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Friendship United Methodist Church
Home Introduction Church History

Names of Pastors appointed:
Those who served the Circuits in our area.

Listed are the years in which the Pastors were appointed. The Annual Conference met mostly in April through 1857; mostly in March through 1933; in September through 1964; and in June since 1965.
 

1766-67 First Societies established in New York City, Maryland, and Philadelphia.
1764f John Earley , Thomas Taper, Jesse Chew.
1767-71 Edward Evans (Mt. Royal/Clarksboro)
1769f Joseph Pilmoor, Richard Boardman (from England)
1771f Francis Asbury, Richard Wright, Abraham Whitworth.
1773 Note: First American Methodist Conference
  John King, Phillip Gatch 
1774 Phillip Ebert
1775 William Duke, John King, Daniel Ruff
 
"New Jersey" Circuit of Philadelphia Conference
1776 Robert Lindsay, John Cooper (d.1789)
1777 Henry Kennedy, Thomas McClure
1778 Daniel Ruff, Benjamin Abbott did considerable work. (d.1796)
1779 Phillip Cox, Joshua Dudley, Daniel Ruff
1780 William Gill (d.1789), John James, Richard Garretson
 
"West Jersey Circuit"
1781 Caleb Pedicord (d.1785), James O. Cromwell, Joseph Everett
1782 Joshua Dudlay, Richard Ivy
1783 Woolman Hickson (d.1788), John Magary
1784 Samuel Rowe, William Partridge, John Fidler
1785 William Phoebus, Robert Sparks, Thomas Ware (1758-1842) On trial 1784. 
1786 Jacob Brush, John Simmons, Jacob Lurton
1787 Robert Cann, John McClasky, John Milburne
 
"Salem Circuit" All South Jersey
1788 Nathaniel B. Mills, John Cooper, Joseph Cromwell
1789 Simon Pyle, Jethro Johnson, Sylvester Hutchinson
 
"Bethel Circuit" Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic Counties
1790 Robert Cann, William Jackson
1791 James O. Cromwell
1792 Robert Cann, Levi Rogers
1793 Gamaliel Bailey, Shadrack Bostwick
1794 Benjamin Fisler (1769-1854) M.D. married Catherine Murphy (9 children). Settled in Port Elizabeth.
1795 Benjamin Fisler, Robert Searle
1796 John Ragan, Andrew Turck
1797-98 Richard Sneath, R. Hutchinson
1799 Zenas Conger, Levine Moore
1800 Thomas Everard, John Stewart
1801 Richard Swain, Samuel Rose
1802 Samuel Thomas, Benjamin Iliff
 
"Gloucester Circuit" (was Bethel)
1803 Benjamin Iliff, Daniel Higley
1804 David Dunham, Asa Smith
1805 Joseph Totten, William Bishop
1806-07 Nathan Swain, Saumel Budd
1808
(more)
Richard Sneath, W. S. Fisher
1809 Thomas Dunn, Charles Reed
1810 Peter Vannest, J. Osborn, Thomas Davis
1811 John Fox, John Furman
1812 John Fox, John Townsend
1813 Daniel Ireland, William Smith (1802 on trial; d.1854 Long Branch)
1814 John Woolson, Edward Stout (1785-1859) On trial 1814.
1815 Amos C. Moore, Daniel Fidler (1771-1842). On trial 1789.
1816 Amos C. Moore , John J. Walker (1764-1849). On trial 1802.
1817 Solomon Sharp, William Smith
1818 Peter Vannest, James Long (1788 Ire.-1863 Mer. Co.) On trial 1820. 
1819 Thomas Davis, David Bartine – on trial 1832, transferred to Newark 1870.
1820 David Bartine, Richard W. Petherbridge (1792 Phila.-1861 Pemb.) On trial 1816. P. Elder 3 years. Left widow and several children.
1821 Richard W. Petherbridge, Edward Stout (1785-1859). On trial 1814. Pastor 46 years.
1822 Edward Stout, David Dailey
1823 James Moore, Waters Burrows – on trial 1816. Transferred to Newark 1857.
1824
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Waters Burrows, William Lummis (b.1776 P. Neck – d.1843 Glou. Co.) 1811 on trial. Received 5000 members. Left widow and 4 children. Son Fletcher a Trav. Min.
1825-26 John Woolson, Eliphalet Reed
1827 William Lummis, Edward Page (1787 Burl. Co. – 1866). On trial 1817. Did 3041 Baptisms.
1828 Edward Page, J. Iliff
1829 Jacob Gruber, Richard M. Greenbank
1830 Richard M. Greenbank, William Williams – On trial 1810. Transferred to Philadelphia 1838.
1831 William Williams, Sedgwick Rusling (1799 NNJ – 1876 Rahway). On trial 1827. Married Electa Cummings. 
1832 John Henry, Jacob Loudenslager (1793 Glo. Co. – 1871 Pauls.). On trial 1832.
1833 Edward Stout, a supply.
1834-35 William Lummis, John F. Crouch (b.1804 MD–d.1852 Glass.) 1833 on trial.
1836 James Long Thomas Christopher (1806-1850). On trial 1834.
 
