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
Woodstown, Salem County

The Baptist congregation in Woodstown dates to 1811, but it was not formally organized until 1822. Jaquett claims that the building was erected in 1815 of bricks made of clay from the site. Frankly, I find it difficult to accept that date. Reverend Taylor's historical sketch in 1972 uses "about 1826" as the date of construction but that date also seems too early. Cushing provides no date, but notes that a lecture room was added in 1858. The date stone in the tower reads 1815-1883. Any time between 1840 and 1860 is a more likely range for its construction, given the pediment, the elongated windows and other details. Jaquett says additions were made in 1858 and 1882, when the tower was added; 1858 seems to me the most likely date when the building assumed its (almost) present form. That judgment is based on the architectural style, and not on any close examination of construction.
The window have an unusual etched glass pattern, with inside shutters. There is an appended chapel dating to the early twentieth century, I believe.

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Copyright (c) 2001 Frank L. Greenagel