Clinton Avenue Reformed Church
Our 100-year History
Recorded June 2024
Part One: The Years of Establishing (1924-1942)
The Clinton Avenue Reformed Church had its beginning in 1923 when a mission church was begun by the Board of Domestic Missions of the Reformed Church in America. Why was Bergenfield chosen for this endeavor?
The borough, established in 1894, had only 729 residents in the census of 1900 but by the census of 1920, that number had grown to 3,667. That was a five-fold increase. The nation was in the middle of the roaring twenties and gangsters ran speak-easies in the midst of prohibition. From 1890 until 1920, immigrants flooded the northeast. Unlike prior immigrants, these new immigrants were largely Catholic and Jewish from southern Europe. They flooded the cities of the northeast including the industrial cities of New Jersey. White Protestants fled to more rural areas of the state. The Fields of Bergen, Bergenfield, became a haven for white Protestants leaving city life for rural living.
This new start church began worshiping in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Illig on September 30, 1923. Rev. F. K. Shields Sr., the Bergen County Classical Missionary, conducted the services with nine people in attendance. Sunday School was held before worship. Land was purchased on the corner of Clinton Avenue and James Street with the help of the Board of Domestic Missions of the Reformed Church for the purpose of building a worship space. This was dedicated on December 28, 1923.
Dr. Spring, pastor of the North Reformed Church, took over the task of conducting worship at the Illig home until the chapel was completed. Mr. Harry A. Olson, a lay preacher, replaced Dr. Spring and the church was formally organized on June 22, 1924 with 86 charter members. The church received its incorporation one year later on July 26, 1925. Mr. Harry A. Olson was ordained and installed as the first pastor on July 11, 1926 and remained as pastor until January of 1939. From the time of the first worship until the time of his leaving, Rev. Olson saw the Borough of Bergenfield grow from 3,667 residents to 10,275. The town more than tripled in his tenure and the congregational membership to 265. Six elders and six deacons served on the consistory. The main worship was held at 10:00 am on Sunday morning and an evening service was held at 8:00 pm. Sunday School was held at 11:00 am and Christian Endeavor at 7:00 pm. A prayer meeting was held Wednesday evenings at 8:00 pm.
Despite, or perhaps because of, the Great Depression, the congregation soon outgrew the small chapel. A fund-raiser was held in 1937 to complete a larger church building which was dedicated on October 10, 1937. A parsonage was obtained on Smith Street to be the home for future ministers.
Rev. Olson completed his ministry in Bergenfield having overseen the establishment of a congregation, the building of two buildings and the expansion of one of those. He watched the congregation double in size as the town quintupled in size. As he left, God called a new pastor, Rev. Willard Wullschleger, to pastor the congregation for the next twenty-nine years.
Rev. Wullschleger arrived to a congregation of 313 active communicant members and a congregational budget of $5,278.00. Of this budget, $3,000.00 was allocated to pay Pastor Wullschleger’s salary. In addition, he was given an annual vacation of four weeks and the parsonage for a residence. His salary was 57% of the budget. The Classis of Bergen, made up of 18 congregations, had a total of 4634 active members. Seven percent of the Classis of Bergen worshipped at the Clinton Avenue Church!
Rev. Wullschleger had served only a short time when the congregation entered the second phase of its life, the War Years that disrupted the entire fabric of life in America.
Part Two: The War Years (1942-1945)
Clinton Avenue Church survived the war years under the steadfast leadership of Pastor Wullschleger. The Sunday School declined as couples were separated due to the large military deployment. Church membership that had grown steadily for the entire history of the church reached a plateau for the first time. With the relative prosperity of the war years, compared to the economic horrors of the Great Depression, the congregational budget almost tripled to $9,800.00 by the end of the war. An additional $1,020.00, roughly 10% of the budget, was contributed to missions.
The congregation, along with the entire nation, participated in the massive war efforts. Guilds were mobilized to make bandages and care packages. Air raid wardens and blackout curtains became as common as ration cards and scrap metal drives. The congregation became the home of a cottage industry; the trading and exchanging of ration cards.
