First United Methodist Church, Mays Landing, NJ has a rich historical heritage spanning the last two centuries. This page is primarily a chronological list of pastors that have served from the mid 1800's to date. Also included are assorted records reflecting the life of those who have served our church.
1852 : Rev. Clark S. Polley.
Assigned as the first Minister of Bethel Methodist Church in Mays Landing by the New Jersey Conference.
1853 : Rev. James R. Bryan.
Became the second Minister and served in 1853 and 1854.
1855 : Rev. Henry Trumbower (Trumblower?).
Served Bethel Methodist Church in 1856 - 1857.
1856 - 1857 : Rev. William H. Margerum.
1858 - 1859 : Rev. Samuel H. Johnson.
1859 - 1861 : Rev. Albert Matthews.
The Civil War begins during his pastorage.
1861 - 1862 : Rev. Abram Owen.
1862 - 1864 : Rev. M. B. Shimp.
1864 - 1866 : Rev. Levi Herr.
1866 - 1868 : Rev. George B. Maddock.
1868 - 1869 : Rev. Daniel L. Adams.
Rev. Adams was the first Secretary of Unity Lodge No. 96 while serving at Mays Landing Circuit. He was transferred to Columbus, N.J. shortly after the Lodge was formed and died there shortly thereafter. His widow petitioned Unity Lodge for monetary assistance which petition was granted by members of the Lodge. (Source: Our Passing Years 1869-1977, Unity Lodge No. 96 F. and A. M.)
1869 : Rev. Charles E. P. Mayhew.
Rev. Mayhew served Bethel Methodist Church for five months. This was his first of three assignments to Bethel Church. During his stay in Mays Landing he was one of the founders of Unity Lodge No. 96, F. and A. M. In addition to his appointment to Bethel Methodist Church he also preached at Catawba Church. His home was the former Bethlehem Inn property which is now occupied by the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School. (Source: Our Passing Years 1869-1977, Unity Lodge No. 96 F. and A. M.)
1870 - 1871 : Rev. John H. Hutchinson.
1871 : Rev. George W. Dobbins.
1871 -1872 : Rev. Charles E. P. Mayhew.
Served Bethel Methodist Church for seven months.
1872 - 1873 : Rev. George B. Wright.
1874 - 1877 : Rev. Thomas C. Carman.
1877 - 1878 : Rev. James van Sant.
1878 - 1879 : Rev. George S. Sykes.
1880 - 1882 : Rev. Robert B. Stephenson.
1882 - 1883 : Rev. W. W. Christine.
Mays Landing Record, May 13,1882:
Captain Benjamin Coleman departed this life on the
evening of the 12th, in the 79th year of his age. This
venerable man was born in Haverstraw, N.Y. but while a
young man he found his way to this country and concluded
to make it his future home. He chose a wife from among
the young ladies from Bakersville, and she proved a
valuable helpmate to him, ten children blessed their
union, nine of whom are still living.
The life of the aged man was an eventful one. He commanded in his earlier years, several vessals and was shipwrecked four times. In one of those wrecked vessals he was blown off the from Sandy Hook, and was driven by the furious winds and waves for fifteen days until all hope was lost. But at the end of those days a sail was discovered and hoping against hope, just as the sun was going down, a signal of distress was once more lifted on theat sinking shattered hull, and a prayer went up above the storm cloud; the signal was seen and he was rescued, after being blown beyond the gulf stream.
The captain has held some minor offices of trust in the Township, showing the confidence reposed in him. He has been sexton of both of our churches, for nearly thirty years performing the difficult duty of giving satisfaction to two congregations at the same time. Two years his sextonship expired in the Methodist Church, since which time he has had oversight of the Presbyterian church only.
He was highly esteemed by all our citizens, even the young children, in speaking of him, say "he was a nice man". He was the oldest man, save one Captain E. E. Hudson, in this community. The funeral services will be held in the Presbyterian Church on Sabbath afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. The funeral will no doubt be a very large.
1884 - 1885 : Rev. Joseph G. Crate.
1885 : Rev. Charles E. P. Mayhew.
Served Bethel Methodist Church for ten months.
1885 - 1887 : Rev. Caleb K. Fleming.
1887 - 1888 : Rev. James E. Diverty.