"New Jersey Conference" Formed
1837-38 James Long, John W. McDougall, (1812 Mor. Co. – 1882). On trial 1833. Pastor 42 years; Abram Owen (1800-1875). On trial 1836.
1839 Edward Stout, George Jennings – on trial 1838. Located 1845.
1840 George Jennings, Joseph J. Sleeper (1793 Vinc.-1873 Pemb). On trial 1837.
1841 Joseph. J. Sleeper, Benjamin N. Reed – on trial 1835. Located 1855.
1842 Thomas Christopher, Abram K. Street (1807-1898). On trial 1831. 1834 m. Elizabeth Robertson. Was P. Elder.
1843 Joseph GaskillJoseph Gaskill (1817 SNJ-1903 Trent.). On trial 1842. Located 1856.
  Joseph Atwood (1804 Tuck.-1886 Cam./Tuck.). On trial 1837. 1851 m. Abigail Turner (1807-1876 Trent.).
1844 Joseph Atwood , John Fort (1816 Pemb.-1875 Blkwd.). 1838 m. Elizabeth Emley (2 ch.) On trial 1843. 
  (Pittsgrove off—Friendship, Monroe & Olivet)
1845 John Fort, Nathaniel Chew - on trial 1829. Located 1850.
1846 William A. Brooks (1810 Phila.-1868 C. May Co.). On trial 1836. Wife Anna (3 ch.);
  David Duffell (1801 Cam.-1884 Clay.). On trial 1839.
1847 David Duffell, Abraham I. J. Truitt – on trial 1838. Located 1854. 
1848 Abraham I. J. Truitt, Bromwell Andrews – on trial 1829. Transferred to Newark 1858.
1849 Bromwell Andrews, Noah Edwards (1809 Bargt.-1889 Hadd.). 1832 m1 Hannah J. Downs (d.1836 – 2 sons). On trial 1839. m2 P. Hartshorn (3 daughters).
1850 Abraham Gearheart (b.1788 Hun. Co.-d.1854 Tuck.) On trial 1829; Noah Edwards
1851 Abraham Gearheart, Dayton F. Reed – on trial 1850. Transferred to Newark 1857.
1852-53
(more)
James J. White (1816 Phila-1873). On trial 1838. 1841 m. Margaret Willits of W. Ck. (3 ch.), Civil War chaplain. Had received 2000 members. 
  Levi J. Rhoads (1808 PA-1871 S. River). Local Preacher 1846.
  (Willow Grove Circuit split off—Willow Grove, Union Grove, Malaga)
1854-55 Joseph C. Summerill (1821 P.Grove-1882). On trial 1844. 1849 m. Sarah J. Vaneman (6 ch.).
  Charles HeisleyCharles W. Heisley (1826-1916 Cranberry). On trial 1853. Lived to age 90.
1856-57 Samuel M. HudsonSamuel M. Hudson (1826 Wbry.-1903 Pit.). 1849 m. Mary Jester. On trial 1852. Married 2 more times.
  Albert MatthewsAlbert Matthews (1825 Dias Ck.-1906 Vnld.). 1847 m. Emily Leaming (5 ch.). On trial 1856.
1858 Hamilton S. NorrisHamilton S. Norris (1819 Phila.-1904 C. May Co.). 1840 m. Mary Jane Thomas. 1855 on trial.
  John P. ConnellyJohn P. Connelly (1828 Phila.-1905 Palmyra). On trial 1855. 1858 m. Mary Taylor (3 ch.)
