Emley's Hill United Methodist Church
Church History
Visitors and members of Emleys Hill United Methodist Church often appreciate the beauty of this church. Situated in rural New Jersey and surrounded by rolling fields it is easy transported back in time. At first glance, the casual viewer may not realize the significance of this church. It has a rich two-hundred year history which dates back to the beginnings of Methodism in this country. The cemetery is important for genealogical research. One of the early church writers appreciated this fact almost one-hundred years ago. In 1914, a directory of the Imlaystown Methodist Episcopal Church was published. In An Historical Sketch of the Churches Forming Imlaystown Charge, New Jersey Conference, Methodist Episcople Church the author of this document, Pastor Burton J.K. Way, eloquently reveals
“In the year of our Lord 1790 a number of Methodists met at the house of Samuel Emley, for the purpose of electing a Board of Trustees, with the idea of building a house of worship of Almighty God. During the same year Sam’l Emley conveyed to the aforesaid Trustees in trust for the Emley Hill Church, one acre of land on Emley’s Hill, according to records in the Clerk’s office at Freehold. During this year the house of worship was erected, bearing the date of 1790, this being twenty years after the introduction of Methodism in the State of New Jersey, fourteen years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, one year after the adoption of the Constitution, eight years after the close of the revolution and while George Washington was President of the United States. Of the history of Emleys Hill Church for the first and rebuilt the same year. For eight years longer we have no history preserved.”
The churches of Clarksburg and Imlaystown were formed in the 1830’s according to this document. These churches, together with Emleys Hill, formed a circuit. The front of the church indicates the present structure was erected in 1855. In the early 1900’s, the directory continues, the history of the bell in the steeple of the church is described..
“Several years ago Mr. Daniel Havens, a devout Methodist, died and left a legacy to Emleys Hill and Imlaystown Church. In his memory a beautiful bell tower and a sweet-toned bell have been installed at the Emleys Hill Church within the present year costing $1050…A splendid revival blessed the whole circuit during the present pastor’s ministry.”
Memorials from members of the congregation, past and present, grace the church. Emleys Hill has large stain glass windows whose names reflect the membership list of the directory from this time period. Also, a beautiful piano was purchased through donations. Another member donated a portrait of Christ and the crown of thorns which resides in the Sanctuary. These gifts continue to bless the congregation. The basement, and an addition to the church were added to enhance fellowship and accommodate a growing Sunday school at the end of the twentieth century. In closing, please consider the Pastor’s greeting from 1914.
“I am placing in your hands a Directory of the Membership of the churches on this circuit. In it you will find a short history Methodism in this part of Monmouth County, and as far as possible a list of former pastors covering a period of one hundred and twenty-four years. This little book is sent out to be used as a book for reference for matters concerning our church. It is sincerely hoped that all members will feel both pride and interest in all things that concern the welfare of their spiritual home. The pastor is very thankful for the hearty support and co-operation he has received from both members of the churches and members of the congregations and asks for a continuance of the same. Our object is to make our church the churches of the masses. All persons, be they rich or poor, will find a welcome in our midst. The church is endeavoring to minister to all, remembering the words of the Master, ‘In as much as ye did it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye did it unto me.’ To all that have no church home extend a cordial invitation to come and worship with us, assuring you of a hearty welcome”
Fraternally, BURTON J.K.WAY
Source:Directory Imlaystown Methodist Episcopal Church Imlaystown, N.J. August 1914. Rev. J.K. Way Pastor
The church wishes to thank Nancy Stein of the Allentown Public Library for assistance in locating this document.
“In the year of our Lord 1790 a number of Methodists met at the house of Samuel Emley, for the purpose of electing a Board of Trustees, with the idea of building a house of worship of Almighty God. During the same year Sam’l Emley conveyed to the aforesaid Trustees in trust for the Emley Hill Church, one acre of land on Emley’s Hill, according to records in the Clerk’s office at Freehold. During this year the house of worship was erected, bearing the date of 1790, this being twenty years after the introduction of Methodism in the State of New Jersey, fourteen years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, one year after the adoption of the Constitution, eight years after the close of the revolution and while George Washington was President of the United States. Of the history of Emleys Hill Church for the first and rebuilt the same year. For eight years longer we have no history preserved.”
The churches of Clarksburg and Imlaystown were formed in the 1830’s according to this document. These churches, together with Emleys Hill, formed a circuit. The front of the church indicates the present structure was erected in 1855. In the early 1900’s, the directory continues, the history of the bell in the steeple of the church is described..
“Several years ago Mr. Daniel Havens, a devout Methodist, died and left a legacy to Emleys Hill and Imlaystown Church. In his memory a beautiful bell tower and a sweet-toned bell have been installed at the Emleys Hill Church within the present year costing $1050…A splendid revival blessed the whole circuit during the present pastor’s ministry.”
Memorials from members of the congregation, past and present, grace the church. Emleys Hill has large stain glass windows whose names reflect the membership list of the directory from this time period. Also, a beautiful piano was purchased through donations. Another member donated a portrait of Christ and the crown of thorns which resides in the Sanctuary. These gifts continue to bless the congregation. The basement, and an addition to the church were added to enhance fellowship and accommodate a growing Sunday school at the end of the twentieth century. In closing, please consider the Pastor’s greeting from 1914.
“I am placing in your hands a Directory of the Membership of the churches on this circuit. In it you will find a short history Methodism in this part of Monmouth County, and as far as possible a list of former pastors covering a period of one hundred and twenty-four years. This little book is sent out to be used as a book for reference for matters concerning our church. It is sincerely hoped that all members will feel both pride and interest in all things that concern the welfare of their spiritual home. The pastor is very thankful for the hearty support and co-operation he has received from both members of the churches and members of the congregations and asks for a continuance of the same. Our object is to make our church the churches of the masses. All persons, be they rich or poor, will find a welcome in our midst. The church is endeavoring to minister to all, remembering the words of the Master, ‘In as much as ye did it unto the least of these, my brethren, ye did it unto me.’ To all that have no church home extend a cordial invitation to come and worship with us, assuring you of a hearty welcome”
Fraternally, BURTON J.K.WAY
Source:Directory Imlaystown Methodist Episcopal Church Imlaystown, N.J. August 1914. Rev. J.K. Way Pastor
The church wishes to thank Nancy Stein of the Allentown Public Library for assistance in locating this document.