1926 - 1946

Rev. Edward E. Washburn, father of Helen and Ann, was called to serve in 1926. He was a great Bible teacher and ministered to his people nearly twenty years.

During this time the new church was built. The Building Committee headed by Deacon William Smith met with architect Walter Mayo of Camden. A Gothic-style structure, using local Jersey sandstone, was planned. Contractor Herbert Dodge of Elmer presented a bid of $30,000 to $35,000 and was hired. Mr. Collins offered stone free for the digging from his quarry, 50 perch were quarried, which exhausted his stone. Additional stone was then purchased from Friendship Quarry in Buena at $1.00 per perch, in the ground. This meant it must be quarried by hand, therefore, Dick Hartman and Ed Stillman were hired to dig daily. Pastor Washburn, working side by side with many other members, worked nights, often by lantern light. On Saturdays, families came bringing lunches to lighten the heavy work, making it a picnic for the children who helped all they could.