Happy New Year, Happy Birthday!
This time last year, we were looking ahead—planning for a new year and embracing the transitional changes and new opportunities it would bring. Through thoughtful planning, a little pivoting, and a Hail Mary or two, 2025 proved to be a truly rewarding year.
Now, as January begins, the wheels are officially in motion for the Community House of Moorestown’s 100th Birthday!
Plans are underway for a Big 100th Birthday Bash fundraiser on Friday, May 8, and the celebration doesn’t stop there. To honor this milestone, we will publish a keepsake 100th Anniversary Magazine highlighting our rich history, host a Founders Day program on Saturday, April 18, and add a fun centennial twist to all our signature events and programs throughout the year.
Please congratulate our dedicated volunteers, Board of Trustees, partners, and staff on all they accomplished in 2025—and take a moment to rest up. An exciting and joy-filled 2026 awaits as we celebrate both our Community House Centennial and our nation’s Semiquincentennial!
A Year in Review
New Events, New Energy
In 2025, we launched three exciting new events—each bringing fresh audiences, community engagement, and plenty of fun to the Community House.
Touch a Truck
This creative, hands-on event invited our youngest community members to touch, climb, and explore some of the coolest vehicles in South Jersey. Families flowed in throughout the day, and not even a little rain could dampen the excitement. We are thrilled to bring this annual favorite back on Wednesday, August 19.
Nonprofit Summit – Building Stronger Communities
An idea inspired during my time with the Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the inaugural Building Stronger Communities Summit exceeded expectations. Esteemed panelists and presenters offered guidance to nonprofit professionals, key volunteers, and board members navigating today’s challenges. Building on that success, we are proud to partner with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) to present a full-day summit. Save the date: Thursday, May 21.
Miracle on Main Street Holiday Market A little snow never slows a festive community! Despite a unusual snowfall, our inaugural market welcomed more than 20 vendors, music, Santa, and a steady stream of shoppers throughout the day. Looking ahead, we are excited to evolve our holiday programming into a full-scale holiday extravaganza—combining the annual Tree and Menorah Lighting with the Holiday Market for a full day of seasonal magic. Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 6.
Behind the Scenes
While the events sparkled, significant progress was also made behind the scenes:
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- – Replaced the decades-old boiler with a new, energy-efficient gas heating system
- – Awarded a $49,500 New Jersey Historic Trust financial grant to the Community House
- – Proceeds from the Rotary Lunch Club Comedy Night will fund the design of a future inclusive, multi-sensory Children’s Garden
- – Kings Road Brewery hosted a festive open house, generating town-wide excitement
- – Revived the History Committee, setting the stage for storytelling throughout our Centennial year
- – Continued to host countless celebrations, corporate events, and community partnerships while supporting more than 90 nonprofit organizations across the region
Together, these accomplishments reflect a year of growth, creativity, and community connection—and they set the stage for an extraordinary Centennial celebration ahead.
Taking a Look Back...
April 11, 1926
On April 11, 1926, the doors of the Community House of Moorestown swung open for the very first time—and a beloved community tradition was born. The excitement was palpable as neighbors gathered to celebrate a new place dedicated to connection, creativity, and community life.
The grand opening was marked by a week-long celebration filled with music, performances, and fellowship. The sounds of the Moorestown Orchestra and Community Chorus echoed throughout the building, Community Players took to the stage, young women gathered for a festive Teenage Tea, and residents were even treated to an exhibition match by the University of Pennsylvania Wrestling Team. Each event reflected the joyful spirit and inclusive vision that inspired the creation of the Community House.
This remarkable gift to Moorestown was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Eldridge Reeves Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company, who donated $250,000 to bring the building to life. The community further honored that gift by establishing a permanent maintenance fund—an early and enduring testament to the pride, care, and shared ownership felt from the very beginning.
If you’re interested in joining the excitement and making a difference, please consider joining our volunteer committee! Contact us at info@thecommunityhouse.com