Ogden Memorial Presbyterian Church Celebrating Bicentennial year

Posted on November 30, 2023 by

Dan DiBella Posted in Our Publications, The Chathams

(above, l-r) May Donation of $1000 to Chatham Borough Fire Department as a result of the Community BBQ. From left: For the Fire Department: Shell Lee, Fire Chief Peter Glogolich, Fire Dept 125^th Anniversary Chair George Sweetin, Ogden Bicentennial Committee members Pam Mansfield and Doris Sheats and Pastor Kathi Heath. All of Chatham.
Courtesy photo

Celebrating bicentennial year

Ogden Memorial Presbyterian Church

Ogden Memorial Presbyterian Church, 286 Main St., Chatham, is celebrating its 200^th anniversary all year long.

“We planned a variety of events to help us celebrate,” says Bicentennial Committee Chair Pam Mansfield. “Once a month we spend a few minutes during our Sunday worship service to look back at our history. In February someone dressed in costume as our first installed pastor, Rev. Joseph Meeker Ogden, for whom the church is named.”

In May the church held a community-wide bbq and concert, featuring the Madison-based band Rosewood, on the lawn. Over 250 people attended and the event raised $1,000 for the Chatham Borough Volunteer Fire Department, which was celebrating its 125^thanniversary and in need of new equipment.

At the 4^th of July parade, the church set up a snack and water station on its front lawn, prime viewing spot for the parade. It also entered a float and banner celebrating the bicentennial.

In August, the church celebrated its oldest living and longest member, Mrs Jean Wallace White who turned 105 on August 9^th. She received proclamations from Chatham Borough Council, Morris County Commissioners and US Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s office. IOn addition, the church partnered with Juniper Village for a driveby parade of 24 vehicles including cars, fire trucks, DPW vehicles and police cars.

In September Pastor Kathi Heath was installed as Ogden’s 15^th pastor. Five local Presbyterian ministers participated in the ceremony and special guests from the Stewartsville Presbyterian Church.

In October, a month-long art show celebrated the church and its rich history. More than two dozen pieces from watercolors to acrylics to oil paintings are included as well as photographs, some from the church’s own collection. On October 22^nd a special worship service and luncheon celebrated the Bicentennial.