The Presbyterian Church in Norwood was founded in 1869 by a group of area residents whose names are still on file in the Bergen County records office in Hackensack — prominent Northern Valley names including Blauvelt, Demarest, Haring and LaRoche. These early leaders were able to put together a sum of $850 toward the building of the wooden edifice, which was completed and dedicated in May, 1869 for a total cost of $2,430.
Originally erected on Summit Street (as seen in the 1903 image at right), the church was later moved to its current location on Broadway, between Summit and Tappan Road. Imagine the scene: a stately wooden church steeple moving slowly up Broadway drawn by horses! In the last century, a beloved member, Elaine Mariner, enlarged the church property by selling a section of her property to the church for one dollar.
Our congregation is known in the Presbytery of the Palisades (the local governing body of the Presbyterian Church, USA) as an active, welcoming and caring group with a strong sense of mission and social justice. Members come not only from Norwood, Northvale and Harrington Park, but from as far away as Montvale, Tenafly, and Washington Township.
Today the church buildings include the landmark sanctuary building, a four-bedroom manse, (pastor’s residence,) the Church House (offices and meeting room,) and the Christian Education (Church School) building. The latter is leased during the week to the Inge Lake Pre-School. Several years ago the church purchased a new Rogers Trillium organ. This was a big financial commitment at the time, but the amazing instrume
nt serves as the backbone for our musical ministry and choir.
Mission activities of the Norwood church have been far-reaching. During the Great Depression, the church opened its doors to serve the hungry in the community. The church and several of its longstanding members were early supporters of the Civil Rights and Anti-War movements of the 1960s. More recently we helped build a school in El Salvador and housing in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Locally, we regularly volunteer with Habitat for Humanity of Bergen County and the Interreligious Fellowship for the Homelesss. We're also among the earliest supporters of Zoe's Place, which supports unwed teen mothers in Bergen County.
The Presbyterian Church in Norwood holds both Sunday worship and Church School on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM. Worship is always followed by fellowship hour, accompanied by lively conversation, good coffee and assorted munchies.
The Presbyterian Church in Norwood is located at 701 Broadway, telephone 201-768-2223. There is ample parking behind the church, which is air-conditioned in the warmer months.