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.

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Glossary
List of churches, by county
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   Photographic Inventory

Trinity Church (Old Swedes)
Swedesboro, Gloucester County

Old Swedes was begun as a Swedish Lutheran church, but was soon ceded to the Episcopal Church when it was clear that Sweden would not be able to supply a minister for the small Swedish community that remained after the initial organization in 1704.
      Old Swedes was designed by its minister, who had spent time in London learning English before his posting to America, so it is not surprising to see this Wren-Gibbs plan in south Jersey. The detailing of the doors and windows is very fine—much more elaborate than other churches of its age in the state. The entrance on the long side is not found in many churches in the state—Cohansey Baptist, Old Tennent, Bridgeton, and the nearby Moravian meetinghouse are the only ones that come to mind (other than the Quaker meetinghouses, of course).

It was erected in 1784 and is on the National Register.

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Copyright (c) 2001 Frank L. Greenagel