Celebrating 175 Years of Faith and Community

CRANFORD, NJ — First Presbyterian Church of Cranford will celebrate its 175th Anniversary this June, marking nearly two centuries of worship, service, connection, and community in Cranford.

Founded on June 26, 1851, the church traces its beginnings to a time before Cranford was formally established as a town. Early Presbyterians from the area traveled by foot, horseback, or wagon to worship in Westfield, nearly 3 miles away, until local residents joined together to establish what became Union Chapel, the first church building in Cranford.

Throughout its history, the church has grown alongside the Cranford community, expanding from its original 100-seat Chapel near Alden Street to a second, larger church, seating 300 in 1869. That building was replaced by the historic 1894 Richardsonian Romanesque sanctuary that stands today at 11 Springfield Avenue.

Over the generations, the church has continually adapted its spaces and ministries to meet the changing needs of the community. In addition to worship and music ministries, the church today is home to the Helen K. Baldwin Nursery School, PrimeTime School-Aged Childcare, Boy Scout Troop 80, Cub Scout Pack 137, a thriving youth fellowship program, and the Cranford-Elmora Soup Kitchen ministry, which has provided more than 166,000 meals to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

The anniversary year follows the recent completion of a major exterior restoration of the church’s 1894 sanctuary. The restoration project, led by TimberRidge Construction, preserved and restored architectural details that had been altered over time and was jointly recognized by the Cranford Historical Society (CHS) and the Cranford Historic Preservation Advisory Board (HPAB).

“The church’s distinctive architectural features, including the two sets of triple arches across the front of the building and it’s copper-covered pyramid roof on the clock tower, reflect the influence of Henry Hobson Richardson, the renowned architect who designed Trinity Church in Boston,” said Steve Price, Chairperson of the Cranford HPAB.

The church’s 175th Anniversary celebration will include a special worship service on Sunday, June 14, followed by a commemorative luncheon in Bates Hall. The Township of Cranford will also formally recognize the anniversary with a proclamation presentation during the Township Committee meeting on June 22.

“As we celebrate 175 years under God’s care,” said Rev. Jin Bae, “we give thanks to God for the faith and dedication of those who came before us, and we look toward the future — strengthening the ministries that serve our neighbors and helping future generations encounter the love of Jesus.”

For more information about the church’s 175th Anniversary celebration, visit:
www.firstprescranford.org/175

ABOUT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CRANFORD

As the body of Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit, First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, located at 11 Springfield Avenue in Cranford, NJ, seeks to live God’s Word and inspire others to embrace Jesus’ commandment to love one another as the Lord