| Reflecting On Our
Sesquicentennial Year |
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HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS OF First
Presbyterian Church of Cranford IN CELEBRATION OF THE 150TH YEAR OF OUR FOUNDING JUNE 26, 1851
JUNE 26, 2001
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CHAPTER 7 Opening Years in Our Church,
18511925 |
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From our base membership of twenty-two people when we
were first established in 1851, the Craneville congregation grew steadily,
drawing people from nearby neighborhoods and participating in the population
growth of those years.
As previously noted, during the first two years our
pastor was Arunah H. Lilly. Two pastors serving shorter terms followed him.
Then, Reverend Hollis Read was with us for ten years, 1854-1864, a period
including much of the Civil War (1861-1865).
The state of New Jersey sent some 88,000 troops into
that violent conflict. Starting in April 1861, the first call for volunteers
was for a three-month enlistment and this was quickly overfilled, mostly from
the cities. When it became obvious that the fighting would take much longer,
there was another callfor three-year enlistmentsa call which was
much less well received! A system to encourage enlistments was set up whereby
state and local bounties were offered at $25 to $50 each. The system also
provided the option for a drafted person to purchase a substitute to carry out
his service. Volunteering on the conscription board was our member, Josiah
Crane, Sr.
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William D. Wood Although Craneville was still a small village, there were several
volunteer soldiers from our town. The precise number is not known. At least one
was from our church: William D. Wood. After his return from wartime duties, he
served four terms as mayor of Cranford. He also served as Captain of the
Cranford Thief Detecting Society, an investigative service. He was
Superintendent of the First Presbyterian Church Sunday School for twenty-one
years and was very popular with the young people, being known affectionately as
"Billy Wood." He died in 1893, as the building of our third sanctuary was just
underway. We recognize his service in the stained glass window at the rear of
the current sanctuary.
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Reverend Alfred H. Sloat led our worship for the years
1867-1868. During his tenure it became clear that our church was already
outgrowing its home in the 90-seat Alden Street church, only seventeen years
after we first occupied it. We needed seating for 300 worshippers.
Dedication of our second church home was a joyous
event, with musical selections accompanied on the newly purchased organ. To
provide room at this location for the growing Sunday School, the Alden Street
chapel building was moved from its original location and placed behind the new
church building. (A small portion of the chapel is visible in the photo
above.)
Our generous benefactor, Josiah, stepped forward again
and arranged to have a large bronze bell cast for the belfry of the new
building. To this day it still calls parishioners to worship, but in those
early days the bell also served as a general alarm for the town. Because there
was no regular police force, a few of the trusted citizens formed the Vigilance
Committee and had a key to the belfry for quick entry and response, to sound
the alarm!
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Our second church home,
1869 Once again a building committee swung into action, with
stalwart members subscribing. A new location at a beautiful site was chosen -
the corner of Springfield and North Union Avenues, where a plot was purchased
from John Grant Crane, son of Josiah. A lovely classic steepled church was
erected, at a cost of $13,000. With the cornerstone laid in 1868, the new
building was dedicated in 1869, under the pastorate of Reverend A. A.
MacConnell.
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Two notable pastors followed: Reverend William Henry
Roberts preached with unusual eloquence, later served as seminary professor,
and for a number of years was the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly.
Reverend James F. Riggs also was a brilliant scholar and preacher; he was a
member of a distinguished family of ministers and missionaries. He was an
ancestor of our contemporary, Mary Riggs Wells, being a first cousin, twice
removed.
In Chapter 8 we will learn about
the pastor who cared for our church during a forty-year tenure, Reverend George
Francis Greene.
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CHAPTER 8 Our Dynamic Activities
Continue |
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All the while the church was steadily gaining new
members, and by 1885 our membership was about 125. The town of Cranford had
grown from about 50 adults in 1850 to about 1,450 in 1885. We were recognized
as a desirable residential community for people with business in New York and
Newark. A building boom ensued. The new families found a stimulating and
wholesome social life in this active Venice of New
Jersey.
