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Gc 974.902 P31t 1823844
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02236 7269
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016
https://archive.org/details/historyofreforme00thom_0
HISTORY
OF THE
REFORMED CHURCH
AT
PEAPACK, N. J.
WITH
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
r
BOARD OF PUBLICATION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA, 34 Vesey Street, New York.
1881.
1823844
D 285366 .8
[ THOMPSON, HENRY POST] 1831-1891. History of the Reformed church at Peapack, N.J., with biographical sketches. Trenton, N.J. , Sharp, 1881. 68р.
Publication transferred 1881 to Board of SHELFCANOpublication of the Reformed church in America, New York, whose label covers the imprint. Contents. - History of the church. - List of consistories .- List of members. - Autobiographical sketch of Rev. C.T Anderson, third pastor. - Autobiography of Rov. Henry P. Thompson, second pastor. NL 34-947
-
D: 053140X
12498
TO THE CHURCH
TO WHICH I MINISTERED FOR MORE THAN SIXTEEN YEARS,. TO DEAR FRIENDS GONE BEFORE, AND TO THOSE YET REMAINING,
THIS LITTLE BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED
BY THE AUTHOR. 40408
CONTENTS.
I. HISTORY OF THE CHURCH,
7
II. LIST OF CONSISTORIES, - 27
III. LIST OF MEMBERS, -
- 31
IV. AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. C. T. ANDERSON, THIRD PASTOR, - 41
V. AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF REV. HENRY P. THOMPSON, SECOND PASTOR, 45
1. Childhood.
2. Youth.
3. Teaching. 4. Student Life. 5. Ministry. 6. Laid Aside.
INTRODUCTION.
I desire to write something that will both entertain and benefit my readers. The history of the Peapack Church and a sketch of my own life seem to fulfill these conditions.
I have been repeatedly asked, by those in whose judgment I have confidence, to write an autobiography, and there seems a propriety in connecting it with my ministry in the only church in which I ever filled the pastoral office.
The brief biographical sketch of my successor in the pas- toral office has been furnished by himself.
I have endeavored to write in a simple, straightforward manner, stating facts as they actually occurred, and at the same time showing, especially in my autobiography, how certain facts influenced and shaped my life so as to produce particular results.
With the sincere desire that the book may profit, as well as edify and please the reader, I subscribe,
Hopefully, HENRY P. THOMPSON.
READINGTON, N. J., June 15th, 1881.
PREFACE.
It may seem strange that the history of so young a church should be written. The following considerations have prompted the writing:
1. Most of the principal actors in the organization have passed to the other side. Facts should be collected while those remain who can verify them.
2. My own pastorate began so near the organization of the church that the principal facts are well known to me.
3. Few will have the leisure-it is hoped that none will have the enforced leisure-to gather the facts which I here record.
Those who have been familiar with the relation which I have sustained to the church for almost a quarter of a century, will well know that the writing of this history has been a work of great enjoyment.
I desire to acknowledge the kindness and the assistance of the present pastor, in furnishing statisties and other matter from the records; and also of Judge Dellicker, in verifying and in giving me reminiscences of the past.
May those who read the book find as great enjoyment in the reading as I have found in the writing.
READINGTON, N. J., June 15th, 1881.
HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
=
The religious history of Peapack goes back to an early date. At the first meeting of the Presbytery of New Bruns- wick, August 8th, 1738, at New Brunswick, the people of Pea- pack " petitioned for preaching." This was twenty years before the church at Bedminster was organized. Nothing is known of their religious privileges for many years subsequently, but . after the church of Bedminster was organized, in 1758, the people of Peapack were gradually drawn to it as their church home.
Many years before the Reformed Church at Peapack was organized, the pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Lamington was accustomed to preach at Peapack, and a few of the people were members of that church, but the majority was counted as belonging to the congregation at Bedminster.
