There is always a beginning to every story. So, let's take a look at the story of Riverside Community Church of Nutley, New Jersey.
While its construction began in 1944, on the side of the building, 1945 can be seen engraved into its concrete structure.
Which probably indicates the year it was completed.
Furthermore, according to Nutley historical society, the church would open its doors in 1946.
Nutley, NJ, the first 100 years timeline,1902-2002 (nutleyhistoricalsociety.org)
From its beginning, the churches name was Trinity Chapel until 1994.
Trinity chapel like Riverside was a C & M A (Christian & Missionary Alliance) church.
Who is the Christian missionary alliance?
During the time of its founding, the Reverend Leonard R Memmott served as Pastor, from 1943 to 1952.
Pictured here is the plaque that remains in the entrance hallway, located to the right upon entering the Church, between the stairway that leads upstairs & down displayed straight Across from the entrance doors of the sanctuary.
Reverend Leonard was born April 23, 1895, in Newark, New Jersey. Leonard was a Veteran. He registered in World War I selective service in 1917 -1918.
A 1920 census reveals he was married to Elizabeth and further research revealed she passed away in 1926. Leonard did marry a second time to Mabel Elmira Stenquist on August 6, 1927.
Leonard and Mabel had 2 sons James born November 22, 1930, and William born in 1936.
his older son, James would step behind the pulpit due to his father's declining health in 1952 and presumably served until 1958.
Tribute for James R. Memmott | John E. Day Funeral Home (johnedayfuneralhome.com)
William Memmott Obituary (2020) - New Orleans, LA - The Times-Picayune (nola.com)
Reverend Leonard went to be with the Lord on February 21, 1960.
it is uncertain who served as Pastor over the next 35 years at Trinity Chapel, but the lord moved in a new direction, as the birth of Riverside Community Church commenced in the same building on November 5, 1994.
Don Flynn pastored RCC from its new birth on November 5, 1994 – January 8th, 2012, when Don stepped down.
Pastor Hector Ramirez pastored RCC from early 2012- April 30, 2017.
Pastor Hectors final day as Pastor, April 30, 2017
on February 14, 2016, Joshua became assistant Pastor.
Pastor Joshua Edward. Senior Pastor of RCC, since May 1, 2017.
over the next 28 years Riverside has been through its trials and challenges, but the Lord has been faithful and true to his word.
He continues to reveal his glory to his people right here in Nutley, New Jersey and the surrounding regions. like a light shining on a hill in a land of darkness, for all to see the wonder working power of Christ our lord.
as the redeeming manifestation of his salvific loving compassion, moves in our midst, in spirit and in truth.
