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
Post a query
Respond to readers' queries
Consult the database
Annotate the database
Upload a photo
Suggest a church for inclusion
Glossary
List of churches, by county
Photographic notes
Links to related sites

   Photographic Inventory

Southard Methodist Episcopal Church
Southard, Howell Township, Monmouth County

This simple country church has a new faux stone façade but the plan is clear enough. The window treatment is unusual with the small transom windows atop the rectangular side windows. The diminutive steeple is undoubtedly a later addition. There is no mention of a Southard Methodist Church In Ellis,
but he does note that there was a Methodist church in Bethel, a new settlement in the southwestern part of the township. A church was erected in 1865 on a donated lot. In 1870 a school was erected on this property, and in 1882 a store was opened and a postmaster appointed for the village now named “Southard.” Stanger says the Southard Methodist Episcopal church was founded c. 1815 and built in 1863 or 1864. The congregation met in a school house for almost 50 years, Stanger says, before building this church. There is a school/store on the property, and the adjacent burial ground is called the Bethel Cemetery.

 

 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS  |  ABOUT US  |  HOME  

Copyright (c) 2005 Frank L. Greenagel