Our History

Our story begins in 1837, when a small group of dedicated Christians felt compelled, by God, to start a small church in rural Liberty Corner, New Jersey.

In the Beginning

Services were initially held in a little red schoolhouse. However, almost immediately the congregation began to build a church and, by July of 1838, a brick church building had been constructed. Rev. James "Dominie" English was our first pastor. Our church is fortunate to have eighteen of his original handwritten sermons which indicate his strong faith, love of his people, and high moral standing.

As the population of the Liberty Corner area began to grow, so did our congregation. However, finances were an ever-present problem for the young church and eventually the small brick church fell into a state of disrepair. In 1867, the congregation took bold action and built a new sanctuary (a slightly modified version of that which stands today) on the original location. The new church was a joy and inspiration to the whole community.

Rapid Growth

As the Baby Boom generation began to arrive in the 1950s, the Sunday school outgrew the church's facilities. Classes were held in the chapel, the church balcony, the manse, the sanctuary and even in the firehouse. To accommodate this rapid growth, a Church school building was added in 1958.

In the 1960s and early 1970s, new housing and commercial construction started to sprout up in the Somerset Hills bringing more members to our church. In response, Liberty Corner Church expanded the sanctuary to accommodate a choir seating of 54, an organ console, additional seating for 150, a new sanctuary foyer, new offices, a conference room and an expansion of the Christian Education Building.

In 1990, Liberty Corner Church called Rev. Stephen McConnell. The church continued to grow and again was pressed for space. In 1993, a new education building was erected. Additional classrooms and some improvements to Douglas Hall were completed allowing room for more visitors to Liberty Corner Church.

Our Church Today

By 2000, LCPC increased its membership to over 1000 people and once again ministry was being limited by space constraints. In a bold faith-based move, the Church embraced a plan to develop the entire remaining available property. This addition was to be completed in two phases.

Phase I (completed in 2003): The church built an additional 22,000 sq. ft consisting of a gymnasium, locker rooms, additional educational space and a new office suite. Phase II (groundbreaking date to be determined): The church plans to build an additional 21,000 sq. ft. to accommodate a new sanctuary, chapel, crying rooms and atrium.

Today, our church continues to experience growth and exciting new developments. Currently, we are are working to implement a new Ministry Vision to prepare our church for further growth.