History 

Pitman, New Jersey, at the turn of the twentieth century, consisted of a great oak grove surrounding a lake that was very suitable for summer visiting. The Methodist Church established a summer camp meeting (aka Pitman Grove--a registered national historical site) that grew rapidly between 1900 and World War I. It was not long before a permanent group of residents began to give Pitman the appearance of an established town.

Among these citizens was a group of Episcopalians who attended St. Thomas' Church, an 18th century stone structure in neighboring Glassboro. In the days before the common use of the automobile, most people depended upon the railroad to get from one place to another. Strict Methodist "blue laws" prevented the railroad from stopping in Pitman on Sundays, so it was difficult for many communicants to get to St. Thomas. The little band of stranded faithful decided to strike out on their own.

In 1907, a group of 23 men and women obtained a wooded lot on the corner of Highland Terrace and Wildwood Avenue from the local land developer. No houses existed around the site, so the little wooden sanctuary that was built among the trees was affectionately called by its parishioners, "The Little Church in the Wildwood."

Father Dubell (rector, 1904-1917), a very young priest then serving at St. Thomas, gave his time to serve and to encourage this new mission which was officially recognized in 1908. The congregation engaged an architect and began to plan a beautiful gothic structure. With Fr. Dubell's encouragement and enthusiasm, a cornerstone was laid on All Saint's Day, 1908. Parishioners began to sell building stones at $5 to $15 a block depending on the placement prominence. It took two years before a roof was put in place and the little frame building inside could be torn down.

The parish remained in debt and in mission status until 1941. The sanctuary was consecrated in 1941 by Fr. Timothy Woodward (rector, 1939-1952) and Bishop Gardner. The parish became a truly independent one in 1948. The congregation had become large enough to take on the building of the parish hall and the acquisition of the rectory, both under the guidance of Fr. Woodward.

The next important growth of the parish took place under Fr. Juan Lopez (rector, 1954-1967). An education wing was completed including a new parish office, and new pews were installed. At that time the parish was conducting three services each Sunday morning. A seminarian was added as an assistant to the rector.

A significant event of the parish occurred in 1961 when the present pipe organ was purchased. Mr. R. B. Whiting of Schwenksville, PA, refurbished organs as part of his organ collecting hobby. He had acquired too many instruments for his barn and found it necessary to sell one of his "prizes." Good Shepherd's present organ was purchased from him for $1,200. It was put together in stages so that the organist could play from completed ranks while other ranks were being rebuilt. The organ is a two-manual, twelve-rank tracker instrument consisting of approximately 550 pipes allowing great musical versatility. It was built in 1896 by Bernard Mudler, a Philadelphia firm.

During the years of Fr. Charles DuBois (rector, 1968-1986) the parish struggled with how to best serve the developing environment of urban/suburban problems. The rural character of the area surrounding Pitman was fast disappearing. Through his interest and initiation, the parish became involved with a new crisis intervention service called "Contact." Fr. DuBois also pioneered trial services with the new prayer book when it was first introduced.

The Rev. Dale C. Marta, (rector, 1987-1990) provided a period of great enthusiasm and spiritual growth for the parish. Together with his wife, Janet, Dale encouraged fellowship in the community and fostered a greater commitment to Christ as a part of our daily lives. Instituting the Lenten potluck suppers, Philippians "in the park" studies, Friday Advent sunset services, as well as a more integral use of music in worship, the Marta ministry was distinguished most of all by the joy to be found in Christ.

With the unanticipated departure of the Rev. Marta, a search was conducted for the calling of the Rev. Everett Perine (rector, 1991-1997). Although the new rector faced many challenges, Fr. Perry provided spiritual comfort through in-reach programs, ministerium, and excellent sermons. Further, he embraced the children's involvement and activities in the church. Prior to his departure, he was dean of the Woodbury Convocation and part of the Pitman ministerium.

After a series of interim ministers, the Reverend Patricia Daniels Pierce joined our parish in April, 1999.  Her invocation was celebrated in November, 1999.

In 2007, the church celebrates its 100th anniversary.