First Presbyterian Cemetery Rules

Grief is a tangled ball of emotions, and learning cemetery requirements during this time can create extra stress. 

If your family recently laid someone to rest at White Church First Presbyterian Cemetery in Woodbridge, NJ, you may need guidance on its memorial rules. 

This article gives clear, compassionate direction on the cemetery’s monument guidelines, and Shevchenko Monuments is ready to help you honor your loved one with care and compliance.

A Legacy Rooted in Faith and History

The First Presbyterian Cemetery, nestled beside the historic White Church in Woodbridge, NJ, has a rich history dating back to 1675. 

The original meeting house, which served as both church and burial ground, is a testament to our enduring faith and heritage. The five-acre grounds hold the remains of Puritan settlers, Revolutionary War patriots, and veterans of modern conflicts, weaving a tapestry of our shared history. 

While the cemetery’s heritage has evolved to embrace diversity, it remains deeply rooted in its Presbyterian origins and the neighboring White Church.

Design That Honors Faith and Heritage

The cemetery’s memorials show centuries of Presbyterian tradition and Anglo-Protestant heritage. 

• Early brownstone headstones display stark Puritan symbols such as skulls, wings, and hourglasses to convey mortality and eternal hope. 
• Later markers use granite and marble with soft gray and earth-toned finishes. 
• Inscriptions often carry biblical verses or poetic epitaphs, and crosses or angelic figures offer quiet reassurance. 

Families personalize monuments with etched crests or floral motifs, forming a place of remembrance shaped by faith, history, and love.

Monument Rules and Creative Freedom

White Church First Presbyterian Cemetery is a place where tradition meets personalization. In the newer sections, families have the freedom to choose from a wide range of designs under more flexible rules. 

This allows for a unique and personal tribute to your loved one. In the older areas, the focus is on modesty and historical consistency, preserving the cemetery's character while still offering some creative freedom.

Key guidelines:

• Size & Shape: No limits in newer strip sections; older plots may require smaller, traditional dimensions.

• Materials: Granite, marble, bronze, and other durable materials allowed.

• Designs: All colors and finishes accepted; custom shapes and artistic details welcome.

• Inscriptions: Religious verses, epitaphs, and personal messages encouraged. Photos and engraved portraits permitted.

• Placement: Headstones must fit within plot boundaries and keep pathways clear.

• Permits & Approvals: Submit designs for approval through the church office or cemetery administrator.

This flexibility in memorial design not only allows for personal tributes but also preserves the cemetery’s historic character. 

Shevchenko Monuments, with its expertise and understanding, can guide you through each step of the memorial process, ensuring that your tribute is not only beautiful but also compliant with the cemetery's guidelines.

Partnering with Shevchenko Monuments

At Shevchenko Monuments, we know memorial choices can be stressful, especially when cemetery rules apply. Our team provides expert guidance so you can honor your loved one with a monument that meets all requirements and matches your vision. 

From design through approval, we streamline each step and help you avoid costly mistakes. 

Contact us today to review White Church First Presbyterian Cemetery’s guidelines and start creating a meaningful tribute.

Getting There and Nearby Landmarks

White Church First Presbyterian Cemetery, at 600 Rahway Avenue, Woodbridge, NJ 07095, is accessible from Rahway Avenue, Port Reading Avenue, Route 1, and the Garden State Parkway. 

Next to the cemetery stands the historic First Presbyterian Church of Woodbridge, which manages the grounds and provides spiritual support. 

Nearby cemeteries, such as Trinity Episcopal Churchyard and St. James Catholic Cemetery, highlight Woodbridge’s diverse religious heritage. For inquiries, call the church office at (732) 634‑1024.

Directions to Shevchenko Monuments

The drive from White Church First Presbyterian Cemetery to Shevchenko Monuments takes about 10–15 minutes by car. This article includes a map with the route for quick reference.

Step-by-step directions:

1. Head south on Rahway Avenue from the cemetery.

2. Turn left onto Green Street.

3. Continue onto Amboy Avenue.

4. After about 2.5 miles, turn right onto S Florida Grove Road.

5. Shevchenko Monuments is on the left at 329 S Florida Grove Rd, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861.

Disclaimer: Shevchenko Monuments, while providing expert guidance on memorial design and compliance, is an independent entity and has no direct affiliation with the White Church First Presbyterian Cemetery.