In 1840 the pastor of Bedminster Church, Rev. Isaac M. Fisher, died, and was succeeded, in October, 1812, by Rev. George Schenck, recently graduated from the Theological Semi- nary at New Brunswick. He was not the pastor of the church at Peapack, but he was chiefly instrumental in having it organ- ized. He is so well remembered and was so dearly beloved by many yet living, and withal was the pastor of most who origi- nally formed the church and congregation, that it is deemed proper to copy the following notice of him from Dr. Messler's " Historical Notes :"
8
"A friend characterizes him as an humble, meek and fervent Christian, marked by more than an ordinary degree of spiritu- ality, yet of a lively disposition, of a ready wit, and a foe to sanctimoniousness. He was a man of unbending integrity, and strictly conscientious in all his sentiments. He possessed great activity and perseverance. His small and diseased frame con- tained as brave and resolute a spirit as ever came from the Ahnighty's hand. He had warm sympathies, a great tenderness of feeling, and was devoted in his work. He spoke the whole truth with faithfulness and pungency, not fearing the face of man. Yet his fidelity was unmixed with harshness. The love of souls glowed in his heart, and the law of kindness was on his lips. With a good intellect and habits of study, his public services were instructive and interesting."
The " lecture-room " at Peapack was built in 1844. In reference to the building of it, Judge Dellicker wrote:
" I call to mind an incident or two, characteristic of Rev. Mr. Schenck. At the time the lecture-room was about to be built, it met with considerable opposition. One party said 'it would be the means of delaying the building of a church.' Another party said . it would hasten a church organization.' Well, we got what we could subscribed. At a meeting of Mr. Abraham Tiger, Schenck and myself, Schenck said, ' What shall we do?' I remarked, ' We leave that to you." He then said, ' Build ! If the people of Peapack won't pay for it, we three can.' This was agreed to. The house was built, and we got the money to pay for it easily."
The influence of Mr. Schenck's spirit and enterprise have often been seen in the promptness and liberality with which the people of this church have always met claims made upon them. Thus, in this sense-not often applied-" He being dead, yet speaketh."
9
In the year 1847, a " local option " law, at the request of temperance men, was passed by the legislature of New Jersey. Domine Schenck exerted all his influence to carry the measure in Bedminster township, and it was done! On all suitable occa- sions, in public and in private, he urged the adoption of the measure. He went to different parts of the township to deliver public addresses on the subject. He exerted a greater influence in behalf of this than any other man. It has been well said by those who were not called temperance men, " No other man could have carried the measure in Bedminster township." It was owing largely to Domine Schenck's efforts that the people voted for the measure, and the credit of it was freely accorded him. After one year the law was repealed. Temperance men are now urging " local option " again. It is no new thing.
Dr. Messler has given the particulars of organization, but there was preliminary work to do, some of which I note. Domine Schenck frequently presented the subject of a church to the inhabitants of Peapack. Some were in favor of taking prompt action ; others opposed, notably one -- D. W. Dellicker -- who was a prominent man in the neighborhood, and attended Domine Schenck's preaching at Bedminster, but was not a member of the church. Dellieker had proved himself an enter- prising and liberal man in the congregation at Bedminster. (He has proved himself such for thirty-three years in the Peapack congregation.) He was repeatedly importuned to go into the en- terprise, but he was firm in saying " No." At length he said to Domine Schenck, " We can build a church, but the trouble will be to support it afterward. If you will find ten men-and I'll be one of them-who will agree to pay a certain sum [ which he named] annually for its support, then you may count me for the church." The Domine suggested that if the people would
10
build the church, the Board of Domestic Missions would help them afterward ; but Dellicker answered, " Never ! If we can't support a church, we won't build it."
The church was organized in the lecture-room October 31st, 1848. Thirty-six members presented their certificates from other churches. There were thirty-one from Bedminster, four from the Presbyterian Church at Lamington, and one from the Congregational Church at Chester. The first consistory was constituted by ordaining, as elders, Jacob Tiger, Peter Demott, Abraham Cortleyou and Nicholas Tiger; and as deacons, Henry HI. Wyckoff, James S. Todd, John S. Fehly and Jacob A. Clauson. Of these eight men, seven at least are dead. At the organization, Dr. Messter preached a sermon from Proverbs viii : 34; Domine Schenck ordained the consistory ; and Rev. Mr. Stontenburgh, of Chester, offered prayer and pronounced the benediction.
The corner-stone of the church edifice was laid July 10th, 1849. Domine Schenck, Dr. Messler and Rev. J. K. Camp- bell of North Branch, made addresses. Revs. J. F. Morris and Daniel Johnson, of Mendham; L. I. Stoutenburgh and Abraham Williamson, of Chester ; and - Oackley, were also present, with Rev. Wm. Anderson, who had recently graduated from the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick.
