Basking Ridge in Somerset County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Early Church
American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Site
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 18, 2016
1. Early Church Marker
A pioneer log church was built under the ancient oak before 1731. A frame church replaced it in 1749. Present structure, 1839.
Erected 1964 by State of New Jersey. (Marker Number 43.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Notable Buildings • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the American Presbyterian and Reformed Historic Sites series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1731.
Location. 40° 42.394′ N, 74° 32.952′ W. Marker is in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, in Somerset County. Marker is at the intersection of S Maple Avenue and E Oak Street, on the right when traveling north on S Maple Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 East Oak Street, Basking Ridge NJ 07920, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bernards Township War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church Graveyard (a few steps from this marker); Basking Ridge (within shouting distance of this marker); The Brick Academy (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Basking Ridge (approx. 0.2 miles
this page online
Regarding Early Church. Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This church is also one of 445 American Presbyterian and Reformed Historical Sites registered between 1973 and 2003 by the Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS), headquartered in Philadelphia. Approved sites received a metal plaque featuring John Calvin’s seal and the site’s registry number (PHS marker location unknown).
The following text is taken from the Presbyterian Historical Society website:
The congregation's original log meetinghouse was erected in 1717 near the old oak which still shadows the cemetery. George Whitefield, the Great Awakening evangelist, preached under the oak tree. George Washington frequented the new meetinghouse, constructed in 1748. Robert Finley, pastor from 1795 to 1817, was one of the prime organizers of the American Colonization Society. The present brick building was built
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 22, 2008
2. Early Church Marker
Also see . . . The Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge. Church website homepage (Submitted on June 23, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 22, 2008
3. Marker on S Maple Avenue
This church is located just down the road from the location of the Widow White's Tavern, where Gen. Charles Lee, Washington's second-in-command, was captured by the British on December 13, 1776.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 22, 2008
4. The Presbyterian Church of Basking Ridge
Gen. George Washington and his officers were frequent visitors to this church during the Revolutionary War. The ladies of the church took great pleasure in serving refreshments to the commanding General.
Nation Register of Historic Places Nomination Form:
Click for more information.
Nation Register of Historic Places Nomination Form:
Click for more information.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 22, 2008
5. 600 Year Old Oak Tree
This white oak tree, located in the churchyard of the Presbyterian Church, is estimated to be over 600 years old. During the Revolutionary War, George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette once had a picnic in the shade of this great tree.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 22, 2008
6. Early Church Marker
Lt. George Bockoven is one of many Revolutionary War veterans buried in the churchyard. Quite a few Civil War veterans also were laid to rest in this cemetery.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,486 times since then and 24 times this year. Last updated on August 22, 2018, by Douglass Halvorsen of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Photos: 1. submitted on August 18, 2016, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 23, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
