150th Anniversary of the Diocese of Newark

Diocese of Newark: Yesterday, Today & Forever
Learning Our Past, Embracing Our Present, and Inviting You into Our Future

The Diocese of Newark was founded on November 12, 1874, and we are spending the 2024-2025 program year celebrating 150 years of serving northern New Jersey.

150th Anniversary Logo

Bold Faith in Action: The Diocese of Newark’s 150-year history

This video tells the story of the Diocese of Newark’s 150-year history through historical photos and modern footage, showing how parishes across northern New Jersey have grown together and supported one another since 1874. From founding hospitals and youth camps to supporting food pantries, housing initiatives, and social justice causes, Diocese of Newark parishes have consistently stepped up to meet community needs. This video celebrates our legacy of faith and service and invites viewers to consider how they might contribute to the next chapter of this continuing story. (Time: 6:47.)

The Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee has planned a variety of events

FLYER OF 2025 EVENTS [PDF]

May 16
7:00 pm

150th Anniversary Concert

Along with an array of music, the concert will include information about the diocese’s past, present and future.
More Info
May 17
10:30 am

Worship Service with Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe

The service will include Eucharist and the preacher and celebrant will be Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe.
More Info
Jun 18 - 22, 2025

Pilgrimage to the American South

For the culminating event of the Diocese of Newark’s 150th Anniversary, join Bishop Hughes on a powerful pilgrimage through Alabama, retracing the footsteps of history and the brave souls who fought for civil rights.
More Info

Check out past events

Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024: Kickoff BBQ at Cross Roads Camp
VIEW PHOTOS ON FLICKR

Friday & Saturday, Nov. 8-9, 2024: 150th Diocesan Convention
VIEW PHOTOS ON FLICKR

Jan. 21-Feb. 11, 2025: Speaker Series

The Rev. Dr. Amy Peeler, Associate Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College
The Rt. Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Suffragan Bishop, Diocese of Canterbury, UK
The Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Canon Theologian at Washington National Cathedral
Mr. Ray Suarez, Broadcast Journalist, Author, and Episcopalian
Watch videos on YouTube

Now Is the Time: 150th Anniversary Hymn

The Diocese of Newark commissioned this new hymn for our 150th anniversary, in thanksgiving for 150 years of mission and ministry in northern New Jersey. It debuted on November 9, 2024 at our 150th Annual Diocesan Convention. (Time: 4:28.)

Composed by David Bjorlin (words) and Mark Miller (music).

DOWNLOAD THE MUSICAL SCORE

Questions?

Contact the Co – Chairs of the Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee:

Jerry Racioppi

The Rev. Jerry Racioppi

Contact
Nerissa Boccino

Nerissa Boccino

Contact

Members of the Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee

Bishop Hughes – Diocese of Newark
Gail Barkley – Trinity St. Philip’s Cathedral, Newark / Florence Li Tim-Oi
Scott Bennett – The Saviour, Denville / Constance
Andy Olivo – St. Elizabeth, Ridgewood / Benedict of Nursia
Susan Rennie – St. Peter’s, Morristown / Harriett Tubman
Diane Riley – Grace, Madison / Evelyn Underhill
Michele Simon – St. Paul’s, Englewood / Augustine of Hippo
Cathie Studwell – St. Bartholemew’s, Ho-Ho-Kus / Benedict of Nursia

Diocesan Staff Liaisons

John King – St. Andrew’s, Harrington Park / Bendict of Nursia
Cynthia McChesney – Christ Church, Short Hills / Evelyn Underhill
Nina Nicholson – St. George’s, Maplewood / Evelyn Underhill