The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township Celebrates 60 Years

Contributed by the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township

The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township, a vibrant, multi-generational congregation that celebrates the glory of God through faith, fellowship and service, is celebrating it's 60th anniversary.

In the late 1950’s a small group of dedicated people from an essentially agricultural Chatham Township realized a vision of establishing a Presbyterian congregation. The Township was growing and the need for the church was enthusiastically welcomed. The Rev. Dr. Chester M. Davis was assigned by Presbytery to verify the interest and work on the church’s organization. Rev. Davis rang doorbells of every potential household, receiving a sufficiently positive response to forming the new congregation. In 1959, along with the purchase of an 8-acre site, over 200 people signed the Covenant of Membership, thereby establishing The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township.

On December 1, 1969, at a special worship service, 224 charter members were voted into membership by the Presbytery of Morris and Orange. It was the largest church ever organized by the Synod of New Jersey at that time.

The land, known as the Merkler property, consisted of a farmhouse and a barn and was purchased for $30,000. While the barn made way for construction of the new church, the farmhouse became the “Church House,” where for several years, almost all the church functions except Sunday worship were held. Worship was held in the basement of the Southern Blvd. School until a permanent building could be constructed.

Rev. Davis, as organizing pastor, stayed with the congregation until organization was complete and PCCT would be ready to call a permanent minister. The Rev. Dr. Lincoln Griswald became PCCT’s first senior pastor in 1960. That year also marked groundbreaking for the new fellowship hall. The idea was to “better estimate what the size of the sanctuary we shall eventually need” by building the fellowship hall first. Construction was completed in two years. Much of the finishing touches and yard work was done by members. The new building was home to a library, Sunday School classrooms, staff offices, a kitchen and space for the many programs and meetings already going on.

Within five years, the Women’s Association, adult and children’s choirs, Bible classes and many activities were well underway. Membership was up to 480 members.

Since that time, PCCT has had three major construction projects, many have stood at the alter for communion, dedications, weddings, confirmations and strength. Our people, praying and caring together is what makes us a church and gives us strength. We thank the dedication and foresight of our Charter Members 60 years ago. Their foundation will keep us strong for the next 60 years.