The First Five Ministers

The first minister, Rev. Cyrus B. Durand, came here from the Reformed Church of Preakness. He was installed May 15, 1868, and served for three years. He was followed by Rev. August F. Todd, during whose ministry the basement was excavated and "a Sabbath School room was fitted up under the church." For years this was called the lecture room; it is now known as Fellowship Hall.

Rev. Frederick F. Wilson of Cato, New York served from 1872 to 1876, a critical time in Boonton because of the collapse of the cut-nail industry. When wire nails replaced cut nails, the death knell sounded for Boonton's iron works, and around 1876, a serious depression set in. It is told how men walked miles to find work in other towns. Our church was obliged to ask for $300 per year from the Board of Domestic Missions, the first of many financial crises it managed to survive.

Rev. Wilson was succeeded by Montville-born Rev. John W. Conklin, whose father had been the pastor of the Montville Reformed Church and the inspiration for the formation of our church. Consistory minutes record that Rev. Conklin's yearly salary was $600.

During Rev. Conklin's pastorate, a welcome legacy in the sum of $10,000 was received from the estate of Mrs. Eliza Crane. This enabled the parsonage lot to be bought. Soon after that, plans for the parsonage began to take shape, and half of the $10,000 legacy was used for this building.

Other achievements of those years were the incorporation of the church, the providing of a primary class room, and the liquidation of the church mortgage. The congregation cooperated with the local Presbyterian and Methodist churches during a week of prayer. Old records note of Rev. Conklin that "during his four and one-half years, the church, though often embarrassed for funds, was richly blessed."

Later, Rev. Conklin went to India as a missionary. he was succeeded in 1881 by Rev. Oliver H. Walser. During Rev. Walser's years as pastor, the hymn book known a Christian Praise was adopted, regular ushers were appointed, the collection envelope system was instituted, the church was assessed for a share in missions, and monthly temperance meetings were held.

A New Century, 1883 - 1908

Form 1883 to 1887, Rev. Albert A. King served as pastor. It was he who formed a Young People's Union, later to be known as the Christian Endeavor. The letters "C.E." on one of the church windows refer to this first young people's organization, forerunner of today's' Youth Fellowship. The King family was the first to occupy the complete parsonage. We read that a well was dug on this property in 1884 and that later eight fruit trees were planted.

In those pre-welfare days, a "Poor Fund" --- later called the Needy Families fund --- was put at the disposal of the minister.

Rev. Clarence M. Parlee followed Rev. King in 1888. A Junior Endeavor Society was formed and fortunately for the future financing of church growth, a Ladies' Aid Society began to function. It had evolved from the Sewing Society whose members had met in private homes, arriving at meetings with sewing baskets containing projects for the yearly fund-raising fair.

Rev. Albert DeWitt Mason arrived in 1891 at a time when the church was again passing through a period of depression. Nevertheless, records show that Sunday morning service averaged an attendance of 70, evening service 65. A furnace was installed, an organ fund started. The Ladies' Missionary Society, formed earlier, became more active. The church reached a milestone, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 1893.

The turn-of-the-century pastor was Rev. Alexander McKelvey. Called to the church in 1894, he stayed fifteen years. His name is memorialized on one of the stained glass windows. With the new century came electric lights, paid for by the youngsters of the Christian Endeavor Society. Work on curbs and gutters was begun on Washingston and Grant Streets. The Ladies' Aid financed a metal ceiling for the sanctuary. Best of all, an organ (costing $1,025 installed) was purchased. On the church's 40th Anniversary in 1908, Rev. McKelvey observed of the organ that "its sweetness continues unabated."

A rare photograph of the church shows a white clapboard exterior, a flat-roofed tower somewhat taller than our present one, shuttered windows, and a wire fence --- taken down in 1914 --- around the property. The minutes of those days evoke a picture of a dusty road in front of the church, for we read of the expenses for the church's share of oiling the street. The photograph does not show a driveway or outbuildings, but they were there. The driveway led in off Washington Street, circled behind the building and opened on Grant Street. It had to be closed off when the kitchen extension was added in 1922, and that is when the outbuildings were taken down. Not many of us remember the white clapboard, but we do recall our "old church" with the brown shingle exterior and neat white trim.

