§ 16:13-15 — Extinct church or religious society defined; dissolution; transfer of property

Any Reformed church in America or Reformed religious society in America, in this State, which has ceased or failed to maintain religious worship or services, or to use its property for religious worship or services, according to the tenets, usages and customs of Reformed churches in America in this State, for two consecutive years, or whose membership has so diminished in numbers, or in financial strength as to render it impossible or impracticable for such church or society to maintain religious worship or services, or to protect its property from exposure, waste and dilapidation, or to fulfill the purpose for which it was incorporated, shall be deemed and taken to be extinct, and may be so declared and thereupon dissolved by a civil action brought in the Superior Court. The court may proceed in the action in a summary manner or otherwise. The property of such church or society, or property which may be held in trust for such church or society may be transferred to and the title and possession thereof vested in the particular classis having ecclesiastical jurisdiction over the same. Amended by L.1953, c. 16, p. 145, s. 11, eff. March 19, 1953.