History of First United Methodist Church of New Jersey

George Whitfield, associate of John Wesley, preached in Trent-Town, November 21, 1739, but established no Class or Society. Richard Broadman preached here on October 24, 1769, and Joseph Pillmoor on November 6, 1770. These two were the first preachers sent to America by John Wesley.

About this time, Captain Thomas Webb preached in Burlington and established a Methodist Class, to which he appointed Joseph Toy as Leader. Toy moved to Trenton in 1771 and started a class here. A Methodist Society was formed with 19 members. Among these was John Fitch, inventor of the first American steamboat.

In 1772 subscriptions were secured from 122 persons for the erection of a "Meeting House". Trustees were chosen, and a frame building 30 by 35 feet, was built at the south-east corner of Greene (now Broad) and Academy Streets. Francis Asbury (elected first Bishop eleven years later) was present for the cornerstone laying April 21, 1773.

Asbury had met the Trenton Society several times during the years 1772 and 1773. The exact date of the founding of the Society is not known; but Judge William S. Yard, who published the history of Trenton Methodism in 1897, fixed upon April 19, 1772 as the first documented date showing that an organized Society of Methodists existed in Trenton.

The first preacher appointed to the New Jersey Circuit, of which Trenton was the head, was John King. He was licensed to preach within the present edifice of Old Saint George's Church, Philadelphia, August 31, 1770.

A brick building replaced the first frame structure in 1806, 35 by 45 feet. The Trenton congregation separated from the Circuit in 1835 and became a Station. Change to the present site was made in 1846, a large brick building was erected, and the name changed to the "Greene Street Church", and subsequently to "The First Methodist Church of New Jersey" - a suitable title, inasmuch as Old First Church, Trenton is the "Mother Church" of New Jersey Methodism.

In 1894 a commodious edifice was erected, on the present site, which remained at the "crossroads" of the Capitol City of New Jersey until Sunday, December 16, 1956 at 4 A.M. when all but the exterior walls of this building was destroyed by arson. Immediately the congregation took on the project of rebuilding the "Cathedral of New Jersey Methodism: at the center city location.

Upon the invitation of Bishop Banyard and Dean Frederick M. Adams, the congregation worshiped in Trinity Cathedral the following Sunday until February 2, 1958. At the first service, the pastor administered Communion.

The following Sunday the District Superintendent, Dr. F. Elwood Perkins, conducted the Official Opening of the Church for Worship, for a happy and grateful people.

Note for those looking for Birth/Baptismal, Marriage and Death Records, many were destroyed in the fire of 1956, but many were saved.