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-- Religion in New Jersey - History

​(under construction)

- History

​-- Native American beliefs

       The religious history of New Jersey dates back to the early indigenous peoples such as the Lenni Lenape (also known as the Delaware), who practiced their own diverse spiritual traditions which were deeply connected to nature, spiritual beliefs, and communal life. Indigenous peoples' spiritual practices were grounded in animism, the belief that natural objects, animals, and even elements like the sun and moon possessed spiritual essence.

       Their Creator God was called Kishelemukong or Kitanitowit, who was responsible for creating the world and all living things. One Lenape creation legend describes the earth as initially covered with water until a large tortoise raised its back out of the water to form land, from which the first humans emerged. The Lenape believed in the existence of numerous spirits, both good and evil, that inhabited the earth. Their worldview of the influence of nature affected nearly every aspect of their lives, from daily activities like hunting and farming to their ceremonies and rituals. Reflecting a deep reverence for the natural environment, natural landmarks such as rivers, mountains, and forests were often seen as sacred spaces where spiritual power was centered and were used for prayer, rituals, and ceremonies.

-- Colonial settlement

       Unlike some of her fellow colonies founded primarily by a dominant religious faith, the New Jersey colony founded in 1664 attracted diverse settlers including Huguenots, Baptists, and Presbyterians. In some cases, such as the Puritans who migrated to New Jersey from New England and Long Island, seeking greater religious freedom or new economic opportunities they felt were more limited in other colonies. The earliest European settlers in New Jersey were the Dutch, who arrived in the early 1600s as part of the Dutch colony of Nieuw Netherland. They brought with them the Dutch Reformed Church, a branch of Protestant Christianity that followed the teachings of John Calvin. The Dutch Reformed faith emphasized predestination, strict moral discipline, and a close relationship between church and state.

       While the Dutch primarily settled in what is now northern New Jersey, their influence persisted even after the English took control of the colony in 1664. Towns such as Bergen (now Jersey City), Hackensack, and Passaic became centers of Dutch life. The first Dutch Reformed congregations with worship initially conducted in homes or simple meetinghouses. One of the earliest formal churches was the First Reformed Dutch Church of Hackensack, founded in 1686, making it one of the oldest congregations in the state.

- Puritans
        The Puritans were English Protestants who sought to "purify" the Church of England from Catholic influences. They believed in a strict moral code, congregational church governance, and the importance of scripture in daily life. In New Jersey, Puritans were instrumental in establishing towns like Newark (founded in 1666 with its name derived from 'New Ark of the Covenant") as religious communities governed by their faith. However, over time, their influence blended with other Protestant groups.

- Presbyterians
       Presbyterians were another significant religious group in colonial New Jersey, closely related to the Puritans but with a different church structure. Presbyterianism, based on Calvinist doctrine, emphasized governance by elected elders rather than congregational rule. Scottish and Scotch-Irish immigrants played a major role in spreading Presbyterian beliefs throughout New Jersey, particularly in the central and northern regions. Presbyterian missionaries such as David Brainerd also sought to convert Native Americans to Christianity. The first Presbyterian church in the colony was established in Elizabethtown (now Elizabeth) in 1664.

       The College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and Queen’s College (now Rutgers University) were founded in the mid-18th century as products of the Great Awakening, a religious revival that spurred denominational rivalry for educational influence. Princeton was established in 1746 by "New Light" Presbyterians to train ministers, while Rutgers was chartered in 1766 by Dutch Reformed leaders, at least partially in response to the prior founding of the Presbyterian-dominated college which would become Princeton University. 

-- The College of New Jersey (1746)

• Founders: Founded by New Light Presbyterians, including Jonathan Dickinson and Aaron Burr Sr., who were active in the Great Awakening.
• Influence: As a “child of the Awakening,” its primary goal was to create a seminary that promoted evangelical fervor, serving the Presbyterian Church in New Jersey and beyond.
• Purpose: It was designed as a center of religious piety and academic rigor, despite having a largely non-sectarian charter in practice. 
  Princetoniana Museum +4

-- Queen’s College (1766)

• Founders: Led by Dutch Reformed Church ministers and elders, notably followers of Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen.
• Rivalry: The founding was a response to the need for a specifically Dutch Reformed institution to compete with existing colonial colleges like Yale and Princeton, ensuring the Dutch church remained relevant in the colonies.
• Purpose: The charter sought to educate youth in the learned languages, liberal arts, and theology to combat the loss of ministers and the assimilation of the Dutch community. 

- Quakers
The Quakers, or the Religious Society of Friends, were one of the most influential religious groups in early New Jersey, particularly in the western part of the colony. Quakers believed in the inner light of God within every person, rejecting formal clergy, sacraments, and violence. They practiced religious tolerance, pacifism, and equality, which set them apart from many other Christian groups of the time.

The Quakers played a significant role in shaping New Jersey’s policies on religious freedom and fair treatment of Indigenous peoples, with some prominent Quakers believing that Native Americans, like the Lenni-Lenape of New Jersey, may have descended from the Lost Tribe of Israel . The colony’s early proprietors, including William Penn and other Quakers, encouraged religious diversity and tolerance, making New Jersey one of the most religiously diverse colonies in America.

After the Revolution, Quaker influence would continue in New Jersey, and in later years the faith's strong stand advocating the abolition of slavery would lead to Quakers providing havens in towns like Willingboro and Princeton for fugitive slaves escaping from the South. Perhaps the most prominent Quaker in the abolitionist movement was John Woolman, born into the farming family near Mount Holly in 1720, who spent much of his time traveling in the South and wrote influential essays against the holding of slaves which led to the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting publishing their own anti-slavery paper arguing against the buying and keeping of slaves.  

- Catholics
Catholics first arrived in New Jersey during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, though in much smaller numbers than Protestants. Many were of Irish, German, or French descent, and some were Catholics who originally settled in other colonies but came to New Jersey seeking new opportunities.

Since New Jersey was originally part of the Dutch and later English colonial systems, both of which were predominantly Protestant, Catholics did not form a major population group but still maintained a presence. Unlike the Quakers, Puritans, and Presbyterians, who built formal churches and communities early on, Catholics in colonial New Jersey lacked the freedom and resources to establish churches, often worshiping in private homes or traveling to nearby Pennsylvania or Maryland, where Catholicism was more tolerated.

Priests from Pennsylvania, particularly from Philadelphia, would sometimes travel to minister to Catholic families scattered across New Jersey. The American Revolution and the assistance of Catholic French troops helped ease anti-Catholic sentiment, leading to a more accepting environment for Catholics.

- Religious Tolerance in Colonial New Jersey
Unlike some other colonies that enforced strict religious conformity, New Jersey became known for its religious tolerance. The Concessions and Agreements of 1665, a document written to attract settlers, guaranteed freedom of religion, allowing different faiths to coexist. This policy made New Jersey a haven for persecuted religious groups from Europe, contributing to its diverse population.

-  Catholicism:

As of 2020, the Catholic Church remains the largest religious denomination in New Jersey, with approximately 2,971,461 adherents across 673 congregations, accounting for about 31.9% of the state's population.

The presence of Catholicism in New Jersey dates back to the 17th century. In 1672, Jesuit priests Fathers Harvey and Gage visited Woodbridge and Elizabethtown to minister to local Catholics. Despite these early efforts, Catholics faced considerable suspicion and legal restrictions. Notably, in 1668, William Douglass, a Catholic elected to represent Bergen County, was denied his seat in the General Assembly of the colony due to his faith. By 1691, anti-Catholic laws were enacted in both New York and New Jersey, reflecting the prevailing bigotry of the time. The Penal Laws, derived from British colonial policies, limited the religious freedoms of Catholics, including restrictions on holding public office and openly practicing their faith.Despite these barriers, Catholic immigrants—primarily from Ireland, Germany, and later Italy and Poland—continued to settle in New Jersey.

The 18th century saw gradual growth in the Catholic community. In 1744, Father Theodore Schneider, a Jesuit, ministered to Catholic ironworkers in southern New Jersey, often traveling under the guise of "Doctor Schneider" due to the dangers associated with his ministry. The American Revolution and the assistance of Catholic French troops helped reduce anti-Catholic sentiment, leading to a more accepting environment for Catholics in the new nation.

The 19th century marked significant organizational development for the Church in New Jersey. In 1853, the Diocese of Newark was established, encompassing the entire state. As the Catholic population grew, the Diocese of Trenton was created in 1881 to serve the southern regions. This period also saw an influx of Irish, German, Italian, and Eastern European immigrants, further bolstering the Catholic community and leading to the establishment of numerous parishes and schools.

In 1856, three years after the Diocese of Newark had been established by Pope Pius IX in 1853, Seton Hall University (then named Seton Hall College) was founded by Bishop James Roosevelt Bayley, (a cousin of James Roosevelt I, father of president Franklin Roosevelt) and named after Bayley's aunt, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. Seton Hall is now the oldest diocesan university in the United States.

In recent years, the Catholic church has faced challenges similar to those impacting  Catholic communities nationwide, including declining attendance, shifts in demographic patterns and reports of sexual abuse by priests. In New Jersey, the controversy was highlighted by disclosures that Theodore Edgar McCarrick, who served as Archbishop of Newark from 1986 to 2000 and as Archbishop of Washington from 2001 to 2006, had engaged in sexual misconduct with adult male seminarians for decades which led to his being defrocked in 2019 after his conviction of sexual misconduct in a canonical trial. In 2025, Seton Hall University also was engaged in litigation initiated by its former President Joseph Nyre, who led the University  from 2019 to 2023, which included allegations that the university’s current president appointed in 2024, Monsignor Joseph Reilly, had failed to report incidents of sexual abuse while serving earlier in a senior administrative post at the school.

---Religious communities 

New Jersey’s religious landscape also was shaped by 19th-century Methodist camp meetings, which established "sanctified" seaside resorts like Ocean Grove and Ocean City, and 17th-century Quaker, Baptist, and Presbyterian settlers who defined southern regions. These communities were designed for religious retreat, prohibiting alcohol and fostering strict moral codes, while early colonial diversity drove religious pluralism. 

Religious Resort Communities

• Ocean Grove: Founded in 1869 by Methodist ministers as a Methodist camp meeting site, Ocean Grove is known as the "Queen of Religious Resorts". The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association created a strict, planned Victorian town designed for "religion and recreation". It remains notable for its continued operation of the Great Auditorium and strict prohibitions of the era, such as restricting beach activity on Sunday mornings.
• Ocean City: Established in 1879 by four Methodist ministers—Ezra B. Lake, James Lake, S. Wesley Lake, and William Burrell—as a "Christian seaside resort". The founders sought a clean, quiet, and family-friendly alternative to secular shore towns, prohibiting the sale of alcohol within city limits, a restriction that survives to this day.
  
