THE STRENGTH OF THE PAST INSPIRES OUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

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.