Methodist Episcopal Church (First United Methodist Church)

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Johnson Beckett donated a piece of land on Broad Street and on this lot the first Methodist Episcopal Church was created. In 1833, a society was formed with around 40 members, and they were the first members of this church. The original building was 40 by 60 feet and was on the site of the current Methodist Episcopal Cemetery. The building was originally called the Salem Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The church had a large amount of growth so in 1854 the location was moved to the corner of Academy and New Streets and was dedicated on February 1, 1855. The Stanger family was very prominent in the Methodist Episcopal Church.  S.H. Stanger was a trustee and a steward, and his son C. Fleming Stanger taught the Sunday school.  This church was the second church to be created in Glassboro. 

The Church first changed the name to Methodist Episcopal Church and in 1939, the name was changed again to First Methodist Church. In 1968, the name was changed to First United Methodist Church, and this is the name the church kept to this day.

The large clock on the top of the Church served as a focal point for the community because it could be seen from any angle.  In 1974, structural problems were found in the building so the congregation voted to build a new church.  They chose a colonial architectural style for the new building. On October 9, 1977, the dedication ceremony for the new church building was held.

The first floor of the church a large open area that was used for Sunday School. When you entered the front door of the church you entered a foyer. To the right and left was a staircase that took you to the sanctuary. If you proceed straight, down two steps, you would enter the Sunday School area. 

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