Sights & Sounds: Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Linden
Tucked away in a suburban neighborhood, St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish often catches visitors by surprise. Rounding a street corner, one is suddenly confronted by a striking Romanesque church, built of brick and limestone. This impressive building bears testament to how Christianity often grows and flourishes in humble places.
Linden was a quiet farming district when the first Catholics arrived in the 1900s. By the end of that century, about 14 Catholic families lived in the area. They celebrated Mass in one of their houses when a priest could be found.
It was not until 1909 that the first public Mass was offered in Linden by Father Francis Koch, O.F.M., Director of the Catholic Church Extension Society in New Jersey. With the support of the Franciscan, a chapel was built, and, according to church records, “an organ was provided, and the Sisters of St. Mary’s Church in Elizabeth donated Stations of the Cross, benches, and pews.”
The number of worshippers quickly grew; a year later, a parish was established. The first church was constructed in 1912 and served the community for four decades.
By the early 1950s, however, the community had outgrown that church, and a new one had to be built. Designed by architect John Barth, its most striking feature is the statue of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary — patroness of widows, bakers, and the homeless — set in front of the façade’s large rose window. The adjacent brick tower features a comparable statue of the crucified Christ.
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Parish continues to serve a diverse variety of worshippers, reflecting the multicultural population of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Click HERE to view more images of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Linden, NJ.
Each week, Jersey Catholic features the rich and inspiring “Sights & Sounds” of the Archdiocese of Newark. Visit us regularly to explore our vibrant parishes, sacred artworks, historic landmarks, and the faithful men, women and youth who bring our Catholic community to life.
Featured image: The façade of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Linden, New Jersey. (All photos by John Touhey / Archdiocese of Newark)
