The oldest building in Mahwah will soon mark its 225th anniversary

MAHWAH — The borough's oldest public building, Ramapo Reformed Church, will celebrate its 225th anniversary on Dec. 2 and 3.

Built by two congregations — one Lutheran, one Dutch Reformed — in 1798 when neither had the ability to go it alone, Bergen County's oldest frame church remains a testimony to the area's cooperative spirit after the country's founding. It is one of the few places George Washington did not sleep while on his storied journey through the area during the Revolutionary War.

"The King's Highway used to run just west of the church property, and this was a route used by George Washington and his troops," said Pastor Mary Stegink, the congregation's first female clergy member, installed in September 2022. "He probably walked through our backyard, but he never slept here, because that was prior to the church being built."

Originally known as the Ramapough Meeting House in an area known as "The Island," it was shared by the two congregations on Sundays under its "one lock, two keys" motto. The church shared the intersection of West Ramapo Avenue and Island Road with Robert Erskine's supply store, making it the center of the area's social and civic functions. One of the area's earliest schools was housed in the church from 1815 to 1906.

The Lutheran congregation moved to Airmont, New York, in 1848, and the remaining Reformed congregation went through several name changes, becoming the Island Church and later the Community Church. An estimated 25 pastors have passed through its walls. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in September 1985.

"This church has ministered to the community so well that about 80% of its members still live within a 2- or 3-mile radius," Stegink said. "It's the building that offers a safe and inviting place for all these things to happen. But God's family is not defined by a building. The church is the people inside the walls."

Among them is Bob Adler, a third-generation member on his mother's side of the family.

"The services haven't changed all that much," Adler said. "I've been going since I was 4 or 5, and it was always Sunday school first with its own opening worship service, then church."

Adler recalls his father being involved in several construction projects at the church in the 1960s to add a coffee hour social room, a meeting room and offices. Although the congregation has been able to maintain the 225-year-old structure, new challenges are emerging, he said.

Congregation members also maintain the Mahwah Cemetery, across Island Road east of its sanctuary. Graves date back to 1794 and include many dignitaries, including former Gov. Rodman M. Price, who served from 1854 to 1857.

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"The lead in the Tiffany stained-glass windows that date back to the early 1900s is starting to let go," Adler said. "There aren't that many artisans doing that kind of work in this area, and the quote to fix one window is $21,000."

Mayor James Wysocki issued a statement thanking the congregation for its service.

"The Ramapo Reformed Church is an essential part of the Mahwah community," Wysocki said. "We wish you continued success for many more years to come."

Celebrations include a Christmas concert on Dec. 2 at 3 p.m., followed by a reception. On Dec. 3, a 10:30 a.m. worship service will be followed by an anniversary lunch and congregation photo. For more information visit ramporeformechurch.org.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Ramapo Reformed Church in Mahwah will celebrate 225th anniversary