Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church is a sandstone building with a rectangular form and two stories located in Springtown. A belfry was added to the structure in 1885, positioning it near the Cohansey River.

The congregation began in 1810 as the African Methodist Society in Greenwich Township, with the current building constructed between 1838 and 1841. This development reflected the growth of African Methodist presence in the region.

The congregation served as a gathering place where African Americans practiced their faith and found community support. Members used the space to strengthen their bonds and pass down their religious traditions.

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and can be viewed from the exterior. Visitors should check beforehand if interior access or guided tours are available at specific times.

Richard Allen, a founding leader of American Methodism, preached at this location, making it the earliest African Methodist Episcopal congregation in New Jersey. This connection highlights its role in the emergence of this important religious movement.

Location: Cumberland County

Inception: 1840

Address: 1092 Sheppards Mill Rd, Greenwich, NJ 08323

GPS coordinates: 39.41444,-75.33472

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:24