USA > New Jersey > A history of Baptists in New Jersey > Part 40
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Sixth Paterson Baptist church had its origin in missionary work of Rev. H. Wood, pastor of Park Avenue Baptist church, opening a hall on Madison avenue in August, 1892. While first known as Madison Avenue Mission, when it was recognized as a Baptist church, it was constituted as Sixth Baptist church of Paterson. The church was not associated until 1895 and then reported a membership of twenty-five. Rev. C. O. Maltby was pastor in 1895 and is now (1900) occupying the pastorate. The membership though small, is thoroughly in earnest to maintain an efficient Baptist church. A lot for a house of worship was provided in 1898.
Dr Rogers writes of Fourth Paterson that it was a little band gathered by Rev. Walter Gallant. Its organization was perfected in 1879, but the church was not associated till 1883. In 1882, they num- bered sixteen members. Mr. Gallant was pastor for more than six years, resigning in 1885. Supplies ministered to the church till the fall of 1887, when Rev. A. W. Hand became pastor. Dr. Rogers had a part in getting him and later changed his membership from the First church to the Fourth church.
The Doctor habituated himself with new and struggling churches, Deacon Joseph Taylor and his wife, who had given lots to the Union Avenue Mission, died in the first year of Pastor Hand's oversight and they, having left a legacy for mission uses, steps were taken to build a house of worship. The community also gave aid. Pastor Hand resigned
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FOURTH PATERSON.
in 1891. Rev. E. W. Stone settled in April 1892, and was pastor about three years. A few months later, Rev. J. Sullivan accepted a call to be pastor and is in 1900 ministering to the church. The church has had four pastors, all of them useful and the church is planted in the truth and in the confidence of the community.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
BLOOMINGDALE AND LAFAYETTE.
The Baptist church of Bloomingdale is located about twelve miles from Paterson and was organized as a church in 1826. After a conference, the several Baptist families in the vicinity decided to form a Baptist church. Lacking a house of worship they met in each other's homes. An owner of an old mill fitted up a room in it for their accom- modation. Not having a pastor, the meetings were led by the mem- bers. Baptists had been accustomed to go to Paterson and commune there. It was a long ride, but fellowship with their Lord and with their brethren induced them to take it. Seemingly, twelve and more years were gone in this way. when Rev. C. Brinkerhoff visited them and was chosen pastor. A meeting house was finally built in 1841.
Mr. Brinkerhoff "served the church for several years," and others followed, Rev. L. F. Stelle, E. S. Browe and William Hawley. Mr. Brinkerhoff was recalled in 1860, remaining three years. The church edifice that he had been the means of building twenty years before, was badly out of repair, but gathering funds was enlarged and bettered. Other pastors, J. W. Marsh, J. B. Case, J. Babbage, J. Gill, J. M. Car- penter, J. W. Marsh, the second time. Financial troubles caused dissent and there was an interruption of pastoral service till 1877, when Rev. J. G. Entrekin became pastor for three years. Mr. Entrekin associated himself with Mr. Vreeland at Echo Lake and preached at Bloomingdale only, on Lord's day. Mr. E. E. Ball reorganized the Sunday schoool about this time. In 1880, a good parsonage was built near to the house of worship and paid for. Other pastors of the church have been: A. E. Foote, S. V. Robinson, C. C. Lathrop, E. C. Weeks, S. U. Edwards, E. B. Morris, J. W. Lissendon. There have been sixteen pastors. The church edifice has undergone divers en- largements and refurnishings. It has been kept in order and includes such conveniences and appliances as conform it to modern ideas.
The church at Lafayette organized in 1830, is really second New- ton. Wantage, (now Deckertown) was First Newton till 1790. Two houses of worship were built by First Newton; both in Newton town- ship. One, near Augusta and one near Hamburg. One, that near Hamburg was removed to Wantage. Many Baptist families were left in Newton township tributary to Augusta. Lafayette was chosen as a location for a church edifice because of its convenience to members
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LAFAYETTE AND FIRST NEWTON
living in Newton township. A church had been organized at Frankfort which later disbanded. The original church removed to Wantage in 1772, fifty-eight years before the church at Lafayette was organized. For some time Pastor Teasdale preached in the county seat, the village of Newton, in connection with the Baptist church at Lafayette, and on June 13th, 1835, a resolution was passed by the church granting letters of dismission to all members that lived in a line from Brother Benjamin Northrup to Brother Jacob Strader" that may desire to join in constituting a church in the village of Newton, which was organized June 18th, 1853 and recognized as the second Baptist church of New- ton, now the First Baptist church of Newton.
