There is a KLC-BGG exclusive assembly in Wayne Twp., Passaic Co., NYC metro, New Jersey that has been meeting in that county since 1878 or before.

History

In its earliest days, it met in the town of Passaic thru at least 1889, with a correspondent of William Gribbon (1828-1906), an Irish-born linen merchant in 1880. In 1890, the U.S. Religious Census indicated one PB-III (TW-Lowe) assembly in the county with 42 attending a rented hall with a capacity of 150. Its earliest meetings thru at least the 1920's were thought to have been in German.

From 1928 thru 1970+, the assembly met in a constructed building at 123-125 N. Fifth St., Paterson where it was known as the Gospel Hall of Paterson until early 1952, then as Christian Assembly, with correspondents Chris DeKoster & Oscar Tielmann. A Pentecostal group, the Prophetic CoG acquired it in 1975. In 1977, the assembly moved to Wayne Twp., where it currently assembles, in fellowship with the KLC-BGG exclusives.

The Morning Call 1928-10-2 ran an article on the 2nd page entitled No Paid Minister In This Church: "Having purchased the property at 123-125 North Fifth street, where its new church now is in the course of construction, the Paterson Christian association, whose members do not believe in paid ministers, filed a certificate of incorporation in County Clerk John McCutcheon's office yesterday under the corporate name of The 123 and 125 North Fifth Street, Paterson, N.J., corporation. The articles of incorporation, filed by Lawyer Jacob Stam, designate Ellis T. Boonstra, Paul Broegeler, Christian DeKoster, August Huebner, and Emil F. Moench [sic], all of Paterson; Arthur Weinman, of Wayne township, and Oscar Sielmann [sic], of Prospect Park, as trustees."

Hope Dell

As per a 2023 article by NorthJersey.com on plans to develop a park from the site of the old hospital "Valley View", founded in 1929 to exclusively treat thousands of TB patients, Hope Dell provided an additional resource to treat and house 400 chronically ill and homeless residents. In 1955, Valley View converted its east wing to accommodate those suffering from polio. In 1961, the two entities merged to become Preakness Hospital with two venues, operating dually until Preakness Healthcare Center was developed to serve the area, and Valley View was demolished in 2015.

From +1949-1956+, members of the assembly regularly visited Hope Dell to provide evangelistic and edifying services for residents. The following are reports given in The Morning Call, mostly titled "Gospel Hall At Hope Dell", then in early 1952, "Christian Assembly at Hope Dell" reflecting a rebrand, with exception of the first on March 2, 1949 titled "Gospel Hall Holds Hope Dell Service":

1949-3-2

"If we do not accept Christ as our Saviour, we are without hope in the world", stated E. Murgott during the sermon which he delivered at the Protestant service held in the chapel at Hope Dell on Sunday afternoon under the auspices of the Gospel Hall of Paterson. On the last Sunday of every month, this group of laymen conducts a service for the folks at Hope Dell, one of their number serving as speaker.

The speaker based his message on the twelfth verse of the second chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians, "that at that time ye were without Christ, having no hope and without God in the world". In effect, Mr. Murgott said, "God does not forgive sins but He forgives the sinners, therefore, if we don't accept Christ as our Saviour we can only expect eternal destruction. On the other hand, if we accept Him we have His promise that we shall be with Him throughout eternity.

The service was under the direction of Arnold Huebner who led hymn singing, accompanied by Fred Kuehn at the piano. Mr. Huebner offered a short prayer, after which Mr. Murgott read the Scripture text, and then delivered the message. Huebner then closed the service by pronouncing the benediction..."

1949-9-28

"Stating that "man in his natural state is an enemy of God", Wesley Nehring delivered the sermon at the Protestant service held in the chapel at Hope Dell on Sunday afternoon under the auspices of the Gospel Hall of Passaic (?). On the last Sunday of every month this group of laymen holds a service for the folks at Hope Dell, one of their number serving as speaker.

Taking his text from the Gospel of St. John 5:24, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My word and believeth on Him that sent Me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed thru death unto life".

