USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > New Brunswick > A historical sketch of the First Presbyterian Church in the city of New-Brunswick > Part 3
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He died Jan. 7, 1807, in the 69th year of his age, in a truly happy state of mind. "Death," said he to his sons, " has no terrors to me. What now is all the world to me ? I would not exchange my hope in Christ for ten thousand worlds. I once entertained some doubts of his divinity ;
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but blessed be God, these doubts were soon[removed by in- quiry and reflection. From that time my hope of acceptance with God has rested on his merits and atonement. Out of Christ God is a consuming fire. .. . I shall soon be at rest ; I shall soon be with my God. Oh glorious hope ! Blessed rest ! How precious are the promises of the Gospel ! It is the support of my soul in my last moments." He fre- quently commended himself to the Redeemer, and the last words from his dying lips were the name of the Lord Jesus.
The congregation, being left without a pastor, invited successively Dr. J. J. Janeway, in 1814, and Dr. Stephen N. Rowan, in 1815, both of whom declined. They then fixed their eyes on the Rev. Leveret F. Huntington, a young man from Connecticut, a student of Princeton Seminary, and a licentiate of the Presbytery of New York. He ac- cepted the call, and was installed on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 1815, with a salary of $1000. The number of communicants had fallen off during the two years in which the pulpit was vacant, for the report April, 1816, was only 110. . Mr. Hun- tington introduced the custom of examining candidates in the presence of the Session. At his death, May 11, 1820, the number of communicants was 153.
It was in 1816, just after his accession, that Miss Hannah Scott, a lady eminent for her zeal and piety, a daughter of Dr. Moses Scott, started with the pastor's approbation a Sun- day School on the modern plan: She began with five schol- ars and three teachers. It was the first in the place. She met with some opposition and ridicule, but nobly persisted in her benevolent plan, and continued female Superin- tendent for 31 years, to the day of her death, which took place in 1847, at the age of 80. Hundreds of children have here received instruction in divine things; and there is no institution connected with the church that is cherished with more care than the Sabbath School.
Mr. Huntington was highly esteemed as a preacher, but even more so as a man. It was in the weekly lecture he
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appeared to most advantage, and on occasions when he threw himself on the excitement of the moment. He was uncom- monly affable and kind in his private intercourse, and very faithful in embracing every opportunity to say a word for his Master, and secure the conversion of the young. He left the impression on all who knew him that he was a man of deep toned piety and ardent zeal.
Mr. Huntington was 34 years old at the time of his death, and he left a widow and two infant children. The congre- gation behaved very generously, erecting a tombstone, and defraying the funeral expenses, which amounted to $55,53; besides voting his widow two quarters' salary, subject to the deduction of $50 for supplies.
In the fall of 1820, an invitation was given by the Session to the Rev. Benj. B. Wisner, which he declined to accept. The Rev. Samuel B. How was then called, and was installed, with a salary of $900, June 13, 1821. Dr. How was a native of Burlington, N. J. He graduated at the University of Pennsylvania, was for a time Tutor in Dickinson Col- lege, (of which he was afterwards, in 1830, President,) and completed his theological studies at Princeton. In 1813 he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and ordained over the church of Solebury, now Lambert- ville. He then removed to Trenton, whence he was called to New Brunswick in 1821. Here he had been settled but about two years, when under a strong impression of duty, and the urgency of some of his clerical friends, he accepted a call to Savannah, and preached his last sermon, Oct. 5, 1823. His pastorate, though short, was prosperous, and at his retiring, the communicants had increased to 1.67.
In 1821 the Church sustained a heavy loss in the decease of one of its most venerable elders, Dr. Moses Scott. His father had emigrated from Scotland to America about 1724. His residence was in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, and he was one of Mr. Charles Beatty's elders.
