OUR HISTORY
The West Milford Church of Christ has been following Jesus for more than a century. In 1890, a group of farm families wanted a place to meet one another and to worship God together. Many rural places of worship began in this manner, but many have faded from sight. West Milford Church is an exception to this pattern and is thriving, going, and growing at this time.
While many have come and gone over the years, the West Milford Church has thrived on the deep connections and Christ-centered faith that span the generations and fill the future with hope.
Download a compiled history of West Milford Church of Christ.
1890
Residents of the area desire to have church building.
1892
Local church chooses first minister, Bro. J.A. Hootman.
First building erected and dedicated.
1905
Church needs repairs. People meet in Thompson School during the renovation.
1910
About this time the church building was turned half way around. An annex was added on the east side. This made room for a baptistry and a Sunday School room. Dedicated on October 2, 1910. Pledges covered total cost for this.
1929
Delco lighting system installed. Cost: $300.
1930’s
The National Union Fraternity built a lodge hall about one mile north of the church. The fraternity gave the hall to The Gleaners organization. This was a rural organization, and at that time all the Gleaners except one belonged to the West Milford Church. The hall was moved to the church property on December 8, 1934. For many years, it was used like a church basement and was known as The Church Hall. This hall was used until a basement was built in 1955. The hall was sold and moved again.
1939
A wonderful event happened on July 16, 1939. 14 people wanted to be baptized. At the time, the church did not have a regular minister. Arrangements were made with Bro. Harold Dunson who was the minister at Garrett. Almost the whole church traveled to Lake James Christian Camp, and Bro. Dunson baptized this wonderful group of new believers on a glorious Sunday afternoon.
1951
Utility room and heating plant completed. Prior to this, two stoves in the front corners of auditorium provided warmth in winter.
1952
New electric light fixtures were installed, and curtains were hung on the stage. New communion service and offering plates purchased.
1955
A big year at West Milford. After much discussion, a basement was dug, and the church was placed on it. An entrance on south side was constructed. A nursery was added. A baptistry was built in the northeast corner where it remains to this. Prior to this time, the baptistry was in the floor under the stage.
1960
The tile floor was laid in the auditorium by the men of the church.
1962
The carpeting on stage and aisles was installed.
1963
Interior restrooms added.
1965
Pews were resurfaced with vinyl covering and painted white. Old varnished pews had caused problems especially in hot weather.
1971
Piano purchased.
1975
Organ purchased.
1988
Vinyl siding placed on exterior of church building.
1989
Church was re-roofed, and bell was removed from belfry and placed on ground level on south side of building.
1999
Much beloved, faithful minister for 42 years (1957-1999) Bro. Lloyd Turnbull retires.
2005
New roof, thanks to a generous, anonymous gift.
2017
New carpeting through entire church.
2017
80 New chairs were purchased for the fellowship hall.
2018
New kitchen cupboards and counter tops were purchased and installed.
2018
New appliances, range, refrigerator and dish washer were purchased.
2019
Chair lift was purchased and installed to assist our impaired guests and members.
2021
New roof was installed thanks in part to a generous, anonymous gift.
2021
New furnace and air conditioning units were installed.
2021
New ceiling tile and LED lighting fixtures installed in the fellowship hall.