USA > New Jersey > Cumberland County > Bridgeton > An outline history of the Presbyterian Church in West or South Jersey, from 1700 to 1865 : a discourse delivered October 3, 1865, in the First Presbyterian Church, Bridgeton, N.J. > Part 5
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BERLIN, formerly called Longacoming. Corner-stone laid September 8, 1868. Estimated to cost about $4,000.
GLASSBOROUGH. Cost $1,800; was dedicated June 16, 1869.
BUNKER HILL. Corner-stone laid June 14, 1869. Estimated cost, $1,700.
WEST BRIDGETON. Chapel, 60 by 33 feet, was dedi- cated July 4, 1869. Corner-stone of the church was laid July 3, 1869. Dimensions of the church, 100 by 53 feet, with spire 162 feet; material, light Chester stone, with Trenton brown stone trimming. Estimated cost of the whole work, $45,000. Samuel Sloan, Ar- chitect, has kindly furnished the engraving.
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SUMMARY.
The Presbytery of West Jersey was organized in 1839, with eleven churches, and now reports twenty- seven churches, and 2835 communicants.
The Presbytery of Burlington was formed in 1849, and took from that of West Jersey the churches of Mount Holly, Columbus, and Burlington; and from New Brunswick, the churches of Plumstead, Platts- burgh, and Bordentown. It was afterwards strength- ened by the accession of Allentown, from New Bruns- wick, and of Camden, from West Jersey, and now re- ports 14 churches, and 1134 communicants.
The Presbytery of Monmouth was organized January 11th, 1860, out of New Brunswick Presbytery, and now reports 13 churches, and 1794 communicants.
In the territory east and south of a line drawn from South Amboy to Bordentown, and embracing one-half of the State of New Jersey, (formerly under the care of New Brunswick and the Philadelphia Presbyteries, but now under the care of West Jersey, Burlington, and Monmouth,) are fifty-four organized churches- Gloucester might be added. The two New-school churches-sisters of Cedarville, triple children of old Fairfield in Cohansey-should not be forgotten; thus reckoning fifty-seven. And if we add three churches organized by the other Branch at Beverly, Vineland, and Atco, the Presbyterian Church may reckon 60 churches, with 6461 communicants in 1869.
Thus the churches have increased, since 1839, about threefold, and the membership nearly fivefold.
It would be difficult, if not impossible, to compute the cost of all the new houses of worship, which must exceed in number the new organizations.
Inscriptions on
Tomb- Stones.
The burial places of Ministers who have preached the gospel in our churches in former generations, and even their names, are known to comparatively few. In some instances the silent tombstone records all, or nearly all, that we know of them.
To recall and perpetuate their memory, and to pay an affectionate tribute to those who have more recently deceased, the Committee here annex the inscriptions on the tomb-stones of all the Presby- terian Ministers who have been buried in the present territory of the West Jersey Presbytery, so far as they are known.
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AT COLD SPRING CHURCH, OR CAPE MAY.
In Memory of the Rev'd
MR. DANIEL LAWRENCE,
who departed this Life April 13, 1766. In the 48th year of his age. In yonder sacred house I spent my Breath Now silent mouldring here I lie in Death: Those silent lips shall wake and yet declare A dread Amen to Truths they published there.
In Memory of the REV. JAMES WATT, who departed this life 19th Nov'br 1789 Aged 46 years. ·If disinterested Kindness, Integrity Justice and Truth Deserve the Tributary Tear * Here it is claimed.
To the MEMORY of the REV'D DAVID EDWARDS, a Native of Carmarthanshire, South Wales and Pastor of this Church for 10 years. He departed this life on the 30th of December A. D. 1813. Aged 39 years and 4 months.
AT FAIRFIELD IN COHANSEY.
In the old burial ground on the Cohansey Creek REV. HOWELL POWELL was buried. He died before September 1717. His grave cannot be recognized.
In Memory of the Rev. Mr. DANIEL ELMER, late Pastor of CHRIST's Church in this Place. who departed this life the 14th Day of January A. D. 1755. Aged 65 Years.
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Beneath this Stone lie interred the Remains of the Rev'd WILLIAM RAMSEY, M. A.
For sixteen years a faithful Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in this Place. Whose superior Genius and native Eloquence Shone so conspicuously in the Pulpit As to command the attention and Gain the esteem of all his Hearers. In every Station of Life he discharged His duty faithfully. He lived greatly respected, And died universally lamented November 5th 1771 in the 39th year Of his Age.
In the later burial ground of the Fairfield Congregation at the Old Stone Church, stands a marble shaft to the memory of REV. ETHAN OSBORN. From the memorial vol- ume the following inscription is copied.
