Newark’s Founding Families Return to City, Greeted by Mayor Ras Baraka

How many institutions can say they had a role in the founding of a city, a country, and one of America’s most prestigious universities? And how many places host a network of tunnels that Harriet Tubman allegedly traversed? The 350th Anniversary Founder’s Day Worship Service will celebrate First Presbyterian Church’s role in the founding of Newark, the Underground Railroad, and the establishment of Princeton University. During this historic occasion, the church will honor members of the Crane family who trace their ancestry back to the 1600s at the Church.

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The event will be held on Sunday May 15, 2016, at 11am at First Presbyterian Church in Newark located at 820 Broad Street. The Reverend Glen C. Misick, the church’s first black pastor will officiate and Mayor Ras Baraka will be the guest speaker. The Reverend will also conduct a Baptism of children using the historic Baptismal Bowl made in England in the 1600s, which was given by the Crane Family and continues to be used for Baptism at the Church.

Reverend Misick who joined the congregation in 2013 after many years in Harlem says he is “energized by the role that First Presbyterian can play in the city’s transformation” and has been busy exploring ways he and their congregation can connect with the community. The church has begun to host the Urban League of Essex County Young Professionals monthly meetings, as well as explore tourism opportunities to build awareness of the church’s rich history. For instance, one of its pastors was the Reverend Aaron Burr, father to the younger Burr who infamously shot Alexander Hamilton during a dual. Reverend Misick has also begun a quarterly community feeding program in partnership with Catholic Charities.

About First Presbyterian Church in Newark

First Presbyterian Church also known as “Old First Church,” was founded in 1666 and has a rich treasure of authentic records, which declares that it is “the Church that founded Newark.”  It was also rumored to have been used as a regular stop on the Underground Railroad. To learn more visit http://www.oldfirstchurchnewark.org/ or call 646-856-9076.