Welcome to this Gala celebrating the 140th Anniversary of Christ Church in Short Hills! We are so fortunate to be together tonight, enjoying the friendships and connections we have made while living our faith at Christ Church.
It is humbling to consider the thousands of relationships within the congregation over the past 140 years, as well as the baptisms, weddings, and funerals in our church. Ours is a long history enriched by the faith of those thousands of people who, over many years, chose Christ Church as their spiritual home. We are also grateful for our many connections and partners in the local area, including those who have supported our Gala by contributing to this journal. As our anniversary theme states, we are “deeply rooted.”
Such strong roots provide us with strength and encouragement for “branching out,” the second emphasis of our anniversary theme. Our history motivates us to extend our reach into the wider community, expand the diversity of our congregation, and pass on the gifts of our Christian faith and Episcopal traditions to future generations.
Our key priority areas for our 140th Anniversary year and beyond, which the Gala will support, are:
• Increase the impact of our outreach through grants and hands-on partnerships
• Support and invest in world-class music in worship and community concerts
• Expand innovative 21st century digital connections and online ministry
• Invest in new plantings and a long-term sustainability plan for the Christ Church grounds
• Strengthen our investment in youth and young adults
Thank you for being part of the Christ Church community! This celebration is a testament to our history and our commitment to the future of Christ’s church.
Blessings,
The Rev. A. Bowie Snodgrass 12th Rector
WASHINGTON OFFICE
1427 LONGWORTH HOB
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
(202) 225-5034
FAX: (202) 225-3186
DISTRICT OFFICE
8 WOOD HOLLOW RD, SUITE 203
PARSIPPANY, NJ 07054
(973) 526-5668
Dear Friends,
April 22, 2023
HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TACTICAL AIR & LAND FORCES
SUBCOMMITTEE ON READINESS
HOUSE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE STRATEGIC COMPETITION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY
It is my honor to join you all in celebrating the 140 th Anniversary of Christ Church in Short Hills!
Since its founding in 1882, Christ Church in Short Hills has been an important spiritual home for local residents. Throughout its long history, Christ Church has shown what it means to be a welcoming, worshipping, and caring pillar of the Millburn-Short Hills community.
Your passion for service guided by faith is heartwarming and has made a difference in people’s lives for over a century. Whether through your support of the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, your work with Episcopal Relief and Development, or through your Bridges runs throughout the year, Christ Church continues to show the difference we can make when we come together to serve our neighbors.
It is my honor to represent New Jersey’s Eleventh Congressional Distric t in Congress and I am especially proud of the rich history of our community. Thank you for your stewardship of Christ Church in Short Hills and for providing a wonderful place for residents to gather as a community. I hope you all enjoy the evening and t ake care!
Sincerely,
Mikie Sherrill Member of Congress MS/gt
Patricia Shewmaker, Chair
Alison Corbin, Helen Dwyer, Terry Finan, Joanne Gordon, Dara Near
Libby Clarke, Graphic Designer
Cathy Fernandez, Gala Journal
Sarah Rosen, ex-officio
Sarah Rosen, Chair
The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass
Libby Clarke, Alison Corbin, Georgeann duChossois, Helen Dwyer, Bobbi Engler, Catherine Fernandez, Terry Finan, Joanne Gordon, Relly
Jacob, George Mathew, Cynthia McChesney, Andrew Moore, Dara
Near, Larry Neugebauer, Arnie Peinado, Lillian Rountree, Jim Sammartino, Patricia Shewmaker, Peggy Shilling, Gary Shilling, Arlene Sommer, Gaye Torrance, Chris Whitaker
Sarah Rosen, Senior Warden
Arnold Peinado, Junior Warden
Rob Kao, Clerk
Jacob Cherian, Treasurer
Diane Cabush, Libby Clarke, Heather Finan, Jean Funk, Adrianne
Harrison-Surgeon, Winston Kung, James McBride, Larry Neugebauer, Chuck Nwachuku, and Patricia Shewmaker
The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass, Rector
The Rev. Canon Robert Griner, Assisting Clergy
Dr. Andrew Moore, Organist and Choir Master
Chris Whitaker, Director of Communications, Youth, and Outreach
The Rev. Dr. R. Kevin Johnson, Children and Family Minister
Georgeann duChossois, Parish Administrator
James Johnson, Plant Supervisor
Lydia Zapico, Finance Manager
MAJESTIC OAK
Unni Cooper
Jane Houston
Peter & Cynthia Kellogg
Peggy & A. Gary Shilling
Estate of Dorothy Leslie
Estate of Vesta McClean
Estate of Maureen Ogden
SHADE TREE
Deborah & Randolph Barker
Sinead & Christopher Bennett
Heather & Terry Finan
Jean & Paul Funk
Joanne Gordon
Eileen Paduano
Sandra & Arnie Peinado
Patricia Shewmaker
Jennifer & Michael Vinsonhaler
SAPLING
Jennifer Chalsty
Valerie Crawford
Juli Towell
It was the boyhood dream of a young visionary industrialist, Stewart Hartshorn, to create an “ideal community,” free of congestion and over-development, that would allow its residents to enjoy the beauty of nature. In the late 1870s, Hartshorn found the perfect spot to develop this community in the northern area of Millburn Township, New Jersey. He began buying property and hired some of the most prestigious architects of the day to design and build homes there. Describing the gently rolling topography of the area, Hartshorn named his community Short Hills.
