First Presbyterian Church (Trenton, New Jersey) facts for kids
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First Presbyterian Church
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First Presbyterian Church in 2020
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 Location in Mercer County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | 120 E. State St. Trenton, New Jersey |
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| Built | 1839/1712 |
| Architect | Horatio Nelson Hotchkiss; Hotchkiss & Thompson |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 05000967 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 09, 2005 |
The First Presbyterian Church is a very old and important church building. It is located at 120 East State Street in Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey. The first group of people who worshipped here started meeting in 1712. Their very first church building was finished in 1726. This church building and its old cemetery were added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 9, 2005. This means they are recognized as important for their design, history, and role in the community.
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A Look at the Church's History
The church building you see today was built in 1839. It is actually the third church to stand on this spot! A talented architect named Horatio Nelson Hotchkiss designed it. He used a style called Greek Revival style. This style makes buildings look like ancient Greek temples.
What Makes the Church Special?
The church has two large, fancy columns at its front. These are called Ionic columns, which are a type of Greek column. The church also has a tall, eight-sided steeple. This steeple reaches about 120 feet (36.5 meters) into the sky! On both sides of the church building, there are old cemetery plots. Many people from Trenton's past are buried there.
Important People: Pastors of the Church
Over the years, many leaders have served as pastors at the First Presbyterian Church. Here are a few notable ones:
- David Cowell, who served from 1732 to 1760.
- James Waddel Alexander, who was pastor from 1829 to 1832.
- John William Yeomans, who served from 1834 to 1841.
- Henry Collin Minton, who led the church from 1891 to 1902.
Important People: Buried at the Church
The churchyard cemetery is the resting place for many people. One very famous person buried here is Colonel Johann Rall. He was a commander of the Hessian troops. These were German soldiers who fought for the British during the American Revolutionary War. Colonel Rall was involved in the Battle of Trenton. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the churchyard. There is a special marker dedicated to his memory.
More to Explore
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Mercer County, New Jersey
- List of Presbyterian churches in the United States
