USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > New Brunswick > A historical sketch of the First Presbyterian Church in the city of New-Brunswick > Part 2
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The next year, 1762, the Rev. Israel Reed was appointed to supply New Brunswick four Sabbaths ; and Mr. Tennent, Jr. a like number. Mr. Reed had been received as a candi- date from New York Presbytery, and ordained pastor of Bound Brook, March 7, 1749-50.
After this we find various ministers, as Messrs. Ker, Green, Thomson, tutor in the college of New Jersey, and Mr. Tennent, Jr. appointed to supply New Brunswick and Metuchin, two, three, or six sabbaths, or "till fall," or "at discretion."
In 1765, another effort was made to call Mr. Kirkpatrick, but it proved as abortive as the former. Mr. Reed was then, three times running, directed to supply New Brunswick "as much as he can." And so they went hobbling on till Mr. Reed was appointed regularly to supply one fourth of his time at this place. This arrangement was made, October
*Const. Hist. vol. ii. p. 343.
+Min. N. B. Pby. vol. ii. p. 81, 85, 87.
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18, 1768 .* Mr. Reed laboured for a long time in Bound Brook and New Brunswick together, without any more de- finite order for his settlement than the arrangement just mentioned.
Meantime the War of the Revolution occurred, and occa- sioned a sad interruption of the prosperity of the congrega- tion. The British troops had possession of New Brunswick in 1776-77, and occupied a capacious barrack of stone, built in the time of the old French war. This structure, 100 feet by 60, stood on the ground now occupied by the mansion of Dr. F. R. Smith, and was used after the revolution as a jail, till burned down by accident about the year 1796. The Spring in Spring Alley was then called Barrack-spring. It is a curious circumstance, that after the Barrack was burned down, the stones were removed and employed in building the old jail, as Mr. David Bishop informs me ; and on the demolition of the jail, these same stones were used for the basement of the new City School erected upon its ruins. What a tale those stones could tell, after all their transmigrations, could they but speak ! That they were originally imported from abroad is evident, as the rocks round New Brunswick are red shale; but whence they were brought is not now known.
For the fortification of the place three redoubts were thrown up on commanding positions, the ruins of two of which may yet be seen on the high ground overlooking the river, in the rear of the College. General Howe's headquarters were in the old mansion of the Neilson family, in Burnet street. Col. John Neilson himself was an active officer on the Amer- ican side, and doubtless his patriotic ardor was by no means checked by this violent extension from his own dwelling. The mansion, shaded by a gigantic sycamore, is a noticea- ble house, both on account of the use to which it was put, and because it bears another evidence of its venerable an- tiquity in the Dutch tiles, painted with Scripture scenes, *Min. ii. 297.
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which adorn the fireplace, and make it worthy of a visit from the antiquarian.
While the British were in possession of the town, they were guilty of the same wanton depredations which marked their presence at Elizabethtown, Perth Amboy, and else- where. The Dutch church was converted into a stable, and the Presbyterian church, below Lyell's Brook, was de- stroyed by fire. So the tablet bears, " destroyed by the pub- lic enemy during the war of the Revolution."
The circumstances were these. Capt. Adam Huyler, at the head of a small force, was hotly pressed by a greatly superior body of British troops, and being driven from house to house, at last took refuge in the church, which he de- fended resolutely till he could hold out no longer. Upon his retreat the enemy set fire to the edifice, which being of wood, was easily consumed. In this skirmish Col. Taylor was taken prisoner, and remained so for half an hour, till extri- cated by his countrymen.
It was at this time the records of the church are supposed to have been lost. They are believed to have been in the hands of Dr. Moses Scott, one of the Elders. The British troops entering the town just as the Doctor was sitting down to dinner, he was forced to fly precipitately, leaving his house, his medicines, and all his property at the mercy of the enemy, who made a hearty meal from his deserted dinner. The church records are supposed to have been destroyed or lost, during the time that the British soldiery were quartered in the house. The records of the 1st Presbyterian church in Newark were destroyed in a similar way.