April 24, 1888:
The Half Dime Sociable met at the M. E. Parsonage April 24 1888.
The meeting was called to order by the President,
Mrs. J. Norcross. The minutes of the last meeting were
read and approved. The collectors reported as follows:
Miss Leva Scull $2.10;
Miss Chas Abbott $3.35;
Total $5.45.
Mrs. Risley reported the trustees would give carpet that was saved from the Church (when it burned) for the use of the parsonage.
1888 - 1892 : Rev. Thomas C. Carman.
1892 - 1893 : Rev. John Wagg.
Mays Landing Record, April 29, 1893, Saturday:
"There will be no services in the Wesleyan Methodist
Church to-morrow . Rev. W. S. Schenck will conduct
services in the Church of that denomination at Vineland."
{a Wesleyan Methodist Church located in Clarktown}
The congregation of the Methodist Episcopal Church are negotiating for the Ingersoll property adjoining the Church upon which it is proposed to erect a parsonage."
Mays Landing Record, April 25, 1905:
Rev. John Wagg, pastor of the M. E. Church here in 1894,
died suddenly at Forked river last Saturday of heart
failure. Rev. Wagg was reappointed to he charge at Forked
River by the M. E. Conference recently in session in
Atlantic City, where he had been successful in building a
new church and was popular with his parishioners.
1893 -1897 : Rev. Joseph H. Boyd.
Mays Landing Record, February 17, 1894:
E. C. Shaner, Editor and Proprietor.
Saturday: "The Methodist Episcopal Mite Society will meet in monthly session at the Mansion House on next Tuesday evening, 20th inst.
At the residence of the bride's parents on Wednesday evening, Mr. Thomas McClure and Mary Barrett, both of this place were married. Rev . Jos. H. Boyd, of the Methodist Episcopal Church performed the ceremony in the presence of the immediate relative of the contracting parties.
By a unanimous vote the Board of Stewards of the Methodist Episcopal Church at a meeting held in the church of that denomination last Saturday night, requested the return of Rev. Jos. H. Boyd as pastor for another year. During the year just closing the church has enjoyed great success, not only spiritually but financially and in all other respects. The membership has largely increased and the average attendance at Divine worship is double that of any year in the history of the church. Mr. Boyd is a thorough christian gentleman, hard and diligent worker and a good citizen. A large portion of his salary yearly is devoted to the needs of the worthy poor and advancing the cause of christianity. The entire membership and congregation will ratify the action of the Board of Stewards in their request to Mr. Boyd to return."
There also was a notice pertaining to the Salem Methodist Episcopal Church in this issue: "For a fifth time, Rev. Caleb K. Fleming pastor of the Salem Methodist Episcopal Church has been requested by his congregation, by a unanimous vote, to return."
1897 - 1900 : Rev. Steadman Applegate.
1900 - 1902 : Rev. William S. Zane.
1902 : Rev. David Ackley.
1903 - 1907 : Rev. George W. Ridout.
Mays Landing Record, March 25, 1905:
Reception to Pastor Ridout. Over one hundred members and
friends of the M. E. Church assembled at the Parsonage
Thursday evening to welcome Rev. George W. Ridout and
family upon their return to this charge for the third
year. The pastoral residence was beautifully decorated for
the occasion and presented a pretty picture. Mrs. Ralph
Vanaman made the address of welcome, in part stating,
"That the church had prospered under the ministry of Rev.
Ridout and that the membership had reached a high plane of
Christian experience. In all departments the church has
grown and the outlook for a successful year is very
encouraging." Rev. Ridout replied briefly, thanking the
members and friends of the church for their hearty
reception and expressions of good will and hoped that all
the members will work in harmony with the Pastor so that
good and effective results will be accomplished.
Mays Landing Record, April 1, 1905:
Rev. George W. Ridout will preach at the M. E. Church tomorrow morning at 10:30 and administer
Communion. At 7:30, Pastor Ridout will preach from the subject "Looking for a man." The M. E.
Saturday night prayer meeting will be held in the mission in the rear of the general store of Mr.
Daniel Leach this evening at 7:30. The public is cordially invited to attend this service. The funeral
of J. H. Schooley, who died suddenly of heart failure Friday evening of last week occured Tuesday
from his late residence in Emmilville. He was 59 years of age. Services were conducted by Rev.
