. John Groth became minister in June, 1984 until 1987 serving Grace, Union Beach and Morganville. The Conference districts were reorganized and the church was changed from the Northwest district to the Northeast District. His wife is Renell.
Rev. Gerald Koob became probationary minister in 1988-1989 serving Grace, Union Beach and Morganville.
In 1990 the church became a single charge under Mary Frances Jones who was appointed the part time charge at Morganville during the conference session in June, 1990. She was recommended and approved as a candidate for ministry from the Matawan United Methodist Church. Her first Sunday worship service was July 1, 1990 and her sermon topic was "Confrontation". She attended two weeks training session for local pastors during July after which she was certified to perform baptisms, marriages, deaths and serve communion and all other ministerial functions within the bounds of the Morganville Church. She graduated on May 17, 1993 cum laude from the Theological School of Drew University with a Master of Divinity Degree. Morganville became a single charge with a full time pastor at the June, 1993 Annual Conference.
She was born Sept. 28, 1937 and is the daughter of Howard and Lillian Pearson. She married Walter Howard Jones Jr. on August 4, 1962 in the First Baptist Church, Matawan, N. J. They have two children, Douglas Walter born June 27, 1963 and Kendra Elizabeth, born June 18, 1966.
As part of World Wide Communion Sunday on October 7, 1990 communion was offered to those who were not able to partake of the elements at church. Three teams of two were sent out to serve communion after the worship service. Estelle Marvel and James Stewart visited William and Verna Bond, and Paul and Vi McMullen; Larry and Jane Thiede, the Renaissance Boarding Home and Rev. Mary Jones and her husband, the Garden State Manor Home. The response by the people was inspiring.
On November 4, All Saints Day there was a service of memorial dedication. Specifically the lighted sign with the church name near the road given in memory of Florence and Cliff Eckel; and hymnals given in memory of sister Audrey Van Pelt, Warren and Myrtle Denise and Leroy Van Pelt by Garry and Joan Denise; in memory of Clyde and Sarah Ronson by Russ, Norma and Gordon Ott; in memory of Karl (Wilhelm) Gerhards by Hannelore Wilden; in memory of Pop (Harry) Smith by Ruth Smith; and in honor of Johanna Willman by Johanna Smith.
For Easter, 1991 twenty five new hymnals were ordered. They arrived in time and were used by the 125 in attendance that Sunday.
The vinyl siding was installed on the south side of the church on Saturday April 13, 1991 by Paul McMullen. This project was made possible by a fund drive held in November, 1990. It was badly in need of repair. Vinyl siding was installed in our entrance way during August, 1991.
On May 11, 1991 a startling revelation was uncovered when the organ repairman came to service the organ, there had been mice inside the organ sometime during the last year gnawing at the keys and building a nest. Several keys were inoperative.
Spring loaded candelabra presented in memory of Eleanor Strother was used on May 19, 1991, Pentecost Sunday. It is a hollow tube in which a candle is placed. As the candle burns a spring maintains pressure on the candle keeping it always at the top.
Todd Thiede, as part of his eagle boy scout project, held a car wash at the fire house to raise funds so that he could build the church an outside shed where the lawnmower and other items could be stored. It was completed around June, 1991.
During the summer several men painted the outside moulding.
On November 24, 1991 we celebrated the tenth anniversary of the church building. A special bulletin was designed for the occasion by John DePalma who also made a banner which was displayed over the entrance way. There was a covered dish luncheon following the worship service. Rev. Newton Greiner, pastor from 1974 to 1984, was the guest speaker. It was during his ministry that the building was completed in 1981. A puzzle piece was sent out to all the members to be brought to church and affixed onto a picture of the church. There was also a table for display of old photos and news clippings.
A talent and craft show was held on March 29th, 1992 in order to raise funds to purchase another set of stoles for the choir robes. Vi Ludvick with the assistance of Sandra Young coordinated the program which was enjoyed by all.
A new program was introduced to the congregation on March 22, 1992. It was an "Adopt-A-Loan Payment" plan which was initiated by the Administrative Board to help pay off one of the church loans that was taken out when the facility was built. By sending in more than one payment each month the loan would be liquidated quicker and thereby save interest payments. By September the first loan of $2600 was paid.