1859 Hamilton S. Norris;
Samuel ChattinSamuel Chattin  (1837 NYC-1903 Tuck.). On trial 1861.
1860
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Edwin WatersEdwin Waters (1824 Wdtn.-1910).On trial 1850. 3 ch.
  Albert Atwood – on trial 1858. Transferred to Oregon 1874.
1861 Edwin Waters, Edward T. Marks – on trial 1859. Discontinued 1862.
1862 William C StocktonWilliam C Stockton (1820 PA-1902 Vnld.). 1842 m. Mary Brusster. On trial 1852. Civil War chaplain. 1875 Conf. evangelist. m2 Sarah E. Chancey; plus a supply pastor.
1862½ Julius Wilcox – a Local Preacher 1/2 year.
  Joseph H. MickleJoseph H. Mickle (1841-Mauricetown-1896). On trial 1863. m. Hannah Souder (1 ch.).
1863-64 Lucius O. ManchesterLucius O. Manchester (1834 Conn.-1909 DE). 1855 m. Anna Bray (2 ch). On trial 1863. Pastor 44 yrs.
  (Union off - Unionville/Aura, Mt. Pleasant/Richwood, Monroeville, Franklinville)
1865-66
(more)
Matthias H. ShimpMatthias H. Shimp (1830 P.Grove-1908 Magnolia). 1856 on trial. 1859 m. Margaret Woodruf (5 ch.)
  (Gloucester Circuit - Porchtown, Lake, Piney Hollow, Friendship-Landisville)
1867 S. Wesley LakeS. Wesley Lake (1842 Plvl.-1917 O.City). 1864 m. Mary Scull (6 ch.). On trial 1867. 
1868-69 John L. SouderJohn L. Souder (1828 P.Eliz.-1899 Cam.) On trial 1857. 1859 m. Carrie Powell.
1870-71 Ezekiel C. HancockEzekiel C. Hancock (1839-1916). 1862 m. Emma Githens (3 ch.). On trial 1866.
1872-73 John WarthmanJohn Warthman (1837 Phila.-1904). Transferred to Tennessee 1855.
1874 Peter Y. CalderPeter Y. Calder (1814 NYC-1900 Palmyra). 1838 m. Hannah Justice (1 ch.). On trial 1853.
1875-76 Edwin F. Moore (1848 Rahway-1877 H.Sq.). 1870 on trial. 1872 m. Emma Rogers.
1877-78 Caleb A. Malsbury (d.c.1895). On trial 1856. Transferred to Newark 1857-65; 1866 back to N.J.
1879 John L. Nelson – on trial 1876. Trans. to Troy 1897.
1880-82 John Brown WhittonJohn Brown Whitton (1845 Phila.-1927 Palmyra). 1869 m. Sadie Countess (5 ch.). On trial 1886. Was P. Elder. Son – Rev. Charles D. Whitton.
1883 William E. BlackistonWilliam E. Blackiston (1851 DE-1931 O.Grove). 1879 m. Annie Mills. 1882 on trial. 
  (Gloucester Circuit – add Plainville) 
1884 James O. R. CorlissJames O. R. Corliss (1851 Salem-1932 Clermont). 1882 m. Harriet Richman (4 ch.); also on trial.
1885 Joseph Gray EdwardsJoseph Gray Edwards (1851 P. Eliz.-1923 Trent.). 1877 m. Elisha Cox (4 ch.) Pastor 38 years.
1886 No Gloucester Circuit 
 