• Cape May County: By 1720, Cape May was characterized by a distinct demographic split that mirrored the colony's sectarian divisions: Quakers in the north, Baptists in the center, and Presbyterians in the south.
  
• Pinelands Towns: Early religious development included Quakers and other groups establishing quiet meeting houses and farms in the region, focusing on, pacifism, and community-driven, often secluded, living, which contrasted sharply with the later, public-facing Methodist resorts. 
  Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association +7

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Image: Wikipedia/Bestbudbrian, CC BY-SA 4.0

- History of Major Existing Churches in New Jersey

    Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart built over 55-year period beginning in 1899 on highest hill in Newark next to Branch Brook Park, French Gothic Cathedral covers 40,000 square feet,  current edifice dedicated in 1954.  Seat of the Archdiocese of Newark, fifth-largest cathedral in North America, Both a national and state historical landmark, massive bronze doors imported from Rome, altar of Italian marble, five former bishops of Newark are buried in Cathedral crypt.

    The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson was established in 1821 and serves as the seat of the Diocese of Paterson. The church’s current structure, completed in 1950, is an example of modern Gothic Revival architecture.

    Established in 1827, the First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford is one of the significant Protestant churches in New Jersey. Its building, a classic example of colonial American architecture..

    Trinity Episcopal Church in Asbury Park, founded in 1849, with church building completed in 19th century with Gothic Revival architecture.

    The Church of St. Anne in Jersey City was founded in 1853 is one of the major Catholic churches in the state, with the current church building constructed in the early 20th century.


- Current trends

As of the most recent data, New Jersey remains a religiously diverse state. According to the Pew Research Center’s 2020 Religious Landscape Study, the distribution of religious affiliations in New Jersey is as follows:

    - Christianity (approximately 60% of the population): Christianity remains the dominant religion in New Jersey. Within this broad category, the largest groups are Roman Catholics, followed by Protestant denominations. The Catholic population, representing around 35-40% of the state's religious demographics, is reflective of New Jersey's large Catholic immigrant communities from Italy, Ireland, and Poland. Protestant Christianity in New Jersey is more fragmented, with significant populations of Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians, although none of these denominations constitute a majority.

      -  Catholicism:

As of 2020, the Catholic Church remains the largest religious denomination in New Jersey, with approximately 2,971,461 adherents across 673 congregations, accounting for about 31.9% of the state's population.

The presence of Catholicism in New Jersey dates back to the 17th century. In 1672, Jesuit priests Fathers Harvey and Gage visited Woodbridge and Elizabethtown to minister to local Catholics. Despite these early efforts, Catholics faced considerable suspicion and legal restrictions. Notably, in 1668, William Douglass, a Catholic elected to represent Bergen County, was denied his seat in the General Assembly due to his faith. By 1691, anti-Catholic laws were enacted in both New York and New Jersey, reflecting the prevailing bigotry of the time.

The 18th century saw gradual growth in the Catholic community. In 1744, Father Theodore Schneider, a Jesuit, ministered to Catholic ironworkers in southern New Jersey, often traveling under the guise of "Doctor Schneider" due to the dangers associated with his ministry. The American Revolution and the assistance of Catholic French troops helped ease anti-Catholic sentiment, leading to a more accepting environment for Catholics.

The first Catholic church in New Jersey was St. John’s Church in Trenton established in 1814. . This period also saw an influx of Irish, German, Italian, and Eastern European immigrants, further bolstering the Catholic community and leading to the establishment of numerous parishes and schools. As the Catholic population grew, more parishes were established, and in 1829 St. Peter’s Church in Jersey City was founded. St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, established in 1850, also played a central role in the Catholic community’s development. In 1853, the Diocese of Newark was established, encompassing the entire state. As the Catholic population grew, the Diocese of Trenton was created in 1881 to serve the southern regions followed by creation of additional regional dioceses.

Today, New Jersey's Catholic community is organized into the following dioceses:

Archdiocese of Newark: Serving Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties, it has a Catholic population of approximately one million across 212 parishes.

Diocese of Trenton: Covering Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, it ministers to about 640,000 Catholics in 97 parishes.

Diocese of Camden: Encompassing the southern counties, it serves around 304,999 Catholics across 62 parishes.

Diocese of Paterson: Serving Passaic, Morris, and Sussex counties, it has a Catholic population of 420,000 in 107 parishes.

Diocese of Metuchen: Covering Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren counties, it ministers to approximately 662,256 Catholics in 90 parishes.

Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic: Serving Byzantine Rite Catholics, it has about 8,200 members in 83 parishes.


Despite these challenges, Catholic immigrants—primarily from Ireland, Germany, and later Italy and Poland—continued to settle in New Jersey. They sought religious freedom and economic opportunity, contributing to the growth of Catholic communities. The state's growing industrial centers, such as Newark, Paterson, and Jersey City, became hubs for Catholic immigrants seeking work in factories and on the railroads.

The first Catholic church in New Jersey was St. John’s Church in Trenton established in 1814. As the Catholic population grew, more parishes were established to serve the faithful. In 1829, St. Peter’s Church in Jersey City was founded, becoming one of the most prominent Catholic parishes in the state. St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, established in 1850, also played a central role in the Catholic community’s development.​Historically, Catholicism has had a significant impact on New Jersey’s culture and institutions, especially in education and healthcare. Catholicism remains the largest single religious group in the state, despite a trend of decline in religious affiliation in the United States overall.

      -  Protestantism: While Protestant denominations are diverse in New Jersey, no single group predominates. Baptists and Methodists form the largest Protestant subgroups. Other denominations, such as Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Lutherans, also have significant communities. The growth of evangelical Protestant churches, particularly in suburban areas, has contributed to the evolving landscape.

---

The religious composition of the United States has been fairly stable in half a dozen Pew Research Center surveys conducted since 2020. The Christian share of the adult population has been between 60% and 64% in these surveys, while the religiously unaffiliated share has ranged from 28% to 31%. Adherents of religions other than Christianity have consistently accounted for 6% or 7% of U.S. adults throughout this period.

Over the longer term, however, Christians have been declining as a percentage of the U.S. adult population, while the share that is religiously unaffiliated has been rising.

(For an extended discussion of what explains the short-term stability in American religion amid a longer-term decline, refer to this report’s Overview.)

This chapter draws on the 2007, 2014 and 2023-24 Religious Landscape Studies to summarize the long-term trends in Americans’ religious identities.
​
The data shows that the Christian share of the population has declined across many demographic groups. Compared with 2007, the percentage of people who describe themselves as Christians is lower among men and women; college graduates and those with less education; all racial and ethnic groups large enough to analyze; all age groups; and all geographic sectors of the country.

The picture is reversed for the religiously unaffiliated – a group sometimes referred to as religious “nones.” The “nones” are made up of U.S. adults who describe themselves as atheists, agnostics or “nothing in particular” when asked about their religion. The ranks of “nones” have grown among men and women, married and unmarried people; college graduates and people with less education; all large racial and ethnic groups; all age groups; and in all regions of the country.

.
New Jersey is the second most Catholic state in the country by percentage (behind only Louisiana), with 40% of the population identifying as Catholic and has the second-largest Jewish population by percentage after New York, with about 6% of the state's population identifying as Jewish. It also has the third largest estimated Muslim population by percentage in the nation at 3.6% (behind only Illinois and New York), the number of Muslims doubling to more than 321,000 between the 2010 and 2020 Censuses The state also has seen significant growth in its Hindu community, with a 112% increase from 2010 to more than 100,000 adherents in the 2020 Census. The state ranks 25th in terms of religious population percentage among all states, with half of New Jersey's population considered religious. About 18% of New Jersey's population is unaffiliated with any religion (atheist; agnostic; nothing or don't know), according to the 2021 Religious Landscape Study of the Pew Research Center.​.

Growing percentages within the state of Immigrant communities also are shaping religious trends, with the he South Asian, Middle Eastern, and African communities influencing the religious landscape with increasing proportions of those following Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.

According to a survey released in 2017 by the Pew Research Center, some seven in ten New Jersey residents say they believe in a god or a higher power, but only 55% say they are absolutely certain of god’s existence. About one-fourth of residents express doubt or uncertainty about god’s existence, and a growing percentage of people identify as agnostic or atheist. Reasons cited for the decline in belief in god and organized religion include higher levels of education and scientific literacy; cultural emphasis on individualism and personal freedom; and the impact of religious scandals, such as sexual abuse involving the Catholic Church.
2023-24 Religious Landscape Study, Pew Research Center
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/02/26/decline-of-christianity-in-the-us-has-slowed-may-have-leveled-off/

* New Jersey Population 2024, World Population Review
* US Religion Census 2020, Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies.
*  2023 PRRI Census of American Religion: County-Level Data on Religious Identity and Diversity, Public Religion Research Institute
*  Religious ‘Nones’ in America: Who They Are and What They Believe, Pew Research Center
*  How Religious is New Jersey?, NJ.com
*  About Three-in-Ten U.S. Adults Are Now Religiously Unaffiliated, Pew Research Center

One of the earliest formal churches was the First Reformed Dutch Church of Hackensack, founded in 1686, making it one of the oldest congregations in the state.
After the English took control of New Netherland in 1664, renaming it New York and New Jersey, the Dutch Reformed Church continued to flourish under British rule. However, Dutch influence waned over time as English-speaking settlers became dominant.

- Presbyterian Church

The history of the Presbyterian Church in New Jersey dates back to the early colonial period. The first Presbyterian congregation was established in what would become Woodbridge in 1666 by John Woodbridge, an English immigrant who had previously served as a pastor in Massachusetts, led a group of settlers. The congregation initially had Congregational leanings but later adopted Presbyterian governance.
David Brainerd (1718-1747), a young Presbyterian missionary who worked with the Delaware Native Americans near present-day Crosswicks in central New Jersey. He baptized and organized a community of over 130 converts before his untimely death from tuberculosis2.

John Woolman (1720-1772), born to Quaker farmers in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, became a full-time reformer and missionary. He traveled extensively through the southern colonies to promote abolition and persuade Quakers to abandon slaveholding2.

The Reverend William Barr Leonard (1869-1924), who served as a Presbyterian Home Missionary to new settlers in Indian and Oklahoma Territories after serving as a pastor in two Presbyterian Churches in Nebraska1.

Dr. Eliza Ellen Leonard (1867-1924), sister of William Barr Leonard, who served as a Presbyterian medical missionary in China, working at the Presbyterian mission and hospital in Beijing1.
In 1664, a church was organized in Elizabeth, which would later become Presbyterian as part of the early settlement of the town

In 1745, the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield was founded by three families, demonstrating the spread of Presbyterianism to smaller settlements6. The First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon, established in 1833, became a historic church serving the heart of Harding Township.

