USA > New Jersey > A history of Baptists in New Jersey > Part 46
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A spirit of scriptural inquiry was awakened in 1894-95 at Butler among the membership of the Reformed (Dutch), and of the Presby- terian churches near Butler, touching the order of the ordinances of the house of God. With the usual result, conscientious disciples found the Scriptures silent on Infant baptism, and insisting upon the condition of faith in the Son of God as a condition to baptism and of burial or immersion as the only mode of baptism. Not only the ordinances, but the order of the church as the Saviour originally set it up. These disciples were not content with a theoretical faith.
In due time, they stood by the "water side" in company with a Baptist minister and were buried with Christ in baptism, In 1895, 28
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these disciples decided to constitute a Baptist church in Butler and having carried out their plan were duly recognized. A pastor was not got till July, 1897, when Mr. William M. Faux, first as supply and then as pastor. Mr. Faux was ordained June 19th, 1899. In November, 1897, Mr. Noble of Morristown, gave to the church a large plot of ground, on which to build a house of worship. On it a church edifice was built. In the basement of the meeting house worship was held in 1899. Up to 1900, the membership had increased to fifty.
On Lord's Day, October 3rd, 1875, Rev. A. B. Woodworth began a mission at Summit. Preaching at Summit to a congregation of four- teen, Mr. Woodworth renewed his appointment and the increased interest decided the question of the constitution of a Bapist church. Mr. Woodworth was pastor at Milburn, some distance away. On the 17th of March, 1876, fifteen Baptists united in a covenanted fellowship con- stituting the Summit Baptist church.
In April, 1876, Mr. Woodworth became pastor, remaining till December 1878. Rev. William Lawrence settled as pastor in February 1879, ministering nearly two years and had a happy charge. Rev. J. G. Noe followed remaining nearly two years, but ill health cut short his charge in Feburary 1883 and in the next June he died. Rev. P. A. H. Kline entered the pastorate in May 1883, continuing about three years. Increase by baptisms and letters was enjoyed under the charge of Mr. Kline. Since its constitution, the church worshipped in West Summit and both the influence of the church as well as the congregation was limited. Summit was about a mile distant. The necessity of a removal to Sum- mit and of the erection of a house of worship there, was imperative. Lots were bought and arrangements made to build at the earliest con- venience. The house was completed and in 1888 it was dedicated. Previously, in the fall of 1886, a unanimous call was given to Rev. T. S. Griffiths. He accepted the call and in a few months began his work at West Summit.
He remained but a few months and Rev. Mr. Giles ministered to the church for many months. After Mr. Giles, Rev. G. E. Horr was pastor for about three years. Then Rev. N. B. Randall ministered as pastor for nearly five years. An interval in the pastoral office till November 1898, when Rev. W. W. Giles settled as pastor and is now (1900) ministering to the church. The records of the church were lost in a fire, burning the house of the clerk in 1889 and thus the early account of the beginnings of the church is gathered from memory. The first meeting house in West Summit was used about twelve years.
The second was erected in 1888 in the village of Summit and was supplanted by a third, the ground for which is bought and paid for and
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ten thousand dollars are in hand, with which to commence its erection. Nine pastors have served the church. A serious fact in the past is short terms of pastoral care. Permanent good seldom comes to churches that soon tire of the pastor. The future of the church, by its removal to Summit proper is hopeful.
CHAPTER LII.
WEST CREEK, TUCKERTON, ATLANTIC CITY, PALMYRA AND RIVERTON.
The West Creek church, second of its name in New Jersey, is in Ocean County, near to Little Egg Harbor. It had an Indian name, "Westeconk." It is several miles south of Manahawken. The origin of the church was peculiar. T. T. Price, M. D., removed from Cape May County to Tuckerton. All of his associates and associations and family were Baptists and his own ideas were baptistic. His marital relations were with the "Friends" (Quakers). One of their ministers was induced to come to Tuckerton. He was an eminently spiritual man, as was the family into which Dr. Price had married. These in- fluences all led to the Doctor's conversion. Sending for Rev. J. C. Hyde, pastor of Cape Island Baptist church, the Doctor was baptized at Tuckerton in 1867 and joined the Manahawken church.
