The authoritative source on
  early churches of New Jersey

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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.

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Grace Episcopal Church
Jersey City, Hudson County

Based on its current appearance, this is the least conventional Episcopal church in the state. Grace was erected in 1872 when the denomination was still locked in an embrace with the Gothic Revival style. The steep slope to the roof is certainly a Gothic characteristic, but the rest of the building is a mish-mash. It wasn't always so. When it was built the left tower was considerably taller and supported an open belfry and a tall spire. The right tower was the present height, but had a small conical spire; the principal entrance to the church was through that tower. The building was not shingled, but was of a board-and-batten construction, a very common approach by Episcopal congregations. The building is now occupied by the Grace Apostolic Church, and in the absence of further information I will hold them blameless, but it was not a felicituous renovation. The church is located on Ocean at Pearsall. Adjacent to the church on Pearsall was its parish house; that has now been taken over by the Pearsall Branch of the Jersey City Public Library.

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Copyright (c) 2001 Frank L. Greenagel