The earliest record we have been able to find is a book containing the "Proceedings of the Presbyterian Congrega- tion in the city of New Brunswick, commencing the 19th day of Jan. in the year of our Lord 1784." At the first meeting there were sixteen men present, John Lyle, Sen. Richard Gibb, Moses Scott, John Neilson, John Lyle, Jr. Asa Dunham, Henry Leupp, John Henry, George Hance,
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James Richmond, Robert Eastburn, William Paterson, John Plum, John Taylor, Joseph Robinson, William Applegate. The first thing they had to do was to take measures to re- build the church ; and they agreed unanimously that instead of attempting to repair the old edifice, (which stood upon the ground now occupied by houses, No. 142, and 144, with the adjacent lot, No. 140, Burnet St.) they would construct a new one in a more eligible situation. A subscription was accordingly opened. The next movement was to obtain from the legislature an act of incorporation, which was done in August, 1784; and on the 9th of May, 1785, John Neilson, John Taylor, Moses Scott, William Paterson, William Ten Brooke, John Van Emburgh, and John Y. Noel were unani- mously chosen Trustees under the charter. The records of the Trustees from that time up to the present date have been regularly kept and preserved. So that from the minutes of the Congregation, the Trustees, and the Session, the his- tory of this Church may be gleaned with accuracy and sat- isfaction.
April 5, 1784, four lots exposed to sale at public vendue by Abraham Schuyler, Sheriff of Middlesex county, were purchased at a cost of £148, described as situated between the Barracks and the other Churches ; and in the following year 1785, the walls were up and under cover, but the pews, pulpit, communion-table, fences, &c. were not procured for two or three years after, as the means were furnished.
This second structure of brick was convenient, though not as large as the present church, and making no preten- sion to ornament. It stood on the same lot, but below the site, on which the present house stands, and three quarters of a mile north of the original place of worship. It was built of bricks, painted yellow, with a tall narrow pulpit at the north end,* and square high backed pews running along
*This pulpit was of the tub-kind, and was supported by a round pillar, which is said to have been originally part of a ship's mast. It was this latter circum- stance which suggested to Moses Guest, the only minstrel New Brunswick has ever produced, the following lines :
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the sides. In these square pews sat the Dunhams, the Rich- monds, the Pools, the Neilsons, the Simpsons, the Kirkpat- ricks, the Brays, the Brushes, the Smiths, the Scotts, the Patersons, and the Bayards. In 1807 galleries were erected at an expense of $1256.
When the pews were sold, Nov. 1, 1787, the highest brought £50, or $133,33; the lowest £8.10. The highest annual rent was £8; the lowest £1.15. The Federal cur- rency is for the first time mentioned in January, 1797, and all accounts subsequent to that date were rendered in this currency. 'The best pews in the gallery, being square, rented for $8; the rest varying from $7.00 to $4,50.
The congregation' finding their numbers thinned and their resources crippled, appointed Cols. Neilson and Taylor and Dr. Scott a committee to solicit donations from abroad. Gov. Livingston issued, at their request, a recommendation ap- proving of the object, which was endorsed by Gov. Bow-
" On seeing the Mast of a Vessel converted to a Pedestal for a Pulpit.
" It may perhaps seem strange to tell, That now in Brunswick town does dwell, A man, of whom with truth 'tis said, He twice a week climbs to mast-head ; And when exalted to our view, Does from round top harangue his crew ; Points out the rocks and shoals which we Should strive to shun, if we'd go free. His two Lieutenants, S *** t and Talmage,
Remain on deck the crew to manage, And sometimes in a moderate gale,
When night comes on would make more sail :1
But he, more prudent, thinks it right
Rather to shorten sail at night ;
And this, says Jack, by him is done, Lest we our port should overrun."
+" He was sometimes requested to preach at night ; but he seldom complied with the request, on account of his not being in a very good state of health." Guest's Poems, p. 15.
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doin of Massachusetts. The Governor's recommendation is as follows :
" BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
Notwithstanding the delicacy (considering the general ca- lamity occasioned by the late war,) that ought to be observed in recommending charitable contributions even for the no- blest of all purposes, that of enabling those who have lost their public edifices for divine worship by the desolations of the enemy, and are rendered unable by the reduction of their fortunes, and the smallness of their number, to erect new ones ; yet in particular cases, it is doubtless the duty of those who have suffered less, and are more numerous and able, to assist their Christian brethren who have been greater sufferers and are reduced both in numbers and ability, in repairing their peculiar and more extensive losses in the de- struction of the buildings dedicated to the honour and ser- vice of Almighty God.
And Whereas the Presbyterian church in New Brunswick has been destroyed by the British army, and the Members of it have, by the havoc of war, been so diminished in their number, and injured in their property, as not to be able with their utmost exertions to erect another house for public wor- ship without the charitable aid of those, who by the bounty of Providence are capacitated to assist their fellow Chris- tians in their pious endeavors for re-establishing a Gospel- ministry so unspeakably conducive both to the spiritual in- terest of Individuals, and the public prosperity of the Com- munity-the solicitations of those who are for that purpose authorized by the said Church and are known to me as per- sons of very respectable characters, are hereby recommended to the well-disposed and benevolent of all denominations.
