Grace Bible Baptist Church - Shamong Twp., NJ
N 39° 44.477 W 074° 43.351
18S E 523775 N 4399079
Originally called the Atsion Church and located in Atsion (now a ghost town), this church was first constructed in 1828 after being deeded by Samuel Richards to various church trustees in 1826.
Waymark Code: WM31KQ
Location: New Jersey, United States
Date Posted: 01/26/2008
Views: 23
The village 0f Atsion, in the Wharton State Forest, barely appears on maps anymore, but in the last century it was the site of a thriving iron furnace (as well as other businesses). A few hundred yards in from the highway, off a dirt road (Quaker Bridge Road) you can find this church which has been occupied by many religious denominations. It was once called the Richards Church and then the Free Union Church. It was built in 1828, probably by the proprietor of the furnace, about the time it was organized. Services are still held, and it is now known as the Grace Bible Church. The church is said to have burned in 1869 and rebuilt soon after. I personally counted 197 head stones, some dating as far back as the 1830s.
A small vestibule has been added to the front, and the whole encased in aluminum, but in line and scale, it is not so different than it would have appeared to a passerby one hundred fifty years ago.
Nearby is an abandoned one-room school building (a great example of a typical 1880s school house), the Atsion Mansion, the Atsion general store, barn and various other structures. There was actually an older church and graveyard some where back in the woods near the old railroad tracks. Many a diverse source claim it to be in one place or another. I think this information would make a nice addition to this waymark so expect an update when the weather warms and I can get back out there to investigate these claims.
The listed coordinates were taken at the front entrance to the church. This church is located in the beginnings of Quaker Bridge Road (across from Atsion Lake) off of Route 206, in Shamong Twp., NJ. There is a sign at the guard rail so you cannot miss the turn. The turn off Route 206 is located at: N 39° 44.482 W 074° 43.565. it is two wheel drive accessible.
Church Name: Grace Bible Baptist Church
Church In Use (even only just occassionally): yes
Date Church Built: 1828
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