320 Main Street
The First Presbyterian Church of Paterson is one of Paterson’s oldest and most historically significant religious institutions. Although the congregation was organized in 1813, the present church building dates from 1852, making it the oldest church building still in continuous religious use in the City of Paterson.
Founding
The congregation was organized on July 15, 1813, when Paterson was a rapidly growing industrial village. Before that time, local Presbyterians generally worshipped at the Old Dutch Church of Totowa, established in the eighteenth century. The formation of the First Presbyterian Church reflected the city’s expanding population and the influence of prominent local families.
The Colt Family
The church was closely associated with the influential Colt family, among the founders of Paterson’s manufacturing economy.
- Sarah Colt, sister of industrialist Peter Colt, organized one of Paterson’s earliest Sunday schools in the 1790s.
- Members of the Colt family were among the church’s principal supporters for many decades.
- Numerous leading industrialists, civic leaders, and professionals worshipped here throughout the nineteenth century.
Present Church Building
The current Gothic Revival sanctuary was completed in 1852.
Later additions include:
- Chapel (1866)
- Memorial Hall (1908)
The complex is built of brownstone and brick and occupies a prominent location overlooking downtown Paterson. Its soaring tower, pointed Gothic windows, and richly detailed interior made it one of northern New Jersey’s finest Presbyterian churches of the Victorian era.
Distinguished Members
The congregation included many prominent New Jersey citizens, including:
- Philemon Dickerson, Governor of New Jersey (1836–1837)
- John W. Griggs, Governor of New Jersey (1896–1898) and later U.S. Attorney General
- Members of the Colt, Clark, and other leading Paterson families.
Twentieth Century
Like many downtown churches, First Presbyterian experienced declining membership as residents moved to the suburbs after World War II. Despite these changes, the congregation remained active and continued serving the surrounding community.
The church has become an important partner in neighborhood revitalization efforts, working with the New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) to preserve the historic building while expanding its use for educational, cultural, and community programs.
Preservation
Recognizing its architectural and historical importance, the church has received substantial preservation assistance through the New Jersey Historic Trust, including grants for preservation planning and major restoration work. Restoration has focused on stabilizing masonry, repairing the roof, restoring stained glass, and rehabilitating the interior for continued public use.
Historical Significance
The First Presbyterian Church is significant because it:
- Is the oldest Presbyterian congregation in Paterson, founded in 1813.
- Occupies the oldest church building still in active religious use in the city.
- Was closely associated with Paterson’s industrial founders and civic leaders.
- Is an outstanding example of mid-nineteenth-century Gothic Revival ecclesiastical architecture.
- Continues to serve both as a house of worship and as a community cultural center.