Church Office:
(732) 382-0803
Hours:
Mon.-Thurs.
9:00am-3:30pm
The Old First has been around since the 1700's. There have been many publications written over the years. This excerpt is just a small example of the history behind our church. If you want to learn more about the church's history, please contact the office.
History Committee:
Yes, we have a committee that can research information about the Old First or past members if you should need it. Send an email or call the church office for more information.
About Us
Rahway's First House of Worship
Two hundred years of Christian ministry have passed into the history of the First Presbyterian Church, of Rahway. Years, in which, at times, the very life of the nation has been imperiled. Times when the stress and strain of war, economic changes and reconstruction periods have stirred the should and sentiments of men. Throughout these trying times for two centuries the voice of the 'Old First" from pulpit and pew has resounded down the corridors of time with words of Christian courage and inspiration and deeds of daring and decision.
Born at a time when religious liberty was a pearl of great price, when freedom was throbbing in the breasts of the American colonists, this church was the offspring of the First Presbyterian Church, of Elizabeth, whose territory at that time included all of what is now Union County, and portions of Somerset, Hunterdon, Morris, Warren and Sussex counties.
A deep religious revival during the pastorate of the celebrated Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, D.D., accentuated by the difficulties of traveling so many miles during the exceedingly rigorous winter of 1740-41, caused the members of the First Church of Elizabeth, residing in this vicinity, to organize the church here with the aid and blessing of the mother church.
The first church edifice to be erected in Rahway was therefore built in 1741-42 on what is now St. George's Avenue, just within the church cemetery enclosure, now known as Rahway Cemetery. The present main driveway passes directly over the original church site.
It was a two-story frame structure built of heavy timber and sides enclosed with shingles, with two rows of windows, and a surmounting tower with spire, to which was adjusted a copper weather-cock, perforated by a bullet said to be a mark of the Revolutionary period. There were galleries on three sides, a small barrel-shaped pulpit with room for but one person., overshadowed by a scunding board. The floor was made of heavy hewn plank, not closely joined, the cracks widening with age, making it necessary for the women of the congregation in the winter season to bring foot-stoves to offset the cold that came through the crevices of the uncarpeted floor.
Data concerning this organization of this church is based on Presbyterial records and collateral history as the early records until 1795 have been lost. At the time of organization New Jersey was known as East New Jersey and Long Island Presbyteries were united forming the Presbytery of New york, of which the First Church became a part.
The first five years of this church must be termed the period of supplies. John Cleverly, a graduate of Harvard, was the first supply. He was followed by John Grant, Nathan Strong, Hezekiah Watkins, all graduates of Yale.
The above information is an excerpt from The First Presbyterian Church, Rahway, N.J., 1741-1941 publication.