July 7, 2025

By Lydia Kennedy 

The seemingly typical New England town of Woodbury holds a rich history, evident in its well-preserved colonial architecture. Among its most significant buildings is the Glebe House, one of the nation’s earliest historic house museums. Built in 1740, it was home to Woodbury’s first Anglican minister, Reverend John Rutgers Marshall, his wife Sarah, their nine children, and three enslaved individuals.

Their arrival from New York City was met with resistance. Toward the end of the Revolutionary War, the family faced ostracism and hostility due to their faith’s perceived loyalty to the British Crown. After American independence, a secret meeting of Anglicans was held at the house to determine how to practice their religion in the new nation. This gathering led to the selection of Reverend Dr. Samuel Seabury, who was sent to England and later consecrated as the first bishop in the New World. The event marked a pivotal moment in the development of religious freedom and the separation of church and state in America.

In the 19th century, the Glebe House was home to local silversmith Gideon B. Botsford and his family. When the house was later threatened with demolition, the Seabury Society intervened to preserve it. Today, restoration efforts include the revival of its long-lost garden plans, with completion expected in 2027. glebehousemuseum.org