"The 'Hurdtown Methodist Episcopal Church' was built c. 1870. The Hurd family had close ties with this church. For a time, this church was a joint circuit with the Lake Hopatcong Methodist Church. The minister would travel by horse, canoe, or ice skate between locations each Sunday."

The following article was published over 20 years ago in 'The Shopper's Friend'; March 1981; by Doris Roberts and Cecilia Scott....

"The Methodist Church, Hurdtown, formerly New Partners, is located on Rt. 15 South, Lake Hopatcong, formerly Union Turnpike. It was built in the 1800's in the center of a thriving iron mining community on land donated by David and Eliza Hurd.

Before the church was built, services were held in the home of Jacob Heller.

The church was incorporated March 9, 1827. The first trustees were Alexander Dickerson, John Seward, Jr and Andrew Goarke. Ministers were known as circuit riders and they supplied the pulpits at Hurdtown, Dodge Mine and Lake Hopatcong.

In 1886, a leaky roof caused considerable water damage to the church. Rather than invest in expensive repairs it was decided a new church should be built. In July the Ladies Aid Society contrubted $500 from their July 4th celebration to launch a building program. In the Spring of 1872, a ways and means committee, known as The Mite Society, raised $2000 for the building fund through the circulation a subscription book. Allen, Palmer and Sons, builders from Dover, New Jersey were commissioned to erect the new edifice at the cost of $2000.

Dr. William B. LaFever, a prominent physician, business man and leading citizen purchased the old building for $100 and had it removed from the site.

Church services and church school were held in private homes while the new church was being contructed.

The church was dedicated December 13, 1872. In the early days before the sunday school rooms were added, church school was held in the sanctuary. Boards were placed over the tops of the pews to form tables.

Hurd people were firm believers in God and contributed to the pattern of culture that still exists today. They were involved in all areas of community life and contributed much to the town of Hurdtown.