First Presbyterian Church (Newton, New Jersey) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Presbyterian Church of Newton |
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Facade and steeple
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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) |
| Membership | 143 |
| 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 historic Christian church located in Newton, New Jersey. It is a place where people gather for worship and community activities. This church has been around for a very long time, since 1786! It is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) group.
Contents
History of the Church Building
Early Buildings
The First Presbyterian Church of Newton started in 1786. That year, the first church building was built. Ira Condict, who graduated from Princeton University, became the first pastor.
This first building was later taken down. A second, larger building was constructed in its place between 1828 and 1829.
The Current Church Building
The third and current church building was built from 1869 to 1872. It is made from local blue limestone. People described it as "plain but beautiful" in its design.
The building combines several architectural styles. It mainly features Italianate and Renaissance Revival architecture styles. It also has parts that look like Classical Revival and Romanesque Revival styles.
In 1893, a fire damaged the church. It was repaired with money from church members. A local business owner named Henry W. Merriam helped a lot. He gave several stained glass windows to the church. One special window above the altar shows Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Historic Recognition
The First Presbyterian Church of Newton is an important historic site. On October 26, 1979, it was added to the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized for its historical value in New Jersey.
It is also part of the Newton Town Plot Historic District. This larger area was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 12, 1992. Being on these lists helps protect the church's history.
Community Programs
Food Programs
The church helps people in the community who need food. In the winter of 1987, the church started a program to provide meals. This program grew over the years.
Today, through programs like Manna House and Bread of Life Newton, the church offers free, hot meals. These meals are available six days a week. Many different churches and staff members help with these programs.
Nonprofit Involvement
The First Presbyterian Church of Newton also hosts other helpful organizations.
One organization is Literacy New Jersey. This group helps people learn English. They offer classes for those learning English as a second or foreign language. They also help people prepare for the American Civics Test and provide other reading and writing programs.
Another group, Family Promise of Sussex County, has its main office at the church's Spurgeon House. Family Promise helps families with housing. They offer services to prevent people from losing their homes.
See also
- Christ Church, Newton
- Newton Cemetery (Newton, New Jersey)
- Old Newton Burial Ground
