OUR STORY
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
A United Methodist congregation serving Milltown since 1844.
Who we are
We are people of all ages who seek to connect faith, community, and service. We want to follow the way of Christ: the way of wholeness, mercy, and peace.
We share our joys and concerns from the heart, and we seek compassion and justice in our world. Like United Methodists everywhere, we value thoughtful, passionate preaching, vibrant worship, small groups that form faith, and acts of loving kindness for people in need.
All are welcome to journey with us in the way of Christ.
Our mission
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19
The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The local church is where disciple-making happens. In Milltown, we live out that mission in four ways:
Welcome
Receiving everyone as Christ receives us.
Worship
Gathering to praise God and hear the Word.
Nurture
Growing in faith through learning, prayer, and fellowship.
Send
Going out to serve our neighbors and the world.
What we believe
- One God, known as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, who is sovereign and loving.
- Jesus Christ is fully divine and is our Savior. The Holy Spirit is present with us and guides us.
- God created every human being in God’s image.
- The Church is the body of Christ, continuing Christ’s life and ministry in the world today.
- The Bible, Old and New Testaments, is the primary authority for our faith and practice.
- God’s reign is both a present reality and a future hope, seen wherever there is reconciliation, restoration, and healing.
- We celebrate two sacraments: Baptism, a sign of new life and God’s love and forgiveness, and Holy Communion, which remembers Christ’s sacrifice and celebrates the unity of God’s family. Our table is open to all who love Christ.
Our history
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1844 | The first Methodist class in Milltown is organized by Brother Ralph Stout. |
| 1851 | Land is given by Mr. Ford and Company, and construction begins on May 5. The first church costs $2,500. Mrs. Ford gives the 358-pound bell, which still rings every Sunday. |
| 1873 | The first building is taken down in 1872, and the present church is completed on February 2, 1873, for $14,000. |
| 1879 | James C. Edmonds starts the Sunday School and serves as superintendent for 25 years. |
| 1901 | An Estey pipe organ is purchased for $1,200. |
| 1909 | A parsonage is purchased. It later becomes church office space. |
| 1926–27 | Stained glass windows, new pews, and the Wesley Room are added. |
| 1952 | Sunday School enrollment reaches 246 children. |
| 1956–59 | A new education building is built and dedicated on May 10, 1959. A new parsonage on North Main Street is purchased in 1959. |
Part of a global church
We are a congregation of The United Methodist Church and the Greater New Jersey Conference.
We would love to meet you
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors. All are welcome to journey with us in the way of Christ.
