History of Varick Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Hackensack, New Jersey
est. 1864
There were persons of the black community of Hackensack, who had no church of their own, attended other churches. In 1864, they secured a place of worship on Main and Mercer Streets, where the Hackensack Trust Company is now located. The church was known as the Hackensack Meeting House.
Later, the New York Mission Society, an agency of the New York Conference of the A. M. E. Zion Church, organized the church as Olive Branch Mission. On January 5th, 1867, the congregation secured the present Atlantic Street property, deeded to the Olive Branch Colored Mission Number Three of Hackensack. On this property, the congregation constructed the first church building. The congregation moved this building entirely by human efforts from Clay Street and Railroad Avenue and had its entrance on Atlantic Street. At first, this building was one of the Hackensack Public School System units, then a lime shed, and then a community social hall. Before its demolition in November 1964, the building was approximately 140 years old. The church was incorporated as a religious society on December 7th, 1866. John Cisco, James Carol, and Benjamin Lee were the Trustees. The name of the pastor during this time is unknown.
On October 10th, 1869, the corporate name, Olive Branch Colored Mission Number Three of Hackensack, was changed to the Union American Church of Hackensack. The Reverend Jesse Porter was the pastor. The trustees were: Jesse Porter, James Carroll, Lewis Armstead, Jacob Saxin, Thomas A. Tiebout, Samuel B. Porter, and Michael Cizer.
Records show that the growth of the church was slow at first. In 1874, the presiding bishop organized the New Jersey Conference in Red Bank, New Jersey. The church reported a membership of twenty-three and a Sunday School enrollment of thirty-five.
On September 27th, 1883, the church changed its name to the First A. M. E. Zion Church of Hackensack. The Reverend T. Tilghman was pastor, and the trustees were: John White, Samuel B. Porter, John Demarest, John T. Tilghman, and Thomas H. Thompson.
The church changed its name to its current name, Varick Memorial A. M. E. Zion Church, on April 18th, 1917. The pastor was Rev. I. B. Turner, and the Trustees were: John R. Dillard, John Isaacs, William Floyd, Richard Augustus, Thomas B. James, Jessie H. Porter, John L. Lorrick, Bruce Templeton, and James J. Love. The pastor, congregation, and community laid the cornerstone in 1918.
By 1919, however, the congregation had outgrown the old parish. Under the leadership of Reverend J. D. Virgil, the congregation moved the edifice further back onto the lot on Atlantic Street. The congregation erected the new sanctuary in its place at the cost of approximately $25,000.00. The pastor and congregation created and organized clubs such as the Helping Hand and the Morningstar to raise money to defray the cost of the building. In addition, the Sunday School enrollment had grown to approximately one hundred. Varick Memorial continued its sense of mission, and in 1931, under the pastoral leadership of Reverend J. M. Hoggard, the Steward Board was established.
In 1944, under the dynamic leadership of Reverend C. M. Kirkpatrick, the total indebtedness of the present church sanctuary was eliminated, and the 80th birthday of the church was celebrated. In 1947, history was made when two women were appointed to the Trustee Board. Mrs. Addie Turner served for one year, and Mrs. Mattie Bowman served until her death in 1971. In addition to these accomplishments, Reverend C.M. Kirkpatrick and the growing congregation began to envision expanded facilities.
The Reverend George Lincoln Blackwell came to Varick Memorial in 1954. By 1960, 89 souls had been added to the church. The total membership by 1964, the 100th birthday of the church was 370. The Varick Memorial experience was immeasurably enriched through Confirmation classes for children over eleven years old. The expansion of the church program included the establishment of a Boy Scout Troop headed by Wayman Smith, Jr. and Nathan Briggs. Concern for the availability of resources within the Hackensack community was manifested by the church efforts to integrate the Y. M. C. A. and more equitable distribution of Community Chest funds for the benefit of the black community.
With the expansion of programs, additional space was needed, culminating in the erection of the new Fellowship Hall and Educational Building which was dedicated on May 8th, 1966.
