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

1913-2001

The Depression Hits Hard

On April 13, 1936, seeking $500 to prevent the loss of our church through foreclosure, members and friends were called to a mass meeting at the church to organize a campaign for funds. "Invest a Dollar in the Church" was the slogan adopted for the fund drive. For the preceding five years the church had been struggling under a debt of $11,000. From time to time it was reduced, but financial setbacks of Neptune City residents prevented any great reduction of the debt. Within the past few months the church had been pressed hard with foreclosure in sight. To keep the sanctuary from the sheriff's hands $500 was needed.

In 1938, another fund drive, this one with the slogan "Save the Sanctuary," was started by the Rev. Chester A. Pennington. Our members reached out and made a supreme effort for both of these crises, and our debts were paid. The mortgage was finally burned in 1941.

Our church breathed more freely again and prepared to advance. The membership increased to 200; and the Sunday school, with James D. Fraser as superintendent, continued to grow with an average attendance of 225 (attendance sometimes reach as high as 257).