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.
Oldest Parish in the State. . 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
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.
Location. 40° 30.233′ N, 74° 15.924′ W. Marker is in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, in Middlesex County. Marker 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.
Marker can be seen in the photo to the left of the stained glass window.
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 1,144 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on May 25, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.