NEW JERSEY - The Garden State, boasts a rich colonial history with roots stretching back to the Dutch settlement of New Netherland. A remarkable testament to this early history stands in Jersey City: the Old Bergen Church. While the current building dates back to the 19th century, the congregation itself is widely recognized as the oldest continuous religious congregation in New Jersey, which was established 365 years ago in 1660.
Old Bergen Church: New Jersey's Oldest Continuous Congregation, A Legacy Since 1660
From its foundations in a small Dutch village to its modern-day presence in the heart of a bustling metropolis, the Old Bergen Church in Jersey City stands as a testament to an uninterrupted legacy of faith. This article explores the founding, rich history, and enduring community of New Jersey's oldest continuous congregation.
Dutch Roots in New Netherland (1660)
The story of the Old Bergen Church begins in 1660 with the founding of Bergen, one of the first chartered villages in what would become New Jersey. Established by Dutch settlers in the colony of New Netherland, this village was designed as a fortified community, and a congregation was formally established as its spiritual and civic core. This founding date marks the beginning of an unbroken history of worship that has continued for over 360 years.
From Humble Structures to a Greek Revival Landmark
While the congregation's spirit was born in 1660, its physical presence evolved over time.
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The First Church (1680): The community's first dedicated church, a simple octagonal structure, was erected in 1680. It provided a permanent home for the congregation that served them for decades.
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The Current Sanctuary (1841): The beautiful, stately brownstone church that stands today at the corner of Bergen and Highland Avenues was constructed in 1841. This is not the 17th-century original but is a historic landmark in its own right. Designed in the popular Greek Revival style, its grand columns and symmetrical facade create a sense of enduring strength and grace.
The Historic Churchyard: A Window into the Past
No visit or story of the Old Bergen Church is complete without its historic cemetery. The churchyard, with gravestones dating back centuries, is a living map of the community's history. Visitors can find the final resting places of the area's founding families, Revolutionary War soldiers, and generations of citizens who built Jersey City. The cemetery itself is an invaluable historic site, offering a tangible connection to the individuals who shaped this legacy.
A Living Legacy and Enduring Faith
Today, the Old Bergen Church is more than just a beautifully preserved building or a historic site; it is a vibrant, active faith community.
Its historical importance is formally recognized with a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Reflecting its long and evolving history, the church maintains a unique dual affiliation with both the Reformed Church in America (honoring its Dutch Reformed origins) and the Presbyterian Church (USA).
The church's uninterrupted existence since 1660 makes it a powerful link to New Jersey's colonial past. Yet, it remains deeply rooted in the present, serving its modern, diverse community as a place of worship, a historical anchor, and a center for community outreach.
The Old Bergen Church in Jersey City is a remarkable monument to faith and community endurance. While its current building is a 19th-century landmark, the congregation itself, founded in 1660, is considered New Jersey's oldest continuous religious congregation. Its Dutch roots, long history, and continued presence make it a vital piece of the Garden State's heritage and a testament to nearly four centuries of uninterrupted worship.
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Sources:
- Old Bergen Church Website & Archives
- Reformed Church in America Archives
- Presbyterian Church (USA) Archives
- New Jersey Historical Society
- Jersey City Historical Records
- National Register of Historic Places Documentation
- Histories of New Netherland and Colonial New Jersey
