On this day in Evesham history.... 120 years ago today.... August 30, 1899
Records show the history of Methodists in Marlton goes back to at least 1827, when small group meetings would be held in private homes. A small frame Methodist chapel was built in 1838, with a 100 foot steeple and 1900 pound bell. As the congregation grew, a larger church was built in 1859 at 43 East Main Street.
Records show the history of Methodists in Marlton goes back to at least 1827, when small group meetings would be held in private homes. A small frame Methodist chapel was built in 1838, with a 100 foot steeple and 1900 pound bell. As the congregation grew, a larger church was built in 1859 at 43 East Main Street.
In the early days of the church, it was served by the Medford Circuit Riders (travelling ministers). In 1858, Reverend George Raybold became the first full-time pastor.
On December 17, 1898, the church was destroyed by fire that broke out during a dress rehearsal of Christmas services. A defective flue was blamed for the fire, causing between $4,000 and $7,500 in damage (news reports differ), of which only $2,500 was covered by insurance.
"The Village of Marlton narrowly escapes destruction" declared the New York Tribune "The fire spread quickly, and soon the whole building, which was of wood, with a high steeple, was in flames. When the fire spread to the two adjoining houses, it looked as though the best buildings in the village would be destroyed. This frightened the villagers...."
"The Village of Marlton narrowly escapes destruction" declared the New York Tribune "The fire spread quickly, and soon the whole building, which was of wood, with a high steeple, was in flames. When the fire spread to the two adjoining houses, it looked as though the best buildings in the village would be destroyed. This frightened the villagers...."
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| Photo Courtesy of the Evesham Historical Society |
The cornerstone of a new church was laid on April 14, and work progressed quickly On August 30, 1899, 120 years ago today, the brand new Marlton Methodist Church was dedicated at 43 East Main Street. The church cost $5,000 to build and was decided free of debt. It was Gothic in design and had a seating capacity of 250.
The Reverend MacBurney's morning sermon at the new church was entitled "Hope and Immortality of the Good Man." The afternoon sermon was conducted by Reverend John Hanley of the First Church, Camden, entitled "The Perfect Law of God."
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| Photo courtesy of John Flack |
The Reverend MacBurney's morning sermon at the new church was entitled "Hope and Immortality of the Good Man." The afternoon sermon was conducted by Reverend John Hanley of the First Church, Camden, entitled "The Perfect Law of God."
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The new church would serve the Marlton Methodist community until 1964, when a new Methodist church was built at its current home, at the corner of Plymouth Drive and Marlborough, where it remains today.
After the Methodist congregation moved to its new building in 1964, the old Methodist church served as the temporary home of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, until their new church was opened in 1965.
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| Conceptual design of new Methodist church - 1964 |
After the Methodist congregation moved to its new building in 1964, the old Methodist church served as the temporary home of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, until their new church was opened in 1965.
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| Pews for sale after Church is no longer needed |
The church was vacant for two years until it was demolished in 1967. Today a small office building stands in its place.
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| Listing for new office building |
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| 43 East Main Street Today |
If you are interested in the current church Methodist Church, John Flack has a lot of pictures of the inside of it here.
Other Historical Buildings of the Past:
Marlton Baptist Church - 1803-Today
Scaturro's 1841 House - A Post Morten
First National Bank of Marlton
Marlton Baptist Church - 1803-Today
Scaturro's 1841 House - A Post Morten
First National Bank of Marlton
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