Paddling with Mayor Jones

Sunday night we hosted Mayor Jeff Jones and Mr. Eric Lowe in a kayak paddle around the city of Paterson. Pastor John A Algera, Esley Tate and Rick Rodriguez provided the equipement and support for the Mayor to experience the river firsthand. 

 We launched in the "Valley of the Rocks" behind Hinchliffe Stadium near the base of the Great Falls.  We began with prayer and reflection on Psalm 46:4 "There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God: God is in the midst of her."  We recognize that our city exists because of the Passaic River and God is in our midst as well. We also now celebrate the Great Falls National Historic Park that exists in this area. It is our hope and prayer that many will be able to enjoy the river this way in the future.

Mayor Jones going under the West Broadway bridge

There are some wonrdeful rapids and fast water between the falls and Arch St. We all got a little wet. Here we are in the rapids right below West Broadway.

Mayor Jones kayaking the Passaic River

Mayor Jones & Esley Tate

Eric Lowe and Rick Rodriguez were paddling in a double. We had several Great Blue Herons flying by us and a large carpe that almost jumped in their boat.  Healthy bird and fish life has returned to the Passaic River and we passed a number of people fishing. It our responsibility to continue to care for it and not abuse it as our ancestors did. Many of the problems of the river today come from generations ago.

Approaching one of the railroad bridges

 As we approached the Fair Lawn Ave. Bridge we crossed the Fish Wier. This is a large V of rock in the river that was constructed by the Lenni Lenape Indians well over 200 years ago. The rocks would let the water through but keep the fish back up in a bit of a pool of water. Then they could spear or net them. Its amazing to paddle over this piece of living history. For an article on this press HERE.

We had a wonderful afternoon of paddling and thanked our Lord Jesus for a safe trip and the beauty of God's creation for us.