USA > New Jersey > Camden County > Haddonfield > A history of the First Baptist Church of Haddonfield, New Jersey : organized June 11, 1818, incorporated March 16, 1839, re-incorporated June 28, 1906 > Part 1
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History of the
First Baptist Church of Haddonfield, New Jersey
Sarah Crawford Hillman Historian
1818-1918
Gc 974.902 H118hiL
GEN
5280
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02987 0950
25-
Gc 974.902 H118hiL Hillman, Sarah Crawford. A history of the First Baptist Church ...
REV. JOHN SISTY AUGUST 14, 1819 - SEPTEMBER 30, 1838
A History of The First Baptist Church of Haddonfield, New Jersey
ORGANIZED JUNE 11, 1818 INCORPORATED MARCH 16, 1839 RE-INCORPORATED JUNE 28, 1906
By Sarah Crawford Hillman
Edition limited to 500 copies
[1918?]
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box. 2270 Fort Wayne IN 36801-2270
Illustrations
-
Rev. John Sisty
Frontispiece
OPP. PAGE
Grove Schoolhouse
6
First Meeting-house
11
Candle Sticks and Mould
17
Mortuary Chapel
19
Violoncello
21
Second Meeting-house
23
Parsonage
27
Rev. Robert F. Young
29
Third Meeting-house
31
Chapel at Ellisburg
33
Hillman Chapel
35
Rev. Henry A. Griesemer, D.D.
37
Rev. Frank Austin Smith, D.D.
45
Rev. J. M. T. Childrey
47
Pastor William S. Terrell
49
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/historyoffirstba00hill
Preface
In the preparation of the following pages, the author desires to acknowledge the value of the writings of the late Judge John Clement, which have so aided in the introduction of the present volume.
GROVE SCHOOL HOUSE
First Baptist Church of Haddonfield 1818-1918
The history of the First Baptist Church at Had- donfield, Camden County, New Jersey, is closely identified with the churches of Mount Holly and Evesham.
As early as 1784, the Rev. Peter Wilson, pastor of the Baptist Church at Hightstown, Monmouth County, occasionally preached at Mount Holly in Burlington County, New Jersey. At intervals, others of like persuasion officiated there, and in 1801, a church was organized with 36 members.
About the year 1788, religious services were held at the house of Matthew Wilson, in Evesham, Bur- lington County, and afterward continued, with more regularity at the schoolhouse in that neighbor- hood.
In 1803, Joseph Evans and Letitia, his wife, and Rebecca Troth were baptized, they being the first in that region, and two years after, the covenants were adopted and a church organized with 45 members, many of whom had been dismissed from the church at Mount Holly. Still occupying the schoolhouse, it was called the "Evesham Baptist Church," but generally known as "Eve's Causeway Meeting- house," or the "Old Causeway Baptist Meeting." A building was erected and dedicated in 1805. The
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
building stood near the Old Causeway, and half a mile from what is now the town of Marlton, then only a few houses on the public road leading from Philadelphia through "the pines" toward the sea- shore.
Among those who connected themselves with the church at Mount Holly was John Sisty, then a young man, and a resident of that town. Yielding to the persuasions of his associates, he occasionally addressed religious meetings, which developed a gift for the ministry.
In 1814, he was made a licentiate, the next year, ordained, and preached regularly, once each month at Evesham Meeting-house for nearly four years without compensation. During this time he removed to Philadelphia, and had his residence and place of business on the west side of Front Street, a few doors below Market Street, and there continued for many years.
ORIGIN OF THE HADDONFIELD CHURCH
Visiting friends of his own religious belief at Haddonfield in 1817, Mr. Sisty was requested by Mrs. Lettice Evans, formerly of Evesham, N. J., to preach there, with a view to the founding of a church, where their opinions and observances of the scriptures might the better be advanced.
The invitation was accepted, and in the afternoon of August 17, 1817, he preached his first sermon in the Grove Schoolhouse.
9
OF HADDONFIELD, NEW JERSEY
Haddonfield is one of the old towns of West New Jersey. One hundred years ago it was a village of less than fifty families. The most important manor house in the neighborhood was built by Elizabeth Haddon, in 1714. At that time the Society of Friends was the only religious denomination which had stated meetings in the village, and it might be said, in the neighborhood.
The meetings started by Mr. Sisty were continued the second and fourth Sabbaths of each month.
Until the year 1818, no other place of religious worship had been built, than the Friends' Meeting- house.
