St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church is an example of Gothic Revival-style architecture. The church, which will celebrate the 100th anniversary next year since it was consecrated in 1908, has been named to the National and N.J. Historic Registries for, among other things, its rich architectural style and long history in the borough of Rumson. RUMSON – Known for its Gothic style and rich history, St. George’s-by-the-River Episcopal Church has been placed on both the New Jersey Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
According to a St. George’s press release, both registers have the same criteria for eligibility, which include nomination forms and a review process for properties significant in architecture, history, archaeology, engineering and/or culture.
The church, which was constructed in 1907, with an addition in 1955, was submitted for listing on the registers based on its significant architectural design.
“We’re very proud of these listings and what it means to the church,” said former senior warden Robert Winters. “It’s [the church] just a beautiful example of Gothic Revival, which became pretty popular in this country, having come from Europe. And if you go inside, a lot of it makes it seem like you are inside this beautiful ancient boat at times.”
A stained-glass window in St. George’s-bythe River Episcopal Church. St. George’s Gothic Revival style is reflected in the building’s granite exterior, the open-truss ceiling, carved stone impost blocks, the steep gable roofs, the use of stone inside and out, the plain plaster walls and brick floors, the Gothic arches, the stainedglass windows, stone hood molds, medieval hinges and nails studded on wood doors, and carved pew endcaps, to name a few aspects that were mentioned in a 16-page National Register of Historic Places nomination form.
In a July 24 letter to Rumson Mayor John E. Ekdahl, Historic Preservation Office
HPO) Administrator Dorothy P. Guzzo wrote that the church was entered onto the New Jersey Register on Dec. 21, 2006, and the National Register on Feb. 13.
According to Winters, who is also a member of the historical committee that helped nominate the church, the July 24 letter was the first official notification of the listings for the Lincoln Avenue church.
Winters said the church’s historical committee contracted Westfield Architects and Preservation Consultants, Haddon Heights, to help with the application and nomination forms for the two registers.
“Our historical committee at the church knew we had a property that was well in excess of 50 years old, which is one of the criteria, and we were also thinking about possible grants for capital improvement to the church, so in speaking to the consultants we decided that we would seek a grant from the New Jersey Historical Trust [NJHT] for not only a preservation plan but to also cover the cost of submitting the application,” Winters said recently.
In 2004, a $25,000 grant was awarded to the church by the NJHT to help fund a preservation plan. According to the NJHT Web site, the preservation plan would “address structural and exterior concerns to guide the church’s restoration.”
“These applications are very detailed,” Winters said of the nomination process for the two registries. “You don’t just say I want to be listed and then it happens.”
Winters said the consultants guided the historical committee through the nomination process. He said that before a final registration form can be submitted, a draft must be submitted and reviewed by various state agencies.
According to the HPO letter, a listing on the New Jersey Register “prevents the state, a county, municipality or any of their agencies or instrumentalities from undertaking any project that will encroach upon, damage or destroy the property listed without approval from the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).”
The letter continues, “listing on the National Register ensures that properties affected by undertakings that are Federally executed, licensed or financially assisted will be subject to review and comment in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended.”
The letter also said the National Register is a list of cultural resources that are significant to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or culture.
According to a press release, the only other property in Rumson to hold both distinctions is the Seabright Lawn Tennis & Cricket Club.
St. George’s Episcopal Church was originally known as St. George’s-on-the-Hill and was erected as a small stone church in January 1875 in the area of Rumson Hills after land was donated. It was consecrated in 1885 but struggled to maintain its congregation, since it had been constructed among summer homes and only stayed open during summer months, according to the historical background section of the church’s nomination form.
In 1906, church member Alice Strong donated land and money to construct a new church in memory of her late husband, William E. Strong, who was a founding member and former senior warden of the church, according to the nomination form.
“It is my desire to build a church as a Memorial to my husband, the late Mr. William E. Strong,” wrote Strong in the church vestry. “The need of one nearer Seabright [sic] having been recently so urged. I take this opportunity to offer the congregation of St. George’s Church, Rumson, through you as Senior Warden, to provide site and church in a more advantageous position than the present one.”
In 1907, construction began on the new church in its more central location and it was consecrated St. George’s-by-the-River in June 1908, according to the nomination form.
Parts of the old building were brought to the new one, including the cornerstone, Celtic cross, lectern and a memorial window, which is now located in the south wall of the chantry and the altar, and carved reredos of marble were imported from Italy, according to the nomination form.
A parish hall and rectory were added in 1911 and 1912, according to the Sept. 1 press release.
In a September church newsletter Winters wrote, “They [the listings] are acknowledgement that our church building is a fine example of the Gothic Revival style of architecture which not only benefits current parishioners, residents of and visitors to our country, but is also worthy of preservation for future generations.”
According to the newsletter, historic tour guide pamphlets are being considered and a ceremony is being planned for 2008, which is the 100-year anniversary of the June 1908 consecration of the church building in its current location.
“It’s a nice story to tell, and it basically makes us remember how much our forefathers and mothers, because the church was given by Mrs. Strong in memory of her husband, you know how much they have given to us, and how important it is to preserve it [the church] for current and future generations. And this listing just keeps it in our memories,” said Winters.