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Our missionary outreach also became ever wider,
especially through the efforts of various womens groups. We gave
regularly to foreign missions and to home missions; we contributed aid to the
needy after tragedies such as the floods of Johnstown, PA (1889) and Galveston,
TX.
These were the days when church functions were at a
peak, with visiting revivalist preachers touring the country. Many preached at
our church. One of the notable ones was the outstanding evangelist, Reverend
Dwight Moody of Chicago.
By 1893 our congregation had once again outgrown the
church facilities. There was discussion about whether to simply put an addition
onto the 1869 church building, but the argument prevailed that we
should not put a new patch on an old suit of clothes, but
instead should erect a brand new building with seating for 550 worshippers.
Reverend Greenes appeal for funds was oversubscribed with great
enthusiasm (and this was in a year of financial panic!)
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Our third church home,
1894 Today we enjoy worship services in this beautiful
sanctuary, and the stained glass windows remind us of the former members and
their dedication.
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In Garwood the Presbyterians had been meeting in a
schoolhouse, as we had done earlier, and were interested in escalating their
worship program. In 1898 they sought the support of the Cranford church, and we
helped them form a chapel and employ seminary students. In 1906 a new building
was dedicated, with Reverend Greene presiding at the event. Cranford provided
organizational and financial support for some twenty-five years, until 1925, at
which time the Garwood church became fully independent.
These were glorious days for our nation at the turn of
the century. It was an age of refinement. The family home, the church, the
well-planned classroom, and the great outdoors were venues for nurturing our
gentle culture.
Soon the high-wheeled bicycles were supplanted by the
even-more-daring horseless carriages. The age of automobiles was born and with
it an increased mobility that soon dominated our culture. This growing mobility
began to entice us away for long Sunday drives, when we should have been in
church!!
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Reverend George Francis
Greene, Minister from 1885-1925 Into this scene we welcomed
another great new pastor, Reverend George Francis Greene. He had been a public
school teacher in Basking Ridge, and was encouraged by that Presbyterian
minister to enter the ministry. After graduating from Princeton Seminary,
Reverend Greene accepted a call to the Cranford ministry, where he served his
entire career, which spanned forty years. He proved to be a man who thoroughly
believed in his work and he strived to develop all aspects of church
life.
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The grand moments of exciting social events were
brought to an end by the harsh realities of World War I. Cranford mobilized and
sent our service people off to war, with fifteen sons of the town making the
full sacrifice. There were seventy-two members of our church who served in WWI.
Their names are listed on the plaque in the narthex of the church.
The amazing forty years of Reverend Greenes
tenure ended in October 1925, when he retired with failing health. Reverend
Orion C. Hopper, a very capable individual who had become the assistant
minister in 1923, fresh from seminary, subsequently replaced Reverend
Greene.
The next chapter covers the period
following the forty-year pastorate of Reverend George Francis Greene, which
ended in 1925.
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In 1901 there was a grand
celebration of the 50th anniversary of our church founding, with the sanctuary
interior draped with bunting for the "Golden Jubilee." The week of festivities
included major guest speakers, vocal and instrumental concerts and receptions,
with daily newspaper reports of these events.
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The vibrant social life in
Cranford centered around riverside activities, carnivals, floats, parades,
sports events, bicycling, ice-skating, and dances at the old Casino, located
next to the river. Cranford even had its own Opera House (until it burned to
the ground in 1912). |
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Those dynamic days enjoyed by
all seem to us to typify the "Good Old Days" that many long for. Here the steam
launch "Madeline" takes its passengers for an afternoon cruise. The Rahway
River provided recreation in winter as well as summer. |
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On a Sunday afternoon, in
front of the landmark Cranford Casino, entire families skated along the
Rahway's frozen surface. |
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CHAPTER 9 Through the Depression and WW
II |
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During the last two years of Reverend Greenes
remarkable tenure, his assistant Reverend Orion C. Hopper, was assigned the
evening service and the work with the young members of the congregation. When
Greene resigned in 1925, Hopper was immediately installed as pastor. Hopper
really took hold. Already familiar with the congregation, while at the same
time popular with the members, he was able to move effectively in strengthening
the fellowship and organization of the church. New organizations formed
included Young Womens Bible Class, Young Mens Club, Young
Peoples Federation, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, and a Church Council
within the church to facilitate communications.
