South Church

SOUTH CHURCH CEMETERY

The South Church graveyard was established in the area surrounding the first church in 1723. Hand carved “Grandpa” stones can be found in the south-east corner, which is the location of the first church.  Called “Grandpa” stones due to being hand carved by family members for loved ones some are still legible today. Many are in Dutch, the native language of the early church. 

In November of 1931 the black iron fence was erected. Placed as a memorial to Judge E. Howard Foster, it was purchased by his sisters and surrounds the entire property.  The Foster Family were active members in their day. The large granite family obelisk stands in the south-west corner and marks many members’ final resting place.

An Eagle Scout project revealed we have many veterans buried in the graveyard that served our country. They served in the following wars: Revolutionary War, Whiskey Rebellion, Spanish American War, War of 1812,  Civil War, World War 1, World War 2, Korean War and Vietnam War.

There are many notable church members buried in the graveyard. One of the most prominent being Rev. John Henry Goetschius, one of the founding members of today’s Rutgers University.

Due to the limited amount of space plots are only available to church members.