The constituent members were: Rev. John Teasdale, Benjamin Northrup, John Hall, John Stiger, D. H. Strong, John Perry, D. Crater, J. Himenover, A. Petit, Jr., W. S. Hibler, Susan B. Teasdale Sarah Northrup, Maria Trusdale, Emma Strubble, Emeline Himenover, Abbie Hibler, Nancy Matthews, Ruth Pettie, Sarah Hill, Phoebe Goble, Mary Goble, Eliza Stiger, Margaret Perry, Elizabeth Emmons, Pheobe Hardy, Phoebe Sheeler. In all twenty-six. For some time the church worship- ped in the court house, but an edifice was built in the village where the church has since remained. Mrs. Hull, whose husband was a deacon of the First church, Newton, began the erection of a church edifice at an old cemetery. Later, she died the house unfinished, and the house was sold and its proceeds were applied to the cemetary fence. The church of Lafayette was wholly composed of the members of First New- ton or of their descendants. The church also bought the old property at Augusta. In the minutes of the Wantage church September 2nd, 1820, application was made for the services of Rev. Mr. Hall by the Frankford church in Frankford township. On the third Lord's day of September, 1820, this Lafayette church, worshipping in Frankford town- ship, asked the Wantage church to consent for Rev. Mr. Hall to spend the third Lord's day with them and baptize and preach. Also in March, 1821, when Lafayette was worshipping in the same place the Rev. N. Holley asked Wantage church for letters of dismission to unite at Frankford.
On May 27th, 1848, this Newton church changed their name to Lafayette, the name of the township in which they were. The corporate name, however, is the original name. At the recognition of the church, Rev. Mr. Fletcher, pastor of Wantage, baptized two, increasing the number of the constituents. Pastor Fletcher supplied Newton church till January 1831 and was followed by Rev. John Teasdale on January 1831. Mr. Teasdale remained five years, a period of continuous blessing The membership grew from twenty-six to one hundred and thirty-six
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NEW JERSEY BAPTIST HISTORY
even though a colony of twenty-eight, left to form a church in Newton, the county seat. In this time Mr. Teasdale was also pastor at Hamburg, and gave up his charge at Lafayette to care for the colony that Lafayette had sent to Newton. Rev. William H. Spencer followed Mr. Teasdale at Lafayette, staying two years. The short pastoratos of the Teasdale brothers in New Jersey was due to the great demand for them by the churches. Rev. C. Brinkerhoff was pastor in 1840-42. Chancy Adams was ordained in 1843 and died in 1845.
C. Cox was pastor in 1847 but died in July 1848. The removal af these pastors was a great affliction to the church and to the community. Rev. Thomas Davis followed Mr. Cox, remaining till 1850. Then, Rev. J. L. Barlow served for an indefinite period. There is an unhistoric period from 1850 to 1859, when Rev. Thomas Davis began a second charge, which was a great blessing. Many were added to the church by baptism and the inspiration of a new life was infused into the church. Mr. Davis concluded his labors in Lafayette in February 1862. The next March, the mother church and the daughter united in a pastorate under Rev. L. Morse and enjoyed many rich blessings under his charge. He closed his pastorate in June 1866. Pastors following averaged about two years, and were: J. A. Taylor, A. J. Adams, ordained; S. Case, A. H. Robinson, W. Frey, under Mr. Frey a new sanctuary was begun, a financial crisis, delayed its completion.
Then one member, wearied by the prevalent stupor, collected hundreds of dollars and caused the old house to be moved to the found- ations of the new building, which, when enlarged and improved, was rededicated in 1880. A pastor was called, J. P. Judson, who continued till April,1882, when he died. Next year, 1883, Rev. J. B. Babbage settled as pastor. A parsonage was bought and the house of worship improved. But again, Death smote the pastor while on the cars, in January, 1890, on his way to meet friends. Mr. Babbage had "labored untiringly in retired fields with a meagre salary, but a complaining word was never heard from his lips." "He walked with God and was not; for God took him."
After a year of supplies, in February 1891, Rev. E. W. Lamb became pastor. Converts were baptized; all debts were paid, and a merciful provision was made for the shelter of the horses which brought worshippers to the house of God. As if the cup of sorrow was not full; at night on the last day of 1896, Pastor Lamb died and with God, rested from a busy life. Thus for the fifth time, the Shepherd of the flock was taken from it. Mr. F. G. Eland entered the pastorate in April 1897, and is now (1900) pastor of the church. Nineteen pastors have ministered to the church. Five of them have died in the pastorate.
