FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST

243 Hamburg Turnpike

Purpose —  To commemorate the word and works of Christ Jesus, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing. Date Incorporated — 1933

In the summer of 1921, informal services were started by a small group of Christian Scientists living at widely scattered points in the northern New Jersey area. The group was organized as a Christian Science Society and in 1923 was recognized as a branch of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts. Services were held in the Einstein Memorial Library for ten years. A Sunday School was started, as well as a Christian Science Reading Room, which was located in the club room of the library. The first Christian Science lecture was given on June 7, 1925, in the Colonial Theatre.

Steady grown and progress resulted in recognition as First Church of Christ, Scientist, Pompton Lakes, in 1932, and incorporation under the laws of the State of New Jersey. The first church edifice was erected in 1934 on land donated by a member in gratitude for a healing. The cornerstone was laid on July 1,1934, and the first service was held on Sunday, August 4, 1934. The church was dedicated ten years later. (A Christian Science church cannot be dedicated until it is free of debt.)

When the growth of church and Sunday School required more adequate facilities, plans were made for expansion. Ground for the new extension was broken in January 1952. The new building adjoined the existing structure and was completed in July 1952 when an electric organ was purchased and installed. The first service in the new edifice was held on Sunday, July 26, 1952. It was dedicated in November 1966.

Regular Sunday morning services are presently held at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday Evening Testimonial meetings of healing at 8:15 p.m. Sunday School for children up to the age of 20 convenes at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday morning, and child care is provided for infants and small children. A Reading Room is located in the church edifice and is open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

All are welcome to our services, our Sunday School and to our Reading Room.