Our History
The Leonia United Methodist Church originated in February of 1890 as cottage prayer meetings in the Old Lyceum Hall on Central Avenue, which is now Ft. Lee Road. A month later on March 28, 1890 the church was formally incorporated with the election of a presiding elder and five trustees. The first pastor began his duties in April 1890 and the First Quarterly Conference was held June 11, 1891. Ground was broken for a church building on Harrison Street, and it was erected and dedicated on October 21, 1894. On July 1, 1912 the present site on Woodridge Place was purchased and a new larger building was dedicated on May 16, 1915.
The Early History of Leonia United Methodist Church (1890-1958)
1890 The Leonia Methodist Church was incorporated under the laws of New Jersey, preceded by cottage prayer meetings, a canvass of those in the community in interested in establishing a local Methodist church, and meetings held in the Leonia Lyceum, on Central Avenue, west of Grand.
1894 Ground was broken for a church building at
the corner of Harrison and Kingsley Streets, with
dedication of the building on October 21. St . John's
School now stands on the site.
1912-1913 A new church site was chosen on Woodridge Place, with contracts signed in November, 1913. The structure was to cost $30,800, not including plumbing, glass and grading. The old church was sold to the Carmelite Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church for $3,800. Until their new church was ready for occupancy, the Methodist congregation worshipped in the Leonia Grammar School auditorium.
1915 The Wodridge Place church was occupied, with dedication on May 16. The Tifany windows on the east wall of the present church were the gift of the Shed family. The tower entrance window was presented by the Excelsior Circle. The congregation numbered 154.
1919 A three-manual Austin - and later, the chimes - were anonymous gifts to the church.
1930 The parsonage on Sylvan Avenue was conveyed to the church at the cost of $9,750.
1937 "The Nativity," painted by Charles S. Chapman, N.A. of Leonia, was placed and "Another Commandment," now in Tyson Hall, was refinished. Both were anonymous gifts.
1939 The large children, stained-glass windows, representing the blessing of the in the nave of the church was made possible by anonymous givers.
1940 Several women's organizations in the church were combined the Women's Society of Christian Service. The Baptismal font in present use was presented to the church by Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Van Zandt.
1943 The hedge around the front driveway, a gift of Dr. B. T. Butler, was the beginning of the landscaping of the church property.
1946 The mortgage on the Woodridge Place church was burned on May 12.
1949 Tower Topics was started, and has been continuously published from that time.
1955-1956 The addition to the original Woodridge Place church was built, providing the present chancel in the sanctuary, the church office space, and additional church school facilities.
1956 Paintings of key events in the life of John Wesley by Lynd Ward were presented to the church by the artist and his wife, May McNeer Ward.
1957-1958 A year of thanksgiving for the expanded 1985 celebrated. Membership at that time stood at 587 persons.
1894 Ground was broken for a church building at
the corner of Harrison and Kingsley Streets, with
dedication of the building on October 21. St . John's
School now stands on the site.
1912-1913 A new church site was chosen on Woodridge Place, with contracts signed in November, 1913. The structure was to cost $30,800, not including plumbing, glass and grading. The old church was sold to the Carmelite Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church for $3,800. Until their new church was ready for occupancy, the Methodist congregation worshipped in the Leonia Grammar School auditorium.
1915 The Wodridge Place church was occupied, with dedication on May 16. The Tifany windows on the east wall of the present church were the gift of the Shed family. The tower entrance window was presented by the Excelsior Circle. The congregation numbered 154.
1919 A three-manual Austin - and later, the chimes - were anonymous gifts to the church.
1930 The parsonage on Sylvan Avenue was conveyed to the church at the cost of $9,750.
1937 "The Nativity," painted by Charles S. Chapman, N.A. of Leonia, was placed and "Another Commandment," now in Tyson Hall, was refinished. Both were anonymous gifts.
1939 The large children, stained-glass windows, representing the blessing of the in the nave of the church was made possible by anonymous givers.
1940 Several women's organizations in the church were combined the Women's Society of Christian Service. The Baptismal font in present use was presented to the church by Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Van Zandt.
1943 The hedge around the front driveway, a gift of Dr. B. T. Butler, was the beginning of the landscaping of the church property.
1946 The mortgage on the Woodridge Place church was burned on May 12.
1949 Tower Topics was started, and has been continuously published from that time.
1955-1956 The addition to the original Woodridge Place church was built, providing the present chancel in the sanctuary, the church office space, and additional church school facilities.
1956 Paintings of key events in the life of John Wesley by Lynd Ward were presented to the church by the artist and his wife, May McNeer Ward.
1957-1958 A year of thanksgiving for the expanded 1985 celebrated. Membership at that time stood at 587 persons.
Where we are now...
Today at Leonia United Methodist Church, you’ll find a diverse and welcoming community growing together in faith. We believe God’s word is for everyone and comes alive in each heart. Whether through Sunday services, Thursday Bible studies, or our monthly Renovation Worship nights, we strive to keep a genuine passion for Jesus at the center of all we do. Our prayer is that your time with us will inspire and draw you closer to Christ.
