1960's

In June, 1963, Rev. Huff resigned, having reached retirement age. Rev. Paul Babich, young and likable, came to us from the Federated Church (Methodist-Reformed) of Kerhonkson, New York, where he had served for nine years. In February, 1964, Rev. and Mrs. Babich and their two young sons moved into the parsonage. Installation ceremonies took place in March, to the relief of the congregation which had been almost a year without a pastor.

"The Lamplighter", Rev. Babich's newsletter to members of the congregation, kept members advised of church activities.

The Couples' Club, started in 1965, lent impetus to the achievement of a new kitchen. Signs on highways leading into Boonton, calling attention to our church, are there because of the efforts of this enterprising group.

The sixties find us with increased goals. The Every-Member canvass is being conducted, with the hope of reaching $9,000 in pledges. Half of this was allotted to the development fund of the General Synod, and the other half to the 100th Anniversary fund for improvement of our church property.

When the Town of Boonton celebrated its Centennial in 1967, the First Reformed Church joined in observing Religious Heritage Day on Sunday, June 4. It was like the old days. Many church members dug into their trunks and came up with authentic old costumes which they wore to church, and some of the men proudly displayed real beards. No one rushed home that sunny June morning, for the various costumed groups gathered to have their pictures taken.

Religious Heritage Day ended with a giant community hymn sing in late afternoon at the high school athletic field. Choirs of the various churches of Boonton were grouped in the bleachers, facing a large audience which participated in the program. It was indeed an inspiring sight to see the choirs from all the churches, robed in vestments of different colors, and to hear their combined voices.

The previous day, nine churches of Boonton had combined their efforts to provide a unique float for the Centennial parade. Riding on the float were ministers of the churches represented. A large sign on each side of the float proclaimed "Religious Unity in Boonton" and the words on a simulated Bible resting on the float were:

     "Behold ... how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell in unity."

During 1967, the Frank Ricker Memorial Fund was established. This fund was used to buy new hymnals in his memory. Some of us may be permitted a bit of nostalgia as we recall how for years Frank sang "The Palms" at Easter time.

We continued to support missionary work: in fact in 1967, $1,300 was voted to apply to the support of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis R, Scudder of the Arabian Mission and Miss Linda Mae Millan of the Kentucky Mission. These missionaries have visited our church at different times giving us inspirational accounts of their work.