It looks like Jesus himself has taken a shot to the ribs by Mother Nature.
This is the Iglesia Pentecostal Church, the former Dutch Reformed Church in Belleville NJ, which took some damage from Hurricane Sandy in late October. Interestingly, the original church on this site was built in 1697 and its tower was used as an observation post in the American Revolutionary War. The church is located very near the west bank of the Passaic River; the Brits were holding the east side, so the patriot forces used the tower to keep an eye on them. Also, the church is not a stranger to bad weather. In 1804 a tornado almost destroyed the original church, and in 1854 the present church, which we see here, was constructed. Only to get hit by more raging winds 158 years later!
Jim, If they built this present church in 1854, I’d say they did a pretty good job of it. If all that happened to the church was the knocking over of the steeple cross, I’d say it withstood the hurricane quite well indeed.
And isn’t always interesting to hear about the history of old buildings? I love them. MCS
Comment by Mary S. — November 19, 2012 @ 11:25 am
Hi Jim, I remember this church well! I grew up in North Arlington, right across the Passaic River bridge, just a block away from the church building. When I was a kid, there was a popular legend about the church having been part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. Al
Comment by Allan Lacki — December 4, 2012 @ 1:29 pm
Hey Al, yea, I remember your house on the hill in North Arlington, just a few blocks from the diner by the river bridge. And right across is this church! I should have remembered those senior year projects that we worked on at your house. And mine. Will never forget the time you came over late at night to help me finish up some big report due the next morning.
Comment by Jim G — December 8, 2012 @ 5:25 pm