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10
HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
THE GROVE SCHOOLHOUSE
At that time the Grove schoolhouse was the only suitable building that could be obtained for Mr. Sisty to preach in; it stood a short distance out of the town, on the road leading toward Stoy's Landing.
The land where it stands was given by William E. Hopkins, in 1809, and the house erected by voluntary contributions for the purposes of a school, with the understanding that any religious denomi- nation should be allowed to occupy it on evenings and Sundays. .
Within its walls the Baptist, Methodist, and Episcopalian ministers were first listened to by the people hereabouts, and here originated these three denominations, all of which now have handsome edifices in the town and growing congregations in the community.
The school building has been moved from the original site and changed in appearance, both inside and outside, but stands within the limits of the lot donated. It was a plain edifice, furnished with unpainted desks and benches without cushions or backs.
In this unpretentious structure, surrounded by the primitive forests, and many miles from any other in ' doctrinal sympathy, did this good man persevere in his efforts to draw around him those who were will- ing to accept his views of religion and follow the requirements of his creed as by him explained. The services were of the simplest character, often with-
THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE 1818 - 1852
11
OF HADDONFIELD, NEW JERSEY
out the singing of hymns, for there were but few who understood or had any knowledge of music. Mr. Sisty soon found, however, that these meetings attracted attention, and was much encouraged to continue his efforts.
In after years, Mr. Sisty often spoke of the kind sympathetic manner in which he was received by members of the Society of Friends, and who always expressed themselves pleased with his work.
Such marked success attended Mr. Sisty's meet- ings, that an organization was effected June 11, 1818, with the following named persons as members : Charles Kain, Isaac Cole, Samuel Vanhorn, John Fairlam, Hannah Clement, Maria Hillman, Sarah Kain, Ann Kain, Elizabeth Vanderveer and Keturah Rowand.
Charles Kain and his wife, Sarah, resided at Fellowship, Burlington County, Elizabeth Vander- veer at Moorestown, in the last named county ; John Fairlam and Samuel Vanhorn, near Colestown; Maria Hillman and Keturah Rowand lived near Fellowship, and Hannah Clement, in Haddonfield.
On the 6th of June, 1818, nine of the above mem- bers, four males and five females, were dismissed from the Evesham Baptist Church to form the Haddonfield Baptist Church.
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
FIRST PERIOD
1818-1838
Immediately after the organization, steps were taken to secure a suitable piece of land for building purposes, and Zaccheus Logan, Joseph Evans, Isaac Smith, David Vanderveer and Charles Kain, were selected as trustees to take the title to the lot, which was purchased of the heirs of Elizabeth West, deceased, by deed, dated February 19, 1819.
There was erected a neat and comfortable brick building, every way in keeping with the means and tastes of the people. The building, when finished, presented a creditable appearance, and was much admired by strangers. The entrance was by a front door and two side doors, the latter being used by those coming in carriages. The inside arrange- ment was admirable, with a double range of pews in the middle, and a range on either side, next the walls, with two side aisles to a cross aisle, between the side-doors.
The pulpit was panelled, but plain, and reached by several steps on either side, only large enough, how- ever, for two persons to sit in; galleries extended around three sides of the building, and furnished with benches throughout. Two large ten-plate wood-stoves stood in the main aisles for heating purposes. The pews were neatly finished with solid backs and doors, but without paint and not numbered.
13
OF HADDONFIELD, NEW JERSEY
The collections were taken in velvet sacks attached to long black handles, and were by the deacons, passed solemnly around at the close of the service. The money in circulation in those days were the old Spanish coins; and twelve and six-penny bits generally made up the sums contributed. Open baskets were at last substituted on account of spurious coin found in the velvet sacks, and placed there by those who had little regard for the necessi- ties of the church.
September 5, 1818, John Sisty, having moved to Philadelphia, joined the Haddonfield Baptist Church by a letter of dismissal from the Baptist Church at Mount Holly, and on August 14, 1819, by a formal vote of the church, and the pew-holders, was invited to become their pastor. At the same meeting, Charles Kain and Isaac Coles were selected as deacons.
On November 13th, following, Mr. Sisty wrote a letter to the church, accepting the charge, his ser- vices being rendered without compensation, the church paying his necessary expenses, which seldom exceeded one hundred dollars per year.
