The History of PCCT
In the 1950s, when the Township of Chatham, NJ began evolving from an essentially agricultural community to a rapidly-growing commuter suburb, a small group of dedicated people enthusiastically shared the vision of creating a new Presbyterian congregation.
In the 1950s, when Chatham Township began evolving from an essentially agricultural community to a rapidly-growing commuter suburb, a small group of dedicated people enthusiastically shared the vision of creating a new Presbyterian congregation.
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Together, those founders held a strong faith in God and in their future as a church family. In addition, they were humble, imaginative and self-reliant “do-it-your-selfers.”
They gathered wildflowers to decorate the chancel, hosted Christmas Eve services in private homes, hand-crafted property signs, and built the cross that still graces our sanctuary today.
In its earliest days, the congregation worshipped in the gym of Southern Boulevard Elementary School. But with significant support from the Presbytery including its purchase of an 8-acre site, in December 1959 more than 200 people signed the Covenant of Membership, establishing the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township (PCCT).
Over the years, the congregation steadily grew in faith and membership. In addition, PCCT sequentially built three now-connected buildings to provide a home for our church family and a meeting place for the community.
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More importantly, the congregation built a deep and enduring commitment to spirituality, fellowship and service through shared experiences, including:
- Meaningful and thought-provoking worship
- A vibrant and varied music ministry
- Wide-ranging educational programs and fellowship groups
- A commitment to passing on our faith to the next generation
- Rewarding, effective mission and service projects – both local and global — that focus on addressing hunger, housing and disaster relief
With a deep sense of gratitude for God’s many blessings, we continue to grow and evolve as together we Worship, Connect, Serve and Learn.
Members of PCCT today aspire to follow in our founders’ footsteps by praising God and making a difference in our world through our collective dedication, diverse skills, unique experiences and can-do spirit.