The Doctor was the only Baptist in the vicinity and positive in his convictions of truth and duty. The Methodist church in West Creek had built a new house of worship and the old one was for sale. At a call, on a patient in West Creek, by Dr. Price, where several friends met, the Doctor was asked: "Why do not you Baptists buy the old Methodist house?" Finally, three of the men present bought the proper- ty for Baptist uses. Rev. C. A. Mott was then pastor at Manahawken and it was agreed to use the old house and commence meetings. Mr. Mott consented to hold a meeting in the old house, and as a result fifty-eight were baptized, uniting at Manahawken church. These with Dr. Price and a Baptist brother at West Creek, in all, sixty con- stituents were formed in 1876 into the West Creek Baptist church.
Pastor Mott ministered to the church until September 1877, con- jointly with his charge at Manahawken. After Mr. Mott, the pastors were: J. N. Craner, 1877-80; G. T. McNair, 1880-85; W. K. Lord, 1885- 88; T. P. Price, 1888-90, without cost, then believing it best for the church to support a pastor, resigned. In his charge, a revival occurred that included Tuekcrton. J. B. Sheppard, 1890-94; J. A. Marstella, 1894-96; A. O. Gilmore, 1896-98; A. D. Bennett, 1898-99; H. Joorman, 1899-1900. Under the pastorate of Mr. Sheppard who lived in Tucker- ton, a colony of thirty-one members of West Creek organized a church at Tuckerton in 1891. Thereafter, Mr. Sheppard had joint pastoral
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care of both West Creek and Tuckerton churches. His successors also had a like charge till 1898. After then, each church chose its own pastor. Ten pastors have served the West Creek church. One colony, Tuckerton, has gone from it.
Tuckerton Baptist church sprang from West Creek Baptist church, a result of a revival while Rev. T. P. Price was pastor at West Creek. Mr. T. P. Price is now pastor at Tuckerton. There is a record of mission work done at Tuckerton in 1857. Rev. J. Perry preached at Tuckerton more or less frequently from 1857 to 1860. Doubtless pastors of Manahawken, Cape May, Tuckahoe and Dividing Creek had preached in these various neighborhoods. While at Tuckerton, to baptize Dr. Price, Mr. Hyde held several meetings. About 1868, Dr. Price bought an old Methodist meeting house, paying his sub- scription to get possession of it. Mr. Hyde renewed his visit to Tucker- ton in 1869 and held a series of meetings in this house.
Other subscribers failed to meet their payments and it was necessary to return the property back to its original owners, losing the Doctor's subscripton. A correspondent of The Examiner, of New York City, in 1876, styles the building at West Creek "The little Structure." In 1888-90, Rev. T. P. Price the only son of Dr. Price, though living in Tuckerton, was pastor at West Creek church. In the revival at West Creek, Baptists were multiplied at Tuckerton and beyond it toward Mathistown, all of which section was held by Methodists.
In 1888, a Mr. McKendless, a resident wholly secluded from Baptist influence inquired of the word for "the way of the Lord." Realizing in his studies that his views were not in accord with the New Testa- ment and hearing that there were Baptists in Tuckerton, Mr. McKend- less walked twelve miles to inquire about them. He was referred to Dr. Price, whose son was pastor of the Baptist church in Tuckerton. Mr. McKendless was baptized by Rev. T. P. Price, pastor at Tuckerton. The people bullt a "union chapel" at Mathistown and the mission was called the Union Mission. The Tuckerton Baptist church was con- stituted in 1891 an had thirty-one constituents and was an offshoot of West Creek church. The West Creek and Tuckerton churches had pastors in common until 1898. They were J. B. Sheppard, 1890-94; J. A. Marstella, 1894-96; A. O. Gilmore, 1896-98. Mr. T. P. Price is pastor at Tuckerton "at his own charges."
