Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church, Old First Cemetery, Snyder Academy, and the 313+ Monument
Waypoint 1: Old First Cemetery
The Old First Cemetery is one of the most historically significant burial grounds in New Jersey, dating back to the founding of the First Presbyterian Church. Located in Elizabeth, the cemetery contains over 2,000 headstones. It is the final resting place for notable figures, including Rev. James Caldwell and his wife Hannah, who played significant roles during the American Revolution.
The cemetery also contains the graves of Revolutionary War soldiers and markers for 313 freed and enslaved Africans. A mobile app developed by The Snyder Academy offers visitors a walking tour and provides information on those buried here and the cemetery's deep historical significance.
Waypoint 2: Siloam Hope First Presbyterian Church
The First Presbyterian Church of Elizabeth was founded in 1668 and played a central role in the history of Elizabethtown, serving as both a religious and political center. The church was also the site of an important battleground during the Revolutionary War. In 1780, the original structure was burned by British forces but was rebuilt in 1786.
In 1844, the church sponsored the Siloam Presbyterian Mission, established to educate Africans after Sunday church services. The mission served not only as an educational space but also as a community for fellowship. In 1866, the mission was incorporated as the Siloam Presbyterian Church.
In January 1986, Siloam Presbyterian merged with Hope Memorial Presbyterian, forming Siloam Hope Presbyterian Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. William F. Hawkins, Sr. In 2018, the First Presbyterian Church and Siloam Hope Presbyterian Church merged again, uniting their congregations into a single community under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Wanda M. Lundy.
Waypoint 3: Snyder Academy
Snyder Academy traces its roots back to 1664 and is one of the oldest and most historic sites in New Jersey. Located adjacent to the First Presbyterian Church in Elizabeth, it has been home to a dynamic and diverse community of leaders, including Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, both of whom attended the Academy. The two men would later play crucial roles in the Revolutionary War and American politics, culminating in their famous duel in 1804.
Waypoint 4: 313+ Monument
The 313+ Monument is dedicated to the memory of the 313 freed and enslaved Africans buried at the Old First Cemetery in Elizabeth. These individuals are commemorated alongside other notable figures interred in the cemetery, such as Revolutionary War soldiers and prominent early American figures like Rev. James Caldwell. The monument serves as a reminder of the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans in New Jersey's early history. It stands as a symbol of recognition and remembrance, ensuring that their stories are preserved for future Generations.
See more information at:
https://313ancestorsspeakproject.org/siloam-hope-first-presbyterian-church/
https://www.goelizabethnj.com/directory/siloam-hope-first-presbyterian-church/
