Surely, you’ve noticed the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on the Green. It stands as a testament to both architectural craftsmanship and the enduring spiritual legacy of the Bloomfield community. This church holds a significant place in Bloomfield’s history. It was the first organized church in the area.
Early settlers faced a challenge. They had to travel miles to attend worship services. They went either to the Newark Church or the Second Presbyterian Church of the Township. This is now known as the First Presbyterian Church of Orange.
In 1794, a society gathered in school or private houses. This region was known as Wardsesson. They sought organization as the Third Presbyterian Congregation in the Township of Newark. The Presbytery of New York granted their request on July 23, 1794.
On October 24, 1796, the elected trustees convened. They met in Joseph Davis’s house on Franklin Street. This was during a public meeting held on August 9th. They adopted the name “The Trustees of the Presbyterian Society of Bloomfield.”
Shortly after, a subscription was initiated. It funded the construction of a church edifice. It was strategically situated on a knoll. This faced the field that would later become the “Common” or “Green.”
For many years, the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on the Green served as the sole place of worship. It played a central role in the community’s religious life. The building was crafted from brown freestone. General Joseph Bloomfield supported its construction. He generously donated 140 dollars. This was for the purchase of the mortar. The church and the town were named after him. This honored General Bloomfield’s contribution and significance.
The church building was designed by Samuel Ward. Construction commenced in 1796. It was occupied in 1799. However, it wasn’t fully completed. It lacked a permanent floor, seats, pulpit, steeple, and bell until 1819. Over the years, enhancements were made. An expansion in 1853 added fifteen feet to the rear. This created an organ loft. Dr. J.M. Sherwood led this expansion.
From 1874 to 1884, extensive improvements were carried out. Stained glass windows were installed. A new bell tower was built. It included a town clock and Westminster chime of bells. The galleries, stairways, ceilings, and furnishings were reconstructed. A striking stone Sunday School transept was added.
Architecturally, the Bloomfield Presbyterian Church features a three-bay front facade. It has a projecting tower and a six-bay linear facade. The exterior is constructed of coursed red sandstone with corner quoins. The roof is gable-shaped with a pent. The wooden belfry sits above the square stone tower. It dates back to the late 19th century. It showcases circular arched louvered apertures. These are framed by paired pilasters.
An octagonal two-tier telescoping spire and dome grace the upper part of the tower. It’s topped with an ornate weathervane. The church’s major windows exhibit original circular stone arches. The window frames reflect Gothic Victorian influences. The center entrance features a circular arch with a fanlight. The flanking doorways boast trapezoidal arches. A late 19th-century addition has been appended to the rear of the church. It expands its functionality.
But there is also a food pantry here. It provides food on an emergency basis to families in Bloomfield and surrounding communities in Essex County. The Food Pantry is located on the church premises at 147 Broad Street. It’s open certain days. Donations of non-perishable food are welcome.
The Bloomfield Presbyterian Church on the Green is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to faith, community, and history. Its stones whisper stories of the past. They also echo with the hopes of the future.