Examine Historic Cemetery’s Origins at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

TOMS RIVER – Centuries of change in Downtown Toms River have taken place under the placid gaze of the historic Old Methodist Cemetery at Washington Street and Hooper Avenue. Learn little-known facts about this hallowed landmark from historian R. Joseph Latshaw III at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch, 2 PM Saturday, July 20.

Latshaw’s presentation will include a brief description of early 19th Century Toms River and an overview of Methodism’s emergence in the community. He will discuss the meanings of symbols emblazoned on gravestones, the identities of military veterans buried there, preservation efforts and much more.

The lifelong Toms River resident and Eagle Scout graduated Toms River High School South, Ocean County College and Kean University, and now conducts projects as a member of the Ocean County Cultural and Heritage Commission. He is also Docent of the Cedar Bridge Tavern County Historic Site.

In addition, Latshaw chairs the Toms River Township Historic Preservation Commission,  is the Historian of the First United Methodist Church of Toms River and serves as a trustee of the Ocean County Historical Society and the Southern Region, League of Historical Societies of New Jersey.

Latshaw is Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 20 VFW #6063 and an active member of the North American Vexillological Association and the Colonel Richard Somers Chapter of the New Jersey Society, Sons of the American Revolution.

Please register at https://tinyurl.com/OclTrCemetery for this free program, sponsored by the Friends of the Ocean County Library – Toms River.

The Friends are volunteers who support the Library through programs, fundraising, and advocacy. New members are always welcome. Applications are available at all OCL branches and reading centers and at www.theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends.

For more information, stop by the OCL Toms River Branch, 101 Washington Street, call (732) 349-6200, or visit the Library’s online Calendar of Events.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.