Trinity’s roots are established prior to 1853, when the Methodist

1. WORLD TIMELINE In the early 1850s, Harriet Tubman becomes an Official conductor on the Underground Railroad, the City of Los Angeles is founded, and Vincent Van Gogh is born. AT TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH… Trinity’s roots are established prior to 1853, when the Methodist Episcopal Society of South Amboy initially meets in the homes of its Members. Then, Mrs. Maria Stevens allows the society to worship in the Stevens Chapel on the corner of Main Street and Broadway. Meetings are led by Circuit Riders of the Cheesequake area.

2. WORLD TIMELINE In the mid-1850s, an earthquake hits New Zealand, the Suez Canal opens, and Florence Nightingale founds modern nursing in the Crimea. AT TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH… Membership grows, allowing the church to purchase a lot on Broadway from John and Mary Parisen. A new church is built on this site and dedicated on November 16, 1854 by Bishop Edmund S. James. In 1855, the church merges with another area congregation.

3. WORLD TIMELINE In the 1860s, the American Civil War is fought, the London Underground begins operation, and the International Red Cross is founded. AT TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH… The first baptism is performed on April 18, 1863 and the first marriage on Christmas Day, 1865. In 1866, there is a rift in the church and the Calvary Methodist Church of South Amboy is founded. In 1868, a parsonage is built on George Street, with Rev. Joseph Miccle the first resident.

4. WORLD TIMELINE In the last quarter of the 19th century, the telephone is patented, the first Groundhog Day is celebrated in Punxsutawney, PA, and the cornerstone is laid for the Statue of Liberty. AT TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH… The church grows. A Ladies Aid Society is formed in 1875-1876. In the 1882, a new parsonage is built. In the 1890s, since noise from local trains is interrupting services, a chapel is built in Mechanicsville, the Broadway church is sold for $3000, and plans are made for a new church.

5. WORLD TIMELINE At the turn of the century, the Spanish-American War is fought, the Wright Brothers make the first airplane flight, and the New York Newsboys go on strike. AT TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH… The John Street Church is built on lots sold to the church for $700 by church member Albert Roll; Mrs. Wm. M. Emmons digs the first spadeful of earth for the church. A parsonage is also built on John Street in 1899.

6. WORLD TIMELINE In the early 1900s, the Boy Scouts are founded by Arthur Baden-Powell, women compete in the Olympics for the first time, and Halley’s Comet is sited. AT TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH… In 1904, the Junior League is formed, and much-needed cash is earned with a ‘dollar roll’. The Mechanicsville chapel is sold in 1904. In 1906, an official Board is formed, and the church mortgage is burned. The first marriage in the John Street Church, Arthur Applegate to Adelaide Thompson, is celebrated in 1910. A Midmer Pipe Organ is installed in 1911.

7. WORLD TIMELINE In 1918, World War I is being fought. Just 39 days before it ends, an explosion at the T.A. Gillespie Co. Munitions Yard in Morgan begins at 7:30pm on October 4, 1918; over 31 million pounds of explosives go off and devastate the South Amboy area. Nearly 100 people die as a direct result of the blast. Thousands are left homeless and become ill as a result of living outdoors; 300 of them die in the outbreak of Spanish Flu that follows. AT TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH… The church is used by the Red Cross to feed and shelter hundreds of explosion victims. Rev. Shaw buries the dead and visits the sick, and eventually falls ill from Spanish Flu himself; services are discontinued temporarily. The church and parsonage are badly damaged; the government gives $6000 toward repairs for the church, and 50 church members pay the remaining $2000 in costs.

8. WORLD TIMELINE In the 1930s and 40s, World War II is fought, Martha Stuart is born, and Teflon is accidentally discovered at a Dupont plant. AT TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH… In 1936, the Junior Choir is formed and the Emmons Plaque is dedicated. The Epworth League is active in the 30s- 40s; shows and banquets take place at the church. On November 5, 1944, a Service Board for the 55 members in the armed services is dedicated. In 1946, a set of Carillonette chimes and bell tower carillon is given to the church by Mr. Strusholm, but they are destroyed along with the church and parsonage in the May 18, 1950 explosion on the PRR.

9. WORLD TIMELINE In the postwar years, rock and roll is born, Mickey Mantle retires, and a man walks on the moon. AT TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH… In April, 1963, Cavalry Church reunites with us to form the Methodist Church of South Amboy. In 1966, the church purchases 10 acres for relocation from the Parkway Authority for $2500. Ground is broken by Mrs. I.V.P. Selover and Mrs. Bertha Stratton, members since 1891, in Feb.,1968. The cornerstone is laid Sept. 22, 1968; a transition service is held Dec.15, 1968. In 1981, Cliffwood Church joins us. Under Rev. Anne Roth, our name is changed to Trinity United Methodist Church, one church born of three. The Little Church in the Woods is born!

10. WORLD TIMELINE In 2006, many Americans live in two-paycheck households; the cost of living is high, home prices are astronomical, and gasoline approaches $3 a gallon. AT TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH… Trinity’s Golden Rule Christian School, named by Almeda Gaul and started under Rev. Victor Franco, continues its tradition of offering quality, affordable child care to the community. Trinity’s ‘Trash to Treasures’ Thrift Shop opens on April 1, 2006, offering bargains for everyone. Trinity United Methodist Church moves with the times in order to serve God and the community!