On Trial for Blasphemy The State of New Jersey v. Charles B. Reynolds

Ex-minister Charles B. Reynolds, a travelling lecturer “preaching” about the need for separation between church and state, was arrested in Boonton, New Jersey and charged with blasphemy. The blasphemy statute was originally adopted by the State of New Jersey during colonial times and had never been used before. Reynolds was tried in Morristown during May 19-20, 1887 and was represented by the famous attorney, author and public orator Colonel Robert G. Ingersoll. The trial was reported on by The New York Times and the story was picked up by newspapers nationwide. This is a historical play based on the trial.