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The History of Lake Nelson Church
(Adapted from the 2004 directory as inspired by Jack Calkins, Pastor)
A Legacy of Faith
 
In 1902, James Baker was looking for a job that would allow him to keep the Sabbath without hardship. He had a friend who knew where to find one. He and his friend brought their families together to worship each Sabbath. In 1905, the Plainfield Seventh-day Adventist Church was organized with five families as charter members. They continued to worship in various homes until 1911. The thriving memberships rented places such as the Women's Christian Temperance Union Hall at Madison Avenue and Front Street, as well as the German Reformed Church at Craig and Duer Streets in North Plainfield in 1918. The opening of the North Plainfield Academy (later known as Plainfield Academy, and then Garden State Academy) in 1927 ensued a rapid growth. The bulging fold now required the attention of a full time pastor. Thus, Elder Sidney Norton was their first pastor. Elder Coon, known for his ABC's of Bible Prayers' books and seminars, also became one of the many pastors that followed over the years.

In 1944, the members of the Plainfield Seventh-day Adventist Church finally moved into their own home! The Odd Fellows Club building at 311 Front Street was for sale, and the members, recognizing a good opportunity, purchased it. This was their home until 1947. While under the leadership of Elder Jefferies, the members put their house on the market and sold if for a nice profit. They placed a deposit on a likely lot for the church and elementary school on East Front Street. The future looked bright for the congregation.

Unfortunately, the city fathers decreed that the church could not be built in that location. Other possibilities were investigated, other locations found, other deposits made, and other disappointments experienced. In 1949, the homeless church found a temporary home with the Plainfield Academy. Members sat in its chapel and lobby, with the minister taking his station at the open doorway between.

Finally, the tiring search for suitable property met with success. The Plainfield church family found at 1430 Park Avenue, at the border with south Plainfield, the spot in which to build their church and school. On August 6, 1950, the groundbreaking ceremony took place, and under the leadership of Elder McComas, the work began. Money wasn't there in great supply, but riches abounded in the self-sacrificing giving of the church family. A number of times, it seemed that the work would cease due to the lack of funds, but miraculously the money came in at the last minute. The new building was finally dedicated on June 2, 1951.

At this time, the Plainfield and the New Brunswick churches were in one district. By 1956, under the ministry of Elder Strunk, the members of these churches had developed interest in the building of a school to serve their two constituencies. They found an eleven acre tract of land in Piscataway, which they purchased in 1957. For this project, these two churches, joined by the Perth Amboy Hungarian Church, worked together. The groundbreaking ceremony for "Lake Nelson School" took place in March of 1958. Members of the three congregations knew that their children could continue to be educated in a Christian school. As they had done with the church, loyal and enthusiastic constituents donated their time, expertise, and money. Using donated labor, Francis William Forrester physically constructed the school and also assisted Elder Strunk in raising the capital. An open house celebration was held in February of 1959.

In the comparative serenity of the years that followed, several pastors came and went. The church building walls began to bulge with new members. In 1970, during Elder Tripp's ministry, the sanctuary underwent remodeling in order to beautify the church and to help with the problem of overcrowding. This proved to be only a temporary solution. Biting the bullet, the members sold their home once again.
While looking for a home to build a new sanctuary, worship services took place in the gymnasium of the Lake Nelson School. There was more room and that was good. However, the gym did not have the worshipful atmosphere. Seven months of that time saw the flock without a pastor.  The church family thanked God for its strong lay leadership, but everyone was glad when at last Elder Williams arrived to pastor the church. The search for lots continued. Far and near, the land was expensive. Finally, a solution! Build it next to the school!

After Elder Williams, Elder East pastored the congregation for a number of years. The ground-breaking ceremony was held in March 1982. By April 1983, the work had progressed to the point of having worship services and meetings. In April of 1984, the congregation celebrated the finishing the new building. Since then, the church has received pastoral care by Elders Chapman, Dayen, and Lindeman, up to the present pastor, Elder Calkins.

Today, members are from a number of different cultures. All bring their talents to the cause of finishing the work of spreading the gospel. In diversity, there is strength.  May God be glorified in this place.