July 27, 2008 Historic Moment

Did you know.... The Reverend Chester E. McCahan was installed as our minister in 1931 and during his tenure they celebrated the 100th anniversary of the building of the sanctuary that was constructed under the guidance of the Rev. Cornelius VanCleef (our pastor from 1833-1867).

July 27, 2008 Remembrance

Weekly Mailing Fund for Shut-ins and Absentees.... Such kindly, simple service wrought for those kept from the house of prayer, impels a warm and thrilling thought: "We Know we are remembered there!" Dedicated November 21, 1954, after several months in effect. Donor of fund, Mrs. Nicholas Schaefer in loving memory of her father, Carl Schmidt. Administered faithfully by Mrs. Lester Parker.

Rev. David Willerup Reflection

Note: Rev. David Willerup delivered the message on July 27, 2008

It began with Bob and the bells. My seventh grade music teacher with a 'fro and a 'stache, Bob Jutton, invited me to play the descant to "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken" on my trumpet with the Klokken Ringers. Then, despite the fact that i rushed the tempo and didn't quite hit the high note, he invited me back, and I started to appreciate worship in the musty old church down the road that seemed held together by turnbuckles and prayer. When the time came to find another church home, it only made sense to come here. Shortly thereafter when called to become a pastor, this church sent me, supported me, loved me and encouraged me. Thank you for that. Thank you.

All this in spite of the fact that, well.... I remember when I felt the Lord's call to the pastorate. I had this wonderful, joy-filled conversation with Rev. Neevel. He listened to my story of Jesus' revelation in my life. We spoke of the tremendous responsibility and privilege of being called. We planned what needed to happen next to get me into seminary. Before leaving I said, "One more thing, though. Why do you call this church 'Reformed?' It sounds arrogant, like you're saying you're better than the other." Jim spoke as he sighed, "Well, Dave, you see, we trace our history all the way back to John Calvin.... ahhh, forget it. They'll straighten you out in seminary." And this I learned that 'Reformed' was not boasting, but a denomination.

After serving Westwood Reformed Church in Muskegon, Michigan for nearly nine years, I now happily serve Nottingham Presbyterian Church as a Reformed pastor called to revitalize and rebuild.

July 20, 2008 Historic Moment

Did you know... After Rev.l Congers left our church in 1921, there followed a long period of supply ministers, and church records for this time are sparse. It appears that during the period during WWI and WWII church attendance fell off.

July 20, 2008 Remembrance

Two Upright Yew Trees by the corners of the church porch... She touched the leaves of drooping plants and made them straight and green. She touched the lives of listless folk, and made them quick and warm. The sick and aged found comfort in their kindness. With dedicated skill she plied her needle to clothe the naked children of the world. Eagerly she spent herself for God and Church and neighbor. With courage, industry and perseverance she maintained a zest for living, a love of beauty and an unquenchable spirit of adventure. Her children shall rise up to call her blessed, while all her kindred share in living tribute. it is truly for ourselves we grieve, that she has yielded to the deep last sleep. For her we must rejoice, that in this holy season when Christ is born to us, she is re-born to God in the glad eternity whence we all have come and whither all are called. So let us view the bright and holy season as rainbow after storm, and in wistful moments help us feel more deeply that peace of Christ which passeth understanding. (From the prayer by her friend and minister.) Donors: Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Russell, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Howe and devoted friends. Dedicated Sunday, January 10, 1954.

July 13, 2008 Historic Moment

Did you know... On October 20, 1914 the Reverend Alexander M. Conger was installed as our minister. he, along with his mother and a sister, served with unselfish loyalty over a 7-year period. Rev. Conger compiled the first New Hackensack Reformed Church historical sketch on the occasion of our 150th anniversary in 1916 and we are forever indebted to him for that.

July 13, 2008 Remembrance

A Magnolia Tree, near the park entrance. This little tree is dedicated with grateful affection to the memory of Dell, the beautiful German Shepherd Seeing Eye Guide, who was for more than eight years my companion and helper on street and highway and at home, and everywhere in the performance of my ministry. Donor: Rev. Delmer Cooper, New Hackensack. Dedicated Sunday, January 10, 1954.

July 6, 2008 Historic Moment

Did you know... After the Rev. Dumont moved to serve the Reformed Church in West Coxsackie, NY in 1911, the Rev. R. Ackerly was called to NHRC as a "supply" minister and he served until 1914 when our next pastor was installed.

July 6, 2008 Remembrance

Memorial Plantings - The plantings are sacred to the memory of a dear lady whose spirit never grew old in eighty years. She loved this park, envisioned its growing charm, and delighted to watch, from lawn or window, the children at their play. When limbs and branches have climbed aloft and foliage whispers far, tree touching tree, how cool and restful then will be their deep memorial shadows! A pink dogwood near the Church Park entrance, the King's Daughters' Circle; A hemlock, green cypress, golden cypress, upright yew and five flowering shrubs, all in the Church park, her family and many devoted friends - Dedicated Sunday, January 10, 1954, in loving memory of Mrs. Herbert W. Hallock.