Friendship Hall

recovery from tragedy

Moving Forward

On February 28th, 2024, a catastrophic fire struck Friendship Hall, a facility owned by the First Baptist Church of New Market (FBCNM) which houses FISH, Inc. Food Bank and Clothing Room, and provides a meeting place for multiple “AA” groups now known as “36 Principals”. These groups have been displaced by the fire and disrupted the services they provide. FBCNM is committed to building and restoring Friendship Hall so it may continue to support the community in the years to come.

Today we are moving to the yet another phase of recovery of the building by enclosing and refitting the newer portion to allow the FISH Food Bank to return limited operations to Friendship Hall as well as make way for the burned portion to be rebuilt better than ever.

If you would like to assist in the recovery of the Friendship Hall Community Center please make donations to our GoFundMe page.

Support Rebuilding Friendship Hall

FISH Inc. Response

"36 Principals" Response

In response, FISH, Inc. with backing from FBCNM, Piscataway Township, the Community Food Bank of NJ, and other community groups have mobilized to reconstruct their supply chain and sustain their vital mission in aiding those in need. Despite the loss of their physical facility and lost resources, FISH has been able to continue food distribution in the FBCNM parking lot utilizing the same outdoor distribution procedures as used during the COVID-19 lockdown, however this effort is not without its challenges, resource short falls and new costs.

"36 Principals" Response

Meanwhile the various chapters of “36 Principals” are in the process of relocating to other facilities while there are chapters which are still looking for meeting places. The FBCNM Leadership had reached out to the “36 Principals” groups to help facilitate their relocation if possible. Updates for “36 Principles” groups will be shared as they become available.

FBCNM Response

"36 Principals" Response

FBCNM Response

The FBCNM Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees have acted swiftly to secure the building and remaining contents as well as clearing and making safe the surrounding area while allowing the Piscataway Township and other agencies to perform their required investigations to lay the groundwork for rebuilding and restoring this key community resource.

Thank You

The adversity caused by the fire at Friendship Hall has only strengthened the resolve of the community, showcasing an unwavering commitment to supporting one another. The collaborative recovery effort serves as a testament to the power of unity and compassion in overcoming challenges, ensuring that the spirit of giving and support continues to thrive.

Many thanks to all those kind souls who have reached out with donations and support at this critical time. It is a true testament to the generosity of spirit that exists in our community.

A special thanks to Piscataway Township and Mayor Brian Wahler for all your support.

Friendship Hall – A History of Community

The tall, white building just south of the parking lot of the First Baptist Church of New Market (FBCNM) has a varied history. The original building once served as the office of the Piscataway Township Tax Collector. The Day family ran a Print Shop, and Ernie Day ran a Fire Equipment Company in the basement of the building. It was the location of the first office of The PD Review. It also became the meeting place for the first Boy Scout troop in New Market, Troop 23. There was a bowling alley at the rear of the building.

When FBCNM, acquired Friendship Hall, it became a place to have Sunday School classes and as gathering place for families, with activities such as “Mystery Make It” night where Rev. Clayton Maud would organize “surprise” projects for children and families to build as gifts. Youth dances were held, and movies were shown. Over the years it also served as a sanctuary to small churches and as a meeting place for “AA” now called “36 Principals”.

Friendship Hall Welcomes FISH - A Legacy of Compassion.

In 1980, Reverend Ken Mart, Pastor of First Baptist Church of New Market (FBCNM), was on his way to do visitation at an area hospital, he came across a family working in the rain in their front yard and out of their garage to package up food stuffs for those in need in the communities of Piscataway, Dunellen, Middlesex, South Plainfield, and surrounding areas. This was the family of Anita Hoynes who was the first chairperson of the newly formed chapter of FISH Inc., Dunellen Area. Pastor Mart was moved to compassion seeing the fulfillment of Matthew 25:35-36 in action.

“For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat,

I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink,

I was a stranger and you invited me in,

I needed clothes, and you clothed me.”

Pastor Mart then went to the Trustees and Deacons of FBCNM and together established support and the use of Friendship Hall basement for FISH to continue its work in the community. Over the course of the next few years FISH sponsored fundraising made it possible to expand the building and create space for the FISH Clothing Program. This expansion enabled FISH to support an even larger community of people in need. FBCNM granted a 100-year lease for FISH, Inc. at a cost of $1.00/year.

With facilities located in Friendship Hall supported by FBCNM, a vibrant network of area churches, organizations and volunteers rallied around FISH Inc. to make a positive impact for those in need. Donations from food banks, businesses, and area residents, food drives held by various churches and other organizations, and Scouting for Food collections by area Scout units enable FISH to support over 350 families in the surrounding community per month. This commitment to community service has not waiver even during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns.

FBCNM

FriendshIP hall

recovery from tragedy

Moving Forward

FISH Inc. Response

"36 Principals" Response

"36 Principals" Response

"36 Principals" Response

"36 Principals" Response

"36 Principals" Response

FBCNM Response

"36 Principals" Response

FBCNM Response

Thank You

Friendship Hall – A History of Community

Friendship Hall Welcomes FISH - A Legacy of Compassion.

Friendship Hall - Restoration