USA > New Jersey > A history of Baptists in New Jersey > Part 37
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Pastor Lyell has given to us the early history of Baptist affairs in Camden. On February 5th, 1818, seven Baptists in Camden consti- tuted themselves a Baptist church in the city. Originally these were from Cohansie and Salem and had joined the first Baptist church in Philadelphia. Three of the seven were Sheppards, descendants of the constituents of Cohansie church. An Academy was allowed to them as a place of worship. Rev. H. Holcombe, pastor of the first church of Philadelphia, and Rev. William Rogers, a former pastor and professor in Pennsylvania University, each preached in Camden. The crossing of the river was a serious matter, the river was wide; the tide swift and strong and long detours were necessary above or below islands, especially in winter, when ice filled the river.
The writer recalls when an entire day was necessary to pass from shore to shore. Pastor Lyell publishes a letter by Mr. S. B. Sheppard stating an incident of the perils these disciples risked to go to the House of God. Despite discouragements they "rarely missed a Lord's day." Three of them kept a boat for crossing the river on the Sabbath. One day, returning from meeting an unexpected flaw of wind struck and capsized the boat. Ten of them got on its bottom, but Mr. Smith did not appear. Mr. Sheppard left the boat to find his companion, whom he found under the boat tangled in rope. He got him out and with the aid of Page got him on the boat. They remained till help came from the shore. Such risks in the service of God, indicate the caste
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of the men and women who laid the foundations on which we build. Neither is it a surprise that such cheerfully assumed the responsibility of becoming a church of Christ. In reply to their application for letters of dismission to constitute a church in Camden, Mr. Holcombe wrote to them as follows:
"We have received your affectionate application for a dismissal from us that you may form a religious body in Camden. Not doubting your full persuasion that existing circumstances justify this important measure, we agree without a dissenting voice, that your endearing relation to us as our members, shall be honorably dissolved in the moment of your becoming a regularly constituted church of our faith and order. * * Our hearts desire and prayer to God is, that you may prosper and prove a blessing to thousands in your community. * Suffer a word of exhortation: Let your moderation be known to all men and be at peace among yourselves. Be guided implicitly by the Scriptures. * * Seek and support an evangelical ministry.
Regard truth, honesty, quietness, temperance, industry and economy as virtues essential to the Christian character.
* * Should you plant and water with little success, call to your aid, patience and perseverance; consider the Lord's method of choosing both the time and means of carrying his gracious purposes into effect. In 1689, we as a body consisted of but nine members. Betwixt that and the seven churches which have gone out from us and now we have between four and five hundred members in great harmony and replenished with accessions by baptism and letters. We cannot say: 'O, that it was with us as in days that are past.' * * We conclude with the assurance that you will not, beloved brethren and sisters, be forgotten by us whenever we remember ourselves before the throne of grace. By order and in behalf of the church, Henry Holcombe, pastor of the first Baptist church, Philadelphia." On the next day, February 5th, 1818, the first Baptist church of Camden was organized. Previously, on January 5th, five believers had been baptized by Rev. D. James. These immediately united with the church.
In the ensuing May, Mr. James was called to be pastor. As it has been since the days of the Nazarene, opposition and persecution by so called Christians of other names than Baptists closed the doors of the Academy against the little band. These were Baptists and dangerous, even though few in number. Did they not insist upon the supremacy of the Scriptures to creeds and the right of each to hold and teach his own convictions of truth and duty, the Bible being their authority? Persecution had its usual result, opposition advertised Baptists. Opposition awakened inquiry. Private houses were opened
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for worship and in place of one, many witnessed of the Grace of God. A church edifice became a necessity and it was erected in 1818 before the church was a year old.
Modest in appearance, it was a foothold and a fulcrum for Gospel leverage to turn numbers to righteousness and to Baptist ideas. Mr. James was pastor only about six months. A great sorrow came to the church in parting with him. The custom of intoxicants became a snare to the good man. The minute of the action of the church was: "We wish to be as tender with him as possible and not debar him from preaching, wherever he may be called to do so, if he think proper. Only here, we believe his usefulness to be at an end, except grace prevent or a great change for the better takes place."
