Middlebush Reformed Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middlebush Reformed Church |
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| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Reformed Church in America |
| Website | MiddlebushReformedChurch.com |
| History | |
| Founded | March 19, 1834 |
The Middlebush Reformed Church is a historic church in Middlebush, New Jersey. It is often called "the church with the red doors." You can find it at 1 South Middlebush Road, right on the corner of Amwell Road. This church is one of the oldest in Franklin Township. It was started in 1834.
The church is an important part of the Middlebush Village Historic District. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. The church is part of the Reformed Church in America.
Contents
History of Middlebush Reformed Church
Founding the Church in 1834
The Middlebush Reformed Church was started by Dutch settlers. They organized the church on March 19, 1834. These settlers had moved from Manhattan Island to find better farmland. Before this church, people had to travel far to other Reformed churches.
At first, the few Dutch families met in a barn. This barn belonged to the Voorhees family. It was located where O'Connor's Beef 'N Chowder House is today. One of the Voorhees family members, Mary Amanda Voorhees, later became the church's organist for 45 years.
Building the First Church
Services were held in the barn until 1835. That's when the first white frame church building was finished. The church considered three places for the building. They chose the current spot on the corner of South Middlebush Road and Amwell Avenue.
One acre of land was given for the church. About five more acres were bought nearby. This extra land was later divided and sold in 1839. The first stone for the church building was laid on June 7, 1834.
First Pastor and Dedication
While the church was being built, they looked for a pastor. They found Jacob I. Schultz (1792-1852). He was a pastor at other churches nearby. The new church building was officially opened on February 19, 1835. It cost $3,989 to build. Pastor Schultz was formally welcomed on December 30, 1835.
Lightning Strike and Rebuilding
On July 2, 1917, lightning struck the church. The building was destroyed. People living nearby quickly saved some furniture and the church's membership book. A kerosene lamp was also saved. It still hangs in the church today.
Planning for a new building started right away. However, construction was delayed because of World War I. The new church was built in the Gothic revival style. It used stone from a quarry in Martinsville, New Jersey. The church was officially opened again in 1919.
Church Activities and Milestones
In 1972, the church started a "mini" school. This helped the community.
Since 2003, the church has hosted a living nativity each year. This special Christmastime event includes people in costumes. It also features live animals and carolers. They read four parts from the Bible. The event ends with the adoration of the magi.
In 2009, the church celebrated its 175th anniversary. They buried a time capsule to mark the occasion. This capsule will be opened in 2034. That will be for the church's 200th anniversary.
Pastors of the Church
Many pastors have led the Middlebush Reformed Church over the years. Here are some of them:
- Jacob I. Schultz (1792-1852), 1834-1837
- John Addison Van Doren, 1838-1865
- George Swain (pastor), 1866-1868
- Stephen L. Mershon, 1869–1874
- James Le Fevre, 1875-1902
- John A. Thomson (pastor), 1902-1920
- Frank A. Langwith, 1921-1926
- Harold W. Nelson, 1926-1928
- Russell W. Shepherd, 1928-1930
- Marinus Den Herder, 1931-1932
- Cornelius Van Leeuwen, 1934-1937
- Frank A. Langwith, 1937–1948
- David W. Jenks, student, 1949-1952
- Vernon L. Dethmers, 1952-1960
- Charles B. Bridgman, 1961-1973
- Ronald L. VanderBeek, 1974-1986
- John J. Arnone, assistant, 1981–1982
- Gerald L. Vermilye, interim, 1986
- Taylor Holbrook, 1986-1998
- Ross Rettig, 1999-2001
- George Montanari, 2002-current
