The authoritative source on
  early churches of New Jersey

About this site
We've created a database and photographic inventory on more than half the 18th & 19th century churches in the state and add to it each month. We welcome and solicit all contributions and suggestions from our visitors.

How to use this site
Respond to readers' queries
Consult the database
Annotate the database
Upload a photo
Suggest a church for inclusion
Glossary
List of churches, by county
Photographic notes
Links to related sites

   Photographic Inventory

First Methodist Episcopal Church
Belvidere, Warren County

 

The published sources say the building was erected in 1848, extended to the rear in 1855, and the stained glass windows installed in 1911; I had trouble with the 1848 date, for the Greek Revival pediment and pilasters treatment, interspersed with the tall windows, is quite sophisticated at a time when that style had barely been introduced in the state. There is a very similar building erected in Easton, Pennsylvania in 1855, and south Jersey has several of these brick Greek Revival churches, apparently under the influence of an important Methodist congregation or architect in Philadelphia.
      The congregation was organized in 1826, and this building, which sits of the square, is the congregation's second church.