In effect, Mr. Nehring said: God gave His only Son to die for the sins of the world. There is no man in the world who would give his son to die for the sins of other people. All people need salvation and they can't save each other, only Christ can save because salvation is individual. Without Christ, man is condemned already. So, there are two choices to man: heaven with Christ or eternal damnation without Him. Man is never too bad to be saved and now is the time to take Christ as Saviour because if man takes Christ he will live eternally in heaven with God.

The service was under the direction of Ray Huebner who opened the meeting by leading the hymn-singing with accompaniment on the piano by Doris Huebner. Among the hymns sung were "I Found A Friend", "Verily, Verily", "Rock of Ages", "Praise the Saviour" and "Behold the Saviour". Following the service, religious literature and candy was distributed to the old folks."

1952-4-29

"The regular Sunday afternoon Protestant service held in the chapel at Hope Dell was under the auspices of the Christian Assembly of Paterson formerly the Gospel Hall. Once each month this group of laymen holds a service for the old folk, one of the number serving as speaker.

The service was under the direction of Carl Fuhr who led the hymn singing accompanied at the piano by Betty Weise. Among the hymns sung were "He Will Hold Me Fast", "In The Garden", "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth", "Tell Me The Old, Old Story" and "Sweet Hour of Prayer". Following a prayer by Mr. Fuhr, Ray Huebner spoke on the topic, "Under the Blood".

1952-5-28

"...the service was under the direction of Alben Fiedler, who led the hymn-singing accompanied at the piano by Miss Betty Weise. Among the hymns sung were "In the Garden", "Count Your Many Blessings", "Softly and Tenderly", "I've Found A Friend", "I Need Jesus" and "The Solid Rock". The message of the afternoon was brought by Fred Kuehn, based on the Gospel of John 1:14-29."

1952-7-1

"Speaking on the topic "Out of Darkness", Seymour Yates, a native of the British West Indies, delivered the sermon... the service was under the direction of Carl Fuhr who led the hymn-singing accompanied at the piano by Betty Weise and among the hymns sung were "More About Jesus", "Blessed Assurance", "Jesus is Calling", "The Old Rugged Cross" and "I Need Thee Every Hour". Mr. Yates based his message on the 32nd Psalm. Opening and closing prayers were offered by Mr. Fuhr."

1952-7-29

"Wesley Nehring of Passaic delivered the sermon at the Protestant worship service held in the chapel at Hope Dell... The service was under the direction of Carl Fuhr, who led the hymn singing accompanied at the piano by Betty Weise. Among the hymns sung were "Saved, Saved", "Blessed Assurance", "I Found A Friend", "Softly and Tenderly" and "Someday the Silver Cord Will Break". Mr. Nehring based his message on the Book of Genesis 22:1-18. The opening prayer was offered by Duane Aretz and the closing prayer by Mr. Fuhr."

1952-9-30

"Declaring that "if we put our faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ we are assured in God's word that we shall spend eternity with Him". Fred Kuehn delivered the message at the regular Sunday afternoon worship service held in the chapel at Hope Dell... The service was under the direction of Carl Fuhr, who led the hymn-singing accompanied at the piano by Doris Huebner. Among the hymns sung were "The Way of the Cross Leads Home", "Blessed Assurance", "In The Garden", "I Gave My Life for Thee" and "Tell Me the Stories of Jesus". Mr. Kuehn then brought the message of the afternoon which was based on the Gospel of John 1:18, 32-34. Opening and closing prayers were offered by Ray Huebner."

1952-10-29

"Declaring that "Faith in the Finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ is the only hope we have for salvation", Arnold Huebner delivered the sermon at the regular Sunday afternoon worship service held in the chapel at Hope Dell under the auspices of the Christian Assembly of Paterson... The service was under the direction of Carl Fuhr who led the hymn-singing accompanied at the piano by Dorothy Nehring and among the hymns sung were "Face to Face", "Blessed Assurance", "The Old Rugged Cross", "How Can I Help But Love Him" and "Blest Be the Binds". Mr. Huebner brought the message of the afternoon which he called "Ten Virgins" basing it on the Gospel of Matthew 25. Opening and closing prayers were offered by Mr. Fuhr."