With respect to the political principles of the members of the said Congregation, and indeed of the Inhabitants of New Brunswick in general, it may be proper to do them the jus- tice of adding, that they have thro' the whole course of the
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war approved themselves firm and distinguished Whigs, and inflexibly persevered in their attachment to the cause of America in the most gloomy and perillous times of her con- flict with Great Britain.
Given under my hand this thirtieth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty- four.
WIL. LIVINGSTON."
"The reputable character of his Excellency Governour Livingston intitles the foregoing recommendation of the case of the inhabitants of New Brunswick to a favourable con- sideration.
JAMES BOWDOIN."
Boston, May 30, 1785.
The Hon. Oliver Wendell, of Boston, was engaged to take charge of the matter, but appears to have met with indiffe- rent success, from his letter.
"BOSTON, Nov. 19th, 1785.
"GENTLEMEN,
With a good Intention I accepted a Trust from you, which almost chagrins me, on a Review, as it has not only been unsuccessfull, but hurts my feelings to account for my not answering your Letter per Capt. Sleight in the Summer. On Notice of his arrivall, I sent a Billet to Mr. Hancock who was unwell and never answered it to this time. I also ap- ply'd to some Gentlemen who have been usually generous on such occasions-the Calls of the Inhabitants of Charles- town who are rebuilding their Houses-the Failure of seve- ral Persons among us which had a generall Effect, and the uncommon Scarcity of Specie frustrated every Wish of mine to procure any thing handsome for the Presbyterian Church at New Brunswick. It is unpleasant to make the above Re- turn, but be assured Gentn. it wou'd have gratify'd me much
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to have been able to have made a better, and that I am with Esteem and Respect
Your very Hume. Servt.
O. WENDELL.
P. S. I have delivered the Papers with thirty dollars to Capt. Sleight, which with Box of Spermacete I wish safe to your hands."
In 1786, finding themselves short of funds, the Trustees were fain to apply to the Legislature for the questionable aid of a Lottery, as were their neighbors of Elizabethtown. (The Dutch church of Raritan in 1794, and the Newark Academy, were reduced to the same means of raising money.) This scheme was entitled the Elizabethtown and New Bruns- wick church Lottery. The highest prize was $2500, and the lowest $20. Some of the tickets are in the possession of the New Jersey Historical Society. They were signed by Matths. Baker, and endorsed by Benj. S. Judah. The nett result to the New Brunswick church, as receipted for by Col. Taylor, was £665. 13. 5, proclamation money. As, after all their efforts, the means proved inadequate, a debt was incurred, which was stated March 30, 1786, to amount to £1426. 3. 2. Messrs. John Neilson, Moses Scott, John Taylor, J. Vanemburgh, William Tenbrook, John Young Noele, and William Paterson, who were probably the Trus- tees, borrowed of Archibald Mercer of the county of Som- erset, merchant, £611. 8. 9. This was to be paid in gold and silver money at the following rates, viz : " computing a Portugal gold half Johannes, weighing nine pennyweight at three pounds, and a Spanish milled dollar, weighing sev- enteen pennyweight and six grains, at seven shillings and sixpence; and other gold and silver coin at the same rate." This debt, with the interest, was assessed upon the congre- gation, and finally liquidated after many a hard struggle, on the sixth of May, 1801. While the Trustees were solicit- ous for the temporal interests of the church, they were not
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negligent of its spiritual concerns ; for in 1787 they had 300 copies of the Mother's Catechism printed for the use of the children of the congregation.
The following is a list of the male members of the con- gregation, taken the 25th of September, 1786. Some twenty of the names are extinct, or at least, no longer represented in New Brunswick.
John Lyle, Sen.
Thomas Grant,
John Neilson,
Elijah Phillips,
William Paterson,
Joseph Robinson,
John Taylor,
William Ryder,
Moses Scott,
Doctor Harris,
James Cole,
Isaac Wilson,
John V. Emburgh,
Jahannah Wilson,
Ephraim Loree,
Gabriel Sillcocks,
William Applegate,
Joseph Sillcocks,
Lewis Dunham,
John Poole,
Thomas Egbert,
William Tenbrooke,
John Henry,
John A. Myers,
Henry Guest,
William Letson,
James Richmond,
William Horn,
Moses Lyle,
Ishmael Shippen,
John Lyle, Jr.
