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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List of churches, by county
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   Photographic Inventory

St. Mary's Catholic Church
Salem, Salem County

This is an interesting early Gothic church, erected in 1852, but designed by 1849 when the foundation was laid. The architect basically picked up overall concept and improvised specific elements, like the rhomboid window and the parapets at the top of the tower. The first Mass in Salem had been held in 1847, but Catholic services in Salem county may have been held as earler as 1744 near Sharpton. The 1852 date would make this the second oldest Roman Catholic church in the state, after St Patrick's in Newark.

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Copyright (c) 2001 Frank L. Greenagel