The building being finished, the dedication took place on the last Sabbath in November, 1818, when Dr. Holcom, the Reverend Mr. Greeg, Mr. Mahlon and Mr. Cooper were present, with Mr. Sisty to con- duct the services. These were novel and interesting in a Quaker neighborhood, where formality of any kind on such occasions was studiously avoided. Visitors came from all the country-side, and under
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
the persuasive eloquence of the eminent speakers, contributed liberally toward its cost. It is not too much to say that broad-brimmed hats and plain bonnets were scattered through the congregation, and although not of those who gave, were known to be in sympathy with the enterprise, and hoped for its success.
15
OF HADDONFIELD, NEW JERSEY
REGARDING THE CONSTITUENT MEMBERS
Charles Kain was baptized at Salem, New Jersey, in the twentieth year of his age, and became a mem- ber of the church at that place. The next year, 1813, he removed to Philadelphia, and by letter joined a church in that city. In 1816, he came to New Jersey again, and worshiped with those of the Old Cause- way Meeting-house, near Marlton, Burlington County, and there remained until he became one of the constituent members of the church at Had- donfield.
Charles Kain is remembered as leading the sing- ing; he was chosen clerk of the church, which position he for several years acceptably filled. A class was formed for the study of music, in which but two parts, the air and the bass were taught, Luther's grand old Doxology was always heard be- fore dismissal, and everybody delighted to join in the singing.
Away later on, musical instruments were used, when James G. Webster led the singing and "Billy Githens" played the violoncello. By a vote of a church meeting, consent had been gained to use the cello, which was a step in advance, but brought a controversy among the members. Some left the church, but the "obnoxious thing" continued to be used. The same difficulty, it may be noted, and some divisions took place in other Baptist Churches in the state. The historic old 'cello is still in existence,
16
HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
however, and until recently, had continued to linger in its old Potter Street home in Haddonfield.
Elizabeth Kain, a relative of Charles Kain, then a girl in her teens, was a soprano in that famous Baptist choir; many years later, she became the second wife of James Webster, in whose choral class she had received her first lessons in singing.
Mrs. Webster, now past ninety years of age, has long been a widow, and, at present, enjoys the peace- ful comfort of the Baptist Home at Newark, New Jersey.
Isaac Coles, another constituent member, lived for many years in Camden, and was always active in the church.
Hannah Clement, a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church at Chews Landing, later became a member of the First Baptist Church at Philadelphia. June 11, 1818, she became connected with the Had- donfield Church. She was the first resident Baptist in the town. She was the wife of John Clement, who regularly, at both morning and evening services, was seen in his seat at the head of his pew.
John Fairlam, Samuel Vanhorn, Sarah Kain, wife of Charles, also Ann Kain were all baptized by John Sisty.
Keturah Rowand was a member of the Old Cause- way Meeting.
Maria Hillman, ever faithful, resided near Had- donfield.
Elizabeth Vanderveer proved a worthy and con- stant member.
CANDLE STICKS USED FOR LIGHTING THE PULPIT OF FIRST MEETING HOUSE AND THE CANDLE MOULD
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17
OF HADDONFIELD, NEW JERSEY
CHURCH GOVERNMENT
This among the Baptists is a democracy, pure and simple, and woman's rights are recognized and respected. This was a question that for many years vexed the church, but, at last, females were allowed to sit in meetings of business and vote upon all questions. It must ever be remembered that the Haddonfield Baptist Church owes its origin to the pious conception of a woman.
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
THE SILENT CITY
The graveyard at the rear of the first and second meeting-houses awakens many past memories. About one-half of the first purchase of land was laid out with two avenues and a range of lots on the right and left of each. The pew holders had the choice of lots, and such as paid four years in advance for their seats in the church, were given the lot selected with- out further consideration.
The early custom of the Friends had its influence, and many of the first graves are without markers. In the old part of the cemetery may be seen the graves of several of the founders of the church, and among them that of John Sisty, who provided that his remains should be laid within the bounds of the place he so much loved.
Here are also the unpretending stones marking the resting places of those active and useful in their generation, whose memories their descendants love to cherish.
The cemetery was originally founded to provide a resting place for members of the church, but the convenience of location and its many natural advan- tages attracted those of all denominations, to whom a cordial welcome was extended. This procedure soon necessitated enlargement, and from time to time more ground was purchased, until it stands to- day one of the most beautiful cemeteries in our state. It is under the management of the Board of Trustees of the church, and its present state of efficiency is due
1.
MORTUARY CHAPEL ERECTED BY THE LADIES' SOCIAL CIRCLE 1889
19
OF HADDONFIELD, NEW JERSEY
to the magnificent service of Brother Theodore M. Giffin, chairman of the Cemetery Committee. Every dollar received is spent on the cemetery, or care- fully invested in its endowment fund which now amounts to about $9,000.
