First Presbyterian Church
Cranford NJ
07016
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Who we are
Our Mission Statement: As the body of Christ inspired by the Holy Spirit, we seek to be faithful disciples living our lives as a testimony of Christ’s love for all. We welcome diversity and respect and care for all of God’s creation. We seek to spread the Word and invite others to live Jesus’ command to love one another as the Lord first loved us.
Ministry
First Presbyterian Church’s leadership equips members and friends to pursue and nurture a life-changing relationship with God in Christ. Our staff members reflect the diversity of background, faith histories, and Christian church experience typical of our Cranford and northern New Jersey communities, as well as this congregation of professionals, young families, retirees, teenagers and children.
In partnership with elders and other elected church leaders, our Head of Staff, Rev. Chris Kile, guides our worship life, works with our youth, and oversees the congregation’s mission as a caring, learning community of faith. Our Associate Pastor is Rev. Caroline Unzaga. Together with a staff of dedicated and gifted church professionals, our Pastors work to establish this congregation as a welcoming ministry that values and serves families, individuals and children alike.
Ministry
First Presbyterian Church’s leadership equips members and friends to pursue and nurture a life-changing relationship with God in Christ. Our staff members reflect the diversity of background, faith histories, and Christian church experience typical of our Cranford and northern New Jersey communities, as well as this congregation of professionals, young families, retirees, teenagers and children.
In partnership with elders and other elected church leaders, our Head of Staff, Rev. Chris Kile, guides our worship life, works with our youth, and oversees the congregation’s mission as a caring, learning community of faith. Our Associate Pastor is Rev. Caroline Unzaga. Together with a staff of dedicated and gifted church professionals, our Pastors work to establish this congregation as a welcoming ministry that values and serves families, individuals and children alike.
Location of worship
11 Springfield Ave
Cranford,
NJ
07016
United States
Phone: 908-276-8440
Fax: 908-276-2645
Click here to contact the church
Church Pastor
John Christian Kile
Senior Pastor
11 Springfield Ave
Cranford,
NJ
07016
United States
Phone: 908-276-8440
Fax: 908-276-2645
Click here to contact John Christian Kile
Denomination
Presbyterian Church
Affiliations
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Church Website
First Presbyterian Church on Social Media
Leadership
Leader Name:
John Christian Kile
Leader Position:
Senior Pastor
Formal Title:
Leader Address:
Phone:
Fax:
908-276-2645
Leader Email:
Click here to contact John Christian Kile
Leader Bio:
John Christian Kile on Social Media:
Other Church Leaders:
Administration
Admin Name:
Admin Position:
Admin Address:
Phone:
Fax:
908-276-2645
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Mailing Address
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First Presbyterian Church Service Times
Sunday at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary (September-June)
Summer Hours are 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel (June 25 through Labor Day)
Sunday school is available to children ages 5–13 after the “children’s time” in our service. There they will learn more about the love of Jesus Christ through crafts, games, singing and bible study.
Fellowship Time/Coffee Hour: Visitors, members and friends are invited to gather after 10:00 a.m. worship in the Library meeting space to share refreshments and greet new and old friends.
It's been more than 5 years since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
Summer Hours are 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel (June 25 through Labor Day)
Sunday school is available to children ages 5–13 after the “children’s time” in our service. There they will learn more about the love of Jesus Christ through crafts, games, singing and bible study.
Fellowship Time/Coffee Hour: Visitors, members and friends are invited to gather after 10:00 a.m. worship in the Library meeting space to share refreshments and greet new and old friends.
It's been more than 5 years since the last service times update. Please make sure to contact the church to confirm service times.
Please contact the church to confirm Service Times or SUBSCRIBE to updates below
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First Presbyterian Church History
150 Years, A Reflection
In 2001, First Presbyterian Church of Cranford New Jersey celebrated it’s 150 year anniversary. George A. Weisgerber wrote a detailed historical narrative called “Reflecting On Our Sesquicentennial Year.” The Beginning Era 1832-1851
An “Old Red Schoolhouse” that had been in existence before 1776 was the site for our first services, principally for children, the weekly “Sabbath School.” Each Sunday the adults walked or rode to Westfield Presbyterian Church, which was an established congregation. January 24, 1850
Fifty persons led by Josiah Crane decided to erect a new church building to be located on land donated by Josiah Crane, on Alden Street, midway between Union Avenue and North Avenue on the west side of the street. Old Photo of Church March 3, 1851
The congregation proudly met for the first time in the newly completed church. The seating capacity was about eighty to one hundred. The building cost was $2,500. June 26, 1851
Formal organization of the church as The first Presbyterian Church of Cranesville. Twenty-two persons composed the church, all received by letter from the Westfield church. January 12, 1867
Decision was made to build a still larger church. A plot at the corner of Springfield and North Union Avenues was purchased from John Grant Crane, older brother of Josiah. On August 17, 1868 a cornerstone was laid, and a dedication service was held on May 25, 1869. The building cost was $13,000. The Alden Street building was then moved and attached to the rear of the 1869 building to serve as a chapel. Even this space soon required enlargement, which was accomplished in 1889 with expansion of the adjoining chapel. Seating capacity became about three hundred. March 10, 1893
It was decided to rebuild up to a seating of five hundred fifty. A call for funds yielded an immediate response of $14,200 and work started. The architect selected was Charles G. Jones of New York City and the building contract went to Diedrich Kreie of Cranford.