The nation was anxious about its future in general and about the fates of its sons and fathers going off to war. Three church members: Walter Ford, Philip Langschultz, and W. “Billy” Preston were killed during this war. On May 28, 1944, Boy Scout Troop #61 planted Dogwood trees in their memory on the church property
Pastor Wullschleger, still new to this congregation, was a calming presence amidst the anxiety, chaos and turmoil of the time. Growth among the Classis and congregation grew only slightly and stayed largely static as the social disruption was felt among the Christian Churches in the area.
As the congregation continued to worship in the new church, the old church continued to be put to good use as the home of Sunday School. Although smaller than it had been, it still was large with 443 enrolled members.
Another transition took place during this time as the church acquired the property at 58 James Street to become the new parsonage. Pastor Wullschleger and his family moved from Smith Street into this new and grand parsonage. The church now owned property that spanned the west end of the block.
Part Three: The Building Years (1950’s and 1960’s)
The 1950’s saw an enormous spike in the population of Bergenfield which doubled in size from 1940 to 1960. “Family Values” dominated the American scene as families were reunited following the war. Prosperity and the return to family life became the themes of both church and society in the 1950’s. This was reflected in the building projects that the church undertook.
The original mortgage of the church was completed and burned in 1953 and the congregation immediately began a new project; a Christian Education wing, for the outrageous price of $80,000. The building was completed and dedicated in 1957. This was followed ten years later by the addition of a steeple to the sanctuary.
The late 1950’s and 1960’s saw a surge in the number of memorial gifts as original and long-term members entered the nearer presence of the Lord. Many of these gifts were used to improve the physical plant. Memorials were dedicated to Charles Anders Sr., Elaine Bennett, Cheryl Cooper, Mary & Rudolf Illig, Margaret Lilley, Estelle Mickley and Frieda Nestor.
The late 1960’s brought great social change to the nation and also brought a pastoral transition to the congregation. Rev. David Risseeuw came as an associate minister in1968 and became the sole pastor in 1969. Pastor Wullschleger retired to Lakewood after thirty years as pastor and having served as president of the Regional Synod of New Jersey.
Rev. Wullschleger continues to be perhaps the best remembered and most loved pastor of the congregation.
Part Four: The ECUM Years (1970’s and 1980’s)
The 1970’s were a decade of social upheaval known as the “me era.” Anti-war protests, something that was unheard of in the World War Two era, became common, as did the civil rights movement. The definition of what was “normal” radically changed. Churches found that new generations did not value church as much as past generations. Church participation was no longer considered an obligation and Pastoral transitions in these years reflected the transitory nature of the era.
Declines in churches were evident throughout the entire county. Bergen Classis membership sank from a high of 9,051 members in 1960 to 3,734 communicant members in 1980. Reformed Protestant churches in the county lost more than half of their members in two decades.
The congregation was again hurt by war as Private Lawrence Mahurter was killed in Vietnam. Memorial sculptures were dedicated to him in the parlor.
After 5 years, Rev. David Risseeuw left in 1975 to become an associate pastor in New York State. Rev. Dr. Norman Kolenbrander served as pastor for eight years from 1975-1983 and Rev. John Buteyn served as an interim pastor for one year. The stable pre-war years of a thirty-year pastorate had been replaced by three ministers in two decades.
The congregation continued to thrive with creativity and activity by hosting fairs and festivals in town. As social problems grew in society, the congregation joined other protestant churches in Bergenfield with a creative and unique approach to ministry. The Methodist, Presbyterian, and Reformed Churches joined together for joint worship and youth activities. A “street minister”, Rev. Randy Peabody, was hired to evangelize the youth in town and lead youth activities.
This cooperation continued between Clinton Avenue and South Presbyterian Church with shared worship during Lent, the summers and the very popular Vacation Bible School. The congregation leaders that envisioned and began ECUM must be commended for their foresight and dedication.
