Here we will tell the story of the beginnings of our church and how we became what we are today.
The Annandale Reformed Church
was established on June 1, 1866 when four families petitioned the Raritan Classis, the governing body of the Reformed Church,
to form their own local church. It was originally named the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Clinton Station. It
began with eight people who had until then made the weekly journey to the Reformed Church in Lebanon.
On August 6,
1868 at 11am the cornerstone for the building was laid. Construction was completed by January 1869. Reverend J.A. Van
Dorn was the first pastor of the church (1869-1873). In 1887 the first parsonage was built and the church's name was
changed to its current one. A system of pew rentals was put into effect in 1870 to cover the operating expenses. A new bell
was placed in the belfry in 1896, which still calls people to worship today.
A Women's Auxiliary was formed
in 1904 and we still have a very active women's group today.
The first choir was formed in the 1920's. Today
it has expanded to two levels: Jr. and Sr. choirs. The original Moller Pipe Organ was installed in 1925 and rebuilt
in 1966. Extensive upgrading was completed in 1992 with a three manula consoul with midi capabilities added.
Changes in the building over the
years have included removal of the spire, circa 1906, installation of the stained glass memorial windows in 1913, a renovation
of the kitchen in the late 1950's and the sanctuary in 1968. The Fellowship Hall was refurbished in 1995. In
most recent years the church has added a Memorial Garden committee to enhance the church grounds and witness God's gifts in
nature and we are presently installing a ramp to make our church more accessible to those who cannot climb the stairs.
From 1980 to 1990 the Annandale
Reformed Church was yoked with the High Bridge Reformed Church, sharing a pastor and several of its ministries, since neither
church had the financial resources to support a full time minister. Our church has enjoyed a long heritage and many
years of God's blessings as we have continued to minister to our community.