As tensions with the British crown escalated, some Presbyterins emerged as leaders of the movement for independeNce. Perhaps the most prominent was John Witherspoon, a Scottish Presbyterian minister who was recruited to emigrate from Scotland to become head of the College of New Jersey. While president of the College commencing in 1768, became an influential figure, serving as a delegate from New Jersey to the Second Continental Congress and the only minster and college president to sign the Declaration of Independence.. Later, he signed the Articles of Confederation and supported ratification of the US Constitution. In 1789 he was convening moderator of the First General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the US. By 1830, the Rutgers Presbyterian Church in New York City (which had connections to New Jersey) had become the largest Presbyterian church in the denomination with 1,157 members4.

Presbyterian influence extended to higher education in New Jersey:

Princeton Theological Seminary, originally part of the College of New Jersey, was spun off as an independent institution to train ministers in 1812, becoming the second-oldest seminary in the United States. It was founded under the auspices of Archibald Alexander, a minister who had studied at the College, and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. Alexander was unanimously chosen as the leading professor of the  Seminary upon its founded in 1812, leading it until his death in 1851.

While not directly founded by the Presbyterian Church, both Princeton University and Rutgers University have historical connections to Presbyterianism. Colonel Henry Rutgers, who donated land for Rutgers University, also contributed to the establishment of a Presbyterian church in New York.

William Robeson, father of Paul Robeson, served as a Presbyterian minister in Princeton. He was involved in social justice issues and acted as a liaison between black and white Presbyterian communities in the late 19th century9.

During the Revolutionary War, some Presbyterian churches played roles in the conflict. The First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, for instance, was used as a warehouse for armaments, and its parsonage may have served as General George Washington's local headquarters6.

Christians make up approximately 65-67% of New Jersey's population, with Roman Catholics being the largest subgroup, comprising about 34% of residents158.

Protestant denominations, including mainline and evangelical groups, account for around 31% of the population. Nondenominational Christian churches have also seen growth in recent years35.



Rise of Nondenominational Christianity:

Independent nondenominational Christian churches have grown rapidly, attracting those disillusioned with denominational divisions or seeking more contemporary worship experiences3.

While belief in a supreme being remains prevalent in New Jersey, there has been a decline in the number of people who express absolute certainty in existence of a god. According to recent data, ​ 67% of New Jersey adults identify as Christian 
14% of New Jersey adults identify with other faiths, such as Jewish, Muslim, or Hindu 
19% of New Jersey adults are non-believers or unaffiliated with a religion 
52% of New Jerseyans believe in heaven, but only 52% believe in hell 
35% of New Jersey adults attend religious services at least once a week 
More than half of New Jersey respondents say they pray daily 
New Jersey is the second most Catholic state in the country, with 40% of the population identifying as Catholic. It also has the second highest Jewish population percentage in the nation, at 6%. 


70% of New Jersey residents say they believe in a god or a higher power, but only 55% say they are absolutely certain of God’s existence, a number that has declined over the past decade. About 25% of residents express doubt or uncertainty about God’s existence, and a growing percentage of people identify as agnostic or atheist. Reasons cited for the decline in belief in god and organized religion include higher levels of education and scientific literacy; cultural emphasis on individualism and personal freedom; and the impact of religious scandals, such as sexual abuse involving the Catholic Church.​
​

The two provinces of East and West Jersey were united as New Jersey in 1687, and in 1702 it became a royal colony, instead of a proprietorship, making the Church of England the official religion. Religious toleration persisted, however, and Quakers continued to serve actively as governors, assembly members, justices of the peace, and other leadership positions under British rule.

Quaker influence would continue in New Jersey, however, and in later years the faith's strong stand advocating the abolition of slavery would lead to Quakers providing havens in towns like Willingboro and Princeton for fugitive slaves escaping from the South. Perhaps the most prominent Quaker in the abolitionist movement was John Woolman, born into the farming family near Mount Holly in 1720, who spent much of his time travelling in the South and wrote influential essays against the holding of slaves which led to the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting publishing their own anti-slavery paper arguing against the buying and keeping of slaves.  

- Early churches

The first churches established in New Jersey included the Old Bergen Church in Jersey City first founded in 1660 by members of the Dutch Reformed Church, which is considered the oldest continuous religious congregation in the state; the First Presbyterian Church in Newark founded in 1666; Saint Peter's Church in Perth Amboy, where services began in 1685, making it the oldest congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey; the First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains, organized in 1736, but with the first recorded baptism dating back to 1706; and the First Presbyterian Church in Morristown established in 1733. These churches were often the centers of their communities, serving both religious and civic functions.

Expansion and Influence
The Dutch Reformed Church expanded significantly following the transfer of power to the English in 1664. Dutch settlers and their descendants spread across East Jersey, establishing many towns and cities that exist today2. This expansion created what George Washington called the "Dutch Belt," stretching from the Hudson River in the north to the Raritan River in the south2.

Religious Diversity
While the Dutch Reformed Church was dominant in areas of Dutch settlement, New Jersey was religiously diverse during the colonial period. Dutch settlers lived peacefully alongside other Protestant groups, including Swedish and German Lutherans5. This religious tolerance contributed to the colony's reputation for religious pluralism.

Legacy
The influence of Dutch settlers on New Jersey's religious landscape extended beyond the colonial period. In 1766, they secured a charter for Queens College (now Rutgers University), which included the establishment of New Brunswick Theological Seminary in 17842. This institution played a crucial role in training ministers and preserving Dutch Reformed traditions in America.

The Dutch Reformed Church also had a lasting impact on the region's architecture, with Dutch-American farmhouses and distinctive barns becoming characteristic of the New Jersey landscape4.

In conclusion, Dutch settlers were instrumental in establishing some of the earliest and most influential churches in New Jersey, primarily through the Dutch Reformed Church. Their legacy continues to be visible in the state's religious institutions, architecture, and cultural heritage.

Several famous preachers have spoken at camp meetings throughout American history:

    James McGready: An early leader of camp meetings, McGready was known for his vivid descriptions of heaven and hell that deeply moved his audiences1.

    William McGee: He delivered powerful sermons at early camp meetings, including one at Red River in 1800 that evoked strong emotional responses from attendees1.

    William Burke: A respected Methodist preacher who famously delivered a sermon from atop a fallen tree at a camp meeting, drawing a large crowd1.

    George Whitefield: Though not specifically at camp meetings, Whitefield was influential in outdoor preaching and inspired later camp meeting practices38.

    Peter Cartwright: A colorful Methodist preacher who contributed significantly to the success of camp meetings in the American West34.

    Lorenzo Dow: While not primarily a speaker, Dow witnessed early camp meetings in America and helped spread the practice to England6.

    John McGee: Brother of William McGee, he reported on the powerful manifestations of God's presence at camp meetings like the one at Desha's Creek1.

These preachers played crucial roles in shaping the camp meeting movement and its impact on American religious life during the Second Great Awakening and beyond.

The founding of what would become New Jersey's leading universities also had religious roots. Princeton University, originally named as the College of New Jersey, when it was founded in 1746 by Presbyterian ministers, was closely tied to the Great Awakening, a religious revival movement that swept through the American colonies in the early to mid-18th century. The founders sought to create an institution that would train ministers in line with the revivalist spirit5.
John Witherspoon was a Scottish-American Presbyterian minister, educator, and statesman who played a significant role in early American history. Born on February 5, 1723, in East Lothian, Scotland, Witherspoon became the sixth president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1768Witherspoon became increasingly involved in politics during the 1770s:

    He was the only clergyman and college president to sign the Declaration of Independence2

    Served in the Continental Congress from 1776 to 17826

    Contributed to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in New Jersey6

Witherspoon's impact extended beyond his presidency and political involvement:

    He educated many influential figures, including James Madison, Aaron Burr, and numerous future political leaders
 Princeton gradually became less denominational, symbolized by the construction of its interdenominational chapel in the 1920s.

Princeton's establishment was a direct result of the First Great Awakening, a religious revival movement that swept through the American colonies in the early 18th century13. The founders, who were "New Light" Presbyterians, sought to create an institution that would train ministers in line with the revivalist spirit.

Despite its Presbyterian roots, Princeton was unique in allowing students of all religious affiliations to attend. The 1746 charter stated that no person would be barred due to their religious beliefs, reflecting a growing spirit of religious tolerance in the colonies.

Although ministerial training was a primary goal, the founders also aimed to educate students for other learned professions, intending to produce "ornaments of the State as well as the Church". This approach reflected a broader view of education beyond purely religious instruction. Under John Witherspoon, Princeton's sixth president, the university embraced Enlightenment ideals with students  encouraged to engage in radical political and analytical thought1. This shift aligned with the growing emphasis on reason and scientific inquiry characteristic of the Enlightenment era.

Political Engagement: Princeton's embrace of intellectual freedom led to its students and graduates playing key roles in the American Revolution and the Constitutional Convention, demonstrating the link between academic freedom and political engagement13.

However, it's important to note that this commitment to freedom had significant limitations. Despite its progressive stance on religious tolerance, Princeton's founding trustees were deeply entangled with the institution of slavery, with 16 out of 23 being slaveholders2. This contradiction highlights the complex and often conflicting values of the colonial era.


Key aspects of Princeton's religious founding:
The first nine presidents were Presbyterian clergymen, starting with Jonathan Dickinson in 1747, with Woodrow Wilson in 1902 becoming the first president who was not a Presbyterian minister.



It was established to provide an alternative to the more conservative Yale and Harvard.

 Despite their Presbyterian roots, the founders established a policy of religious openness, allowing students of all denominations to attend. This was reflected in their 1746 charter, which stated that no person would be barred due to their religious beliefs

The college aimed to train ministers who embraced the emotional and personal recommitment to faith characteristic of the Great Awakening3.

Despite its Presbyterian roots, the college's 1748 charter allowed for religious diversity, welcoming students of all denominations5.

Rutgers University
Rutgers University, originally named Queen's College, was chartered in 1766 and had strong ties to the Dutch Reformed Church24. Its founding was motivated by the desire for autonomy in ecclesiastical affairs and the need to train ministers locally rather than sending them to the Netherlands2.

Key aspects of Rutgers' religious founding:

It was established by ministers of the Dutch Reformed Church seeking independence from European control2.

The college's original purpose was to "educate the youth in language, liberal, the divinity, and useful arts and sciences" and train ministers for the Dutch Reformed Church4.

Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen and Jacob Rutsen Hardenbergh, both Dutch Reformed ministers, were instrumental in the college's establishment2.

Evolution of Religious Influence
Both universities have evolved significantly from their religious origins:

Princeton gradually became less denominational, symbolized by the construction of its interdenominational chapel in the 1920s5.

Rutgers transformed during the 19th century, gaining independence from the Dutch Reformed Church and developing a relationship with the State of New Jersey6.

Today, both institutions are secular, embracing religious diversity and offering various denominational societies and spiritual life programs for students of all faiths58.