It is highly desirable that the members of the church should remember the cemetery and provide for its perpetual care by a clause in their Will to this effect.
20
HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
BAPTISMS
The first baptism in connection with the church took place on September 13, 1818. Four persons were immersed.
Baptisms occurred on Sabbath morning, and generally at Evans' Mill Pond, above the dam, but sometimes below the flood-gates, when the ice was too thick on the pond. The cold was never too severe, or the storm too great to prevent the carry- ing out of this ordinance, yet no one was ever known to be injured by such unusual exposure. Mr. Sisty sometimes walked down into the water, the mercury at zero, exhorting as he went, until a proper depth had been reached, and there remain until he would immerse several candidates. At the end of another hour he would be conducting services in the pulpit. These occasions were events in the neighborhood, and persons would drive many miles to witness this interesting and impressive ordinance.
Things, however, have changed, and by the intro- duction of a baptistry in the church, this beautiful ceremony lost much of its rural interest and attractiveness.
The Baptist Church continued to grow in popu- larity, and among the regular attendants were those of other denominations, many renting pews. All were invited and all were welcome to listen to the elements of true Christianity.
In due time changes were suggested, which, how- ever, were suspiciously regarded by those who were contented with the present condition of things.
1
FIRST MUSICAL INSTRUMENT USED IN THE CHURCH SERVICE
21
OF HADDONFIELD, NEW JERSEY
Church music began to be desired. The Sunday- school was organized at the same time as the church, and John Gill, 3d, an elder in the Society of Friends, was chosen the first Superintendent.
To accommodate families and to gather in the youth of the neighborhood, branches of the Sunday- school were, from time to time, established in differ- ent places, and much good thereby accomplished. The younger persons became members, and growing restive under the old regime, alterations and im- provements to the house were suggested. In 1837, after much opposition, these were carried out at con- siderable expense, the whole interior of the church presenting a modern appearance. A frame addition was also built in the rear for the accommodation of business meetings and Sunday-schools.
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
SECOND PERIOD 1838-1884
The year 1838 was an eventful one. On the 30th of September of that year, John Sisty, after a faith- ful service of twenty years, resigned his pastoral charge of the Haddonfield Church. This separation was alike regretted by both pastor and people.
The church property had increased in extent and value. The membership had increased in numbers, and as evidence of the earnestness of this body of believers, it is only necessary to notice the several churches that can trace their beginning to those who were attached to the Baptist Church at Haddonfield.
The church at Moorestown was founded in 1837, by thirty members going from the Haddonfield Church.
In 1839, a few others were dismissed to establish a church at Marlton.
In 1841, an attempt was made to gain a congre- gation at Medford, which, however, was not as suc- cessful as the others.
In 1843, preaching by regular appointment was had at Newton, and a house erected, which, however, on account of misunderstanding, failed to succeed.
.
In 1848, with better success, a few of the mem- bers residing near Blackwoodtown, secured stated meetings in that village. Later on a like effort was made at Tansboro, afterward removed to Berlin.
In the Minutes of the Association in 1837, is the following statement: "Greatly favored with divine
THE SECOND MEETING HOUSE 1852 - 1884
23
OF HADDONFIELD, NEW JERSEY
refreshment ; baptized thirty-one, dismissed thirty to form a new church at Moorestown." From this time the prosperity of the Haddonfield Church began.
The Baptists of Moorestown were aggressive in the promulgation of their faith; and as early as 1685, they enjoyed missionary visits from the Cohansey and Cape May churches.
During the time of the second war with Great Britain, Rev. John Sisty, of Mount Holly, visited Moorestown at intervals, and preached at largely attended meetings. On the 8th of May, 1836, occurred the first baptism, which had such an influ- ence on the people that many conversions followed. The converts united with the Haddonfield Church, as the pastor had visited much among them.
In 1837, as before stated, a church was consti- tuted, and the next year a house was built.
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
SHORT PASTORATES
1839-1862
After the resignation of Mr. Sisty, the church experienced a period of short pastorates.
In 1839, the Rev. C. C. Park followed Mr. Sisty as pastor, with a salary fixed at $400.
In 1840, the Rev. Charles Wilson succeeded Mr. Park.