In March of 1882, eighteen men, including Hartshorn, and representing half of Short Hill’s thirty-five residents, met at the Music Hall (now known as the Short Hills Racquets Club) to discuss the formation of a new church parish to serve their growing community. As a result of their petition to the Episcopal Diocese of Northern New Jersey, approval was given to form a new parish in Short Hills to be known as Christ Church.
A vestry was chosen and committees were organized. A chapel was set up in the Music Hall, and The Rev. Frank L. Humphreys was invited to conduct the first service. On the morning of October 15, 1882, Christ Church in Short Hills was born.
The original Christ Church building was designed by Charles Rich, a renowned architect of the time, on land donated by Stewart Hartshorn. Although the construction was not yet complete, the first service was held in the church on Trinity Sunday, June 8, 1884. Services have been held there every Sunday since.
Christ Church in Short Hills, 1884. The entry porch faces Forest Drive and is topped by a bell tower. The bell, now located in the Memorial Garden, is still rung before Sunday services.
eOn this occasion of our 140th anniversary of service to our faith, our congregation, and the community, we have much to celebrate.
• Our beautiful, Gothic style church has undergone three major expansions since its construction and has provided a place for peaceful worship for 140 years. Our campus has expanded to eleven acres that comprise school buildings, a rectory, and playing field.
• We are proud of our expanding diversity of background and experiences as a congregation.
• We provide assistance to those in need through food and clothing drives, rummage sales, collections for young mothers and their children, and handson community service.
• Through our Outreach Grants we provide significant financial support to organizations that help those in need. Episcopal Relief and Development, the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, The Apostles’ House in Newark, All The Way Up Adult Education Center, and many other agencies have benefited from our outreach funding.
• For more than 60 years, Christ Church Nursery School has offered educationally based early childhood education.
• Our outstanding, internationally recognized music program and choir enrich our worship and offer an added dimension to our local community.
• Christ Church has been a place for community gatherings and fellowship including musical performances, interfaith gatherings, and activities for teens.
• We continue to sponsor one of the country’s first Cub Scout Troops, Pack 1, which was established in 1932, and one of the first Boy Scout Troops, Troop 15, which began in 1926.
• Our small group activities such as Education for Ministry, Morning Meditation, Lunch Bunch, Bible Study, Evening Book Group, and Martha & Mary, and others connect church members in gatherings of specialized interests.
eAlong with celebrating our history, this milestone anniversary also inspires us to look to a future of new initiatives and expanded ministries for Christ Church. Our anticipated investments are supported by the strengths of our past and will enable us to ensure a strong future for the coming generations.
We recognize and thank the many clergy members who have served with us and have given their time and talents to our church.
Gifts to Christ Church as part of the 140 th Anniversary will strengthen
• Identify and plan ways to make our beautiful campus more ADA friendly and accessible over the next decade
• Develop a long-term campus Master Plan prioritizing native plants and sustainable gardens
• Plant new trees on our 11-acre campus in Short Hills
• Expand opportunities for teaching, education, and youth engagement with the grounds and gardens
• Expand offerings and programs to engage families, youth, and young adults using 21st century technology, tools, and ministries
• Expand online worship offerings to attract and engage new members and ensure accessibility to all worship and musical offerings
• Increase engagement on our social media channels and podcasts
• Invest in new technology, audio/visual upgrades, and interactive tools to expand online ministry and footprint
• Retain and invest in outstanding staff and talent to oversee communications, outreach, and youth
core ministries of the church and expand our impact in the wider world.
