Third-Westminster Presbyterian Church
The congregation of Third-Westminster Presbyterian Church has been serving the Elizabeth, New Jersey area since 1851. We are a unification of three congregations joining together over the years—Madison Avenue, Third, and Westminster Presbyterian churches.
We have a very rich heritage in Elizabeth. Third Presbyterian was established in 1851—Westminster in 1866—Madison Avenue in 1877. In 1972, Madison Avenue Presbyterian merged with Westminster and on January 1, 1984, Third Presbyterian Church merged with Westminster Presbyterian Church to form the Third-Westminster Presbyterian Church. We are a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which is one of the oldest denominations in America.
On January 1, 1984, our current church began with co-pastors—Dr. Guy E. Lambert Jr.(Third) and Dr. Robert W. Scott (Westminster) as Co-Pastors. These two pastors led us through to the late 1980’s when both retired from the ministry having served their Elizabeth churches a combined total of 62 years. Rev. Alan Gripe served as our Interim Pastor from 1988 thru October 1990.
In December, 1990, Rev. Thomas W. Hall became our Pastor and led us through November, 1997 when his sudden death saddened our congregation. Rev. Charles Brackbill served as Pulpit Supply from December 1997 thru March 1998. Rev. Howard A. Bryant Sr., served as our Interim Pastor from April 1998 thru August 2000. Rev. Calvin Hsu, who arrived in September 2000, served as our Pastor until October 31, 2004. Beginning April 19, 2005, Rev. William D. Eggers served as our Stated Supply Pastor until October 31, 2006. On November 1, 2006, The Rev. Birda Buzan Ferguson began serving our church as Interim Pastor. Rev. Frank Muse was elected Designated Pastor, and began his ministry with us on November 18, 2009.
Our past is important as we remember those who provided us with the foundation to remain a viable witness in the Elizabeth community. We are currently 122 members doing the work of the Lord on this one-acre of property located at North and Salem Avenues.
Our membership’s racial and ethnic background has changed in recent years. We are beginning to truly represent the multi-cultural community living in the area surrounding our Church. Roughly two-thirds of our active members live within a five-mile radius of the church and our history is rich in this community. Our present denotes a concerned fellowship of Christians seeking God’s guidance, love, and understanding as we minister within our congregation and to the surrounding community and the world.