USA > New Jersey > Somerset County > South Branch > The fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the Reformed Church of South Branch, N.J., Tuesday, May 29, 1900 > Part 1
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1850 1000
Half a Century
REFORMED CHURCH,
SOUTH BRANCH, N. J.
Gc 974.902 So87F
GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 02715 4654
Gc 974.902 So87F
THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORGANIZATION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SOUTH BRANCH, N. J. , TUES. , MAY 1900
1825
NJ (South Branch)
HALF A CENTURY.
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REFORMED CHURCH, SOUTH BRANCH, N. J., 1900.
1850-1900.
THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE
ORGANIZATION
OF THE
REFORMED CHURCH
OF
SOUTH BRANCH, N. J.
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1900.
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
-
Press of The Unionist-Gazette Association, Somerville. N. J.
Note of Introduction.
It was our thought to observe the semi-centennial with- out having anything published, other than a passing notice by the press. But repeated requests from many who were present, and from some who were unable to come, led to the appointment of a committee to collect the material and ar- range for its publication in the form of a book. After considerable delay, we are glad to send forth this little memento. We hope that its reception now, and in the years to come, may serve as a hearty approval of this action. By order of the Consistory,
ISAAC SPERLING, R. BARCLAY LITTLE, JOHN L. VAN DYKE. Committee.
November, 1900.
An Ex-Pastor's Comment.
From the Christian Intelligencer of June 13, 1900:
"Nestled in a lovely valley, with the South Branch River flowing through it, the rich meadow lands stretching beyond, and the hills surrounding it all, is the charming village of South Branch, N. J. In the centre of this village is the Reformed Church, the life, the light, and the power of the village life. As we look upon church and village, we all exclaim: 'Beautiful for situation.' On Tuesday, May 29, 1900, this church celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. The day was perfect; the people from far and near came to celebrate this joyous occasion. At both the morning and afternoon sessions the church was filled to its utmost ca- pacity. Extensive repairs had been made previous to this occasion. The old pews had been removed, and new ones of beautiful design had taken their place. All were uphol- stered in olive green which, together with the decorated walls, give the church a beautiful appearance."
Introduction to an article by the senior ex-pastor, the Rev. William E. Davis.
Order of Service.
The morning service opened with singing by the choir of an anthem, entitled "Praise the Lord." The Scripture lesson from Psalm 122 was read by the Rev. James Le- Fevre, D. D., of Middlebush, who also invoked the Divine presence and blessing.
Prayer by the Rev. James be Fevre, D. D.
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God Almighty, who art, and wast, and art to come; the whole earth is full of Thy glory! Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty; for all that is in Heaven and in the earth is Thine. Now, therefore, we thank Thee, O God, and praise Thy glorious name.
O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like Thee in the Heaven, nor in the earth; which keepest covenant and showeth mercy unto Thy servants that walk before Thee with all their hearts. O God of Abraham and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the Covenant God of believing parents and their children; under Thy gracious leading the fathers built this house for Thy worship. Here Thy gospel has been preached for half a century by faithful men of God, whose labors here have been blessed by preparing many souls for Thy service and Thy glory. Great Head of the church, we thank Thee for the history of this church.
And in these recent days the children have risen up to refurnish and to beautify this temple of their Lord. For their willing and liberal offerings, and for the success of their work we devoutly praise Thy holy name.
.
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FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES
Dear Lord, have respect to the prayer of Thy servants as they are now assembled to consecrate anew this beautiful house to be Thine own. Arise, O Lord, into Thy rest, Thou and the ark of Thy strength. Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness, and let Thy people shout for joy. Put Thy name in this place. Sanctify it by Thy presence and Thy constant abiding. Give power and efficacy to Thy gospel preached in it, and Thy sacraments administered in it. Let Thine eyes be opened towards it; and hearken unto the supplications of Thy people when they pray in this place, and when Thou hearest, forgive. And from this outer court of Thy holy sanctuary bring Thy people and their children into the true tabernacle which the Lord pitched, and not man; the heavenly temple, of which the Lord God Almighty and the lamb are the light. We ask and offer all in the name of Thy Son, our Saviour, who hath taught us to pray:
Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven; give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the king- dom, and the power, and the glory, for ever, amen.