In 1966 Reverend Blackwell was elected to General Secretary of the Department of Christian Education of the A. M. E. Zion Church. Then Reverend Mack Brandon, Jr. came to Varick Memorial from the Fifth Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church in Troy, New York.
Under the dynamic leadership of Reverend Brandon, continued progress was made by acquiring additional property and the extensive renovation of the sanctuary, conference room, and fellowship hall. The Varick Memorial Men’s Club did a significant portion of this work. During this work, in March of 1974, the church was saddened by the passing of the Reverend Mack Brandon, Jr., whose work extended throughout the community in service to others – the helping hand to those in need.
June 16th, 1974, marked the arrival of the Reverend James David Armstrong, Jr., who came from Hopkins Chapel, A. M. E. Zion Church, Asheville, North Carolina. Rev. Armstrong set out to complete the renovation started by Rev. Mack Brandon, Jr. The first phase of the renovation was completed and dedicated on December 15th, 1975. A bronze plaque was placed in the sanctuary inscribed with the words IN MEMORIAM to Mack Brandon, Jr., former pastor Varick Memorial A. M. E. Zion Church, whose devoted service and untiring leadership culminated in the renovation of the sanctuary presented December 15th, 1974, A In this place he loved to serve. Reverend Armstrong sought to enhance the life and activity of church affairs through the establishment of new organizations such as The Courtesy Committee, Pastor’s Aid, The Family Life Council, Membership Preparation Classes, Men’s Day, Women’s Day, The Mack Brandon, Jr., Memorial Scholarship Fund, Weekly Bible Classes, the re-establishment of the Boy Scout program and a continuation of further phases of the renovation program.
Rev. Armstrong sought to broaden, expand, and intensify existing programs the spiritual life within the Varick Memorial Church community. In addition, Varick Memorial always kept a watchful eye to discern those opportunities to present Christ to the Hackensack community in fulfillment of its mission. The church secured additional properties on the west side of the church to expand with the growing needs of the membership. In 1983, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Senior Citizen Program and Outreach Program was borne out of an idea of the pastor’s wife, Mrs. Marion Morris Armstrong. The center grew and fulfilled the needs of the membership and families of the community.
Appointed in 1985, Reverend Andrew Mackey, Jr., 31st pastor of the church, provided strong spiritual leadership. This leadership was powerfully evident in the church’s vitality, spirit-filled services, the variety of church music, youth programs, and community outreach programs. The membership of Varick Memorial shared another turn in its history as Mrs. Kathryn E. Workman; the first female was appointed Trustee Board Chairman by Rev. Andrew Mackey. Jr. The 125th anniversary was celebrated on Sunday, November 19th, 1989. Because of its history and commitment to service, during the 125th Anniversary celebration Varick Memorial was placed in the Bergen County Historical Society. Varick Memorial A. M. E. Zion Church for 125 years provided many meaningful experiences for its members with fellowship deeply imbued with a strong emphasis on Christian Education. It offered the place and climate for wholesome and purposeful communion among the people of God. It inspired many citizens at the forefront of community life, the A. M. E. Zion Church, and the nation. These persons were not only encouraged, but they also inspired the members. T Reverend J. M. Hoggard helped make the Varick Memorial experience a natural dynamic and stimulating. The church was proud of its 485 parishioners from Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, and Passaic counties.
The Rev. John Wesley Smith, D. D. came to Varick Memorial A. M. E. Zion Church on September 3rd, 1992, and brought his first message to a waiting congregation on Sunday, September 6th, 1992. Varick Memorial witnessed a new vision and a growing inner strength under Rev. Smith’s leadership. Varick Memorial experienced new horizons in service and to God. Eight members were re-instated in the church’s spiritual life, and sixteen new members joined Varick Memorial Church. Air condition was installed in the fellowship hall and the church offices. New avenues were explored to enhance the fellowship of Varick Memorial Church. In February 1996, harsh winter and years of wear and tear on the heating system caused the purchase of a new unit to heat the entire edifice. The membership again put their efforts and resources together to make it possible to purchase a new heating system for $18,000.00. Within six weeks, a new unit was purchased and installed. The church was saddened by the passing of its pastor Rev. John Wesley Smith, D.D., on Monday, November 24th, 1997. Bishop Marshall H. Strickland served as interim pastor from November 30th, 1997, through December 31st, 1997.
