The History of Memorial United Methodist Church Neptune City, New Jersey 1913-Present

Our Church Begins - Twice

During the first week of April 1881, only two weeks after the election that resulted in the formation of Neptune City, the officials of St. Paul's Methodist Church, Ocean Grove, visited our new borough with a view to establish a Sabbath school in our community. The delegation was headed by Dr. Ellwood H. Strokes, the first president of the Ocean Grove Campmeeting Association.

Saturday...1881 an article in the Asbury Park Journal (Saturday, April 16, 1881) read as follows:

During the last week the official board of St. Paul's visited the new borough of Neptune City, lately incorporated one mile below Ocean Grove, with a view of establishing a Sabbath School for that vicinity, and authorized such action. On Sabbath afternoon at two o'clock, Dr. Stokes and a few of the Brethren found, convened at the house of brother S. Effingham, a number of children and adults, and instituted the school. Six teachers were secured, and the children divided into classes. John Kittell, captain of Life Saving Station No. 7 was chosen as superintendent and William Hulsart, secretary. After Sabbath School, more gathered in, and Dr. Stokes preached for them. Much is expected from the new enterprise. Cottage meetings have been held at different places during the winter, and several have been converted. It is a growing community.

Available records do not indicate just how long the Sunday school existed or where they met, except for the reference in a newspaper account that they met in homes. On December 1, 1881, the Sunday school gave a concert in the Baptist Church in Asbury Park. The admission fee was fifteen cents and the proceeds were for the benefit of the Sunday school. Mr. John Kittell, the superintendent, was elected the first mayor of Neptune City on October 4, 1881.

It was not until some 32 years later, in 1913, that another effort was made to establish a Sunday school and church. Memorial United Methodist Church of Neptune City actually began as a Sunday school in 1913.

Mr. Charles Rogers of Bradley Beach visited our community on a bicycle one August day and approached some Christian women about the fact that there was no church in Neptune City. Three families agreed to meet him the following Sunday afternoon in a grove of trees along West Sylvania Avenue, known as Finley Farm, for the formation of a Sunday school. The original three women, Mrs. Frank Parkin, Mrs. Cornelia Cottrell and Mrs. Margaret Schmidt, brought a total of seven children to that first meeting and continued to call on the townspeople urging their support. This was one of the first steps toward the building of a church in Neptune City. The church that thrives today is a monument to their vision and consecration.

In the fall of 1913, Rev. James L. Howard, pastor of West Grove Methodist Church, came to their assistance and secured the Borough Hall for a meeting place. Sunday afternoon at 2:30 P.M., September 21, 1913, the Sunday School was organized with 45 pupils. At 3:30 P.M. that afternoon a meeting with nearly 100 people present was conducted by Rev. Howard to begin the organization of a church. In November 1913, the church of twenty members was organized and the following trustees were elected: E.M. Beutell, W.A. Watson, T. Gouldy, JU. Dewhirst, C.P. Predham, W.S. Bennett and mrs. Jennie Bennett. The original three women of the Sunday school served as teachers; Mrs. Cottrell became the church's organist; and plans were immediately made to build a church. W.S. Pine gave an organ; the Bradley Beach church contributed a pulpit and hymn books; chairs, plus a  promise to roof the planned church building, came from West Grove. A pulpit Bible was given by Rev. W.Q. Bennett of Philadelphia. Three lots were donated by the Avondale Realty Company; 5000 bricks were solicited by Mr. John Nolan; and tile for the vestibule came from one of the young men of the community. It was quite likely that the church would be built in the Spanish mission style which is the same as the Borough Hall of Neptune City, where worship was then being conducted. The church was to be named "Avondale Terrace Methodist Episcopal Church of Neptune City."

On September 27, 1913, with fitting ceremony, the plot of ground for the new Avondale Methodist Episcopal Church ("Terrace" was dropped from the name) at Union and Hillside Avenues was dedicated. Frederick A. Smith of the Avondale Realty Company was to have delivered the deed for the lot, but on account of there being no corporation and no board of directors, this part of the program was omitted. Instead, Mr. Smith, who delivered a stirring address, presented the Rev. Dr. James William Marshall, district superintendent, with an agreement which was practically the same as the deed and served the same purpose.

The presence of several clergymen helped make the ceremony impressive and interesting to those who gathered under several of the oak trees on the dedication plot. The singing of "Praise God From Whom All Blessing Flow" opened the program, after which the Rev. Dr. Aaron E. Ballard of Ocean Grove offered the opening prayer and gave the benediction. Despite his advanced years Dr. Ballard was as active as his neighbors, and he insisted upon standing throughout the afternoon. Dr. Ballard talked of several interesting things that happened back in the olden times. The Rev. J.D. Bills of Ocean Grove gave an address, giving a summary of the growth of the territory in the surrounding country. Rev. Bills told of how a little church was built not far from where the congregation was standing; and the place where the little church stood was known, according to Rev. ills, as "Hell's Kitchen."

Rev. D.C. Cobbs, the pastor of this same little church of many years standing, spoke after Rev. Bills. Other addresses were made by Rev. J.L. Howard of West Grove, Rev. N.J. Wright of Bradley Beach and E.M. Beutell, Mayor of Neptune City. Business and illness prevented Counselor J.D. Carton of Asbury Park and Avondale (that section of Neptune City), John Hulsart of West Grove and Paul Taylor of Belmar from being present. The dedication concluded with the congregation singing "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord" and "Onward Christian Soldiers."

The actual building of the Avondale Methodist Episcopal Church, however, never materialized. On December 3, 1920, the building committee met and after an "enthusiastic" discussion decided to build on a plot donated by Frederick Smith and located just opposite the Borough Hall. Mr. Smith also donated an organ for the completed church. It was reported that funds on hand amounted to $758, with finance pledges amounting to $1,700. Contractors were asked to submit bids on the erection of the church now to be located on West Sylvania Avenue. Contributions were to be sent to Mrs. F.E. Bennett.