Our Heritage 

Magnolia Methodist Episcopal Church, orginally located on Scrapetown Road in the Magnolia Community of Pemberton Township, was built in 1871. Like many Methodist Churches, Magnolia was a part of a circuit and for many years, it was a part of the New Lisbon Circuit. The Church closed on several occasions due to the lack of support; however, Rev. Alfonso Dare, President of The New Jersey Methodist Conference Historical Society, discovered the Church and initiated plans for its repair. At that time, the New Jersey Methodist Conference was involved with the restoration of abandoned churches. The Church reopened in 1933.  All went well until February of 1934. February 4, 1934 marked the closing night of two weeks of evangelistic services. Many people came to the altar accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour; approximately two hours after the close of this service, the Church burned to the ground. Everyone in the congregation felt compelled to raise money as quickly as possible for a new church.  Because of a combination of insurance money, fund raising and a generous transfer of land, a new church was built on Magnolia Road. The Church name was changed to Magnolia Road and it was dedicated on September 9, 1934.

---

The Greater New Jersey Conference

The primary focus of our new Annual Conference is to identify, support, train
and nurture effective lay and clergy leaders to strengthen local congregations for ministry in the world. We are in mission and ministry in the name of Christ for the transformation of lives and the redemption of the community;
    that the hurting may be healed,
    that the hungry 
    may be fed,
    that the lost may be found,
    that the Shalom of God may come 
    upon the earth.
Adopted by the Delegates to the Uniting Conference
August 4-6, 2000
Source: The Greater New Jersey Annual Conference Website

---

The United Methodist Church

United Methodists come in all sizes, shapes, colors, dispositions, outlooks and life stories, but share a unique history and faith perspective. Our members speak many languages and live in many countries.

No matter how or where they serve Jesus Christ, United Methodists do God’s work in a unique structure—referred to as “the connection." This concept has been central to Methodism from its beginning. Connectionalism comes to life through our clergy appointment system, our mission and outreach, and through our collective giving.
We live out our call to mission and ministry by engaging in ministry with the poor, combating diseases of poverty by improving health globally, creating new places for new people and renewing existing congregations, and developing principled Christian leaders. No one congregation can do all these ministries, but together—through the power of our connection—we can make a tremendous difference.
Source: "Our Church" UMC Website