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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   Photographic Inventory

New Vernon Presbyterian Church
New Vernon, Harding Township, Morris County

Master-builder Elijah Hopping and his crew were busy in the months between 1833 and 1834; this is one of three known churches, all in Morris county, he was responsible for. The fine Presbyterian meetinghouse was built in 1833. It sits at a prominent crossroads, just a little east of what is now Interstate 287.
     Although the building follows the basic plan of the meetinghouse in Springfield erected more than 40 years earlier, it presages the increasing attraction to the Gothic—notice the pinnacles on the belfry, the Gothic arch windows, especially their mullions. The interrupted pediment and the frame for the louvers in the belfry give additional evidence of the experience and sure touch of the architect-builder. It is not true Gothic yet, but certainly a move away from the unadorned meetinghouse we find in Springfield.

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