A relic of those horse and buggy days still exists on Grant Street --- the metal hitching post, one of the very few remaining in Boonton.

Decades of Growth, 1909 - 1960

1910's

In 1909-10, the pastor was Rev. George R. Hageman, the first to receive an annual salary in four figures --- $1,000. Records of 1909 tell us that lightning struck the building, burning out fuses and damaging the organ and cupola. Then, a few years later, March winds blew off the cupola roof, after which the cupola had to be taken down. Presumably, it was replaced soon afterward by the present tower.

Rev. Frank E. DePue came to us in 1911 and remained through the First World War, a period of over eight years. He is remembered for his large Men's Bible Class. The spiritual tone of the church at this time was excellent. A roll of honor for boys in service was put up in the vestibule. Stained glass windows were installed on both sides of the sanctuary and in front.

During this time, the new commuter settlement of Mountain Lakes was springing up. Rev. DePue and our congregation assisted in the formation of a Reformed Church there. For a few months in 1913 and 1914 we shared Rev. DePue with them as their Sunday morning supply minister, until they were ready to call their own pastor. Rev. DePue preached in Boonton on Sunday evenings, resuming full pastorate here in June, 1914. The Mountain Lakes church grew and, eventually, became known as the Community Church.

1920's

During the ministry of Rev. George M. Heroy (1919-1926), one of those qualities was a delightful sense of humor, there was a considerable increase in membership. We are told that in those days, following Sunday evening services, the parishioners would gather in homes for a pleasant evening of hymn singing around the piano. It was about this time that the church bell was installed. The Men's Bible Class made substantial contributions toward this and other improvements.

With the fruit of their labors, the Ladies' Aid financed carpeting for the church and lecture room floors, had the pews reconstructed, recovered the pew cushions, made certain parsonage repairs, and finally --- in 1922 --- they aid $1,800 to build kitchen facilities. Up to them, the ladies had been using a makeshift kitchen at the opposite end of the lecture room, carrying in food for popular church suppers and family nights. These family nights of planned entertainment were great fun.

Of course, the serious work of the church went forward. There was much concern in post-war years for the starving children of Armenia. And mention is made of a special collection for Near East Relief. Boy Scout Troop No. 4 was permitted use of the lecture room, the first mention of scouts in our Church.

The congregation must have felt the strain of maintaining two buildings, for in 1925, we read that the Consistory discussed selling the parsonage for a price of $14,000: fortunately, no one bought it.

Following Rev. Heroy, kindly Rev. George M. Palmer came to us in 1926, staying until he retired in 1934. In those eight years, 86 new members were received into church fellowship. The Community Club was organized. Thanksgiving services begun, and prayer meetings held in union with other Boonton churches. The choir appeared in new vestments, and the treasurer's spirits were lifted by a legacy of $1,000. Rev. Palmer, it might be noted, was the first pastor to receive a $2,000 salary, but alas, this soon had to be reduced t $1,800.

Through the years, there were other legacies and gifts --- some anonymous, some small, others substantial. They were all gratefully received and put to good use. Legacies have played an important part in the physical and spiritual growth of the church.

The Ladies' Aid also managed to bolster church finances year after year. The new kitchen was a busy place: turkey dinners in Fellowship Hall were sellouts. The Community Club staged plays with home town talent while important talent was brought in for annual concerts.

1930's

Leading to the Diamond Jubilee, 1934-1950 --- In October of 1934, young Nicholas J. Burggraaff, fresh from the seminary school, brought his bride to live in the newly remodeled parsonage. He was ordained in our church, which he served with dedication for sixteen years --- until he accepted a call to East Orange.

