Preserving Grace Episcopal Church's Bell Tower

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Photo credits: Dan Meredith

Grace Episcopal Church is located on West Passaic Avenue. It is a beautiful English Gothic-style building that holds so much history and so many memories for generations Rutherford residents and nearby neighbors. The bell tower was donated by the ladies of the church in the 1860's. However, the bell tower is in need of significant repairs. This Is Rutherford interviewed Reverend Dr. Karen Rezach to learn more about the church and their upcoming fundraiser to preserve the bell tower.

Reverend Dr. Karen Rezach

TIR: How long have you been the Reverend at Grace Episcopal Church?

Reverend Dr. Karen Rezach: I came to Grace Church in 2020 during Covid, so this is my 6th year. I am the part-time pastor.

TIR: Grace Episcopal Church is a beautiful historic building that means so much to so many generations of Rutherford families.  Tell us about what this church means to you.

RKR: Grace Church is at the top of the hill on West Passaic, so it reminds me of the gospel verses from Matthew 5:14-16: "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in heaven." We at Grace need to live God's love, and be the conduit of that love and caring for all the members of Rutherford through our outreach programs and community involvement.

The building is magnificent, and what we do that emanates from that building needs to be equally impactful and inspirational to others, whether they belong to Grace Church or not. Out church belongs to everyone in Rutherford, and I believe the ministries of our church need to also reflect that belonging.

TIR: The Bell Tower of the Church is in need of repairs so that the bell can be rung again.  What can you tell us about the types of repairs that are needed?

RKR: There are significant structural issues.

The photographs below show the damages within and around the bell tower.

TIR: What is the significance of the bell to you and your congregation?

RKR: The bell tower is a meaningful part of the church's identity. A carillon rings at the top of every hour, and I am sure that many in the immediate area hear that bell. Though it's not the actual bell, which one day we hope it will be, the ringing hourly bell is a part of the daily life of our community.

TIR: On June 27th, Grace Episcopal Church will be holding a fundraiser to preserve the bell tower at San Carlo in Lyndhurst, NJ.  What can people expect to enjoy at this important fundraising event?

RKR: It's going to be a fun night of great food, great drinks, great music, great raffle items and many people gathered to not only have a wonderful night out, but also to support our efforts to save this iconic bell tower. We envision it as a wonderful community event, bringing together people not only from out parish, but also from throughout out community. Please invite your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors - all are welcome!

Please use this LINK to purchase tickets and/or sponsor this upcoming fundraising event.

TIR: Anything else you would like to add?

RKR: I so appreciate the support of the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce, especially President Dan Meredith. I also greatly appreciate all of those sponsors who are supporting our effort. We hope to meet new people at the event and make new friends! Thank you, and God bless you!