Beacon of light, hope and peace
Green Brook Volunteer Fire Department
The annual raising and lighting of the Christmas Star on the Watchung Mountain on Rock Road West took place on Friday, December 2nd. The Star is typically lit for about a month. Chief Panella said that neighboring Fire Departments have previously helped with the raising of the Star. He also added, “Township DPW worker Al Sprague also assists us with mounting the winch we now use to raise the Star.”
The Volunteer Fire Department of Green Brook has continued this tradition since 1948. The original 20-foot-high Star was constructed in 1947 and made of old wooden boards, planks and other salvaged pieces. It was hauled up the mountain by a tractor and attached to a tree. The power to light it was generously provided by a power line from a nearby house. Sometime later, PSE&G installed a pole and meter and the Star has been on that pole at the back of Fire House #2 ever since, shining brightly for viewers to see for miles.
In 1959, a new 20-by-20 foot stainless steel aluminum star was built by the volunteer firemen in the basement of Joseph Van Dzura. It consisted of seven separate sections that were joined together outside Mr. Dzura’s residence. The star held 150 100-watt bulbs. The firemen hoped to have the Star reflect the spiritual meaning of the Christmas season, remembering that the special Star from almost 2,000 years ago marked the way for the Wise Men from the East to find Jesus, the Christ Child.
Interestingly, in 1973, the 500-pound Star was not displayed due to the energy crisis. It would have cost too much to display. It was lit in 1974, but with dimmer light bulbs.
The 50th anniversary of the 1959 star was celebrated on December 5, 2009. Bill Coughlin, President and Firefighter/EMT of Green Brook Fire/EMS mentioned that sheet metal and electric renovations were begun in2002 and finished in 2009. “We purchase new light bulbs every year. I just picked up 138 bulbs from Home Depot and got a surprised look from the guy in that department!”
Renovations have been made over the years, to reflect the changes in technology. By 2018, the Christmas Star was lit by 130 energy-efficient LED light bulbs.
The long-standing tradition will celebrate its 75th anniversary next year. It has served as a beautiful beacon of light, hope and peace for many years. Take time to gaze up and enjoy it during this special, festive season!
Thanks to the Courier-News for the information gathered from their articles written since 1951.
Many thanks to our volunteer firefighters for their sacrifice and dedication to our community.
Courtesy photo
