Oak Tree History

Oak Tree Presbyterian Church began as a shared dream. A diverse group of residents in what was known as the Oak Tree section of Edison yearned for the convenience of an ethnically integrated community church. Nurtured in its infancy by both the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen and the former Marconnier Reformed Church (now the Edison Valley Playhouse), the new congregation began worship in the Fall of 1963 in the gym of the Oak Tree Elementary School on Oak Tree Road. From the Beginning the church has been a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA) national body.
 
Once the congregation had been established under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Chester Davis, its organizing pastor, Oak Tree called the Rev. Robert Seaman to be its first permanent pastor in the Spring of 1966. Through Rev. Seaman's vision and energy and the commitment of its charter members, the congregation celebrated its first service in its own building two years later on Palm Sunday, 1968. Subsequent pastors of the church have included the Rev. Edward Younken (1975-1981), the Rev. Jeffrey Chesebro (1982-1992), the Rev. Richard Oppelt (1994-2007) and the Rev. Jill Hedlund Kitsko (2007-present).
 

Now, more than forty years after its initial charter, Oak Tree Church continues a full calendar of activities and programs for all ages. The size of the congregation makes it a place "where everyone knows your name". Our worship is informal, yet reverent in an unusual sanctuary that also serves as a meeting place for church dinners, special events and community groups.
 
Worship in the reformed tradition and somewhat blended in style. On the 4th Sunday of each month, the worship is family-friendly, relaxed, interactive and welcoming to the children worshipping with us.
 
Oak Tree's building has always been open to the community. We are home to the Lord of Hope Korean Presbyterian Church, the Love of Jesus Family Indian Church and Salta.. We also host a variety of twelve-step and scouting groups.