History
Origins
The Sea Bright area was purchased from The Lenape people in the 1600’s. Known for its bountiful fishing; it later attracted skilled Swedish and Norwegian fishing families who settled the area by the mid 1800’s.
As people of deep and abiding faith, they began meeting for worship on the beach as early as 1840; sometimes gathering 200 or more people. Responding to the need of organizing a church community, in 1865, they established Sea Bright United Methodist Church. The congregation affectionately called themselves, The Church of the Fisherman.
Sea Bright's "Great Fire" of 1891
Sea Bright’s “Great Fire” of 1891 consumed hundreds of homes as well as, the original Sea Bright United Methodist Church building but, not the spirit of the Sea Bright people. (Add History of Sea Bright Fire link here) Steadfast in spirit, in 1892, the congregation worked with Bigelow and Cubberly to build a new church building and parsonage.
The building we know today as Sea Bright United Methodist Church, was built in 1889. The signature red brick was used to stand strong through fire, Nor’easters and hurricanes; as it did during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. It was designed by William B. Bigelow and built by A.P. Cubberly, of Long Branch.
Our congregation has been responding to the spiritual needs of our community ever since; over 150 years.
Uniquely Sea Bright UMC
Pipe Organ
The pipe organ behind the altar at the Sea Bright United Methodist Church was donated in 1893, right after the fire, by Mr. E.S. Nesbitt, the great-grandfather of the Music Director George Finegan.
Mr. Nesbitt was once a post-master of Sea Bright, a local plumber and eventually a banker in Long Branch.
“My great-grandfather, E.S. Nesbitt, bought this organ for $750, which was two years’ pay for the average worker back in 1893”, said lay leader George Finegan. “Today it would cost between $150,000 and $170,000”.
– excerpted from an article by Robin Keats, Asbury Park Press of May 2, 2002.
The pipe organ was built by C.S.Haskel of Philadelphia.
Stained Glass Window
The beautiful stained glass window that adorns our sanctuary was donated, right after the fire, by Mrs. Clinton B. Fisk, in memory of her husband, General Clinton B. Fisk (1828-1890), a Union Civil War General.
Prior to his death, General and Mrs. Clinton helped to finance the present Church construction. General Fisk was an Abolotionist who also funded the construction of Fisk Chapel in Fair Haven around 1885. Fisk University is also named after the General.
Spire
When you look up at the spire of the Sea Bright United Methodist Church, you’ll see the familiar Cross and Flame; the insignia of the United Methodist Church. The red flame represents the fire of The Holy Spirit and the cross is the symbol of the Risen Christ.
Whenever you see the Cross and Flame
You are welcome with Open Hearts, Open Arms, Open Doors!