The Farm

Ministries

Located one mile from State Highway 12, just shy of Frenchtown, the eighteenth century house has a fully equipped kitchen, spacious dining and living area, and six bedrooms providing accommodations for 12 overnight guests. The Farm consists of 100 acres of woodlands with hiking trails and an outdoor chapel. It is a place where we can take time to seek unity with God and with one another in quiet solitude away from the stress of daily life.

A committee of volunteers cares for The Farm (both church members and friends of the farm).

The Farm is maintained through fees generated from rentals. The Woodlands Management Program, helps offset property taxes. The Farm is available to church members, and non-profit organizations. For-profit groups may also submit an application for use of the Farm to be considered by the committee.

History

The First Reformed Church of Somerville, was interested in the renewal the church...and retreats were a vital part of the nurture of its members. On retreats one could "center down", review priorities...a time apart. Various groups went to Kirkridge in Bangor, Pennsylvania for several years...and then came the dream of having our own renewal center. In the spring of 1963 a interested members gathered to consider this possibility. Committees were formed to find the place and to plan the program. The Committee traveled and looked at most every farm for sale in Hunterdon County. The parameters were beauty, ability to control the view, a stream and a sound house. In late October 1963 an we toured "The Farm" and our search was over! The big job then followed…educating the congregation and raising the money! The congregational meeting was held in December and the money was raised. The first retreat was held at The Farm in mid-March and the formal dedication was in mid May 1964. In September 1974, The Farm became part of United Reformed Church formed by the merger of The First Reformed Church and the Second Reformed Church both in Somerville.

For further information a Farm Use Application and fee schedule contact:

urc@unitedreformedchurchsomerville.org