Gazing upon the weathered stones of Old Bergen Church Cemetery, can you hear the echoes of Jersey City’s earliest settlers? This unassuming plot, nestled along Bergen Avenue, holds the stories of the families who shaped this city. Old Bergen Church Cemetery is New Jersey’s oldest burial ground. It was established in 1661 alongside the First Dutch Reformed Church. The first burial took place in 1668. This sacred ground whispers tales of Dutch settlers.
The cemetery isn’t just a collection of headstones. It’s a tapestry woven with the threads of Jersey City’s history. Originally located near the village’s protective stockade fence, the cemetery has witnessed the city’s growth and transformation. Its current location along Bergen Avenue reflects the city’s expansion. The oldest visible stones date back to the late 1700s. They bear names like Van Reypen, Brinkerhoff, and Van Winkle. These names echo in the streets and neighborhoods of Jersey City. They remind us of the enduring legacy of the city’s founders.
One intriguing fact about Old Bergen Church Cemetery is the eastward orientation of the graves. The tombstones face away from Bergen Avenue, towards the rising sun. This placement reflects the belief in preparing the souls of the dead for the Day of Judgment. Old Bergen Church Cemetery has held more than just the remains of ordinary citizens. Revolutionary War patriot Jane Van Reypen Tuers rests here. Two pastors of the Dutch Reformed Church, Reverend William Jackson and Reverend John Cornelison, also found their final resting place within these hallowed grounds. Their presence adds another layer of historical significance to this already rich site.
The cemetery’s story isn’t without its share of challenges. In 1922, controversy erupted when part of the burial grounds was sold for commercial development. This sparked a legal battle and the eventual relocation of some remains. Later, in 1926, the widening of Bergen Avenue led to the displacement of more graves. The remains were moved to Arlington Cemetery in North Arlington. These events remind us of the delicate balance between progress and preservation. Despite these disruptions, the essence of Old Bergen Church Cemetery remains.
Closed to new interments since 1945, Old Bergen Church Cemetery stands as a silent testament to Jersey City’s past. The weathered stones whisper stories of families, faith, and the passage of time. As you leave this sacred ground, carry with you the echoes of history and the memories of those who rest here. Their stories are woven into the fabric of Jersey City. Their legacies continue to shape the city we know today. Old Bergen Church Cemetery serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring connection between the past and the present.