Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2024.FIC.016 |
Object Name |
Block, Printing |
Title |
First Presbyterian Church Printing Plate 1 |
Description |
A silver printing plate shaped like the First Presbyterian Church in Trenton, New Jersey, features an embossed image of the church on the front. The perspective is from the side of the building. The main portion of the church is cube-shaped with a pyramid-style roof. At the front of the building, six Roman-style columns are visible. The two columns closest to the center are Ionic, while the four columns bracketing them are Doric-style pilasters. A large window is visible on the side of the building. Above the main structure, a large cylindrical steeple rises with a cross on top. To the left of the building, two trees with leaves are depicted. In front of the building and trees, a fence, a lamppost, and the street are shown. The rest of the plate is filled with swirling lines. The back of the plate is featureless. The First Presbyterian Church depicted in the plate was built in 1840. According to the church's website, the Presbyterian congregation in Trenton dates back to 1712. Their first church was built in 1727, followed by a second church in 1806. In 1828, the second church was struck by lightning and fell into disrepair, leading the congregation to construct the third and final church. The third church, which measures 104 feet long, 62 feet wide, and features a 120-foot steeple, was built in the Greek Revival style with a pedimented temple and six 26-foot columns. The building is entirely supported by wooden beams and houses a bell in the steeple. The fence shown in the plate was installed in 1863. As of 2024, the church is still standing and remains in use. Citations: Timeline. First Presbyterian Church of Trenton. (2018, September 3). https://old1712.org/timeline/ |
Date |
Mid 20th Century (Likely) |
Material |
Metal |
Artist |
Unknown |
Height (in) |
7.000 |
Length (in) |
6.000 |
Condition |
Okay |
Condition Notes |
Overall: The top of the plate is folded down. Front: The top of the plate is folded down obscuring the cross on top of the steeple. There is a white accretion on the center near the left side. Back: There is corrosion all over. There are scratches all over. And finally, the words, "First Presbyterian Church Trenton" are written in sharpie on the back. |
Classification |
Architecture Churches & Temples Churches & Temples/Exterior Newspapers |
Subjects |
Metals Printmaking Printmaking equipment Metalwork Journalism Journalists Writing Writing materials Religious services Religious meetings Religious education Religious communities Religion Religious architectural elements Architecture Architectural decorations & ornaments Newspaper industry Christianity Churches |
Search Terms |
Religion Presbyterian Church Printing Plate Letterpress Printing Block Metal Grey Trenton Streetlight Road 19th Century 20th Century First Presbyterian Church Printing Plate Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church Third Church Trees Fence Cemetary Bell Steeple 1840 Doric Ionic Columns Pilaster |
Provenance |
Found in collection |