Part Five: The Welcoming Years (1980’s-2000)
After two decades of rapid pastoral transitions, the mid-1980’s became stable with the coming of Rev. Stephen Giordano, who served twenty years as pastor. Pastor Steve was well known for his wide and various activities throughout Bergenfield and Bergen County. He actively served on the Englewood Hospital Chaplaincy Committee (President), the Bergen County Council of Churches (President), the Classis of Bergen (later named the Classis of Greater Palisades) (President), and was chaplain for the Bergenfield Police Department.
As churches throughout the Classis declined below critical mass to sustain congregations, the “Friendly Church” lived up to its name by adopting members from area congregations which were no longer able to function. New members arrived from the Reformed Church in Englewood, two local Methodist Churches, a local Lutheran Church and the Church on the Hill in Cresskill. These wonderful and gifted members helped offset the losses that continued to haunt them. Even with the addition of new members from joining congregations, membership dropped by one third during this period.
Under the energetic leadership of “Pastor Steve”, Clinton Avenue became one of the most prominent in the Classis. The church women were well known for their activities in the Classis women’s events, Synod gatherings and the national triennials. The congregation continued to function at a level that was much higher than could be expected from a congregation of its size.
Perhaps the most important “welcome” that the congregation extended was to the Sang Myung Korean Church. This mutually beneficial arrangement continues until today and represents one of the important markers of the demographics of our community. Beginning in the 1980’s, Asian immigration had become a large factor in the southern and eastern parts of Bergen County.
The arrival of Rev. Calvin and Audrey Tysen was a blessing to the church. Calvin came to be the Chaplain of Englewood Hospital and was invited into our congregation by Pastor Steve. Audrey became the church organist working with Choir Directors George Wormull and Mary DiBartolo. After more than two decades they retired to Ohio.
As new members increasingly commuted to the church as opposed to earlier eras where people lived, worked, shopped and attended church in local neighborhoods, the decision was made that the church needed a parking lot. A long and painful discussion was held until finally a new parsonage was purchased on Brookview Terrace and the parsonage on James Street was taken down to make room for a parking lot. The parking lot, and the addition of an elevator, was made possible by money made available from the sale of Church on The Hill in Cresskill. The Cresskill congregation not only blessed Clinton Avenue with members and a choir director, but also with the ability to make such building projects possible.
Important deaths and memorials were noted in this era. Memorials were presented for Clara Avery, Werner Besser, Willard “Bill” Burkart, Edith Claussen, Julia Howard, Anna Koester, Eunice & Henry Leinweber, Evelyn Leopold, Elmer Nord, and Mary Rule. Mary Rule’s endowment helped the church substantially and provided much needed finances to help secure its future by beginning new stages of outreach during a time of dropping membership
After twenty years of service, Pastor Steve left in 2004, leaving a rich legacy of church and community service and remains well known and beloved throughout the community.
Part Six: Present (2000’s)
The congregation was grateful to the late Rev. Bruce Hoffman who served as interim minister from 2004-2006. He helped the congregation transition from Rev. Dr. Giordano’s twenty year tenure to the calling of Rev. Mark William Ennis in 2006.
For the first time in its history, Bergenfield was no longer a majority white community. By the 2010 census, Whites made up 39% of the town with Latinos representing 27% and Asians 25%. In addition, areas of town were increasingly becoming Jewish enclaves. The community had changed.
In 1984, only twenty percent of Classis churches had worship attendance under one hundred. In 2006, only three congregations in the Classis had more than 100 for worship on a Sunday. Protestant churches have had a difficult time in Bergen County since the 1980’s.
In eight years Clinton Church lost 45 of their active participants to death, moves, or illness.
The congregation became creative by adding a second worship service for people who were unable to attend on Sunday mornings. This worship continued to remain small but became a “doorway” for people to enter the broader fellowship. Men’s and women’s weekly Bible studies also began. Clinton Avenue Church is proud that four members received a calling to be ministers. They are Rhonda Helferich Meyers, Larissa Romero, Leah Ennis, and Kristine Melius.
The church engaged in a new wonderful aspect of — foreign mission. Church members have undertaken mission activities in Israel, Mexico, and Nicaragua.
The COVID Pandemic from 2020 to 2022 presented unique challenges to the church. As in-person services were not permitted, online services and meetings were prepared and delivered through YouTube, Facebook and Zoom. New up-to-date audio and video systems were installed so online services could continue even after restrictions were lifted.
