Dedicated in 1869 Embury Methodist Episcopal Church got its name from Philip Embury. Who was Philip Embury? He was a preacher. He led one of the first Methodist congregations in New York City. This church stands as a testament to his legacy.
Embury Methodist Episcopal Church began as Rumson Methodist Church. It was formally organized in 1820-21. The first house of worship was built on Rumson Road in 1823. Michael Parker donated the land. The congregation was organized in his name.
Initially, the Rumson Church was part of the Long Branch Circuit. By 1850, it shared a pastor with Red Bank Methodist Church. In 1867, it became a separate charge. Rev. George Reed served as pastor. However, in 1869, it was again placed in a circuit. This time, it shared a pastor with Oceanport Methodist Church. In 1875, it permanently became a separate charge.
Though sometimes called the Methodist Church of Parkerville, its official name remained Rumson M.E. Church. This was until the present structure was built. The land for the Embury Sanctuary was bought in August 1868. It was purchased from the Board of Education. A former school building was moved to the rear of Michael Ayers’ property. The parsonage and Church Hall now stand on that adjacent property.
At the dedication on February 24, 1869, the church was officially named Embury Methodist Episcopal Church. This honored Philip Embury. He preached for the first Methodist congregation in New York City. He was one of the first in the colonies. The building cost 6200 dollars. It was debt free. The area of Rumson where the church stood became known as Little Silver. The railroad’s arrival in 1875 and the Little Silver Station’s construction in 1880 solidified the name for the community.
Originally, the parsonage was two doors down from Embury. In 1890, a new parsonage was built across the street. In 1900, a new organ carpets and the pews still in use were installed. In 1909, the Ayers property was purchased. A brick wall was built around the entire property. The rear of the Ayers property became Evergreen Cemetery.
The church hall at the rear hosted various events. Traveling medicine shows and the Wide Awakes basketball team used it. School events took place there too. The first grades of the public school attended classes there for a while. Today, it hosts community groups Sunday School classes church social events exercise classes and scout meetings.
Beautiful stained glass memorial windows replaced the clear glass in 1912. A major renovation in 1925 added a new pipe organ central lighting and other improvements.
A parking lot was added in 1952. This followed an explosion that destroyed a dry cleaning business on the property. In 1958, classrooms and a stage were added to the Church Hall. Another major renovation in 1959 included a new floor new carpet and a new decorating scheme.
In 1966, the church expanded further. A basement choir room parlor office pastor’s study church library kitchenette and additional classrooms were added. These connected the Church Hall and the Sanctuary. The smaller kitchenette was added because the larger kitchen in the Church Hall was too far away to be useful.
In 1988, the sanctuary was completely renovated. Flooring was relaid. New ceiling and wall fixtures were installed. The organ pipes were regilded. The balcony was redone. New wiring new insulation replaced choir curtains kneeling pad and a new carpet were all installed. Services were held in the Church Hall during this renovation.
Embury Methodist Episcopal Church has a rich history. It reflects the growth and changes of the surrounding community. Its commitment to faith and service has remained constant. The church has evolved over the years. Yet it continues to be a spiritual home for many.