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LAFAYETTE
The rural seclusion of the church, a sparse population and possibly limited finances may account for short pastorates. Frequent pastoral changes and long intervals between pastors. One pastor has had a second charge. Two members have been licensed to preach. One church has been colonized. The outlook is better than when the church was constituted. R. Roads will develop the retired sections, bring- ing citizens into the country.
CHAPTER XL.
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HACKENSACK, MT. SALEM, RAHWAY AND NEW DURHAM
The records of the early Baptist movements in Hackensack are lost. It is known however, that Rev. J. W. Griffiths, pastor in Rock- land County, N. Y. visited Hackensack and organized the First Baptist church in 1832, with about twenty constituents. Various adversities befell the church, deaths, removals, so that Deacon William DeWolf, his wife and daughter, enough, as the Saviour said to claim his presence and to constitute a Baptist church, remained (Matt. 18: 20). Public service was suspended on account of the fewness of Baptist members. While Rev. Z. Grenelle was in his second pastorate at Paterson, 1848-52, he visited Hackensack and the church was reorganized. Deacon De- Wolf and his wife, accepted letters of Baptists, who settled in the town and a way was opened for a renewal of public worship and preaching.
About twenty years after, on the seventh of April 1870, at a meeting in the home of Deacon DeWolf, the Baptists decided to hold a weekly meeting for prayer at their homes and on the 3rd of July, 1870, they again reorganized the Baptist church with ten members. Mr. J. O. Hilligar was chosen superintendent of the Sunday school. The Rev. Z. Grenelle at the age of seventy-five years, became pastor. Chiefly through the personal effort of Mr. G. H. Atwood lots were purchased and a meeting house begun in September 1870 and dedicated December 30th, 1870. Mr. Grenelle was pastor till in his seventy-ninth year, he, having also charge in Paterson, his third there extending from 1874 to 1881. Rev. R. McGonegal followed Mr. Grenelle for three years. D. R. Phillips succeeded; was found out and excluded in the year of his settlement. D. T. McClymont was pastor five years and enjoyed rich blessings on his labors, resigning in 1882. In 1883, Rev. R. M. Harrison settled for two years. after whom came Rev. C. S. Scott, whose stay was only that of months. On September 1st, 1887, Rev. C. Woelf- kin entered as pastor. The old debt was paid. A parsonage built and encumbered with the debt of its cost. This pastor resigned in Septem- ber 1892, to the painful regret of the church.
D. D. Read became pastor in September 1892. While pastor, the debt on the parsonage was reduced to two thousand dollars and the place of worship was enlarged and improved. Mr. Read's antecedents becoming known, he resigned and united with another denomination. Sixty members were dismissed and constituted the Calvary Baptist
F
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HACKENSACK
church. Rev. G. R. Stair entered the pastoral office in July 1899 and was pastor in 1900. Large congregations waited on his ministry. On account of the misunderstanding and divisions touching Mr. Read, the spiritual and general welfare of the church was seriously depressed. Pastor Stair has happily overcome these, and cheer and encouragement have followed.
Churches multiply by colonizing and by missions; sometimes, though rarely, they increase by differences. These often ripen into the con- viction, that the welfare of the cause of God in the world will be promot- ed by a peaceful separation rather than by a union of dissenting ele- ments. So it was in Hackensack. Neither quarrel nor even dispute, but peaceful and quiet separation resulted. The Calvary Baptist church by letters of dismission from the First Baptist church, with the intent to constitute a church in a destitute and distant part of the town, where neither rivalry or contention could be supplied to be a motive.
Dissent touching the pastors' antecedents, was a means among this kindly people to multiply the agencies of good. At a meeting on May 5th, 1895, at the home of William E. Taylor, twenty-seven Baptists made a temporary organization; when a devotional com- mittee was appointed to arrange for social and other weekly meetings. These grew in number and in interest till the advisability of organizing a second Baptist church in Hackensack was questioned. Counsel with pastors and Baptists abroad confirmed the conviction and it was decided to organize a second Baptist church. On September 6th, 1896, public service was held in a Hall. Rev. J. K. Folwell preaching. Thenceforth, this service was maintained uninterruptedly; Mr. Folwell preaching. On November 24th, 1896, in the evening, forty three Baptists, by previous agreement, constituted themselves a regular Baptist church. In due time a Sunday school and the usual instru- mentality of Christian activities, were put in working order. Rev. J. K. Folwell, who had been a regular supply and pastor was called to be pastor and entered on his duties. As yet, the building of a church edifice had not been planned for.