Rev. R. F. Young of Haddonfield, had made Baptist interests at Atlantic City a specialty and the missionary committee of the West New Jersey Association say in their report: (Minute 1881, Page 14) "The name of R. F. Young must link itself with the history of this church more than that of any other person as its founder.' On June
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29th, 1880, nineteen Baptists living in the town met and constituted themselves a Baptist church. Rev. T. L. Bailey, M. D., who was associated with Somers Point (now Sea View) it may be a resident of Atlantic City, was probably the happy instrument of their origin and is reported in 1881 as a member at Atlantic City. Mr. Bailey ministered to the church as its supply. Another minister, Rev. Sidney Dyer, was intimately associated with the beginnings of the church in Atlantic City and was supply in 1881 and afterwards was pastor. In about 1873, a Baptist in Philadelphia offered to give a lot in Atlantic City on which to build a Baptist meeting house. Time passed and Mr. Ford died. Subscriptions for the house of worship had been made. But Mr. Ford had not yet provided the lot for it and certain legal conditions prevented the executors from carrying out his known intentions, where- upon Mrs. Ford, his widow, bought a lot at the cost of twenty-five hundred dollars and gave it to the church for their house of worship. The unfinished church edifice was used for worship and in 1883, the building was completed. Their plan of paying for it as the work was done proved a success. Pastor Dyer on January 1st, 1885, closed his charge of the church. Among others whom he baptized into the church was Rev. W. E. Boyle of the Methodist denomination. Having been or- dained for the Baptist ministry, he was called to be pastor and in the next March, 1885, entered the pastoral office. Rev. Mr. Boyle resigned in January 1891, anticipating entering another department of service. But he died in the coming April. Mr. T. J. Cross was invited to supply the church with the result that he was called and was ordained in 1891. Mr. Cross closed his charge in November 1899 and in March, 1900, Rev. C. H. FitzWilliam became pastor and in that year, 1900, a parsonage was bought and nearly one third of the balance due on the parsonage paid. One colony to organize a second church was dismissed in 1900. Four pastors have ministered to the church, of whom Mr. Cross remained more than eight years. Mr. Boyle six years, and Mr. Dyer about five years.
Bethany Baptist church of Atlantic City, was a mission of the First church in 1893. Its location was in the southern part of the city. Weekly social meetings; a Sunday school and preaching by Pastor Cross at stated times attached a considerable working force of mem- bers of the First church to the mission. It thus shared in the prosperity of the mother body. Arrangements were made in 1897 to build a chapel which was in due time completed. In 1899, Rev. S. K. Braun was called to take special charge of the mission. The Bethany church was constituted early in 1900, having a membership of seventeen. An outgrowth of the mission work. Thus within twenty years of the
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first planting of Baptist seed an added church is assured. The chapel built by the First church was erected on leased ground and it was necessary to build a new house of worship. Measures are in progress to do this with hopeful success. Mr. S. K. Braun was the first pastor, and in 1902 was succeeded by Rev. E. E. Tyson.
Riverton and Palmyra are adjoining towns on the Camden and Amboy Railroad. Pleasantness of location on the Delaware river, north of Camden; convenience and ease of travel and nearness to Philadelphia brings a numerous population of city people to these places. Among them, were Baptist families. Mutual acquaintance inclined them to sustain social religious meetings. These increasing in interest and in number, it was necessary to hold them in the school house. Publicity increased attendance and an often suggested Baptist church, which ripened into effect on October 1st, 1885, when thirteen covenanted in fellowship as a Baptist church.
At that time, most of them lived in Riverton, since then, they chiefly live in Palmyra. In 1887, they built a good house of worship, having the conveniences and appliances for Christian and church work of a Baptist meeting house. This church edifice was built between Riverton and Palmyra, was designed to serve both places and hence the name of the church. Supplies were Messrs. W. W. Ferris, W. W, Calley, S. C. Dare, and others ministered to the church until July, 1886. Then, Rev. J. E. Sagebeer was pastor one year; Rev. D. T. Firor two years. Mr. C. S. Paulson was ordained in October 1889 and resigned in 1893. Pastors Firor and Paulson each had useful pastorates. In 1893, Mr. J. D. Moore was ordained for the pastoral office, continuing in the discharge of its duties for more than four years. Rev. L. H. Copeland settled in the spring of 1897 and held his pastoral trust in 1904. The church has had a uniform and steady growth from its institution. Beginning with thirteen members in 1900, it reported a membership of one hundred and fifty-six. By frequent supplies the church has had nearly a continuous ministry and the pastors have been four.
CHAPTER LIII.
BAYONNE, RUTHERFORD, SECOND HOBOKEN AND ARLINGTON.
In October 1882, twenty-two Baptists in Bayonne constituted the First Baptist church. The membership was doubled in its first year and two mission stations were established. Land for a meeting house was given by Mrs. Mary E. Serrell, who beside giving the lots, collected four thousand, two hundred and fifty dollars.
Although worshipping in a "lager beer hall" the church prospered. At one of the mission stations, a chapel was built and paid for within a year. The Sunday school shared in the general welfare. A house of worship was built in 1885. Mr. Folwell in his three years' pastorate gave a devoted service. The Pastor, Mr. Harding, remained only to 1889 and in April 1890, Rev. C. A. Mott settled in charge of the church, closing his labors as pastor in September 1892 and in 1893, Rev. J. M. Jones entered as pastor. Mr. Jones was soon found not to be a Baptist and surrendered the charge of the church Rev. T. C. Denchfield followed the next June in 1895. Very soon Mr. Denchfield won the confidence and esteem of the church and congregation.
