150th Anniversary Celebration

In 2005 we celebrated the 150^th anniversary of our church. We looked back on a memorable past of service to God in our community with grateful hearts for His many blessings. We look forward to continuing our tradition of care to our community by working hard to say with action, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”.

On October 31, 1855 The Second Reformed Church was organized, and the first service was held on November 11^th in the “Church on the Green”. Shortly thereafter, in 1856, our first church building was erected on land at State and Berry Streets donated by Mrs. Maria Berry and her children. This building burned to the ground on Easter Sunday night in 1907, and for two years the congregation held services in the old Methodist Church, also on State Street.

The cornerstone of our present church, located on Union Street between Anderson and Ward Streets, was laid on June 21, 1908. It is constructed of fieldstone taken from the stone walls of nearby farms. The education and administration wing built in 1964-65 is also constructed of fieldstone. The Tiffany stained glass windows (see photos) in the sanctuary have been much admired by all who have seen them. The large angel window, The Angels of Praise, was exhibited at the 1893 International Exhibition in Chicago. In 1978 a new 38 rank Austin pipe organ was installed and dedicated, supporting the tradition of fine music that our church has enjoyed over the years. Click here for more on our history and mission statement.

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   Under the able direction of the Fellowship Committee, the 150th Anniversary Celebration in 2005 consisted of:

1.  Car wash and hot dog sale (April). See photo below.

2.  Bake sale (October).

3.  A concert, held in our church,  featuring the Radio City organists, Fred Davies and 

        George Wesner (April) with the proceeds going to Gilda's Club in Hackensack (for cancer 

        victims and their  families). See photo below.

4.  Each family in the church was given a quilt square to embellish for our quilt. 

       We received 82 squares and the finished quilt will be presented at our Anniversary Service 

        on November 20, 2005. See photo below.

5.  New Pictorial Church Directory. Click here.  

6.  Special Anniversary Worship Service, Sunday, November 20, 2005. ALL ARE INVITED!   

ORGAN CONCERT  L to R; Carol Miller,Co-Chr.; Geo.Wesner,Organist; Jennie Kruger,Gilda's Clb.; Fred Davies,Organist; Helen Hirtler, Co-Chr.		CAR WASH                    in church parking lot

Photos by 150th Anniversary Committee

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