Weddings
DECORATIONS are planned by the bride's family and should be fully discussed with the florist and the minister. All receptacles, hangers and fasteners for floral arrangements must be non-marring. Decorations should not obscure the table and cross and should be so placed as to insure the safety of those who attend the service.
PHOTOGRAPHS may not be taken during the service. They may be taken in the narthex as the bridal party enters, or following the service as the bridal party leaves the church. The bridal party may pose in the chancel for pictures following the service. A stationary video camera that does not require special lighting may be used during the service. The placement of the camera must be approved by the minister.
USHERS should be at the church at least thirty minutes before the service. They customarily lay the runner, if one is used, and fasten the ribbons to reserved pews.
RECORDS- The Church keeps a record of all weddings performed within the building under its jurisdiction and the minister will furnish a wedding certificate following the wedding. Usually the best man and maid of honor or matron of honor sign this document as witnesses. The minister of the church is expected to officiate at all ceremonies, unless other arrangements are made with his permission. He should extend the invitation to the other minister to assist in the ceremony.
USE OF CHURCH FACILITIES- The church makes no charge for the use of the sanctuary if either of the contracting parties or a parent is a communicant member of the church. The following sums represent the appropriate minimum contribution to cover the expense of the church facilities for weddings:
A. SANCTUARYChurch Member (as defined above) -0-Non-Church Member $300.B. ASSEMBLY ROOM with use of the kitchen $300.MINISTER- The minimum fee for the minister is $400.
MUSIC- The church organist is expected to play at all weddings in the church and should be consulted as to musical selections. Usually there is a twenty-minute program of organ music before the wedding ceremony takes place. Any exception must be approved by the church organist. The couple is required to schedule an appointment with the organist to discuss musical selections. The organist’s minimum fee is $300. Please add an additional $50 for each soloist.
Please advise your party that because of environmental concerns, rice throwing is not permitted. Bird
seed may be substituted on the portico—not in the narthex.
An appointment is required with the Administrative Assistant as well as the minister to schedule the date of your wedding and to discuss the details of the service. To schedule an appointment, click here.
For a printable version of the church's wedding policy, click here.
A Brief History of our Church:
The Community Presbyterian Church of Mountainside was founded in 1954 as a result of a survey conducted by a group of local residents which indicated a desire for a Protestant church in our community. In April of that year, an Interim Executive Committee was formed; and on April 25th, the Reverend Delwyn R. Rayson of the Presbyterian Synod of New Jersey conducted the first worship service, held in the Deerfield School. 120 people were in attendance. A residence at 287 Garrett Road was purchased during the summer for use as the manse. An anonymous gift of the present 4 1/2 acre site on Deer Path provided the location for the new church building.
On October 10, 1954, the Elizabeth Presbytery met for the purpose of formally organizing the Community Presbyterian Church of Mountainside, New Jersey, with 205 charter members from 105 families. On October 31st, the Reverend Rayson was installed as the first pastor. A church building in the traditional style of architecture was selected by the congregation. First services were held in the new red brick colonial building in December 1956. The house at 1449 Deer Path became the new manse. In September of 1959, a new building program was begun to meet the needs of the growing church. The new addition to the rear of the church sanctuary was designed to add 4,215 square feet of space for the Christian Education program, and was completed in 1960.
The music program of the church has grown over the years and represents a contribution to the cultural life of the community. An Aeolian Skinner pipe organ was installed and dedicated in the late spring of 1967. The second phase of the organ development program was completed in 1972.
A Columbarium and Memorial Garden was dedicated in the early spring of 1971. It continues to provide a beautiful resting place for the remains of friends and church members.
Reverend Rayson served the church from its founding until 1960. The Reverend Elmer A. Talcott, Jr. was the pastor from 1961 to 1985. The Rev. Dr. Christopher Belden has been the pastor since 1986.
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Welcome to Community Presbyterian Church of
Mountainside, New Jersey
1459 Deer Path
Mountainside, NJ 07092908.232.9490
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Being a community church, CPC offers its facilities and grounds to members and non-members alike for ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, memorial services, etc. The church's beautiful facilities and grounds are serenely suited for such ceremonies. Our wedding policy is below:
A WEDDING is one of the most important events in a person's life! Because of its religious nature, a wedding in the church should be carefully planned and a spirit of reverence should mark the entire service.
APPROVAL of the Minister is required before a wedding may be held in the Church, and arrangements should be made with the Administrative Assistant in the Church Office. The couple is expected to meet with the pastor for premarital counseling.
LICENSE- Application should be made for a license at least two weeks before the desired wedding date. The license should be presented to the minister at the rehearsal, the time of which should be arranged with the minister.
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