First United Methodist Church, Mays Landing, NJ has a rich historical heritage spanning the last two centuries. Our history is part of our ministry, and we are blessed to have a dedicated person to serve as a historian for our church.
This page begins with some historical highlights of First United Methodist Church and Methodism in Mays Landing, New Jersey. At the bottom of this page are links to additional articles of historical interest to our church.
Historical Highlights
Late 1770's - Methodist Reverend Benjamin Abbott preaches in Mays Landing. Around this same time, the first church building (multi-denominational) in Mays Landing was built.
1812 - Land on which our church stands, including an existing meeting house, was given by Richard Wescott, Sr.
Circa 1820's - Records show an organized Methodist Society existed in Mays Landing.
1849 - A new church building was dedicated on the site of our current church.
1872 - The first Minister to reside in our current parsonage moves in.
1888 - A fire on February 4, destroyed the then existing building. Construction of a new building (the currently standing church) was begun that same year, and dedicated February 6, 1889.
1913 - A basement was built under the church. In doing so, the entire building was raised to accommodate the new basement. (Pretty amazing, even by today's standards!)
1925 - The parsonage was "rebuilt" (although exact details are lacking).
1943 - The dogwood trees that grace our church property were planted in memory of four young men from the community. These men (some only teenage boys!) were killed as a result of a local forest fire.
1999 - Purchase of the property behind the church. A former warehouse provided the foundation for our Education and Outreach building.
2004 - Completed Phase One of construction on our Education and Outreach building. The lower floor opened with four classrooms, plus a foyer and restroom facilities. The upper floor is framed out in anticipation of Phase Two construction.
Additional History Links
A rather comprehensive list of our pastors from 1852 to date, intermingled with interesting facts.
A potpourri of brief articles of historical interest.
An excerpt, circa 1860's, from the autobiography of Reverend Matthews.
