Working together in Paterson

by the Rev. David B. Thorton
pastor of United Presbyterian Church

Children from United Presbyterian’s Safe Space Camp. Photo by the Rev. David B. Thorton

The United Presbyterian Church of Paterson, N.J., is ultimately the result of a merger of three churches in 1991 and 1992. The Rev. David B. Thornton has been the pastor there since January 1999. Paterson, designed by the late great statesman, Alexander Hamilton, is the oldest industrial city in the United States. It was also famous about a century ago for its silk industry and was home for as many as eleven Presbyterian churches at one time. Now, the Silk City has a relatively small Presbyterian presence and only four churches. United is the largest of the four, continuing by the grace of God to do its mission with a population of about 110 adults and approximately 20 youth. This urban church has not been sitting on any past laurels, but continues to achieve in various areas of service and mission.

At the end of August United completed another successful summer of their “Safe Space Camp.” This camp has been in operation for over a dozen years. Its director, church Elder Doris Gale, has been the director since the beginning. This camp provides urban youth between the ages of seven and 12 an opportunity for six weeks of safe space during the summer when there are not an abundance of summer recreational options available. The cost of the camp is minimal to accommodate inner city children whose parents' and caretakers' income is low. Imagine six weeks of camp, including two meals, arts and craft, dance, fun and games, rap sessions with the pastor, field trips and swimming for less than $200.00! The camp, held on the premises of the church, is a mission of the United Paterson Development Corporation (UPDC), with church Elder Sandy Williams serving as the president of the board.

The women of the church experienced their second annual Women’s Day back in June. The Sunday service, with invited preacher, the Rev. Pam Powell, associate minister, Calvary Baptist Church of Paterson, was one of the culminating events of an entire weekend of celebrative events. The theme of the weekend was “Sisters United by Christ in Labor and Love.” There were Friday night worship services led by the Rev. Wanda Lundy of First Presbyterian Church, Edgewater. Saturday’s retreat with workshops on family, finances, meditation and emotional healing featured the Rev. Lilia Ramirez-Jimenez of Iglesia Hispania Presbyteriana, Paterson. Prior to the weekend, Elder Diane Anderson, the person responsible for the genesis of the idea of the Women’s Weekend and the Womens’ Day, taught Sunday school classes in May focusing on women and issues pertaining to holistic living in Christ. Elder Anderson and committee are to be commended for a tremendous job well done. Donations of $3,512.65 were raised that weekend. To God be the glory!

Earlier in the year, it was the Women’s Service Group, who along with collaboration with the St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center, Paterson, had a very successful Heart Health Awareness Workshop. Under the leadership of President Elder Denise Davis-Miller, Vice President Deacon Annie R. Thornton and Elder Nicole Moody, head of recruitment at St.Joseph’s, there were about 70 ladies and about five men (spouses of some of the women) who attended and eagerly paid attention as all of the vital information was presented from experts regarding sustaining health through nutrition and preventative measures. This workshop served as a catalyst to move many of these ladies to subsequently set up appointments at St. Joseph’s to check on the conditions of their hearts.

Last, but not least, United has formally been involved in social justice issues since 2001 as a charter member of the Jubilee Interfaith Organization, a northern New Jersey grassroots, faith-based organizing entity. Being successful in the areas of worker justice, immigrants’ rights and affordable housing, Jubilee phased into what is now a statewide organization for social justice to decrease the disparities between the haves and have-nots and to show the positive differences that can be made by regional governance and equity. To this end, the Core team of United was tenacious in riding out the tedious journey of working toward the elimination of Regional Contribution Agreements, better known as RCAs. These served as a loophole, most times allowing suburban areas to relinquish their obligation to build low and affordable housing to more urban areas. On July 17 Governor Jon Corzine signed a law that will no longer permit this prejudiced practice. Pastor David B. Thornton witnessed this signing. He was a part of the original action with the Department of Community Affairs to petition the Meadowlands Commission to provide specific language in their master plan about how low-income and affordable housing would be built in their area.

Yes, United Presbyterian Church is still on the map — present, accounted for and being accountable to what we believe our mission is supposed to be. We are modern-day disciples of Christ who do not mind expressing our faith both inside and outside of the church in the name of service, justice and equity. Enter our doors to worship and depart to serve after the perfect example of Jesus Christ. We at United think it to be providential that our location is on the corner of Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Rosa Parks Blvd., the names of two great servants for the people.