Quakers first arrived in New Jersey in the late 1660s, seeking religious freedom from persecution in England and other American colonies. In 1664, the Duke of York granted New Jersey to Lord John Berkeley and Sir George Carteret. By 1674, Berkeley sold his share of the colony to Quaker trustees, leading to the establishment of the Quaker Province of West Jersey.

West Jersey: A Quaker Colony
In 1676, New Jersey was divided into East and West Jersey under the "Quintipartite Deed."
West Jersey, largely controlled by Quakers, became a refuge for those escaping persecution in England and other American colonies.
Burlington was established in 1677 as the capital of West Jersey, becoming a center of Quaker governance and commerce.
Early Quaker settlers, including William Penn (who was one of the trustees of West Jersey), helped draft a constitution emphasizing religious tolerance, fair dealings with Native Americans, and democratic principles.
East Jersey and Quaker Influence
Although East Jersey was more diverse in religious composition, Quakers still played a significant role, particularly in the Perth Amboy settlement.
Prominent Quaker proprietors included Robert Barclay, who became the governor of East Jersey in 1682.
The governance of East Jersey was more complex due to competing land claims and a mix of religious groups, including Puritans, Anglicans, and Dutch Reformed settlers.
Quaker Governance and Legal Innovations
The Quaker-led administration of West Jersey was characterized by progressive and democratic governance principles:

The Concessions and Agreements of West Jersey (1677)

This document, drafted by Quakers including William Penn, was one of the first examples of constitutional democracy in America.
It established a government based on popular sovereignty, with elected representatives and no religious tests for officeholders.
It guaranteed trial by jury, freedom of speech, and fair treatment of Native Americans.
Fair Dealings with Native Americans

Quakers, unlike other colonial groups, made efforts to peacefully purchase land from the Lenape people rather than seizing it by force.
This policy led to relatively peaceful relations between settlers and Native Americans for many years.
Religious Tolerance and Equality

West Jersey became one of the first places in the New World where religious liberty was protected by law.
Unlike Puritan Massachusetts or Anglican Virginia, West Jersey welcomed not only Quakers but also Baptists, Presbyterians, and other religious groups.
Democratic Elections

The colony allowed land-owning men to vote for representatives in a General Assembly, an early form of democratic governance.
Decline of Quaker Political Power
By the early 18th century, Quaker political influence in New Jersey began to decline due to several factors:

The reunification of East and West Jersey in 1702 under royal governance, which limited Quaker control.
The growth of non-Quaker immigrant populations, including Anglicans, Presbyterians, and Dutch Reformed settlers.
The increasing involvement of New Jersey in the larger British colonial system, which marginalized the pacifist and egalitarian policies of the Quakers.
Despite their political decline, Quakers remained influential in education, commerce, and abolitionist movements in New Jersey. Many Quaker communities, such as those in Burlington and Salem, continued to thrive as centers of trade and progressive social thought.

Legacy of Quaker Settlements in New Jersey
Today, the Quaker influence in New Jersey is still evident:

Historic Quaker meetinghouses, such as Burlington Quaker Meeting House (1685) and Salem Friends Meeting House (1772), continue to serve as reminders of the early Quaker presence.
The Quaker tradition of social justice and abolitionism played a major role in New Jersey’s participation in the Underground Railroad and movements for equality.
In summary, Quaker settlers played a foundational role in the development of New Jersey, particularly in West Jersey. Their emphasis on religious freedom, fair governance, and peaceful coexistence helped shape the colony’s early laws and political traditions, influencing American democratic ideals for generations to come.

The 20th century saw continued growth of the Catholic Church, fueled by immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe, as well as Latin America. Catholic institutions, schools, and hospitals became integral parts of the state's social fabric. Today, Catholicism remains the largest single Christian denomination in New Jersey.

The history of the Methodist Church in New Jersey dates back to the 18th century, with significant developments throughout the years.
Early FoundationsThe first Methodist presence in New Jersey can be traced to the late 1760s:

• John Street Methodist Church in New York City, founded on October 12, 1766, is considered the oldest Methodist church in America and had connections to New Jersey.
• Before 1790, prayer meetings and class meetings were held at the home of John Early, sometimes referred to as "the first Methodist in New Jersey"3.
• In 1790, a group of Methodists met at the home of Samuel Emley to build a house of worship, which became Emley's Hill United Methodist Church in Cream Ridge3.

Growth and ExpansionMethodism spread rapidly across New Jersey in the 19th century:

• The First Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, New Jersey, was initially built as a wooden church in 1825, later replaced by a brick building in 1856, and finally reconstructed in its current Richardsonian Romanesque style from 1895 to 18985.
• The Central Methodist Episcopal Church, now known as First United Methodist Church, was founded in Newark in 18491.
• The Pearl River Methodist Church was organized as the first Methodist Episcopal Society of Middletown, Rockland County, on June 26, 18653.
  

Notable Figures and MissionariesSeveral key figures contributed to the growth of Methodism in New Jersey:

• Benjamin Abbott, known as the "fiery apostle of early American Methodism," is buried in New Jersey8.
  
• William Osborn, a Methodist leader, established the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting in 1869, which became known as "God's Square Mile"4.
• John Woolman (1720-1772), born in Mt. Holly, New Jersey, became a full-time reformer and missionary, promoting abolition among Quakers3.

Educational InstitutionsWhile Princeton University and Rutgers University are not directly affiliated with the Methodist Church, there are some historical connections:

• Colonel Henry Rutgers, who donated land for Rutgers University, also contributed to the establishment of a Methodist church in New York.
• Both universities have likely had interactions with Methodist communities in New Jersey throughout their histories, though specific details are not provided in the search results.

Modern EraToday, Methodist churches continue to be an important part of New Jersey's religious landscape:

• United Methodist Communities, originally incorporated in 1907 as the "Monmouth Methodist Episcopal Home for the Aged," continues to serve seniors across the state7.
• The Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church oversees numerous congregations and maintains historical sites throughout the state8.

The Methodist Church has left an indelible mark on New Jersey's religious and social history, from its early roots in the 18th century to its ongoing presence in communities across the state.

Tents in Ocean Grove, originally set up as temporary structures to house summer residents coming to hear prominent preachers speaking on the beach.

-- Faith-based towns

Several towns in New Jersey were originally founded as faith-based communities. Indeed, Quakers led by William Penn sought to purchase large tracts of the early colony, with Quakers serving as governors of both the provinces of East and West Jersey, but after finding New Jersey already settled by those of non-Quaker faiths, the Quakers subsequently shifted their focus to settling Pennsylvania..

Methodist camp meeting towns were part of a larger movement in the late 1800s. Between the 1860s and 1890s, Methodists established over 150 new camp meeting communities across the United States5. These communities were founded as alternatives to secular resorts, offering affordable and controlled environments for spiritual growth and religious revival. several cases, camp meetings which originally met temporarily to conduct services and listen to preachers evolved into more permanent communities. 

Ocean City was founded as a Methodist camp meeting in 1879 by four Methodist ministers: Ezra B. Lake, James Lake, S. Wesley Lake, and William Burrell. They purchased Peck's Beach to create a Christian seaside resort and established the Ocean City Association, which sponsored the construction of one- and two-room cottages, known as "association houses" or "salt boxes," some of which still exist today. The first camp meeting was held in 1880, drawing about 1,000 participants who camped in tents on the site on which  The Tabernacle was built in 1881 and became the center of religious services. In 1881, Ocean City hosted a National Temperance Camp Meeting, emphasizing its commitment to Christian values.

Cape May, while originally founded as a whaling port, soon evolved as a camp meeting.  ​The nearby South Seaville Camp Meeting, established between 1863 and 1864, was the first Methodist camp meeting-based resort in New Jersey6. This camp meeting transformed the area from a maritime community to a destination for religious pilgrimage. South Seaville, established in 1863-64, marks the beginning of Methodist camp meeting resorts in New Jersey Initially held under oak trees and at the Cape May County Agricultural Fairgrounds, the camp became permanent in 1875 as the "South Jersey Camp Meeting Association located at Seaville Station, Cape May County, NJ"1. The town's layout featured numbered lots arranged around parks, with streets named after Methodist bishops.

Founded in 1869, Ocean Grove was established by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, a group of thirteen ministers and thirteen citizens13. The association received a charter from the New Jersey legislature in 1870, making Ocean Grove a place of perpetual worship.. The town grew under strict religious rules, prohibiting activities like dancing, card-playing, and alcohol consumption..

Although not a camp meeting, Newark was founded in 1666 with strong religious motivations. The Puritan colonists who established Newark aimed to create a theocracy modeled after John Calvin's "City of God"8. Church membership was required for holding government positions or receiving benefits, effectively merging church and state8.

Before 1700, many settlers in Salem, Cumberland, and Cape May counties worshipped as Quakers, Baptists, or Presbyterians6. Over time, the religious landscape evolved, with Methodism becoming dominant by 18906.

These religiously-founded towns played a significant role in shaping New Jersey's cultural and spiritual landscape, contributing to the state's reputation for religious diversity and tolerance.

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New Jersey's religious history is marked by diversity and tolerance since its colonial era. The colony, founded in 1664, attracted settlers seeking religious freedom, including Huguenots, Baptists, and Presbyterians fleeing persecution in Europe. Settlement by diverse faiths was also welcomed by colony's first proprietors, primarily due to the added taxes and fees that these settlers would provide. Religious tolerance was codified in documents like the "Concessions and Agreements" of 1677. Catholics faced discrimination but maintained a presence, while Jewish settlers arrived in the late 1600s. The Great Awakening further diversified religious practices in the 18th century
​
Conflicts within Puritan governments in the New England colonies led many  to resettle in New Jersey; the founding in 1666 of Newark (a name adapted from the "New Ark of the Covenant") was by Connecticut Puritans led from the New Haven Colony to avoid losing political power to others not of their own church after the union of the Connecticut and New Haven colonies. 

        For the most part, those of similar faiths founded their own villages and towns, worshiping together first in homes and later in newly-built churches; in 1675, a group of wealthy Quakers, the popular name for those in the Society of Friends, whose leaders included William Penn, purchased West Jersey from the heirs of Lord Berkeley, hoping that the extensive land would allow them to govern themselves as a cohesive Quaker community. They soon found, however, that the area already had too many residents of diverse faiths to support their goal, and refocused their initiative to the less populated frontier across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania. Quaker influence in West Jersey would continue, however, contrasting their inclusive, forgiving beliefs with the more parochial, harsher tenets of East Jersey's Calvinists and Puritans.
​
Today, New Jersey remains one of the most religiously diverse states in the U.S., with Christians forming the largest group at 65%, including 34% Catholics and 31% Protestants. Other significant groups include the unaffiliated (18%), Jews (6%), Hindus (3%), and Muslims (3%). Smaller communities include Buddhists, Mormons, and Jehovah's Witnesses28.

