Presbyterian Church at Woodbury To Celebrate 300 Year Anniversary

On Sunday, January 3, 2021, the Presbyterian Church at Woodbury kicked off their tricentennial celebration with the first of monthly guest speakers, events and fellowship. During morning worship at 9:30am, the congregation both physically present at the church and attending via Facebook Live enjoyed a sermon from President David Esterline from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. In attendance was Woodbury Mayor Peg Sickel who commemorated the beginning of festivities with a ringing of the church's historic bell.

For the year of 2021, the Tricentennial Committee has prepared themes for each month leading up to October so as to celebrate the many aspects of the church. January will have a focus on the many ministers who have served over the last 300 years. Throughout the year, there will be three new pieces of original art commissioned by local artist Jacqualynn Tomasello to be installed on the premises, as well as an original arrangement by world renowned composer Shawn Kirchner based on the hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be,” which acts as an inspiration for the message of this tricentennial celebration. When asked about the hymn, Rev. Dr. Philip Oehler explained that "In 1874, Frances Ridley Havergal wrote these classic lines: 'Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee; Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise, Let them flow in ceaseless praise.' When this hymn was released for public worship, The Presbyterian Church at Woodbury had already been worshipping for one hundred and fifty-three years." Pastor Oehler further stated that "As the congregation begins its celebration of 300 years of ministry in Gloucester County, it continues to offers its moments and days, continues to proclaim ceaseless praises and continues to serve those in need locally, nationally and internationally as a faithful member of the community."

In addition to these works of art, George Benson Oehler will be leading a team in the building of a prayer garden on the northern side of the property as his Eagle Scout project with assistance from the congregation. The history of the church will be explored and shared over social media and in print so that the community can enjoy in the rich tradition of this congregation as it moves forward beyond 300 years. A final event will be held at Adelphia’s Restaurant on October 3, 2021 to culminate this celebration.

The Presbyterian Church at Woodbury began as a group of ten families in the 18th century wilderness of what would become southern New Jersey. A desire to gather and worship together led to the formation of this congregation, first in a meetinghouse made of logs on a property in North Woodbury donated by John Tatum in 1721. During the Revolutionary War, the church acted as a hospital for wounded Hessian and American soldiers alike. Finding a permanent home in the heart of the city at the corner of Broad and Centre, the church would undergo many changes serving this community through war and depression, through triumphs and renaissance, through good and bad. This long history is peppered with moments of near disappearance when there were only a handful of members left who remained faithful, vigilant, and determined to see their church flourish and so this congregation has survived for 300 years. And in that spirit, the Presbyterian Church at Woodbury will march on into the year 2021 in spite of our current trying times.

The Session, Congregation, Staff and the entire Tricentennial Committee invite you to join in the celebration during weekly Sunday worship at 9:30am either in person or virtually via Facebook. You can follow along with the events of the year on the instagram account @presbywoodbury300 or on Facebook. There will be opportunities to share your memories of the church and congregation, to contribute to and join in the festivities.