1952-12-3

"Asserting that "Jesus Christ shed His blood to cleanse us from our sins", Wesley Nehring delivered the sermon at the regular Sunday afternoon service... under the direction of Arnold Huebner who led the hymn singing accompanied at the piano by Doris Huebner. Among the hymns sung were "On Christ the Solid Rock", "The Old Rugged Cross", "More About Jesus", "Almost Persuaded" and "Near the Cross". Mr. Nehring brought the message of the afternoon which was based on 1 Peter 1:24-25 and Hebrews 9:22. Opening and closing prayers were offered by Mr. Huebner."

1952-12-31

"Arnold Huebner was the speaker... under the direction of Carl Fuhr who led the hymn-singing accompanied by Betty Weise, including "Blessed Assurance", "I Know Whom I Have Believed", "Tell Me the Old, Old Story", "Jesus is Calling" and "There Will Be Showers of Blessings". Mr. Huebner brought the message of the afternoon using as his text Exodus 14:13. Opening and closing prayers were offered by Mr. Fuhr."

1953-2-26

"Addressing his remarks particularly to the unbeliever, Fred Kuehn brought to the guests of Hope Dell an inspiring message... under the direction of Karl Fuhr who led the hymn singing accompanied by Miss Doris Huebner. Among the hymns sung were "Peace Be Still", "Out of the Ivory Palaces", "In the Garden", "Softly and Tenderly", "I Need Thee Every Hour" and "I've Found a Friend". Mr. Kuehn then brought the message of the afternoon which was based on John 1:35-51. Opening and closing prayers... by Mr. Fuhr."

1953-4-1

"Wesley Nehring brought the guests at Hope Dell a splendid message of faith at the Sunday afternoon Protestant service held in the chapel under the auspices of the Christian Assembly of Paterson. The service was under the direction of Ray Huebner and with Miss Dorothy Nehring at the piano the congregation sang two hymns, "Rock of Ages" and "I Think When I Read That Sweet Story Of Old".

Following a prayer by Mr. Huebner, Mr. Nehring brought the message of the afternoon which he called "Redemption by Blood" using as his text Exodus 11:12 and he likened the Jewish Passover to Christ's death on the cross, the blood in both cases saving people from sin. The congregation joined in the singing of "Only Trust Him" and "The Way of the Cross Leads Home". Mr. Nehring then closed the service with prayer. The Christian Assembly holds a service for the folks at Hope Dell on the last Sunday of the month, one of their number serving as speaker."

1953-6-3

"Norman Auld delivered the sermon... the service was under the direction of Wesley Nehring and with Miss Ruth Nehring serving as accompanist at the piano the congregation sang the following hymns: "The Old Rugged Cross", "I Have A Savior", "Tell Me the Old, Old Story", "There is a Green Hill Far Away", and "Sweet Hour of Prayer". Mr. Auld brought the message... "What Will You Do With Jesus?" basing it on Matthew 27:15-23, opening and closing prayers were offered by Mr. Nehring."

1953-7-1

Fred Kuehn was speaker... directed by Arnold Huebner... Miss Doris Huebner on piano... Hymns: "Blessed Assurance", "More About Jesus", "The Old Rugged Cross", "When They Ring the Golden Bells". Following a prayer by Mr. Huebner, Mr. Kuehn read from John 1:31-34 "after which he gave a talk based on the above Scripture. After a closing prayer by Mr. Huebner, the service was concluded with the singing of "Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us".

1953-7-29

Arnold Huebner was the speaker... service directed by Ernest Kuehler who led the singing... Doris Huebner on piano... Hymns: "Blessed Assurance", "He Hideth My Soul", "In the Garden", "What a Friend" and "That Wonderful Name". "Mr. Huebner brought the message of the afternoon basing it on the 22nd chapter of Genesis. The opening prayer was offered by Mr. Kuehler and the closing prayer by Fred Kuehn."

1953-9-2

"Declaring that "we are saved through the power of the blood of Christ", Wesley Nehring delivered the sermon... service directed by Ray Huebner... Miss Doris Huebner as accompanist... Hymns: "I Know Whom I Have Believed" & "He Lifted Me"... "Following a prayer by Mr. Huebner he read Acts 8:5-8, 26-40. The congregation then joined in the singing of "Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed" and "Crown Him With Many Crowns". Mr. Nehring then brought the message of the afternoon basing it on the above Scripture. Following a closing prayer by Mr. Huebner the service was concluded with the singing of the hymns "Only Trust Him" by the congregation."