George W. Ridout of the M. E. Church. Deceased was a veteran of the civil war.
Mays Landing Record, April 8, 1905:
There will be an Old Peoples service at the M. E. Church to morrow morning at 10:30 when Pastor
Ridout will preach a special sermon. Arrangements have been made for conveying the aged to and
from the Church. The Epworth League choir will sing at this service the famous "Glory song." In
the evening at 7:30 Pastor Ridout will preach from the subject "An unfortunate marriage." The
subject for the Epworth League Devotional Meeting is, "What does Christ's life show us about the
Father?" John 14 6-24. Mrs. Lydia Joslin will lead the meeting. An invitation is extended to all to
attend this service to be held in the Lecture Room of the Church to-morrow evening at 6:45.
1907 - 1909 : Rev. William Disbrow.
1909 - 1912 : Rev. Spencer K. Moore.
1912 - 1914 : Rev. John W. Lynch.
1914 - 1915 : Rev. Newton Nelson.
Atlantic County Record, Dec. 23, 1915:
Residents of this place were greatly shocked Monday last
to hear of the death on Sunday evening (December 12), of Rev. Newton Nelson, formerly pastor of
the First M. E. Church here. Rev. Nelson who was only 42 years of age, was first taken ill with grip,
uremic poisoning developed from which death ensued. He was ill only four days, most of the time
remaining unconscious. He leaves a widow and a son, Carlton, who have deep sympathy of all in
their bereavement.
Rev. Nelson was engaged in preaching the gospel fourteen years and during that time held charges at Wildwood, West Creek, Pensauken, Pemberton, Mays Landing and at the time of his death, St. George's M. E. Church, Camden. He was a man of a most lovable disposition, well liked in every pastorate he held, one who made friends with men, woman and children within the church and without. He was a broad minded citizen lending his support whenever possible to laudable civic enterprises and winning the high esteem of all who knew him.
Services were held in St. George's's M. E. Church, Camden, Wednesday at 2:30 in the afternoon presided over by Rev. F. A. DeMaris, district superintendent and attended by forty ministers including Rev. W. S. Ludlow, of this place, who succeeded Rev. Nelson to the pastorate of the local church. The chief address was delivered by Rev. Elmer Lake, of Princeton, a member of Rev. Nelson's class. On Wednesday evening Masonic services were held at the Parsonage by Merchantville Lodge of which he was a member. On Thursday services were held in the First Church Bridgeton, Rev. Nelson's home church, in charge of Rev. DeMaris and interment was made in the Overlook Cemetery, Bridgeton.
Mrs. Nelson has been invited by the conference board to remain in the Parsonage until the next meeting in March.
1916 - 1918 : Rev. W. S. Ludlow.
1918 - 1920 : Rev. J. Swain Garrison.
1920 - 1922 : Rev. A. E. Morris.
March 4, 1921:
The Official Board met, Rev. A. E. Morris, Minister, Presiding. The following officers were
elected for the following year:
- Presi. - Pastor
- Vice Pres. - Pres. of the Trustees
- Fin. Sect'y - Mary Vannaman
- Rec. - Rachel Ingersoll
- Treas. - B. C. Lloyd
- Collectors
- 1st Dist - R. B. Ingersoll
- 2nd Dist - Mamie Taylor
- 3rd Dist - Laura Barrett
- 4th Dist - B. D. Mattix
The financial report of this meeting listed the receipts for the year at $2,957.21 which included a balance of $127.90 from the previous year. Expenses for the year totaled $2743.89 of which the Pastor was paid $1,400.01.
The salary of the Sexton was made $200.00 for the year. Elwood Betson was elected Sexton.
In 1921, the church had a grape arbor fence.
September 30:
Regular meeting of the Official Board, Rev. A. E. Morris, Minister, presiding.
Present, sisters Taylor and Ingersoll. Brothers Lloyd, Cramer, Morris, Betson and Vannaman.
The President and Sec'ty were authorized to borrow $100. from the First National Bank on a demand note.
The financial report of this meeting listed the following:
- Balance on hand .09
- Receipts 93.65
- From bank 100.00
- Total receipts 193.74
- Bills paid 190.82
- Balance 2.92
Adjourned.
Rachel B. Ingersoll, Sect'y
1922 - 1924 : Rev. Alfred D. Ward.
