History of CPC Mountainside
Community Presbyterian Mountainside has been a cornerstone of the Mountainside community since its founding in 1954. We are passionate about sharing the Christian faith and providing spiritual guidance to all who seek it. Our weekly services, Sunday school classes, and fellowship activities are designed to provide a place of enrichment and community for all who come.
We are also home to a vibrant nursery school and offer a variety of activities and events throughout the year for all ages.
CPC Timeline
1954
The church is founded
In February of 1954, a group met to see if there was interest in having a Protestant church in town. By April 1, the group had canvassed the town, with the result that a need for such a church was determined, with Presbyterian representing the favored denomination.
The first worship service, conducted by Rev. Delwyn Rayson of the Presbyterian Synod of New Jersey, was held in Deerfield School at the end of April, with 120 adults and 30 children in attendance.
During the summer of 1954, a residence on Garrett Road was purchased for use as a manse.
The formal organization of the Community Presbyterian Church of Mountainside occurred on October 10, 1954, with 205 charter members from 105 families. Later that month, Rev. Rayson was installed as the first pastor.
1955-1959
New property and ministries
An anonymous donor gave four and a half acres for the building of the church at its current location, and in December 1955 the congregation gathered for the ground breaking for the sanctuary. Just one year later, in December 1956, the congregation gathered again to dedicate the new sanctuary.
The following year, the current manse on the adjoining property on Deer Path was purchased.
Organizations began immediately, with a Chancel Choir, Junior Choir, Carol Choir, Sunday School classes, Junior and Senior High Fellowships, Bible study and adult discussion groups, Women’s Association, Men’s Club, Doubles Club, and Scout Troops all in full swing within the first few years.
With Sunday School classes meeting in members’ homes, on Saturdays, and in double sessions at the church, it became clear that more space was needed, and in September 1959 a new building program began.
1960-1985
New organ, Nursery School, Memorial Garden
The new addition added over 4,000 square feet for the Christian Education program and was completed in November of 1960.
In October of 1960, the congregation voted to extend a call to Rev. Elmer Talcott who began his pastorate in January 1961, replacing Rev. Rayson who had accepted a call to a church in Honolulu, HI.
Pianos and a second-hand Wurlitzer organ provided music for services until the magnificent Aeolian Skinner pipe organ was installed and dedicated in May 1968. The second phase of the organ development program was completed in the early 1970’s, resulting in the beautiful and inspirational organ we have today.
The initial Memorial Garden was dedicated in the spring of 1971, and throughout the years additional walls have been added, with careful attention to grading and landscaping, to create a beautiful resting place for the remains of church members and beloved friends. The addition of stone benches and memorial teak benches make the Garden today a peaceful place for prayer and meditation.
Discussion of starting a Day Nursery School to serve the community began as early as 1960. Throughout the years, the fully accredited Nursery School has become a vital resource in the community and a generous partner to the church.
1986-2018
Establishment in the community
After many dedicated years of service, Rev. Talcott asked for early retirement, planning to use his time to work for peace. Rev. Robert Taylor served as Interim Pastor until September 1, 1986 when Rev. Christopher Belden became the third pastor of Community Presbyterian Church.
Over the next three decades, the church flourished, with the Nursery School being a popular option for residents of Mountainside and nearby and towns, church involvement with the community continuing with town-wide food collections organized by our chartered Boy Scout troop #177, and the church music program growing with the addition of a handbell choir and presentation of community concerts for Christmas and other occasions. After 32 years of dedicated service to the church and the community, Dr. Belden retired in June 2018.
2018-2024
A season of change
Rev. Leigh Gillis came to serve as Interim Pastor beginning in September 2018, ministering to the congregation and leading the church through the process of calling the next minister of CPC. Beginning in March 2020, Rev. Anna Cooper served as the church's fourth pastor, through the summer of 2021.
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During this time, with the outbreak of the COVID epidemic in early 2020 and the restrictions placed on in-person gatherings including worship, enterprising members of the church used their knowledge of technology to initially broadcast weekly services via YouTube. Eventually, this led to the early 2022 purchase and installation of equipment to allow for live streaming of weekly services online, enabling viewers to watch from anywhere in the world. This system continues to be operated entirely by a group of volunteers from our congregation.
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Through this period of transition, the Presbytery of Northeast New Jersey (PNENJ) assisted CPC's search for a new pastor, resulting in the appointment of Rev. Marcus Lambright to serve a three-year term as Designated Pastor beginning September 2022. As a Designated Pastor, Rev. Lambright was eligible to be offered the position of CPC's called minister, if he and the congregation mutually agreed.
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In October 2024, the Community Presbyterian Church celebrated the 70th anniversary of its founding in 1954 with a special celebration following worship. The gathering was held in the church's Assembly Room and featured a catered luncheon, personal reflections from many members, and an opportunity to look toward the future.
2025 - Present
A new era
On March 23, 2025, at a Special Congregational Meeting, the congregation called Rev. Marcus C. Lambright to become the Community Presbyterian Church's fifth pastor beginning September 2025, after his term as Designated Pastor is completed, as agreed upon with the PNENJ.
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Pastor Marcus joined us from the Presbytery of the Coastlands. He is a graduate of the Princeton Theological Seminary with a Masters degree in Divinity and is working on his Doctorate of Ministry at the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. We look forward to a growing relationship in shared faith and purpose with Pastor Marcus.
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It continues to be true that in all of its history, the Community Presbyterian Church, vitally aware of its Christian mission, has reached out to serve and witness in the larger community and at the same time, has ministered to its members' spiritual, emotional, and social needs.