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Church Membership,
1851-1929 During the 4-year period between 1925-1929, membership shot up
from 626 to 964 and the Sunday School grew from 488 to 700. Increased space was
needed by 1927, at which time a campaign was initiated to raise funds for an
improved and larger Sunday School building. As in the past, the effort received
strong support from the congregation!
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The popularity of Hopper and his successful leadership
is illustrated in the graph showing our church growth in these early
pastorates. With the good progress made here, Reverend Hopper moved on in
December 1929 by answering a call to the Memorial Church in Newark, where he
remained as pastor for 22 years.
Hopper continued his Christian leadership, serving as
Alumni Secretary for the Princeton Seminary. Later, he helped set up an
entirely new Presbyterian congregation for the Belle Mead/Somerville area. (He
died in 1969, followed by his wifes death in May 2001at age
101.)
It is an interesting coincidence that our present
interim Pastor, Reverend Charles Brackbill, remembers Hopper well. When Charley
was at Princeton, the professor teaching a course on mission work was none
other than Reverend Hopper!
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Reverend Orion C. Hopper,
Pastor from 1925-1929 A popular leader, Reverend Hopper
helped strengthen many of the church clubs and
activities.
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The Pastor Nominating Committee reached out across the
seas for our next pastor, Reverend William R. Sloan. Reverend Sloan was a
rather earnest man with a serious demeanor, who accomplished important things
for Cranford during the fifteen years that he was with us. He had a strong
interest in music, and made constructive changes in the music program. In 1932
the H. P. Moller pipe organ was installed. He engaged a music director supplied
by the Westminster Choir School, he initiated an annual presentation of
The Messiah, combined with the Roselle church choir, and he formed
three junior choirs. He increased the number of Elders to twenty-four, rotating
in three groups, and he established the Board of Deaconesses to visit shut-ins
and new residents.
These were the years of the Great Depression and some
may remember the 5-cent apple, a main article of trade for unemployed workers.
We may well recall the hard times in our family and neighborhood. Our church
was not immune to financial woes. Receipts for church operations lagged,
expenses were in arrears, we had an outstanding mortgage of $25,000, and gifts
for benevolences were reduced. The Session appealed to the church organizations
and to individual members, and gradually the funds were raised, although it
took until 1945 to lift the debt. Reverend Sloan saw us through these difficult
times.
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Reverend William R. Sloan,
Pastor from 1930-1945 He had been serving the Westbourne
Presbyterian Church in Belfast, Ireland, in the portion of the island that was
predominantly Protestant, populated with Scottish settlers. (It was not until
1949 that Northern Ireland and the larger area of Eire were clearly separated,
but the unrest continues today.)
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In this same period, World War II descended upon the
world, our nation, and our town. Industrial mobilization moved quickly and our
nations resourcefulness was clearly demonstrated. Conscription for the
draft was a daily concern, as families were dislodged and lives were
redirected. Cranford provided 2,020 service men and women to the conflict, and
57 of these brave people gave their lives. From our First Presbyterian church
there were 198 who served, of whom seven were lost (listed on the tablet in the
narthex.)
Many of todays church members have vivid
memories of personal involvement in that great struggle of WW II, while many
others carry the scars of later conflicts. Not many talk about their
experiences, but there are many untold stories that could be related by those
seated in the pews. We all owe much to these courageous people.
