Surrounded by the beautiful rolling hills of Sussex County, Sparta Presbyterian Church celebrated its Bicentennial birthday in 1986 (the oldest continuing church in the State). Recently renovated, the church's colonial sanctuary reflects the history and strength of its original parishioners, yet its modern extensive new wing of classrooms and meeting rooms demonstrate the energy and vitality of a dynamic congregation.

The original church complex, including the old cemetery, dates to 1786 and was named a New Jersey State Historic Site in 1981. In 1812, a school was added on site and was replaced in 1860 after a fire destroyed it. Our fellowship hall, Pehrson Hall, was built in 1956. The Aaronson Education wing, built in 1986, houses a library, classrooms and meeting rooms. The recent restoration of our 200 year old church maintained the Colonial appearance with modern conveniences added such as air conditioning, better handicap access, and an improved sound system. The church pipe organ also received a major overhaul, thereby enhancing its musical quality. There are three houses owned by the church, two of which are utilized as manses.

Ours is the oldest church in Sussex county still standing on its original site. The roots of the membership are deep and far-reaching. our church family draws members from surrounding communities, some commuting 10 miles or more to attend worship services. of the households to which we minister, nearly all are located within the 39 square miles of the township boundaries.

Congregation: Our congregation of approximately 1000 members is contemporary yet traditional, suburban yet rural, affluent yet modest. With a large percentage of its members commuting to the metropolitan area, there is a constant influx of new people and ideas. This wide diversity of attributes creates an atmosphere for growth and acceptance.

As a bedroom community serving major northern New Jersey and New York business centers, Sparta is home to people from a wide range of backgrounds. The vast majority of commuters travel more than 30 minutes to their work place. Drawing from this diverse mix, First Presbyterian's membership is primarily comprised of professionals employed by a variety of public and private concerns. Sixty-five percent of our congregation work full or part time, and we have many 2-income families and working mothers. Because of the heavy concentration of professionals / executives, we are a fairly mobile congregation. Yet, the average number of years of membership is 12.7 with the median at 8 years.

Our people are known for their friendliness, loyalty, prayerful support, helpfulness, outreach, and unity. In the midst of diversity, there is tolerance for a wide variety of viewpoints. Our congregation includes all ages, backgrounds, styles of witness and levels of spiritual maturity. The church ministers in many ways to the entire community through youth fellowships, a food pantry, emergency assistance, and a pastoral discretionary fund, to name a few.