Celebrating Our Roots
The First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna is a rare historic gem. For over 250 years we have served the “Suckasunny Plains” and the surrounding community.
One of the oldest in the county, this congregation was organized around 1745 and the first sanctuary was constructed in 1760. From its beginning, members of FPCS have been involved in local, state, and national affairs. During the Revolutionary War, the church served as a barracks and a hospital. It is said that George Washington visited wounded troops here. It also served as an arsenal. One of the cannons stored here was melted down for the new Centennial Bell at Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1877.
In 1853, the present building was constructed to replace the original one. The first service held was the funeral for Mahlon Dickerson, a New Jersey judge, Governor, Congressman, General, and Secretary of the Navy. Mr. Dickerson, who once brought President Martin Van Buren to worship at First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna is buried in its cemetery.
The most renowned pastor to serve our church was the Rev. Elijah Stoddard, who served for 50 years. Rev. Stoddard was instrumental in the organization and building of Roxbury’s first high school. Mrs. Stoddard built our Chapel building as a state of the art Christian Education Center. The church grew incredibly under the Stoddards’ guidance, creating many new organizations and starting a number of new social and educational events. The first Women’s Organization of the Morris and Orange Presbyteries was started here in 1878. Years later, the Rev. Sue Ellis Melrose became the first female pastor to be installed in the Presbytery of Newton (now named Presbytery of the Highlands of NJ).
Members of our congregation have always believed that local involvement displays how Presbyterians interact in the community. You will find our members involved in the operation of the township Library, the Board of Education, the Foundation For Excellence in Education, the local Food Pantry, the Dover Soup Kitchen, and other service and business organizations.
Succeeding generations continue to carry on the values of their predecessors, using their time, talent, and treasures to better the community around them an to share the love of Christ with our neighbors. We have a vital heritage and with the Lord’s help it will continue for generations to come!