But in December 1899, an offer of four thousand dollars was re- ceived from Deacon Conklin and Mrs. Conklin for that use. Mr. Conklin had been a Deacon of First Hackensack church and was one of the constituents of the Calvary church. He was in hearty sympathy with the plan to increase Baptist forces in Hackensack. On the 18th of February, 1900, the church occupied their house of worship, which they say "is replete with every modern convenience." Pastor Folwell having enjoyed entrance into the new church edifice and shared in its
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NEW JERSEY BAPTIST HISTORY
dedication, resigned on March 1st, 1900. In the next October, 1900, Rev. E. T. Sanford settled as pastor. Deacon Conklin also died this year. But not until he had seen his desire and another Baptist church for which he had prayed was constituted and had worshipped in its sanctuary. The church has had two pastors and one house of worship blessings attended his labors. A peculiarity of First Hackensack is its twofold reorganization, extending over nearly forty years.
Deacon DeWolf and his family are special figures in the history of the First Baptist church. This good man said to Z. Grenelle when he was called to be pastor: "I will stand by you, if you will come and be responsible for your support." He could not mean, that the pastor should care for himself, but rather, that in coming, Mr. Grenelle must assume the conditions under which he became pastor. For forty-years he and his family had stood alone for Christ and his truth and antici- pated the possibilities of the coming of a pastor. Deacon DeWolf and his, now enjoy the approval of his Lord and King in glory. Deacon Conkling was a man of the same quality. He united with others in the constitution of the Calvary church and he has been a means of great blessing to it.
Mount Salem Baptist church was constituted in November, 1833. A colony of eighty-five members came out of Orange church in New York, under the lead of Deacon J. M. Carpenter. Mr. Carpenter has been identified with Baptist interests in New Jersey many years. He united with the Orange church in New York, by baptism in January 1825. He was chosen deacon of that church in New York State about 1836. Mr. Carpenter was born in New York State, near Mount Salem. The Orange church originated in New Jersey from second Wantage under the pastoral care of Z. Grenelle. (See Second Wantage His- tory).
Previously in 1829-30, a house of worship had been built at Mt. Salem by Mr. Grenelle, pastor at Orange, New York State. Rev. L. O. Grenelle, son of Z. Grenelle says: "I heard father tell the ease with which he raised the money for the house at Mt. Salem. The building was 36x44 feet." Antinomianism divided the Mt. Salem church, but, "both parties used the old house till the erection of the new house" in 1855-6. The antinomian party has long since died and their place of worship has been as silent as the grave. The first pastor, was Rev. Samuel White, who was pastor from the organization to 1836. In 1834, the church joined the New York Association. Three members were licensed to preach under Mr. White's administration. The church was dismissed fom the New York Association in 1837 at its own request to unite with the Sussex Association.
395
MOUNT SALEM AND RAHWAY
Rev. J. B. Case was pastor in 1837-8. Succeeding pastors were: Samuel Grenelle, 1839; J. R. Morris, 1840; H. C. Hazen, 1841; C. Brink- erhoff, 1843-44; S. Case, 1848-56. The second meeting house was built under the pastorate of Mr. Case, 1855-56; R. Fisher, 1858-61; Supply, 1862-63; J. L. Bennett, 1864-66; Stephen Case, 1867-70; second pastorate; J. Gesner, 1871; C. Brinkerhoff, 1873-76, second charge; E. Thompson, 1877, ordained 1878-79; no pastor 1880-83; M. M. Fogg, 1882-86; no pastor, 1886-88; S. Case, 1888-89, third charge; A. O. Gil- more, 1894-95; S. U. Edward, 1896-1900. Seventeen pastors have ministered to the church. Mr. Brinkerhoff has had two, and Mr. S. Case, three pastorates. The second house of worship was erected. The first house having been built before the church was formed and had been in use twenty-seven years. The church experienced a division on account of Antinomianism.
Originally the site of Rahway was divided into three districts, separated by marshes. The northern district was Rahway proper, in which several churches had been located. In each of these districts, were Baptist families, who occasionally met in social meetings as early as 1832. To them, pastors at Plainfield, Samptown and New Bruns- wick preached. Fourteen resident Baptists decided in March 1833, to constitute a Baptist church. Rev. B. C. Morse was the first who was baptized into Rahway church.
Later he entered the Baptist ministry and proved an able minister of the New Testament. A donation of lots on which to build a house of worship was made by Mr. E. W. Frazee and the building was begun. Subsequently, a more central location was proffered, where a good house was built. Rev. M. Barlow became pastor in July 1834, and enjoyed prosperity in the year in which he ministered to the church. The membership in that year grew from fourteen to forty-six. In the spring of 1836, Mr. S. J. Drake was called and on May 6th, was ordained as pastor. Mr. Drake resigned in July 1839. Another long interim came, but on July 29th, 1840, Mr. D. H. Gillette was ordained for the pastorate. Ill health, however, compelled his resignation in the spring of 1842.
