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 church located in Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey. The first group of people who wanted to worship here started meeting in 1712. Their very first church building was finished in 1726.
Today, the church building and its old cemetery are considered important historical sites. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 9, 2005. This means they are special because of their design, their role in local history, and their religious importance.
Contents
History of the Church Building
The church building you see today was built in 1839. It is actually the third church building on this same spot! A talented architect named Horatio Nelson Hotchkiss designed it.
Church Design and Features
The church is built in the Greek Revival style. This means it looks a bit like ancient Greek temples. For example, it has two large Ionic columns at the front. These columns have a special scroll-like design at the top. The church also has a tall, eight-sided steeple that reaches about 120 feet (37 meters) into the sky.
Next to the church, on both the east and west sides, you can find old cemetery plots. Many people who were important to the church and the area are buried there.
Notable People Buried Here
One very interesting person buried in the churchyard 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 famous Battle of Trenton. He was buried in an unmarked grave in the churchyard. There is an inscription dedicated to his memory at the church.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Mercer County, New Jersey
- List of Presbyterian churches in the United States