Friday Sept. 11, 1992 the first meeting of the Marlboro Inter-faith ministerial association was held at the Morganville United Methodist Church. Those attending were: Rev. Mary F. Jones, Morganville; Father Eugene Roberts, St. Gabriel's Catholic Church; Rev. Dennis Van Wyk, Old Brick Reformed; and Rabbi George Schlesinger, Congregation Ohev Shalom.
During September the trustees met with the building inspector to determine the feasibility of utilizing the basement for additional sunday school classes since we do not currently have a certificate of occupancy for its use.
Thanksgiving Eve, 1992 marked the first ecumenical service held at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church. Rev. Mary Jones gave the sermon. There was a mass choir comprised of the different churches. It was attended by nearly 400 people and was a great success.
On February 21, 1993 in anticipation of our 125th anniversary in 1994. Rev. Harlan Marsh Baxter, a Drew graduate and former pastor from June, 1968 to April, 1971, returned to the Morganville United Methodist Church to bring the morning message and celebrate with us. A Covered Dish Luncheon followed the service.
The blizzard of 1993 which dropped 12-14" of snow on Saturday, March 13 caused the church to be closed on Sunday. Sunday School, Church and bible study were all cancelled since the roads and the parking lot were covered with snow and travel conditions were hazardous. Gov. Florio had declared Monmouth County in a state of emergency due to the heavy snowfall.
On Monday, April 26, 1993 there was a church meeting to approve the plans for completing the basement. We are required to have a water sprinkler system and a chair-lift elevator to allow handicapped persons access to the basement. This was a cheaper way since building a ramp down the hill would be cost prohibitive. The plans were unanimously approved.
The following fund raisers have been held to raise money for the basement fund: Spaghetti dinners, antique shows, peach festivals and rummage sales.
On June 23, 1993 there was a special church conference held to discuss unexpected difficulties concerning the elevator. It was resolved that the building committee proceed to procure a loan from the Central Jersey Bank for $90,000 providing the monthly payments do not exceed $1000 and that work start as soon as possible.
Rev. Mary Jones received the Denman Award for Evangelism at the Southern New Jersey Annual Conference. Mary was recognized for evangelistic efforts and growth in membership in Morganville. This award is given annually to one clergy person and one lay person. There were 17 confirmands and 225 in attendance for worship service.
July 9, 1993 was the beginning of construction.
During construction the material which was stored in the basement needed to be removed so that construction could continue. Some things including the Memorial Day Float was left outside and that evening there was heavy rains in the area but not on the church property.
November 28, 1993 marked the consecration of our fellowship hall. Left incomplete in 1981 due to a lack of funds, the end result was finally here. The congregation was given a temporary Certificate of Occupancy to hold the event since the elevator was not finished. The company which was manufacturing the elevator sustained water damage due to heavy flooding in the west which halted production.
The elevator and the doors were completed on February 22, 1994 and on March 10, 1994 an unconditional Certificate of Approval for use of our addition was issued by Marlboro Township.
At the Annual Conference held at Ocean City on June 15, 1994, Mary was ordained a Deacon in the United Methodist Church.
On July 3, 1994 the church was without electricity due to a tree falling on three electric wires on Conover Rd. With no air conditioning and no lights service continued by the light of the windows. Electric power resumed at the end of the service but the power of God had been at work during the service. It was the first Sunday of summer worship hours being 10 a.m. The moment was shared by 68 members.
One of the Firemen at the scene of the down pole was heard to say, "You have no power in your church." How wrong he was. God's church does not depend on power from electric poles. God's power is in the lives of the people by the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is on God's power and love that we place our trust and it is this love we wish to share with all who come our way and all those to whom we reach out. It is our prayer that the Holy Spirit will continue to be seen in and through the lives of the members and friends of the congregation of the Morganville United Methodist Church.
August 27, 1995 the church organ was updated with the sound of trumpets. It was a fine improvement to the sound and added much to the singing.
The blizzard of 1996 hit the Morganville Community on Friday January 5 dumping approximately 18-26 inches of snow. Governor Whitman declared that only emergency vehicles were allowed on the highways, therefore worship services for Sunday were cancelled.
