1831-Present
Early in the 19th century iron workers from England settled in a small village called Boonton Falls, and erected a mill making use of abundant water power. They brought with them a deep interest in the Sunday School Movement.
In May 1831 – Sunday school, organized with nearly 100 adults and children, met on Plane Street in a home used during the week as school. On July 1, 1832 – 19 founders organized the Church (11 men and 8 women). In 1833 – the first church building erected at a cost of $2000.00, later sold and moved across Church Street, becoming the community’s Washington Hall. It was repurchased in 1889, used as Sunday school, called “The Chapel” and burned in 1965.
1834 – Rev. Joseph Vance – was called as first pastor, and in 1838 he was let go due to lack of funds to pay $400 a year. In 1836 – the first manse was built at Cedar and Brook Streets (Boonton Avenue). In 1839 slavery issues emerged and the church was divided.
1840 – Rev. Cornelius Conkling became the pastor. With help from the Mission Board $450 was raised to support him, and 72 members were added during his pastorate.
1844-1872 – Rev. Daniel Megie – during his pastorate, the church became the center of its members and had a strong moral influence in the village. Also, the first recorded mission contribution was given; four revivals added 162 members and Cottage Meetings began. In 1859 the present church was built for $7,500.00, side wings were added about 1870. In 1858 the first bell cast was made in Sheffield, England, and mounted in 1859; it cracked during victory celebration in W.W. I. in 1924. A new bell is in use today; the old one is in front of the church as a memorial to our men in the service.
1872-1894 – Rev. Thomas Carter – Railroad opened, town grew to 3500 with five churches. Strong friendships with other clergy were built. In 1874 the manse was built to the adjoining church ($7000). Young people inspired to become missionaries. There were 147 members, and three revivals were held.
1895-1900 – Rev. Wm. Woolverton – 149 members added, interior of the church was redecorated, “The Road to Emmaus” Tiffany window was installed for $2000, and a fitting memorial for Rev. Daniel Megie and Rev. Thomas Carted who served for 50 years (1844-1894).
1901-1917 – Rev. George L. Richmond – was a gifted teacher and preacher. Prayer and cottage meetings were well attended. Memorization stressed in Sunday school.
1918-1945 – Rev. Q. Leonard McCain – W.W.I. and W.W.II spanned, pews free, four Protestant churches held four-week Daily Vacation Bible School. With strong emphasis on youth, the first Director of Youth Work was hired. There were over 300 in Sunday school in the early 30’s. In 1934 our first woman Elder, Mrs. Harold Stein, was ordained one year after the Presbyterian denomination permitted it.
1945-1947 – Rev. John Castle – Time of unsettlement after W.W.II. The manse and church were redecorated. There was a strong emphasis on work with young adults-“PYADS.”
1948-1954 – Rev. H. Lewis Cutler – Period of reconciliation, old manse became Sunday School Chapel and Rec. Hall was redecorated; the organ was built in, three groups became Woman’s Assn., had ecumenical and interracial social outreach, and sponsored a European refugee family.
1954-1967 – Rev. Robert A. Reighart – There were two Sunday services, Sunday school over 300, Christian Education building erected, new manse built, full-time secretary, student assistant minister, part-time assistant in Christian Education, “The Oak Tree” cut down, and Boonton Area Nursery School (BANS) begun. In 1956 the spire landmark, with subscriptions from the town’s people, was lighted so as to be visible at night.
1968-1977 – Rev. R. Peter Durkee – Two seminarians assisted, had adult education, SCL began, had SCEEP tutoring program, and “Unicameral” Session was established. Jewish congregation used our building after a fire destroyed their synagogue.
1978-2003 – Rev. Harold E. Johnson –1979, Hand Bell Choir was created and relationships with Princeton Theological Seminary interns began. In 1982, 150th anniversary was celebrated from July 2nd to 4th. In 1984, a new organ was built in, improved heating plant for sanctuary, and remodeled foundation classroom space at a total cost of $105,000. In 1986, the Memorial Garden was created between the Sanctuary and Christian Education building. In 1990, Campaign ’90 raised $106,000.00 for mission and capital improvements. In 1993, Harold Johnson traveled to Kenya, and returned again in 1994, with two elders from the church visiting the newly completed “Barkley Pipeline.” Harold Johnson retired in 2003.
February 2007-2023 – Rev. Jennifer M. Van Zandt ordained and installed as 13th pastor. In 2008, 175th Anniversary was celebrated and the Trinity Campaign ($333,000) commenced. In spite of the recession in the fall of 2008, $350,000 was raised and the church steeple is renovated, as was the sanctuary. A new Allen electronic organ was also installed which then allowed for construction of a new handicap ramp and entrance. In 2010 a relationship with the Morris County Preservation Trust began which funded the full restoration of the Church street stairs in 2011 and will fund the restoration of the Emmaus and Rose windows in the spring of 2015. In 2012 the session granted permission to the Deacons to lead a monthly worship service at the NJ Fireman’s Home including communion. In 2013 the congregation elected the first session member under the age of 18, with full voice and vote.
November 2025- present→ The Rev. Nathaniel Fryer is the 14th installed Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Boonton, NJ. He was unanimously elected as Pastor by the congregation on 19 October, and installed in a Worship Service on 1 March 2026. Nathaniel was drawn to First Presbyterian Church for several reasons. The church’s strong commitment to Matthew 25—especially its emphasis on welcoming all people and creating a community of inclusion, care, and compassion—stood out to him. This commitment is clearly reflected in the many ways First serves others, including the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, the Dover Faith Kitchen, the Gateway Program, and more. What especially inspired Nathaniel is how the congregation lives out its faith not only on Sundays but throughout the week—through worship, service, community involvement, and making God’s love visible to the world as the “Beacon on the Hill.” He is eager to bring his creativity for worship, preaching, pastoral care, Christian education, relational ministry, and looks forward to weaving these together in his role as solo pastor.
