'Sweeping Everything Before It' : Early Mormonism in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey
BYU Studies
2001
40
no.1
2001
72-104
Elder Benjamin Winchester was the first missionary to preach the gospel in Pine Barrens, New Jersey, so named for its sandy, unproductive land. The history of early Mormonism as well as the history of the Pine Barrens is examined. Several converts from the Toms River and Hornerstown areas are listed. The converts' enthusiasm for their new religion often antagonized other church members. The most vigorous opponent to the Mormons was Reverend Henry Perkins, a Presbyterian preacher of Allentown, New Jersey. Winchester would debate with the local clergy which often wore away the prejudice against the Church. William Appleby, a new convert, condemned other churches unabashedly. After the martrydom of Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon traveled to New Jersey to win support, causing much division in the area. Appleby was instrumental in battling apostates in the region. The same situation occurred when William Smith visited inland to claim his leadership rights. The succession crisis in Pine Barrens could have caused the Church to crumble, but through the diligence of devoted members, they survived only to have their faith tried when Brigham Young issued the call to move west. Andrew H. Scott suffered much in trying to follow the Saints west. First, his health failed him and then his wife left him because she was not a believer. After a few years, he was able to sell his business and started west with a Philadelphia company. Many New Jersey Saints traveled on the ship 'Brooklyn' to California. The few Mormons who remained in New Jersey struggled for existence