September 16, 1893
The cornerstone was laid for the new building. June 19, 1894
The cost of the new church was about $30,820, including the building ($23,400), the windows, organ, pews, carpets and clock, and an enlargement of the chapel. Even though there was a financial panic in 1893, the mortgage indebtedness was paid off in a few years by the dedicated members. Up to and Including Now
Other notable construction changes through the years have included:
1951-Education Building for church School, 1956-Fellowship Hall for large dinners and activities, and 1968-Memorial Hall creating new functional spaces.
Meanwhile, our church has moved forward every year not only with physical improvements, but also-and most importantly-with enrichment of our worship services and outreach to the community, in Christ’s service.
For a more detailed history, see Reflecting On Our Sesquicentennial Year by George A. Weisgerber:
http://www.firstprescranford.org/about/history/reflecting-on-our-sesquicentennial-year/
In 2001, First Presbyterian Church of Cranford New Jersey celebrated it’s 150 year anniversary. George A. Weisgerber wrote a detailed historical narrative called “Reflecting On Our Sesquicentennial Year.” The Beginning Era 1832-1851
An “Old Red Schoolhouse” that had been in existence before 1776 was the site for our first services, principally for children, the weekly “Sabbath School.” Each Sunday the adults walked or rode to Westfield Presbyterian Church, which was an established congregation. January 24, 1850
Fifty persons led by Josiah Crane decided to erect a new church building to be located on land donated by Josiah Crane, on Alden Street, midway between Union Avenue and North Avenue on the west side of the street. Old Photo of Church March 3, 1851
The congregation proudly met for the first time in the newly completed church. The seating capacity was about eighty to one hundred. The building cost was $2,500. June 26, 1851
Formal organization of the church as The first Presbyterian Church of Cranesville. Twenty-two persons composed the church, all received by letter from the Westfield church. January 12, 1867
Decision was made to build a still larger church. A plot at the corner of Springfield and North Union Avenues was purchased from John Grant Crane, older brother of Josiah. On August 17, 1868 a cornerstone was laid, and a dedication service was held on May 25, 1869. The building cost was $13,000. The Alden Street building was then moved and attached to the rear of the 1869 building to serve as a chapel. Even this space soon required enlargement, which was accomplished in 1889 with expansion of the adjoining chapel. Seating capacity became about three hundred. March 10, 1893
The cornerstone was laid for the new building. June 19, 1894
The cost of the new church was about $30,820, including the building ($23,400), the windows, organ, pews, carpets and clock, and an enlargement of the chapel. Even though there was a financial panic in 1893, the mortgage indebtedness was paid off in a few years by the dedicated members. Up to and Including Now
Other notable construction changes through the years have included:
1951-Education Building for church School, 1956-Fellowship Hall for large dinners and activities, and 1968-Memorial Hall creating new functional spaces.
Meanwhile, our church has moved forward every year not only with physical improvements, but also-and most importantly-with enrichment of our worship services and outreach to the community, in Christ’s service.
For a more detailed history, see Reflecting On Our Sesquicentennial Year by George A. Weisgerber:
First Presbyterian Church FAQs
Question: Where is First Presbyterian Church located?
Answer: First Presbyterian Church is located at 11 Springfield Ave, Cranford, New Jersey.
Question: Who is First Presbyterian Church's pastor?
Answer: First Presbyterian Church's pastor is John Christian Kile.
Question: What time is service at First Presbyterian Church?
Answer: Sunday at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary (September-June) Summer Hours are 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel (June 25 through Labor Day) Sunday school is available to children ages 5–13 after the “children’s time” in our service. There they will learn more about the love of Jesus Christ through crafts, games, singing and bible study. Fellowship Time/Coffee Hour: Visitors, members and friends are invited to gather after 10:00 a.m. worship in the Library meeting space to share refreshments and greet new and old friends.
Question: What is First Presbyterian Church's Facebook page?
Answer: https://www.facebook.com/firstprescranford/
Question: What is First Presbyterian Church's website?
Answer: http://www.firstprescranford.org
Question: What denominaiton is First Presbyterian Church?
Answer: First Presbyterian Church belongs to Presbyterian Church denomination and is affiliated with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Answer: First Presbyterian Church is located at 11 Springfield Ave, Cranford, New Jersey.
Question: Who is First Presbyterian Church's pastor?
Answer: First Presbyterian Church's pastor is John Christian Kile.
Question: What time is service at First Presbyterian Church?
Answer: Sunday at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary (September-June) Summer Hours are 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel (June 25 through Labor Day) Sunday school is available to children ages 5–13 after the “children’s time” in our service. There they will learn more about the love of Jesus Christ through crafts, games, singing and bible study. Fellowship Time/Coffee Hour: Visitors, members and friends are invited to gather after 10:00 a.m. worship in the Library meeting space to share refreshments and greet new and old friends.
Question: What is First Presbyterian Church's Facebook page?
Answer: https://www.facebook.com/firstprescranford/
Question: What is First Presbyterian Church's website?
Answer: http://www.firstprescranford.org
Question: What denominaiton is First Presbyterian Church?
Answer: First Presbyterian Church belongs to Presbyterian Church denomination and is affiliated with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
"Faith in a prayer-hearing God will make a prayer-loving Christian."Andrew Murray
First Presbyterian Church listing was last updated on the 22nd of June, 2018
