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

Hoagland Memorial Presbyterian Church
Dover, Morris County

 

This fine Romanesque Revival church in Dover was built in 1899 as a memorial to the donor’s wife, but as most such memorials, it was intended to proclaim the wealth and social prominence of the donor, a wealthy banker, I think. The style is an example of what is called "Richardsonian Romanesque" after Henry Hobson Richardson, an influential mid-nineteenth century architect, known for his upscale residences and public buildings.
     It is difficult not to speculate that the congregation, aware of the large Romanesque edifice Presbyterians in Morristown had just completed, saw in this building a response that asserted their own affluence and taste. Note the porte cochère off the tower, a reminder to passersby that members of this church were accustomed to arriving in a carriage. The architect was Paul Botticher of Newark.
     The building succeeds two previous Presbyterian churches, both of which were sited less than 100 yards from this building.

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Copyright (c) 2001 Frank L. Greenagel