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Connecticut Farms Church History

In the summer of 1667, the Rev. Abraham Pierson and his followers from Connecticut traveled for weeks under difficult circumstances to find a new settlement. The beautiful land they chose was outside Elizabethtown, fertile with an abundance of streams and within a few hours of the port. They named it "Connecticut Farms". From here, they traveled four or five miles, each way, every Sunday, through Indian country, by horse and wagon, in all kinds of weather, over dusty or muddy "roads" to attend church in Elizabethtown. Tiring of this travel in 1730, they erected a frame structure on the rise of the hill, along the main road and named it after the town.

The church and community prospered for the next fifty years until war came to Connecticut Farms. On June 8, 1780, after their defeat at Springfield, retreating British and Hessian troops pillaged and ransacked the town, shot Rev. Caldwell's wife at the Parsonage, and burned most of the buildings, including the church. All records of that time were lost. Undaunted and with some help from two neighboring churches, the farmers began to rebuild on the same site. On Sunday morning, one could see the parishioners marching along with their benches, boxes, boards and chairs, as there were no pews.

The 1800's were not always easy. In 1806, the Sunday school was started in Potter's corncrib. At times, finances to support the church were sparse and the Trustees sold the grass and apples from the Church orchards and cemetery. The congregation went through years of decline and revival, as did the country. A new manse was built just after the turn of the century and additions to the original structure were added in 1920 and 1949. The membership continued to grow. In 1970, the church and cemetery were designated as an historic site - the first in New Jersey to be listed in the Register of Historic Places.

In 275 years, the congregation called Connecticut Farms has been served by seventeen ministers and has had its share of peaks and valleys. We are now in a time of renewal and growth. While we value our history, we are determined to shape the future with a ministry of compassion and outreach.

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HISTORICALLY SPEAKING:

Charles Sidney Converse was the eleventh pastor of Connecticut Farms Church. His picture is hanging in Westminster Hall. He graduated from Princeton Seminary, was ordained in 1876, and was installed in the United Presbyterian Church of Amwell at Ringoes, New Jersey. In 1886, he became the Stated Supply of Connecticut Farms and was called as pastor in 1887. He worked diligently as pastor here for over 13 years, at which time he had to retire due to failing health. You can read more about his ministry in the Church's 275th Anniversary Book. He died June 29, 1903, and is buried in our cemetery.

Charles Converse's beloved wife was the former Charity Ann Burd, nicknamed Chatty. She was originally a member of his first church. She attended our 200th Anniversary in 1930. She died May 17, 1958, at the age of 93, and rests with her husband in our cemetery. Shortly before her passing she wrote the following:

DAYS OF YORE

So far as I can remember, there was no organized Ladies' Aid Society in the old Connecticut Farms Church during my husband's pastorate there.

We did organize the first Home and Foreign Missionary Society, and the first meeting was held in the home of Mrs. Clark Faitoute who became President for a year or two. I then fell heir to the office, and I carried it until we left Union in 1901. Then the same honor fell upon Mrs. Lottie Griggs who carried it for at least 12 years more.

One of the contributing causes helping to hold the Society together at this time in its history was, I think, the evening meetings held quarterly in the homes. Then the men were invited, and an extra fine program, followed by a fine social hour and good eats. As I recall those old days, I am afraid the good times we had held us together as much or more than the missionary information we gained.

The women's work of the church was then planned and ordered by committees appointed by the Sunday School. They decorated the church for the Sunday School Anniversary, always held in May and a great event then in the church life. Also tied greens and had fine decorations for the Christmas concert. In June, the Strawberry Festival was the big money-making event of the year.

I could not write this little sketch and not mention three of those hard working women to whom your old church owes so much: Mrs. Eliza Burnett, who sang soprano in the choir for so many years and whose charming personality and good cheer was the life of every social gathering and a blessing to all with whom she came in contact; Mrs. Lottie Griggs, who was one of those fine Christian women who could take a grip on any phase of church work and make a success helping somebody; then the third one, Mr. John Bunnell's mother. She lived beside the cemetery and across the street from the school, and was a mother to all who came her way—to me among the number. Many will rise up to call her blessed!!

Neither would be forget the faithful mothers at home, training their children, many of whom have been the backbone of this old church during three or four decades.

Please remember that this is a sage of the “Horse and Buggy” days of 56 years ago, and comes from the brain of a 92 year old former pastor's wife. I do think the statements it brings you are correct. C. A. Converse

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Further historical information:

First Presbyterian Congregation of Connecticut Farms Stuyvesant Avenue & Chestnut Street, Union, N.J. 07083
Email: • Phone: (908) 688-3164 • Fax: (908) 688-3166

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