Freehold Jewish Center
Congregation Agudath Achim
59 Broad St. Freehold, N.J. 07728
Phone 732-462-0254


History

It appears that the earliest Jewish families settled in Freehold in the 1700’s. The Freehold Transcript edition of June 14, 1895 includes an account of the First Jewish wedding. However, Jewish social and religious activities were minimal until 1905 when the waves of immigrants from Russia and Poland brought most of the original founders of Freehold’s organized Jewish community.

With few exceptions, most of these Jewish immigrants settled in the area of Freehold known as “Texas." As soon as the necessary quorum for a Minyan was reached, a private house was rented at 20 First Street where services were conducted for some time. By 1909, a small hall at the corner of Main and Court Streets was rented for High Holiday Services.

In 1911, a Charter was drawn up for the formation of an Orthodox Synagogue to be known as Congregation Agudath Achim Anshal, Freehold, New Jersey, and a lot was purchased at First and Center Streets. The Freehold Transcript of June 18, 1911 records that contracts had been let for the erection of a building 32’ x 50’.

By the fall of 1911, the small wooden structure had been completed. Records indicate that the first Hebrew School began in September 1914.

Within five years, a second floor was added to this simple building and in 1920 the first Mikvah was built underneath the Synagogue. The sisterhood was formed in 1920, and social and cultural activities flourished with various groups meeting in the Synagogue. With the coming of the 1940’s and the increase in membership from 40 to 100, a lot of 250’ x 175’ was purchased at the corner of Broad and Stokes Streets. The groundbreaking took place in June 1947 and by 1950, the building was in general use. The membership had now grown to 184 families.

In 1973 another major addition was undertaken to provide sorely needed facilities for the ever-growing membership. This expansion project was proven to be both aesthetically attractive and utilitarian with its spacious Hebrew School classrooms, a Rabbi’s office plus a general office. An addition was also added to the sanctuary doubling its site, which through the use of movable partitions may be divided into four classrooms.

Provided are inspirational high holiday services, traditional holiday observances, a daily Minyan, a model Seder for the Sunday School children, and a flourishing and highly regarded Hebrew School with an enrollment today of 240 children. The congregation
sponsors adult education programs and classes. We also have an extremely active, energetic and well-attended youth group. Our membership rolls have grown to include 300 families.

The present spiritual leader is Rabbi Kenneth Greene.

Old Brick Reformed Church
490 County Rd. 520, P.O. Box 153
Marlboro, N.J. 07746
Phone: 732-946-8860
Fax 732-946-9254
Website: www.Oldbrickchurch.Org

History

Old Brick Church is part of the Reformed Church in America, which has the longest continuous ministry in the United States, and its roots in the early Dutch community, which contributed so much to our American culture. Our congregation is composed of men, women and children from many Christian backgrounds. We welcome all to join us and share our fellowship.

The present pastor is the Rev. Ben Lin.

Chronologic History As Follows:

• 1699—Establishment of First Congregation—at Gabat House
• 1709—First Pastor, Beginning of Record Keeping
• 1732—First Church Built on Present Site
• 1764—First American Pastor—Benjamin Dubois
• 1905—Installation of Stained Glass Windows
• 1955—Heat Installed in Church
• 1972—First Female Deacon—Joan Orr Preston
• 1991—Vacation Bible School Started
• 1999—300th Anniversary of Congregation