South Presbyterian Church

Founded 1723

150 West Church Street
Bergenfield, NJ 07621

Tel: 201.384.8932 Fax: 201.384.2376
e-mail: southchurch@aol.com

... IN THE LIFE OF SOUTH CHURCH

1723	Decision to build a Dutch Reformed Church in Schraalenburgh (Bergenfield).
1728	First church building completed on site just east of present building. It was probably a 36 foot square building with a steeple topped with the Petrine Cock, the mark of a Dutch Reformed Church.
1765	Charter granted to United Protestant Dutch Reformed churches of Hackensack and Schraalenburgh, one of the first ten church charters in New Jersey.
1766	Rev. John Henry Goetschius, then minister of Schraalenburgh church, obtained charter of Queens College (Rutgers University), and named first Chairman of Trustees.
1799	Present South Church sanctuary erected.
1822	South Church seceded from Dutch Reformed Church and organized the True Dutch Reformed Church along with ten or twelve other congregations.
1867	Dedication of remodeled church on April 21. The building was lengthened and the cost was covered by the sale of 92 pews.
1877	Heads of families of congregation voted 17-11 to introduce organ music in services of worship.
1908	Congregation voted to install heat in the sanctuary.
1913	South Church affiliated with the Presbyterian Church.
1937	Cooper Park land given to the town.
1952	South Church House dedicated.
1984	Pipe Organ revoiced and enlarged.
1998	Celebrated 275 years of continued ministry. First major refurbishing & redecorating of sanctuary in over 100 years.
1999	Celebrated the 200th Anniversary of the Sanctuary building.
2002	Celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Church House.
2008	The Reverend Thomas W. Pinnel elected Pastor Emeritus.

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