Stone Hill Church of Princeton
Stone Hill Church of Princeton is a gospel-centered, nondenominational evangelical church located in Princeton, New Jersey. With a legacy spanning several decades, the congregation has evolved from a small gathering of charter members into a significant community presence, known for its commitment to biblical teaching, youth ministry, and missionary work.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1956 as Westerly Road Church.
- Denomination: Nondenominational (Evangelical).
- Founders: Helen, Dorothy, and W. Butler Harris.
- Current Location: 1025 Bunn Drive, Princeton, NJ.
- Facility: A LEED certified building of nearly 50,000 square feet.
- Notable Legacy: Strong historical ties to Princeton University and a focus on global missions.
The Origins of Westerly Road Church
The church began in 1956 as Westerly Road Church, established through the initiative of sisters Helen and Dorothy Harris and their brother W. Butler Harris. The siblings, descendants of Princeton Professor Walter Butler Harris and former university treasurer Rev. William Harris, donated the land at the intersection of Westerly and Wilson Roads for the project.
The founders and 22 charter members, including Elmer Engstrom, sought a spiritual home that prioritized missionary activity and biblical teaching. The original sanctuary was a pre-fabricated structure purchased from U.S. Steel Homes Inc. for $30,000. The building arrived by train at the Princeton Junction Station before being trucked to its site. The first services were held on November 25, 1956, attracting 100 attendees in the morning and 30 in the evening.
Early Leadership and Growth
The Harris siblings appointed their cousin, the Rev. Edward H. Morgan, as the founding pastor. A graduate of Princeton University (1938) and Princeton Theological Seminary (1942), Morgan led the congregation until 1980. Under his leadership, the church experienced rapid growth, particularly among children. By 1958, the Sunday school had 85 children, necessitating the addition of classrooms and an assembly hall in 1959, followed by another ten-room expansion in 1966.
The church was a pioneer in the area for youth outreach, offering Vacation Bible School and supporting a local chapter of Young Life, even when such efforts faced opposition from other local clergy.
Missionary Focus and University Ties
By the time of Pastor Morgan's retirement in 1980, the church had developed a profound commitment to global outreach, allocating 50% of its general fund to mission work and supporting 28 missionary families. Many of these missionaries were former students or members who had grown up within the congregation.
The church also maintained a close relationship with Princeton University, largely through the Princeton Christian Fellowship (PCF). This connection brought influential figures into the fold, including the theologian John Frame. In 1976, when zoning restrictions prevented the expansion of the main sanctuary, the church instead planted a daughter church, Windsor Chapel.
Leadership Transitions and the Learning Center
Following Paul Bawden's tenure (1980–1985), Matthew P. Ristuccia was called as senior pastor in 1985. Ristuccia, an alumnus of Princeton and Grace Theological Seminary with a Doctor of Ministry from Dallas Theological Seminary, had joined the church as an undergraduate student. During the 1980s, the church expanded its community service by founding the Learning Center to support homeschooled students.
In July 2020, Ristuccia retired and was succeeded by his longtime associate pastor, Tracy Troxel.
Relocation and the Transition to Stone Hill
For 57 years, the congregation operated on Westerly Road. However, by the mid-1990s, the facility—originally designed for 125 people—was housing 500. Efforts to expand were thwarted by a Princeton Township Committee zoning amendment that restricted the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for churches in residential zones to 0.125, effectively blocking any significant additions.
After a failed attempt to relocate to Lawrence Township in 2004, the church acquired property at 1025 Bunn Drive in 2010. Despite some local opposition, the congregation successfully built a nearly 50,000 square foot LEED certified facility, which opened in December 2013. As part of the development, the church granted a permanent conservation easement over the southern third of the site to protect wetlands and provide trail access to the Herrontown Woods Arboretum.
With the move, the church was renamed Stone Hill Church of Princeton, referencing the Rocky Hill Ridge and the extensive stone removal required for the foundation. The new facility includes a fellowship hall named after the Harris family and a prayer chapel named "Westerly," which houses the original communion table and cross.
Church Overview Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Former Name | Westerly Road Church |
| Founding Date | November 25, 1956 |
| Founding Pastors | Rev. Edward H. Morgan |
| Key Leaders | Paul Bawden, Matt Ristuccia, Tracy Troxel |
| Current Facility | LEED certified, ~50,000 sq ft (Bunn Drive) |
| Notable Members | Elmer William Engstrom, John Frame, Donald B. Fullerton |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the church change its name from Westerly Road to Stone Hill?
The name change occurred in 2013 following the relocation to Bunn Drive. "Stone Hill" refers to the Rocky Hill Ridge where the church is located and the significant amount of stone that had to be excavated for the building's foundation.
What is the significance of the LEED certification for the new building?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification indicates that the facility was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across metrics such as energy savings, water efficiency, and CO2 emissions reduction.
How did the church support the local environment during its relocation?
The church granted a permanent conservation easement over the wetlands on the southern third of its property, ensuring the land remains protected and providing public trail access to the Herrontown Woods Arboretum.
What was the reason for the original church's move from Westerly Road?
The congregation had outgrown its original building, which was designed for 125 people but housed 500. Local zoning amendments restricted the church's ability to expand the existing structure, making relocation the only viable option for growth.
Who were the founders of the church?
The church was founded by siblings Helen, Dorothy, and W. Butler Harris, who donated the original land for the Westerly Road Church.