A new beginning
Today, we are a much smaller congregation than we were at our founding in 1957, but we continue to be a vital part of the community. We are still the caring and loving people to all who enter our doors seeking hope, peace, and a sense of belonging to a family of believers. We welcome you to our little piece of Christ's church and we look forward to a future of service to the Lord and outreach to our local community.
Missions
We support:
Fellowship
Outreach
____________________________________________________HISTORY_________________________________________________
At the start
In December 1957 the Classis of New Brunswick purchased a parsonage at 8 Amherst Lane Hazlet, NJ
This parsonage was to serve as our Church and Sunday School for the next six months. The Rev. Robert Geddes served as our pastor until the Rev. Theodore Muller accepted the call as Classical Missionary in February 1958.
Our first worship service was held on December 15, 1957 and shortly thereafter, our Sunday School was started under the leadership of Rev. Geddes and Mr. Robert Riley.
The initial meeting of the “Steering Committee”, consisting of four men, named Robert Erbig Jr., Goerge Huse, Robert Tremaine and Robert Van Roten, was created for the purpose of formulating the plan and organization of the new Church.
Where Can We Worship? Drive-In, Firehouse, Schools, Homes
As we began to grow in number, it became obvious that the facilities at the parsonage were inadequate. With the summer months coming, we decided to ask permission of the Lowe’s 35 Drive-In Theater to use their facilities on Sundays for our Church Services.
We were grateful to receive permission at no cost to use these facilities and on June 25, 1958 we held our first outdoor service. One thing we were required to do was to clean up all the refuse and debris in the portion of the ground we used. To accomplish this, members of the Steering Committee and some of our young people were up as early as 7:00 AM.
A portable platform rising seven feet above the ground was constructed in order for the worshippers to see the minister. There were occasions when our minister preached the word of God with raincoat and umbrella.
Today, we are a much smaller congregation than we were at our founding in 1957, but we continue to be a vital part of the community. We are still the caring and loving people to all who enter our doors seeking hope, peace, and a sense of belonging to a family of believers. We welcome you to our little piece of Christ's church and we look forward to a future of service to the Lord and outreach to our local community.
Missions
We support:
- the Keyport Food Pantry both monetarily and materially with food, school supplies and Christmas gifts for the children
- Different "Missions of the Month" to share our love and our resources, both locally and internationally
- Our Deacons' Fund which supports our members and local people who are in need
Fellowship
- We are at our best when we break bread together, and we share as much of God's Word and ministry over coffee after service as we do in worship.
- We often hold church breakfasts, pot lucks, and other gatherings, so people can have the chance to spend time together and get to know each other.
- We host different fundraisers throughout the year to support our ministries and missions, and these also give people a chance to share their time and their talents.
Outreach
- We share our Sanctuary with the Zion Baptist Church on Sunday mornings (they meet at 11:30 AM).
- We rent our facilities to a number of groups, i.e., and host weekly AA meetings.
____________________________________________________HISTORY_________________________________________________
At the start
In December 1957 the Classis of New Brunswick purchased a parsonage at 8 Amherst Lane Hazlet, NJ
This parsonage was to serve as our Church and Sunday School for the next six months. The Rev. Robert Geddes served as our pastor until the Rev. Theodore Muller accepted the call as Classical Missionary in February 1958.
Our first worship service was held on December 15, 1957 and shortly thereafter, our Sunday School was started under the leadership of Rev. Geddes and Mr. Robert Riley.
The initial meeting of the “Steering Committee”, consisting of four men, named Robert Erbig Jr., Goerge Huse, Robert Tremaine and Robert Van Roten, was created for the purpose of formulating the plan and organization of the new Church.
Where Can We Worship? Drive-In, Firehouse, Schools, Homes
As we began to grow in number, it became obvious that the facilities at the parsonage were inadequate. With the summer months coming, we decided to ask permission of the Lowe’s 35 Drive-In Theater to use their facilities on Sundays for our Church Services.
We were grateful to receive permission at no cost to use these facilities and on June 25, 1958 we held our first outdoor service. One thing we were required to do was to clean up all the refuse and debris in the portion of the ground we used. To accomplish this, members of the Steering Committee and some of our young people were up as early as 7:00 AM.
A portable platform rising seven feet above the ground was constructed in order for the worshippers to see the minister. There were occasions when our minister preached the word of God with raincoat and umbrella.
The Sunday School enrollment continued to increase as did the need for additional space. Our numerous requests to use the classrooms of our Public School were turned down. Fortunately, the North Centerville Volunteer Fire Co. came to our rescue and granted us the use of their firehouse. Once again our prayers to God were answered.
On September 14, 1958 we started our new year with a total of 64 students and teachers. Our first Sunday School Superintendent was Mr. Robert Erbig Jr.
On September 14, 1958 we started our new year with a total of 64 students and teachers. Our first Sunday School Superintendent was Mr. Robert Erbig Jr.
ON November 30, 1958 our Church was organized with a total of 62 charter members.
The current church property on the Northwest corner of Poole Avenue and Middle Road in Hazlet was purchased.
With our Sunday School growing by leaps and bounds, once again we had to look for larger quarters. Again we petitioned the Raritan Township Board of Education for the use of the Middle Road School and again, we were denied that privilege. We petitioned the Board of Education of Holmdel for their Centerville School on Route 35 and they granted us their permission.
