When it comes to safeguarding the remains of pre-twentieth century Christian heroes of this nation, there are four or five cemeteries in America which stand out for the treasure trove of former spiritual leaders of the Faith contained on their grounds: Burial Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts; Copps Hill in Boston, Massachusetts; Hollywood Park in Richmond, Virginia; and the Princeton Cemetery beside what was formally known as the College of New Jersey. In preparation for the 2005 Faith and Freedom Tour, we traveled last week to Princeton and the last resting spot of many of the greatest Presbyterians in history.

“This is the spot to watch on Resurrection Day,” Bill Potter pointed out. “The ground will blow open with the rising dead.” And so it will — for on this portion of the Princeton Cemetery rests the best and the brightest of America’s historic spiritual brain trust — the creme of American Presbyterianism, the visionaries of the Great Awakening, the last great prophets of Puritan thought, and the Founding Fathers of American reformed theology: Aaron Burr, Sr., Jonathan Edwards, Samuel Davies, John Witherspoon, and more. Each of these men made a unique (and sometimes monumental) mark on the American spiritual scene and each served as president at the important College of New Jersey.

Vice President Aaron Burr is one of nation’s most colorful historic figures. Acquitted of treason, but later responsible for the death of Alexander Hamilton in a duel, Burr accomplished much, but did not fully embrace the rich Christian heritage of his father Aaron Burr, Sr., and his grandfather, Jonathan Edwards, though he was ultimately buried between the two of them as a sign of honor to his ancestors.

Mother of eleven children, blessed helpmeet and keeper at home, Sarah Edwards’ ministry to her husband children and household was of such a nature that one visit to her table left the great George Whitfield to write in his journal that their marriage inspired him to pray for such a “daughter of Sarah” to be his own wife.

Of the marriage relationship of the great Archibald Alexander and his wife, the following was written by his son:

On the fifth day of April 1802, he (Archibald Alexander)was married to Janetta Wadell, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Waddel of the county of Louisa. It may safely be said that no man was ever more blessed in such a connection. if the uncommon beauty and artless grace of this lady were strong attractions in the days of youth, there were higher qualities which made the union inexpressably felicitous during almost half a century. For domestic wisdom, self-sacrificing affection, humble piety, industry, enexhaustible stores of vivacious conversation, hospitality to his friends, sympathy with his cares, and love to their children, she was such a gift as God only bestows on the most favoured. While during a large part of middle life he was subject to a variety of maladies, she was preserve in almost unbroken health. When his spirits flagged, she was always prompt and skilful to cheer and comfort. And as his days were filled with spiritual and literary toils, she relieved him from the whole charge of domestic affairs. Without the show of conjugal blandishments, there was through life a perfect coincidence of views, and a respectful affection which may be rcommended as a model. It pleased God to spare to him this faithful ministry of revering love to the very last, and when the earthly tie was broken to make the seperation short.

More heroes of the faith: Princeton theologian Charles Hodge and his family. Also buried here is B.B. Warfield and one of America’s better presidents, Grover Cleveland.

The sad truth is that thousands go past this sign every day, completely oblivious to the man it commemorates. Our Witherspoon School of Law and Public Policy is named after this great leader, patriot, theologian, and signer of the Declaration of Independence, a man who trained many of the signers of our Constitution including the true architect of the document, James Madison himself.