The Presbyterian congregation built a church on the current site of the First Presbyterian Church and Cemetery in the early 1700’s: the first dedicated house of worship constructed in the boundaries of Trenton. Another church replaced the first in 1806, and a third church was constructed in the 1830’s. The new building was constructed in the center of the lot over the existing cemetery, disrupting graves and creating exterior paving of tombstones. The cemetery of First Presbyterian tells the story of Trenton and the early years of the nation. Many political, economic, educational, military and civic leaders of the City are buried here. The markers in the cemetery date from the early eighteenth century to the late nineteenth century and reflect the changing preferences in mortuary art, serving as a good representation of the diverse burial traditions found throughout New Jersey.

The 2023 Trust grant will help fund four phases of work to rehabilitate the buildings of the historic First Presbyterian Church of Trenton complex into a flexible community arts and culture, events, and gathering space. 

The 2022 HSM Trust grant will help fund the preparation of concept design, schematic design, and design development documents for the interior renovation and site improvements to the church and cemetery. The 2022 Capital Level II Trust grant will help fund the stabilization of the exterior envelop of the building.

The 2020 Trust grant helped fund a conditions assessment and site preservation plan for the First Presbyterian Cemetery. 

The 2006 Trust grant helped fund the preparation of a preservation plan that identified priority repair and restoration needs. 

For more information, visit: http://old1712.org