|
|
The South Branch Reformed Church building as it looked for the 50th
Anniversary on May 29, 1900. (From the book "The Reformed Church at South Branch," published for the 150th anniversary in 2000). The
steeple is cut off in the photograph but was much shorter than it is today.
|
|
|
Interior
view of our church as it exists today, viewed from the pulpit. Our Sanctuary is
a simplistically elegant example of mid 19th century
church interior design, with three pew sections, a
mezzanine held up by large white pillars, and a choir loft
behind a raised pulpit. A large brass
chandelier in the center of the room provides lighting
throughout the Sanctuary.
|
The South Branch Reformed Church was organized on May 14, 1850, as "The Dutch Reformed Church of
Branchville." The land for both the church and cemetery was
donated by the Amerman family, and the building proper was
erected by William Voorhees of Griggstown. The total sum for bell,
building and fences was $3,700.
In 1851, the Classis of New Brunswick met to install and ordain our first minister, Mr.
Henry Dater, a graduate of New Brunswick Seminary.
The building is one of six Reformed
churches built between 1846 and 1855 in the area. It
follows the classic Greek Revival style and typifies the
quintessential white Protestant church of the era.
Churches of this style can be seen throughout New England and
the mid-Atlantic states and are often associated with a feeling
of "returning home to our roots."
In 1900, the church was renovated and expanded to include the chapel, alcove and library
room. By mid-century, we had excavated beneath the sanctuary and
built a meeting room and complete kitchen facilities.
In 1964, the building was
greatly expanded by the addition of the educational wing, which
houses a parlor, Sunday School, pastor's office, library,
ancillary rooms, and church nursery school.
Although we are
over 150 years old, our church community is thriving and
continues to grow. We expect to be around for
another 150 years or more as a spiritual center for the area.
|
