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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Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Navesink, Middletown Township, Monmouth County

The Quinn Chapel has been much altered since its erection. The front addition with its triple window surrounding the entrance is an interesting, if unconventional treatment. The quoins, however, don’t make much sense stylistically, given the nature of the rest of the building. It was written in the church history that the church was modeled after the Presbyterian church in Atlantic Highlands, but the resemblance is not obvious to my eye.
There is no mention in Ellis of any AME church in Middletown Township in spite of the fact that the congregation was formed in 1861. That sleight is not uncommon in the county histories written and published in the 1880s; I have found similar omissions of any reference to black existence (other than noting the occasional murder or hanging) in other county books.
     The original church, located a block from this building may still exist, although it is difficult to tell which of the several small residences might have served.

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Copyright (c) 2009 Frank L. Greenagel