“I willingly embrace the opportunity of declaring my opinion without any hesitation, that the cause in which America is now in arms, is the cause of justice, of liberty, and of human nature.”
— Founding Father & Presbyterian Minister, John Witherspoon (1776)
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.
There are many veterans buried in our graveyard. An Eagle Scout project revealed we have many buried in the graveyard that served our country. There are veterans who 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.
Historic Cemetery Restoration Update:
Since Spring 2024, our Cemetery Restoration Team has overseen the restoration of headstones in our historic cemetery.
This extensive project will be completed in phases over several years, with the cemetery divided into quarters.
We continue to work with the very talented Mr. Robert (Bob) Neal Carpenter, a professional stone sculptor, carver, and restorer who has mastered the repair of historic headstones.
To date, 100 headstones have been repaired, completing the first section of the cemetery!
Some markers were leaning out of position, some broken in pieces and lying on the ground, some smaller, and some very large and heavy, all restored!
We’re deeply grateful for the support and assistance that have made this project possible. Thanks to these collective efforts, the church burial ground now boasts neatly arranged long rows and upright gravestones, especially near the sidewalk areas. The transformation of the churchyard is a testament to everyone’s dedication and care.
Inscription on the Goetschius Marker:
“Sacred to the memory of John Henry Goetschius, DD, born c. 1718 in Zurich, Switzerland; died Nov 14, 1774. Principal found of Queens College (Now Rutgers). His wife, Rachel Zabriskie, born c. 1729 at Hackensack and died c. 1771.
Solomon Froelich, DD, born May 29, 1750 at Red Hook, died Oct 8, 1847. Founder of the True Reformed Dutch Church in 1822. his wife Rachel Vanderbeek, born at Hackensack 1742; died 1813.
The Rev. Charles Hardenbergh and others whose names are unknown to us.
In 1750 John Henry Goetschius built a family vault near this spot. By 1866 it had fallen into such disrepair that it was torn down by the order of the Session and the remains were moved to a new site.
This gravestone is to honor those buried here and in memory of Adrian Coulter Lieby who greatly loved this church
1982