While pastor, the house of worship underwent a thorough reno- vation. Other mission stations were added to those previously main- tained, affording room for the activities of the members of the church. Mr. Denchfield closed his charge at Bayonne in November 1899, and Mr. Mitchel Bronk entered on the oversight of the church in due time and was pastor in 1900. The Bayonne church has existed for eighteen years and has had six pastors, one in three years; all of them very short. The first, the longest and very fruitful in the agencies insuring hopeful future growth.
Early in 1887, Baptist families in Bayonne (Bergen Point) under the leadership of Mr. Ira L. Beebe, decided to insure to themselves a Baptist church home nearer by and among them. Accordingly, ar- rangements were made for Lord's day worship and for week evening meetings for prayer and conference. The attendance both on Lord's day worship and at the social meetings was so cheering that these Baptists decided to constitute a church, and on the thirtieth of Novem- ber, 1887, twenty-two Baptists constituted a Baptist church.
Various Baptist ministers supplied the church till April, 1888.
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Then the Rev. E. E. Maxfield became pastor April 1st. In the one year of his charge, Mr. Maxfield did great good. Supplies ministered for a year and in May 1890, Rev. W. P. Drew settled as pastor. Rev. G. E. Horr was pastor April 1st, 1892. About now, the need of a house of worship could no longer be overlooked. Lots were purchased in 1893, but the house building was delayed on account of the uncertainties of the monied interests. Eventually, it was completed in April 1896 and was dedicated. Despite the gladness which the consummation of their hope and labor gave to them, a great sorrow befell them and turned songs into sighs and their rejoicing to tears. On January 26th, 1897, their beloved pastor died. After a while, Rev. William J. Scholar entered the pastorate in 1897. He remained their pastor until 1899 and in February 1900, Rev. C. McGregor entered the pastorate. The church has had five pastors, one of whom died and who had the longest settlement. One house of worship only has been in use.
Rutherford is a suburban town of New York City in New Jersey. Convenience to the business parts of New York developed the place and assures to it an increase of population. In 1887, Baptists found each other and preferred affiliation with one another to outsiders and on October 28th, 1887, constituted a Baptist church. It is presumed that sixteen disciples entered into mutual fellowship. On the same day in which they organized a Baptist church, a young man, whom they had invited to preach for them, James Hewitt, was ordained. He remained in a pastoral relation until April 1888. As he retired, another, a student, was called to fill the vacancy, James Hastie, Jr., who as ordained June 28th, 1888.
While he was serving as pastor, lots were bought in 1889 and five thousand dollars were pledged for the house of worship. The church edifice was built and dedicated on January 26th, 1890. The next pastor settled in November. Rev. W. G. Mills settled as pastor, staying more than a year and closing his charge April 1st, 1892. Rev. E. J. Cooper followed as a supply till April, 1893, when he was called to be pastor and remained to September 1st, 1896. The church had by this time tired of young men and demanded an elder man of experience and acquaintance with Baptist concerns. Rev. W.W. Case was sought and found, and on December 13th, 1896, accepted a call to be pastor. More or less, impatience had found expression in the contrasts of youth and age, and maturity came to be valued by the membership. Mr. Case answered all the conditions desired and withall was young enough to be young in zeal and activity and yet matured enough not to mistake impulse for fact nor zeal for purpose. In 1899, the debt for the building of the house of worship was greatly reduced
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and in 1900, was wholly cancelled. Mr. Case was pastor in and through 1900 and enjoyed assurances that his labors were still appreciated and profitable.
Second Hoboken was constituted April 1st, 1890, with fourteen members. The first and only pastor, Rev. J. Campbell, has ministered to the church from the beginning and was formerly called to be pastor September 2nd, 1890, and is, in 1900, discharging the duties of pastor. At its beginning, the church decided that it should be supported ex- clusively by "free will offerings so that fairs, festivals, and entertainment of any kind from which income might be derived for the church was not countenanced and the rule has never been deviated from. A house of worship was bought January 1st, 1898. Till then provision was made for public worship.
