320 Main Street
The First Presbyterian Church of Paterson has an important place in the religious and civic history of the city. The congregation was organized in 1813, making it the earliest Presbyterian congregation established in Paterson after the city’s founding in 1792.
Early History
When Paterson was founded in 1792, the only church within the future city’s limits was the First Reformed Dutch Church of Totowa, commonly called the Old Dutch Church of Totowa. Presbyterians living in the growing community worshiped there before establishing their own congregation.
In 1813, the First Presbyterian congregation was organized. Early Presbyterian activity in Paterson also included a Sabbath school associated with Sarah Colt, sister of Peter Colt, an important figure in Paterson’s early industrial development.
The 1852 Church
The present historic church building dates to 1852. A chapel was added in 1866, followed by Memorial Hall in 1908. The New Jersey Historic Trust identifies the complex as the oldest religious structure in Paterson still in operation.
The church became closely associated with Paterson’s industrial leadership. Among its members were members of the Colt family and other prominent industrialists who played significant roles in the development of American industry. Two prominent New Jersey governors, Philemon Dickerson and John W. Griggs, were also members of the congregation.
Location
Historic records identify the church at 320 Main Street, Paterson, New Jersey. The building has been recognized for its historical significance, including a New Jersey Historic Preservation determination of eligibility.
A Valuable Historical Record
The church has an unusually rich documentary history. In 1893, William Nelson compiled and edited The First Presbyterian Church of Paterson, New Jersey, a substantial volume containing:
- Minutes of the Board of Trustees, 1813–1891
- Miscellaneous church documents
- Session minutes, 1813–1892
- Historical notes and an index
Only 100 copies were originally printed, making the work an especially valuable source for Paterson historians and genealogists.
In 1913, Rev. Clarence E. Macartney published A History of the First Presbyterian Church of Paterson, New Jersey, another important early history of the congregation.
The Paterson Museum has made the 1913 history available among its online historical resources.
Preservation
By the 21st century, the historic church complex had suffered from deferred maintenance, weather damage, and deterioration of portions of its brick exterior. The New Jersey Historic Trust awarded preservation grants, including $50,000 in 2017 for a preservation plan and $750,000 in 2020 toward comprehensive rehabilitation. The proposed rehabilitation envisioned continued community use, including educational, rehearsal, and performance activities.
Historical Significance
The First Presbyterian Church is significant not only as a religious institution but as a witness to the transformation of Paterson from a small industrial settlement into one of America’s major manufacturing cities. Its membership included people connected to Paterson’s early industrial, political, and civic development.