• Increase investment in music program to maintain tradition of excellence, expand musical offerings, and ensure that our worship continues to welcome and inspire
• Support innovative music performances, commissions, and community concerts, including the Fauré Requiem and Paul Jacobs Organ Concert in 2023
• Invest in a new Model A Steinway for the Sanctuary
• Expand our Canterbury Choir children’s offerings and musical development
• Recruit and retain outstanding music staff, attracting world-class talent, musicians, and soloists
• Deepen our relationship with the Diocese of Newark and Trinity-St. Philip’s Cathedral
• Expand outreach grants to support identified needs in surrounding communities and start new handson initiatives and partnerships
• Increase hands-on involvement of youth and adults with the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges, The Apostles’ House, and All The Way Up Adult Education Center, organizations founded with the support of Christ Church
• Increase financial support for and expand awareness of racial and economic injustices in our community, nation, and around the globe
Gregg Richards Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that was established to promote research and awareness about adult secondary HLH. The foundation was created in honor of Gregg Richards, who passed away in December 2022 after a courageous battle with Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML) and secondary Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
Unfortunately, research on this rare condition is limited, and patients often have poor prognoses. Diagnosing this disease can be difficult, and the treatment may involve both significant expenses and invasive procedures. That’s why we are committed to supporting research that can help improve the outcomes for those affected. The bravery, perseverance, and resilience demonstrated by Gregg when faced with challenges serve as a source of motivation for everyone. We believe that his legacy should serve as a reminder that we can all make a difference in the world by coming together to fight against rare diseases and support those in need. We stay dedicated to continuing the fight against these events that affected Gregg and many others. Our mission is to promote research and provide resources for those who are affected and our goal is to raise awareness and improve the prognosis and quality of life for those who are diagnosed with it.
Gregg Richards Foundation partners with other non-profit organizations that specialize in research and provide them with donations to support their critical work. Our team is made up of volunteers who donate their time and energy while sharing our passion for making a difference.
We believe in transparency and accountability and are committed to providing our donors with regular updates on the impact of their contributions. We are proud of the work we have done so far, but we know that there is still much more to be done. The Gregg Richards Foundation holds the belief that every individual has a part to contribute towards building a better and healthier world.
Whether you are a scientist, a volunteer, or a donor, there is something you can do to make a difference in the lives of those affected by adult secondary HLH. Collaborating with each other can lead us to make remarkable progress in research and bring us closer to discovering a remedy.
Every donation counts and every dollar goes towards funding crucial research. Join us in our fight against adult secondary HLH and help us honor the memory of Gregg Richards by making a difference in the lives of others.
The Canterbury Choir is open to all elementary school age children. Rehearsals are Sunday 11:15am September through early June. Our energetic children’s choir sings on All Saints Day and during Advent, Christmas, Palm Sunday, Easter and Youth Sunday!
Martha & Mary is a social group that has been meeting for 12 years. We are a group of parishioners who keep our freezer stocked with food destined for people who need some care. We have a brief Bible study at the end of each meeting. Our Christmas cookie exchange and end of year pot luck dinner are festive occasions.
All of our meetings are open. Please join us!
Members of our parish family prepare the Holy Table and worship space for Sunday Eucharist, as well as other worship services.
Lucy Amarante
Janell Cerino
Alison Corbin
Heather Finan
Adrianne Harrison-Surgeon
Relly Jacob
Rose Udland, Director
Michelle Lesperance
Emmy McBride
Jane McGraw
Dara Near
Saha Onabule
Patricia Shewmaker
Psalm 100:1-2
The Parish Choir is open to all, from middle school age to adult, sharing in worship with song. The choir is comprised of volunteer voices and professional section leaders who sing at the 10am Eucharist each Sunday. Parish Choir activities begin in September and continue through early June. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:15pm to 8:45pm and on Sundays at 9:00am.
2023-24 CHRIST CHURCH IN SHORT HILLS PARISH CHOIR
Richard Appelgren, Susan Boven, Melissa Bristol, Diane Cabush, Libby Clarke, Jesse Eshkol, Adrienne Foutz, Jean Funk, Joanne Gordon, Lauren Harrison, Adrianne Harrison-Surgeon, Jane Houston, John Lamb, Rick Marchisio, Cynthia McChesney, Rebecca Mercedat, Deborah Purdon, Eric Roper, Lucy Seligson, Peggy Shilling, Debbie Smith, JT Surgeon, Susan Thompson
We cherish our Christ Church memories as we celebrate your ever-expanding ministries. Blessings in the years to come, Sharon
Babb & The Rev. Mary Frances Schjonberg, D.D.
We are grateful that our service nourishes the roots of our vibrant, giving parish and feel blessed to be sharing in its future growth.
Congratulations, Christ Church!
Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center congratulates Christ Church in Short Hills on its 140th Anniversary.
Cross Roads is the Outdoors ministries of the Diocese of Newark offering summer camp and year round retreats for all ages.
Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center 29 Pleasant Grove Road Port Murray, NJ 07865
