History:

First Presbyterian Church is located in the center of the borough of Ramsey. The church has been an important presence in the life of the community for the last 175 years. In 1785 the Dutch Reformed Church of Ramapough was established in the area which is known today as Mahwah. In 1824 there was a division in the congregation over the form of worship, as a result of which a number of the church members and the Minister split away. The True Dutch Reformed Church of Ramapough was established in 1824 in the center of Ramsey. In 1890 the church united with the True Reformed Church in Michigan and became the Christian Reformed Church. As the twentieth century began there was a discussion as to whether or not the congregation should affiliate with the Presbytery in Jersey City. In 1908 the church became the First Presbyterian Church. In 1965, the Highlands Presbyterian Church in Allendale was formed with the support and sponsorship of our Church. This was to accommodate the large number of our members that resided in that town.

Services are held every Sunday morning. Our services are mainly traditional with a pronounced musical element. We are blessed with a strong music program that includes a Chancel Choir, Bell Choir and Alleluia Children's Choir. We include drama and liturgical dance in worship services as alternative means of conveying God's message. The church supports an active Sunday school program with classes for children of nursery school age through junior high school. Children participate in a separate chapel service one Sunday a month. Other weeks they attend the early part of the Sunday morning service, which includes a "Conversation with Children", after which they participate in the Sunday school platform.

The church provides a variety of opportunities for fellowship and Christian education for persons all ages at various times throughout the week. May varied groups continue to make use of the church as a meeting place throughout the year and we believe that this is an important role in the life of our community.