About the Church of Christ

We are undenominational and have no central headquarters or president. The head of the church is none other than Jesus Christ Himself:

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
Mattews 16:18

These words were spoken by Jesus over 2000 years ago. The fact that Jesus is the Son of God, the Prophet promised by God in Deuteronomy 18:15, the Messiah, is the foundation rock the church is built upon. The church are the “called out”, those who have been delivered from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col 1:13).

On the first day of Pentecost after the ascension of our Lord back into heaven Peter used the keys of the Kingdom to open its doors and those that gladly received his message was added to the church on that day (Acts 2).

We are simply Christians, we wear no man made name, nor do we follow any man made creed. Our worship is simple and is fashioned after the model of the Christians of the first century.

  • Singing (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16)
  • Communion (Acts 20:7, I Corinthians 13:23-32)
  • Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
  • Preaching the Word (Acts 20:7)
  • Collection among the members or saints (1 Corinthians 16:1)

There are many types of religious organizations that teach all types of different things. We encourage you open your copy of the Bible and check out what we say and compare them to the words of the Jesus and his apostles.

About the Trenton congregation

The North Clinton Church of Christ had its modest beginning in 1948. In the beginning there was a spark, the spark was good and the spark was shared. It all happened when Sister Viola Willis introduced the doctrine of Christ to her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. Allen. After they obeyed the gospel, they opened their home at 125 Capital Street, Trenton, New Jersey to a handful of Christians. They began to worship faithfully every Sunday under the leadership of Brother Jackson Simmons.

Sister Willis dedicated herself to helping the Lord’s work in progress, by temporarily giving up her job in Bernardsville, New Jersey, and moving back to Trenton, New Jersey. Christians who worked with Brother Simmons and Sis. Willis included Sister Olivia Simmons, Brother Nathan Carter and his wife, Rosebud, Brother Pete Mastrobia, Sister Mattie Poole, and Sister Epsey Johnson.

These pioneers had a burning desire to spread the good news all over Trenton, New Jersey. Sometimes they were hindered by family obligations, physical limitations and financial obstacles, but they endured. It was challenging sometimes, just to get to worship service in Trenton, because it was a fifty-mile ride. Occasionally, the weather was so cold; they needed to wrap in blankets to keep warm while traveling. Despite the ordinary problems, they were extraordinarily determined to remain steadfast in spreading God’s word and doing His will. Thus, the congregation began to grow.

In a year, the congregation grew in faith and number. It became necessary for some members to worship and fellowship at the Allen’s home while others met at the home of Brother & Sister Ben Burks, Sr. The fellowship continued wit song service and Bible study before the departure to Madison, New Jersey for evening worship. The congregation grew and Brother Bentley and others from Newark, New Jersey came to worship with the Christians in Trenton. To help edify the growing membership, Brother Jeff Bailey began teaching Thursday nights.

The congregation continued to grow as others were added daily. Eventually the Christians moved to the YMCA. In the early 1950’s they were able to move from the YMCA to another location at 84 Norman Avenue, Trenton, NJ. The Lord blessed the Christians and the growth continued. In 1959, through God’s guidance, the Christians purchased a building at 434 North Clinton Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey.

Brother Nathan Carter continued to preach the gospel and many souls were added to the fold. He along with the faithful brethren ministered those in need. Among those souls added were Brother Fitzhugh Brown and his wife, Mary. Brother F. Brown edified many as he encouraged through his gift of songs. During this time, great strides were being made toward the advancement of Christ’s Church.

Under the ministry of Brother Matthews, Sr., a new church building was erected in 1990 and was dedicated on July 28, 1991. The former building is now our Annex and is used for various church activities. Brother Clarence Scarborough, Sr. developed a program to feed the less fortunate every Thanksgiving holiday. Brother Goldman “Jimmy” Wilson expanded this program to provide meals on a monthly basis to the less fortunate. As Brother Wilson always reminds us “good things are happening at Clinton Avenue.”

In 1994, Brother Michael Brown became the Associate Minister of the congregation. He has moved to Huntsville, Alabama and is now serving as the minister of the Church of Christ in Lewisburg, Tennessee with his wife, Linda, and family. Brother Wayne Conner, Sr. was ordained on September 16, 2001 and currently serves as the Associate Minister. Brother Conner, together with his wife, Elaine, also directs our Youth Ministry. Our children are being taught and trained in the way of the Lord.

In October 2007 Brother Conner accepted the role of Minister for a growing church in Tennessee.  Brother Christopher Bradley succeeds him as our Associate Minister and will direct our Youth Ministry. Brother Chris brings his wife Keisha and family to continue the tradition of keeping our young Christians focused to Christ.

Some of the early pioneers have deceased such as Brother Jackson Simmons who departed this life on January 16, 2000, at the age of eighty-four. Brother Nathan Carter lives in the state of Florida and continues to preach the gospel at the age of ninety-three. Another pioneer, Sister Mattie Poole is now 105 years old and continues in the faith. Since our beginning sparks, we have grown into a congregation that remains a beacon to light the way. God be thanked for the fifty-mile ride that started our 56-year journey. Let us praise Jehovah for the few that have become the many.