Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church 300th Anniversary Parade

Basking Ridge, NJ – Thousands are expected to participate in the celebration of the 300th anniversary of the historic Presbyterian Church in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, on June 10, 2017. All are invited to attend the fun activities planned to mark this historic occasion.

• 300th Anniversary Parade – Saturday, June 10, starting at 2:00 p.m. at Ridge High School and ending at the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, the Bonnie Brae Drum Corps, Rampant Lion Bagpipers, Ridge High School Marching Band, historic cars, horse carriages, dignitaries, community service organizations, and others will parade down South Finley Avenue to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Basking Ridge’s oldest and most beloved institution – the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church. Immediately following the parade remarks from the Church’s Reverend Dennis W. Jones; Reverend Dr. Craig Barnes, President, Princeton Theological Seminary; elected officials; and others will take place on the steps of the church followed by music. The Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church is located at 1 E. Oak St, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920.
• Costumed Historic Cemetery Tours – Prior to the parade, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., costumed tour guides representing notable persons buried in the church’s cemetery will conduct free tours. The oldest gravestone dates to 1736. Thirty-five Revolutionary War soldiers are known to be buried in the cemetery. Other notables include Mary Lewis who was born in Basking Ridge in 1763 and was taken captive by Native Americans in Ohio. Mary managed to get a message out to an Army courier to bring back to her brother in Basking Ridge, who on the way back East died of yellow fever and was buried. Because he was carrying important documents, his body was exhumed and Mary's message was found and delivered to her brother who went to Ohio to rescue and return her to Basking Ridge where she lived to 85.
• History of the Church through Art and Artifacts – Immediately prior to the parade (12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.) and immediately following (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), the church will have many of its historic artifacts on display in the Church House. Also on display will be the special quilt created by the Oak Tree Quilters featuring a variety of significant chapters of the church’s 300 years. In Westminster Hall, guests will have the opportunity to view a wide variety of the artwork of former Associate Pastor Reverend Dr. James E. Morris. Various BRPC Mission Programs will be highlighted through slideshows and displays.
• Display at the Brick Academy on Oak Street and Finley Ave -- The Historical Society of the Somerset Hills will be open to welcome parade guests throughout the afternoon on June 10 to view a special 3ooth Anniversary exhibit on the museum level.