History
1954
- On June 1st, the Rev. F. Kenneth Shirk took up residence in an apartment on Plainfield Ave. He began to survey and make calls to begin a Lutheran Church in the Edison-Metuchen area.
- The first worship service was held in Lincoln School on September 19 with 140 in attendance. Of those, 100 indicated a desire to join the mission church.
- On December 15, the first congregational meeting was held in Lincoln School with 53 attending. The name of "St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church" was chosen and a constitution was adopted. The first Church Council was elected.
- A service of Organization was held in Stelton School on December 19 with 133 adults and 103 children received into membership. The Church Council was installed.
1955
- The Rev. Kenneth Shirk was called as the first pastor. Worship services were held in Lincoln School, then in Washington School and, in the summer months, in the Union Hall on Vineyard Road. Each week a portable altar and hymnals, etc. were transported from members' homes to the place of worship.
1956
- The church site of almost five acres on Old Post Road was purchased in March for $18,000 with a loan from the Board of American Missions. The parsonage at 13 Raleigh Road was purchased in June for $12,990.
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