Front-Erected August 21st 1858. to the memory of REV. ETHAN OSBORN, born in Litchfield. Conn. August 21, 1758: died full of faith, and in the hope of a joyful resurrection, May 1, 1858, aged 99 years, 8 months and 10 days.
Right-Graduated at Dartmouth 1784, licensed 1786, called to Fairfield 1788, ordained 1789, and resigned his charge 1844 having been pastor of this Church 55 years.
Rear-A soldier of the Revolution, a good man, a faithful minister of the Gospel.
Left-He obeyed the command-"Go preach my Gospel." His children in the flesh and in the spirit lie around him.
AT GREENWICH IN COHANSEY.
Beneath this Stone Are deposited the Remains of
the REV. ANDREW HUNTER, A. M.
For 30 years the Pastor of this Church. He was a judicious Divine, a Zealous Preacher, and An eminent example of Piety, Charity and public Spirit. He finished his Labors and entered into The joy of his LORD, July the 28th 1775. Aged 60 years.
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To my Husband REV. BENJAMIN TYLER, who died June 26th 1842, Aged 37 years. The memory of the just is blest.
AT BRIDGETON.
SACRED to the memory of
the REV'D JONATHAN FREEMAN, A. M.
Who having sustained with fidelity & success, the pastoral relation to this Church, for seventeen years, died November 17th, 1822, in the 58th year of his age, He was born at Woodbridge, N. J. A. D. 1765; Settled in the gospel ministry, First at Hopewell, N. Y. A. D. 1793; Then at Newberg, N. Y. A. D. 1797; And finally in this place, A. D. 1805. He exhibited, in the discharge of every Ministerial duty, and in every social relation, an edifying example: And the people, once his charge, Have erected this memorial of his worth, and of their attachment.
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AT DEERFIELD.
The Rev. Enoch Green and John Brainerd were buried in the church, beneath the aisles, which were originally paved with bricks. Simeon Hyde was buried near, but without the walls.
Sacred To the Memory of
the REV'D ENOCH GREEN who departed this life December 2d. A. D. 1776 in the 42d year of his age. Having obtained a Liberal Education and gone through the usual course of Theological studies he was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 1766. He was called to be Pastor of the church at Deerfield, which he served at the altar of his God during his appointed time.
"For* nearly seventy years the grave of JOHN BRAIN- ERD was unmarked even by a stone; but recently a friendly and generous hand has placed over his ashes a little slab, about twenty inches by thirty, on which are inscribed" his name and the date of his death, March (18), 1781.
He was born February 28th, 1720.
In Memory of the
REV. SIMEON HYDE
Late Minister of the Gospel in this place who was ordained on the 25th day of June Anno Domini 1783, And departed this Life on the 10th day of August following. He was the Son of JAMES and SARAH HYDE of Norwich State of Connecticut.
* Life of John Brainerd. Page 435.
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AT PITTSGROVE.
Here rests in Hope of a blessed Resurrection the body of the Rev'd MR. DAVID EVANS. Who exchanged this Life for a better, February the 4th, 1751. Aged near 69 years.
Who e'er Thou art, with Sympathy draw near; Send forth a Sigh, or drop a silent Tear. The faithful Pastor watches now no more ; The painful Lab'rer rests: the Loss deplore. Ye his remaining Flock, revolve the thoughts The sacred Truth, which he so often taught. Then may it justly to your Praise be said, He preaches still tho' rang'd among the Dead.
Sacred To the Memory of the REV'D NEHEMIAH GREENMAN; Pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Pittsgrove. Mr. Greenman was born at Stratford, In the State of Connecticut. July the 4th 1721. Was educated at the College in New Haven, and was ordained and Installed at Pittsgrove 1753, where he continued to officiate as a Minister until July the 25th 1779, when he departed this life in the 59th year of his Age. Mr. Greenman's success in his office Gives us reason to hope that he will have many Jewels in his Crown : Especially from the congregation, where he statedly Laboured.
In memory of REV. BUCKLEY CARLL Who departed this life May 22d, 1849, In the 80th year of his age. For three years and a half he was Pastor of the Presbyt'n Church in this place. Was then transfer'd to the first Presbyt'n Church in Rahway ; of which he continued Pastor for the space of 23 years, when broken down by disease he retir'd from the active service of the ministry and spent the remainder of his days in much weakness and pain. " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord"
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In Memory of the REV'D ISAAC FOSTER, A. M.
For three years Pastor of this Church. He was born at Wallingford in the State of Connecticut, April 2d, 1755 : And died in this place June 17th, 1794. Possessing a Mind firm, resolute and active: A Genius vigorous and comprehensive : A Heart tender, candid and ingenuous And by divine grace formed to the love Of Evangelical truth and piety : He uniformly exhibited A manly and consistent deportment, Made rapid advances in knowledge: Was happy in every domestick relation, Faithful in ministerial duty, Beloved by the people of his charge, Successful in winning souls to Christ, Patient under bodily infirmities And undismayed By the King of terrors.