A response followed, and the pastor of the church an- nounced hymn 172.
The congregation joined in singing, after which the historical discourse was given.
Historical Discourse by the Rev. Isaac Sperling.
It is written in the Book of Leviticus 25:II: "A Ju- bilee shall that Fiftieth Year be unto You."
To Israel of old the injunction was to "hallow the fif- tieth year," and to so set it apart as to distinguish it by great rejoicing and praise.
Believing in Him who has ever been leading Israel "like a flock," and devising things for her eternal enjoy- ment, we deem it meet for us, as sharers in the blessings of the covenant, and inheritors of the promises, to regard the 50th year of the life of our church, as furnishing an oc- casion of unusual rejoicing and thanksgiving. There are good reasons why we should gather here to-day and engage in such services as to bring before our minds something of the history of this organization, and record the love and mercy and care that have been about our beloved Zion through these fifty years of her life. Every indication of growth and prosperity, every sign of activity and spiritual health; every evidence of a thriving church that has char- acterized this organization during any particular period, or that has marked it in every year of its existence, is due unto Him who has watched over it, and marked out its course from the beginning.
These years of blessing and help and spiritual good unto those who have composed it, and taken part in the work of this church, as well as others to whom have gone out influences for godliness and eternal peace, are, and have been of value only so far as the hand of God has been in this enterprise.
In His wisdom and the operations of His grace, He has been working by and through those who have been in- terested here. He has touched and guided the human instrument, imperfect though it may have been.
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FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES
He has given of His own power and life in order that human weakness-and the little that human efforts might do-could be transformed into strong and abiding forces for righteousness.
Because He has loved us and condescended to exalt us, there has been formed and continued here a church that in its mission has been reflecting the life of Christ, and holding out to needy souls the bread and water of eternal life. If anything is said about what has been accomplish- ed, let it be expressed out of hearts glad and thankful, and also humble.
Let it be in pointing upward unto Him to whom we would give all the glory. Let it be that in the thinking and saying of things relating to this church, we first of all acknowledge the Divine power above, and in all that has come to pass, worthy of mention-as we enter into and ex- perience this time of jubilee.
There were at the beginning of this organization- and there have been through all of these years since-those zealous and intensely interested in the cause of the Chris- tian religion, and desirous of doing to the utmost of their ability, what would further the welfare of the church; and in the use of their gifts be a means of grace unto those con- nected with it. They have been desirous that the Gospel might be proclaimed, not only, but that precious souls might be led to the Saviour.
Facts of this nature are not intended, in their repeti- tion, to be used in casting reflections upon any who may have been luke-warm, or indifferent to the prime object of the church.
Neither are they to be used in such comparisons as to defeat the divine purpose in bringing them about.
Our Lord has brought to us a gospel of peace and good will. He would ever have us to cultivate the spirit of love and brotherly kindness.
Out of our perplexities and wonderings at times why
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SOUTH BRANCH REFORMED CHURCH.
the church does not accomplish more, He will lead us into larger visions of the divine plan, and use our mistakes in the furtherance of that which will hasten the glad day of salvation.
Turn then to the beginnings of this church to discover how God's hand was revealed in the use and guidance of human gifts. We will not say that this church began either too late or too soon.
We believe that in starting and continuing unto this day, it has occupied a period given and appointed of God.
The time in His wise providence came for the people of South Branch, or Branchville, as it was then called, to unite and take steps towards the establishment of a church here.
These steps were not taken hastily and without due de- liberation. They were not taken without regard to the feelings of the old and well-established churches with which the residents of this vicinity had long been identified. This was by no means new territory, and missionary ground fifty years ago.
For generations, going far back into the history of the earlier churches surrounding this locality, the precious truth had found lodgment and brought forth results in the Godly lives and worthy characters of many who had grown up un- der religious influences. The hope of having a church at this place was cherished long before the time of its re- alization.
Desires for a place of worship conveniently near, and for a closer and more direct pastoral oversight were often expressed.
It is said that there was a pronounced expression in favor of organizing a church about the year 1830. Some liberal offers were made to carry forward the project. Then, in 1842, a meeting of the inhabitants was called to consider the propriety of uniting to form a church.
At this meeting a committee was appointed to circu-
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FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES
late a proposition to erect a church building and maintain religious instruction. Their report indicated that sufficient funds could be secured with which to build, but there was a serious doubt as to the ability to support a minister.
