A Brief History of the Presbyterian Church at Bound Brook

Our Beginnings

The body of believers that grew to become the Presbyterian Church at Bound Brook, were first formed into a unified congregation in the dark dungeons of Dunnottar Castle in 17th century Scotland. This small group of 167 men and women — known as “Covenanters,” for their support of covenant agreements intended to defend and extend Presbyterianism — were persecuted for their beliefs and imprisoned in the Castle, built on a sheer rock 150 feet above the sea.

In the 1680’s, these Covenanters made their way to the New World, settling in the Raritan River valley and establishing a faith community in what became Bound Brook, New Jersey. During the Revolutionary War, Pastor Israel Read and church members became well acquainted with the likes of General George Washington, when the Continental Army was encamped nearby.

Indeed, this congregation and the Bound Brook area have shared a rich and interwoven history. Until well into the 1800’s, the Presbyterian Church—then located in the downtown area on Main St.—was the town’s only house of worship. Over the years, as Bound Brook and the surrounding area grew in population and prosperity, so did the Presbyterian Church.

God’s Hand in Our History ^Back to Top

The Bible shows that God can act in human history in dramatic ways: The plagues of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the fall of Jericho. Over the years, our congregation has experienced its own share of the dramatic: the destruction of its sanctuary on Main St. during Bound Brook’s great flood and fire of 1896; the sudden death of its popular pastor, the Rev. C.O. Blanton, in 1929; the burning down of its Sunday School building in 1972. Like the pillars of cloud and fire that guided the ancient Hebrews, this congregation has looked for God’s direction in these events.

More recently, in September 1999, the impact of Hurricane Floyd on the inhabitants of Bound Brook and of our response became a defining moment in the life of our church. While the CCN helicopters were broadcasting overhead images of the terrible flood and fire on Main St., the Presbyterian Church was opening its doors to serve as a Red Cross shelter, providing food and temporary housing for over 200 displaced people from the downtown area. We felt the presence of God in the abundance of food and clothing that was donated. In the thousands of meals that were served, In the plea by a displaced family for a crib for their baby—and the simultaneous offering of just such a crib by someone who brought it to the Church in the simple belief that someone would need it.

Changing with a Changing Environment^Back to Top

The Bound Brook area has changed significantly since the town and our congregation were founded. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, immigrants from Italy, Poland and other lands came in great numbers to the area, laboring at local factories that did not require prior experience—nor the ability to speak English. Catholic, Jewish and other denominational houses of worship joined the Presbyterian Church in town. More recently, immigrants from Costa Rica and other Latin American countries have come to Bound Brook in search of a better life, just like the Italians, the Poles—and the Covenanters—before them.

As Peter was challenged by Jesus during the storm on the lake, we too are called to “get out of the boat”, to risk leaving our comfort zones of the familiar, to welcome and be welcomed by those who look, speak and believe differently than we do. In response to the needs in our surrounding environment, we have shared our facilities with scores of homeless families, with Korean Presbyterian and Costa Rican evangelical congregations. We have established immigrant advocacy and other outreach programs beyond the walls of our sanctuary. We have sent delegations from our congregation to work with and learn from people in Appalachia and Louisiana, in Costa Rica and El Salvador, in Palestine and Zambia.

Looking Forward^Back to Top

Paul made the analogy that congregations are like a body—a body of Christ. Like the foot, the hand, the ear and eye, each church member has its special role to play, each is dependent on the others, and no one individual is a complete, functioning congregation unto itself.

In applying this analogy to our church’s present and looking forward to its future, we see a “healthy”, life-giving Body of Christ. At worship services, we experience outstanding preaching, exceptional music and the active participation of the laity. Throughout the week, we see that same vitality. More evenings than not (and many mornings and afternoons) the parking lot is full—for the regular meeting of elders and deacons, church commissions, or Youth Group; for the Cub Scouts, AA or other community organization that uses our facilities; for a church “pot luck” dinner, special music or educational program, or the Hospitality program. Through these activities, we feel the continuing presence of God dwelling with us.

But as much as we love and gain life from the way our church is now, we know that sustained, vibrant life requires the ability to change. The Creation itself teaches us that living beings must be able to adapt to changes around them in order to thrive. So, too, for this Body of Christ. And what was said over 100 years ago by the Rev. Titus Davis—pastor at the time of the dedication of our current sanctuary back in 1898—remains true today: “Children, you have so much more to do.”

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