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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Good Luck (Potter) Church
Murray Grove, Ocean County

Originally built as a nondenominational meeting house by Thomas Potter, the first Universalist service in the United States was held here on September 30, 1770, so the Potter church, also known as the Good Luck church, has come to be accepted as the site of the first Universalist church in the country. The service was conducted by the Rev. John Murray, whose ship had grounded at Cranberry Inlet.
      The church was built between 1760 and 1765, but was rebuilt in 1841. In 1809 the building was sold to a Methodist congregation for $125, and in 1874 the Good Luck (Universalist) congregation erected a large red brick church on an adjoining lot, which was torn down after a fire in 1974.

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