The church was dedicated January 15th, 1850. The pulpit was occupied by Domine Schenck, Revs. J. K. Camp- bell, D. D. Demarest and J. M. Knox, with the pastor, Rev. Wm. Anderson, who presided. The sermon on that occasion was preached by Rev. D. D. Demarest. Domine Schenck offered the dedicatory, and Rev. J. M. Knox the concluding, prayer.
Mr. Anderson was an excellent pastor. The church and
11
congregation grew under his ministry. He attached numbers to himself and the church, who had never before attended the Reformed Dutch Church. During the year 1850, a well-located, commodious parsonage was built near the church ; so that, two years from the date of organization, they had pastor, church, lecture-room and parsonage, all ready to do the work of the Church. Is it any wonder that Dr. Messler says, "This church has had a prosperons career from the beginning"? After the writer became the pastor, he received a letter from Rev. Mr. Anderson, in which he said, " You will find them [the church at Peapack ] a loyal people." Whether he intended " loyal " to himself as pastor, or "loyal " to the church, I do not know. The writer counts it among the chief sources of his happiness, that for more than sixteen years it was eminently true of them in both senses.
The land for the lecture-room at Peapack was leased by Mr. Shobal Inse to the consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church of Bedminster, for $10, for the term of seventy years. Mr. Luse gave the land for the church and graveyard in 1849. This was enlarged by the addition, in 1859, of about half an aere, bought of Jacob J. Tiger, at $150 per acre, the same as he gave for the farm of one hundred and thirteen aeres from which it was taken. At the same time the consistory bought of him, at the same price, about one-quarter of an acre of land as an addition to the parsonage lot. This, as it originally existed, three-quarters of an aere, had been bought of Moses Craig for $100.
After the parsonage was built, the consistory found the church debt to be about $2000, and they determined to try and raise it immediately. The congregation was small, and had given liberally, but the debt was felt to be a burden which
12
must be removed. Dellicker, as a business man, was called in to consult with the consistory. He proposed to take the assess- ment-roll for taxes, (he was the assessor in Bedminster town- 'ship,) divide the debt pro rata, according as they were taxed that year, and ask each one interested in the success of the church to subscribe that amount toward the payment of the debt. After considerable demurring on the part of individuals, it was agreed to, and the infant church was freed from debt.
An elder who had considerable property, and to whom the plan was proposed, objected, saying, " What ! Tax me for the church debt? No!" "Very well," said Dellicker, "then I'll throw this paper in the fire." " No you won't; you've got some names on it. What'l yon burn them up for?" "Because, if it's wrong for you, it's wrong for me, and I mustn't do it." The old man saw the point, and said, " Let it alone, and put my name on too."
Injustice would be done to the memory of the dead did I fail to mention the great help, pecuniarily and otherwise, which the Tiger family, Jacob Tiger and his sons, John, Abraham, Nicholas and Christopher, rendered this church. Even David, who was deaf and dumb, always had his money ready, and was anxious to help pay the minister's salary as often as the collector called for it. Shortly after the church was organized, Rev. Mr. Schenck playfully said to Prof. Van Vranken, "They have taken all my Tigers away from me." Father and sons, except the youngest, Christopher, are safely garnered in the Church triumphant. Thanks to the Great Head of the Church, he yet remains, and is both able and willing to help bear forward the ark of the Lord. Jacob J., the elder son of John Tiger, left $1000, by will, to the Reformed Church at Peapack, the interest to be paid annually, forever, towards the minister's salary.
13
A friend who has known the Tiger family well, for forty years, who has been intimately associated with this church from its beginning, and to whom this manuscript was shown before it was sent to the printer, says, " You may truthfully say more of the Tigers, as they were, and could always be, relied on in any emergency."
In the spring of 1856, Rev. Mr. Anderson accepted a "call" to the Reformed Dutch Church of Fairview, Ill. The church at Peapack remained without a pastor until July 7th, 1857, when the writer, then just from the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick, was ordained and installed. His introduction to the church was in this wise: At the close of his " middle year " in the Seminary, Dr. How, of the First Reformed Dutch Church in New Brunswick, said to hit, " I have been appointed by the Classis of New Brunswick to preach at Peapaek the fourth Sabbath of July. Will you fill the appointment for me?" The answer was in the affirmative. The day was fine ; a good congregation was in attendance both morning and after- noon, and this was his first introduction to the church at Pea- pack, twelve miles from his father's house.
