For Whom the Bell Tolled at St. Stephen's Church

A late-1800s local newspaper noted that when a resident of Millburn (or a member of St. Stephen's Church) died, the church bells would toll once for each year of the person's life. I wonder how many people tried to bribe the bell-ringer to cut short some of that ringing when the inevitable day arrived for them...

St. Stephen's Church was - and is still - such an important integral part of life in Millburn that it embraced residents of all religious denominations within the walls of the church and its social hall, at a time when meeting places were scarce. Regular organ recitals/concerts with renowned organists and composers on the church's celebrated Beckerath organ continue to draw enthusiasts to the historic and elegant church. Even the beautiful St. Stephen's cemetery continues to draw visitors to the peaceful oasis on busy Millburn Avenue.

Tragically, the recent flooding from Hurricane Irene also found its way to the historic church and left in its wake thousands of dollars worth of damage. The Millburn-Short Hills Historical Society will have a small fundraiser for St. Stephen's Church this Sunday, Oct. 16, when society members are invited to tour a stone manor house in Short Hills, followed by a brief introduction to the history of the house and presentation from the homeowner and contractor on the superb restoration of the historic home.

Immediately before that presentation, St. Stephen's Chuch will once again offer a repeat of its successful and popular guided walking tour of the cemetery across from Millburn High School. Guides will bring visitors to 12 gravesites, where impersonators will do a brief characterization of the important people buried at that site. There is no charge for the 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday guided walking tours, or for the historical society's member meeting from 4 to 6 p.m, but donations toward much-needed flood-damage relief are appreciated. Cemetery tours begin at 2 p.m. and leave in shifts until just before 4 p.m.. Cemetery tour guests are invited to gather at the cemetery entrance gate, and house tour guests are invited to call the museum at 973-564-9519, for more information.

Please join the historical society in extending a little help to this valuable and charming piece of Millburn's early history.