"Harmony Circuit"
  R. Brooks Robbins – Friendship, Piney Hollow, Plainville (Next year called Harmony Circuit) Robbins – Local Preacher from Pt. Norris. 1886 and 1887 supply pastor.
  Wilber B. Nobles – Malaga, Lake. Nobles – on trial 1885, located 1900.
  John P. Connelly – (Willow Grove, Union Grove, Porchtown, N. Vineland, Forest Grove, Pleasantville)
1887 R. Brooks Robbins
1888-89 Lewis N. ClarkLewis N. Clark (1833-1909 Porch.) On trial 1858.
1890 Samuel L. Johnson - Local Preacher from Woodruff (1902 at Aura).
 
"Richland Circuit"
1891
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John G. Clark (Richland and Friendship). Local Preacher from Forest Grove.
1892 Frank Coleman – Local Preacher from Deerfield/Aldine.
 
"Friendship Circuit"
1893-96
(more)
Abram Jaggers (add Richland to Harmony Circuit) He a Local Preacher from Piney Hollow.
1896½ Jesse A. CastoJesse A. Casto (1871 At.Co.-1903 Centerton). 1901 on trial. Left widow & 3 children.
1897 Thomas HussThomas Huss (1867 N.Egypt-1958 O.Grove Home) (Minotola, Friendship)
1898-00
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Charles H. Barnes (Bgtn.-1914). Became an Evangelist.
  (1899 Richland & Newtonville Circuit created)
1901 George H. VanNote (1860 Oc.Co-1930 W.Farms). 1879 m. Helen Hurley. 1896 moved to Chatsworth —started meetings in empty Presbyterian church. 1916 transferred to M.P. then back to NJ Conference.
  (Friendship, Richland, Newtonville)
1902-3 Jacob S. SmallwoodJacob S. Smallwood (1874 Quinton-1959). 1907 m. Bessie Jenkins.
1904 Charles Henry DuBois – 1902 Supply, 1911 on trial, 1914 discontinued. 1920 supply at Newfield.
1905-6 Robert Newton Aspinwall, Jr.Robert Newton Aspinwall, Jr. (1877 Egg. H.-1924 Columbus). 1900 m. Elizabeth Drape (3 ch.) On trial 1906.
1907 David D. Fisler – On trial 1883, supernum 1899, then supply pastor.
1908-10
(more)
Richard D. Smith – 1902f supply from Port Elizabeth
1911-14 William H. McKaig – supply pastor from Woodruff.
1915 Edward B. Campbell – supply from Millville and Minotola.
1916 J. S. Boetaman – supply pastor
1916½-17 Thomas Hess – supply from Clermont, Halyville.
 
"Harmony Circuit"
1918 Elmer Joseph BiggsElmer Joseph Biggs (1885 Mlvl.-1926 Mlvl.). m. Elizabeth Taylor (d.1914, 3 ch.). 1921 on trial. m2 Mary Reeder (1 ch.).
  (Friendship, Piney Hollow, Plainville)
1919 P. S. Sampson – supply from Millville. 1881 m. Rachel Bishop (d.1925). 1930 to Ocean Grove. 
1919½ W. R. Coleman
1920 Henry Frank ParkerHenry Frank Parker (1885 Tuck.-1926 Plvl.). 1881 m. Cora Hand (Tuck.–1 ch.). On trial 1890. 
  (Friendship, Richland)
1921-22 Mark L. Kears – Local Preacher from Vineland. Supply 1921-22.
1923-24 Frank B. Chard – Local Preacher from Millville. Supply.
1925-26 P. S. Sampson 
  (Friendship, Richland, Newtonville)
1927 Leolin R. Howell – Supply from Millville
 
"Richland Circuit"
(Richland, Friendship, Newtonville)
1928-29 Leolin R. Howell 
1930-32
(more)
Clarence S. Reeves – Supply from Millville.
 