The Men's Bible Class became the Men's Club and began to rival the ladies with their church suppers. To the existing roster of organizations was added The Friendly Circle, started by Mrs. Burggraaff in 1940. Today, all the women's organizations are combined in the Women's Guild for Christian Service. It is composed of an afternoon group called the Dorcus Circle, and the Evening Circle for those women who are busy during the daytime. The Girls' League for Service functioned for awhile in the 1930's. A boy's choir was added to the fine adult choir.

1940's

Beginning in 1941, the church has been used as a voting place. With the declaration of World War II, people were again called into service. Here at home, people accustomed themselves to rationing of essential commodities. Special services were held for servicemen's families. And for awhile during the war, Rev. Burggraaff was shared with Boonton Molding Company where he did personnel work.

In 1943, we celebrated our 75th Anniversary --- the church's diamond jubilee. there was published a comprehensive booklet containing many photographs of organizations and an informative history. At special services, Rev. D.M. Wade of he Montville Reformed Church took part along with Rev. G.L. McCain of the Presbyterian Church of Boonton and Rev. L.W. Pancake of the Mountian Lakes Community Church. The anniversary fund drive resulted in new chairs and hymnals for the Sunday School, general benevolence, and needed repairs at the parsonage. A previous gift had enabled a sun porch to be added to the parsonage.

In 1944, the old organ was sold to Mt. Carmel Holy Church in Montclair, and a new pipe organ was purchased for $1,000. Soon after that, chimes were donated, connected to the organ console, and wired for broadcasting from the tower. An amplification system and speakers in the belfry were donated and installed to enable appropriate sacred music to be sent out from the tower. Neighbors of the church, accustomed to hearing the Sunday church bells, now also enjoyed hearing Saturday afternoon vespers and special Christmas and Easter music wafted from the tower. In the spring of 1949, three consecutive services of our church were broadcast over Morris County radio station WMTR.

1950's

The church enlarged and remodeled, 1950-1963 --- Rev. Burggraaff left in June, 1950, and that fall Rev. Frank A. Huff responded to our call. Energetic and experienced, he guided the church through a growth period that resulted in the remodeling and refurnishing of the whole church building except the kitchen. Most important, the two-story Edger E. Barton Memorial Wing was added to house the Sunday School.

For two years in the early 1950's, we provided the meeting place for the first play school for retarded children in Morris County. A speech therapist, living in Boonton, was hired to work with these children by the newly formed Retarded Children's Association. Volunteers came forward to assist and the play school served a great need in days before there were public classes for the retarded.

For years, Edgar Barton had been a member of the Consistory, most of the time as treasurer, and in 1952, his legacy of $13,500 was the spark that put the dream of an enlarged building into action. A professional fund-raising firm was hired, and everyone connected with the church labored mightily. Knotty decisions, such as having a center aisle when formerly there were two side aisles only, were tackled and resolved. A big dinner at the Elks Club ushered in the drive to raise funds. The goal --- $75,000. We also staged a splendid bazaar at the Elks Club, filling the hall with colorful booths.

Another legacy of $2,000 was on hand to be used specifically for a stained glass window. Thus it was that the beautiful Marie Fisher Righter memorial window was included in the plans. Designed for the rear wall of the chancel, it contains over 700 pieces of glass which purposely vary in thickness according to the amount of light and depth of color needed.

At this point in our history, we had an opportunity to see brotherhood in action. During the trying period in 1954 when construction was under way, our good neighbor -- the Boonton Jewish Center --- offered us the use of their premises for worship services. In spite of the fact that we thankfully used their facilities for upwards of seven months, much of which time was in winter, officials of the Center would not hear to even a token payment. This ecumenical attitude was a refreshing interlude, a kindness not to be forgotten.