The people of this church were evidently true to the Gospel and to the best welfare of the church; no less did they show gentleness and patience toward a brother "overtaken in a fault," in times, when not to drink was discourtesy, and when not to offer a bottle or a glass to neighbor and friend was to be ostracized from social life. It is almost incredible how many noble and good men were overtaken by the drink habit. Mr. John Cooper was called to be pastor and three months later was ordained. He resigned about the end of 1819. Rev. T. J. Kitts was pastor for two years and supplied the church for months after resigning. The second year of his engagement, his salary was one dollar for each sermon.
In January 1823, Mr. C. J. Hopkins was called and was ordained in the next May for the pastoral office. He held the pastorate for about one and a half years. Mr. Hopkins had been called into the ministry under Pastor Holcombe of the first church, Philadelphia. The incident of his first attempt to preach was told to the writer by Mr. Hopkins. At a given church meeting Mr. Holcombe said: "Brethren, I think we have a young man whom God has called to preach and suggested that a time be set to hear him, I refer to our Brother Hopkins.' Mr. Hopkins was astounded at the mention of his name. The next morning he called on Mr. Holcombe and protested that he could not and would not undertake keeping the appointment. Mr. Holcombe drew from him that he had been thinking on the subject. Walking to and fro, the pastor said: "Here are books, think up a text. Come here and use my study." And while speaking and near the door slipped out and turned the key. The pastor returned and Mr. Hopkins escaped, still protesting that he would not be at the meeting. Its hour came; Hopkins loitered in the dark. The church house was large. In each corner was a huge stove, and Hopkins watching, slipped in and hid behind the stove. When the hour came to open the meetig, the pastor
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arose and said: "Come forward Brother Hopkins." Beckoning to where he was. There was no escape. Hopkins went forward, conducted the opening exercises, announced his text, read it again and again, and the fourth time stood still; read the text the fifth time and then grabbed his hat and shot out the side door.
The people smiled. The pastor arose and said: "Brethren, I am now surer that Brother Hopkins is called to preach. He already knows enough, and it was good if more of us knew it; enough to stop when he gets through." After speaking on the text, another time was set to hear Mr. Hopkins. In due time he was licensed. In the forty years of his ministry he was esteemed as a "good and able" minister of the Gospel despite the humor and witticisms that extorted a smile or a shock in his hearers. Mr. Hopkins resigned in Camden in September 1824. A long interval followed, in which supplies ministered, one of them, Mr. Hopkins. Allusion in the minute book is made to Mr. John Sisty and to Ezekiel Sexton, both of them were helpers. Both of them did a great work for Baptists and the churches, and both had in- fluence with Holcombe and Brantly. The time of supplies terminated in 1829, when Mr. Mobert Compton was then called to be pastor. He resigned in 1832.
Short pastorates were not due to the love of change, but usually to small salaries. Pastors and their families endured extreme privations. Both pastors and churches suffered serious hardships rather than part. In 1833, fifty-eight were baptized and as many the next year. Rev. Mr. Sheppard removed to Camden in 1836 and became pastor. At the seasons of spiritual interest in 1833-4, as many as eight ministers are named as aiding in the work. Rev. W. T. Brantly, Sr., introduced into the North the custom of big meetings. The writer recalls the surprise of the membership of the first Baptist church of Philadelphia, when Rev. Mr. Brantly introduced Rev. R. Fuller, who would hold special meetings alone. During seven years first Camden had various experi- ences of gain and loss, of financial strait and of spiritual depression. In these years, a pledge of abstinence from intoxicants was made a test of membership.
A new and spacious church edifice was built and dedicated in 1841-42. In 1843, came the harvest of these weary years. Rev. T. R. Taylor, Sr., was called and was ordained to be pastor in April 1843. His charge was for eleven years and was an era in the church history. Three hundred and sixty seven were baptized, an annual average of thirty-three. One day a drunken man came into the church and made a disturbance. Spoken to several times by the pastor, who said at last: "If you disturb us again, I will put you out of the house." As
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the trouble occurred again, Mr. Taylor, from the midst of his sermon went to the man, marched him to the door and put him out, returning, he finished his sermon.