In compliance with a call from a meeting of Bap- tists, held in Hatboro, Pa., on the 1st of June, 1842, brethren from several Baptist churches met in Con- vention in the Baptist Meeting-house at Norristown, Pa., August 1, 1842, to take into consideration the propriety of organizing a Baptist Anti-Slavery Convention.
Brother Samuel Aaron, of Norristown, Pa., was called to the chair, and Brother Charles E. Wilson, of Haddonfield, N. J., appointed Secretary, by whom the Minutes of the meeting were prepared. Mr. Charles E. Wilson was also one of the Commit- tee appointed to draft a Constitution for this Con- vention, known as the New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania Baptist Anti-Slavery Convention, of which, for the ensuing year, he was appointed Cor- responding Secretary.
In 1844, the Rev. Marvin Eastwood became pas- tor, and remained three years.
In 1847, the Rev. Orion Caperon was called, but on account of ill health remained but a short time, when the Rev. William Brisbane supplied the church
25
OF HADDONFIELD, NEW JERSEY
for a limited time. He was very popular, and in- creased the attendance.
In 1848, the Rev. William Hires followed.
In 1850, the Rev. Samuel B. Willis was settled, and remained one year and a half.
In 1852, the Rev. Alfred S. Patton succeeded him. During the administration of the last-named pastor, the subject of erecting a larger and more commodi- ous building was seriously considered, which move- ment was bitterly opposed by the older members and many of the congregation. Those in favor of this argued that thirty years had increased the attend- ance, that the old building had not sufficient capac- ity, and that the architecture and appearance were entirely behind the age; that the liberality and wishes of the people would meet the demands, and that no incumbrance would remain when the improvement was accomplished.
The old meeting-house was torn down in July, 1852, and the corner-stone of a new building was laid the following August.
The services of that interesting occasion were re- ported as follows: "On Thursday, August 12, 1853, the corner-stone of the new and beautiful church edifice was laid at Haddonfield, New Jersey. A large concourse of people assembled and were com- fortably seated beneath the wide-spreading branches of the beautiful trees opposite the site of the edifice. After singing-
'To Him from Whom all blessings flow,
Who all our wants supplies,' etc.,
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
a former pastor of the church led in prayer, when the Rev. John Sisty, by whose faithful labors the interest had begun, and who served the church as pastor for twenty years, gave a brief and interest- ing sketch of its history. Other addresses followed, and with appropriate remarks the corner-stone was laid by Rev. A. S. Patton, the pastor."
The church, of the Norman Byzantine order, was built of brown sandstone, 42 x 65 feet, and sur- mounted by a chaste and lofty steeple, 112 feet high, containing a bell, the gift of John Sisty.
"O swell! ye purifying waters, swell!" In mellow tones rang out a bell, "Though faith alone in Christ can save, Man must be plunged beneath the wave, To show the world unfaltering faith In what the Sacred Scriptures saith : O swell! ye rising waters, swell!"
Pealed out the clear-toned Baptist bell. -"The Creed of the Bells."
Mr. Sisty joined the Church Triumphant, Octo- ber.2, 1863, aged eighty years.
PARSONAGE
27
OF HADDONFIELD, NEW JERSEY
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF THE
REV. ALFRED S. PATTON, D.D.
Mr. Patton was born in Suffolk, England, Decem- ber 25, 1825, came to America when a child, and was educated at Columbia College, Washington, D. C., and Madison University, N. Y. He received the degree of Master of Arts from the former, and Doctor of Divinity from the latter.
After graduating, he spent some months in Europe. He was settled as pastor in West Chester, Pa., then at Haddonfield, N. J., then at the First Baptist Church at Hoboken, N. J. In 1859, he was settled to the pastorate of. the church at Watertown, Mass., and in 1862 and 1863 was chaplain of the Massachusetts Senate. In 1864, he became pastor of the old Broad Street Church, of Utica, N. Y. While there, the church built the noted Tabernacle Baptist Church.
Mr. Patton was an able preacher, and a good pas- tor, possessing remarkable tact and superior social qualities. Mr. Patton upheld all the great enterprises of his denomination, and was a strenuous supporter of Baptist doctrines and policy. The handsome old brownstone church was largely the outcome of Mr. Patton's executive ability.
In 1855, the Rev. Mr. Latham succeeded Mr. Patton.
In 1856, the Rev. James E. Wilson was called, but resigned in 1861, to go as chaplain in the Civil War.
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
JAMES ELI WILSON
He was born in Philadelphia, March 17, 1830, and died in the same city June 17, 1898, at the age of 68 years and three months.
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