In November 1944 Reverend Sloan announced his
resignation from the pastorate, however he offered to continue as pastor until
a successor was found, thus serving as his own interim. After leaving us,
Reverend Sloan moved to Ocean Grove, where he served at a church in Barnegat,
NJ, before returning to his homeland. (We since have had correspondence with
his grandson, who sent his greetings to Cranford.)
Succeeding Reverend Sloan was Reverend Robert G.
Longaker, who was with us from 1945 to 1971.
In Chapter 10 youll see how
the dramatic growth curve reflected our urge to pick up the pieces after the
war.
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CHAPTER 10 Swords into
Plowshares |
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In this long history of the church we now come into
more familiar years for many of usfrom 1945 to 1971entering the
pastorate of Reverend R. G. Longaker. This was yet another remarkable period in
our church.
A whole new phase awaited First Presbyterian with the
ending of WWII on May 7, 1945 (Europe) and September 2, 1945 (Pacific). It was
not long before everyone sought to reorder their lives. Many servicemen
enrolled in the GI Bill to prepare themselves for new careers. We remember the
rush to build new housing-no matter how small the houses were, we were
proud and happy to have them. Cranford had its share of those convenient
bungalows, occupied by growing families.
The industrious veterans, filled with hopes and
ambitions, undaunted by challenges, now formed a whole new force in society. It
was a can do era. Joining a church and worshiping with their
families was an enriching experience for many. They were eager to have their
children committed to wholesome values. Our enthusiastic leader in this
exciting period was Reverend Robert G. Longaker, Reverend Bob. He
previously had served as pastor at the Presbyterian churches in Campbell Hall,
NY and Sparrows Point, MD.
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Reverend Robert G. Longaker,
Pastor from 1945-1971 Our new minister, as he arrived from
Sparrows Point, MD, to be with us for 26 years.
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He was greeted with the welcome challenges of a
rapidly growing church, and at his first congregational meeting he took
executive action, setting up a Planning Committee to develop proposals on three
concerns: (1) physical needs of the church, (2) appropriate architectural
changes, and (3) methods for financing the changes. In short order plans for a
new Education Building were implemented, with the cornerstone laid in 1950. The
old manse had been used as the Sunday School, but was now replaced by the new
three story building with good classroom spaces. That was the first major
bricks and mortar change achieved by Reverend
Longaker.
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In planning for future expansion, the church had
already purchased the property at the corner of Springfield Avenue and Miln
Street, and that became the site for the second major building projectthe
construction of Fellowship Hall, which opened up for us the convenience of a
large meeting hall. This was implemented in 1956. Later on, we renamed the
building to honor two of our long-time church members, Mr. and Mrs. George
Bates. Mrs. Elizabeth Bates led a very distinguished life in the town and the
church, and is fondly remembered by many.
In the 1970 period, structural changes were made to
the entrance of the Sanctuary with the addition of the narthex. Replacing the
entrance, which had been open to the elements, was a practical and very useful
alteration, although it modified the architecture of the original Richardson
Romanesque style.
Other progressive changes occurred during his
pastorate. Most striking was the increase in enrollment and attendance. We
reached a high point in 1964, with membership at 2650. In those days, the many
worshipers, especially at Christmas and Easter, overfilled the Sanctuary,
requiring remote speaker set-ups in the anterooms, even with multiple
services.
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Ground Breaking L. to R.: Bob Crane, Ray Vincent, Harold Snyder, Burt Belden, D. A.
Hopper (architect), Reverend R. G. Longaker. In this fourth major project, we
removed the inadequate original rooms adjoining the 1894 main Sanctuary and
constructed Memorial Hall in 1967-1968. This gave us many useful spaces-chapel,
lounge, library, offices, choir room, and youth center. This was the last of
the "bricks and mortar" work done under Reverend Longaker, who was very skilled
at fund raising. The church members enthusiastically supported these projects,
which greatly improved the functional value of our physical
facilities.
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The surge in membership is illustrated by the
accompanying chart. These were very exciting years for all, up until the mid
60s.
