With prayers and proclamations, the First Baptist Church of Morristown on Sunday celebrated its first 270 years.
Speakers at the bi-lingual service noted the church’s remarkable history, from its establishment by a minister who would become Gen. George Washington’s personal chaplain, to its rebirth after a disastrous 2000 fire and a pandemic merger of Anglo and Latino congregations.
“We are the Church,” sang 88-year-old FBC Treasurer Mary Ethel Nielsen, who lived with her parents in the basement of the Washington Street church after WWII.
Now, that cellar is leased on weekdays to a nonprofit serving the homeless .
Video playlist by Dave Sullivan. Click icon top right to scroll through videos:
Dignitaries in attendance Sunday included state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (both R-25th Dist.) and Morris County Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo.
They brought proclamations, and a spokesperson for Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11th Dist.), Kellie Doucette, brought a flag that has flown over the Capitol.
Slideshow photos by Dave Sullivan; click/hover on images for captions:
Gov. Phil Murphy, Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker, and the town also sent congratulations.
Church Music Director Peter Favilla led hymns such as Great is Thy Faithfulness and God of the Ages, Whose Almighty Hands. The pianist also performed with a French horn duet, and with church Clerk Alberto Vega. The church praise band played, too.
Area clergy came round, as well.
The Rev. Msgr. John Hart, pastor of Morristown’s Assumption Catholic Church, participated in the service. The Rev. Luana Cook Scott, pastor of the Morristown United Methodist Church, also stopped by.
After the service, guests were invited to partake of refreshments in the First Baptist basement.
Thanks for catching this!
I’m the only one that clicked on the link?
P.S. Thanks for clearing that up, Margy!
Not in Morristown, IN?
Proud to say this wonderful church is in Morristown, New Jersey.
Morristown, TN?