Our History
Serving God since 1828
The Story of Mendham UMC
The Mendham United Methodist Church has a rich heritage and has been an integral part of the Mendham community for over a 195 years. Founded in 1828 during the Wesleyan Methodist “small group” Community Church Movement in America, MUMC has its roots in this early movement and has always been a small local community church–“Where every one is family!”
As a small church our congregation has a strong connection to each other and the community. Sunday Service feels like home. We share friendship, a natural level of ease, comfort, and encouragement during worship service and fellowship hour. We share our concerns and joys and support each other emotionally and spiritually. We welcome all visitors, families, and new members with genuine open hearts and hospitality.
Historically, MUMC first sermon was preached at the Ralston School House and between 1828-1833 sermons were preached in an open field during the summer months and a member’s home in the winter. The first church was a frame building built in 1883 at the current site. This site was purchased in 1883 along with the adjacent home which is the parsonage. The frame church was sold in 1891 to the then Township of Mendham and moved to be used as a town hall. Later it became the Borough of Mendham Fire House and is still incorporated into the existing fire house as it stands today. The current church building that exists today was built in 1893 in the Richardsonian Romanesque Style. It is a key contributing “protected” historic building in the Borough of Mendham Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
From its beginnings, the Mendham Methodist church has been committed to service to the local community. It has a history of supporting the local community needs and fellow Methodist Churches as well as partnerships with other local church denominations. The MUMC supports local community outreach missions as well as other activities and events through out the year –always willing to help other and share God’s love. It is a member of Mendham Faith Leaders. It annually partners with the Hilltop Presbyterian Church, Lutheran and Episcopal Churches on a joint Lenten Service as well as other programs within the local ecumenical community. The MUMC has always supported other Methodist churches in need throughout its 195-year history. As far back as 1863 the church helped support the Pastor’s wages for the fledgling Walnut Grove Methodist Church and today provides support to the Morris Korean Methodist Church by continuing to provide its pastor housing in the MUMC parsonage.
The Church participates in several outreach missions to help those less fortunate. Members volunteer and assist the Mendham Faith Leaders with the town wide Thanksgiving Food donations for the Interfaith food pantry. The church supports ministries for Seniors, Battered Women, Children, Shoes for the Needy, Victims of Violence and environmental concerns. The Church provides a community wide Clothing Donation and Recycling Shed in its parking lot. It participates in the Mendham Community wide events such as the Mendham Fest, Labor Day Parade Festivities and the Holly Trail offering a free Annual Community Christmas Concert.
From the Archives
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