Moses Scott was born in the year 1738. At 17 years of
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age he accompanied the unfortunate expedition under Brad- dock, and shared in all the privations of the time. At the capture of Fort Du Quesne, three years afterwards, he had risen to be a commissioned officer. The subsequent year he resigned his commission, on account of the invidious dis- tinction made between Royal and Colonial officers, and by the advice of Dr. Ewing and Mr. Beattie, betook himself to the study of medicine. His first residence was at Brandy- wine, but about 1774 he removed to New Brunswick. When the Revolutionary struggle commenced, he took an active part on the patriotic side, and was appointed, on the 2d day of July, 1776, Physician and Surgeon General of the State forces, and Director General of the Military Hos- pitals. He procured a supply of medicines, and surgical instruments from Europe, partly by his own means and credit, but unfortunately much of it fell into the hands of the enemy on their sudden invasion of New Brunswick, at which time he barely saved himself from capture. He was just sitting down to table, when the alarm was given, and the enemy entering soon after took possession of his house and regaled themselves on his deserted dinner. A tory neighbor told them that the boxes of medicine which they found, had been poisoned by the rebel Doctor, and left there purposely to destroy the British troops; whereupon they lost no time in emptying them into the street.
In 1777, Congress took the entire direction of the Medical Staff, and Dr. Scott was commissioned as Senior Physician and Surgeon of the hospitals, and assistant Director General. In the discharge of his important duties he won universal encomiums. He was present at the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, and Germantown ; and at Princeton was near the gallant Mercer when he fell.
On the restoration of peace Dr. Scott resumed his profes- sion in this city, and was also one of the most active in rais- ing the church from its dilapidated state. His name is seen prominent on the Committees for that purpose, and it was
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through his agency and partly, it is believed, by his gift, the ground was procured for the building. Having made a profession of religion at an early age, he was during his entire life a main pillar of the church, being for many years an efficient Elder, and Treasurer of the Board of Trustees. His death occurred Dec. 28, 1721, at the ad- vanced age of 83.
Another valuable Elder deceased in 1825, John Pool, Esq. of Raritan Landing. He was unassuming in his manners, and benevolent in the highest degree. His successful prose- cution of the grain trade afforded him ample means, and he dispensed them liberally. If he had a vacant seat in his carriage, it was his habit to send for some neighbor to ac- company him to church. He was a man of high standing in the community, and a cheerful, active Christian. He was ordained to the office of Ruling Elder, July 12, 1797, and discharged its functions for 28 years. After a short ill- ness, which he bore with Christian resignation, he breathed his last Feb. 27, 1825, in the 70th year of his age.
The Rev. William Ashmead, of Lancaster, Pa., and Rev. Robert Maclean, of New York, formerly of England, hav- ing been successively invited to the pastoral charge, and having declined, the Rev. Joseph H. Jones was chosen, and installed July 28, 1825.
Dr. Jones was a native of Tolland county, Connecticut. He graduated at Cambridge, Mass., and immediately was appointed a Tutor in Bowdoin College. After one year he removed to Wilkesbarre, Pa., and after two or three years prosecuted his theological studies at Princeton Seminary. After spending one year as stated supply of Woodbury, N. J., he was called to New Brunswick, with a salary of $900. The church greatly prospered under Dr. Jones. His pas- toral inspection was unremitting. April 27th, 1829, we have the first complete report of the annual contributions. From this it appears that the collections had been, for Mis- sions, $9; Commissioners' fund, $5; Education of poor and
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pious youth, $24,20; Foreign Missions, $60; Missionary Society of N. J. $50; the $40,000 fund for the pines, 413,56 ; American Bd. of Comm. for Foreign Missions, $22,07 ; Col- onization Society, $16,73 :- making a total of $565,36.
Every successive year brought with it new evidences of prosperity. A parsonage was built in 1827, at a cost of $3,355 ; including $250, for the lot. In 1832, a new frame Session-house was erected, adjoining the church, at a cost of $2696, the basement of which was intended for schoolrooms, and the upper story was an audience-room 16 feet high, capa- ble of holding about 250 people. The old Session house, (which had been built in 1814 by private individuals, and rented as a schoolroom,) was sold, with permission of the Session, and the proceeds with rents, amounting to $179,44, were divided among the owners pro rata.
The congregation had increased so much, that the project of a second organization was ventilated in a public meeting called for the purpose, but after a warm discussion the subject was indefinitely postponed. Although, however, the project was discountenanced by the majority, there were a few dis- contented spirits who persisted in maturing it; and after a while a second church was organized. As, in consequence of the determination to erect a new edifice, (presently to be mentioned,) the pretext of want of room was obviated, it was shrewdly suspected that theological differences were at the bottom of this scheme; and these suspicions grew into belief, when on the division of the General Assembly in 1838, the second church elected to adhere to the New School, while the first church adhered to the Old. It is gratifying to be able to add, that the second church, having in the course of time become freed from its original elements, has since returned to the Old School connection, and the congregation are now worshipping in a new and tasteful building, erected chiefly by the liberality of three individuals.
