Exhibit 21.1



21.1 SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002


Union Center National Bank
2455 Morris Avenue
Union New Jersey 07083
(100% owned by Center Bancorp Inc.)


Center Bancorp Statutory Trust I.
c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company of Connecticut, National Association
225 Asylum Street, Goodwin Square
Hartford, Connecticut 06103



Center Bancorp Statutory Trust II
C/O Wilmington trust Company
Rodney Square North
1100 Market Street
Wilmington Delaware 19890




                         Center Bancorp Inc., Form 10-K