USA > New Jersey > Cumberland County > The Sesqui-centennial, or, The 150th anniversary of the Deerfield Presbyterian Church, Cumberland County, New Jersey, celebrated Thursday, Aug. 25th, 1887 : historical sermon, addresses, etc > Part 1
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THE SESQUI-CENTENNIAL,
-MOR,
THE 150th ANNIVERSARY
-MOF THEM
DEERFIELD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
CELEBRATED THURSDAY, AUG. 25TH, 1887.
HISTORICAL SERMON, ADDRESSES, &C.
BRIDGETON, N. J. : JOHN CHEESMAN, PRINTER, PATRIOT OFFICE, 1888.
GEN
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02733 0973
Gc 974.902 D36s
The Sesqui-centennial, or, The 150th anniversary .. .
1737
1887
THE SESQUI-CENTENNIAL,
-HOR, -
THE 150th ANNIVERSARY
-OF THE~
DEERFIELD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
CELEBRATED THURSDAY, AUG. 25TH, 1887.
HISTORICAL SERMON, ADDRESSES, &C.
BRIDGETON, N. J .: JOIIN CHEESMAN, PRINTER, PATRIOT OFFICE. 1888.
Allen Count, Public Library 900 Wonster Street PO Bo 12270 Fort W
For bem. 1: 45501 2270
AN INTRODUCTION.
One of the greatest events known in the history of Deer- field, N. J., was the 150th Anniversary of the Presbyterian Church, held August 25th, 1887. It is estimated that from 1000 to 1200 persons were present. From 700 to 800 people took dinner and supper at the chapel provided for by the con- gregation. The church was crowded during the three sessions; and part of the time it was calculated that there were as many persons on the outside of the building as inside. A large awn- ing was stretched along the eastern side of the building, with camp stools underneath to accommodate the multitude on the outside, who were unable to gain access to the inside.
The church was tastefully and beautifully decorated for the occasion. No pains were spared to give it an unusually attractive appearance. The music was excellent and could not be surpassed. The choir was assisted by four additional instru- ments of music. The services were of the most interesting character. The history of the church had been prepared by the pastor, Rev. A. J. Snyder, and read on that occasion, which occupied about an hour and fifteen minutes. The Rev. R. Hamill Davis, Ph. D., a former pastor, talked on "Recollec- tions." He referred touchingly to many incidents which occur- red during his ministry here. The Hon. Clifford Stanley Sims, of Mount Holly, N. J., was present and made a few well chosen remarks. He is the great, great, grand-son of the Rev. John Brainerd, who lies buried beneath this church. The Rev. Allen H. Brown gave a very interesting account of the "The Presbyterian Church in South Jersey, its Origin and Progress." Mr. Caleb Allen, A. B., Principal of the West Jersey Academy. made a very entertaining address on the "Important Events of the past one hundred and fifty years." The Rev. Robert J. Burtt and Mr. Charles S. Tyler, sons of former pastors, offered short, yet appreciative addresses, referring to the church in former days.
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The Rev. James D. Hunter, a former pastor, made a very elaborate address on the "Sabbath School, its history and work." Revs. David and William James, brothers, and in carly life connected with this church, were present and made short and stirring addresses, relative to their early experiences in this connection. Rev. F. R. Brace addressed the congrega- tion on "The Church, and why we should love it." His remarks were appropriate and impressive. This closed the exercises of the occasion, all of which were exceedingly gratifying and prof- itable, and very much appreciated by all present. The day was beautiful, and the occasion one that will long be remem- bered by all in atttendance.
A. J. S., Deerfield Parsonage.
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EXPLANATORY.
On the day of the Anniversary it was resolved by a popu- lar vote of the congregation to have the history of the church published, the Hon. Clifford Stanley Sims, of Mount Holly, N. J., having offered to contribute $20 towards defraying the expense of the publication. Whereupon the pastor of the church Rev. A. J. Snyder, Rev. Allen H. Brown and Rev. R. Hamill Davis, Ph. D., were appointed a committee to carry the resolu- tion into effect. At the close of the exercises the pastor, one of the committee, appointed a Finance Committee to solicit con- tributions and secure subscribers in order to justify the Publi- cation Committee in making arrangements to publish the pamphlet.