The matter seems to have rested in quiet from this time on to early in the Winter of 1849 and '50. On December 17th, a meeting was held in the old school house, located over the river, a little to the north of the present school building, when it was resolved to take immediate steps to- wards forming a church in connection with the Dutch Re- formed denomination. This meeting was called to order by Abraham Amerman. James Bowman was chosen chair- man and George B. Gruman acted as secretary.
Doubts and fears yielded to a hopeful determination. In the course of a few days fifty-eight familes had signified their willingness to unite in the movement.
Other meetings to discuss plans of procedure were held -notably one on the 21st of February, 1850-when, upon invitation, Dr. Messler was present to give counsel and di- rection. First of all, this wise servant of the Master lead the people in a fervent prayer to the Great Head of the church, invoking His blessing on the undertaking. After considering and approving a report of previous proceed- ings, we are told that the good doctor then addressed the meeting, and in a manner the most powerful and touch- ing, pointed out the blessings resulting from the preaching of the gospel and the administration of its ordinances. And at the same time gave faithful reminder of the sacrifices that must be undergone in order that such great advant- ages might be enjoyed. This address made a deep im-
pression, evoking the cordial and hearty thanks of the peo- ple for the same, and stirring them up to redoubled efforts in carrying on the enterprise. On the 12th of April, 1850, it was resolved to apply for the organization of a church to the Classis of New Brunswick.
Previous church affiliations had largely been under the
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SOUTH BRANCH REFORMED CHURCH.
care of the Classis of Philadelphia; therefore, request was made for permission from the Classis of Philadelphia to make application to the Classis of New Brunswick for a church organization. This was granted, and on April 16, 1850, at a stated session of the Classis of New Bruns- wick, held at Spotswood, application was made by David Naylor, Garret Beekman and others for the organization of a church at Branchville. The minutes of Classis also state that the application was granted, and that Rev. Wil- liam Reiley, Rev. J. K. Campbell and Rev. John A. Van Doren were appointed as a committee to organize this church on the second Tuesday in May. Revs. Messler, Talmage, Stryker and Steele were appointed as secundi. Ac- cordingly, on the second Tuesday, or the 14th day of May, 1850, the committee of Classis met at Branchville, where the congregation assembled in the school house. Rev. Mr. Campbell, of North Branch, opened the exercises. Rev. Dr. Messler, of Somerville, offered an impressive prayer. Rev. Goyn Talmage, of Whitehouse, preached an appropriate sermon from the book of Exodus, 33:15: "If Thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence."
Rev. J. K. Campbell then organized the church by or- daining a consistory and designating this "The Reformed Dutch Church of Branchville." The Rev. George J. Van Nest, of Bound Brook, then solemnly invoked the blessing of God on the infant church. The legal record of this transaction, as found in the Clerk's Office, is dated Septem- ber 2nd, 1850, and bears the names of Garret Beekman, Cornelius Bergen, John Van Dyke and Henry P. Stryker as elders, and Gilbert S. Amerman, Lucas H. Hoagland, John Veghte and John Vosseller as deacons.
Until April 15th of this year, Mr. Vosseller continued his connection with this church. Then the summons came and he passed over the river to unite with the church tri- umphant. Mr. Veghte is the only one remaining of this first consistory. He resides at Troy, N. Y. The pres-
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FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES
ent consistory, through one appointed to convey the mes- sage, expressed greetings to Mr. Veghte and extended a hearty invitation to come and afford us the pleasure of his presence here to-day.
The original membership numbered forty-three. Twenty-two came by certificate from the Neshanic church. They were Cornelius Bergen and wife, Jacob Bergen, Hen- ry P. Stryker and wife, Garret Beekman and wife, Cornelius Peterson, Lucas H. Hoagland, Garret Q. Peterson and wife, John Van Dyke and wife, William W. Hall, John A. Hoag- land, Dortha Staats, Ann Mariah Peterson, Mrs. Adaline Young, wife of Derrick S. Young, Peter Peterson, Sr., Thomas Quick and wife and Catherine, wife of John Quick. Sixteen came from the church of Readington. They were Henry Amerman and wife, Abraham Amerman and wife, Gilbert S. Amerman and wife, Mrs. Eli Crater, Mrs. Da- vid Naylor, Mrs. Isaac Johnson, Mrs. Josiah Q. Dalley, Mrs. Catherine Vroom, Mrs. Jane Dalley, John Vosseller and wife and Peter D. Quick and wife. Three brought letters from the Second Reformed Church of Raritan, viz: Peter L. Suydam and Mary Oakey, his wife, and Harriet Brokaw, wife of Lucas Voorhees. John I. Schenck and John Veghte came from the First Raritan Church.
