The Old Stone Church

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of singing at the Old Stone Church in Upper Saddle River. The church was built sometime in the late 1700s or early 1800s and attending service there is a real throw back to the olden days.

The first thing to note is how beautiful and well preserved the church building is from the outside with thick stone walls, enormous arched windows and a classic steeple. Inside, the church is even more beautiful, with red carpets and cushions, white pews and polished wood, and a wrap-around balcony where the choir sits.

The centerpiece of the sanctuary is a raised pulpit where the pastor climbs up a spiral staircase to read the Bible. The reason it is raised is because the Word of God should be elevated above all else.

Unlike most churches today, there is no amplification system and no projection screen. Prayers and announcements are posted in the bulletin. Songs are sung out of hymnals. As a singer, I couldn't ask for better acoustics. And as a worshipper, it was nice to not be distracted by the technological bells and whistles.

The congregation of the church is as beautiful as its architecture. Though small in numbers and getting up there in years, the people are warm and friendly (without being overbearing). After the service, I was invited out to breakfast at a local diner with more than half of the people who were in the service — something they do every Sunday. And since it was a communion Sunday, the pastor and an elder left early to bring communion to shut-ins.

I can't say enough nice things about the Old Stone Church in Upper Saddle River. If you are in the area on a Sunday morning, I highly recommend checking it out.