In the first year of the church, the membership increased threefold, nearly equally by baptism and by letter. In 1894, the church changed its location. The next year, 1895, a dispensary was established where medicine and treatment could be had without cost to applicants. Out- door meetings in suitable weather were also maintained. The church seems to have been organized as a helpful institutional church, as a church edifice had not yet been provided, but was laboring under serious disadvantages. In December 1897, however, a building was bought and fitted for its use. The debt was small and in 1899, valuable returns were gathered.
In 1899, considerable sums we e collected to enlarge their place of worship and to add to their means of usefulness. In due time, the church hopes to effect the objects at which they aim as a life saving institution for both the world that now is, and for that which is to come. Pastor and people are a unit in their plans and aims. As already indi- cated, the church has had but the one pastor, up to 1900, and with their place of worship secured to them they aim at both social and spiritual good.
Devotional meetings began among the Baptists in Arlington in December, 1890. Mutual interest and spiritual profit ripened into a wish for a Baptist church and on the last of July, 1891, twenty-four Baptists organized themselves into a Baptist church. Within a few months, Christian activities added efficiency to the church and converts were soon gathered. Two years went by before on August 1st, 1893, Rev. H. G. McKean settled. A hall suitable for worship was bought and almost two-thirds of its cost was paid.
Unanimity and enterprise characterized the church and congre- gation. The church did not compare with the older and well-rooted churches in Arlington. Lacking a spacious and beautiful temple of
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worship, some Baptists withheld their co-operation from the Baptist church. But the members moved on and unity grew. Pastor Mckean resigned on September 1st, 1895, and kept the love and confidence of his people though removing. Rev. H. W. Jones followed, but his stay was short, remaining only to July, 1896. In the fall of 1896, Rev. R. F. McMichael became pastor. Measures had been taken to erect a new house of worship and in the fall of 1897, it was completed and occupied. A fresh impetus was given to all the interests of the church by the happy accomplishment of this enterprise.
The membership steadily and uniformly increased and the con- gregations grew correspondingly. In less than nine years, the church had become an influential element in the community and taken a fore- most place as a moral and Christian force in the town for uplifting humanity, and a Divine agency to save men "from the wrath to come." Three pastors have ministered in the church. Their labors service without and in the pulpit have been enjoyed. Two houses of worship have been in use. The first, a hall, bought and paid for. The second, a sanctuary built for Divine worship.
CHAPTER LIV.
PEDRICKTOWN, CLAYTON, MERCHANTVILLE, PLEASANT- VILLE, LAUREL SPRINGS AND OTHERS.
Pedricktown is in the northwest part of Salem county, close to the line of Gloucester county. The Baptist church there originated from a German Baptist mission, and was constituted in March, 1888, with thirty members. In the next April Rev. J. J. Berger was called to be pastor and he preached half the time in German. A house of wor- ship was soon after begun. It was not finished for some time, how- ever, but was dedicated in October, 1890. Mr. Berger closed his charge in the year of 1890 and was followed by Rev. J. C. Stump in April, 1891. Mr. Berger's pastorate was short but he was privileged to enjoy large success. Pastor Stump was pastor seven years, preach- ing only in English, resigning in 1898. He was parted with with pro- found regret. While pastor, the Pennsgrove church was formed in 1892, and a full average of prosperity was enjoyed. Mr. J. W. Davis was ordained in August, 1898. Pastor Davis was successful to collect funds for the payment of the indebtedness of the church, and still has care of the church (1904). The immediate section is sparsely settled and the outlook for growth and influence is not brilliant. Pedrick- town has had three pastors, each of them eminently useful. The church will probably reach many, who otherwise would be distant from religious influences. One colony has gone from Pedricktown church and been constituted the Pennsgrove Baptist church.
Pastor Stump of Pedricktown, was a supply and temporary pastor at Pennsgrove in its first year. Rev. H. A. Dunbar entered as pastor in October 1892. In 1891, Pedricktown church appointed a committee to do mission work in Pennsgrove. Next year, 1892, a church was formed at Pennsgrove with nine members. A lot for the meeting house was bought and paid for soon after the church was constituted and funds were collected for the church edifice. Mr. Dunbar resigned in 1894 and Rev. C. W. Williams succeeded Mr. Dunbar. In 1896, Pastor Williams was followed by Mr. A. W. Bennett. The house of worship that had been built previously; plans were made in 1897 to enlarge it. Rev. W. G. Carey was pastor in 1899 and next year, W. E. Henry follow- ed. Years of 1896-97 was a period of special blessing. Scores were baptized and added to the church. Six pastors have ministered to the church. There is a town on the Delaware river at Pennsgrove. The church may come to be large and influential.
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