Four of this number are still living. Allusion has already been made to John Veghte as a member of the first consistory. Mrs. Garret Q. Peterson resides at New Bruns- wick; Mrs. Josiah Q. Dalley at Three Bridges. The name of Mrs. John Vosseller is the only one that has remained on the record for these fifty years without change.
It is also proper to state that some of the most efficient and helpful promoters of this organization were not at this time members of it. The memory of their good deeds is precious, and it affords no little satisfaction to find that one and another came out later and made profession of his faith. On the day of organization arrangements were made whereby services might be held every Sabbath.
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SOUTH BRANCH REFORMED CHURCH.
The congregation kept well together, and proceeded with all possible haste to execute their plans for the erection of this house of God. Subscriptions were secured, amount- ing to nearly $2,500. A desirable site was chosen, where- upon the Amerman Brothers donated it to the church. The lot formerly had seventy feet front and extended back one hundred and twenty feet. Two years later it was extended five and one-half feet farther back. It was resolved to model the building after what was then the new church at Whitehouse. The Building Committee was composed of Frederic D. Brokaw, James Bowman and John Van Dyke. Five proposals for building were received, and the contract was awarded to Mr. William A. Voorhies, of Griggstown, for $3,174.
These preliminaries to building were carried out pre- vious to the actual organization of the church. The first day of July following, the contractor began work. The corner-stone was laid with appropriate exercises on July 25, 1850. Rev. Goyn Talmage opened the services with
prayer. Rev. Dr. Messler gave a deeply interesting his- tory of the Reformed Dutch Church in Somerset county, which was listened to with marked attention. Rev. J. K. Campbell, in behalf of the consistory, laid the corner-stone in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Then Revs. Campbell, Talmage and Stryker ad- dressed the large concourse of people.
A well-trained choir under the direction of Mr. Abra- ham Amerman contributed to the interest and solemnity of the services. It is recollected as an animated scene on a beautiful Summer day. The frame of the edifice was raised on the 7th and 8th of August. The work progressed fa- vorably, and on the 27th of January, 1851, the church was dedicated, on which occasion the Rev. Dr. Messler preached the sermon. The entire cost of the building, bell, fences, etc., was $3,700.
The day after the dedication the Classis of New Bruns-
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FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES
wick met here in special session and ordained and installed as the first pastor the licentiate, Henry Dater, who had recently graduated from the Seminary at New Brunswick. At these services Rev. J. A. Van Doren led in prayer. The sermon was preached by Rev. J. K. Campbell. The form of ordination was read by Rev. George Schenck. The charge to the pastor was given by Rev. John DeWitt, and that to the congregation by Rev. Goyn Talmage. A most interesting report of the Building Committee was read at this time, and the keys of the church were solemnly pre- sented to the Rev. Mr. Dater as the president of the con- sistory. It speaks for unity, harmony, zeal and earnestness that in so brief a time after organization this house of wor- ship should have been erected. A pastor settled under very favorable conditions, and the activities of a healthful, prosperous church life were brought under such good con- trol and directed towards the energetic prosecution of the Lord's work.
Mr. Dater came with the enthusiasm of a young man and gave good proof of his qualifications for the sacred of- fice. He ministered here until November, 1853, and then removed to take charge of the Reformed Church at Hyde Park, N. Y., where he wrought with good success for a quarter of a century. Although this first pastorate was brief, it yielded good results. In less than three years the original membership of forty-three was increased to eighty- five, and the number of families to seventy-five or eighty.
Of those who united with the church when Mr. Dater was pastor, I can only find the names of Abram S. Beek- man and Elizabeth Amerman, who afterward became his wife, and Jane Ann Burniston, the wife of T. Lloyd String- er, who are still resident members of the congregation. It was my privilege to become acquainted with Mr. Dater a few years ago. He was pleased to recall the early experi- ences of his ministry. When I last called to see him at his home in Hawthorne, N. J., a few months before his death,
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REV. HENRY DATER, First Pastor-Jan. 1851-Nov. 1853.