"Newtonville Circuit"
(Friendship, Newtonville)
1933 Clarence S. Reeves 
1934 Howard Shoemaker – Part-time supply.
 
"Minotola Parish"
(Friendship, Piney Hollow, Newtonville, Richland and Minotola)
1935 Howard Shoemaker – A part-time supply. Asst. – John Peterson, part-time supply. from Salem 
  (Richland discontinued)
1936-40
(more)
Howard Shoemaker and John Peterson
  (Newtonville Circuit)
 
"Harmony Circuit"
(Friendship, Piney Hollow, Newtonville)
1941-44
(more)
Howard Shoemaker 
1945-47
(more)
Harold DunnHarold Dunn (1902 OH-1974 Wdtn.). M. Beatrice Welch (d.1981 SD/Wdtn.-3 ch.). Local Preacher 1941-73.
 
"Minotola Circuit"
1948
(more)
Harold Dunn
 
"Minotola & Harmony"
(Minotola, Forest Grove, Friendship, Newtonville, Piney Hollow)
1949-50
(more)
John Lathrop HerrJohn Lathrop Herr (1903 PA-1968 Fdsp.). M. Margaret Allen; m2 Edith Powell. He started with M.P. church, then 1939 the Methodist churches.
1951-52 Joseph M. Scott - Student supply. 
  Archie Shull‘52 Asst. Archie Shull (1907 P.Norris-1985 Bgtn.) Part time supply from Newfield. 1926 m. Verna Gandy (2 ch.).
1953 Jack Stevenson – Student supply.
1953½-55 Raymond GruezkeRaymond Gruezke, (1924 MI-1975 Oakhurst/Pit.) 1953 m . Ethel Anderson (4 ch.) 
  Asst. A. Shull
1956 Paul PedrickPaul Pedrick – Student supply
  Asst. William Boyd – Part time supply from Millville
1957-61
(more)
Harold Coles – supply 
  (Minotola, Forest Grove, Friendship) (1961 Newtonville discontinued)
1962-64
(more)
Joseph A. Kickasola – Student supply.
1965-69
(more)
Louis KickasolaLouis Kickasola – supply pastor (Father of Joseph A.)
1968 Forest Grove discontinued.
1969 Assistant Carl Vaughn.
1970-74½ Charles Rumont SweetenCharles Rumont Sweeten (1894 Cam.-1988 Cin.). 1916 m. Sarah Blose ( 2 ch.) On trial 1923.
  (Friendship alone)
1974½-78½ Evan Chester PedrickEvan Chester Pedrick (1910 Hdvl.-1979 Nfld./Fdsp.). Was converted at Friendship at age 11. 1930 m. Ruth Howell. First supply Centre Grove 1930.
1978½-90
(more)
Milton S. CollinsMilton S. Collins. Served full-time 1949-78 (d. 1998).
1991 Clyde A. Phillips – Local Preacher 1967 Nfld. Willow Grove 1970-76.
1991½-93 John B. Mitchell, Jr.– Local Preacher with Newfield UMC. Retired from Bell Telephone.
1994 William G. Chew – Local Preacher. Married to Ann (2 ch.). Also serving Elwood UMC.
1995-97
(more)
Charles R. Gebhardt – Local Preacher. Married to Sally. Retired from AT&T.
1998
(more)
Howard L. CassadayHoward L. Cassaday (b.1924 Bgtn.) 1948 m. Grace Rathbone. 1961 part-time pastor. 1969 Student Pastor. 1989 retired.


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