A Brief History of Tabernacle UMC

Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Erma, NJ is believed to be the oldest Methodist charge in Cape May County. Tabernacle celebrated their
200th Anniversary on Sept. 21, 2003 which was an event of historical significance.
The year 2022 will mark Tabernacle’s 219th Anniversary.


 

The following highlights of Tabernacle’s history are taken from a series
of articles written by Karl A. Dickinson, former curator
of the Cape May County Museum:

 

Two years later, the first class was organized and held in Woolson’s home. 
By 1789, the class was called Tabernacle Church and area families were
becoming members.  In 1803, the first Tabernacle Church edifice was built.
Memucan Hughes, a descendant of the pilgrim, John Howland,
gave the land upon which it was built.  The church traditionally

recognizes this first church building as the beginning of

the charge known as Tabernacle, Erma.

 

The incorporation of Tabernacle Church is recorded in the
Cape May County Clerk’s office, dated March 22, 1823. In 1862,
Tabernacle Church became a station, and the

Rev. Edward Hicks Durell was assigned here as the pastor.

 

In the time of Tabernacle’s existence, the church has been housed in
five different buildings.  As of 2021, 48 pastors have served the

congregation at Tabernacle United Methodist Church.

 

  Our Mission & Purpose

Tabernacle United Methodist Church is dedicated to developing fully
devoted followers of Jesus Christ by changing lives, transforming
the community, and renewing the Church.

 

Our Church Staff... 

      Church Pastor

     Robert L. Strauss

My personal mission is to be a faithful follower of Jesus; to love and care for myself and my family; to be a witness to God's love through words and actions; to help others reach their full potential; and, to enjoy life and have fun.  I enjoy spending time with family, traveling, walking on the beach, and all things aviation.








The Front Office



Margie Katity, Church Secretary & Treasurer
Margie was raised in Lower Township, NJ and returned to her hometown with her family in 1997 after her husband retired from the Navy.  She has over 30 yrs of secretarial experience, many of which were worked in Christian Schools in West Virginia and New Jersey.  She resides with her family in Swainton, NJ and enjoys gardening, knitting, spending time with her family, and taking care of her chickens! 
Her favorite verses are, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you"      (I Thes 5:18) and ...  "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine" (Prov. 17:22a).

The Custodial Department




Mr. Dave Harrison, Church Custodian
Keeping everything clean, neat and tidy around "the Tabernacle" is an important job and Dave takes it very seriously (but with great joy, too).  We thank Dave for his dedication.  
"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.   
You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.   
Enter into the joy of your master."      
-Matthew 25:21



   How to Contact Us:

 Tabernacle United Methodist Church ("Erma Tabernacle")

702 Seashore Road - Erma,
Cape May, NJ  08204 *
* In Erma, Lower Township NJ, but with a Cape May ZIP Code
PHONE:  (609) 884-3574      EMAIL:  tumcoffice@comcast. net
Our Sanctuary is Handicap Accessible with a new ramp on
 the north side of the church.
Please park behind the church for easier access to the ramp.

To receive Hearing Assistance, headphones are available
 from the sound booth in the rear of the Sanctuary.