 The Middle Colonies were the religiously diverse part of the British Empire , with a high degree of tolerance . The Penn family were Quakers , and the colony became a favorite destination for that group as well as German <unk> , German Reformed and numerous small <unk> such as Mennonites , Amish and <unk> , not to mention Scotch Irish Presbyterians . The Dutch Reformed were strong in <unk> New York and New Jersey , and Congregationalists were important in Long Island . The First Great Awakening invigorated <unk> and helped stimulate the growth of Congregational , Methodist and Baptist churches . Non @-@ British colonists included Dutch <unk> , Swedish <unk> , <unk> Mennonites , and the Amish . 
