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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First Baptist Church
Salem, Salem County

Located near the center of Salem, this prominent corner is occupied by the oldest of the four Baptist churches in the city. The congregation can trace its roots to 1743 when a Baptist society was formed at Mill Hollow, about halfway between Salem and Quinton. That congregation was a daughter of the Cohansey church, which was one of the first in New Jersey. The original name was the Ante-Paedo Baptist Church of Salem and Alloway Creek. The congregation moved to Yorke Street in Salem in 1787, where it erected a brick meetinghouse, and then in 1846 abandoned that in favor of building this church in the heart of the town.
     The pediment, multi-tiered tower and symmetrical design marks this as a Neoclassical building. The Palladian window in the base of the tower is a fascinating detail, as is the weathervane atop the spire. The balustrade at the second tier is a typical Georgian detail, but what look to be crenellations above the clock stage are a different touch. The entry vestibule is a somewhat later addition.

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Copyright (c) 2001 Frank L. Greenagel