Emmanuel is the oldest Methodist church in the borough, dating back to 1834, when preaching services were started in Helms’ Cove School, which was a one-room country school. The first Methodist class in the borough was formed in 1836 by John Boqua, known as the Father of Penns Grove Methodism. Emmanuel Church was formally established on Aug. 26, 1844. The first structure was started in 1845 at the present location on South Broad Street. Emmanuel was part of the Swedesboro Circuit in its early years of 1845–46, served by Joseph Atwood and John Beagle. The first Emmanuel Church building was dedicated in 1846.