Church History

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The Formation and Early Years

Malaga United Methodist Church was founded in 1884 under the guidance of Pastor J.G. Edwards, originally known as the Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was dedicated on October 25th, 1884, with a sermon delivered by Dr. O'Hanlon of Pennington. Before its establishment, early worshippers in the area gathered at Willow Grove Church or Zion Church at Porchtown. In 1857, the Malaga Church Society was formed, meeting in homes and public halls. In 1885, the name was changed to the Malaga Circuit, and a hall donated by the Order of the Sons of Temperance was converted into a temporary church building. By 1884, the new church building was constructed, and the property was secured with the help of the Malaga Glass Manufacturing Company, exchanging the old building for two lots where the church and parsonage now stand.

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Growth, Expansion, and Key Contributions

As the church continued to grow, several important developments took place. In 1921, the Ladies Aid Society raised funds to purchase the property north of the church. Later, in 1966, the Nichols property south of the parsonage was acquired, providing space for parking and room for future expansion. The most significant expansion came in 1967 with the addition of the Church School Building. These efforts ensured that the church could continue to serve its growing community, adapting to the needs of the congregation while honoring its foundational legacy.

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Our Heritage and Continued Mission

Today, Malaga United Methodist Church continues to serve the community just as it has for over 130 years. The church’s mission is rooted in the courage, faith, and dedication of those who built it, as well as the belief that it is the Lord’s will that guides the church’s purpose. Echoing the words of Samuel Wesley’s hymn, "The Church’s One Foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord," the church remains committed to teaching the way of Christ and nurturing the faith of future generations. We honor the efforts of past members, who worked diligently in prayer, service, and generosity, and we continue their mission with the same dedication, ensuring the legacy of faith is passed on to the youth who will lead the Church in the future.

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Address;

91 Old Delsea Drive, Malaga, New Jersey 08328, United States

Phone:

856-694-3060

Email:

wjsproul@comcast.net

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