In 1848, forty-four were dismissed to constitute the second church. In 1854, Rev. J. Duncan settled as pastor and resigned in 1857. From 1856, said by a late historian, the only marked activity was the change of pastors. "Duncan goes, Mirack comes, Darrow comes and goes and Furgurson comes." That year marked the coming of a stranger to be pastor, Rev. G. G. Furgurson. This gentleman had the needful gifts to draw a crowd. There was not even standing room for the multitude that waited on his ministry. A large and new house was undertaken in place of that now being used by the church. But before its completion, ill reports about Mr. Furgurson divided the church. One hundred and fifty-five members withdrew in 1861 and organized the Tabernacle church. Mr. Furgurson went with the colony. Event- ually he was lost to sight and to knowledge.
The first church ralied in 1862 and called Rev. B. F. Hedden to be pastor. His work was first restoration, endowed with the gifts of healing. He was a messenger whom the King in Zion honored by making him his instrument to diffuse gladness, unity and peace, in place of sorrow and discord. Having done this he retired with the blessed reward of the peacemaker. In 1866, Rev. F. B. Rose became pastor. The third year of his charge developed a controversy. The trustees claiming that they represented the first Baptist church; shut the doors of the meeting house against the pastor and the congregation. After a hearing in the courts the action of the trustees was reversed and a mutual council indorsed the decision of the courts and the church reoccupied their house of worship. Each party having agreed to abide by the decision of the mutual council. In due time, the members represented by the trustees organized themselves into the Trinity Baptist church. Both bodies have pursued the "things that make for peace." An alienation that threatened evil, has proved an illus- tration of the Christian charity, which "Doth not behave itself unseemly, is not provoked and thinketh no evil."
A letter was addressed by the first church to the Tabernacle church in April 1871, inviting a consolidation of the two bodies. This invi- tation was accepted by the Tabernacle church and soon after, they worshipped together and later became one. The union of the churches was effected in 1872 and Rev. I. C. Wynn was pastor, a mutual choice. Mr. Wynn died in S. C. on April 19th, 1889, having been pastor of Tabernacle church since July 1st, 1870 and of the united bodis from June 4th, 1871 in all, nearly nineteen years. His successor said of
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him: "I. C. Wynn has linked his name forever with the first Baptist church of Camden. The same is true also of Rev. T. R. Taylor, Sr., whose pastorate was eleven years.
An interval of months followed, but on January 1st, 1890, Rev. J. W. Lyell entered the pastorate and is now (1900) pastor. Rev. Mr. Holcombe in his letter to the seven dismissed members, counselled these men and women: "Never despise the day of small things." There are now in Camden fourteen Baptist churches .. The first Baptist church of Camden is an influential body. The union was complete. Mr. Wynn had good common sense, was unusually winning inmanner, gentle in speech and yet not a straddler; he was fitted to handle wisely the complications between the united .churches, as well as any com- plications between the first and the Trinity churches. Not only four- teen churches but twelve pastors. Several of these churches worship in sanctuaries that would command attention in any city of the land. Their congregations include men and women of wealth, culture, official station and piety equal to any other city.
Twenty pastors have ministered to the First church. I. C. Wynn was pastor nineteen years, till he died; Mr. Taylor was pastor eleven years; Mr. Lyell, eleven years, including 1900 and is still pastor. Of the deacons, two, C. Sexton and E. V. Glover were pastors. Mr. Glover was pastor of churches which but for his financial aid, social influence and devoted labors would have become extinct. Three houses of worship have been erected by the First church, one in 1818. A second in 1841-2; another, that is now in use; also several mission chapels. Baptists have gone West. Richard Johnson and Isaac Smith were each of the original seven. Mr. Sheppard was an efficient financial helper. E. K. Fortiner had been a member of the church sixty years and deacon and Sunday school superintendent for more than fifty years. William J. Coxey has had a remarkable and exceptional career as philanthropist, mission worker and has secured the erection of at least thirteen church edifices. In the city the colored Baptists and in outlying districts have received most efficient aid. Samuel F. Rudderow has also been most efficient in mission movements.
