Perth Amboy in Middlesex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Oldest Parish in the State

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, May 24, 2008

1. Oldest Parish in the State Marker

Inscription. St. Peter’s is the oldest parish in the state. Founded in 1698 when the Bishop of London sent the Rev. Edward Portlock to be its’ minister. Chartered in 1718 by King George I. Used as a barracks for British troops in 1776. Here the colonial governors attended service. Here the first ordination to the ministry within this state was held in 1788. Here the first Diocesan Convention, second sitting was held in 1786. Here nine Diocesan Conventions were held from 1786 to 1816.

Presented by the Perth Amboy History Club
1928

Erected 1928 by Perth Amboy History Club.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures • War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1698.

Location. 40° 30.233′ N, 74° 15.924′ W. Marker is in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in Middlesex County. It is on Rector Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 183 Rector Street, Perth Amboy NJ 08861, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New Jersey’s Central Jersey,

in Greater Princeton,

and in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Peter’s Church (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Peter’s Episcopal Church & Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Mundy Peterson

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Cambridge Elm Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Perth Amboy Fireman's Triangle Forged 1883 (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Bill of Rights Arch (approx. 0.2 miles away); Perth Amboy City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); September 11 Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Perth Amboy.

Marker on Rector Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, May 24, 2008

2. Marker on Rector Street

Marker can be seen in the photo to the left of the stained glass window.

St. Peter’s Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, May 24, 2008

3. St. Peter’s Church

This church saw much activity during the Revolutionary War. Patriots used the steeple as a lookout to spy on the British in Staten Island. They also placed a cannon in the churchyard which exchanged fire with the British fleet in June 1776.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,282 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 25, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.