About Us

Our Journey

Cresskill Congregational Church traces its roots back to the mid-19th century, where it began as a small Sunday School gathering under the guidance of Alexander McKelvey in May 1856. Initially meeting in the Coley house on County Road in Tenafly, the congregation's journey reflects a remarkable evolution from modest beginnings to a vibrant center of community and faith.

Over the decades, the congregation, largely comprised of individuals residing in and around Cresskill and a decision was made to formalize a church in Cresskill. Led by Mr. Alfred Sneed, a student from the Missionary Alliance in Nyack, the Gospel Church of Cresskill was officially organized on March 21, 1907, with 59 charter members. Mr. Alexander Fraser succeeded Mr. Sneed, leading the church during a pivotal period where it elected to affiliate with the Congregational Church on September 10, 1910.

From the establishment of the Ladies Aid Society, which predates the church's formal organization, to providing ministry and support during World War I, the church has continually sought to enrich the lives of those it touches. Additionally, the church has played a pivotal role in the development of community institutions, including the town's Senior Center, which initially found a home in the church's basement.

Continuing its legacy of service and community engagement, the Cresskill Congregational Church remains a dynamic force in the present day. Through initiatives such as hosting LGBTQ+ youth support groups like The Rainbow Cafe and spearheading outreach programs to aid the less fortunate, the church remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Our Governance Structure

Officers, Boards & Committees, and Church Council

as of November 2023

Officers

Moderator                       

Pat Flynn

Jack Flynn 

Treasurer                       

Robert D. Hargrove, Sr.

Financial Secretary         

Dr. Jack Rickly

Church Clerk                   

Cindy Micucci

Boards & Committees

Board of Trustees
Mike Depalo, Co-Chair, Class of 2026

Bob Hargrove Jr., Co-Chair, Class of 2025

Phil Daly, Class of 2026

Elaine Hargrove, Class of 2024

Rob Michelson, Class of 2026

Karen Minkler, Class of 2026

Jack Rickly, Class of 2026

Mike Depalo, Class of 2026

Board of Deacons
Glenn Woertz, Chair, Class of 2024

Opal Horvat, Class of 2023

Jack Rickly, Class of 2023

Bob Hargrove, Jr. Class of 2024

Howard Vigusin, Class of 2024

Bob Hargrove, Sr., Class of 2022

Charlie Waage, Class of 2022

Jane Zimmerman, Class of 2022

Richard Foster, Class of 2023

Committees of the Board of Trustees
Stewardship Committee – Consisting of seven (7) or more members from various boards + Financial Secretary, Treasurer and Pastor
Mike Depalo

Bob Hargrove Sr.

Jack Rickly

Board of Christian Education -
Christine Depalo, Co-Chair, Class of 2026

Mary Foster, Co-Chair, Class of 2025

Scott Foster, Class of 2024

Bonnie Slockett, Class of 2026

Cindy Micucci, Class of 2027

Board of Outreach -
Mary Foster, Chair, Class of 2026

Pat Flynn, Class of 2026

Jack Flynn, Class of 2025

Bonnie Slockett, Class of 2025

Shelisa Foster, Class of 2026

Opal Horvat, Class of 2025

Howard Vigusin, Class of 2025 

Board of Deacons                           

Glenn Woertz

Board of Christian Education                 

Christine DePalo

Mary Foster

Board of Outreach                           

Mary Foster   

Nominating Committee

Consisting of the Chairs of the various boards and the Moderator
Heads of all church Boards, Moderator, Pastor

Property and Grounds Committee

Consisting of one Trustee and other Volunteers
Mike Depalo

Phil Daly

Bob Hargrove, Jr.

Budget Committee

Consisting of Chair of Trustees + 4 other Trustees + Treasurer + Pastor
Bob Hargrove Jr.

Bob Hargrove Sr.

Jack Rickly

Personnel Committee

Consisting of Chair of Trustees + 2 other members of any board
Mike Depalo

Phil Daly

Rob Michelson

Finance Committee

Consisting of 3 members of Board of Trustees
Bob Hargrove, Jr.

Jack Rickly

Rob Michelson

Bob Hargrove, Sr.

Central Atlantic Conference Delegate         

New Jersey Association Delegate             

Music Committee

Consisting of at least three members
Lindy Clarke

Julie Schmidt

Cheryl Woertz, Ex-Officio

Rainbow Cafe NNJ Committee

Pat Flynn

Jack Flynn

Carolyn Schinkel

Alicia Ross

Sunshine Committee

Howard Vigusin

Subcommittees

Just Peace

Mary Mayer

Lindy Clarke

Sally Bartlett

Church Council

Consisting of the Pastor, Moderator, Clerk, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, and the member representatives of all church Boards, Committees and church ministries (e.g. White Elephant).

Pastor                                    Rev. Dr. Kendall Moore

Moderator                              Pat and Jack Flynn

Clerk                                      Cindy Micucci

Financial Secretary               Jack Rickly

Treasurer                               Robert D. Hargrove, Sr.

White Elephant Ministry                     

Karen Minkler