First Presbyterian Church (Newton, New Jersey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Presbyterian Church of Newton |
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Built 1869–1872, the church building is the third to house the congregation
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| 41°03′28.0″N 74°45′17.0″W / 41.057778°N 74.754722°W | |
| Location | 54 High Street Newton, Sussex County, New Jersey |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Presbyterian Church (USA) |
| History | |
| Status | Church |
| Founded | 1786 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Style | Italianate and Renaissance Revival |
| Groundbreaking | 1869 |
| Completed | 1872 |
| Administration | |
| Presbytery | Highlands Presbytery |
The First Presbyterian Church of Newton is a Christian church building. It is located in the town of Newton, New Jersey. This church is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) group. The church community started a long time ago, in the 1780s. The Highlands Presbytery oversees this church.
A Look at the Church's History
The first church building was built in 1786. This was when Reverend Ira Condit became the first pastor. He had graduated from Princeton University in 1784.
That first building was later taken down. A bigger, second building was built in its place. This happened between 1828 and 1829.
The third and current church building was constructed from 1869 to 1872. It is made of local blue limestone. People have described it as "plain but beautiful." The building combines several architectural styles. It mainly features Italianate and Renaissance Revival architecture designs. It also has parts that look like Classical Revival and Romanesque Revival styles.
In 1893, the church was damaged by a fire. Money from church members helped restore it. A local businessman named Henry W. Merriam (1828–1900) was one of the people who helped. Mr. Merriam gave several stained glass windows to the church. One of these windows is above the altar. It shows Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Recognized as Historic
On October 26, 1979, the First Presbyterian Church of Newton was added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site in New Jersey.
It is also part of the Newton Town Plot Historic District. This larger historic area was approved and added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 12, 1992. Being on this list means it is recognized as a significant historical place for the whole country.
Meet the Pastor
The current pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Newton is the Reverend David E. Young. He has been the pastor since 2013.
Reverend Young became a pastor in 1987. He studied at The College of Wooster, University of Maryland, College Park, and Princeton Theological Seminary. Before coming to Newton, he served in churches in different places. These included Stillwater, New Jersey; Fargo, North Dakota; Midland, Minnesota; and New Albany, Indiana.
See also
- Christ Church, Newton
- Newton Cemetery (Newton, New Jersey)
- Old Newton Burial Ground
