West-Jersey pioneer., 1873-05-30
METHODIST IN CEDARvILLE
BYB. G. LrppINcorr. A. NJ.

METHODIsM IN CEDARvILLE
BY B. G. LIPPINooTT, A. M.
Precisely when M ethodism was introduc-
ed into Cedarville, is unknown. A few
Methodists were found here as early as 1920,
among whom was DR.. J. Parvin, local
preacher.
The first sermon preached in the place by
a travelling minister, was in the house of
Lewis Egbert, Esq. Until 1882, there was
only occasional worship. About this time
wheelwright shop was fitted up for the
purpose, and at the same time the society
was regularly organized. The wheelwright
shop was used for divine worship about five
years, when in 1887 it was replaced by a
new Church edifice small in dimensions,
which was occupied some 80 years as a
place of worship.
AS to the number of members who COM
posed the first organization, we are not ad-
vised, but some think about twenty. The
nun bers steadily increased, until the build
ing of the church in 1887, when it had reach
ed fifty.
From that time until the present, the So
ciety has increased i'll numbers and Chris
tian influence. The old Church being too
small to accommodate the congregation, it
was resolved that new Church should be
erected, to the honor of Methodism and for
the glory of God.
In 1865 the work began under many dis
couragements but the brethren and sisters
went forward in the work, and on the end
of January, 1869, the lecture room of the
beautiful Church was dedicated to the SER
vice of God. Rev. G. L. Dobbins, pastor.
Bro Dobbins did noble work for the
Church in the erection of this house of
worship.
Church nicely furnished, and all complete,
and dedicated to the worship of Almighty
God, on the 9Th of January, 1871, by Rev.
A. E. Ballard, P. E. This Church edifice
cost the society and friends, about $4,000.
1t is a fine structure, erected under con-
tract by D. B. Whitacar & Co., Bridgeton,
New Jersey.
The building of such a house as this
was very heavy burden for the society,
but they met the responsibility and did the
work nobly. Mucfstredit is due to Rev.
Richard Stanton and George W. Sheppard,
ESQ.,, upon whom the financial interests
more especially rested. These men, with
others of the Church gave as few men give
I am glad to note the fact that these breth-
rem are held in high estimation by the
Church and community, for the sacrifices
they have made for the good of others.
Cedarville was for time connected with
Cumberland circuit In 1841 it was set off
with Fairton as one charge and thus con-
tinued until 1861, when Cedarville was made
separate station, and Rev. Richard Thorn
was appointed the first preacher for the
new station.
The following is list of the pastors, Hand
the time they served the Church.
D. L. Adams, 1862; Joseph Ashbrook,
1868 and 1864; L. o. Manchester, 1865 and
1866; Fl. G. Williams, 1867 G. L. Dobbins,
1868, 1869 and 1870. Rev. B. c. Lippincott
the present pastor, was appointed to the
charge Mar. goth, 1871.
The Society was in fourishing condi-
ton, numbering about 100 members.
From the time of the dedication of the
New Church, Methodism assumed her prop
er position in the community.
New moral and spiritual power is now
given, and the Church is doing her work
nobly under God. The Sabbath School has
greatly increased, numbering on the rec
ord, PAS scholars. The Church has increased
in membership to two hundred and fifty-two.
The congregations are large and attentive
to the preached word.
The Society has contracted for the erec-
ton of Parsonage, which is to be compile
ted by the first of June next. When this
is completed, and the increased salary paid
to the preacher, it will make Cedarville
Station one of the most pleasant charges
in the New Jersey Conference. To God be
all the glory.