ยท In 1848, forty-four members of the First Baptist church under Rev. T. R. Taylor, Sr., were dismissed to constitute the Second Baptist church in Camden. South Camden had for a long time impressed some Baptists as a mission field, needing a Baptist church. Such a conviction impelled the founding of a Second Baptist church. Rev. M. M. Semple became pastor soon after the church was organized, in 1843. He was succeeded by pastors T. C. Trotter, who was ordained and pastor one year; T. Goodwin, two years to 1854; T. C. Cailhopper
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five years, 1860; C. Sexton, one year; J. C. Hyde, two years; M. R. Watkinson, two years; C. M. Deitz, two years to 1868; S. Hughes, one year; W. W. Dalby, five years to 1876; M. M. Finch, one year; William Lawrence, one year; J. D. Flansburg, ten years to 1892; J. N. Folwell, two years. An expiration of these many and short pastorates with one exception, was the folly of building a costly house of worship and an enormous debt.
These pastors were good and true men and were prospered as circumstances allowed. Under Mr. Trotter, a meeting house was built in Stockton next year and under Mr. Goodwin,a member was licensed to preach and nine members were dismissed to constitute a church there. Mr. Cailhopper enjoyed almost continually, a revival season for four years of his charge. Mr. Hughes strove manfully to avert the coming wreck, but gave it up as hopeless. Mr. Dalby also enjoyed for five years the hardship of keeping the patient alive, which continuous revivals could not avert. The process of stimulants went on till under Mr. Folwell the church disbanded and in 1894, the property was sold by the sheriff.
The necessity of a Baptist church in the location of the Second church was patent to all and a meeting was called on April 27th, 1894, to organize a new church. About forty were present. After the meeting was organized, a church was formed and the body named the Emmanuel Baptist church of Camden, N. J. Rev. J. N. Folwell was called to be pastor and Mr. H. C. Goldsmith was chosen clerk. A committee was appointed to confer with the company which had bought the house of the Second church to learn on what terms that property could be bought. Later, the property was bought. The church was constituted with sixty-two members. Mr. Folwell was pastor for three years, assigning a reason for his resignation, his increasing years and a purpose to retire from the activities of the ministry. No ex- ception, however, had been taken by his people to his advanced age. But the contrary, since years added to the wisdom of his councils and to the efficiency of his ministry. At the meeting in which Mr. Folwell resigned, Rev. John Snape was called to be pastor and began his work in June 1894. After the constitution of the Second church, Camden, they built a comfortable brick church edifice and while occupying it had a wholesome growth. But an appetite for better surroundings led them to sell their good house of worship in 1867 and to build a larger and expensive place of worship and without regard to their financial ability to pay for it. About forty years passed of strait, sorrow, and trouble and at last, despair and disbanding. A parsonage was owned by the Second church, but when built, or bought, is not
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known. Second Camden sent out two colonies, Stockton, 1885, to which they dismissed nine of the twelve constituents. The name of Stockton was changed to Third Camden. Also, Broadway, to which forty-five were dismissed in 1867. Second Camden was composed of earnest Christian people.
Had they been content with their old house, enlarged and im- proved within their means, till able to build and pay for such a house as they needed, the church would have been a constant power for good and blessing till now. Two of its members have been licensed to preach. One of whom, T. R. Taylor, Jr., having the name of his father, a pastor of the First church, whose charge was the turning point of its history and who renews the endearment of his father's name in New Jersey. The Emmanuel church is the lineal descendant of the Second church and inheritor of the memory and work of that body. Rev. D. C. Davis settled as pastor of Immanuel church in 1900. Both churches have had sixteen pastors, each of them good and useful men. There are lessons in this history not to be forgotten or overlooked. "Business sense," is as essential in the cause of God, as in the conduct of secular interests.
"Counting the cost," in laying foundations in the Kingdom of God, has returns in prosperity. Faith that God will overrule our follies in serving him and that for His name's sake, and on account of his promise, make our absurdities a success, is a delusion and a folly. The Master himself, reproved such. In his reply to Satan's invitation to cast him- self down from the Temple: he answered Satan's assumption: "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord, Thy God."
