Twenty seven persons met in January of 1823 to leave the local Dutch Reformed Classis and form a new congregation, the True Reformed Church. They worshipped in homes and barns. "Victorian churchliness" was the desired behavior, and the congregation lamented the "laxness" of their fellow congregations. Church members swore allegiance first, to the United States, then to the State of New Jersey and finally to the Gospel work of the church.

​

By 1858, a building was necessary and a white frame structure was built for $2300 at East Ridgewood and North Pleasant Avenues (the current site of the Somerville School). True to the custom of the day, pews (seats) were sold to individual families. As growth continued, the congregation wrestled with changing social and religious views concerning dancing, drinking and church attendance. In 1890, both male and female members were allowed to vote on church matters, and an organ was purchased for the church. Many pastors came and went during these hectic Post-Victorian years.

​

At last finding Victorian expectations too rigid, the congregation petitioned the Presbyterian Church in 1899, asking to become The First Presbyterian Church of Ridgewood. The questions of property ownership (Presbyterian vs. Dutch Reformed Churches) was finally settled by the Supreme Court of new Jersey which declared that the congregation had to right to withdraw and retain its property.

​

The small church struggled with changing pastorates and meager finances until 1919, when the current church property at Van Dien and Ridgewood Avenues was purchased for $3000, and a new sanctuary built in 1927. The new church was a Norman Gothic Design, floored with stone, with interior bricks from Holland, stained glass windows from England, a slate roof from Pennsylvania and a new three manual Hall pipe organ. During the stock market crash of 1929 and the Depression that followed, the Church Women's Guild provided essential financial support to the regular church income.

​

A great period of growth began with the coming of Dr. Charles A. Platt who served the church from 1942 until 1973. Much building and expansion ensued, with the addition of an Education Building in 1956, a new sanctuary and chancel, new Sunday School rooms, and a new Austin pipe organ. Our Weekday Nursery School was founded in 1968. Many fine Associate Pastors and auxiliary program staff served this church during Dr. Platt's noteworthy pastorate.

​

Dr. Howard Hansen came to First Pres in 1974, as the church became known as the "Sponsoring Church" for many new community projects and groups, such as Habitat for Humanity. The church continued to grow and thrive, adding a new wing with a gymnasium.

​

In May of 1997, the Rev. Bertram G. Watkins came as Head of Staff and served the church until September of 2016.