06. Old Paramus Reformed Church Traditional Cache

Old Paramus Reformed Church has a rich past. The congregation was formed in the year 1725. During the American Revolution, the Paramus Church was the site of a Continental Army military post for four years during which clashes between American and British forces took place. It was also in the original church building that General George Washington held a session of the court-martial of General Charles Lee who disobeyed orders at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778. Washington had his headquarters here at the church a total of ten times during various days from 1778-1780.

The original Paramus Reformed Church building at this location was built in 1735. During the Revolutionary War, it was used at different times as a Headquarters for General Washington, as a barracks for American troops, as a hospital and as a prison.

Other noted Revolutionary War figures such as Alexander Hamilton, the Marquis de Lafayette, Anthony Wayne, Richard Henry Lee, and Aaron Burr also were here from time to time during the war. From early colonial times, slaves were members of the church congregation, the upper galleries on both sides being designated for their use during services.

From July 10 - 15, 1778, sessions for the Court Martial of General Charles Lee for his behavior at the Battle of Monmouth were held at the church. (Although on the first day, July 10, an insufficient number of members attended, and court was adjourned that day without conducting any of the court-martial).

Among those in attendance were General Lord Stirling, who presided at the court-martial, and Colonel Alexander Hamilton, who testified on July 13.

This cache is one of "The American Revolution Geo~Trail" caches throughout New Jersey. These special geocaches are hidden at historic locations which have a connection to important New Jersey's American Revolutionary War history. To participate in the optional Geo-Trail, after you find the geocache, locate the secret code and record it into your passport which you will print from the Geo~Trail website. Information at njpatriots.org

The Northern New Jersey Cachers, NNJC is about promoting a quality caching experience in New Jersey. For information on The Northern New Jersey Cachers group you can visit: www.nnjc.org.