{"id":3752,"date":"2026-08-12T20:14:36","date_gmt":"2026-08-13T00:14:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/patersonhistory.com\/?page_id=3752"},"modified":"2026-08-12T20:14:37","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T00:14:37","slug":"first-presbyterian-church","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/patersonhistory.com\/index.php\/first-presbyterian-church\/","title":{"rendered":"First Presbyterian Church"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The First Presbyterian Church of Paterson<\/strong> has an important place in the religious and civic history of the city. The congregation was organized in 1813<\/strong>, making it the earliest Presbyterian congregation established in Paterson after the city’s founding in 1792.<\/p>\n

Early History<\/h3>\n

When Paterson was founded in 1792, the only church within the future city’s limits was the First Reformed Dutch Church of Totowa<\/strong>, commonly called the Old Dutch Church of Totowa. Presbyterians living in the growing community worshiped there before establishing their own congregation.<\/p>\n

In 1813, the First Presbyterian congregation was organized. Early Presbyterian activity in Paterson also included a Sabbath school associated with Sarah Colt<\/strong>, sister of Peter Colt, an important figure in Paterson’s early industrial development.<\/p>\n

The 1852 Church<\/h3>\n

The present historic church building dates to 1852<\/strong>. A chapel was added in 1866<\/strong>, followed by Memorial Hall in 1908<\/strong>. The New Jersey Historic Trust identifies the complex as the oldest religious structure in Paterson still in operation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The church became closely associated with Paterson’s industrial leadership. Among its members were members of the Colt family and other prominent industrialists<\/strong> who played significant roles in the development of American industry. Two prominent New Jersey governors, Philemon Dickerson<\/strong> and John W. Griggs<\/strong>, were also members of the congregation.<\/p>\n

Location<\/h3>\n

Historic records identify the church at 320 Main Street, Paterson, New Jersey<\/strong>. The building has been recognized for its historical significance, including a New Jersey Historic Preservation determination of eligibility.<\/p>\n

A Valuable Historical Record<\/h3>\n

The church has an unusually rich documentary history. In 1893, William Nelson<\/strong> compiled and edited The First Presbyterian Church of Paterson, New Jersey<\/em>, a substantial volume containing:<\/p>\n