TOMS RIVER – A historic Presbyterian church has gone from house of worship to coffee house in its lifetime, and it is looking for a new tenant.
In 2007, Dunkin Donuts set up shop in the classic building. Going inside was a treat – but not just for the taste buds. It was a fascinating anachronism to see the modern corporate donut shop inside a building that was more than 150 years old. Beautiful stained glass windows are set up behind the counters. A balcony overlooks the scene. Many book stores have a café in them, so it makes sense to have one attached to a library, even though you can’t bring food or drink where the books are.
The Library Cafe is nonprofit and operated by the NJ State Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NJCBVI) and Dunkin Donuts was provided by them, library director Sue Quinn said. This is the same organization that provides candy and refreshment stands in many courts throughout the state.
The library is currently working with the Commission to bring in another vendor for the café. There are only plans for a café, and no other uses are being considered at this time, she said.
If someone is interested in operating it, they should contact the Commission at state.nj.us/humanservices/cbvi/
Library research staff provided the documents for this article, primarily ones compiled by Pauline S. Miller, county historian, and Mary Ellen Hudson, clerk of session for the church.
Despite its modern interior, the cornerstone of the church was laid in 1852 and it was dedicated in 1858. Timber and siding came from the Double Trouble saw mill in Berkeley. The land was donated by Edward and Sarah Allen and George and Lydia Cornelius, the same couples who donated the land in 1850 for the Ocean County Courthouse across the street. The architectural plans are slightly altered from another church in Princeton.
Each of the windows has its own theme. On the north side, there is The Water of Life, The Light of the World, The Giver of Spirit, Christ is King, and I Am the Door. On the south side, there is The Prince of Peace, The Divine Teacher, The True Vine, The Great Physician, The Bread of Life, and The Son of Man.
The Presbyterians used it from the 1850s until the early 1970s when their numbers grew beyond the small building. The new church was dedicated in 1970 and stands at the corner of Chestnut Street and Hooper Avenue.
Soon after, a drug rehabilitation program named PHOTOGRAPH used the property until a sale was completed. The YMCA used the old manse on the property for three months. A coffee house, a Christian-centered ministry to youth, and other uses took place there.
The town purchased it, and then in 1981, the Old Presbyterian Church became part of the Ocean County Library and was used as a 150-person meeting room.
In 1990, the steeple was struck by lightning, leaving an open gash almost 6 feet by 3 feet. In 2005, the steeple was torn down after it was learned that it was damaged by termites and might be dangerous. The steeple that’s there now was installed in 2007.
The chimes from the original steeple were recorded. If you hear the bell tolling, it’s actually the recording of the original bell. That bell has been moved to a new location.
In May of 2007, Dunkin’ Donuts opened in that facility through a contract with the State Commission of the Blind and Visually Impaired. It closed in March of 2020.
