Mount Tabor | Parsippany, New Jersey

Mount Tabor Was An Independent Religious Community

Mount Tabor, New Jersey in Morris County was started as a Methodist Camp Revival Meeting town, just as Ocean Grove was in Monmouth County.

According to the Mount Olive Historical Society:

Mt. Tabor, New Jersey, is a fine example of a 19th century community. Established in 1869 as a Methodist summer camp meeting ground, Mt. Tabor is now a full-time residential community.

While walking through Mt. Tabor, one can see Victorian cottages, complete with gingerbread, and several historic community buildings. Trinity Park is still a busy and central focus of the community. In addition to residences surrounding the park are three octagon structures.

The Mt. Tabor branch of the Parsippany library occupies one of them, once known as the Ebenezer Pavilion. The Bethel, a pavilion erected in 1873 and enclosed in 1886, is used as a community meeting hall. Historic displays are featured in the Bethel the day of the annual house tour. The Tabernacle, built in 1885, is used to host large community events, including concerts. The fountain in Trinity Park is a close replica of the original fountain erected in 1875.

Throughout the 1870s and 1880s, private cottages were built at a rapid rate, while some summer residents stayed in tents. By the turn of the 20th century, more than 200 cottages were built, making Mt. Tabor a lively summer resort. The Depression and World War II brought some changes to Mt. Tabor: during these times when families could no longer afford two houses, the cottages were turned into year-round dwellings.

Mt. Tabor is still a special community. Its historic heritage is being preserved and its community is full of good will and participation. There are many events each year, including Children’s Day, an annual Holiday Craft Fair, House Tour, and concerts. The many active committees in town include the Garden Club, Historical Society, and Children’s Day Committee. Mt. Tabor also has a golf course and country club.

Mount Tabor Is Now Part of Parsippany, New Jersey

It was an independent town until 1980 and is now technically part of Parsippany, New Jersey — but still has a separate feeling. The courts had ordered that religious communities could not be separate towns.

Mount Tabor joined Parsippany and the Methodist town of Ocean Grove joined Neptune, New Jersey.

Mount Tabor is considered an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP)^[

It has interesting gingerbread houses and still has a strong religious feel.

Yes, some of the pictures look crooked, but for once it’s not my fault, because the streets are very hilly!

Mount Tabor Camp Meetings

The sign says:

Spiritual revival group was established by Newark Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Summer Encampment gradually became year-round residential community. The state chartered association functioned as a municipality until 1980.