June 12, 1996 Rev. Mary Jones received her credentials as a full member of the Southern New
Jersey Conference and was ordained an Elder.
Chronology Of Morganville Ministers
1. John Lewis, a lay preacher 1869
Among the early ministers were J. Swain Garrison, J. R. Manning and Aaron Edward Ballard.
Years in Parenthesis are listed in the Conference minutes
1. Rev. Socrates Townsend Horner Mar. 19, 1873-Mar., 1874
2. C. D. Mead Mar. 25, 1874
3. Harry A. Clifford 1875
4. Rev. E. H. Bacon 1876
5. O. Ellerson (1877)
6. W. F. Randolph (1878)
7. Henry Justus Heinenman Apr. 7, 1877-1880 (80-81)
8. S. P. Cossaboom March 1880-March 1883 (81)
9. C. B. Abbott 1883
10. Sanford Morrell Nichols Sept. 2, 1883-1886
11. Rev. Henry Stetson Gascoyne March 15, 1886-1888
12. Rev. George Washington Pine March, 1888-1889
13. Rev. Samuel Chattin & J.D.Bills March, 1889-1890
14. Rev. James Donaldson Bills March, 1890-1895
15. Rev. Howard J. Conover March, 1895-1896
16. Rev. George C. Poolton 1896
17. C. D. Morris 1896-1897
18. Chas. H. B. Seliger March 30, 1897-Aug. 8, 1897
19. G. H. Cook Oct. 10, 1897-March 30, 1898
20. George S. Goff Aug. 7, 1898-March, 1899
21. Nathan W. Wickward March, 1899-March, 1900
22. Milton Relyea Eastlack 1900
23. J. C. Dill, jr. 1901
24. Henry E. Garrison 1902-1905
25. Charles H. DuBois 1905
26. Alonzo Chambers 1906
27. G. H. Doughty 1907
28. John Whitaker Morris 1908
29. R. P. Mason 1909
30. James B. Shaw 1910 (part)
31. George Hamer 1911-1918
32. Rev. John F. Heilenman 1919-1921
33. Rev. Harry C. Hyer 1921
34. George V. Mundy 1922
35. Harold C. West 1922
36. James E. Lutz 1922-1924
asst. J. C. Dill 1922-1923
asst. Charles Luther 1922-1923
37. John O. Mabuce 1925
38. Carlton Newton Nelson 1926
39. F. B. Whitson 1927-1928
40. Arthur Harold Salin 1929
41. Edward Gebhard 1930
42. Rev. Robert Alexander Anderson 1931-1939
43. Rev. Elijah Freeman Reed 1940-1943
asst. W. H. Carhart 1943
asst. Leon McKelvey 1943
44. James D. Fraser 1944
45. Donald Pimm 1944
46. Richard Bennett 1944
47. Homer Paul Leap October 1944-1945
48. Rev. Irving Crabiel 1946
49. John Bruce Kirby Jr. 1947-1949
50. Rev. Moore October 1950
51. Rev. William Besand Magsam 1950-1955
52. Rev. Frederick H. Bowen 1956-1963
53. Rev. William Nelson Frantz Oct. 1964
asst. Rev. Gray or
asst. Rev. Gilbert Fell for communion services and weddings
54. Rev. Harlan Marsh Baxter June 1968-April, 1971
55. Rev. Norman P. Madsen June, 1971-Sept., 1971
56. Rev. L. Wayne Musgrove Nov. 1971-March, 1973
57. Rev. John H. Coffee Jr. June, 1973
58. Rev. C. Garland Pollard, jr. June, 1973 to Feb. 1974
59. Rev. Newton W. Greiner Feb. 1974-1984
60. Rev. John Groth June, 1984-1987
61. Rev. Gerard Koob 1988-1989
62. Rev. Mary Frances Jones June, 1990
63. Rev. Marv Wills August, 2004
|
We would love to hear from you! You can contact us in several ways: | ||
|
By mail: Morganville United Methodist Church 215 Conover Road Morganville, NJ 07751 |
By Phone: 732-946-4247 |
By Email: WILLSM675@aol.com |
Home Our Mission Our History Membership Our Location Service Schedule Programs Links
Legal Disclaimer