Although there was no small debate about it, it was at last determined by the old congregation to take down their house
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and erect a larger one nearly on the same site, viz. on the corner of George and Paterson streets. Accordingly, a contract was made with Jacob Wyckoff, mason, and Francis F. Randolph, carpenter, the lowest bidders. Mr. Vail, Dr. Richmond, and Mr. Griggs, were appointed the Building Committee ; and the Rev. James Smith of Philadelphia, a man of great architectural taste, superintendent, with an allowance of $250 for his services, which was afterwards increased. The new church was of brick stuccoed, on a basement of hewn stone, 62 feet by 80, in the Grecian style, with a Doric portico of 6 columns, a vestibule of 11 feet, rooms in the basement fitted up for Sunday Schools, and a tin roof. The model was the Central Church, Philadelphia, and the interior was lighted by a frame of lamps let down from the ceiling, and hidden in the day time by a slide. An iron railing protected the front area.
In the interval that elapsed, the consistory of the Dutch church courteously offered the use of their house on Sab- bath afternoons, which was gratefully accepted, the morn- ing service being held in the lecture room. The new church was dedicated on Thursday, Dec. 15, 1836, which was Thanksgiving day. Dr. John Breckinridge preached in the morning, and Dr. McClelland in the afternoon, to crowded auditories. The amount of money disbursed was $23,328 .- 56, of which $6000 were borrowed. This debt was shortly after generously assumed in different proportions, by ten gentlemen, Messrs. Charles Smith, James Neilson, John W. Stout, Frederick Richmond, Joseph C. Griggs, Samuel Hol- comb, F. R. Smith, Peter Dayton, A. S. Neilson, and Augus- tus R. Taylor. A lien was given them on the unsold pews and the income arising from them, but when it was soon after discovered that there was still a farther debt on the church property to the amount of $2826, they voluntarily proposed to relinquish their lien on condition that the rest of the congregation would raise money sufficient to wipe off this remaining debt. The condition was fulfilled; fresh
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subscriptions were made of $100 and under; and the con- gregation had the satisfaction of occupying their new church . without fear of Sheriffs' writs or foreclosure of mortgages.
What a pleasing contrast is presented with the crippled and forlorn condition of affairs just 50 years before ; when after every exertion that could be made, at home and abroad, the church could scarcely accomplish the erection of the plainest building, and staggered for 16 years under a load of debt ! Now they are found in possession of a large and commodious place of worship, constructed in a chastely ele- gant style of architecture, together with a Session-house, parsonage, and cemetery, all procured with comparative ease in the short space of nine years.
But the most pleasing part of the history yet remains to be told. It is gratifying indeed to recount the proofs of out- ward prosperity, but it must be confessed that the most mag- nificent temple in the world from which the life and power of godliness are absent, is but a whited sepulchre. One of the venerable old prophets, stimulating the Jews to ex- ert themselves to rebuild their ruined temple, upon their return from Captivity, employed the following lan- guage : "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a bless- · ing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." The principles that pervade the Christian dispensation are the same that pervaded the Mosaic ; the people contributed gen- erously to the house of the Lord, and the Lord withheld not a copious blessing.