Once again our prayers were answered. We resumed Sunday School in September 1959 with 95 students using both the Centerville School and the seventh and eighth grades using the firehouse.
Permission was finally granted on November 1, 1959 for the use of the Middle Road School in Raritan Township and our entire Sunday School transferred to this building.
We occupied 10 classrooms until we transferred, upon completion, to our own Sunday School in April 1961.
The current church property on the Northwest corner of Poole Avenue and Middle Road in Hazlet was purchased.
With our Sunday School growing by leaps and bounds, once again we had to look for larger quarters. Again we petitioned the Raritan Township Board of Education for the use of the Middle Road School and again, we were denied that privilege. We petitioned the Board of Education of Holmdel for their Centerville School on Route 35 and they granted us their permission.
Once again our prayers were answered. We resumed Sunday School in September 1959 with 95 students using both the Centerville School and the seventh and eighth grades using the firehouse.
Permission was finally granted on November 1, 1959 for the use of the Middle Road School in Raritan Township and our entire Sunday School transferred to this building.
We occupied 10 classrooms until we transferred, upon completion, to our own Sunday School in April 1961.
On November 6, 1960 we held our groundbreaking service at the Church property. On a rain swept Sunday afternoon, over 120 people gathered together to view the first shovel full of dirt being overturned by our pastor. This shovel has now been chrome plated and occupies a corner in the Narthex of our Church.
On Good Friday, March 31, 1961, we held a service at 5:00 PM at the Church property for the raising of our 24 foot free-standing cross.
On Easter Sunday, April 2, 1961, we held our first service in our new Church with 219 in attendance. In spite of the fact that we had to substitute chairs for pews and do without a few of the pulpit trimmings, it was a glorious sight to behold.
April 23, 1961 marked the first Sunday that both our Sunday School and morning worship service were able to meet under one roof in three and one half years.
May 14, 1961 brought about another first in the history of our Church. The Women’s Guild for Christian Service held their first Women’s Communion Breakfast in the Educational Wing of our Church. Breakfast was served to 29 women by 4 men of the Church, who acted as waiters. After breakfast, the women adjourned to the Nave and were served communion.
The culmination of our three and one half years' struggle to build an edifice worthy of our Lord and Master was an inspiring "Service of Dedication" held on June 4, 1961.
On Good Friday, March 31, 1961, we held a service at 5:00 PM at the Church property for the raising of our 24 foot free-standing cross.
On Easter Sunday, April 2, 1961, we held our first service in our new Church with 219 in attendance. In spite of the fact that we had to substitute chairs for pews and do without a few of the pulpit trimmings, it was a glorious sight to behold.
April 23, 1961 marked the first Sunday that both our Sunday School and morning worship service were able to meet under one roof in three and one half years.
May 14, 1961 brought about another first in the history of our Church. The Women’s Guild for Christian Service held their first Women’s Communion Breakfast in the Educational Wing of our Church. Breakfast was served to 29 women by 4 men of the Church, who acted as waiters. After breakfast, the women adjourned to the Nave and were served communion.
The culmination of our three and one half years' struggle to build an edifice worthy of our Lord and Master was an inspiring "Service of Dedication" held on June 4, 1961.
Creative Campus Nursery School
1962: Creative Campus Nursery School, owned by the Faith Reformed Church and operated by an elected board of directors, opened to the public. After 57 years of service to the community, CCNS closed its doors in 2019, and we are anxiously waiting to see what God has planned for our space next!
50 Years Later
2008: Faith Reformed Church celebrated its 50th year of service and glory to God. Each month highlighted an event from times past; remembering activities such as: The Men’s Club, The Women’s Club, Bible Studies, Youth Group, Junior and Senior Choirs, Bowling Group, Christmas Tree Sales, Fairs, Creative Campus Nursery School, Cantatas, Sunday School Programs, Christmas Eve Candlelight Services. Current and former members of the congregation gathered to celebrate and reminisce.
2021: The congregation voted to begin worshiping under a new name: Faith Community Church. While we are remaining committed to our Reformed theology and traditions, we wanted to emphasis our desire to love our neighbors and be a beacon for Christ in Hazlet and the surrounding community.
1962: Creative Campus Nursery School, owned by the Faith Reformed Church and operated by an elected board of directors, opened to the public. After 57 years of service to the community, CCNS closed its doors in 2019, and we are anxiously waiting to see what God has planned for our space next!
50 Years Later
2008: Faith Reformed Church celebrated its 50th year of service and glory to God. Each month highlighted an event from times past; remembering activities such as: The Men’s Club, The Women’s Club, Bible Studies, Youth Group, Junior and Senior Choirs, Bowling Group, Christmas Tree Sales, Fairs, Creative Campus Nursery School, Cantatas, Sunday School Programs, Christmas Eve Candlelight Services. Current and former members of the congregation gathered to celebrate and reminisce.
2021: The congregation voted to begin worshiping under a new name: Faith Community Church. While we are remaining committed to our Reformed theology and traditions, we wanted to emphasis our desire to love our neighbors and be a beacon for Christ in Hazlet and the surrounding community.