1953-9-30

Speaker: Arnold Huebner. Director: Ray Huebner. Piano: Marilyn Huebner. Hymns: "Jesus Saves" & "The Solid Rock". "Following a prayer by Ray Huebner, Arnold Huebner read" John 12:20-33. "The congregation joined in the singing of "I Gave Myself For Thee" and "Jesus is Calling". Mr. Huebner brought the message of the afternoon basing it on the above scriptures. After a closing prayer by Mr. Huebner, the service was concluded with the singing of the hymn "Sweet Hour of Prayer" by congregation."

1954-2-3

"The guests of Hope Dell were brought an inspiring message by Fred Kuehn at the regular Sunday afternoon Protestant worship service... service directed by Wesley Nehring... Mr. Kuehn as accompanist... Hymns: "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say" & "Rock of Ages". Following a prayer by Mr. Nehring, he read Luke 23:14-18. Hymns: "Tell Me the Old, Old Story" & "Jesus Is All the World to Me". Mr. Kuehn "brought the message of the afternoon which was called "Behold Thee on the Throne", using as his text Luke 23:14-18. After a closing prayer by... Nehring, the service was concluded with the singing of "He Leadeth Me".

1954-3-3

"An inspiring sermon concerning the second coming of Jesus Christ was brought to the guests of Hope Dell by Arnold Huebner"... service directed by Norman Auld, who led the hymn singing, and with Miss Doris Huebner serving as accompanist at the piano the congregation sang two hymns, "The Way of the Cross Leads Home" & "When They Ring the Golden Bells". Following a prayer by Mr. Auld, he read John 5:28. Hymns: "Saved by Grace" & Faith is the Victory". Mr. Huebner "brought the message of the afternoon, basing it on the above Scripture. After a closing prayer by Mr. Auld, the service was concluded with the singing of the hymn "All the Way My Savior Leads Me" by the congregation."

1955-8-30

"A sermon on the subject "The Bible The Word of God" was delivered by Raymond Huebner, a member of the Christian Assembly of Paterson... the service was under the direction of Wesley Nehring who did the hymn singing. With Miss Doris Huebner serving as accompanist... "Tell Me the Old, Old Story", "Just As I Am", "Softly and Tenderly", "I Love To Tell The Story". After a prayer from Mr. Nehring, Mr. Huebner "brought the message of the afternoon, basing it on" 1 John 5:13. After a closing prayer the service was concluded with the singing of the hymn 'All the Way My Savior Leads Me' by the congregation."

1956-5-3

"Once again the guests of Hope Dell gathered in the chapel of the home for the regular Sunday afternoon"... "service directed by Roy Huebner who led the hymn-singing and with Miss Doris Huebner serving as accompanist at the piano, the congregation joined in the singing "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus", "He Will Hold Me Fast", "Only Trust Him", "Beneath the Cross of Jesus" and "Some Golden Daybreak". Following a prayer by Mr. Huebner, [Wesley] Nehring spoke on 'The Great Supper'. After a closing prayer the service was concluded with the singing of the hymn 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus' by the congregation."

1956-11-28

"The guests of Hope Dell heard a sermon by Edmund Auld, a member of the Christian Assembly of Paterson. Mr. Auld spoke at the regular Sunday afternoon Protestant worship service held in the chapel of the Home each week by one of the local churches. The Christian Assembly conducts the service on the last Sunday of each month, one of their number serving as speaker.

The service was under the direction of Arnold Huebner who led the hymn-singing, and with Margaret Kuehn proving the piano accompaniment and the congregation joined in the singing of the following hymns: "Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus", "I've Found A Friend", "I Will Sing of My Redeemer" & "Face to Face". Mr. Auld then brought the message of the afternoon which was based on Revelation 1:9-16. After a closing prayer by Mr. Huebner, the service was concluded with the singing of the hymn "He Keeps Me Singing" by the congregation."

Also See

Who's Who at Wayne Christian Assembly, NJ notable alumni
WCA's website

Sources

EB address books 1878, 1879, 1946
Ancestry.com
Newspapers.com
- The Morning Call

Wayne Christian Assembly, NJ

Contents