The Rev. George W. Maize IV was assigned to pastoring a church known for its dedication and perseverance to the denomination and the community since its organization in 1864. In the history of Varick Memorial Church, he is the youngest pastor. However, he accepted the appointment without reservation and came to administrate and shepherd the parishioners. He preached his initial sermon on Sunday, January 4th, 1998. The growth and new awakening took Varick Memorial to new heights. The membership saw much increase in many areas, including youth and young adult members renewing memberships and others joining. The formation of the Victory Mass Choir initiated a Live Recording on September 26 – 27, 1998, and a weekly Bible Study. He revamped the Sunday School and Christian Education Department. His first year as pastor saw sixty-six new members become a part of the Varick Memorial family. The church office and pastor’s study saw a fabulous facelift. A tower of strength and with much restructuring, Varick Memorial began a NEW LIFE. On Easter Sunday Morning 1999, a young man named Alexander Colquhoun rode a pony through the sanctuary depicting Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem on that glorious Easter Sunday. In June 1999, the curtains on the stage in the fellowship hall were replaced at the cost of over $3,000.00. Another year unfolded, the Rev. George W. Maize IV formed Varick Memorial’s first musical band, the James Powell Musical Ensemble. The church was reorganized for another conference year on Tuesday, June 22nd, 1999. The second time in the history of Varick Memorial church, a female, Sister Carmen D. Brown, was appointed as Trustee Board chairperson. On Saturday, July 24th, 1999, Rev. George W. Maize IV informed the congregation at the 10 AM worship service that he had accepted an appointment to the pulpit of First A. M. E. Zion Church, Los Angeles, CA. A total of 92 members were added to the roll during his pastorate. After his departure, the interim pastor appointed to serve was Rev. Lawton Nelson, Jr., Presiding Elder of the Camden District, New Jersey Annual Conference, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He served from July 31st, 1999 – August 29th, 1999.
On September 4th, 1999, Rev. Edward B. Saxon was appointed to Varick Memorial and preached his initial sermon on September 5th, 1999. Rev. Saxon, along with his wife Sophia Saxon, produced two plays written and directed by Sophia. These plays were well received and brought audiences from all over. On June 19th, 2005, Rev. Saxon preached his final sermon at Varick Memorial and relocated to Georgia.
On June 26th, 2005, Rev. Louis M. Richardson, former Presiding Elder of the Jersey City District, New Jersey Annual Conference, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, served as interim pastor. Rev. Richardson oversaw the restoration of the church properties and parsonage. On May 18th, 2006, he was appointed as pastor for the 2007 – 2008 conference year. He served from June 26th, 2005, – June 29th, 2008.
Rev. Theodore Calhoun, Sr., accepted the call and was appointed to take Varick Memorial to the next level in ministry. On July 6th, 2008, Pastor Calhoun preached his initial sermon. During Rev. Calhoun’s tenure, the sanctuary, the church’s exterior, and the parsonage were given a facelift, and the spirit of the church was raised to new heights. Rev. Calhoun preached his last sermon and baptized eight children at Varick Memorial on January 15th, 2012.
Rev. George W. Maize III, as part of his official duties as Presiding Elder for the Jersey City District, Rev. Maize preached his first sermon on January 22nd, 2012, after being was assigned to Varick Memorial by Bishop Louis Hunter. Rev. Maize continued to bring the word and continued the work that Rev. Calhoun started. On May 20th, 2012, during the 138th session of the New Jersey Annual Conference, Rev. Maize was appointed to Varick Memorial.