​The increase in nondenominational churches has significantly impacted traditional religious institutions in New Jersey, reflecting broader national trends:

1. Shift in Membership: Traditional denominations, including Catholic, United Methodist, and Southern Baptist Convention, have experienced declines in membership, while nondenominational Christian churches have seen substantial growth1. In New Jersey, the number of people attending independent, nondenominational Christian churches increased by approximately 115,000 between 2010 and 2020..
2. Weakening of Denominational Brands: The rise of nondenominational churches is partly attributed to the weakening of traditional denominational brands. Divisions over issues such as female clergy and sexual orientation have led some adherents to seek or start new, nondenominational churches.
3. Leadership Challenges: Many traditional churches are facing increased problems due to a lack of effective leadership or qualified individuals to take on leadership roles4. This shortage is particularly acute as many Boomer pastors approach retirement, creating a leadership transition crisis in traditional institutions..
4. Changing Worship Styles: Nondenominational churches often offer a fresh approach to worship and faith that appeals to people seeking alternatives to traditional religious practices5. This has forced some traditional institutions to reconsider their worship styles and practices to remain relevant.
5. Community Engagement: Some traditional churches have struggled to maintain their connection with the surrounding community, particularly in areas experiencing demographic changes3. Nondenominational churches have often been more successful in adapting to these changes and engaging with diverse communities.
6. Growth of Megachurches: The number of megachurches in New Jersey has more than doubled in the past decade, with about two dozen currently in the state6. Many of these are nondenominational, further challenging the dominance of traditional religious institutions.

​Jewish charities played a crucial role in settling Russian Jewish immigrants in New Jersey, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These efforts were instrumental in creating agricultural colonies and providing economic opportunities for immigrants fleeing persecution in czarist Russia.

:

    The first Jewish agricultural colony, Alliance, was founded in Salem County,  in 1882 with the support of Jewish philanthropists. These colonies were intended to provide an alternative livelihood for Russian Jews who were restricted from farming in their homeland16.

    Organizations like the Baron de Hirsch Fund and the Jewish Agricultural Society funded land purchases, provided vocational training, and supported the establishment of farming communities such as Alliance, Norma, and Brotmanville.

:

    Charities offered financial assistance to settlers, including mortgages with favorable terms and subsidies for farming equipment. For example, families in Alliance received 12–15 acres of land with manageable mortgage terms and a weekly wage to clear the land.

    To address seasonal unemployment, charities helped establish factories near the colonies. These included cigar factories and canning facilities like the Allivine Canning Company, which provided additional income sources for settlers.
 

- Religious composition of adults in New Jersey

• Christian 67%
• Evangelical Protestant 13%
• Mainline Protestant 12%
• Black Protestant 6%
• Catholic 34%
• Mormon 1%
• Orthodox Christian 1%
• Jehovah's Witness1%
• Other Christian <1%
• Non-Christian Faiths 14%
• Jewish 6%
• Muslim 3%
• Buddhist <1%
• Hindu 3%
• Other World Religions 1%
• Other Faiths 1%
• Unaffiliated (religious "nones") 18%
• Atheist 2%
• Agnostic 3%
• Nothing in particular 12%
• Don't know 1%

- Religious Landscape Study, Pew Research Center

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The first Catholic church in New Jersey was St. John’s Church in Trenton, established in 1814. As the Catholic population grew, more parishes were established and in 1829, St. Peter’s Church in Jersey City was founded, St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, established in 1850, also played a central role in the Catholic community’s development. The first Catholic archdiocese in New Jersey was established on December 10, 1937, when the Diocese of Newark was elevated to the rank of Archdiocese. Prior to this, Newark had been a diocese since 1853, when it was first established to include all of New Jersey. The elevation of Newark to an archdiocese occurred under Archbishop Thomas J. Walsh, who had been serving as Bishop of Newark since 1928. Before Newark became an archdiocese, northern New Jersey was part of the Archdiocese of New York, while southern New Jersey belonged to the Diocese of Philadelphia. After the Diocese of Newark was created in 1853, it encompassed the entire state of New Jersey.

The first Methodist church in the state was founded in 1772 in Trenton as the Firt  Methodist Episcopal Church. In the early 1770s, Bishop Francis Asbury became one of the first two bishops of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States. traveling on horseback and by carriage thousands of miles to those living on the frontier. Asbury spread Methodism in British colonial America and the new United States as part of the Second Great Awakening. Along with John and Charles Wesley, Asbury is often celebrated as one of the founders of the Methodist Church. Bishop Asbury would often preach in Moorestown. In 1815, the group was organized as a church and incorporated under the name “Trustees of the Moorestown Methodist Meeting House”. Bishop Asbury's name was later the source of the municipal names for Asbury Park and Asbury. Just to the south of Asbury Park, a summer camp meeting begun on the beach would later evolve into the town of Ocean Grove, known as “God's Square Mile”, which well into the 20th century enforced religious rules throughout the community seeking to maintain the sactity of the sabbath on Sundays. In 1907, the Methodist Episcopal Church in New Jersey had two conferences: the Newark Conference and the New Jersey Conference. In 1964, the two conferences became one Episcopal Area, and were renamed the Northern and Southern New Jersey Conferences. In 2000, the two conferences merged to form the Greater New Jersey Conference of the United Methodist Church. 

Towns in the New Jersey Pinelands Founded by Religious Movements
The New Jersey Pinelands, comprising about one-fifth of the state's land area  characterized by sandy soils, dense forests, and unique ecosystems, attracted  religious groups to the secluded area to establish towns and communities based on their spiritual beliefs and ideals. These towns, often founded by Quakers, Methodists, and other Christian groups, were shaped by the desire for religious freedom, moral living, and community harmony included Tabernacle, Green Bank, Browns Mills, and Ong's Hat.

-- Tabernacle: A Quaker and Methodist Hub
One of the most historically significant towns in the Pinelands is Tabernacle, located in Burlington County. . In 1778, Methodist missionary John Brainerd founded a Christian church known as Tabernacle In The Wilderness to convert the local Native Americans to Christianity. In 1803, William Wilkins sold land to 28 individuals for the construction of the Tabernacle Cemetery, situated adjacent to the church.The town’s origins trace back to the late 18th century when Quakers and Methodists sought to establish a spiritual retreat in the remote wilderness of the Pine Barrens.

The name "Tabernacle" comes from a Methodist meeting house, or "tabernacle," that was erected in 1778. The original Methodist church became a gathering place for religious revivals and camp meetings, which were common in the Methodist tradition. These meetings, held in the forests and fields, drew large crowds from surrounding areas and helped spread Methodism throughout southern New Jersey.

Tabernacle also became a refuge for Lenape Native Americans and runaway slaves who sought protection in the isolated region. The town’s religious communities, particularly the Quakers, were known for their anti-slavery stance and support for social justice.

Today, Tabernacle retains its rural character, and the influence of its religious founders can still be seen in local churches and community values.

Green Bank: Methodist Beginnings
Green Bank, located along the Mullica River in Atlantic County, was founded as a Methodist community in the early 19th century. The town’s early settlers were drawn to the area for its isolation, which provided a peaceful setting for spiritual reflection and worship.

Methodism in Green Bank focused on community living and moral values, emphasizing temperance, hard work, and faith. The town became known for its camp meetings, which were large religious gatherings that involved preaching, singing, and fellowship. These meetings were often held in open-air settings along the riverbanks, creating a spiritual atmosphere in harmony with the natural surroundings.

Green Bank’s Methodist roots have left a lasting legacy in the town, with several historic churches still standing today, including the Green Bank Methodist Church.

Browns Mills: A Quaker Influence
Browns Mills, in Pemberton Township, was originally founded by Quakers in the early 18th century. The Quakers, known for their pacifist beliefs and commitment to social justice, played a significant role in shaping the town’s early identity.

The town grew around a sawmill and gristmill, which were essential to the local economy. Quaker settlers established meeting houses in the area and promoted values of simplicity, equality, and peace. Browns Mills also became a safe haven for escaped slaves during the era of the Underground Railroad, with Quaker families providing shelter and assistance.

In the 19th century, Browns Mills transitioned into a health resort, attracting visitors seeking the therapeutic benefits of the nearby pine forests and mineral springs. However, the town’s Quaker roots remained an integral part of its history and culture.


Mount Holly: A Quaker Stronghold
Although not deep within the Pinelands, Mount Holly is a significant Quaker settlement that influenced nearby towns in the region. Founded in the early 18th century, Mount Holly became a center of Quaker worship and anti-slavery activism.

Quakers in Mount Holly established meeting houses and played a prominent role in educational and social reform movements. The town became a hub for abolitionist activities, with prominent Quaker leaders advocating for the emancipation of slaves and women’s rights.


Religious Movements in the Pinelands: Legacy and Influence
Religious communities were drawn to the Pinelands for its seclusion and natural beauty, which provided an ideal setting for spiritual retreats, moral living, and social reform.

Ocean Grove, located on the Jersey Shore in Monmouth County.was founded in 1869 by a group of Methodist clergymen, Ocean Grove was established as a camp meeting community, a religious retreat where people gathered for worship and spiritual renewal.

The founders, led by Reverend William B. Osborn, aimed to create a place free from distractions and vices, where believers could focus on spiritual growth. They implemented strict moral codes, including bans on alcohol and activities deemed inappropriate for Sunday. The town’s streets were laid out in a tent-city style, with a central meeting area known as the Great Auditorium, which remains a central landmark today.

Ocean Grove’s religious roots have influenced its development for over 150 years. The Camp Meeting Association, a governing body, controlled land leases and maintained the town’s religious character. Although the strict regulations have eased over time, Ocean Grove still retains its spiritual atmosphere and hosts annual camp meetings and religious gatherings.
​Ocean Grove was founded in 1869 as an outgrowth of the camp meeting movement in the United States, when a group of Methodist clergymen, led by William B. Osborn and Ellwood H. Stokes, formed the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association to develop and operate a summer camp meeting site on the New Jersey seashore.[16] By the early 20th century, the popular Christian meeting ground became known as the "Queen of Religious Resorts".[17] The community's land is still owned by the Camp Meeting Association and leased to individual homeowners and businesses. Ocean Grove remains the longest-active camp meeting site in the United States.[18]


Vineland, located in Cumberland County, was founded in 1861 by Charles K. Landis, who envisioned a utopian community based on temperance and morality. Although Landis was not a religious leader, his founding principles were deeply influenced by religious ideals, particularly the temperance movement, which sought to eliminate alcohol consumption.

Landis promoted Vineland as a community where residents could achieve prosperity through agriculture while adhering to strict moral codes. He prohibited alcohol sales and encouraged churches and schools to foster a strong moral and spiritual foundation. The town attracted Quakers, Seventh-day Adventists, and Italian immigrants, many of whom were drawn to the promise of religious and social harmony.

