History
A Church Forged in History
In 1665, roughly 25 farming families, led by Rev. Abraham Pierson, migrated from Connecticut to what is now Union, New Jersey. For over 60 years, they traveled to Elizabethtown for worship before building their own wood-frame church, "The First Presbyterian Congregation of Connecticut Farms," in 1730. Despite the town of Union being incorporated in 1808, the church retained its original name.
Many of the founding families, including the Balls, Cranes, and Woodruffs, were Presbyterian-leaning Congregationalists. Their first
pastor, Simon Horton, was a fervent supporter of the American Revolution, as were many Presbyterians, including those of Scottish, Irish, French Huguenot, and German descent.
New Jersey became a Revolutionary War battleground. In 1780, the British and Hessian mercenaries burned much of Elizabethtown, including its First Presbyterian Church. Its pastor, James Caldwell, moved his family to Connecticut Farms. Tragically, his wife, Hannah Ogden Caldwell, was shot and killed in their parsonage during the Battle of Connecticut Farms on June 7, 1780. The church itself was also burned, destroying all records prior to 1780.
Members rebuilt, completing a new stone sanctuary by 1788. The church grew steadily, despite challenges like economic downturns and the Civil War, during which Rev. Robert Street's strong anti-slavery views led to some resignations. Union remained primarily a farming community until the 20th century, with church life deeply integrated into the stable community.
Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church:
A Historical Timeline
1665-1667: Approximately 25 farm families, led by Rev. Abraham Pierson, migrated from Guilford and Milford, CT, settling in what is now Union, New Jersey.
1730: After decades of traveling to Elizabethtown for worship, the community erected a wood-frame church, naming it the "First Presbyterian Congregation of Connecticut Farms."
1765-1779: Rev. Benjamin Hait (Hoyt) served as the church's sixth pastor; he was reportedly buried beneath the church.
June 7, 1780: During the Revolutionary War, the church was burned by British forces, and Hannah Ogden Caldwell, wife of the fiery pastor James Caldwell, was tragically shot and killed in the parsonage. All pre-1780 church, town, and cemetery records were destroyed.
1783-1788: Church members began rebuilding, completing the new stone sanctuary with support from the Presbytery of Elizabeth.
1806: The Sunday School was reportedly started by Miss Mary Potter in her father's corn crib.
1808: The town was incorporated as Union, though the church retained its original name.
1835-1885: Under Rev. Robert Street, church membership grew significantly, from 97 to 497 members, despite some members leaving due to his strong anti-slavery views.
1901: The current manse was built on Stuyvesant Avenue.
1922: A Parish House addition was completed.
1926: Rev. Nesbit and the Session declined a KKK request to use church space.
1928-1962: During the impactful pastorate of Rev. Fred Druckenmiller, church membership soared from 275 to a peak of 2,169, with 979 children in Sunday School. The church also started a Second Presbyterian Church (North End Chapel) in the early 1930s.
1949-1950: The sanctuary was extended and the church plant expanded, requiring the relocation of some graves, including British and Hessian troops.
1960s: Rev. Howard McFall led the church through a period of social change, developing Clinical Pastoral Education and actively participating in the Civil Rights Movement.
1988: The Second Presbyterian Church merged back into Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church.
2001: A marker was placed for the British and Hessian troops' remains under the leadership of Rev. John Tipton.
2008-2022: Roberta Arrowsmith served as pastor.
The church has had interim pastors between the installed pastors.
The Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church has a rich history, marked by resilient growth, community engagement, and a commitment to its values. We continue to build on this legacy of faith and service
Growth & Modernization
The early 20th century saw increased focus on youth programs, leading to the construction of a parish house in the 1920s. From 1928 to 1962, under Rev. Fred Druckenmiller, membership surged to over 2,000, supported by full-time staff and reflecting Union's growing German immigrant population.
Rev. Howard McFall, Druckenmiller's successor, guided the church through the 1960s, championing social causes like the Civil Rights Movement and promoting diversity among assistant ministers. Subsequent pastors, including Sidney Pinch, John Tipton, and Roberta Arrowsmith, continued to lead the church through evolving times. The Connecticut Farms Presbyterian Church has consistently adapted, from its origins as a rural meeting house to a modern institution.
Battle of Connecticut Farms Re-Enactment