John Shippen,
John Lyle Terhin,
William French,
John Paul,
Lewis Forman,
George Hance,
Isaac Forman,
Thomas Talmage,
Noel Forman,
John Y. Noel,
Peter Wyckoff,
James Drake,
John Hendrickson,
Nehemiah Vernon,
James Hendrickson,
John Guest,
- Hendrickson,
John Plum,
Ellit Crecy,
John Bray,
John Eastburn,
Henry Leupp,
Thomas Mitchel.
The first entry in the volume of Sessional records bears date, Monday, 22d March, 4790. It is as follows, viz :
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" The Session of the Presbyterian Church in this city, [the city charter had been granted in 1784, six years before,] met at the house of John Neilson. Present, vizt. The Rev- erend Walter Monteith, Moderator, Mr. John Lyle, Mr. John Bayard, Mr. Moses Scott, Mr. Thos. Talmage, Elders. Session was opened by prayer. John Neilson having been elected Clerk of the Session at a former meeting, appeared and took upon him the business of the said appointment," &c. Col. Neilson was not at this period a member of the Session ; but " having purchased to himself a good degree," he was ordained a Ruling Elder the next year, April 24, 1791. The method of appointing Elders was this: The Session agreed among themselves who should be nominated, and the nomination was proposed to the congregation from the pulpit, and if no objections were meanwhile offered, the candidate was considered as elected, and the ordination took place the next convenient Sabbath. After Dr. Clark's acces- sion, elders were elected by the congregation, without any nomination on the part of the Session. In 1803 the con- gregation insisted on the right of nomination themselves, and of election by ballot.
Members were admitted to sealing ordinances in the fol- lowing manner : The person applying had a previous con- versation with the pastor, occasionally with an elder, and if he was satisfied and reported favorably upon the examina- tion, the Session gave their consent. Candidates did not appear before the Session to be examined by them until Mr. Huntington's time, 1815. When the old custom of distrib- uting leaden Tokens to communicants was dropped, is not known. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was admin- istered twice a year till 1825, when it began to be adminis- tered quarterly.
About this time, in consequence of the increasing infirm- ities of Mr. Reed, Dr. Scott was instructed to acquaint Dr. Rodgers of New York with the wish of the congregation to employ the Rev. Walter Monteith to preach to them six
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months, and to give him $150 and his lodging. Negotia- tions were afterwards entered into with the Bound Brook congregation to engage Mr. Monteith as a colleague or assist- ant to Mr. Reed, "from a sincere desire," to use their own language, "of continuing and cementing the harmony and friendship existing between the two congregations, and also as a token of esteem and respect entertained by us for the piety, virtues and good sense of the venerable Mr. Reed." But as the two congregations could not agree upon the terms of union, they dissolved the connection. Bound Brook retained Mr. Reed; and Mr. Monteith was ordained and installed pastor of the New Brunswick church, Dec. 6, 1786, on a salary of £200. The value of the pound at this period is ascertained from an order of the Trustees, dated Nov. 2, 1786, directing the Sexton to be paid "the sum of £4, equal to ten dollars, for the ensuing year." At this valuation, Mr. Monteith's salary was equal to $500.
Mr. Monteith was a native of Scotland ; and at his ordin- ation, 49 years of age. He was of middle stature, dignified in his mien, and formal and precise in his manners. He dressed after the old fashion, and wore a wig well curled and powdered. He was a systematic and doctrinal preacher, and was much respected by the people. He held the charge for eight years, till April 22, 1794, when the connection was dissolved. No reason for the dissolution is entered on the books of the Session or the Presbytery, but from his repeated complaints of arrearages and the depreciation of money, it is probable that these were the moving cause. We know nothing of his subsequent history. A subscription of £100 was agreed upon to make up the arrearages due him.
The Rev. John Woodhull, of Freehold, having been called, and having declined the call, an invitation was given in 1796, to the Rev. Joseph Clark, pastor of the united churches of Allentown and Nottingham. His people made a vigorous opposition, but they were finally overruled by the Presbytery ; "and Mr. Clark was installed Jan. 4, 1797, with
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a salary of £250. President S. Stanhope Smith preached the sermon from 2 Tim. 1, 13, and also presided and gave the charge.