It can be seen also that the grand increase in growth
was lost when membership fell off during the late 60s and 70s, as
was the typical experience of many other churches in those difficult years. One
attributes the drop-off to demographic and cultural changes, and to the sad
repercussions of the Vietnam War. This loss in church membership and
participation continues as a main concern today, and each of us needs to bring
more disciples into worship. |

Church Membership,
1851-2000
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Reverend Longaker strongly supported programs that
involved the children and youth. Communicant classes for teenagers were well
attended. A full-time Director of Christian Education was employed for Sunday
School. In 1950 there were over 900 children enrolled. Further growth is shown
by the records of March 1959, which documented a communicants class of 55 young
people, in addition to 24 adults! To reach out to the preschoolers, a nursery
school was inaugurated in 1952 under the direction of a wonderful leader, Helen
Klase Baldwin.
In 1951, our church marked the 100th anniversary of
its founding, and there were services of celebration. In addition, we
commemorated the occasion by establishing the Centennial Scholarship
Fund, as a means for encouraging young people to enter ministry careers.
Four of the first students who used the fund were John Sloat, John Hunn,
Brenton Stearns, and George Rankin. Others followed as beneficiaries and the
fund is still available to applicants.
Reverend Bob was especially effective in welcoming
people and making them feel at home in the church. He always had a cheery
greeting, and he visited parishioners in their homes. Early in his pastorate he
helped promote the idea of a Couples Club, for the purpose of
wholesome fellowship. He continued to support the Margaret Greene Association,
the Womens Bible Class and the Everymans Bible Class, and the
Mens League, activities which had been started in earlier years, and now
thrived.
Longaker kept in close contact with field missionaries
sponsored by our church and brought mission awareness into our worship. During
his pastorate, the young people were very active in outreach to needy areas,
and carried out several trips to churches in Appalachia during summer
work/vacations. Also, for the young people, a successful information program
was organized, entitled After High School, What? which provided
career ideas.
Throughout his ministry, Reverend Longaker benefited
greatly from the help of a number of assistant ministers and seminary students.
Also, we especially remember the dedicated staff and lay workers, including
Connie Miskelly, Peggy Cummings, Grace Mack, and many others, continuing
through today. Reverend Longaker retired in 1971 after 26 years of service with
our church. He and his wife, Doris, enjoyed their following years together
until he died on November 18, 1991.
In the next chapter, we will recall
three pastors: Frank Goodlake, George Pike, and Bruce Williams, our most
recent, and much mourned, leader.
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CHAPTER 11 Some Events of the Past 30
Years |
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In the last chapter, we saw the powerful growth in
membership following WWII, with many young families eager to join the church.
Then we saw the beginnings of drop-off in church participation. This losing
trend has continued in most of the mainline, established denominations, and is
todays highest priority concern. This challenge has faced all of our
recent congregations and pastors.
After Bob Longakers 26-year tenure, our next
pastor was Reverend Frank C. Goodlake. A native of Chicago, he completed
studies at Crane College, Elmhurst College, and then operated a decorating
service in Chicago. After deciding to enter the ministry, he next earned a
Bachelor of Divinity degree from Dubuque Theological Seminary, followed by a
Masters degree from Luther Theological Seminary. Before coming to
Cranford, he had been the pastor at the Presbyterian Church of La Crosse, WI.
Goodlake was a member of the US Naval Reserve, where he served as Chaplain
during breaks from his Cranford duties. Reverend Goodlake served us for six
years. During his pastorate, the idea of Advent Workshops took hold. It
continues today as an absorbing activity during the Christmas
season.
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Reverend Frank C. Goodlake,
Pastor from 1971-1977 While pastor, he promoted the Lenten
Dinners, combining fellowship and worship
services.
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Continuing through Goodlakes tenure was Kay
Cronk, who served as Director of Christian Education. Kay was devoted to her
work and was extremely effective in recruiting a strong teaching staff, in
addition to carrying out active programs for young people. One of Kays
special contributions was her leadership of the popular program No-Frills
Bible Study.
