The authoritative source on
early churches of New Jersey
About this site
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.
How to use this site
Respond to readers' queries
Consult the database
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Upload a photo
Suggest a church for inclusion
Glossary
List of churches, by county
Photographic notes
Links to related sites
Photographic Inventory
St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church
New Gretna, Burlington County
From old photographs (c. 1910-20) one would say this church was built in the 1870s or 80s, which, in fact, was when the front of the building was put up. But the church was erected in 1852 and enlarged in 1887. There were two serious fires in the church's history: the first, when it was struck by lightning in 1881 and again in 1954, when the Pastor, who was also the Fire Chief, called out the fire department and the building was saved. The interior walls are covered with molded tin, but the metal ceiling are covered with dropped acoustical tiles.
There is a record that the early meetings of Methodists in the Bass River area were held in private homes before 1799, and that there was also a small chapel when regular meetings were held by 1799.
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