We have had a good long run as one of the most prominent Protestant churches in Livingston. Our roots go back to 1849 when the Essex Baptist Society members decided to build a church on this side of town. By 1851 the building was completed, and Livingston Baptist Church was dedicated in 1852. This is the oldest public building in Livingston.
But wait, there is more. Over the hill and down on the far side of the circle was a Congregational Church which grew in membership and needed to build a new church. They chose the top of the hill on Mount Pleasant Avenue and Olivet United Church of Christ was dedicated there in 1952. Then, in the 1970’s due to declining membership, Olivet members began to plan how they would remain a congregation, without the overhead they could no longer afford. They would have to sell their beloved church.
Both these churches began to share a minister and eventually discussed a possible merger. One building, one minister, and two churches worshipping together seemed possible. In 1978 the Livingston Baptist Church and Olivet United Church of Christ formed a new church known as Federated Church of Livingston.
For decades we have worshipped together and served the community in many ways. We have shared our facilities with so many others: Beth Messiah Congregation, Jamal Masjid Livingston, AA, Yoga on the Mount, and others over many years. We celebrated all that church was to us: Sunday morning worship, choir, our pipe organ, Fall Festivals, spaghetti dinners, Pot Luck suppers, Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, and some of us can remember Sunday School, Youth Group, canoe trips on the Delaware, chicken BBQ’s, retreats at Camp Lebanon.
Now in 2025 we find ourselves with too few hands, minds, and funds to continue our work as a church in Livingston. But we hope to end our union as church members just the way those before us started theirs 176 years ago…by giving our biggest donation ever to our two denominations that have worshipped with us since the beginning.
We will sell our entire property including three buildings, the cemetery, and the parking lot. We will have an estate sale on June 12, 13, and 14th in hopes of finding buyers for all the contents of our sanctuary, office, and meeting hall. All proceeds will go to our ABC/UCC affiliates. Perhaps the funds will help another church to grow. Perhaps the hungry will be fed, the homeless will be provided shelter, and those of us who have the least will be lifted up.
Blessed Be the Tie That Binds, Our Hearts in Christian Love, the Fellowship of Kindred Minds, is Like unto That Above. AMEN.
Submitted with love and service by Kimberly Holmelund, Treasurer
