St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church (Newark, New Jersey) facts for kids
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St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church
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 Location in Essex County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | West Market Street and Sussex and Roseville Avenues, Newark, New Jersey |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1864 |
| Architect | Thomas A. Roberts |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000785 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 18, 1972 |
St. Barnabas' Episcopal Church is an old and important church located in Newark, Essex County, New Jersey, United States. It was built in 1864. This beautiful building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 18, 1972. This means it is recognized as a special historical place in the country.
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A Look at St. Barnabas' Church
St. Barnabas' Church stands on a unique piece of land. It is at the meeting point of Warren Street (also called West Market Street), Sussex Avenue, and Roseville Avenue. The church's story began on September 12, 1852. This was when the first church service was held in a regular house.
How the Church Started
The church officially became an organized parish the next year. A dedicated person named William Dusenberry, who was not a priest, played a big part in starting the church. In 1853, a piece of land was given to the church leaders. The condition was that a church and a school-house had to be built there. These buildings would be used forever for God's service. They would follow the rules of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States.
Building the First Church
The Sunday school for children started on October 9, 1852. The very first church building was made of wood. It was officially opened in 1855 by Bishop George W. Doane. Sadly, this wooden church burned down in 1862.
The Stone Church We See Today
The current church building is made of stone. It was finished and opened on St. Barnabas' Day in 1864. At first, it did not have the side sections called "transepts." These transepts were added later in 1869. The rectory, which is the house for the church's priest, was also built in 1869. The parish house, a building for church activities, was built in 1889. The porch at the main entrance, facing Warren Street, was added in 1913.
Helping the Community
St. Barnabas' Church has a long history of helping people in its community.
Starting a Hospital
In 1865, a group of women from the church, called the Ladies Society of Saint Barnabas, started Saint Barnabas Hospital. They began in a private home. The first patient, Eliza Titus, even gave her own money to help create the first hospital building. This first hospital was on McWhorter Street in Newark. It later moved to High Street in 1869. Much later, in 1964, it moved to Livingston. When the hospital laid the first stone for its High Street location in 1869, church leaders were chosen to help manage the hospital.
During the Great Depression
In the 1930s, during a difficult time called the Great Depression, St. Barnabas' Church was very active. It had more than 500 members. The church was able to support two priests and two organists. This shows how strong and supportive the community was.
Civil Rights and Social Justice
The church and its leaders have also been involved in important social causes. One priest, Rev. Robert Laughlin Pierson, served the church from 1960 to 1967. He was arrested in 1961 during the Freedom Rides. These rides were protests against unfair treatment of people based on their race. Father Pierson and other priests tried to enter a bus terminal lunchroom in Mississippi. He was put in jail, but his case was later dismissed. This event brought a lot of attention because it involved religious leaders. Rev. Pierson and his wife, Ann Clark Rockefeller, cared deeply about social issues. These included racial equality, women's rights, and helping migrant workers.
Community Programs
Over the years, the church has hosted many programs to help local youth and families:
- In the 1970s, a coffee house called "The Edge" was in the basement of the Parish Hall. It was a popular spot for young people in the neighborhood.
- Also in the 1970s, the North Porch Women & Infants Center started at Saint Barnabas. This center helps women and babies. It has since moved to a different location.
- In the 1980s, the gymnasium in the Parish Hall was used for youth programs.
- The Share program, which began in the 1980s, grew into a food pantry. This food pantry still gives out food to people twice a week.
- The Aids Resource Center opened in 1990 and was located here until 2007.
- Today, the basement of the Parish Hall is home to the Jamar Carter Operation Turnaround boxing gym.
See also
More to Explore
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Bernabé (Newark) para niños