Rev. Dr. Melanie Miller, a dynamic preacher, and leader accepted the first woman to shepherd the Varick Memorial congregation. She preached her first sermon on January 20th, 2013. As a progressive leader, her arrival brought new life to the congregation and introduced the church to its current faith-based initiative. Rev. Dr. Miller’s vision, mission, and goals for Varick Memorial focused on “Living by Faith.” Throughout the years, education and training on living by the word of God by faith was the theme for the many sermons preached and relevant bible studies she and her husband, Rev. Jimmie Miller, led. She restructured the Class Leader system to provide a more productive means to connect and care for members and a bi-annual (twice a year) outreach initiative for each class. She also established an Emergency Response protocol activated during inclement weather and throughout the coronavirus pandemic. She started her pastoral assignment with a $50,000.00 renovation to the church parsonage paid for by the Miller family. With the spirit running high and having faith, the fellowship hall was remodeled and dedicated as the “Bishop Enoch B. Rochester Fellowship Hall,” the mortgage was burned on all properties, including the parsonage, and work began on renovating church properties, including the old parsonage.
Additionally, the church completed numerous significant repairs such as replacing the roofs of the church, rental properties, and parsonage, replacing the sanctuary and fellowship hall air conditioning units, and repaving the parking lot. Two of the most rewarding projects completed under her tenure were v a fully functioning community pantry. All this was done without having a fundraiser or asking for pledges. Varick Memorial celebrated its 150th anniversary with the entire community during her tenure by having a celebratory parade. The community honored Varick Memorial by ceremonially renaming Atlantic Street “Varick Memorial Way.” During her final years as the pastor, Rev. Dr. Miller navigated Varick Memorial through some of the most challenging times the world had ever faced. Over 800,000 people died, and millions suffered in the U.S. and even more worldwide during the coronavirus pandemic from COVID-19 and its variants. She developed a virtual worship and study ministry using ZOOM, Facebook Live, and a couple of other technological platforms under the audiovisual leadership of her husband, Rev. Jimmie Miller. The implementation and operation of the virtual ministry before and during the pandemic kept the entire church “Connected, Encouraged, and Informed.” The church was able to secure over $215,000.00 in grants and disaster loans to assist the church in functioning and completing necessary projects during the pandemic. Because of her courageous leadership, Varick Memorial continues to “Live by Faith by Seeking God first.”
Rev. Rashaun Booker was appointed as pastor Effective January 2nd, 2022.
The church pays everlasting tribute to the following clergy who accepted the call to serve as spiritual leaders of this congregation: J. Porter. 1869-73; I. A. Wright, 1873-79; J.C. Dawsey. 1879-83; J.T. Tilghman, 1883-86; A.D. Coles, 1886-88; J. Butler, 1888-92; J. Saunders, 1892-94; J.C. Savage, 1894-95; J. C. Nichols, 1895-96; A.D. Cephas, 1896-97; S.O. Harper, 1897-1900; J.C. Corruthers, 1900-02; J.D. Mead, 1902-05; J.H. Batchler, 1905-08; A.R. Jackson, 1908-11; C.H. Brown, 1911-13; J.H. White, 1913-15; I.B. Walter, one month; I.B. Turner, 1915-18; J.D. Virgil, 1918-21; A.K. Wakefield, 1921-28; J.E. Ferris, 1928-31; J.M. Hoggard, 1931-34; S.H. Williams, 1934-37; C.M. Kirkpatrick, 1937-52; R.L. Drew, 1952-54; G.L. Blackwell, 1954-66; M. Brandon, Jr., 1966-74; J.D. Armstrong, 1974-85; A. Mackey, Jr., 1985-92; John W. Smith 1992-1997; Rev. George W. Maize IV, 1998 – 1999; Rev. Edward B. Saxon, 1999 – 2005; Rev. Louis M. Richardson 2005-2008; Rev. Theodore Calhoun, Sr. 2008-January 15,2012; Rev. Dr. George W. Maize III, interim pastor January 16th, 2012- May 19th, 2012; Rev. Dr. George W. Maize III, pastor May 20th, 2012 – January 19,2013; Rev. Dr. Melanie Miller January 20th, 2013 – January 1st, 2022, Rev. Rashaun Booker January 2nd, 2022 – present.
