First Methodist/Halsey Street Methodist Church Wesley Methodist Chapel 54, 63, 75 Halsey Street October 1, 1808 - 1941 Images

The First Methodist church was formed on October1, 1808 when they built the Wesley Methodist Chapel on Halsey Street. The dedication ceremony held on January 1, 1809 was led by the Rev. Ezekiel Cooper. The first full time pastor did not arrive until 1818.

The second church was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day, 1852 at a cost of $16,000. The church was repaired and refurnished in 1881. This church merged with the Central Methodist Church in 1937. The church building was demolished in 1952 and used as a parking lot.

From: Social Services Directory of Newark 1912

Aids destitute members, also assists worthy nonmembers. Has usual church societies: Epworth League, Home and Foreign Missionary Societies.

Archive Information (Last Known location)

Records are located at Drew University.
Records, 1809 - 1960 on deposit in the New Jersey Historical Society, Newark, NJ (includes records of predecessor churches)
100th Anniversary
Annual Reports, 1945 - 1960
Church History, 1951
Christmas Card

Sabbath School Anniversary, 1844
Postcards, 186?
Anniversary, Wesley Chapel Young Men's Assoc, 1861
Directory, 1884, 1887, 1892, 1900
Photos, 1936 - 1937

Copyright 1998 - 2021 Glenn G. Geisheimer