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SOUTH BRANCH REFORMED CHURCH.
which occurred October 19, 1899, he looked forward to this celebration and expressed the hope to come and participate in our rejoicing. But God ordered better things for him. He was called to his reward, and now his joy is complete.
At a meeting of the consistory, held February 2nd, 1854, it was resolved to extend a call to the Rev. William Pitcher, then pastor of the Boght Reformed Church, near Cohoes, N. Y.
The call was accepted and the pastor-elect began his labors early in March. He became a member of the Clas- sis of New Brunswick, April 27, 1854, and was installed as pastor of this church on the second Tuesday in May. Rev. William Brush preached the sermon. Rev. Mr. Anderson addressed the pastor and Rev. L. L. Comfort charged the people. With an experience of sixteen years in the minis- try, Mr. Pitcher came to take up the work so well started, and to carry it on from year to year for a period which cov- ers just one-half of the history of our church.
Thoroughness and progress seem to have characterized his undertakings. The soil was faithfully prepared. The good seed was sown in hope, and harvest after harvest was gathered, doubtless awakening added joy in Heaven, and certainly gladdening the hearts of both pastor and people here. Large accessions were made to the membership by confession and letter at different times. The years of '67, '68 and especially '69 were most remarkable for the renewed interest in spiritual matters, and bringing into this com- munion many who have, here and elsewhere, continued in the faith and given marked evidence of their conversion and consecration to the Master.
In the minutes of consistory is to be found among other resolutions, one passed on January 21, 1869, which, judging by what followed, must have been of exceeding interest to the congregation. It was resolved that a series of prayer meetings be held in the church, commencing at
2
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FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES
6:30 P. M. on Thursday of the following week, to be con- tinued according to circumstances.
Topics for prayer and discourse for the series are re- corded as follows: I. Revival of the church. 2. A gen- eral revival of religion in the congregation, in the family, and in the hearts of all. 3. For religious enquirers, or those who linger between conviction and conversion. 4. Sabbath Schools, scholars, teachers, officers. 5. Means of grace, the ordinary services of the Lord's Day, the sacra- ments, the social prayer meetings, etc. 6. Enlargement of the spirit and works of benevolence; understanding by benevolence in this connection the root and principle of all practical religion.
The first meeting was an interesting prayer meeting largely attended. On the second evening Dr. Mesick preached an interesting sermon on "Revivals." On the third or Saturday evening, the Rev. James LeFevre gave an ex- cellent and powerful discourse on the importance of coming to a decision, i. e. of conversion in distinction from convic- tion merely. On Sabbath evening the prayer meeting was large and interesting. Monday evening Rev. Mr. Cornell preached. Tuesday evening Rev. William Brush preach-
ed. Meeting was omitted on Wednesday. The usual preparatory prayer meeting was held on Thursday after- noon. At the prayer meeting on Friday evening, Rev. John H. Pitcher made effective remarks. On Saturday at 3 P. M. the preparatory sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Doolittle, and in the evening the usual prayer meeting was largely attended. On Sabbath the communion of the Lord's Supper was observed. The day was beautiful. The attendance was large. The exercises were solemn and im- pressive. William C. Eyring, Peter Van Camp and others came to the table for the first time. The spirit of revival was at work, so that at the next communion, which was held on the first Sabbath in May, 1869, forty-five came and made profession of their faith in Christ.
PARSONAGE, SOUTH BRANCH REFORMED CHURCH,
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SOUTH BRANCH REFORMED CHURCH.
The continued ill health of the pastor, led him to tender his resignation in the Summer of 1869, to take effect the fol- lowing Spring. In reply, the consistory said: "We feel, sir, to give you up, to sunder the happy relation existing between us as pastor and people, would greatly mar the prosperity, temporal and spiritual, of this our beloved branch of Zion. We urge you to continue your ministry in consideration of the great good you have been the in- strument of accomplishing in our midst." It was a happy state of affairs for a people to loyally rally around their lead- er when his strength was failing, and to give him renewed assurances of their love.
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