The Oldest Church in Ocean County, New Jersey

Taking a trip back in time once again here at the Jersey Shore. Folks have really been enjoying learning about local history and seeing the locations. I love getting the camera out and visiting the historical locations we take you too and let’s face it, it is kinda neat seeing all these locations from our past.

This time we are looking for the oldest standing church in Ocean County. I reached out to the Toms River Historical Preservation Commission and asked for some help, identifying the oldest church in Ocean County. So thanks to Doug Hynoski and Mark Mutter for your help :)

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Looking at their info it seems we are going to stay here in Toms River, it was originally known as the Methodist Episcopal Church at Cedar Grove.....the oldest standing church in Ocean County, still serving weekly mass, is the Cedar Grove United Methodist Church in Toms River. The church is nearly 170 years old, originally built in 1853. The church is still open and serving mass on a regular basis. The Cedar Grove United Methodist Church in Toms River is located right on Bay Avenue.

In addition to the church, the Cedar Grove Cemetery also has a lot of history. Originally the Applegate Cemetery dating back to 1800. The cemetery still sits aside the church grounds.

I want to thank everyone who took time to write and mention other historic churches....including the Potter House at Murray Grove and the Quaker Meeting Houses in Barnegat and Little Egg Harbor/Tuckerton. Shout out to SJ Banks who let me know that there is a “portion” of the oldest church in Ocean County in Manahawkin. The former Manahawkin Baptist Church which the current building dates to 1864 contains a portion of the original from circa 1758. Below is a pic I took several years ago of the steeple at the Manahawkin site.

Next time you want to get a look at true Ocean County history, be sure to put the Cedar Grove United Methodist Church and Cemetery on your list .