Church History
West Belmar United Methodist Church was founded in 1925 by Reverend Ned Hill, who remained Pastor until September 1926. Reverend Hill realized that there were 200 children in the West Belmar area who were unable to attend Sunday School because there was no neighborhood Church. The first Sunday School class met in the West Belmar Fire House until it outgrew the space. In order to accommodate their growing numbers, Reverend Hill purchased a tent that was erected where the Church stands today.
On June 4, 1925 Helen and Lester Woolley of West Belmar became the first members of the Church; followed by others who quickly joined. West Belmar United Methodist Church was officially organized at noon on August 29, 1925; with E.S.V. Woolley, C.H.D. Culver and Lester Woolley elected as the first trustees.
The Belmar Episcopal Church donated the property October 10, 1925 and a Ground Breaking Ceremony was held and the cornerstone of the Church laid on November 29, 1925, with Dr. Herbert Belting the District Superintendent removing the first shovel of dirt, assisted by Sarah Bennett and Mary Conklin. The Church cost approximately $12,000. The E.S.V. Woolley Educational Building was built in 1961; with the first Sunday School Class being held there October 1, 1961.
The First Beacon Light Class was formed in 1925 by Nellie Sweet and Mildred Lisk; with the first officers including Hilda White, Betty Lloyd, Dorothy Van Brunt and Mildred Dodd. The first Women's group was formed in 1925 and at that time called The Ladies Aid Society and later known as the Wesleyan Service Guild in 1948, followed by the Women's Society of Christian Service in 1962 and in 1972 was changed to its current name United Methodist Women.
During its 98 year history the Church has had many Pastors and has seen many changes. Today it remains an active community of faith serving the West Belmar area.
On June 4, 1925 Helen and Lester Woolley of West Belmar became the first members of the Church; followed by others who quickly joined. West Belmar United Methodist Church was officially organized at noon on August 29, 1925; with E.S.V. Woolley, C.H.D. Culver and Lester Woolley elected as the first trustees.
The Belmar Episcopal Church donated the property October 10, 1925 and a Ground Breaking Ceremony was held and the cornerstone of the Church laid on November 29, 1925, with Dr. Herbert Belting the District Superintendent removing the first shovel of dirt, assisted by Sarah Bennett and Mary Conklin. The Church cost approximately $12,000. The E.S.V. Woolley Educational Building was built in 1961; with the first Sunday School Class being held there October 1, 1961.
The First Beacon Light Class was formed in 1925 by Nellie Sweet and Mildred Lisk; with the first officers including Hilda White, Betty Lloyd, Dorothy Van Brunt and Mildred Dodd. The first Women's group was formed in 1925 and at that time called The Ladies Aid Society and later known as the Wesleyan Service Guild in 1948, followed by the Women's Society of Christian Service in 1962 and in 1972 was changed to its current name United Methodist Women.
During its 98 year history the Church has had many Pastors and has seen many changes. Today it remains an active community of faith serving the West Belmar area.