CHURCH HISTORY
The First Presbyterian Church of Tuckerton was organized on January 30, 1859 by the Reverend Samuel Miller, D.D. and the Reverend Allen H. Brown. The congregation first met in the Temperance Beneficial Hall. The founding members of the church were Mr. Joseph B. Sapp, Mr. George A. Sawyer, Mrs. Sarah Darby, Mrs. Mary Adams, and Mrs. Ann Mapps. It is unprecedented that Mrs. Mapps was a member, she was African American and this was during the time of the Civil War.
The present church building was constructed in 1861. It is believed that the church and the manse, built in 1836, are situated on the original site of the Joseph Sapp Farm. The original interior of the church was divided into three parts; the Sanctuary, the Lecture or Sabbath School Room and the Balcony. There has only been one major renovation of the interior in 1909 when the balcony was closed off and the present embossed tin ceiling was installed. The memorial stained glass windows were given in memory of former Pastors and Elders by relatives.
The first organ for the sanctuary was played by Mrs. Julia Steelman. This instrument was in use until 1909. Soon after, a pipe organ was purchased and stood in the sanctuary until 1958. In 1959, it was replaced by the Hammond Organ. The Baldwin Organ was the fourth in our church's history, and presently, the Allen Organ was purchased and dedicated to teachers and mentors, thanks to the many generous donations received from our congregation.
In 1923 the church and manse were wired for electricity. In 1937, a $1,400 gift from the Women's Civic Club allowed for the construction of a kitchen for the church where the Reed Room presently stands. During 1939, the church was painted over and the original steeple was removed. A new steeple was erected over the bell tower, which is essentially in the same design, though a bit less ornate.
In 1962, the Sunday School Rooms were added underneath the sanctuary. It is believed they were dug out by hand! The Celtic Cross, which hangs above the pulpit, but constructed by Elder William Kausch and was installed in 1967.
In 1971, the Library Board was allowed to move their building, which stood on Marine Street at the corner of what is now the church parking lot, "providing they guaranteed no damage would be done to anything".
The current pews were purchased in 1973, replacing the former theater seats. They were dedicated in 1974. Vinyl siding was installed on the church in 1979. The building was enlarged by the addition of Fellowship Hall and an office in 1979-1980. The old church kitchen was renovated in 1989 as a room used by the choir, and for committee meetings. Elder Howard Berry provided the beautiful oak woodwork. In 1991, this structure was dedicated as the Reed Room in honor of Reverend Ralph Reed and his wife, Judy Reed.
A beautification project for the sanctuary was undertaken from June through August of 1996, which included a new choir platform and a new roof over some sections of the church. In 2005, a beautification project was completed in Fellowship Hall, in a sea shore theme.
In 2006, The Joseph Sapp House, formerly the manse of the First Presbyterian Church, was put in use for the offices of the Pastor and secretary. The second floor is in use as a quiet place of rest and retreat for visiting pastors and their families.
Our first Reverend was the Reverend K.P. Ketchum in 1863. The longest pastorate was that of Reverend Elias M. Gehr, covering 25 years from 1923-1948. On October 16, 2005, we warmly welcomed our called Pastor, Merideth Susan Mueller. It is most noteable that Reverend Mueller is the first woman pastor of this church.