In due time the Finance Committee made their report, which was so flattering that it was deemed safe to undertake the work of publishing the proceedings of the occasion, with the long addresses condensed. The Finance Committee con- sisted of Messrs. Robert Moore, Sr., Robert Peacock, John Ott, J. Barron Potter, M. D., of Bridgeton, and Mrs. Edo O. Leake.
In the preparation of the history of the church, the pas- tor gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness both to friends in the congregation and out of it, for historical matter; thus ena- bling him to give a fuller statement of facts and make the his- tory more replete with interest. It is now submitted to the public, at their own request, together with the other addresses, with the hope that it will prove acceptable and profitable to the people, and serve as a valuable document for reference, both to this generation and the generations yet to come.
The thanks of the pastor are due also to the brethren who have so kindly and promptly forwarded their addresses, at his request, for publication.
A. J. S.,
Deerfield Parsonage.
.
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ORDER OF EXERCISES.
MORNING, 10:30 A. M.
Doxology. Prayer. Music.
Reading the Scriptures.
Singing-Hymn 573, C. M.
Historical Address by the Pastor, Rev. A. J. Snyder.
Singing-[An ode written by Mr. E. T. Taylor, of Wil- mington, Del.] S. M.
Hail ! bright auspicious day, Hail ! glad memorial hour, We come, with heart and voice to bless God's guarding, guiding power; With grateful, happy hearts, Our gladsome song we raise, Children, and children's children join Our father's, God to praise.
We praise Thee, O our God, For what thy hand hath done; For garnered fruit within these walls, The trophies grace hath won. We bless Thee for the truth Proclaimed these many years;
For the rich covenant of Thy love, Through sunshine and through tears."
Address by Rev. R. Hamill Davis, Ph. D., of Delaware, N. J. Subject-"Recollections."
Short address by Hon. Clifford Stanley Sims, of Mount Holly, N. J. Singing-Hymn 594, C. M. Benediction.
7 AFTERNOON, 3 P. M.
Music. Prayer.
Address by Rev. Allen H. Brown, of Camden, N. J. Sub- ject-"The Presbyterian Church in South Jersey, its Origin and Progress."
Singing-[A poem written by Rev. R. Hamill Davis for the Centennial of the Erection of this Church in 1871.] H. M. "I love old Deerfield Church, The church my fathers loved, The church whose doctrines pure These hundred years have proved; And may she many a hundred more In power and usefulness endure.
I love the dear old church; To me 'tis dearer now Than e'en cathedral grand, With all its splendid show. Far full a century has flown
Since rose its walls of solid stone.
I love the old, old church, For sainted ones at rest Worshipped devoutly here, And now are with the blest. Their memory sweet we cherish still, And cherish it, we ever will.
I love, I love our church, The birth-place of my soul; And whereso'er I roam, O'er earth from pole to pole, No spot there'll be, more sweet to me, Than this, I love so tenderly.
God bless old Deerfield Church, Protect from every foe; Nurtured of God, may she To large proportions grow; Till time itself shall cease to be, Lost in a vast eternity."
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Address by Caleb Allen, A. B., Principal of the W. J. Acad- emy. Subject-"Important Events of the past 150 years."
Singing-Hymn 577, S. P. M.
Short address by Rev. Robert J. Burtt, of Marksboro, N.J. Address by Mr. C. S. Tyler, of Greenwich, N. J.
Music.
Benediction.
EVENING, 7:30 P. M.
Music.
Reading of the Scriptures.
Prayer.
Singing-Hymn 944, P. M.
Address by Rev. James D. Hunter, of Greencastle, Pa. Subject-"The Sabbath School, its History and Work.
Singing-Hymn 575, S. M.
Address by Rev. David M. James, of Bath, Pa.
Address by Rev. William H. James, D. D., of Springdale, Ohio.
Singing.
Address by Rev. F. R. Brace, of Blackwoodtown, N. J. Subject-"The Church, and why we should love it."
Singing-Hymn 597, S. M.
Benediction.
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HISTORICAL ADDRESS BY THE PASTOR, REV. A. J. SNYDER.
PSALM 92: 14. "THEY SHALL STILL BRING FORTHI FRUIT IN OLD AGE; THEY SHALL BE FAT AND FLOURISHING."
