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
This article explores this venerable Jersey City institution's founding, history, and enduring legacy.
Dutch Foundations in New Netherland (1660)
The story of the Old Bergen Church begins in the Dutch colonial village of Bergen, then part of the larger territory of New Netherland (which included present-day New York and New Jersey). 1660, Dutch settlers formally established the congregation, creating a focal point for religious life in this early European settlement. This founding date marks the beginning of an uninterrupted history of worship that continues to this day.
Early Worship and Buildings
While the congregation formed in 1660, the community's first dedicated church building came slightly later. The initial church structure was erected in 1680, providing a permanent physical home for the established congregation. This original building served the community for many years before being replaced.
The Current Sanctuary (1841): A Greek Revival Landmark
The beautiful brownstone church building that stands today at the corner of Bergen and Highland Avenues is not the 17th-century original but is historic in its own right. Constructed in 1841 in the Greek Revival style, the current sanctuary houses the state's oldest congregation. Its enduring presence is a symbol of the community's long history.
Denominational Affiliation and Historical Recognition
Over time, the congregation's affiliations have evolved. Today, the Old Bergen Church is affiliated with the Reformed Church in America (reflecting its Dutch Reformed origins) and the Presbyterian Church (USA). Its historical importance has been formally recognized. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging its significance in American religious and colonial history.
A Living Legacy
The Old Bergen Church is more than just a historic site; it's an active faith community. Its uninterrupted existence since 1660 makes it a powerful link to New Jersey's earliest colonial past and the diverse religious landscape that shaped the region.
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