On a cold Sunday afternoon in January, 1955, Rev. Huff conducted dedication ceremonies, assisted by Rev. William Duitsman, president of the Classis of Passaic. Rev. Victor Lewis of St. John's Episcopal Church in Boonton, and our own Rev. William Geiger, Jr., a Boonton boy who had grown up in our church and was now pastor of the Christ Reformed Church of Union City. The dedicatory sermon, which pointed out the great moral and social issues with which we must come to grips, was delivered by Rev. James A. Hoffman, D.D.. of New York City.

Later, there was an open house and tour of the gleaming new premises. In the parlor, in a place of honor, stood an antique drop-leaf table. For years it had been a lowly kitchen table, and now, refinished, it stood in a spot more worthy of its beauty. Later, a grandfather clock, added to the parlor furnishings, was given by a family who had received it as a wedding gift many years before. After a year or two, the present beautiful red carpeting was purchased for the sanctuary from a special fund established by a benefactor.

The year 1958 was marked by the observance of our 90th Anniversary. That year the minister's salary reached $4,000. Large scale improvements were made to the parsonage in 1959. The congregation was cheered in January, 1960, when the mortgage on the church edifice was burned at a ceremony in Fellowship Hall.

Also in the 1950's, the church had personalized its missionary donations by taking on a substantial share of the support of an Indian missionary. Later, we contributed for some time to the support of Miss Schmalzriedt, a missionary nurse. Substantial amounts were raised for the General Synod Fund to be used for domestic and foreign missions, Hope College, and other church-connected institutions. We still contribute to this fund by means of an annual drive.

Rounding off 100 years, 1963 - 1967

1960's

In June, 1963, Rev. Huff resigned, having reached retirement age. Rev. Paul Babich, young and likable, came to us from the Federated Church (Methodist-Reformed) of Kerhonkson, New York, where he had served for nine years. In February, 1964, Rev. and Mrs. Babich and their two young sons moved into the parsonage. Installation ceremonies took place in March, to the relief of the congregation which had been almost a year without a pastor.

"The Lamplighter", Rev. Babich's newsletter to members of the congregation, kept members advised of church activities.

The Couples' Club, started in 1965, lent impetus to the achievement of a new kitchen. Signs on highways leading into Boonton, calling attention to our church, are there because of the efforts of this enterprising group.

The sixties find us with increased goals. The Every-Member canvass is being conducted, with the hope of reaching $9,000 in pledges. Half of this was allotted to the development fund of the General Synod, and the other half to the 100th Anniversary fund for improvement of our church property.

When the Town of Boonton celebrated its Centennial in 1967, the First Reformed Church joined in observing Religious Heritage Day on Sunday, June 4. It was like the old days. Many church members dug into their trunks and came up with authentic old costumes which they wore to church, and some of the men proudly displayed real beards. No one rushed home that sunny June morning, for the various costumed groups gathered to have their pictures taken.

Religious Heritage Day ended with a giant community hymn sing in late afternoon at the high school athletic field. Choirs of the various churches of Boonton were grouped in the bleachers, facing a large audience which participated in the program. It was indeed an inspiring sight to see the choirs from all the churches, robed in vestments of different colors, and to hear their combined voices.

The previous day, nine churches of Boonton had combined their efforts to provide a unique float for the Centennial parade. Riding on the float were ministers of the churches represented. A large sign on each side of the float proclaimed "Religious Unity in Boonton" and the words on a simulated Bible resting on the float were:

"Behold ... how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell in unity."

During 1967, the Frank Ricker Memorial Fund was established. This fund was used to buy new hymnals in his memory. Some of us may be permitted a bit of nostalgia as we recall how for years Frank sang "The Palms" at Easter time.

We continued to support missionary work: in fact in 1967, $1,300 was voted to apply to the support of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis R, Scudder of the Arabian Mission and Miss Linda Mae Millan of the Kentucky Mission. These missionaries have visited our church at different times giving us inspirational accounts of their work.

Church History - 30 More Years (up to 1998)

Rev. Paul Babich retired in April, 1990 after 26 years of faithful service to the Church.