Two of the elders, William J. Savage and Andrew S. Cole, representing the consistory, early in Jannary, 1857, made pro- posals of a settlement to Mr. Thompson, as soon as he should pass his final examination. Shortly after, having received a favorable reply, the attention and the kind wishes of the people were directed to him as their future pastor. During the vacancy of the pulpit, Classis supplied them on alternate Sabbaths. From the Ist of April of the year 1857, Mr. Thompson received his regular salary, though he was not yet "settled," and at- tended to supplying the pulpit on the Sabbaths that Classis did not furnish them with preachers. This i- recorded, not only as
14
a faet in the history of the church, but to show the liberal spirit which the consistory showed, thus early, toward their future pastor.
At my examination for ordination, by the Classis of Phila- delphia, Dr. Gabriel Indlow took three hours to examine me on theology. He was a good theologian, familiar with the system of theology then taught in the Seminary at New Bruns- wiek, and went regularly through it; and altogether, I never had a more satisfactory, and at the same time thorough examina- tion. Two of the elders from Peapack were . present. The Classis had taken a recess from the church in the morning, to dine at my father's, and to continue in session at his house during the afternoon.
The Peapaek congregation was neither wealthy nor large, but nuited. Probably owing to the fact that ten of the most prominent men had subscribed a like amount toward the yearly support of the church at its organization, about that mnumber always expected to give a like amount toward any object for which the church undertook to raise money. The following may be taken as an example: When the writer had been the pastor for a few months only, it was proposed to cancel a debt of some hundreds of dollars. Dellicker, a good accountant, not a member of the church, but interested in everything which concerned its welfare, with one of the consistory, was appointed as a committee to make an exhibit of the pecuniary affairs of the church. After the report was made, a form of subscription to raise the amount was adopted, when Dellicker promptly said, "Come, Mr. Demott, you and I are the boys to start this." " Well, write your name," said Mr. Demott, "and write mine the same." Seven others said to him, " Write on," without seeing the paper or knowing
15
what was written. Each of those men wanted to give and ex- pected to give the same as any one of them.
This was one reason why money could be so easily raised in the Peapack congregation. Take another instance: When the consistory, in 1872, decided to enlarge the church, and- a subscription for that purpose was started among members of the consistory, only one thousand dollars was at first subscribed. Four thousand was the estimated amount wanted. Mr. Andrew S. Cole, to whom I hereafter refer as "a most active and effi- cient elder," said, "Gentlemen, it isn't worth while to try to raise the amount if this is all we can do here." His words were like magic. Most of those present doubled their subscriptions. Those who had subscribed $100 made it $200, and those who had given $50 gave $100.
In the congregation was an elderly man who was gener- ally known as a Unitarian. He was really an Arian. He was decidedly literary in his tastes, and fond of an argument. In my early years in the ministry, he tried frequently to draw me into an argument on some religious topic, but I always avoided it. He had a very retentive memory. Start him almost anywhere in the Bible, and he could go on and repeat long passages verbatim. He was a great help to me in learning to quote the Bible accurately. I recall several instances when, going from the church, he has said, " How is that passage of Scripture you quoted, in that part of the sermon, this morning ; how does it ron? Ah, I thought you said so, but I think it is so," (repeating it.) While he thus prompted me to carefulness, I soon learned to wish for the presence of Moses Craig in church. I often met him-at his own house, in the field or on the road, and sometimes, though not often, in my study-and his conver- sation, in which he usually took the lead, was always edifying.
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He was very much interested in the work of revising the Scriptures, which, however, he did not live to see completed, (he died in 1874,) and spoke of it as " one of the greatest under- takings of our day."
