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
Post a query
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 Baptist Church of Raritan
Somerville, Somerset County

The first Baptist church in Somerville was founded in 1843, and their first church was located on Main street; when they needed a larger building, they purchased a lot on High Street and tore down the old church to use the materials to build this one in 1872. The bell and clock from the original church were supposedly incorporated in this Romanesque building. The front tewnty feet of the church is a much later piece of work, but the sides appear to date to the 1872 building, which was designed by Asa Dilts, who is credited with the design and/or construction of several other churches in the region.

 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS  |  ABOUT US  |  HOME  |  BACK

Copyright (c) 2002 Frank L. Greenagel