Our History
Where We've Come From |
Since its inception, Pearson United Methodist Church has served Christ in Hamilton, New Jersey through worship, Christian witness, and service. In 1857, residents of the White Horse community (originally known as Pearsonville) elected trustees to accept land given to Mary Hopkinson, descendant of Robert Pearson. Pearson had come from England in 1680 and purchased land extending from Crosswicks Creek to what is now Hamilton Square. He and his family are buried in the church graveyard. Upon incorporation, the church was known as Mary's Chapel, Pearsonville. It is sometimes still referred to as Pearsonville Church.
The original sanctuary, built in 1859, was replaced by the present sanctuary in 1927. Pearson's pipe organ, an I.W. Steere and Son Tracker organ with 1,494 pipes, was originally built in 1893, and was salvaged and rebuilt and enlarged at Pearson in 1973. As the church grew, more space was needed. In 1956, an additional wing, housing Willey Hall, the kitchen, and several classrooms was constructed. A new parsonage/office was added in 1968. Pearson continues to strive towards bringing all people into God's house to accept Christ as Savior, and to being a Christian witness in the community in service to others. |