Toms River Cemetery Restoration Project Has Begun

The First United Methodist Church is raising funds to repair aging headstones at the historic burial site.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Christianity

Toms River Cemetery Restoration Project Has Begun

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Should local communities prioritize the financial preservation of historic sites?

The Old Methodist Cemetery in Toms River has launched a restoration project to stabilize and clean its historic markers. The First United Methodist Church is currently collecting donations to fund repairs for the site, which serves as a final resting place for Revolutionary and Civil War veterans.

Why it matters

The effort aims to preserve the structural integrity of the 0.75-acre property ahead of its 200th anniversary. Officials seek to correct damage caused by natural weathering and time to ensure the cemetery remains a functional historical site.

The Old Methodist Cemetery, established in 1828, occupies 0.75 acres and holds the remains of veterans from the Revolutionary and Civil War eras. The church has reached 50% of its $25,000 fundraising target to support the ongoing preservation efforts.

The players

First United Methodist Church

This religious organization manages the maintenance and stewardship of the historic Old Methodist Cemetery in Toms River.

Roth Cemetery Services

This firm specializes in the preservation, repair, and cleaning of historical headstones and cemetery monuments.

The details

Contracted by Roth Cemetery Services, the project involves righting tilted headstones and cleaning monuments identified in a 2022 survey. These professional interventions address damage caused by decades of environmental exposure and age.

The cemetery was originally established in 1828.
A comprehensive survey of the site was completed in 2022.
Restoration work at the cemetery began in October 2026.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.

Culture Shift

This effort to preserve the site for the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Old Methodist Cemetery reflects a growing community focus on maintaining local historical landmarks. It highlights a shift toward prioritizing the restoration of aging public spaces that honor regional service legacies.

Residents and families of those interred can support the project by donating through the church to help reach the remaining fundraising goal. The ongoing work may result in temporary site access limitations during the repair phase.

The takeaway

Maintaining historic cemeteries requires proactive financial planning to combat the inevitable effects of weathering and time. Community members can contribute to the long-term preservation of local history by supporting active restoration initiatives.