Vineland’s religious character became particularly notable with the establishment of The Health and Temperance Society, which promoted a lifestyle free of alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy habits. The town also became a hub for vegetarianism and alternative medicine, reflecting the community's commitment to health and morality.

3. Woodbury: A Quaker Settlement
Woodbury, in Gloucester County, is one of the oldest towns in New Jersey, founded in 1683 by Quakers. The Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, faced persecution in England for their religious beliefs and sought refuge in the American colonies.

Led by Henry Wood, a Quaker from Bury, England, Woodbury was established as a haven for Quakers seeking religious freedom. The Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality shaped the town’s early governance and culture. Quaker meetinghouses became central to the community, serving as places of worship and social gatherings.

Woodbury played a significant role in promoting anti-slavery and women’s rights movements. Quaker beliefs in equality and social justice influenced these early progressive movements, making the town a hub of abolitionist activity. The Friends Meeting House, built in 1715, still stands as a testament to the town’s Quaker heritage.

4. Other Notable Towns
Several other towns in New Jersey have religious origins or were influenced by religious movements:

Cape May Point was established in the late 19th century as a Christian retreat by the Philadelphia Conference of the Methodist Church.
Zarephath, located in Somerset County, was founded in the early 20th century by the Pillar of Fire Church, a fundamentalist Christian organization.
Allentown, in Monmouth County, has roots in Quaker settlement and remains a town with historical ties to Quaker traditions.
5. The Legacy of Religious Towns in New Jersey
The towns founded by religious movements in New Jersey have left lasting legacies on the state’s culture, architecture, and governance. The emphasis on community values, education, and social reform has been a recurring theme in these towns’ histories. Many of the towns retain their religious landmarks, such as churches, meeting houses, and auditoriums, which serve as reminders of their founders' vision.

These towns also reflect the religious diversity of New Jersey. From Quakers to Methodists to Italian immigrants influenced by Catholicism, the state has been home to a wide range of religious traditions. This diversity has contributed to New Jersey’s reputation as a place where religious tolerance and freedom are valued.

​

Both Princeton University (founded as the College of New Jersey in 1746) and Rutgers University (founded as Queens College in 1766) were established in the 18th century with clear religious motivations, reflecting the dominant religious traditions of the time. Princeton was established by Presbyterians who wanted to create an institution to train ministers and leaders for the Presbyterian Church, while Rutgers was founded by Dutch Reformed Church leaders to fulfill a similar role for the Reformed community. Both universities were initially intended to combine intellectual education with religious instruction, and their founders believed that higher education should play a central role in promoting moral and religious values in society.

Over time, both institutions grew and expanded, moving away from their religious roots to become secular universities, but their origins in religious education remain an integral part of their histories..

In the 19th and 20th centuries, New Jersey's population grew rapidly due to immigration, which further influenced the religious composition of the state. Catholicism became a major presence, particularly with the influx of Irish, Italian, and Polish immigrants. Jewish communities, too, flourished, with immigrants from Eastern Europe establishing synagogues and cultural institutions.

​Woodbury, in Gloucester County, is one of the oldest towns in New Jersey, founded in 1683 by Quakers. The Quakers, also known as the Religious Society of Friends, faced persecution in England for their religious beliefs and sought refuge in the American colonies.

Led by Henry Wood, a Quaker from Bury, England, Woodbury was established as a haven for Quakers seeking religious freedom. The Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, and equality shaped the town’s early governance and culture. Quaker meetinghouses became central to the community, serving as places of worship and social gatherings.

Woodbury played a significant role in promoting anti-slavery and women’s rights movements. Quaker beliefs in equality and social justice influenced these early progressive movements, making the town a hub of abolitionist activity. The Friends Meeting House, built in 1715, still stands as a testament to the town’s Quaker heritage.

Other Notable Towns
Several other towns in New Jersey have religious origins or were influenced by religious movements:

Cape May Point was established in the late 19th century as a Christian retreat by the Philadelphia Conference of the Methodist Church.
Zarephath, located in Somerset County, was founded in the early 20th century by the Pillar of Fire Church, a fundamentalist Christian organization.
Allentown, in Monmouth County, has roots in Quaker settlement and remains a town with historical ties to Quaker traditions.

Rutgers University, the state university of New Jersey, has the largest population of Jewish undergraduate students in America, at approximately 6,000 Jewish undergraduate and 1,000+ Jewish graduate students in 2022.

The first Catholic church in New Jersey was St. John’s Church in Trenton, established in 1814. As the Catholic population grew, more parishes were established to serve the faithful. In 1829, St. Peter’s Church in Jersey City was founded, becoming one of the most prominent Catholic parishes in the state. St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, established in 1850, also played a central role in the Catholic community’s development.

New Jersey boasts a rich history of religious pluralism, with various faith traditions being practiced by its residents. New Jersey's religious composition was 67% Christian; 14% non-Christian; and 18% unaffiliated (atheist; agnostic; nothing or don't know), according to the 2021 Religious Landscape Study of the Pew Research Center.​

Both Princeton University (founded as the College of New Jersey in 1746) and Rutgers University (founded as Queens College in 1766) were established in the 18th century with clear religious motivations, reflecting the dominant religious traditions of the time. Princeton was established by Presbyterians who wanted to create an institution to train ministers and leaders for the Presbyterian Church, while Rutgers was founded by Dutch Reformed Church leaders to fulfill a similar role for the Reformed community. Both universities were initially intended to combine intellectual education with religious instruction, and their founders believed that higher education should play a central role in promoting moral and religious values in society.

Over time, both institutions grew and expanded, moving away from their religious roots to become secular universities, but their origins in religious education remain an integral part of their histories..

In the 19th and 20th centuries, New Jersey's population grew rapidly due to immigration, which further influenced the religious composition of the state. Catholicism became a major presence, particularly with the influx of Irish, Italian, and Polish immigrants. Jewish communities, too, flourished, with immigrants from Eastern Europe establishing synagogues and cultural institutions.


- Early Christian Churches in New Jersey

    Old First Presbyterian Church (Elizabeth): Founded in 1664, Old First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth is one of the oldest churches in New Jersey. It was established by English settlers and was originally part of a larger movement of Presbyterianism in the American colonies. The church played an important role in the development of the Presbyterian faith in New Jersey and is a symbol of the early Protestant presence in the state. The current structure, built in 1794, has been designated as a historic landmark.

    Trinity Church (Newark): Founded in 1698, Trinity Church in Newark is one of the oldest Episcopal churches in New Jersey. Originally built as a simple wooden structure, the church was later rebuilt in stone in 1810. Trinity Church is notable for its connection to Newark's colonial past and its role in the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey. The church has been an integral part of Newark's religious and social history.

    The First Baptist Church (Burlington): Established in 1684, the First Baptist Church of Burlington is one of the oldest Baptist congregations in New Jersey. It was founded by English Baptists who settled in the area. The church played a key role in the spread of Baptist beliefs throughout the region. Its current building, dating back to 1817, is an important part of the town's historical fabric and is one of the oldest Baptist church buildings still in use.

    St. Mary’s Church (Elizabethtown): St. Mary’s, founded in 1771, is one of the oldest Roman Catholic churches in New Jersey. It was established by early Catholic settlers, many of whom were Irish and Italian immigrants. The church played a crucial role in serving the Catholic community during the early years of New Jersey’s statehood. The present church building, completed in the early 19th century, remains an important site for the local Catholic community.

    St. Peter’s Church (New Brunswick): Founded in 1742, St. Peter’s is one of the oldest Catholic churches in New Jersey. It was originally established to serve the Catholic community in the area, which included many Irish immigrants. The church, which was initially a mission church, grew in prominence over the years and is now a cornerstone of Catholic life in New Brunswick.

- Early Jewish Synagogues in New Jersey

    Congregation B'nai Jeshurun (Newark): The earliest Jewish congregation in New Jersey was Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, founded in 1840 in Newark. The congregation was formed by Jewish immigrants from Germany and Eastern Europe. It played a major role in the development of Jewish religious life in the state and became one of the largest synagogues in New Jersey during the 19th and 20th centuries. The original synagogue was replaced with a larger structure in 1928, which still stands today as a testament to the growth of Jewish communities in the region.

    Congregation Adath Israel (Trenton): Established in 1867, Congregation Adath Israel in Trenton is another early Jewish congregation in New Jersey. The synagogue was founded by Jewish immigrants, primarily from Eastern Europe, and played a vital role in serving Trenton’s Jewish community. The congregation was initially Orthodox but later transitioned to Conservative Judaism, reflecting the broader changes in Jewish religious practices throughout the United States. Today, Congregation Adath Israel continues to be an important center of Jewish life in Trenton.

    Congregation Beth El (Newark): Congregation Beth El, founded in 1860, is one of the oldest Reform Jewish synagogues in New Jersey. The synagogue was formed by Jewish families who had emigrated from Germany and sought to create a Reform community that would cater to the changing religious needs of American Jews. The original building was replaced in the early 20th century, and the synagogue became an important center for Reform Judaism in the state.

- History of Major Existing Churches in New Jersey

    St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Newark): St. Patrick's Cathedral in Newark has played a central role in the religious life of the state. The original church, founded in 1786, was replaced by the current Gothic-style structure in 1879. St. Patrick’s Cathedral became the seat of the Archdiocese of Newark, which serves a significant Catholic population in Northern New Jersey. The cathedral is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful stained-glass windows, and its historical importance in both the city and the Catholic community at large.

    The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (Paterson): The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, established in 1821, is one of the most prominent Catholic churches in New Jersey and serves as the seat of the Diocese of Paterson. The church’s current structure, completed in 1950, is an example of modern Gothic Revival architecture. The cathedral has long been an important symbol of Catholic faith in the area and hosts a variety of religious, cultural, and community events. It also plays a central role in the diocese’s outreach and social services.

    First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford: Established in 1827, the First Presbyterian Church of Rutherford is one of the significant Protestant churches in New Jersey. The church is known for its strong community outreach and its influence in the area’s religious life. Its building, a classic example of colonial American architecture, continues to serve the congregation today.

    Trinity Episcopal Church (Asbury Park): Trinity Episcopal Church, founded in 1849, has long been a center of Episcopal worship in the Asbury Park area. The church building, which was completed in the 19th century, is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture. Trinity Episcopal has been an important part of both the religious and social life in Asbury Park, hosting not only religious services but also cultural and community events.

    The Church of St. Anne (Jersey City): Founded in 1853, St. Anne’s Church in Jersey City is one of the major Catholic churches in the area. The current church building, constructed in the early 20th century, is a landmark in the community. The church serves a diverse parish and has been a central part of Jersey City's Catholic community for over 150 years.


