In 1962, two local families in Berkeley Heights, NJ, who were associated with other churches in nearby communities, considered founding a church group in the community. Two additional families of like conviction were approached, and the four families started meeting for discussion and prayer, though still attending their regular places of worship.
Subsequently, the group was formally incorporated during the Spring of 1962 and started to look for property. The group expanded, arrangements were made to rent space for Sunday services at the Mountain Park School, and starting in September 1962, services where held in the school on Sundays. In 1963, the group purchased the current property at 763 Mountain Avenue, built a building and began meeting in the new building in December 1966. This original local gathering of Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ came together in a non-denominational, evangelical way ascribing to New Testament principles in Acts 2:42 “And they devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” From the beginning, a schedule of services was initiated including a weekly breaking of bread (communion service), Bible-oriented messages, weekly Bible studies and prayer, and youth activities. Numerous community outreach ministries were also initiated including summer vacation bible school, nursing home visitation, and special family meetings.
Believers at Mountain Ridge Bible Chapel continue to meet in accordance with New Testament principles, declare “Jesus Christ as Lord” (2 Corinthians 4:5), and teach and proclaim Jesus Christ to those in the Berkeley Heights greater area.