March 30:
First Offician Board Meeting chaired by new Pastor, Rev. A. D. Ward. Telephone installed in the
Parsonage.
Elwood Betson resigned as Sexton on September 1 and was replaced by Mrs. Geo. Smith at the January 5, 1923 meeting of the Official Board. Her salary, $16.66 per month.
1924 - 1926 : Rev. John T. Richardson.
Rev. Fred C. Harvey.
Served only 4 months during this time period.
1927 - 1931 : Rev. Oliver C. Bowne.
1931 - 1934 : Rev. Harry P. Grimm.
1934 - 1937 : Rev. Raymond L. Cooper.
1937 - 1940 : Rev. Rev. William C. Bally.
1940 - 1942 : Rev. Howard Brown.
1942 - 1945 : Rev. Harold Smock.
1945 - 1948 : Rev. Samuel L. Way.
Church Bulletin, March 17, 1946:
Samuel L. Way, Pastor. Morning Worship 10:30, Mrs. Grace McRae, organist. Junior Choir and
Girl's Choir, special music. Sermon, Miss Ruth Flaherty, Superintendent of the Deaconess Home
and Community Center in Camden. Church School 11:45, Mr. Victor Knowles, Superintendent.
Evening Worship, 7:30, Mrs. Rena Scull, organist.
1948 - 1951 : Rev. Edward S. Zelley Jr.
1951 - 1953 : Rev. Kenneth P. Stevens Sr.
1953 - 1955 : Rev. B. Melvin Stillwell.
Wife, Myrtle I. (Keller) Stillwell, married 47 years. Son Jonathan and daughter Edith May Gardner.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, February 18, 1994:
The Rev. B. Melvin Stillwell, 78 died Feb 11 at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, Camden.
Born in Cape May Court House and raised in Audubon, NJ. Ordained in 1947.
1955 - 1957 : Rev. Wayne S. Garrison.
1957 - 1963 : Rev. Thorwold Torgersen.
Thorwold was a member of the Order of St. Luke, a liturgical order.
Wife is Janet, they were married for 50 years. Children, Linda, Deborah, Donna, John Mark (deceased) and Stephen.
Church Bulletin, March 22, 1959, Palm Sunday:
Thorwald Torgersen . . . pastor, Mrs. Alfred
(Reba) Scull . . . organist, Samuel Harris . . . chorister. Sunday morning service was at 10:30 AM.
The hour of worship begins with the ringing of the chimes. This the time for each tongue to be still
and each mind to be opened to the work of the Holy Spirit. Historians note: These chimes are not
the chimes that were installed while Rev. William Stockton was minister. I have no knowledge of
these chimes.
Thor was active in the Fire Company, the Rescue Squad and Boy Scout Troop 254 while in Mays Landing. He was especially active with the Rescue Squad, often serving as an ambulance driver.
Methodist Relay, September 2001:
Thorwald Torgersen, retired clergy member of the Greater New
Jersey Conference, died Aug 5. Funeral services were held Aug 9 at the Drakestown United
Methodist Church. Beginning his ministry in the Southern New Jersey Conference in 1953, he
served the churches of Almonessen (1953-1954); Almonessen and New Sharon (1954-1957); Mays
Landing (1957-1960); Mays Landing and Weymouth (1960-1963); and Simpson Church, Long
Branch (1963-1964). In 1964 he moved to the Northern New Jersey Conference, serving at
Flanders and Drakestown (1964-1969); and Drakestown (1964-1994). He retired in 1994.
Messages of condolence may be sent to his widow, Janet, at P.O. Box 429, Hackettstown, N.J.
07840.
1963 - 1969 : Rev. Milton LeCompte.
August 18, 1963:
The marriage of Milton and Catherine. Children, John, Millard and Kathy LeCompte who were
Catherine's children by a previous marriage. All three were legally adopted by Milton. Beth Ann
and Fred were the children of Milton and Catherine.
Church Bulletin, August 16, 1964:
Solo, Mrs. Miriam Patterson. Mr. Paul Hartmann was Lay
Leader. Organist, Mrs. Leon (Ruth) Suprun.
Church Bulletin, August 29, 1965:
Former pastor of Mays Landing Church, Reverend Mr.