- Current trends

As of the most recent data, New Jersey remains a religiously diverse state. According to the Pew Research Center’s 2020 Religious Landscape Study, the distribution of religious affiliations in New Jersey is as follows:

    - Christianity (approximately 60% of the population): Christianity remains the dominant religion in New Jersey. Within this broad category, the largest groups are Roman Catholics, followed by Protestant denominations. The Catholic population, representing around 35-40% of the state's religious demographics, is reflective of New Jersey's large Catholic immigrant communities from Italy, Ireland, and Poland. Protestant Christianity in New Jersey is more fragmented, with significant populations of Baptists, Methodists, and Presbyterians, although none of these denominations constitute a majority.

      -  Catholicism:

As of 2020, the Catholic Church remains the largest religious denomination in New Jersey, with approximately 2,971,461 adherents across 673 congregations, accounting for about 31.9% of the state's population.

The presence of Catholicism in New Jersey dates back to the 17th century. In 1672, Jesuit priests Fathers Harvey and Gage visited Woodbridge and Elizabethtown to minister to local Catholics. Despite these early efforts, Catholics faced considerable suspicion and legal restrictions. Notably, in 1668, William Douglass, a Catholic elected to represent Bergen County, was denied his seat in the General Assembly due to his faith. By 1691, anti-Catholic laws were enacted in both New York and New Jersey, reflecting the prevailing bigotry of the time.

The 18th century saw gradual growth in the Catholic community. In 1744, Father Theodore Schneider, a Jesuit, ministered to Catholic ironworkers in southern New Jersey, often traveling under the guise of "Doctor Schneider" due to the dangers associated with his ministry. The American Revolution and the assistance of Catholic French troops helped reduce anti-Catholic sentiment, leading to a more accepting environment for Catholics in the new nation.

The 19th century marked significant organizational development for the Church in New Jersey. In 1853, the Diocese of Newark was established, encompassing the entire state. As the Catholic population grew, the Diocese of Trenton was created in 1881 to serve the southern regions. This period also saw an influx of Irish, German, Italian, and Eastern European immigrants, further bolstering the Catholic community and leading to the establishment of numerous parishes and schools.


Current Structure and Population

Today, New Jersey's Catholic community is organized into the following dioceses:

Archdiocese of Newark: Serving Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties, it has a Catholic population of approximately 1,040,504 across 212 parishes.

Diocese of Trenton: Covering Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, it ministers to about 640,000 Catholics in 97 parishes.

Diocese of Camden: Encompassing the southern counties, it serves around 304,999 Catholics across 62 parishes.

Diocese of Paterson: Serving Passaic, Morris, and Sussex counties, it has a Catholic population of 420,000 in 107 parishes.

Diocese of Metuchen: Covering Middlesex, Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren counties, it ministers to approximately 662,256 Catholics in 90 parishes.

Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic: Serving Byzantine Rite Catholics, it has about 8,200 members in 83 parishes.


Among the many churches in New Jersey, the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark--the seat of the Archdiocese of Newark--is the fifth-largest cathedral in North America.

As of 2020, the Catholic Church remains the largest religious denomination in New Jersey, with approximately 2,971,461 adherents across 673 congregations, accounting for about 31.9% of the state's population.

 While the Catholic population has historically been substantial, recent trends indicate challenges similar to those faced by Catholic communities nationwide, including declining attendance and shifts in demographic patterns. Despite these challenges, the Church continues to play a vital role in the spiritual and social lives of many New Jersey residents.

Catholic settlers began to arrive in the region. At that time, Catholics faced significant prejudice and legal restrictions due to anti-Catholic sentiment prevalent in the American colonies. The Penal Laws, derived from British colonial policies, limited the religious freedoms of Catholics, including restrictions on holding public office and practicing their faith openly.

Despite these challenges, Catholic immigrants—primarily from Ireland, Germany, and later Italy and Poland—continued to settle in New Jersey. They sought religious freedom and economic opportunity, contributing to the growth of Catholic communities. The state's growing industrial centers, such as Newark, Paterson, and Jersey City, became hubs for Catholic immigrants seeking work in factories and on the railroads.

The first Catholic church in New Jersey was St. John’s Church in Trenton established in 1814. As the Catholic population grew, more parishes were established to serve the faithful. In 1829, St. Peter’s Church in Jersey City was founded, becoming one of the most prominent Catholic parishes in the state. St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, established in 1850, also played a central role in the Catholic community’s development.​Historically, Catholicism has had a significant impact on New Jersey’s culture and institutions, especially in education and healthcare. Catholicism remains the largest single religious group in the state, despite a trend of decline in religious affiliation in the United States overall.

      -  Protestantism: While Protestant denominations are diverse in New Jersey, no single group predominates. Baptists and Methodists form the largest Protestant subgroups. Other denominations, such as Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Lutherans, also have significant communities. The growth of evangelical Protestant churches, particularly in suburban areas, has contributed to the evolving landscape.

     - Judaism (approximately 5% of the population): New Jersey has one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States, primarily located in urban centers like Newark, Jersey City, and in suburban areas such as Teaneck and Edison. Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe were among the earliest to settle in New Jersey, and their descendants maintain a vibrant community with numerous synagogues, schools, and cultural institutions. The state's Jewish population is marked by its diversity, with Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and more recently, Israeli and Russian Jews contributing to its pluralism.

     - Islam (approximately 3% of the population): New Jersey is home to a large and growing Muslim population, particularly in cities like Paterson, Elizabeth, and Jersey City. Muslim communities in New Jersey are ethnically diverse, with significant populations of Arab-Americans, South Asians, and African-Americans. Many mosques and Islamic centers dot the state, and New Jersey has become an important center for Islamic education and cultural exchange.

     - Hinduism (approximately 1.5% of the population): New Jersey has a significant Hindu population, mainly due to immigration from India and other South Asian countries. The Indian-American community has become one of the fastest-growing religious groups in the state, with numerous temples and cultural organizations. The state is home to some of the largest and most beautiful Hindu temples in the country, such as the Shri Venkateswara Temple in Bridgewater.

    - Buddhism (approximately 1% of the population): New Jersey's Buddhist community is also rooted in the immigration patterns of the 20th and 21st centuries, particularly from countries like China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. There are several Buddhist temples and meditation centers throughout the state, where both ethnic and non-ethnic Americans practice Buddhism.

Muslim -

    Paterson: Home to one of the largest and most diverse concentrations of Muslims in the United States.

    Jersey City: Has a significant Muslim population, with the Islamic Center of Jersey City being a prominent community hub.

    Clifton: Houses a branch of the Islamic Center of Passaic County, indicating a substantial Muslim presence.

    South Paterson: Described as home to the largest Muslim community in the United States.

    Edison: 36.2% of the population is Asian Indian, with a significant portion likely to be Hindu.

    Iselin: 45.1% Asian Indian population, the highest percentage in New Jersey.

    Plainsboro: 44.7% Asian Indian population.

    South Brunswick: 37.2% Asian Indian population.

    West Windsor: 36.4% Asian Indian population.

    Robbinsville: Home to the Swaminarayan Akshardham, the world's largest Hindu temple outside India.

It's important to note that while these towns have large Asian Indian populations, not all Asian Indians are Hindu. However, these communities are likely to have significant Hindu populations. The Muslim population in New Jersey has grown significantly, doubling to more than 321,000 between 2010 and 2020, while the Hindu population increased by 112% to over 100,000 in the same period7.

he presence of Catholicism in New Jersey dates back to the 17th century. In 1672, Jesuit priests Fathers Harvey and Gage visited Woodbridge and Elizabethtown to minister to local Catholics. Despite these early efforts, Catholics faced considerable suspicion and legal restrictions. Notably, in 1668, William Douglass, a Catholic elected to represent Bergen County, was denied his seat in the General Assembly due to his faith. By 1691, anti-Catholic laws were enacted in both New York and New Jersey, reflecting the prevailing bigotry of the time. 
NEWADVENT.ORG

The 18th century saw gradual growth in the Catholic community. In 1744, Father Theodore Schneider, a Jesuit, ministered to Catholic ironworkers in southern New Jersey, often traveling under the guise of "Doctor Schneider" due to the dangers associated with his ministry. The American Revolution and the assistance of Catholic French troops helped reduce anti-Catholic sentiment, leading to a more accepting environment for Catholics in the new nation. 
NEWADVENT.ORG

The 19th century marked significant organizational development for the Church in New Jersey. In 1853, the Diocese of Newark was established, encompassing the entire state. As the Catholic population grew, the Diocese of Trenton was created in 1881 to serve the southern regions. This period also saw an influx of Irish, German, Italian, and Eastern European immigrants, further bolstering the Catholic community and leading to the establishment of numerous parishes and schools.
    - Other Faiths and Religious Affiliations: New Jersey is also home to smaller populations of people who practice other world religions, including Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, and Bahá'í Faith. Additionally, a significant portion of New Jersey residents identify as religiously unaffiliated (around 25%), including those who describe themselves as atheist, agnostic, or simply “nothing in particular.”

- Trends in Religious Affiliation

New Jersey reflects broader national trends in terms of religious affiliation. Like the rest of the United States, the number of people identifying as religiously unaffiliated has increased in recent years. This rise is particularly noticeable among younger generations, who often report a decline in religious practice or belief in God. Meanwhile, traditional religious groups like Roman Catholics and mainline Protestants have seen a decline in membership.

New Jersey's religious landscape reflects the state's diversity, with certain municipalities serving as hubs for various faith communities. Clifton, Elizabeth, and Jersey City stand out for their significant Catholic populations, while Paterson, Jersey City, and Union City are key centers for Muslims. Edison, Bridgewater, and Montville have notable Hindu communities, and Teaneck, Englewood, and Lakewood are major centers for Jewish residents. Rutgers University, the state university with campuses in New Brunswick, Camden and Newark, has the largest population of Jewish undergraduate students in the nation of approximately 6,000 Jewish undergraduate and 1,000+ Jewish graduate students in 2022.

- Municipalities with the Highest Percentage of Catholics

Clifton (Passaic County), Clifton has one of the largest Catholic populations in the state. The city's Catholic community is largely due to the significant Italian, Irish, and Polish immigrant populations that have historically settled in the area. The city also has several Catholic parishes and schools.

Elizabeth (Union County): As one of New Jersey's largest cities, Elizabeth has a large Catholic community. The city's religious landscape includes a significant number of Latino, Italian, and Polish immigrants who have influenced the prominence of Catholicism. The Catholic community is well-represented in various aspects of life, including social services, schools, and local organizations.

Jersey City (Hudson County): Jersey City has a significant Catholic population, particularly among its diverse ethnic groups, including Irish, Italian, and Hispanic communities. The city's history as a major immigrant hub where immigrants processed offshore at Ellis Island first entered the country contributed to the growth of its Catholic population. Additionally, there are several large Catholic churches and institutions in the area.

- Municipalities with the Highest Percentage of Muslims

Paterson (Passaic County): With one of the highest concentrations of Muslims in New Jersey. The Muslim community in Paterson is diverse, including a large number of Arab-Americans, African-Americans, and South Asians. The city is home to many mosques and Islamic centers, making it a key center of Muslim life in the state.