In the history of the Second Baptist church, Camden, mention is made of the building of a house of worship at Stockton in 1854. At a meeting at the house of John Shill, on July 14th, 1852, a Baptist Society was formed consisting of nine members of the Second Baptist church of Camden including Mr. and Mrs. Shill and Rev. T. C. Trotter. Three of the number, including Rev. Mr. Trotter, were appointed a building committee. Next August, a Sunday school was formed, meeting at the house of Mr. Shill until the house of worship was com- pleted which was in 1854. This building cost this little company great sacrifices and was finished by contributions of labor and material, such as each could give or secure from personal friends. After a year had gone in July, 1855, these disciples assumed the responsibility of an organized church.
Previous to the organization of a church, Rev. T. C. Trotter preached to such congregations as met. How long after the church was consti- tuted and if as pastor, is not written. Rev. Mr. James appeared to
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have a vital relation to the new church, inasmuch as his labors are spoken of as ended. Mr. Patton was recognized on December 15th, 1855. His stay was that of months only, and Mr. James resumed his labors with the church for possibly a year. During this period, however, Mr. Trotter administered the ordinances. June 1861, Rev. E. V. Glover was called and was ordained in July 1861. Mr. Glover was a man of rare worth; of good business and executive qualities and having a competency that allowed him to serve a church, the salary of which did not suffice for a living. Thus his financial independence, his place in social life and his acquaintance with men gave him power with men and cranks to bring things to pass. A clergyman wrote of Mr. Glover and said: "Only an infinite pen can write an estimate of the power of Rev. E. V. Glover with this church. For seven years he labored with them, sharing and bearing their sorrows. * * His going to and fro in his carriage filled with comforts and nourishment for the poor and sick of the neighbors. His money was poured out as seed on this field from which we gather good to-day .. " Mrs. Glover, like her husband, delighted in like work of mercy and blessing.
They have long since known the reward to whom it is said: "In- asmuch as ye did it to one of the least of these, ye did it unto Me." Under such a pastor the house of worship underwent a renovation. Members found their place. The church was of one accord and con- verts were multiplied. More room was needed and a question of an enlarged church edifice, or a new location and a better house was de- cided in favor of a new location and a better house. On Aprll 3rd, 1864, a new church building, was dedicated. Pastor Glover resigned in November 1868, and removed West. A membership of twenty-four was increased in his pastorate of seven years to one hundred and fifty- three. A successor says of his pastorate: "It is not too much to say that his pastorate stands unrivalled amidst many others (of that church) before or since; preaching part of the time without salary; for wise leadership and for devotion to the cause of Christ."
Rev. J. N. Folwell followed Mr. Glover. But illness shortened his charge to a few months. In August 29th, 1870, Mr. Glover returned to Camden and was recalled. In April 1871, the name of the church was changed to Third Camden. About this time, Mr. Glover resigned and was followed by Rev. H. B. Raybold, whose stay was but four months. Again, for the third time, Mr. Glover was called in 1872 and resigned twice in 1873 and in 1875. His removal from Camden effected a separation. None knowing Mr. Glover, wonder at the pertinacity with which churches clung to him, when once they had known him as pastor. Such men are only occasional.
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In 1876, two were called to be pastors and each declined. Mr. R. W. Perkins was ordained on October 11th, 1877, and held the pas- toral office. In 1882, he was called away, but the church declined to accept his resignation. Again in 1888, he was called away and accepted the call. Eleven years of service at Third Camden church came thus to a close. Rev. C. W. Ray served the Third church in Camden for a year and more. Rev. R. W. West supplied the pulpit for a year, when Rev. J. S. Teasdale accepted a call, but ill health terminated his labors in July 1892. Mr. J. Snape followed and was ordained November 22, 1894. Divers improvements were made in the church building. At the end of three years, Mr. Snape resigned in 1897. Several young men were licensed to preach while he was pastor and he was succeeded by Rev. George Hine, who remained until July 1899.
On July 12th, 1899, Rev. G. C. Horter became pastor and held the office till in 1900 The third Baptist church of Camden originated in the mission spirit of the second Baptist church. Its history accords with that of its origin and despite many discouragements, has grown into an efficient and helpful body. Its first sanctuary has been supplant- ed by one larger and better fitted for the uses of a church. That too, has been enlarged for the more active church life of the times. Some- thing of the contrasts of the beginning and now, is signified by the building of the first house. One agreed to furnish the bricks. Another the lumber; another the doors; another "to make two window sashes, free gratis."
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