Kenneth P. Stevens was our preacher for the day. Rev. Stevens is a retired member of Southern NJ
Annual Conference. The anthem at the 8:30 service was presented by Mrs. Garrett (Peg) Heath and
her daughter Judy Heath. In the 10:45 service by Miss Jacki Sterhaug. We look forward to the
establishment of two new choirs this fall: those in the first, second, third and fourth grades will be
directed by Mrs. Christina Egolf. A choir for those in fifth to eighth grades will be directed by Mrs.
James (Vie) Kinsey. Mrs. Allan (Betty) Bernard will be accompanist.
July 15, 1998:
Catherine LeCompte died unexpectedly after hip replacement surgery. Born 73 years ago in
Woodstock, Va. Surviving two daughters, Cathy Noe, Davie, Fl., Beth Ann Caulk, Weymouth
Township; three sons, Millard, Glassboro, John, Weymouth Township and Fred, Blackwood. A
memorial service was held in our church on July 26, 1998. Participating Clergy: The Rev. Dr.
Ruth Hennessey, Pastor First United Methodist Church, The Rev. John T. Ash III, Pastor, The
Presbyterian Church and The Rev. Dr. Jack Johnson, Superintendent Southeast District.
1969 - 1973 : Rev. Rainold B. Rierson.
Wife: Eunice. Children: Lois
Rainold died October 17, 2001. His funeral was October 22 at Wayside and he was buried in that church's cemetery.
1973 - 1986 : Rev. William R. Stockton Sr.
Wife: Helen C. (Schraison) Stockton, son William R. Jr., and daughter Susan D. Gerber.
Church Bulletin, February 13, 1983:
William R. Stockton Sr., Pastor. Organist - John J. Ney, Pianist - Kathleen Foster; Acolyte - Norma
Corson. Boy Scout Sunday with Scouts taking part in the worship service. Thomas Dougherty,
Andrew Doughty and Victor Schneider, were presented with their God and Country Scout Religious
Medals.
Rebecca Lynn Balliet, youngest daughter of Randy and Cindy Balliet was baptized.
Wednesday is our first Lenten Luncheon with Rev. Howard Bach as guest speaker.
Glass project workers this week, the Rocap Family. (A tractor trailer was parked in the back yard of the Church. Outside the trailer were 55 gallon drums containing glass bottles which were left by members of the church and community. Inside the trailer were barrels in which we placed the glass after breaking it. The glass was separated by color. Once we had a trailer full of broken glass, we would deliver it to Wheaton Glass in Millville. This was a community service project to recycle the glass and also a fund raising project to supplement our budget.)
The Press of Atlantic City, February 16, 1984:
Helen C. Stockton 64 died February 14, 1984. Burial in Plainville Methodist Cemetery, Franklin
Township.
The Press of Atlantic City, Sepember 14, 1987:
Millville, The Rev. William R. Stockton Sr., 66, of 64 Blossom Lane, died Saturday September 12,
1987 at Kessler Memorial Hospital in Hammonton. Born August 23, 1921 in Philadelphia the son
of a Wesleyan Methodist Minister. Married Helen C. Schraison May 23, 1942. U. S. Air Force in
World War II, and worked for Pennsylvania Reading Railroad before his call to the ministry in 1959.
Burial in Plainville Methodist Cemetery, Franklin Township.
1986 - 1988 : Rev. Frederick Mendez.
Wife: Margaret. No children while stationed at Mays Landing. Has since had a son.
1988 - 1993 : Rev. Christopher Dixon.
Wife: Pat. Children.
1993 - 1996 : Rev. Nancy Schrieber.
Nancy was not married.
1996 - 2000 : Rev. Dr. Ruth Hennessey.
Evening Service, November 8, 1998: 150th Anniversary dinner and worship service. We welcomed back old friends including former pastors and their families: Thorwold Torgerson, Milton LeCompte, Frederick Mendez and Christopher Dixon. We were also grateful that clergy from our community are with us: John Ash, The Presbyterian Church, Valerie Garron, Weymouth United Methodist Church, Fr. Edward Maher and Fr. John Sugrue, St. Vincent DePaul Church.
2000 - 2010 : Rev. Douglas E. Rea.
Wife: Lisa. Children: Douglas Jr., Christopher
2010 - present : Rev. Dr. Linda A. Ross.
