The authoritative source on
  early churches of New Jersey

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We've created a database and photographic inventory on more than half the 18th & 19th century churches in the state and add to it each month. We welcome and solicit all contributions and suggestions from our visitors.

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   Photographic Inventory

Farmingdale Methodist Episcopal Church
Farmingdale, Monmouth County

Farmingdale was known as Upper Squankum until 1854, and was
the junction of two railroads—the Jamesburg and Freehold Agricultural
Railroad and the New Jersey Southern Railroad. By 1834 there were 10 sawmills, five grist mills, 26 tanning vats, two distilleries, but no churches. The Methodists purchased a parsonage for the circuit preacher, however, and by 1849 had erected their first church. It was remodeled in 1866, and then replaced by the present building in 1894.
     The church is a standard plan, and Freehold architect Warren Conover is credited with its design. It may be based on plans published or approved by the parent Methodist organization, or by Benjamim Price of Philadelphia and Atlantic Highlands. Price, who specialized in church plans between 1867 and 1906, claimed that over 7,000 congregations used his plans. There is a similar church in Perrysburgh, Ohio. The plan was suitable for a wooden-frame building or one of brick or stone, and probably has an amphitheater seating arrangement. It stands in a State Historic District.

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