In the year 1837, a remarkable revival of religion occur- red, altogether unprecedented in the history of New Bruns- wick. Of this work of grace Dr. Jones subsequently pub- lished an interesting narrative, which precludes the neces- sity of giving more than a very succinct outline here. Suf- fice it to say, that for some months a growing interest and increased attendance had been observed in several of the
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churches, but it was not until the month of April that any thing very decided took place. The Baptists held a protracted meeting, which resulted in numerous conversions. The Presbyterians, perceiving an increasing thirst for the means of grace, pursued a similar course and multiplied their re- ligious meetings. But they soon found the Lecture-room inadequate to contain the crowds that flocked thither, and the church was opened, first for a meeting that continued four days, and then for every evening without intermission until September. The fruits of this revival were the addition of 149 persons to the communion of the Presby- terian church, and of about 350 to the other churches of the city,
To use the words of the Narrator, " the whole population seemed for a season to be moved ; so that it was compara- tively rare to find an individual who was not prepared to listen with interest to the subject of personal religion." At the same time there were no audible exclamations, no demonstrations of grief, or transports that could not be controlled, nothing irregular or extravagant. And "there was little open opposition." The doctrines presented were the same which proved so efficacious in the hands of the apostles on the day of Penticost ; and besides the mul- tiplication of meetings, there were no unusual measures adopted save meetings for inquiry or conversation three times a week. The pastors were relieved in their arduous duties by the visits of eminent clergymen from other places, and the sermons of Dr. John Breckenridge,* Professor Dod, Mr. Rodgers, Dr. Murray, Drs. Archibald and James W. Alexander, David Abeel, Thomas L. Janeway, Dr. Arm- strong, and other zealous coadjutors, are still remembered with interest.
From New Brunswick the revival spread to the neighbor-
* " A revival of religion," said the eloquent Breckenridge, " is the perilous distinction of any people."
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ing towns; and the churches of Bound Brook, Somerville, Plainfield, and Piscataway, in particular, largely shared the blessing. In this church there have been other seasons of refreshing, but for power and extent, the Revival of 1837 stands without a parallel either before or since. In attempt- ing to account for it, Dr. Jones is of opinion that no natural causes were adequate; neither the cholera of 1832, the Tor- nado of 1835, the commercial embarrassments of a later period, the predisposition of the people, or the ordinary means of grace ; in short, he prefers to ascribe it to that mys- terious and divine agency which, like the wind, bloweth where it listeth. It only remains to add, that the great mass of the converts have done credit to their profession.
The remarkable success of Dr. Jones' ministry drew on him the attention of the Sixth Church of Philadelphia, which was languishing, and naturally enough thought him a likely person to promote their resuscitation. Dr. Jones at first declined their invitation, and his people in their fear of losing him, at once raised his salary to $1200, with the par- sonage. But at length, yielding to urgent importunities and the advice of the Princeton Professors, he conceived it to be his duty to go, and accordingly gave up the charge of this church in the Spring of 1838, closing an honorable and useful career of thirteen years, amid the deep regrets of the people. His name and services still continue fragrant in the memory of New Brunswick. At the time of his de- parture, April 24, 1838, the Session reported the large num- ber of 411 communicants.
It is convenient here to record the heavy loss which the church sustained about this time in the death of several of its most active friends and supporters. The first of these to be mentioned is Chief Justice Kirkpatrick.
He was descended from Scottish ancestors, who, though they were strict Presbyterians, were nevertheless actively engaged under the Earl of Mar in the rebellion of 1715, in favor of the Pretender: They afterwards availed themselves
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of the clemency of the government, which was satisfied with exacting no higher penalty than expatriation. The grandfather of the future Chief Justice, with his family, migrated to Ireland, where they spent a few years, and then sailed for America, about 1732. They finally settled at Baskingridge, Somerset county, N. J., where they purchased a large tract of land, including the Mine Brook mountain.
Andrew Kirkpatrick was born at Mine Brook, Feb. 17, 1755. He received the best education the times could afford. Having graduated at Princeton, he commenced preparation for the ministry, to which sacred calling his father had des- tined him ; but after six months' study, he found the clerical profession not agreeable to his taste, and determined to relin- quish it. This was a death blow to his father's hopes, and the stern old man obliged him to leave his roof, and shift as he might for himself. He was in a sad dilemma, for, had it not been for a mother's bounty, he would have found him- self absolutely penniless. The usual resource of young men in such circumstances presented itself, and he taught school, first in Morristown, and subsequently in New Bruns- wick. He then entered the office of Judge Paterson, and was in due time admitted to the bar. He obtained an exten- sive practice ; and the estimation in which he was held by the public was shown in his being elected to the State Legis- lature, his appointment as a Judge of the Supreme Court, and his elevation to the office of Chief Justice for three suc- cessive terms. In that high position he continued 21 years till his resignation. From his earliest residence in this city, he was a warm supporter of the Presbyterian church, giving to it his best counsel not only, but contributing freely ac- cording to his means. He was for several years President of the Board of Trustees, and held that office at the time of his demise, which took place in January, 1831, in the 75th year of his age. Although his name does not appear on the church roll, it is recorded on his tomb that he died "in the calm enjoyment of Christian hope."