Rev. Martin Winters was called to the church after an extended search through many applications by the Consistory. Rev. Winters was Installed in July 1991 and the ministers family; wife - Jill, daughter - Christine and son - Samuel, moved into the parsonage. Martin Winters made many changes to the church service and the order of the Consistory. He introduced a children's "stump the minister" box. The children could place a small item into the box before the service. Rev. Winters would pull one item from the box and ad-lib a service special for the children. Rev. Winters left in January 1995.

The Consistory once again searched for a new minister. For the next year and a half there were many pulpit supply Ministers and many applications. Lay-persons and Consistory members filled in for Sunday services and we received support from a Classis appointed Supervisor - Rev. Andrew Reinstra of the Pompton Plains Reformed Church. Rev. Andrew Topp came to us in October 1995 as a pulpit supply minister. The Consistory asked Rev. Topp to return to the pulpit, often. There was a special connection made between Pastor Andy, the congregation and the children. Installed in April 1997, Rev. Andrew Topp is currently our Minister.

Rev. Topp has taken a special interest in the Youth Group of our church. The Youth Fellowship of past added to church life with Sunday evening programs and assisted financially with paper drives, candy sales and sub sandwich sales. Occasionally the Fellowship would take part in youth retreats and entertain at the Reformed Church Home for the aged at Livingston. Under the organization of Pastor Andy, the current Youth Group has grown and continues to be active in church affairs. They have meetings in the church, help with church work days, assist in the Food Pantry, serve at roast beef and fish dinners, attend retreats, sing for church services and much more.

The Women's Guild for Christian Services carries on the traditions of our church women of yesteryear. A bulwark of the church, they faithfully raise funds with rummage sales, covered dish suppers, fish and chips dinners, cake sales and evening entertainment. An informal group of our women meets periodically at the church, too, to make cancer dressings.

The Sunday School is growing, and we look forward to their many presentations, singing, reading and plays . The Sunday School meets every Sunday from 9:15 to 10:15. Children's day, in June, marks the end of the Sunday school year and school begins again in September.

An all-church picnic has been held each summer at the house of Pastor Andy and Karen Topp. The Topp's yard has games for the kids and adults. There is a swimming pool for everyone's enjoyment and food enough for everyone.

For years, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Senior Citizen groups have held meetings in Fellowship Hall. There are currently two Girl Scout troops utilizing the Hall.

The Food Pantry serves many needy people in our community. The pantry is open on Thursday nights. There is a yearly food drive organized by the U.S. Post office, many items and monies are donated by congregation members and church organizations, a bakery supplies all the bread, rolls and buns we can utilize and the U.S. government suppliments our Pantry with many canned goods.

Come join us each Sunday for Services starting 10:30am and starting 10:00 during the summer months (June thru August ).

In Retrospect

As we look back over the fading pages of the old minutes and talk to old timers about events of the past, we realize anew that the story of a church is the story of its people. The faithful workers in our church today cannot be individually named, nor can more than a few of those who molded the destiny of our church in the years past. In the words of Rev. McKelvey, nearly 100 years ago, "They rest from their labors and their works do follow them." To mention a very few, there was Henry Ball, 1824-1906, a member of the church for 37 years and an officer for 20 of them. Old church records adjure us to "cherish his memory." We do so, and also the memory of others, such as William H. Meadowcroft, whose name first appears in the year 1900. Later, when he was clerk of the Consistory, his clear, readable pen strokes filled many pages. For years, he was superintendent of the Sunday School. In private life, he was secretary to world-renowned Thomas Edison. It was Mr. Meadowcroft's son William who continued the tradition of helping the young people of our church. His Sunday School group of high school age in the early 1930's called him "Mr. Billy." People today recall the fine dramatic offerings of that group.

Then there was Jennie Lofthouse, who was engaged as a soprano in 1908 and later as church organist. It was she who encouraged young Frank Ricker to take voice lessons. She prompted him to sing his first solo when as a small boy his head was hardly discernible above the dark red velvet curtain that broke the draft by the organ.