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First Dutch Reformed Church, Hackensack facts for kids

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First Dutch Reformed Church, Hackensack
HackensackChurchOnTheGreen.jpg
Hackensack's Church On The Green
First Dutch Reformed Church, Hackensack is located in Bergen County, New Jersey
First Dutch Reformed Church, Hackensack
Location in Bergen County, New Jersey
First Dutch Reformed Church, Hackensack is located in New Jersey
First Dutch Reformed Church, Hackensack
Location in New Jersey
First Dutch Reformed Church, Hackensack is located in the United States
First Dutch Reformed Church, Hackensack
Location in the United States
Location 42 Court Street,
Hackensack, New Jersey
Area 1.6 acres (0.65 ha)
Built 1791
Architectural style Wrenn-Gibbs type
NRHP reference No. 83001546
Quick facts for kids
Significant dates
Added to NRHP June 9, 1983

First Dutch Reformed Church, also known as the "Old Church on the Green", is a very old and important church. It is located in Hackensack, New Jersey.

History of the Old Church

This church sits in a special churchyard. The building you see today was finished in 1791. It's known as the "Old Church on the Green" because it's so old and sits next to a public park.

Early Beginnings

The church's east wall is quite interesting. It has carved stones from the very first church building. These stones show symbols of the families who first started the church. Dutch settlers founded the church in 1686. For ten years, they met in different places. Then, in 1696, they built their first church on this spot.

Famous Visitors and Burials

In 1780, a brave general named Enoch Poor was buried in the church cemetery. Two very famous people attended his funeral: George Washington, who was the first President of the United States, and the Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero who helped America win its independence. This church is the oldest church still standing in Bergen County.

The Hackensack Green

The church is right next to the Hackensack Green. This green space was originally land owned by the church. It is one of the oldest public squares in all of New Jersey.

Important People Buried Here

Many important people are buried in the cemetery of the First Dutch Reformed Church.

  • Adam Boyd (1746–1835): He was a politician who represented New Jersey in the United States Congress. He served from 1803 to 1805, and again from 1808 to 1813.
  • George Cassedy (1783–1842): He also represented New Jersey in Congress. He served from 1821 to 1827.
  • Enoch Poor (1736–1780): He was a general who served under George Washington during the American Revolutionary War.
  • Richard Varick (1753–1831): He was a very important person in New York. He used to be the mayor of New York City. He also served as the top lawyer for New York State.
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