The old building with the bell atop the  early church structure

       Methodist Churches of Long Beach Island, NJ

 

“In as much as you have done it to the least of them, my brethren,

you have done it unto me.”

More information?—

CONTACT: Web Master Gladys A. Gale— gegzie@comcast.net

OR Use the Terrace Church’s email address:   terracechurch@verizon.net.

OR use Kynett’s email address: kynettumc@verizon.net

  General Information
Text Box: Terrace First United Methodist Church History, Written by Gladys Gale, 2011 HISTORY IN BRIEF Making disciples for Jesus Christ year-round on this sandy eighteen-mile stretch that once was all salt marsh, beach plum, bayberry, and sand dunes, First United Methodist Church is a vital part of the community— reaching out to help others. Her mission extends not only from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay— just two or three blocks east and west; but also to the shores of the Delaware River with Neighborhood Community Services in Camden, and far across the Atlantic to refugees seeking a home. Situated six miles south of the Causeway, Route 72 E, the church is in the heart of Beach Haven Terrace, at 130th Street and Beach Avenue. Early History Feeling the need to communicate with God and to sing praises, a dozen or so people met on the beach on a Sunday evening in 1911 after the train had departed from the Island. This was the beginning of the church in Beach Haven Terrace, known at that time as Sabbath Union. Later, services were held at the Clearview Hotel, Delaware and Beach Avenues. Services were also held at the Community Hall where ministers from Kynett Church preached on Sunday evenings. Thus, the connection with Kynett, its sister church sharing ministerial support, began in the early days. It was not until 1929 that the name First Methodist Church of Beach Haven Terrace was adopted. Much later, on April 23rd, 1968, the word “united” was added when the United Methodist Church was formed with the union of the Evangelical United Brethren Church (represented by Bishop Reuben H. Mueller) and the Methodist Church (represented by Bishop Lloyd Christ Wicke) at the constituting General Conference in Dallas, Texas. The Yoked Ministry The Terrace Church and Kynett Church shared many ministers over the years, including Dr. Neal Raver; Dr. Sanford Haney, Dr. Pennington Corson, III, the Rev. Fred Bowen, Dr. J. Hillman Coffee, Sr., the Rev. Aldridge Campbell; and Dr. David Cousins. But changing times bring changing needs. A new sanctuary was erected by the Mancini Builders, completed May 23rd, 1975, all in five months. Joe Mancini, current Mayor of Long Beach Township, was married to Julie there the next day! Then twenty years later, church members realized that the existing structure used for Christian Education, meetings, dinners, and fellowship was in poor repair. Also, at this time, both the Terrace Church and Kennett Church wanted to exist as independent charges with their own ministers. A vote was taken, and Annual Conference acquiesced in 1999. Dr. Cousins became pastor at Kynett, and Rev. Ron Sager was appointed to the Terrace. The Building Project In February of 2001, the church finished the building project— debt free, providing a new wing with Sunday School rooms, baths, and showers on the second floor; fellowship hall, kitchen, church office, and nursery on the first floor. The total cost— $711,000.00—included architect’s fees, surveying, sidewalks, furniture, and trailer rentals. Dick Holmes was Building Project Chairperson, and the Rev. Ron Sager was the pastor during these two expansion years. Funding was raised for the Building Project largely through pledges and Friday night monthly dinners, chaired by Elizabeth Brogdon: fried chicken in the spring and fall, and roast beef in the summer and winter. The old bell, originally on the church tower, was moved from the top of the Beach Avenue building, reconditioned, and placed on the top of the 1975 church structure. New siding and roofing were added. Landscaping, including a brick/paver patio area, with dedicated bricks, was completed. A stained glass window project (eight windows in the sanctuary) was initiated in 1999 and independently funded, installed, and completed in November, 2001. The windows were dedicated to the glory of God in the spring of 2002, adding beauty and inspiration to the worship experience. Transition Rev. Ron Sager was followed by interim pastors, several for single Sunday’s only and then the Rev. David Finch. Rev., Finch, a former District Superintendent, served for two years and was followed by the Rev. Margaret Pat Stiles while the Terrace Church was still an independent charge. But finances became tighter for both the Terrace and Kynett Churches, and Conference decided to return to a yoked ministry in 2006. Rev. Boyd L. Fox, Jr. came to Long Beach Island to serve in this very special ministry with worship at the Terrace at 9:00 a.m. and at Kynett at 10:30 a.m. After Rev. Fox’s retirement in June, 2011. the Rev. Diane Ruth Gilbert was appointed by the Bishop to serve Wesleyan Methodism on Long Beach Island. Throughout the rebuilding, a cohesive ministry of the “outstretched hand” has continued. “The little church that friendship built,” has become “the little church that friendship builds”—– with an emphasis on the continuing nature of building and reaching out to serve the needs of the community and the world beyond.

2011—Terrace First United Methodist Church— photo by Laura Bianco

    History of the Terrace First United Methodist Church

Mission:

“To proclaim and preach the Gospel in a way that will lead our community to Christ and enable us to fulfill our Christian commitment.”