REV. GEO. W. JANVIER Died June 9, 1865, In the 82d year of his age. He was ordained Pastor of the Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church May 12, 1812. And continued to minister to this people his only charge until near the close of his life, a period of 46 years. " And he was not; for God took him." " And they that be wise Shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; And they that turn many to righteousness as the stars, for ever and ever."
72 AT WOODBURY.
Sacred To the memory of REV. SAMUEL D. BLYTHE, Nearly 5 years Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in this place. Born, March 27, 1804: Died, June 23, 1843.
REV. WILLIAM GRAHAM who fell asleep in JESUS December 18, 1856, in the 58th year of his age the 34th of his ministry and the 9th of his pastorate in the Presbyterian Church in Woodbury. As a preacher he was earnest and solid as a pastor active and laborious; judicious in counsel : of affable manners and warm affections; faithful to admonish; skilful to console; an example to his flock. By their affection this stone is erected to his memory. "The morning cometh."
Y
AT BLACKWOODTOWN.
In memory of BENJAMIN CHESNUTT, who was ordained and installed as Pastor over the churches of Woodbury and Timber Creek A. D. 1751. Resigning Woodbury in 1753 After 21 yrs of ministerial labour in Timber Creek, now Blackwoodtown. He died respected and regretted on 21st July 1775. The Church of Blackwoodtown placed this stone over his dust in 1851. The memory of the just is blessed.
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AT SALEM.
REV. JOHN BURTT
First Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, Salem, N. J. Born in Ayrshire, Scotland. May 23d, 1789. Died March 24, 1866. " I have fought a good fight I have finished my course I have kept the faith."
REV. DANIEL STRATTON
Born Sept. 28, 1814. Died Aug. 14, 1866. "Faithful unto death I will give thee a crown of life." A tablet in the church adds : To the
REV. DANIEL STRATTON
For Fourteen years The Faithful and Beloved Pastor of this church This Memorial is erected By his Bereaved Congregation. " He being dead, yet speaketh."
AT MILLVILLE-ON A PLATE OF CAST IRON.
In Memory of the Reverend
ABIJAH DAVIS who departed this life August 7th, 1817, in the 54th year of his age. Here lies the man, whom storms could never make meanly complain ; Nor could a flattering gale make him talk proudly. He, unconcerned, could calmly read his unborn destiny, in all its pleasing or its frightful form.
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AT LEED'S POINT-ON A MARBLE SHAFT.
Front. Erected by a bereaved Congregation and many friends.
REV. JAMES M. EDMONDS
Born at Cold Spring, N. J. June 1, 1827. Married at Frankford Pa. March 18, 1858. Died at Absecon N. J. March 23, 1858.
Right.
Left.
Licensed by The Presbytery of West Jersey At Salem, April 19, 1855 And Ordained at Leeds Point Oct. 8, 1856. As a Friend, Modest, cheerful, affectionate : As a Christian, Humble, conscientious, zealous : As a Preacher, Evangelical, instructive, persuasive. Beloved and mourned of all, but most of all by the children of his Sabbath Schools and Academy.
Rear. Therefore watch and remember that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. Acts xx. 31.
A tablet was inserted by his Pupils in the wall of the school- house at Absecon, bearing these words :
Dedicated to REV. JAMES M. EDMONDS
The Founder of this Institution. Beloved while living, Mourned when dead, His memory is cherished By his Pupils. Born at Cold Spring, N. J. June 1, 1827. Died at Absecon March 23d, 1858. "Be ye followers of me as I also of Christ." 1 Cor. xi. 1.
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AT ABSECON-ON AN OBELISK.
Front.
To the Memory of JAMES S. MAYNE Born at Revallagh Antrim County, Ireland. August 17, 1826. Died at Absecon August 30, 1860.
Right.
Licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of Philadelphia April 7, 1859.
Left.
Consecrated Conscientious Self Sacrificing.
Rear. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. *1 Tim 1. 15.
* This text was selected by himself.
The age of Mr. Powell, of Mr. Chestnut and Mr. Hyde, is unknown. The average age of the others-twenty-three in num- ber-is very nearly fifty-one years.
NOTE .- We are indebted to Ethan Osborn Thompson, Samuel Sloan, and Rev. John W. Dulles, D.D., for the use of engravings.
It did not enter into the scope of this work, to record fully the earlier missionary efforts of New Brunswick Presbytery, in Monmouth Co., &c., If seemingly they have been slighted, they are worthy of a separate history.
ERRATA.
Page 17, for 1839 read 1739.
Page 35, sixteenth line, read, Andrew Hunter died July 28th.
Page 62. The notice of Salem does not belong to the " Appendix." Its proper place is page 44, as a foot note.
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