A century ago a small group dared to dream. They built a log cabin a humble house of worship. This was the genesis of Asbury United Methodist Church. This very spot in Cinnaminson New Jersey witnessed their unwavering faith.
Asbury United Methodist Church is more than just a building. It’s a testament to perseverance. It’s a living archive of faith and community. It started in 1811. Bishop Francis Asbury a pioneer evangelist himself inspired its name. He traveled by horseback spreading Christianity and Methodism. This small group began their church twenty-five years before the New Jersey Conference was even formed.
The original log cabin was a testament to their dedication. Reverend John D Beck served as its first minister. He devoted forty years to his Lord. He’s buried in the Asbury Cemetery a historic resting place for some of the Delaware Valley’s oldest families. A marker dedicated during the 150th anniversary commemorates his unmarked grave. The cemetery itself is a chapter in the church’s history. It’s the final resting place of pioneers like the Van Vanes Toys Hullings and Corsons. They represent the faith that started a Christian way of life. Their legacy should be a guiding light for us today.
Fire destroyed the log cabin in 1819. It was replaced with a stone structure. That too was eventually torn down. The current red brick church facing Route 130 stands as a testament to their continuing resilience. Growth in the 1950s and 60s presented new challenges. Route 130’s encroachment made access dangerous and noisy. The parking area adequate for horse and buggies was woefully insufficient for a growing congregation.
Their Sunday school facilities were inadequate. Potential members were turned away. Yet divine providence provided a solution. A vacant plot in the cemetery offered ample space for a new church and educational building. Reverend Moro Tussey spearheaded this incredible undertaking.
Funding was a huge hurdle. The only option was to move the existing church and build the educational unit onto it. Around twenty families embarked on this ambitious project fueled by faith. On October 21 1962 ground was broken. Dr Franklin Buck’s invaluable advice and support proved crucial. The Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) worked tirelessly raising funds. William Russell & Sons carefully moved the church. Thomas Malone and John Cundy served as architect and general contractor respectively.
The move took about a month. Services continued on all but one Sunday. The church was finally in its new location. The fellowship hall and educational buildings were completed. On November 25 1963 a cold but triumphant day the consecration and laying of the new cornerstone took place. This marked the culmination of faith prayers and community effort. Asbury United Methodist Church a beacon of Christianity had endured. It stands as a testament to the faith courage and determination of those who built and rebuilt it generation after generation.