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Our next pastor, Reverend George H. Pike, led our
congregation for ten years, 1978-1988. Reverend Pike was not only an
accomplished preacher, but he was also a very capable administrator. He took
prompt action to improve the financial and business side of our operation.
He encouraged the formation of the Youth Club (grades
4 through 6) and he revitalized the Youth Fellowship program. We joined an
outreach program called SCEEP (Suburban Cultural Education Enrichment Program),
bringing children from the Protestant Community Center in Newark to our church
for tutoring and cultural enrichment.
Improving financial support was one of George
Pikes special contributions. In stewardship for the annual budget, the
Pony Express and the Neighbor to Neighbor ideas brought
forward improved pledges. Special drives included the Major Mission Fund,
Mission Advance Fund, and Mission Plus.
It was a pleasant diversion when Reverend Pike
escorted some members on trips to the Holy Land. The experience was extremely
inspiring to those who went. Upon return, the travelers reported to the
stay-at-homes, who then regretted not making the trip
themselves!
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Reverend George H. Pike,
Pastor from 1978-1988 Reverend Pike, who spent his youth in
Chatham, New Jersey, returned to this area after leaving his post in Vancouver,
WA. An exceptional administrator, as well as preacher, he established a
much-needed Capital Improvement Fund for work on the
buildings.
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In 1987 our church was pleased to join a special
outreach via the H.O.M.E. Program, giving a share of overnight shelter to
homeless people in the county. Church members continue today to serve in this
important, compassionate work.
In 1988, George Pike left us to serve as Executive
Director in the Bicentennial Fund, a worldwide effort to raise $125175
million for strengthening the mission of the Presbyterian
Church.
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In 1989, we welcomed our next pastor, Reverend Bruce
D. Williams. He had previously served in churches located in Plymouth and
Lisbon, OH and York, PA. Reverend Williams and his family were joyously
received into our circle. It took very little time for the Williams family to
become involved in our church activities and they often served as hosts for
backyard picnics at the manse.
Mrs. Williams (Patti) took on a most uplifting
taskshepherding the Cherub Choir, whose frequent appearances in Sunday
worship services have always been a delight. Eric, the oldest of the Williams
children, while in high school served on various church committees. He has
since moved on to a business career and is working towards an MBA. Karla,
Reverend Williams daughter, assisted regularly in teaching Sunday School
and is now teaching autistic children. Adam, the second Williams son, set up
and maintains an Internet web site for the church. He is currently completing
his undergraduate work at Drexel.
Reverend Williams was especially successful at
welcoming young adults into the church family. The Baby Boomers
organization was very active in bonding that group of members in fellowship. He
greatly enjoyed the friends he made; more young families were seen in worship,
encouraging their children to participate in the Childrens
Sermon and attend Sunday School. During this time our church established
another avenue of outreach to the community, opening our doors to
PrimeTime after-school care. This started with 11 children and is
now caring for over 150!
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Reverend Bruce D. Williams,
Pastor from 1989-2000 Reverend Williams was especially
successful at welcoming young adults into the church family. The "Baby Boomers"
organization was very active in bonding that group of members in
fellowship.
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Reverend Williams promoted several All
Church events that afforded moments of warm fellowship. The Christmas
Party has always been a rousing evening for the whole family. He also set up
the Sunday morning Kerygma Bible Study program. During the past three years the
informal discussion group has been examining sections of the Old and New
Testaments, and they become very absorbed in this learning process. The Greek
word Kerygma can be translated as The Essential Gospel.
A successful drive for Capital and Mission Funds was
carried out, which helped Elizabethports well-planned building
improvements and for work needed here in Cranford. In recent years, our
physical plant has been wonderfully cared for and improved. Many Trustee and
volunteer hours have been dedicated to keeping our church efficient and
presentable.
