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 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. It is special because it's the oldest Episcopal church group in New Jersey. It also has the oldest gravestone still standing in the state!
The church building itself was built a long time ago, between 1849 and 1852. It has a cool Gothic style. Because of its history and religious importance, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Contents
A Look Back: The Church's History
The St. Peter's church group started way back in 1680. Twelve people from the Church of England decided to form this congregation. 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. She presented them with a set of silver items used for communion. These valuable pieces are still kept by the church today.
Royal Approval and New Buildings
The church received a special paper called a royal charter in 1718. This charter came from George I of Great Britain, the King at the time. It officially recognized their church group.
A second church building was built on the same spot in 1722. Sadly, this building was later destroyed by a fire.
Important People and Events
In 1770, Governor William Franklin was a leader in the church. He was a vestryman, which is like being on the church's board.
During the American Revolution, colonial soldiers built a small fort behind the church. This fort helped protect Perth Amboy from attacks. British and Loyalist troops were across the Arthur Kill in Staten Island.
A very important person, Thomas Mundy Peterson, was a member of this church. He was the first black man to vote in America! He voted in the Perth Amboy mayoral election on March 31, 1870. This happened just one day after the 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution was passed. This amendment gave all men the right to vote, no matter their race. Thomas Mundy Peterson is buried in the church graveyard.
The Historic Graveyard
The church graveyard holds a very old and important gravestone. It belongs to Helen Gordon, who lived from 1660 to 1687. She was the wife of Thomas Gordon from Scotland. Helen passed away on December 12, 1687, when she was 27 years old.
Her tombstone is the oldest one still standing in New Jersey. The words on her tombstone say: "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 to St. Peter's Episcopal Church Cemetery. Before that, they were in a different cemetery on State Street.
Images for kids
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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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