In the fall of 1861, a furnace was put under the church, not only as a better means of heating it, but that more room might be given for seating the people. Six new pews were added, occupying the place where the stoves had stood. In his anniversary sermon of 1862, the pastor said, "The general at- tendance on the public preaching of the Word has greatly in- creased ; so much so that, with the addition of six new pews, not ,less than a dozen more are required to meet the demand the present season. * * Pains have been taken for the regular seating of the people by assigning two, and, in some cases, three families to the same pew." In less than thirteen years from the laying of the corner-stone of the church edifice, it was found to be entirely too small to accommodate the people. And there was constant growth spiritually. In less than fourteen years from the organization with thirty-six persons, there were one hundred and eighty members. God had continually blessed them, temporally and spiritually. . During the history of the church there has been no time of a special, abundant outpour- ing of the Spirit when a large number came, at ouce, into the church. Eighteen is the largest number that ever nnited with the Peapack Reformed Church in one year. But God's pres- ence in his converting power, has not been wanting. The addi- tions have been as the flow of a steady stream, never swollen beyond its banks, but continually flowing on to fulfill its ap- pointed mission.
The Rev. Newman Hall, of London, in the Independent of March 31st, 1881, says :
17
"Some years ago I felt distressed that we had no such sea- sons, [of revival,] and I carefully examined our church-book, comparing ten years of the former with ten years of the present pastorate. I was surprised to find that the average of admis- sions to the church was slightly greater during the latter decade. So I thanked God that, though he had granted ns no such spe- cial seasons of 'showers of blessing,' yet that, in His mercy, he had all the time been giving us the small rain and the gentle dew, and had been encouraging not merely the preacher, but all the workers of the church, by proofs of his presence and co- operation."
With this sentiment the writer fully sympathizes.
Dr. Messler says, in his eighth memorial sermon, "God's covenant has not failed, nor has His Church been deserted. The Church lives, even when her members are gathered to her fath- ers." The writer is forcibly reminded of his own experience and that of this church, when he had been pastor but two years. Two of the most prominent members, father and son, had just died ; two others had removed to other places, and other changes had taken place, which seemed to militate against the prosperity of the church. The writer confesses that he was somewhat dis- heartened. At a consistory meeting, held about that time, the discouraging aspects of the congregation were disenssed, when one of the deacons said, " The old men have borne the burden heretofore. Some of us younger ones must come np and help." That deacon never knew how much he did for his pastor just then. "The Church lives, though her members die," has often been on the writer's lips since. The church, instead of being staggered by the blow, seemed to gather up her energies, and was stronger than before, She went right on. There was not so much as a halt, even, in her progress.
In 1865, Mr. Thompson received a " call" from another
18
church, offering him a larger salary. After a few days, he declined the " call," whereupon the church at Peapaek made his salary the same as that which he had declined.
In the fall of 1865, the church at Pottersville was organized. partly with members from the Reformed Church at Peapack. Dr. Messler, in his " Historical Notes," says, " It originated from a desire to obtain the means of grace in a locality which had been deprived of them." At their first meeting, preparatory to organization, the writer was present as adviser. The first inti- mation given him of the movement for a new church at Potter -- ville was in this wise : Pottersville school-house was one of four regularly-appointed lecturing places, on Sabbath afternoons, in connection with the church at Peapack. The September lecture had been delivered, and I had gone to take tea with Mr. Jona- than Potter. At the tea-table, he said, " Domine, we talk of having a church at Pottersville; what will you say to that ?" I replied, " I hope you don't expect me to oppose it ;" when he said to his wife, "That sounds good." It was then arranged that those in favor of the enterprise should talk the matter over and call a public meeting as soon as possible. That meeting was held in the school-house October 9th, 1865, and the first positive steps toward an organization were then effected. By means of this organization, the church at Peapack lost some valuable members ; but by their aid, another ehmreh was estab- lished, in which many souls have been gathered, and this church was not at all impeded.
In the year 1867, that every pew-holder might be legally called on to pay a fair proportion of the sum necessary to carry on the work of the church, an assessment of fifteen, instead of six per cent., was made on the original valuation of the pews.
When the present edifice was built, the pews were not sold.
19
The church belongs to the consistory; and each one having rented a pew where it suits him, retains it as long as he pays the rent placed upon it by the regularly constituted authorities. This is certainly a much better way than for each pew-holder to have a deed for his pew, so that when he removes to another place, or dies, he or his heirs still claim the pew as so much property. Now, when one leaves the church, the consistory owns the pew, and can rent it to another applicant.
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