Very sadly, our much-loved pastor was called home to
God on October 12, 2000. We still grieve for the loss of our leader and friend,
as well as the loss suffered by his family. Surely Reverend Williams would have
wanted us to carry on with even greater energy in delivering Christs
message.
Our Associate Pastor, Reverend Valencia Norman, has
been a strong force in preserving our forward momentum in programs during these
harrowing months, while continuing her fine work with the children and young
people programs.
We are fortunate also in having the services of
Reverend Charles Brackbill as Interim Pastor. He comes to us with a rich
background in handling broadcast services for our denomination. Many of us are
attentive to his persuasive sermons, sprinkled with clever humor. Although this
is a short-term post, Charley accepts the full mantle of challenge, eager to
work with Divisions and Committees toward building our dedication to
Christs work through this church.
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CHAPTER 12 Today and
Tomorrow |
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Now we come to the end of this year of celebration,
and we bring to you a few closing thoughtsnot about past history, but
concerning where we are now, and where we may be going in the future.
We hope that you have enjoyed, as much as we have, our
journey through the past decades of our church. It has been fun to relive these
historical and inspirational times. We have been led by ministers and lay
leaders with remarkable dedication. Through their efforts and with the help of
the parishioners today, we have built a church home that is a dynamic force in
Christian ministry in Cranford. However, we must keep moving forward, there is
much to be done and many opportunities to be taken.
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At this time, we are being sorely tested. Foremost, in
our deeply shaken lives, is the spectre of the unreasoned attack on September
11, 2001, and the uncertainty of what lies ahead. We will need to reach into
the reserves of our faith.
As we plot our future course, we must seek out those
directions which truly strengthen the mission of the church. We will need
greater ability to discern the proper course of action, as we are faced with
difficult choices. What can we do in our church life to arouse a strong sense
of unity toward meaningful Christian goals? We must deliberate carefully on the
issues, but never fall into hasty decisions which lead to unintended,
undesirable consequences.
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In brief, our church in Cranford is now facing a
number of challenges which threaten to divert us from Christs mission.
Two issues which need immediate attention are:
- We need to reverse the creeping attrition of
membership-to rebuild our evangelistic efforts, bringing more people into
the joy of our worshipto increase the warmth with which we welcome our
new members.
- A second challenge concerns our financial
viability. As member enrollment slips and operating costs increase, we are
approaching the brink. Major corrective actions should be sought.
How wonderful it would be if even more of
usevery one of uswere involved in a concerted effort to recapture
those glorious days of the past, when church activity involved us all. Let us
continue to celebrate this anniversary year by rededicating our efforts.
May God bless our
congregation, our church, and our country.
 The Dove Window, donated by
Robert Rindell.
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REFERENCES
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- Session Records of First Presbyterian Church,
Craneville, NJ. June 26, 1852.
- Bodine, Ada Belle. Historical Sketch of
Cranford Presbyterian Church School. 1935; 4 pgs.
- Brackenridge, R. Douglas. The Presbyterian Church
(USA) Foundation. A Bicentennial History, 17991999. 1999.
Geneva Press. 168 pgs.
- Burditt, Arthur and Hazel. Presbyterians
Started in a Little Red School. Cranford Chronicle. ca. 1979.
- Cranford Board of Trade. Cranford,
NJ. Promotional booklet. 1913; 128 pgs.
- Earhart, Lida B. History of the First
Presbyterian Church of Cranford NJ, 1851-1951. 1951; 52 pgs.
- Fridlington, Robert. Union County
Yesterday. 1981.
- Fridlington, Robert and Fuhro, Lawrence.
Images of America: Cranford. Arcadia Publishing. Vol. I 1995; 128
pgs, Vol. II 1996; 128 pgs.
- Greene, Rev. George Francis. A vine of the
Lords planting. Historical sermon preached on April 9, 1893, published in
History of Union County.
- Greene, Rev. George Francis. The First
Presbyterian Church of Cranford NJ, A Brief History of Its First Half
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