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Elias Molleson, one of the Ruling Elders, died on the 6th day of July, 1831. He was a descendant, through the Mol- lesons of Piscataway, of Gilbert Molleson, Merchant, of London, one of the Proprietors of East Jersey, who signed the surrender of the Government of the province to Queen Anne, April 15, 1702. (See Whitehead's East Jersey under the Proprietors, p. 152.) He was a Scotchman, resident in London, a man of considerable property and a Christian. Elias, a great grandson of this Gilbert, was born in Piscata- way, Oct 28, 1782. At an early age he entered into busi- ness in New Brunswick, where he illustrated by his daily walk and conversation the religion which he professed. He was ordained a Ruling Elder, Oct. 28, 1825. His distin- guishing trait was devotedness. He never lost an opportu- nity at spare moments of reading the bible, and was always on the lookout for some way to do good. When asked upon his death bed whether he was resigned to a fatal issue of his complaint, he replied, that he had no wish upon the subject, and if the Lord were to refer the matter to him for his de- cision, he would refer it back to the Lord.
The church was also called to mourn the death of Col. John Neilson ; who deceased, after an illness of a few hours, · on the 3d of March, 1833, at the advanced age of 88.
There were two brothers of the name of Neilson, who emigrated to America from the neighbourhood of Belfast, sometime in the first half of the last century. James, the eldest, came first, and established himself in business in New Brunswick. He was wealthy, and had vessels trading to Belfast, Madeira, and the West Indies. He was a Judge, and Member of Council. He was a warm friend of the Revolution. He was married, but had no posterity. He died in a good old age, amid the universal respect of the community.
The younger brother was a physician, and married Miss Catharine Coejeman, from Coejeman's Manor below Albany. He died young, leaving two children, Gertrude, ancestress
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of Rev. Dr. Abeel, and John, who is the subject of this no- tice. John was born March 11, 1745, on the Raritan near Somerville, at the old homestead of the New Jersey branch of the Coejemans. He was educated in Philadelphia, and then came to live in New Brunswick, with his uncle, whom he assisted in his mercantile business. He married Miss Catharine Voorhees, who had no small reputation for beauty, even among the British officers.
On the breaking out of the Revolution he raised a com- pany of volunteers, and was made their captain. His first service was an expedition to the east end of Long Island to disarm the tories. August 31, 1775, he was appointed Col- onel of the Battalion of Minutemen for Middlesex, and elected a member of the Provincial Congress. He was also proposed for the Continental Congress, but could not be spared from the service. Such was his known position, that Congress transmitted to him a copy of the Declaration to communicate to the people. He accordingly convoked a public meeting of the citizens in the street in front of Dr. Scott's residence, and standing on a table, read aloud the in- strument. Although opposition had been anticipated, so overwhelming was the majority and so deafening were the huzzas, that malcontents did not dare to show themselves.
Aug. 1, 1776, he was appointed to the command of the 1st regiment of Infantry for the county, and served on the lines. In December, after the battle of Trenton, the British made their winter-quarters in New Brunswick. One of their outposts was at Bennet's Island, (now Mr. Hobart's,) about two or three miles from New Brunswick. Col. Neil- son formed a plan to surprize them, and capture the Com- mandant, Cortlandt Skinner. Owing to his absence, Skinner escaped, but the rest of the plan was brilliantly successful. The attack was made Feb. 18th, at 5 A. M. with 200 men ; and although it was clear, and the ground white with snow, they leaped the stockades before they were discovered. Maj. Stockton, who was left in command, a captain, three subal-
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terns, and 55 privates, were captured with their arms, accou- trements, horses, &c. The engagement lasted but about a minute; with the loss of one man killed, and of the enemy four killed and one mortally wounded. Col. Neilson, being one of the first to leap the stockade, was in imminent dan- ger from a sentinel who presented his musket to his breast, but Captain Farmer interfering for his rescue, he escaped unhurt. The prisoners were delivered to Gen. Putnam, at Princeton ; and through Putnam, Gen. Washington con- veyed his hearty approbation of the secresy, resolution and success of the enterprize.
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