First_Presbyterian_Church_of_Wantage

First Presbyterian Church of Wantage

First Presbyterian Church of Wantage

Historic church in New Jersey, United States

First Presbyterian Church of Wantage (Old Clove Church) is a historic church in Wantage Township, Sussex County, New Jersey, United States. Church records point to a Dutch Reformed congregation founded in 1788, which merged with First Presbyterian Church of Wantage, founded in 1818. The building is situated on a hill, due south of Clove Brook, a creek from which it derives its common name. It was built in 1829 and added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 23, 1982 for its significance in architecture and religion.[3] The structure is no longer used as a church, but the Friends of Old Clove Church continue an inter-denominational service once annually.[4]

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Architecture

The church is Greek Revival with Gothic detailing. The Gothic windows were included as ornament to distinguish the structure as a place of worship. Schools and barns in the area had a similar style and structure.[5] This is the third church building to inhabit the property. The National Register of Historic Places describes the church as a "simple 1 1/2 story rectangular clapboarded frame structure with a four bayside facade and a three bay gable front on a cut stone foundation."[1] The structure remains virtually unchanged since the 19th century. Features include: original floor design, original pews and a balcony that spans three sides of the interior. Two double-leaf entrance doorways on the south side of the structure point to separate entrances for males and females. Pot-bellied stoves and a Victorian chandelier were additions during the churches centennial.

Cemetery

Old Clove Church Cemetery is across New Jersey State Route 23 from the church. Interred here are the remains of several American Revolution and Civil War veterans.[6]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    "National Register Information System – (#82003305)". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. November 2, 2013.
  2. [2]
    "New Jersey and National Registers of Historic Places - Sussex County" (PDF). New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection - Historic Preservation Office. September 30, 2020. p. 9.
  3. [3]
    Karschner, Terry (June 1982). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: First Presbyterian Church of Wantage". National Park Service. With accompanying 11 photos
  4. [4]
    Sweetman, Jennie (18 September 2016). "Annual Service at the Old Clove Church". New Jersey Herald. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
  5. [5]
    Greenagel, Frank (2008). Historic Churches of Sussex County (2nd ed.). Wooden Nail Press. p. 32. ISBN 978-1438209937.
  6. [6]
    Frazza, Al. "Revolutionary War Sites in Sussex County, New Jersey". Revolutionary War New Jersey. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
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