Jersey City (Hudson County): Like Paterson, the Muslim community in Jersey City is ethnically diverse, including a significant number of immigrants from South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The city boasts several mosques and Islamic schools, and its Muslim residents are active in both cultural and religious activities.

Union City (Hudson County): It has a growing Muslim population, largely from South Asia and the Middle East. Union City is home to various Islamic centers and mosques, and its Muslim community plays an important role in the social fabric of the city.

- Municipalities with the Highest Percentage of Hindus

Edison (Middlesex County): The town has a large Indian-American population, particularly from Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, and is home to several large Hindu temples, including the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Hindus make up a significant portion of the population, and their influence can be seen in the town's culture and economy.

Bridgewater (Middlesex County): The Shri Venkateswara Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in the state, is located here, attracting visitors from all over the state and beyond. The Hindu community in Bridgewater is primarily of Indian descent and has grown significantly over the years.

Montville (Morris County), Montville has a growing Hindu population. The Sri Venkateswara Temple in nearby Bridgewater attracts many of Montville’s residents. The township has become one of the growing centers of Hindu culture and religion in New Jersey.

- Municipalities with the Highest Percentage of Jewish Residents
The history of Jews in New Jersey started with the arrival of Dutch and English traders and settlers in the late 1600s. According to the Berman Jewish DataBank's 2019 survey, New Jersey is the state with the fourth-highest total population of Jews at 545,450 and is also the state with the third highest percent of Jews at 6.1%. This means that New Jersey is home to 7.8% of the American Jewish population.

The first organized Jewish community in the state was in Newark, which was established in 1844 by Louis Trier. The Congregation B'nai Jeshurun of Newark, the oldest synagogue in Newark, was created on August 20, 1848, by Jewish immigrants from Germany. Other cities in New Jersey with early Jewish congregations were Paterson (1847), New Brunswick (1861), Jersey City (1864), Bayonne (1878), Elizabeth (1881), Vineland (1882), Passaic (1899), Perth Amboy (1890), Atlantic City (1890), Woodbine (1891), Camden (1894) and Englewood (1896).

Rutgers University, the state university of New Jersey, has the largest population of Jewish undergraduate students in America, at approximately 6,000 Jewish undergraduate and 1,000+ Jewish graduate students in 2022.

Teaneck (Bergen County), Teaneck has one of the largest Jewish populations in New Jersey, with Jews comprising a significant percentage of the town's population. Teaneck is known for its vibrant Jewish community, which includes Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform congregations, and has a strong presence of Jewish schools, social organizations, and cultural institutions.

Englewood (Bergen County), Englewood is home to many synagogues, Jewish schools, and cultural organizations, and the Jewish community plays an important role in the city's social and political life.

Highland Park (Middlesex County) 
About 30% of Highland Park's population is Jewish. The borough has four Orthodox synagogues and the Highland Park Conservative Temple. 23% of the borough's school-age population, or 300 students, are Jewish and attend religious schools in Edison and East Brunswick. The town's residents also include faculty and staff of nearby Rutgers University with campuses in New Brunswick and Piscataway.

Lakewood (Ocean County): While known for its large Orthodox Jewish community, home to numerous synagogues, yeshivas (Jewish schools), and kosher businesses. Founded in 1943, the .Beth Medrash Govoha has grown to become the largest yeshiva in the United States and one of the leading centers of Torah scholarship in the world.yeshiva in Lakewood, established in 1943 by Rabbi Aharon Kotler, one of the leading Torah scholars of his generation who was born in what is now Belarus and had previously led yeshivas in Europe. Beth Medrash Govoha has grown to become the largest yeshiva in the United States and one of the leading centers of Torah scholarship in the world. Through its educational programs, its focus on religious observance, and its community-building efforts, Lakewood’s yeshiva has shaped the town’s religious, cultural, and economic identity and continues to influence Jewish life far beyond its borders. 
 
​

The Great Awakening had a significant impact on New Jersey, influencing its religious landscape, education, and the founding of several towns. Here's an overview of its effects:

The Great Awakening began in New Jersey in the 1720s, with two key figures:

1. Theodore Frelinghuysen, a Dutch Reformed Church minister, who was shocked by the spiritual deadness in American churches1.
   
2. Gilbert Tennent, a Presbyterian pastor who, along with Frelinghuysen, preached about repentance and full devotion to God1.
   

Their efforts led to a spiritual revival that spread throughout the colonies, with New Jersey serving as the starting point. This movement:

• Increased religious fervor and participation across various denominations.
  
• Led to the establishment of new churches and congregations.
  
• Sparked the creation of "new light" churches, separating from established congregations3.
  

The Great Awakening had a profound impact on education in New Jersey:

• Princeton University (originally "The College of New Jersey") was founded in 1746 by a group of "New Lighters" influenced by the Great Awakening6.
  
• The Tennent family established a seminary, initially known as "the Log College," which later evolved into Princeton University3.
  

While the Great Awakening didn't directly lead to the founding of many new towns in New Jersey, it influenced the development and character of existing settlements:

• Newark, founded in 1666, was established by Connecticut Puritans seeking religious freedom. The Great Awakening likely reinforced its religious character4.
  
• The movement strengthened existing religious communities and led to the establishment of new congregations within towns.
  

The Great Awakening's influence extended beyond religion:

• It promoted ideas of individual equality before God, which later contributed to democratic ideals5.
  
• The movement helped prepare the colonies, including New Jersey, for the American Revolution by fostering ideas of liberty and questioning authority5.
  
• It led to increased religious diversity and tolerance in New Jersey, as various denominations gained strength and new churches were established4.
  

In conclusion, while the Great Awakening may not have directly resulted in the founding of many new towns in New Jersey, it significantly shaped the religious, educational, and social landscape of the state, influencing existing communities and laying the groundwork for future developments.

The Great Awakening had a profound influence on the founding of Princeton University, originally known as the College of New Jersey:

    Direct Outgrowth: Princeton University was a direct result of the First Great Awakening, the religious revival that swept through colonial North America in the early 18th century1.

    Founders' Motivation: In 1746, a group of "New Lights" (proponents of the revival movement) established the college to educate young men for the ministry15.

    Key Figures: The founding was led by Presbyterian ministers, including Jonathan Dickinson and Aaron Burr Sr., who were sympathetic to the precepts of the Great Awakening7.

    Educational Philosophy: While primarily intended to train ministers, the founders broadened the college's mission to offer a nonsectarian, liberal arts education15.

    Predecessor Institution: Princeton grew from the work of William Tennent Sr. and his "Log College," which was established to train clergymen in the spirit of the revival36.

    Theological Focus: The college aimed to provide training for clergy who would be shaped by revivalism, in contrast to more conservative institutions like Harvard or Yale7.

    Inclusive Charter: Uniquely for its time, Princeton's charter welcomed students of "every Religious Denomination," reflecting the Great Awakening's emphasis on individual spiritual experience5.

    Broader Impact: The founding of Princeton was part of a larger trend of educational advancement spurred by the Great Awakening, which also influenced the establishment of other institutions like Rutgers and Brown3.

The Great Awakening's focus on personal religious experience, equality before God, and the need for educated clergy directly shaped Princeton's founding principles and early development.

​

​Catholicism in New Jersey 
Catholic settlers began to arrive in the region in the early 18th century. At that time, Catholics faced significant prejudice and legal restrictions due to anti-Catholic sentiment prevalent in the American colonies. The Penal Laws, derived from British colonial policies, limited the religious freedoms of Catholics, including restrictions on holding public office and openly practicing their faith.

Despite these challenges, Catholic immigrants—primarily from Ireland, Germany, and later Italy and Poland—continued to settle in New Jersey. They sought religious freedom and economic opportunity, contributing to the growth of Catholic communities. The state's growing industrial centers, such as Newark, Paterson, and Jersey City, became hubs for Catholic immigrants seeking work in factories and on the railroads.

The First Catholic Churches in New Jersey

The first Catholic church in New Jersey was St. John’s Church in Trenton, established in 1814. As the Catholic population grew, more parishes were established to serve the faithful. In 1829, St. Peter’s Church in Jersey City was founded, becoming one of the most prominent Catholic parishes in the state. St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark, established in 1850, also played a central role in the Catholic community’s development.

The establishment of these early parishes was essential in fostering a sense of community among Catholics in New Jersey. The churches served not only as places of worship but also as centers for education, charity, and social support. The Catholic clergy, often working under difficult conditions, provided spiritual guidance and advocated for the needs of their congregations, helping to establish Catholicism as a vital part of New Jersey’s religious landscape.

The Founding of Seton Hall University

One of the most significant milestones in the history of Catholicism in New Jersey was the founding of Seton Hall University in 1856. The university was established by James Roosevelt Bayley, the first bishop of the Diocese of Newark and a nephew of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first native-born American saint. Bishop Bayley’s vision was to create a Catholic institution of higher learning that would provide education rooted in faith and moral values.

Named after Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Seton Hall University initially opened in Madison, New Jersey, with a small group of students. In 1860, the university moved to its current location in South Orange. The institution quickly grew in size and reputation, becoming one of the leading Catholic universities in the country.

Seton Hall has played a pivotal role in the education of generations of New Jersey residents, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. The university's mission of promoting academic excellence, ethical leadership, and community service continues to reflect the core values of Catholicism.

Catholicism in Modern New Jersey

New Jersey is home to numerous Catholic churches, schools, and charitable organizations. The Archdiocese of Newark, one of the largest in the country, oversees many of these institution.

​While belief in a supreme being remains prevalent in New Jersey, there has been a decline in the number of people who express absolute certainty in existence of a god. According to a 2018 Pew Research Center study, 84% of New Jersey adults believe in God, with 60% saying they are "absolutely certain" and 24% saying they are "fairly certain". Only 8% of New Jerseyans say they firmly believe there is no God. Other findings from the study include

​ 67% of New Jersey adults identify as Christian 
14% of New Jersey adults identify with other faiths, such as Jewish, Muslim, or Hindu 
19% of New Jersey adults are non-believers or unaffiliated with a religion 
52% of New Jerseyans believe in heaven, but only 52% believe in hell 
35% of New Jersey adults attend religious services at least once a week 
More than half of New Jersey respondents say they pray daily 
New Jersey is the second most Catholic state in the country, with 40% of the population identifying as Catholic. It also has the second highest Jewish population percentage in the nation, at 6%. 


70% of New Jersey residents say they believe in a god or a higher power, but only 55% say they are absolutely certain of God’s existence, a number that has declined over the past decade. About 25% of residents express doubt or uncertainty about God’s existence, and a growing percentage of people identify as agnostic or atheist. Reasons cited for the decline in belief in god and organized religion include higher levels of education and scientific literacy; cultural emphasis on individualism and personal freedom; and the impact of religious scandals, such as sexual abuse involving the Catholic Church.