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Originally published in 1939
Some of this information may no longer be current and in that case is presented for historical interest only.
Edited by GET NJ, COPYRIGHT 2002
In addition to the larger denominations there are many religious sects
of varying strength. In the south, the Quakers, with 3,546 orthodox and
Hicksite members and 29 meeting houses, still hold a prominent position.
The Greek Orthodox Church with 9 churches and 5,424 members and the
Russian Orthodox with 12 churches and 9,783 members are strongest in
the industrial cities of Newark, Bayonne, and Passaic. The last-named city
is the scene of a struggle for control of the Russian Church between members sympathetic to the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Russians
opposed to this regime.
New Jersey has been fertile territory for strange religious offshoots. The
Pillar of Fire Movement, organized in 1901 at Denver, has had its national
headquarters since 1908 at Zarephath near Bound Brook. The Pillar of
Fire doctrine is described as Methodistic in character, dedicated to "true
scientific research as against false speculation of modernism and higher
criticism destructive to orthodox Christian faith." Disciples practice their
faith with such unrestrained vigor and enthusiasm that they are known
locally as "The Holy Jumpers."
The sensational cult headed by the Negro, Father Divine, maintains a
number of "Heavens" throughout the State, principally in the metropolitan area. The funds for the original "Heaven" in Sayville, Long Island,
are said to have been furnished by a resident of Newark, one Pinninah,
who is now called Mother Divine. From apparently inexhaustible funds
Divine provides free banquets to the destitute, purchases blocks of real
estate, and finances his $1.50 a week lodging houses. "He's God! Peace,
it's wonderful! Thank you, Father!" is the chant of his thousands of
Negro and white followers. Sometimes frenzies in New Jersey "Heavens"
have terminated in clashes with the police.
Another unusual sect is that of Jehovah's Witnesses, scattered about the
State but strongest in the northern section. Its members object to the vaccination of school children and condemn as idolatrous the practice of saluting the flag. Opposition to the flag salute has been taken to the courts as
a test of civil liberties, and the Witnesses have won their point in an appeal to the United States District Court.
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