Morristown in Morris County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Bethel Church of Morristown

Our Congregation

— Bishop Willis Nazery —

Photographed by Kevin W., July 9, 2024

1. Bishop Willis Nazery Marker

Inscription. In 1874, the first church built at this location cost about $3,000.00. Gifts from Mrs. George T. (Mary Anne) Cobb of pews, doors and windows from the Methodist Church (on the Morristown Green) helped in this "great work."
Collections of Bethel AME Church Morristown, NJ

At the close of 1840, due to many disagreements, members of the Presbyterian Church in Morristown voted to separate into the First Presbyterian Church and The Second Congregation of the Presbyterian Church at Morristown. The Second Congregation (1841) was later renamed The South Street Presbyterian Church at Morristown. Some of the African American and Native American members of the Presbyterian Church formed a third congregation, which eventually became the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Morristown in 1843 (the first church established by people of color in Morris County).

Frances Jane Ray, (known as Fannie J.), supported by her husband, Richard Ray, became President of an organizing group called the Bethel Mite Society. Bethel's first church building was completed and dedicated in 1849 with Bishop Paul Quinn officiating, assisted by

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Pastor Thomas Oliver. This first building also served as a schoolhouse for children of color. Bethel enjoyed the strong support of the newly formed Second Congregation of the Presbyterian Church at Morristown and Mary Anne Cobb (wife of George T. Cobb) of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1874, Bethel moved to its current location. Beginning with the Pastorate of Rev. Howard Garcia (1925-1935), the migration of African Americans from the South and immigrants from the Caribbean substantially increased the congregation's membership. Pastor A. Lewis Williams oversaw the construction of the current building in 1971.

Bethel continues to build on its historical relationships with the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches as well as other congregations through annual programs and collaborative efforts to meet the needs of our community.

Bishop Willis Nazery
Born into slavery in 1803, Bishop Willis Nazery became the first pastor of Bethel in 1845. After being elected and consecrated a bishop in New York City in 1852, he immigrated to Canada where he is honored for his work as a conductor for the Underground Railroad.

The photo of Bishop Nazery is identified as the:

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., July 9, 2024

2. Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church Markers

Property of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from digitized version of Scraps of African Methodist Episcopal History by James A. Handy, 1902.

Bethel Mite Society officers and members of African descent and Native American heritage who raised funds to eventually establish their church in 1843:
Mrs. Frances Jane Ray - President
Rebecca Mocassin Huff - Vice President
Mas Emma Willigman - Secretary
Emeline Demond - Treasurer
Members: Eliza Johnson, Rachel Ader, Dinah Halsey, Eliza Alfort, Mary Adams, Mary Emmons, Richard Ray, George Tuat, Charles Thompson

Erected by Bethel Church of Morristown.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1874.

Location. 40° 47.977′ N, 74° 28.75′ W. Marker is in Morristown, New Jersey, in Morris County. It is on Spring Street just north of Bishop Nazery Way, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 59 Spring St, Morristown NJ 07960, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker

Bishop Willis Nazery image. Click for full size.

circa 1894

3. Bishop Willis Nazery

Photo is from the book, "The Story of Methodism Throughout the World," by Ammi Bradford Hyde, published by William Briggs, Toronto, Ontario, in 1894.

is in North Jersey

and in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Bethel Church of Morristown (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Bethel Church of Morristown (here, next to this marker); Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (a few steps from this marker); Continental Army Encampments (within shouting distance of this marker); Ford Family Memorial (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); This Morristown Green (approx. 0.2 miles away); The French are Coming (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Presbyterian Church on the Green (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morristown.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 7, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on August 7, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on July 10, 2024, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3. submitted on August 7, 2026, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.