Presbyterian Church in Norwood Celebrates 135 Years!

You wouldn’t know it from the dozens of happy kids that throng its Sunday School classes, but a local church turns 135 years old this year. The Presbyterian Church in Norwood was founded in 1869 by a group of area residents whose names are still on file in the records office in Hackensack. Prominent northern valley names like Blauvelt, Demarest, Haring and LaRoche were among the founding fathers. These early leaders were able to put together a sum of $850 toward the building of the wooden edifice, which was completed and dedicated in May, 1869 for a total cost of $2,430.

Originally erected on Summit Street, the church took advantage of an offer from one of its members and was moved to its current location on Broadway, between Summit and Tappan Road. Imagine the scene: a stately wooden church steeple moving slowly up Broadway - drawn by horses! In the last century, a beloved member, Elaine Mariner, enlarged the church property by selling a section of her property to the church for one dollar. It is difficult to estimate the value of that gift in today’s real estate market!

27 US presidents have come and gone since 1869, but the church in Norwood still stands. Its congregation is known in the Presbytery of the Palisades (the local governing body of the Presbyterian Church, USA) as an active, welcoming and caring group with a strong sense of mission and social justice. Members come not only from Norwood and Northvale, but from as far away as Montvale, Tenafly, and Washington Township.

Today, the church buildings include the landmark sanctuary building, a four-bedroom manse, (pastor’s residence,) the Church House (offices and meeting room,) and the Christian Education (Church School) building. The latter is leased during the week to the Inge Lake Pre-School. Several years ago, the church purchased a new Rogers Trillium organ. This was a real financial commitment at the time, but the amazing instrument is now fully paid off.

“We take pride in calling ourselves an inclusive church,” said Elder Norm Friberg. That means that when we say, ‘all are welcome’, we mean everyone.”

The church has supported Boy Scout troop 120 for more than fifty years. It also hosts both a women’s association and a men’s group, as well as a local Alcoholics Anonymous chapter.

Mission activities of the Norwood church have been far-reaching, including helping to build a school in El Salvador several years ago. Recently, and closer to home, the congregation “adopted” an expectant single mother and hosted a baby shower for her. We are happy to say that mother and daughter are doing well.

The Presbyterian Church in Norwood holds both Sunday worship and Church School on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM. Worship is always followed by fellowship hour, accompanied by lively conversation, good coffee and assorted munchies.

The church provides nursery care for children too little for church school. There is ample parking behind the church, which is air-conditioned in the warmer months. The Presbyterian Church in Norwood is located at 701 Broadway, telephone 201-768-2223.