Soon after he died the death of the righteous. Rev. J. B. Breed settled as pastor June 1st, 1842, continuing but eight months. In this period, one hundred and ten were baptized. The shortest pastorate had thus the largest revival the church has enjoyed. Mr. William Rollinson was called to be pastor in May 1843, but a previous engage- ment prevented an acceptance. In the next month, the call was re- newed for acceptance at the end of his engagement. This was accepted and he was ordained on November 28th, 1843.
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NEW JERSEY BAPTIST HISTORY
His first charge at Rahway lasted six years. In it, the debt on their house was paid. Lots were bought and a chapel built for the Sunday school and for social uses. Rev. W. H. Wines was pastor from June 1st, 1850 for three years. The small salary limited his service. On June 19th, 1853, Pastor William B. Tolan entered on his duties. Troubles came and Mr. Tolan resigned on December 18th, 1855. In May 1856, Mr. Rollinson arrived in New York and on July 1st, 1856 began his second charge, that lasted for more than eight years. A local missionary was employed. The meeting house remodeled. Two mission Sunday schools established; one of which became a Baptist church.
The Civil War began in 1861. The financial derangement wrought serious changes and Mr. Rollinson resigned in November 1863. In September 1865, Rev. E. E. Jones settled and resigned in October 1868. C. G. Gurr followed and closed his labors. After Mr. Gurr, came E. A. Wheeler on February 1st, 1871. Ill health compelled him to suspend his work and on his return from the South he resigned in August 1874. Rev. A. C. Lyon had some relation to Rahway church and propositions to unite the mother and daughter (Irving street) and various plans to relieve the strait of the times were under consideration. At this time the thoughts of the people clustered about their former pastor, William Rollinson and a call was sent to him for a third pastorate in 1875.
He accepted, remaining till his death, December 27th, 1891. In all he had been pastor three times and in all thirty years and more. Mr. Rollinson was an able preacher, a high toned Calvinist and so did not wear out or tire his hearers and returned to the sanctuary, confident, not in the man, but in the message he brought to them. Several of his sermons have been published by an unanimous vote of the body they were preached to. Six members have been licensed to preach. The first house of worship was in use more than forty years. The second, begun in 1876, is now in use. Twelve pastors have ministered to the church. One held the office three times, at intervals of six and twelve years and each succeeding charge longer than the preceding one, and the last up to his death, sixteen years.
New Durham Baptist church was constituted as Seaconcus in March 1837. Rev. J. Houghout was its pastor from the beginning to 1838. Rev. H. Davis followed, closing his pastorate in January 1844. Then Rev. G. F. Hendrickson became pastor and was followed by Rev. R. Thompson. In 1847, Mr. Hendrickson was recalled continuing till 1852. The church first joined the Hudson River Association and joined the East New Jersey Association in 1848. One of the members was licensed to preach while Mr. Hendrickson was pastor.
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NEW DURHAM
Repairs and changes were made in the meeting house in 1851. In Mr. Hendrickson's charge, growth and increase were enjoyed. Rev. J. Perry settled in 1852 and in 1854 they sold their old church edifice, getting a better location and in February 1855, dedicated the basement of their new house of worship.
The next year,1856, their sanctuary was completed and dedicated. At the beginning of 1858, Mr. Perry resigned. Supplies served the church till the close of 1859, when J. W. Gibbs became pastor and retired in 1862. Rev. H. H. Bawden was pastor after Mr. Gibbs in 1863 and was followed by Rev. W. D. Wright for three years to 1866. Pastor J. A. Metz served in 1867 and then Rev. G. F. Hendrickson had a third charge of two years, in which a special work of grace was enjoyed and the mortgage on the church was cancelled. Mr. Hendrickson resigned in October, 1869. The following pastors succeeded were: J. E. Perrine, 1869-71; T. F. Clancy, 1871-74; F. Scott, 1875-79; Mr. Reed came and removed the same year. R. M. Harrison, 1881-82; E. N. Harding, 1883-86; L. W. Giles, 1886-87; C. S. Daniels, 1891-92. From 1887 to 91 there was a permanent supply, also in the interval of 1892-94. In 1894-1900, Mr. W. L. Wardell was pastor. A parson- age was built in 1896. Two houses of worship were built by the church. One was sold in 1854, on account of its location. Twenty pastors have ministered to the church. One of them was pastor three times and enjoyed prosperity in each period and more in the last term than in others.
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