WESTFIELD – On Thursday, May 22, the First Congregational Church of Westfield, located at 125 Elmer Street, will mark the 145th anniversary of the first gathering of its founders.
It was on a Saturday evening, May 22, 1880, that 20 people gathered in the library of Lyceum Hall (on the southeast corner of Prospect and East Broad Streets) to consider the advisability of forming a new church society.
The following text was taken from “A Centennial History of the First Congregational Church of Westfield, New Jersey” written by the late Robert C. Hylan in 1979, for the occasion of the church’s 100th anniversary in 1980.
“Westfield was a primitive country town in 1880. People moved around by horse and buggy on dirt roads. Sidewalks, where they existed, were a single board and, since there was no town water system, each home had is own well and pump. The Westfield Public Library was two years old and the telephone was only a toy, having been exhibited at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. Kerosene and gas were the principle illuminants, with electric lights just beginning to appear in public places. The eight hundred and seventy-five residents were about evenly divided in opinion as to whether to retain this simple country character or to grasp the new inventions representing the progress and rush into the 20th century, thus becoming a suburb of New York City. (The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 was yet 38 years away). It was into this community that a new religious Society was introduced in the spring of 1880. From this point on, the new Society and the town grew hand in hand and both prospered, with the pastors and members of the new Society having a significant influence on events and issues involving the development of the town.
The ‘gathering’ of a Congregational Church in Westfield, in 1880, was an outgrowth of certain conditions then existing in the Presbyterian Church of Westfield. Thus it was that 20 people met in the library of Lyceum Hall on Saturday evening, May 22, 1880, to consider the advisability of forming a new church society. Mr. Henry Hosford was elected chairman of the meeting and Mr. Henry F. Alpers was elected secretary. Mr. Alpers, who had been elected a ruling Elder of the Presbyterian Church on January 17, 1880, but had declined to serve, offered the prayer. The following motions were made and carried unanimously at this meeting: 1. That a new Religious Society be formed 2. That the persons present be considered members of this new Society 3. That the new denomination of the new Society be Congregational 4. That a Committee of Five be appointed to obtain subscriptions for the support of a Congregational Church (note: during this meeting $930 was subscribed for the support of the new church and $50 for the support of the Sunday School) 5. That a Committee of Three on Organization be appointed.”
Persons attending this founding meeting were: Mr. William J. Aplers, Mr. Henry F. Alpers, Mrs. Henry F. Alpers (Elnora), Mrs. Albert Bridges (Elizabeth A.), Miss Emma Bridges, Mrs. William W. Baker (Julia), Mr. L.V. Clark, Mr. Effingham Embree, Mr. George Embree, Miss Louise Embree, Mr. Henry Hosford, Mrs. Henry Hosford (Fannie E.), Miss Jennie Hickock, Mr. Edward H. Ladd, Jr., Mrs. Julia E. Ladd, Mr. James L. Miller, Mrs. James L. Miller, Miss Nesmith, Miss Emily Wheelock, and Mr. John H. Worth.”
“The next meeting, held on Friday evening, May 28, 1880, heard the reports of the committees appointed at the previous meeting. The Committee on Subscriptions reported $1,315 subscribed to date.” (A Pulpit Supply Committee was also formed at this meeting.)
“…the new Society had chosen to hold public worship at Lyceum Hall until they could erect their own edifice. A Hall committee was appointed to see to it that the place was in order each Sunday for public worship. Eventually the trustees of the new Society leases Lyceum Hall for $250 per annum until their new church was built.”
“Those present at the third meeting, held on June 4, 1880, adopted the Constitutions for the Church and for the Society, the Articles of Faith and the Church Covenant. It was also reported that the subscriptions to date totaled $1,413. The first public worship in Westfield was held on June 7, 1880, at Lyceum Hall with the Reverend Henry M. Storrs D.D. officiating.”
“The settlement of a pastor over the new congregation was anticipated by the formation of a Pulpit Supply Committee on May 28, 1880. The dedicated work of this committee is evidenced by the caliber of the Supply Pastors engaged from June 7, 1880, when the first services were held, to calling of the first pastor (the Reverend Henry Neill) on January 19, 1881.”
“For the present and for the year ahead, the congregation continued to hold services in Lyceum Hall. They soon realized, however, that the small library in Lyceum Hall was not conducive to increasing the membership of the church so they sought ways and means to build their own place of worship. The first step in this direction was the creation of the Committee on Place of Worship on June 22, 1881.”
“The first consideration of this committee was to secure land on which to build the church. After considerable investigation the committee presented six choices to the congregation. On September 12, 1881, the congregation voted to secure the (125) Elmer Street lot which the Board of Trustees purchased for $1,550 on December 5, 1881.”
“The work on the new church proceeded quickly, permitting the laying of the cornerstone on January 18, 1882, and the dedication ceremonies on October 12, 1882.”
Over the past 143 years, there have been many additions, newly constructed buildings and both major and minor renovations to the church structures at 125 Elmer Street.
In 2017, the Parish Hall (center building) received a major restoration to the Patton Auditorium space, opening up the 1975 acoustic drop ceiling to reveal the 2nd-story skylight and balcony classroom space. Patton Auditorium fellowship space was expanded and traditional kitchen cabinetry, counter top and serving space were added.
In 2019, the church received one of the Westfield Historical Society’s prestigious Harry Devlin Architectural Awards, for the restoration of their belfry and clock tower.
Since the Fall of 2022, First Congregational Church has been ably led by The Reverend Dr. Jennifer Testa Hrynyk. Coming full circle from the its Presbyterian roots, Reverend Jenn grew up and was confirmed and ordained at the Presbyterian Church of Westfield.
On ‘Founders Sunday’, May 18, 2025, First Congregational Church will note the 145th anniversary of its first gathering, and will celebrate additional milestones for the 145th anniversary of its first worship service held on June 7, 1880.
First Congregational Church of Westfield is a self-governing, Open and Affirming Congregational Church, welcoming all people into worship and membership as a member of the United Church of Christ.
The heart of the church remains its members and leaders, first meeting 145 years ago. Together now, with many families and supportive friends, the First Congregational Church of Westfield continues to be a vibrant part of the greater Westfield community.
Uplifting worship services are held weekly, in-person in the sanctuary at 125 Elmer Street, and offers a Facebook livestreamed option as well (@FCCWestfield).
For more information about the services, events, outreach and social activities for all ages and other important church information, please visit: www.fccofwestfield.org, or call the church office at (908) 233-2494 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
*** Compiled and submitted by Heidi Hylan-Motyczka
