St. Peter's Episcopal Church (Perth Amboy, New Jersey) facts for kids
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St. Peter's Episcopal Church
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 Location in Middlesex County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Rector and Gordon Streets, Perth Amboy, New Jersey |
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| Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
| Built | 1849 |
| Architectural style | Gothic, Tudor Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 77000885 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 12, 1977 |
St. Peter's Episcopal Church is a very old and important church located in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. It's special because it's the oldest Episcopal church group in New Jersey. The church also has the oldest gravestone still standing in the state! The church building itself was built between 1849 and 1852 in a beautiful Gothic style. Because of its religious importance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 12, 1977.
Contents
History of St. Peter's Church
The church group, or "congregation," started way back in 1680. At that time, 12 people who followed the Church of England decided to form the Congregation of St. Peter's Episcopal Church. They built their first church using the foundation of an old, unused courthouse. This spot was not far from where the church stands today.
In 1706, Anne, Queen of Great Britain, gave the church a special gift: a set of silver cups and plates used for communion. These valuable items are still kept by the church today!
Royal Charter and Early Buildings
The church received a special document called a royal charter in 1718 from George I of Great Britain. This charter officially recognized the church and gave it certain rights.
The second church building on the site was built in 1722. Sadly, this building was later destroyed by a fire.
In 1770, Governor William Franklin was a "vestryman" in the church. A vestryman is like a board member who helps manage the church's business.
The American Revolution and the Church
During the American Revolution, colonial soldiers built a small fort, called a "redoubt," behind the church. They did this to protect Perth Amboy from attacks. British and Loyalist troops were across the Arthur Kill in Staten Island, and the redoubt helped defend the town.
Thomas Mundy Peterson: A Historic Vote
A very important person named Thomas Mundy Peterson was a member of St. Peter's Church. He is famous for being the first black man to vote in America! He cast his vote in the Perth Amboy mayoral election on March 31, 1870. This happened just one day after the Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was adopted. This amendment gave all men, regardless of their race, the right to vote. Thomas Mundy Peterson was later buried in the church's graveyard.
The Historic Graveyard
The graveyard at St. Peter's Episcopal Church holds a very special piece of history. It is home to the oldest gravestone still standing in New Jersey. This gravestone belongs to Helen Gordon, who lived from 1660 to 1687. She was the wife of Thomas Gordon from Scotland and passed away on December 12, 1687, at 27 years old.
Her tombstone has a touching message: "Calm was her death, well ordered her life, a pious mother and a loving wife, her offspring six, of which 4 here do lie, their souls in heaven, wher's do rest on high". In 1875, her tombstone and her remains were moved from another cemetery to the Saint Peter's Episcopal Church Cemetery, where they are today.
Church Leaders: Rectors
A "rector" is the main priest or minister in an Episcopal church. St. Peter's Episcopal Church has had many rectors over its long history, guiding the congregation through the years. Some of the early rectors included Edward Portlock in 1698 and John Brook from 1704 to 1707. More recently, Rev. Dr. Anne-Marie Jeffery served from 2011 to 2021.
Gallery
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The tombstone of Helen Gordon (1660–1687) was moved to the church in 1875 and is the oldest gravestone in New Jersey
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Church and graveyard
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Parish House, built in 1909
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