Dr. Clark was born in Elizabethtown, Oct. 21, 1751. He early felt the power of religion, and was admitted to the communion by that distinguished Christian and patriot, the Rev. James Caldwell. He was apprenticed to the trade of a carpenter at the age of 17, and had great difficulties to con- tend with in obtaining the elements of learning. After working all day at his trade, he studied the Latin grammar at night by the light of a pine-knot, and thus by indefatiga- ble diligence made himself acquainted with the classics. In two years after commencing this course he presented him- self as a candidate for admission to Princeton College, and after a creditable examination was received into the Junior Class. The war soon afterwards broke up the instructions of the college. Mr. Clark then joined the army, and served for several years. He received flattering testimonials from several distinguished military personages for his fidelity in the discharge of various important trusts. After many in- terruptions he returned to college, and in 1781, obtained his bachelor's degree.
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He then applied himself to the study of theology, and in two years was duly licensed to preach the gospel. On the 21st of October, 1783, he took charge of the congregation at Allentown, whence he was translated to New Brunswick in 1797. In this connection he continued for 16 years, till his death, on Wednesday, Oct. 20, 1813. The Sunday be- fore his death he preached from the text, " The time is short," 1 Cor. 7, 29. On Tuesday night he retired to bed in his usual health, and suddenly expired about 3 o'clock the next morning.
Dr. Clark, (who, like Mr. Monteith, dressed in the old fashion and wore powder,) was a solid, serious and impres- sive preacher. He was capable of moving the feelings ; he wept freely himself, and the tears of his auditors frequently
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attested the power which he exercised over them. He blended great dignity with affability. Few ministers have enjoyed to a greater degree the confidence and affection of their people. As a proof of their esteem, in 1809 they raised his salary from $666,66, on his request, to $800.
By his brethren in the ministry Dr. Clark was highly es- teemed, and his counsel and judgment were greatly prized in the Ecclesiastical Courts. He was for many years a Trustee of the College of New Jersey, and a Director of the Theological Seminary. He was one of the most successful agents in collecting funds for rebuilding Nassau Hall, after it had been destroyed by fire.
The only production of his pen which was given to the world, was a Sermon on the death of Gov. Paterson, who, after an exemplary and useful life, died in the enjoyment of a clear Christian hope, Sept. 9, 1806, in the 61st year of his age. This discourse was so acceptable that the Trustees ordered 500 copies to be printed. It was written in a clear, manly style ; first defining the character of a Christian Statesman, and then applying the description to the deceased. The closing part of the discourse was a masterly appeal to the conscience and feelings of the different classes of hearers addressed.
The number of communicants at his death was 127; nearly double what it had been at his accession. The col- lections in 1808, were, for the education of young men for the ministry, $27,19; for the missionary fund of the Gene- ral Assembly, $20,00 ; for commissioners to the General Assembly, $10,72. Under Dr. Clark's pastorate discipline was well kept up, and the church was in a healthy and pros- perous condition. He catechised the children semi-monthly, i. e. one fortnight in town, and the next at the Landing.
A handsome monument was erected by private subscrip- tion, and two quarters salary voted to Mrs. Clark, subject to the deduction of $36,00 for supplies.
In 1801, Col. John Taylor departed this life. He was of
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English extraction. In the war of the revolution he held the appointment of Colonel in Dickinson's brigade, and was an efficient officer. After the war, he was appointed pro- fessor of mathematics in Queen's College, now Rutgers', which post he left for a like one in Schenectady. In this last place he died about the year 1801, of yellow fever, aged 49. As an elder of the church he was very active and use- ful, and ready on all occasions to render whatever services lay in his power.
The death of the venerable Col. John Bayard occurred in 1807. The following brief account of this eminent patriot and Christian is condensed from Allen's Biographical Dic- tionary. He was of Huguenot descent, and born Aug. 11, 1738, on Bohemia Manor, Cecil county, Maryland. His father dying intestate, he fell heir by the existing laws of Maryland to the whole real estate, but generously divided it with his twin brother, afterwards Dr. Bayard. He was edu- cated by Dr. Finley, and went into mercantile business in Philadelphia ; where he early connected himself with the 2d Presbyterian church then under the care of Gilbert Ten- nent, and of which church he was in the course of time chosen ruling elder. He was also intimately acquainted with Whitefield. During the Revolutionary War he took an active part, and was present at the battle of Trenton. He was a member of the committee of Safety, Speaker of the Pennsylvania Legislature, and in 1785, a member of the old Congress sitting in New York. In 1788 he removed to New Brunswick, where the people showed their appreciation of his merit by elevating him to the several offices of mayor of the city, judge of the court of common pleas, and ruling elder of the church.
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