Montclair, N.J., Watchung Congregational Church records, 1903-1982.

Collection

Identifier: RG0715

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains records from the Watchung Congregational Church including vital statistics, historical information, and administrative records.

Dates

1903-1982

Creator

Watchung Congregational Church (Montclair, N.J.) (Organization)

Restrictions on Access

Access to this collection is unrestricted and open to the public.

Restrictions on Use

Items in this collection are subject to U.S. Copyright Law. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine the copyright status of collection items and to secure any permissions necessary for their reproduction and publication. Requests for permission to publish material must be discussed with the archivist or librarian.

Historical Information

In 1903, the Watchung Congregational Church emerged out of the need for a Congregational church around Watchung, New Jersey. The first service took place on January 18, 1903, in one of the four classrooms of Watchung School. In 1904 the church acquired a new property to hold services and Sunday School. By December 5th of 1905, the church was admitted into the association of Congregational Churches. In 1916 the church added to its property a community building which enabled educational, dramatic, and recreational pursuits.

Shortly following a remodel of the church building in 1951, sometime between 1954 and 1965, members voted to become part of the United Church of Christ. After this vote, the diaconate became the single governing board of the church. On March 12, 1974, an electrical fire destroyed the sanctuary building, eventually resulting in a decision to dissolve the Watchung Congregational Church. Most members moved to the Union Congregational Church or the First Congregational Church, both in Montclair. When the property was sold in 1977, the proceeds of the sale went to those two congregations.

Extent

1.44 Cubic Feet (2 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

In 1903, the Watchung Congregational Church emerged out of the need for a Congregational church around Watchung, New Jersey. This collection contains records from the church's inception onward including vital statistics, historical information, and administrative records. On March 12, 1974, an electrical fire destroyed the sanctuary building, eventually resulting in a decision to dissolve the Watchung Congregational Church. Most members moved to the Union Congregational Church or the First Congregational Church, both in Montclair. When the property was sold in 1977, the proceeds of the sale went to those two congregations.

Arrangement

The Watchung Congregational Church records have been arranged into the three series listed below. Within each series materials have been arranged first by topic, and then in chronological order by start date.

Series 1: Vital statistics, 1903-1975

Series 2: Administrative records, 1903-1976

Series 3: Historical information, 1934-1982

Acquisition Information

The original collection was donated in 1977. Additional materials were donated to the Congregational Library & Archives by Timothy Crist in 2024; 2024-45.