Transforming our city
The Great Falls Center will be a place for hope, renewal, and transformation for the city of Paterson. And you can help us make this vision a reality.
The legacy of
39 mcbride avenue
This 40,000 sq. ft. building, located in the heart on the Great Falls area of Paterson, NJ, was owned by Herbert Van Denend, founder of Dawn Treader Christian School, who had a vision to share the gospel with the city of Paterson through education and community service. Establishing Dawn Treader Christian School in 1977 was just the start of Herbert’s vision to empower the city of Paterson, with hopes to one day develop a community center and launch a trades school. Today, Dawn Treader Christian School and Servant's Heart Ministry are partnering together to carry out Herbert's vision and transform this historic property into a thriving community center that will impact Paterson for generations to come.
Our vision for
The Great Falls Center
This community center will be a place for community, creativity, and transformation, partnering with non-profit organizations and businesses to offer educational training, job opportunities and a Christ-centered environment that will equip individuals with valuable skills and ultimately empower the community of Paterson and its surrounding area.
Through TGFC we hope to offer:
- Education & Vocational Training in culinary, construction trades, and the arts (fine arts, music, dance, media)
- Job Opportunities that allow individuals to develop their professional skills and build a sustainable career.
- A Creative Christ-Centered Environment
that empowers people of all different ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds to work together and use their creative gifts to serve the community.
The Great Falls Center
future services and programs
Food Hall
Containing 5 food stalls and seating for approximately 120 people, this food hall will provide the local community with a place for family and friends to gather and a variety of affordable, trendy food options to eat.
workmanship program (Currently Operating)
This 10,000 sq.ft. free introductory trades training and mentorship program, taught by industry professionals, offers a hands-on experience that gives students exposure to a career in each of the key trades, while equipping them with all the skills they need to take the next steps of their career.
Culinary training
The 1st floor will have a 3,000 sq.ft. commercial kitchen,
from which we’ll launch a culinary training program, that will provide vocational training to individuals who are seeking to start a culinary career, including internships with businesses located in the Food Hall.
auditorium & terrace
This
280-person auditorium will be used for church services, conferences, concerts, performing arts, events, etc; as well as an outdoor patio that overlooks the old raceway. In keeping with Herb Van Denend’s vision, the Auditorium will also be used by Dawn Treader Christian School to hold weekly chapel services, special school events, graduations and more.
restaurant & rooftop
The 3rd floor will feature a 3,000 sq.ft. restaurant, as well as 1,000 sq.ft. rooftop space for additional seating and events. Not only would the restaurant provide an income for The Great Falls Center, but also provide job opportunities and additional training for the culinary students.
The Great Falls Center
meetspaces
We have transformed the 3rd floor into a large creative work and meet environment that offers private offices, coworking space, and meeting rooms for rent. All profits from these bookings help pay our buildings monthly expenses, while we fundraise to start construction.
Your support matters
ways to Get Involved
make a donation.
We've raised about 93% of our capital campaign goal, but we still have a ways to go to make this vision a reality.
rent a meetspace.
Rent a space at 39 McBride Ave, and all the profits will go towards sustaining our building while we fundraise to start construction.
Partner with us.
Whether you're a church, non-profit, or business, we want to hear how we can partner together to serve the community.
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you. If you have a question, partnership idea, or further inquiry please do not hesitate to reach out.