Our History

Liberty Corner Church

The story of a people moving ever forward to make disciples of Jesus Christ

Chapter 1: The early years

A congregation takes hold

The year was 1837, and a small group of dedicated Christians felt compelled through God, to start a small church in rural Liberty Corner.  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 the first pastor.  Rev. English must have been a very influential individual.  Our church is fortunate to have eighteen of his original hand-written sermons.   The contents of these sermons contain reflections of his strong faith, love of his people, and high moral standing.

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

Chapter 2:   The church comes of age

The church embraces growth and flourishes

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 the pressing need 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, plus 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.

Chapter 3: The vision expands

By 2000, the Liberty Corner Church 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: a gymnasium, locker rooms, additional educational space and a new office suite, completed in 2003, adding 22,000 sq. ft.

Phase I, Completed June 1, 2003

Phase II: a new sanctuary, chapel, crying rooms and an atrium will be constructed , adding another 21,000.   The date of groundbreaking is yet to be determined.