Church History Highlights

August 17, 17_6	Bishop Francis J. Asbury preached in Dover, "where we had many people at short warning."
1778	Preaching services were first held in Chester by Circuit Riders, first at the Lawrence House, and then at a stone barn, and finally at an old school house in Millbrook a few hundred yards south of the present Millbrook Methodist Church.
July 14, 1838	The Board of Trustees of First Methodist Church in Dover was organized. A church was erected for $1400 where Grace Church now stands on McFarlan Street.
1872	A lot was purchased at the corner of Blackwell and Essex streets. On this lot a Chapel was erected with the cornerstone laying in 1872, present site of the Sunday School building.
1887	A parsonage was built next door to the chapel, but on Blackwell Street.
1907	During the pastorate of Rev. A.P. Richardson the present Sanctuary was erected at an approximate cost of $32000.
1924	During the pastorate of Dr. John G. Lytle the Sunday School building was extended and enlarged, and a well-equipped kitchen installed.
1933 - 1940	During the pastorate of the Rev. Gustave A. Stark, present Pastor-Emeritus, the Church grew and paid off financial obligations, though the Depression was upon us. In 1938 the 100th Anniversary was impressively observed.
1960	During the pastorate of Rev. Lawrence H. Richards, a three point Expansion and Building Plan was approved under the leadership of Col. John P. Harris, Chairman: To erect a new Parsonage, which has been done. To purchase the store next to the Church House for future removal for building expansion, which has been done. To plan a renovation program of the present Sunday School building, to be tied in with a new building fronting on Blackwell Street.
1963	The New Building Expansion Committee Officers Chairman: Byron Cody Ass't Chairman: Duane Miller and Dennis King

This information was taken from a microfilm of the Fist Methodist Church books. This microfilm can be found at the Joint Free Public Library of Morristown and Morris Township, Morristown, N.J.