CHURCH HISTORY

Trinity had its origin not in East Brunswick, but in neighboring South River. The year was 1893 and the German immigrants of South River wanted a church where they could conduct services in their own language. Forty-two men and women petitioned the Presbytery of Monmouth to organize a new church. On May 17, 1894, Die Deutsche Presbyterische Kirche was chartered and on Oct. 14, a 54- by 26-foot building was dedicated. The new building was dedicated to the service of the Holy Trinity.

Until 1946, German-speaking pastors occupied the pulpit, including the Rev. William J. Kern, after whom our present fellowship hall is named. In 1949, the name of our church was changed to the First Presbyterian Church of South River.

In 1960, in response to the area's population growth and to meet the growing spiritual needs of the congregation, the church bought our present property on Cranbury Road. On May 19, 1963, the first service was held in what is now Trinity Presbyterian Church -- the name chosen, mindful of its South River roots, to represent the Trinity of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The church was enlarged in 1971 with the addition of Kern Hall. Additional Sunday school facilities, a pastor's study, a lounge area and a kitchen were included.

In 1991, a building renovation campaign enlarged the church further by adding new meeting rooms and office space and making other improvements.

CHURCH GOVERNMENT

Session:
The governing body of Trinity Presbyterian Church is the Session, composed of the Pastors, the Clerk of Session and 15 Elders elected from the church membership by the Congregation for three-year terms.

Responsibilities: The Session has responsibility for the management of all the affairs of the church, except for those specifically enumerated as duties of the Pastor or the Congregation in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Meeting Dates:  Second Monday of every month at 7:30 in Upper Kern Hall

Deacons:
There are also 18 Deacons elected from the Congregation for three-year terms. The Board of Deacons ministers to the congregation as a whole and to the community, wherever there is a special need. The Deacons serve as ushers for church services, deliver flowers and food baskets, offer a children's Santa Breakfast each December, sponsor coffee hour after church services and many other "helper" services. The Congregation gives a special offering for the Deacons' work.

Responsibilities: The Board of Deacons is responsible to minister to those church members in need, to our sick members, to the friendless, and to any member who may be in distress, in accordance with the scriptural duties of the service. The Deacons host the annual Santa Breakfast for members and people from the community.  The Board may also assume other duties as delegated to it by the Session.

Meeting Dates:  Third Monday of every month at 7:30 in the Deacons Room

Commissions:
The Session oversees the work of seven Commissions composed of Elders, Deacons and members of the Congregation, through which Trinity plans and carries out its ministries. The commissions are as follows:

Christian Education is responsible for the ongoing educational and spiritual formation of all age groups at Trinity.  This commission nurtures all educational programs, including Sunday School, Confirmation Youth Ministry, and Adult Education.

Interpretation and Stewardship is concerned with interpretting the joy to be found in giving of ourselves in faithful service to the Lord, as well as the need to support the vital ministries of our church through the offering of one's time, talents, and treasure.

Membership and Discipleship is charged with promoting life and growth along the path of discipleship for both members, friends, and visitors alike.  In addition, this commission tends to Trinity's Small Group ministry, the membership rolls, the outreach to new residents of the community, and the welcome of visitors into our midst.

Mission serves people in need outside the church fellowship through both hands-on activities and stewardship over moneys contributed for mission work. The commission supports and interprets the mission of the Presbyterian Church throughout the country and around the world.

Personnel and Administration is responsible for the effective administration of the church offices and the church staff, including salary administration and recruiting of staff.

Property and Finance is responsible for maintaining the church building and grounds, and maintaining church fiscal records and memorial funds.

Worship and Spiritual Life is responsible for the Church Sanctuary, all worship services, the music program, and the overall spiritual life of the Congregation.

 STEWARDSHIP

Tree of Life Endowment Fund
Mounted on the right wall of Upper Kern Hall is Trinity's commemorative sculpture, The Tree of Life. The Tree's leaves are available to commemorate a joyous or important event in the lives or spiritual growth of Trinity members and friends. Births, baptisms, confirmations, marriages, affirmation of faith or the glory of God are among those important and special events that can be celebrated. Funds raised are to be used for special purposes within the church under the supervision of the Property and Finance Commission.

Trinity Memorial Fund
Financial gifts given to Trinity in memory of departed loved ones provide a meaningful way of remembering them while providing funds to enhance or expand our church building, its learning facilities and teaching programs. Recent gifts have been used for such items as tapestries for the Narthex, room furnishings, improved church signage and the building fund.

Our congregation is part of the local Monmouth Presbytery, of the Presbyterian Church (USA).