Church housing : a symbol of hospitality

Abstract

This project is located in Bloomfield, NJ. Less than fifteen miles from New York City, the Township of Bloomfield was first settled by the Dutch in 1691 and later by the English in 1719. In 1812, the State of New Jersey finally incorporated Bloomfield as a township. Until then, it had been a parish of the city of Newark. The Township took its name from the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church. This church was named for General Joseph Bloomfield, the fourth Governor of New Jersey and the first Governor to be born in New Jersey Bloomfield prides itself on its rich historical background. In 1830, a town resident David Oakes established a woolen mill. This mill prospered and provided employment for hundreds of immigrants and among its various materials, uniforms for the Union Army in the Civil War. In addition, the Township housed many military leaders including General George Washington during the American Revolution. Moreover, the community's Green functioned as a military training ground during the war. Today, it remains among the most attractive features of Bloomfield. The Township Green and its surrounding buildings, including the Oakes' mansion, which is now used as a performing arts center, have been recognized as a historic district. In 1945, the Bethany United Presbyterian Church purchased a tract of property from the Township of Bloomfield. Like Bloomfield, this church has a meaningful history. Though the construction of the church building itself began in 1945, the church as a congregation became established years earlier. Its original meeting place was a local storefront just up the street of the now existing church. In 1947, the Bethany congregation marched down the street to its present location. It was a very ceremonial event that marked years of planning, prayer, hard work, and the faith of church leaders and members alike. In expressing the church's interest in obtaining the land, Reverend William H. Neebe, on behalf of Bethany's Board of Trustees wrote to the Bloomfield Town Council, "We believe that as a church we are rendering a public service to the community Our only reason for existence is for service to the town and community... .Anything that aids the church enhances the opportunity that the church has to serve the community."