the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Franklin Lakes NJ, five years after a tragic fire destroyed it, the Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Franklin Lakes has reopened with a brand-new $17.4 million sanctuary. The church celebrated the occasion with a Mass of Dedication on September 17, filling the 700-person capacity sanctuary with parishioners eager to witness this long-awaited moment. The Mass was led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, alongside the church’s pastor, Rev. John R. Job.
A Community Rebuilt with Faith and Perseverance
Former Mayor and building committee chairman, Frank Bivona, marked the occasion by reading a proclamation during the presentation of the building’s plans to Cardinal Tobin. The Cardinal praised the community’s resilience, saying, “The joy of this community and its enduring perseverance is a great contribution to the archdiocese…God bless you for your faith, your trust, and your welcome.”
The new sanctuary, designed by Foresight Architects and LAN Associates, was built to honor the past while embracing the future. It retains the circular layout of the original church and includes several modern additions, such as a community gathering hall with a kitchen, a 90-seat chapel, and classrooms for children’s religious education.
Honoring the Past Through Design
The new church incorporates elements salvaged from other religious institutions, symbolizing both restoration and renewal. Stained-glass windows were brought in from the Sacred Heart Church in Jersey City, and the altar is graced by an 8-foot-tall crucifix sculpted by Jay Hall Carpenter. The new organ was constructed by Peragallo Pipe Organ Co., while the tabernacle was gifted by nearby St. Paul Church in Ramsey.
One of the church’s most cherished features is the trio of bells cast in 1875, originally from St. Alphonsus Church in Manhattan. Although the original bell tower was lost in the fire, the bells were restored and updated at Christoph Paccard Bell Foundry in Charleston, South Carolina, and now reside in a new tower over the church’s entrance.
Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks
Rev. John R. Job reflected on the journey, stating, “This new church building is the result of God’s grace working through a shared vision of the people who came together to study, reflect, and pray for the creative guidance of the Holy Spirit.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by the 2,000-member parish community, which included planning and rebuilding during the pandemic.
The church had been operating out of the all-purpose room of its adjacent Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament since the arson attack on December 11, 2019. Despite numerous challenges, the congregation’s faith never wavered, culminating in this joyful moment of rededication.
The Aftermath of the Fire
James Mayers, a local resident and church member, was arrested at the scene of the fire and later found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was committed to Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Morris Plains and will remain under court supervision until 2049. The fire and the subsequent legal proceedings added a layer of emotional complexity to the church’s path to recovery.
Now, as the parish looks forward to its future, the new Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament stands as a testament to the power of faith, community, and perseverance.
For more information on services, visit the church’s website.
Five years after a tragic fire destroyed it, the Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Franklin Lakes has reopened with a brand-new $17.4 million sanctuary. The church celebrated the occasion with a Mass of Dedication on September 17, filling the 700-person capacity sanctuary with parishioners eager to witness this long-awaited moment. The Mass was led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, alongside the church’s pastor, Rev. John R. Job.
Honoring the Past Through Design
The new church incorporates elements salvaged from other religious institutions, symbolizing both restoration and renewal. Stained-glass windows were brought in from the Sacred Heart Church in Jersey City, and the altar is graced by an 8-foot-tall crucifix sculpted by Jay Hall Carpenter. The new organ was constructed by Peragallo Pipe Organ Co., while the tabernacle was gifted by nearby St. Paul Church in Ramsey.
One of the church’s most cherished features is the trio of bells cast in 1875, originally from St. Alphonsus Church in Manhattan. Although the original bell tower was lost in the fire, the bells were restored and updated at Christoph Paccard Bell Foundry in Charleston, South Carolina, and now reside in a new tower over the church’s entrance.
Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks
Rev. John R. Job reflected on the journey, stating, “This new church building is the result of God’s grace working through a shared vision of the people who came together to study, reflect, and pray for the creative guidance of the Holy Spirit.” He acknowledged the challenges faced by the 2,000-member parish community, which included planning and rebuilding during the pandemic.
The church had been operating out of the all-purpose room of its adjacent Academy of the Most Blessed Sacrament since the arson attack on December 11, 2019. Despite numerous challenges, the congregation’s faith never wavered, culminating in this joyful moment of rededication.
The Aftermath of the Fire
James Mayers, a local resident and church member, was arrested at the scene of the fire and later found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was committed to Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Morris Plains and will remain under court supervision until 2049. The fire and the subsequent legal proceedings added a layer of emotional complexity to the church’s path to recovery.
Now, as the parish looks forward to its future, the new Church of the Most Blessed Sacrament stands as a testament to the power of faith, community, and perseverance.
For more information on services, visit the church’s website.
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A bit repetitive, with identical paragraphs. Glad they recovered and are back in business doings God’s work.