In the introduction of the services of this anniversary occa- sion, we extend to you all a cordial greeting. Your presence is an indication of the interest you have in this old historic church, now having obtained its one hundred and fiftieth birthday. We give you a hearty welcome, and are glad that you have come to take part in these memorial exercises. Our prayer is that the Great Head of the Church may be with us in wonderful power, and bring a rich blessing to all our hearts. Very naturally the preparation of a history of this church at such a time as this would be laid at the door of the pastor; but I would much rather the responsibility should have fallen into other hands, better qualified for such an important task. Some one has said that that nation is the happiest that has no history. This may be true in regard to nations, and yet I doubt it, especially in regard to Christian nations. But this truly cannot apply to the church. We rejoice to-day that we have a his- tory-a history of which we need not be ashamed. Like our aged fathers and mothers, with children and grand-children and great grand-children gathered around them, love to interest them with stories of olden times, and talk of the scenes of their carly childhood, and of the many changes time has wrought all along their pathway through life: so we to-day, gathered about this hallowed spot, where so many precious memories cluster, to celebrate the birth of this church, take pleasure in look- ing back to the days of its childhood and early religious expe- rience, when the word of the Lord was so precious to God's people, and note the changes God has wrought among His chil- dren, and the many blessings He has scattered all along their pathway. Surely the Lord hath done great things for us, whereof
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we are glad. Your presence here to-day from far and near, as children and friends of the "Dear old church," as it is some- times called, is an evidence of your attachment to the church of your forefathers and your love for Zion. Truly you can say: "I love thy Kingdom Lord ! The House of thine abode, The Church our blest Redeemer saved With His own precious blood."
I am not a little embarrassed in my preparations for this day's exercises to find that a history of this church was writ- ten about sixteen years ago by one of my predecessors, the Rev. R. Hamill Davis, Ph. D. In order to preserve and combine all the links of the golden chain of the church's history, my remarks must necessarily be in part at least a reproduction of the past history. Owing to the meagre records of the church's early history, (some of which are entirely lost), it would be impossible to give a full and complete statement of facts. As near as can be ascertained the organization of this church was effected between the years 1732 and 1737. The probability is that it occurred in 1737.
For about nine years the infant church had no regular pastor to break unto them the bread of life. But during all those years the gentle voice of the Great Shepherd and Bishop of Souls could be heard saying, "Fear not little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." The promise was fulfilled, and the kingdom came in mighty power. During this period, in the mysterious providence of God, the Master sent some of the choicest preachers of the word to min- ister to the spiritual needs of the people, such as Revs. Samuel Blair, Gilbert Tennent, Samuel Finley, perhaps Whitefield, and others. The Spirit of God was shed down in great abund- ance and the labors of those men of God were signally blessed. The awakening was widespread among the people, and the little church just born waxed stronger under the gracions visitation of Divine Providence, until it was encouraged and prepared to call its first pastor. We may safely say "Jehovah, Jirah," (The Lord will provide). In the darkest hour He leaves not, nor forsakes His people.
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With such a starting point as this; with such tokens of the Divine presence and rich blessing at the very beginning of the church's life, is it surprising that we should have such a volume of interesting facts comprising the 150 years of the church's existence? Frequently do we find this church in the past to have been without an under-shepherd to minister regu. larly to the spiritual wants of the people, even for several years at a time; and yet the fostering and preserving care of our Heavenly Father sustained and perpetuated the existence of the church. Surely in those days there was ample room for the exercise of faith and patience, and those early settlers and early christians seemed to know how to endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
My text implies and teaches that the individual christian and the church in her organized capacity are productive of fruit-the fruit of holiness-in all ages of their experience; from youth to old age. No doubt this church, whose history we love and cherish, is a branch of that tree whose seed was planted on the eastern shore of Maryland by Rev. Francis Makamie, many years ago, and whose branches, like the Cedars of Lebanon, have spread, not only across Delaware Bay, but over this entire national domain.
The history of a church is largely made up of its ministry. About a score of pastors and stated supplies have labored in this part of the vineyard of the Lord during these 150 years, the most of whom have been faithful co-workers with the Mas- ter, and workmen that needed not to be ashamed.
As early as the yeer 1738 the Rev. Daniel Buckingham supplied the pulpit, and preached also at Pittsgrove. It was not long before the people of Pittsgrove expressed the desire to have a separate organization, and after some contention the Presbytery granted their request on condition that their house of worship should be six miles distant from the Deer- field church building.
