The Catholic church in Allendale began in 1903. The first masses were said in Linkroum’s Confectionery Store (now Allendale Liquor). Rev. P.T. Carew, pastor of Mount Carmel Church, Ridgewood, served the Catholic families in Allendale. Then, until 1913, services were held in the second-story recreation room in the Appert family’s garage on Cottage Place. In December 1913, the former home of B.F. Hutches at 46 Maple Street was purchased, and simple alterations were made to convert the first floor into a chapel. The Catholic church was established in this house on December 25, 1913, and served its community until October 9, 1954. Formerly the Mission Chapel of St. Luke’s Roman Catholic Church in Hohokus, the Guardian Angel Chapel was made a separate parish in January 1953. That year, the Archdiocese of Newark purchased 14 acres, including the existing buildings, of Twin Gates, the estate then owned by the Vincent Vesce family. It was located near the corner of Franklin Turnpike and East Allendale Avenue. Alterations were made, and the property opened in July 1954. Guardian Angel Church was dedicated on Saturday, October 9, 1954. The church proper and rectory occupied the main house. On November 26, 1966, the new 600-seat Guardian Angel Church building and parish hall were dedicated by the Most Reverend Thomas Boland, archbishop of Newark.
Images of America: Allendale