A new kitchen was installed as well as solar panels which cut down on the cost of utilities. The building projects continued with drainage issues addressed, and a new stair lift installed to serve those who have difficulty with the steps into Fellowship Hall. Due to the incredible generosity of Mary Rule, Doris Sieber, and the Freuers (Otto, Ruth and Larry), the House & Grounds Committee completed many long-overdue building projects — new handicapped accessible bathrooms, energy-efficient LED lights, new carpeting and painting, a new roof and windows, and the removal of asbestos with new tile flooring and drop ceilings installed. The church was truly blessed to have the funds to accomplish all of these projects.
Part Seven: Diversity
Outreach to our non-white continues to be a priority as Clinton Avenue remains a 90% white church in a town that is 40% white. A transition to multi-ethnic and multi-racial is the next step in honoring our risen Lord. Small steps have been made in engaging with the Spanish-speaking and Filipino neighbors. They will continue this into the next decade.
The congregation began a radical new ministry in 2023 when they signed a two-year contract with Ivan Gil, a seminary student, to be outreach among Spanish-speaking neighbors in area towns. This was an acknowledgement that, despite the best efforts of the Pastor, Consistory, and church members, it is hard to have a thriving Anglo-Saxon ministry in a town where Anglo-Saxons are now a minority. Pastor Mark brought this idea to the consistory several years before but the search for such a person was delayed by two years because of COVID
Ivan began his work and within a year had already begun a worshipping congregation of twenty individuals. This new congregation, nested as part of CARC’s congregation, was given the name “Nueva Vida en Cristo,” New Life in Christ. Pastor Mark began guiding and mentoring Ivan in the Classis procedures and processes to achieve ordination as a Minister of Words and Sacrament
Part Eight: The Future and Goals
After one and a half years, it became clear the church’s finances could no longer support two full time positions. Pastor Mark began searching for another ministry and his last Sunday will be June 30, 2024. The church will begin the process of searching for a part time minister to lead the congregation.
His legacy includes much pastoral care to the sick and dying, guiding us through the scary years of the COVID pandemic, and having the vision for Hispanic ministry and guiding us toward that goal.
You have heard earlier in this History that Clinton Avenue Reformed Church was known as: “The Friendly Church” and, yes, that is true. But what is even truer is that they are also known as: “The Caring and Mission Focused Church”. Over the last 100 years, as a loyal and faithful member of the Reformed Church in America, they have generously supported the local, regional, national and International missions of the denomination.
During the 80’s and the 90’s, the Church added to their rich history of caring and missions with a commitment to expand their Christian Witness by working with people of all races, religions and cultures to create a ministry of caring for all. This ministry is based on the belief that we are all created in the image of our God and that all people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. Specifically, to accomplish this mission, they have been Founding Members and ongoing participants in such ministries as: the Englewood Chaplaincy Program; the Bergen County Council of Churches; the Interreligious Fellowship for the Homeless; the Interfaith Brotherhood and Sisterhood Committee and the Bergenfield Cares Committee.
Currently, the Mission Focus has been working on creating a Hispanic Ministry as part of the Outreach within the community. The Consistory invited Mr. Ivan Gil to work with Pastor Mark, our Consistory and the entire congregation to develop this ministry that will include a Spanish Language Worship Service and many other programs that will hopefully enable us to have a significant Hispanic Ministry within and beyond Bergenfield. Could it be that by the next time they update the Church’s history or celebrate another Anniversary, that Clinton Avenue Reformed Church will have a growing and vibrant congregation that provides both English and Spanish Language Worship Services and outreach efforts for all of the diverse community residents within Bergenfield and beyond? It sounds like an almost impossible dream and yet, as you read in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 19, verse 26: “With God, all things are possible!” Clinton Avenue Reformed Church has heard God’s call to take His message of hope to the ends of the earth starting with where they live and have gone forth in faith and confidence knowing that our Lord will continue to keep His promise that “He would be with us until the end of time in all things”. To Him be the honor and the glory today and always!