The Rev. Andrew Hunter was the first on the list of pas- tors in the Deerfield Church. He was ordained and installed September 4th, 1746. He had acceptably supplied the pulpit for some time before his installation. He became pastor of the Greenwich Presbyterian Church at the same time, and con-
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tinued his laborious labors in the joint charge until the year 1760, giving only one-third of his time to Deerfield. At this period his labors ceased in Deerfield, but he continued his work in the Greenwich Church until his death, which occurred July 28th, 1775. His sleeping dust reposes in the Greenwich bury- ing ground. Tradition represents Rev. Andrew Hunter, the first pastor of the church, standing among his people with a leathern girdle around his tall form, dilating the truths in his. most fervent passion; his large eyes emitting magnetic flashes, that held in wonder, fear and amazement the most stupid lis- tener. He seemed to them like the risen personification of the Great Apostle of the Gentiles. It is said he would step from the platform and walk down the aisle among the congregation at the close of the service, raise the little children in his arms and bless them, and lay his hands on the heads of stalwart men and bless them; while his exhortations, so full of touching pathos for the welfare of others, shed a holy influence on all present.
After Mr. Hunter's resignation, as near as we can learn, the church was without a regular ministry for about four years. Then followed the Rev. Simon Williams in 1764; whether installed or not we cannot tell. He continued his labors in this field only about two years. The impression is that his short ministry was abundantly blessed, and the church greatly strengthened. From what we can glean he must have been a man of remarkable courage in rebuking sin among his people, and this may account for his short stay in this charge. Plain practical preaching, and faithfully rebuking sin, have made many short pastorates, and unsettled many devoted ministers of the gospel. John the Baptist was imprisoned for it, and finally sacrificed his life.
Mr. Williams was succeeded by the Rev. Enoch Green, who was installed pastor of the church June 9th, 1767. His ministry extended over a period of nine years, during which thirteen were added to the church. He is said to have been a man of good intellect and a splendid education. In connection with his pastoral duties he sustained a somewhat celebrated classical school in the old brick parsonage near the stream. The effect, of this school was to fit and qualify a number of
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young men to go out into the world to fill positions of emi- nence and usefulness, and do their part well in the great drama of life. Mr. Green finished his work on earth in this field, fall- ing asleep in Jesus December 2d, 1776. His remains lie buried beneath the church, with a marble slab to mark the spot, which was the gift of Dr. J. Barron Potter, of Bridgeton, N. J. The inscription on his tombstone, which lies on the eastern side of the church building, should include the fact that his bones lie mouldering beneath the church. It would be a praiseworthy deed for this congregation to perform during this period of the church's history.
After Mr. Green's labors followed the Rev. John Brainerd, who took charge of the church in 1777. His settlement was during those revolutionary "times that tried men's souls," and it is doubtful, therefore, whether he was ever installed as pas- tor. He had spent his best days as a missionary among the Indians, having succeeded his brother David in that capacity. It is said that he always loved the Indians; which is confirmed by the fact that he labored long and faithfully among them for their spiritual welfare.
John Brainerd was the son of Hezekiah and Dorothy Brain- erd. He was born in Haddam, in the state of Connecticut, in 1720. He graduated at Yale College in 1746 with honor. He was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New York in 1747, and was ordained to the gospel ministry in February, 1748. He received his appointment as missionary to the Indians in New Jersey, to succeed his brother David, June 2d, 1748, from a society in Edinburgh, Scotland, called "The Honorable Soci- ety for propagating Christian Knowledge." It was really a Foreigh Missionary Society. He was a man qualified to fill any high and important position in the church of Christ, but preferred to bury himself in the swamps and forests of New Jersey for a bare pittance; depriving himself of many of the comforts and conveniences of life to labor for the welfare and spiritual good of both the whites and Indians. He founded churches and raised money to secure buildings to shelter them. Nearly his whole life was given to this work, having labored about thirty years in Burlington county. His territory exten- ded from the Raritan River southward, and from the Delaware
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River to the ocean. Much of the harvest produced by the good seed he scattered, has been reaped by other hands. He was a true patriot and lover of his country. Having incited his coun- trymen to stand in defence of their rights and resist the tyranny and oppression of Great Britain, he so aroused the vengeance and indignation of the British and the Tories, and the Revolu- tionary war so crippled and interfered with his life-long chosen work that he was obliged to seek a safer place of residence and a quieter field of labor, and hence he came to Deerfield. Wher- ever he went his influence was felt for good. He lives in the memory of the good and pious to-day. I understand that the Presbyterian Church at Mount Holly, where he lived and labored so long, and which is now rebuilding their church edi- fice, purpose to put in a Brainerd memorial window to perpet- nate his memory. May God bless them for this deserving tribute of respect.
