St. Peter’s Church Freehold

St. Peter’s Church in Freehold was designed one of the leading architects of the colonial period, Robert Smith of Philadelphia. Many of his important public buildings still stand, including Nassau Hall at Princeton University and Christ Church and Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia. Smith was commissioned to design and build the church in Freehold, which was begun in 1771. The following year, the Reverend William Ayres noted “the New Church at Freehold Town is in great forwardness.” Unfortunately, the economic and social impact of the Revolutionary War halted construction in 1775, although the structure was apparently framed and enclosed since it is said to have sheltered the wounded during the Battle of Monmouth and served as a storehouse for the Provincial Army afterwards.

33 Throckmorton St, Freehold, NJ 07728