A History of Old First
United Methodist Church
 "The Free Church" circa 1927 ©West Long Branch Historical Society |
Old First has it beginnings in 1791 when property was acquired for a building on the west side of Monmouth Road near the border with Oakhurst. It was called "The Free Church" because it was "Free for the use of all ministers of the gospel (bearing good character and an exemplary life and conversation) of any denomination of Christians whatsoever" and for the exclusive use of the Methodists every other Sunday. In 1806 Bishop Francis Asbury preached in the Free Church. By 1807 the Free Church was not large enough to accommodate the numbers who wanted to attend services. The Methodists decided to build their own church. Land at the intersection of Wall Street and Locust Avenue was acquired. The property was deeded to the church's trustees for $1 on June 20, 1809. Building the present church began in early spring of 1809. The cornerstone was laid on May 16, 1809. Work on the building was not totally completed for ten years. In 1874 the building underwent remodeling, enlarging the windows to their present size, adding the bell tower, and enlarging the chancel by 13 feet. The stained glass windows were installed in 1903, most in memory or in honor of church members' loved ones. Later, in 1914, the installation of a pipe organ began. In 1955 a new organ and chimes replaced the pipe organ. |
 Painting of the Old First UMC (Artist Unknown) ©West Long Branch Historical Society |
 Old First Parsonage 1905 ©West Long Branch Historical Society |