We recently celebrated the 130-year anniversary of the Presbyterian Church at Hammonton in New Jersey as well as 164 years of ministry in our community.
If these walls could talk, one can imagine what they would say. They heard the prayers and songs of hundreds of men, women and children. They heard sermons and witnessed baptisms and communions, confirmations, marriages, funerals and children’s plays. They also heard the joys and concerns of the congregants. Hundreds of people of faith have worshiped within these walls since 1895.
This house of God has seen its share of hardship: wars, deprivations, mortgages that were difficult to pay, the rise and fall of member numbers, and the constant need of repair. But through it all, the ministry has always focused on helping others, as taught by Christ. In the early years, Italian immigrants were welcomed and were helped to start their own church. In the 1950s, through the federal program for the resettlement of displaced people after World War II, this congregation sponsored German immigrants, providing them with housing, food and employment. The Spanish ministry flourished for many years, a food pantry fed many people, and the “Goods for the Neighborhood” ministry continues to serve hundreds of people with nonperishable food, clothing and household items. This has always been a mission church with countless volunteers in service to our mission.
When the cornerstone was laid in October of 1895, the founding members of faith had no idea how many physical changes would take place over more than a century. The latest event happened in 2010, providing the congregation with an ADA-compliant sanctuary to serve all. No matter the changes, however, the one constant is the warmth and welcoming spirit that continues to thrive within these walls.
For 164 years, generations of families have committed to worship and to serve the church’s mission right up to today, along with new members beginning their own faith journey here. With our new pastor, the faith and dedication of this church family will keep this church going for generations to come.
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them” — Matthew 18:20.
Johanna Johnson, Church Leadership, Presbyterian Church at Hammonton
Let us join in prayer for:
Lauren Rogers, Associate Director, Stewardship & Major Gift Officer, Administrative Services Group
Jashalund Royston, Research Associate, Research Services, Administrative Services Group
Let us pray:
God, thank you for the ripple effect of lives when we engage Scripture. Continue to encourage us “to take hold of life that really is life.” As we learn to share our faith and serve our communities, teach us how to be the church — “rich in good works, generous, and ready to share.” Amen.
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