He was noted as a preacher of the gospel; he was eminent for piety; and after four years of faithful service in this church, he ceased from his labors and his works did follow him. He died much lamented. His remains also lie beneath the church, and a marble slab marks the spot, which is likewise the gift of Dr. Potter. This congregation could pay no higher tribute of respect, perhaps, to this departed saint, than to lay a marble slab on the outside of this building beside the Rev. Enoch Green's, his most intimate friend, inscribing upon it the fact that his remains are deposited on the inside, and so informing the passer by of future generations that his lifeless body reposes in this portion of the city of the dead.
The pulpit was now supplied for a season by Rev. Joseph Montgomery and others.
On the 25th day of June, 1783, the Rev. Simeon Hyde was ordained and installed pastor. After only seven weeks of ear- nest and successful effort in the Christian ministry, in the bloom and vigor of his young manhood, with brilliant prospects loom- ing up before him, he was called to his reward on high. His body lies entombed in this yard to await the resurrection morn. In view of this sudden and unexpected loss to the church, we would say with the poet:
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"God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm.
For another period of about three years the church depended on supplies. On the 20th day of June, 1786, Mr. William Pickles was installed. By birth he was an English- man. In the pulpit he was eloquent, but in his life inconsist- ent. The irregularities of his life soon excited a holy indigna- tion in the minds of his people, who loved a pure gospel and an exemplary life; and hence, Mr. Pickles soon discovered that his room would be better appreciated than his presence. Hav- ing disgraced his profession, according to the account, his lab- ors must have been brought speedily to a close in this charge, casting a dark shadow over this people, whom God had formed for himself. No doubt the church suffered greatly from Mr. Pickles' ministry. It is difficult to wipe out the stains and obliterate the influence of such a record as his. From this time the church was left eight years without a regular pastor; yet not entirely without the bread of life, for we learn that the pulpit was supplied at different times by different ministers. The dark clouds following each other in rapid succession, must naturally have reduced the church to a low condition, and left the little flock in a state of discouragement. But in all these years of trial, they were not left without the presence of God and the fulfillment of his precious promises. In His own good time and way He raised up for them, and for their comfort and encouragement, a good and excellent man in the person of Rev. John Davenport, who was installed pastor August 12th, 1795. He was a Jerseyman by birth; born at Freehold in 1752, and graduated at Princeton College in 1769. He labored for a number of years in other parts of the vineyard of the Lord before coming to Deerfield to care for this needy people. Dur- ing his ministry more care must have been taken in preserving the records of the church. The first roll of church members appears in his time, June 6th, 1801. The membership then numbered eighty-five. Sixty-four persons were gathered into the church during his ministry of about ten years; years of
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faithful labor, rewarded by a plentiful harvest of souls. The darkness gave place to the light, and the light must have been sweet. The health of Mr. Davenport giving way, he withdrew from the charge October 16th, 1805.
After Mr. Davenport left, the church was again without an under-shepherd for the space of three years.
On October 20th, 1808, the Rev. Nathaniel Reeve was installed pastor, having come from Long Island to this charge. At one time he practiced medicine in Western Virginia. Fifty- two persons were added to the church as the fruit of his minis- try. We are informed that the accessions were gradual; new additions at nearly every communion season, which is worthy of mention. Mr. Reeve resigned April 17th, 1817, after having served the church between eight and nine years.
Again the church was left without a pastor for more than two years. Then followed the Rev. Francis S. Ballentine, who was installed pastor June 22d, 1819. About the beginning of Mr. Ballentine's ministry there had been a general spiritual deadness prevailing in the church for some time, which was greatly lamented by the session. Although perplexed, yet not in despair, they resolved to pray for Zion still, and after patient waiting for about three years, with few accessions to the fold of Christ, showers of divine blessing came down upon the peo- ple. On December 6th, 1822, thirty-one persons sat down to the Lord's table for the first time, to enjoy the blessings of divine grace with God's redeemed people. Sixty persons were added to the church during Mr. Ballentine's labors, which is no mean record or showing for five years' service. A new church roll was made out shortly before he left this field, mak- ing the number of members one hundred and four. He resigned this charge June 8th, 1824, having been released at an adjourned meeting of the Presbytery of Philadelphia.
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