USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > Bergen > Annals of the classis of Bergen, of the Reformed Dutch Church, and of the churches under its care: including, the civil history of the ancient township of Bergen, in New Jersey > Part 15
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were instrumental in effecting, and to which they were impelled by the prevalence of corruption in said Church. Of their secession the Doctor much ap- proved ; and then observed with emphasis, that cor- ruption of equal magnitude existed in the Dutch Church, which demanded the like attention of pious clergymen, and which ought to excite them to at- tempt, and if possible, effect a secession in the Dutch Church. On my mind his observations made an un- favorable impression toward the Dutch Church, which also seemed to prepare me for secession."
(Signed) JACOB R. H. HASBROUCK.
The above is a true extract.
WILHELMUS ELTINGE. Albany, June 6, 1823.
That the difficulties existing between Dr. Fræligh's Consistories, and those of Mr. Romeyn, in reference to the complaints of Mr. Romeyn, arising from the admitting, by Dr. Fræligh, to baptism and the Lord's Supper, certain members of Mr. Romeyn's Church, then under suspension, having arrived at a crisis, so that the merits of the case were to be tested, had even a powerful influence in determining Dr. F. to secede, is established by the following testimony of Jacob Terhune, Esq., one of Dr. Fræligh's ex-elders, prior to the secession, a gentleman of strict veracity, who was often elected a member of the Legislature of New Jersey, and for many years a judge of the County of Bergen :---
(Copy of the Affidavit).
I farther certify and declare, (on the faith and credibility of a Christian), that since the present con troversy between Dr. Fræligh and the Rev. James V.
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C. Romeyn, which has arisen from Dr. Fræligh's re ception and admission to baptism and the Lord's Sup- per, members of Mr. Romeyn's Church, who were under suspension both by the Consistory and Classis, I proffered my services to mediate a settlement of this dispute. In consequence of this a correspondence took place between the parties through the medium of myself, which proved abortive. Afterwards (Dr. Fræligh having returned from his Northern tour of September last, and with his Consistories having se- ceded, and which latter circumstance I was then igno- rant of), I told Dr. Fræligh, I had thought of another expedient and plan of settlement, which I thought would have met the views of the parties concerned, and effect the object. He replied, if that had been done, he would not have gone off from the Church. The above facts I do hereby testify and declare to be true. JACOB TERHUNE.
The spirit of this controversy-like that of for- mer controversies-especially at Hackensack and Schraalenbergh, and in their vicinity, became very bitter. Contests about the church property arose. Law suits in some instances were instituted, and the line of division was drawn throughout the respective communities. Cases of discipline, of ministers and others, were fruitful occasions of difficulty ; suspen- sions and depositions ensued ; and painful scenes agita- ted the community. In some instances, newspaper controversies became sharp, and for years, family and social relations were often sadly marred. No ecclesi- astical relation or intercommunion between these parties, as Churches, has, since this secession, been maintained.
In reference to the property of the Church at Hack-
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ensack, we insert the following copy of the action of Rev. Mr. Romeyn's Consistory -only premising, that until a secession from the Secession Church here took place, under the ministry of Rev. Christian Z. Pauli- son, the "True Reformed Dutch Church " continued to use the same sanctuary with Mr. Romeyn's con- gregation, just as Dr. Fræligh had done; but after this separation, it is evident that some course of action became necessary.
The following proceedings were duly carried out. " MAY 9th, 1832.
" In Consistory, opened with prayer.
" Resolved, That the following notice be put up on the church door :
"To all whom it may concern.
" We, the Minister, Elders and Deacons, of the Dutch Reformed congregation of Hackensack, in the County of Bergen, and State of New Jersey, being the corporation or body politic known and distinguish- ed by that name, do hereby publish and make known, that since the secession of Dr. Fræligh and his con- gregation, we have viewed ourselves as the rightful owners of the church, and all the property vested in the joint corporation and body politic, in the year 1789. That our not asserting our claim, and pursuing legal measures to obtain a decision in law, has merely been owing to courtesy, and a desire to cultivate good neighborhood. A division having recently taken place among those who constituted the Secession-the church and pulpit having been abandoned by the lately settled preacher, and we remaining in possession, have resolved, and by these presents do resolve, that
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we keep the exclusive possession of the hurch, and property connected therewith, and will permit no per- son or persons to officiate therein, without our appro- bation and consent ; it being understood as our meaning and intent, that persons owning pews or seats in the church, are at liberty and welcome to occupy them, but in subordination to the constituted authorities of the Dutch Reformed Church, in her Classis and Synods. It is further stated, that if our right is con- tested, we are willing and ready to have the case tried in some court of law or equity, and there decided in a peaceable and friendly manner.
"Considering the unhappy state of ill-will, anarchy and confusion, to be without justifiable cause-un- Christian and injurious to religion, it is to us, who have uniformly adhered to the Dutch Reformed Church, and continue to profess ourselves subordinate to her government and standards, a matter of deep regret.
" May 9, 1832, Hackensack.
"(Signed), JAMES V. C. ROMEYN, Pres't.
Hubert De Wolf,
"Elders. j Cornelius H. Banta,
r James Durie, Jacob Bogert,
"Deacons. 3 Peter H. Ackerman,
David Berdan, James Brinkerhoff."
Subsequently there was added to the above the fol- lowing :
" In consequence of the above notice, we are in
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peaceable possession. Mr. Paulison's, as well as the old Seceder party, have each built a church."
The present pastor has informed the author, that save one, all the pews owned by those who seceded, have, by their owners, been sold to those who worship there.
Other Churches were distressed by vexatious suits at law; but by the action of this Consistory, no suit was ever brought. Quiet possession has been main- tained, and still is, after the lapse of twenty-five years. By the original subscription for building the church, they who subscribed to its erection, were to be credit- ed on the purchase of their pews, with the sums sub- scribed ; and after many years use of them, having sold them, and received their pay, their claim, it would seem, is equitably adjusted.
Mr. Romeyn, having continued his labors, retaining the affection of the people of his double charge, at length found bodily infirmities affecting him. His people at Schraalenbergh, moreover, earnestly desired to have the stated preaching of the word every Sab- bath. A favorable opening providentially presented itself, in December, 1829. The Reformed Dutch Church at Tappan, distant only about six miles from Schraalenbergh, had called the Rev. Isaac D. Cole, as a colleague pastor with the venerable Nicholas Lan- sing. Mr. Lansing continued his labors at Tappan and Clarkstown, in Rockland County, New York, and when at Tappan on the Sabbath, Mr. Cole would be at leisure. The Church of Schraalenbergh secured Mr. Cole's services for every alternate Sabbath, as a stated supply, Mr. Romeyn generously relinquishing
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a liberal sum which had been added to his original stipulated salary by the congregation, to aid them in securing Mr. Cole's services. From the close of the year 1829, to the end of 1832, Mr. Cole thus labored among this people, to their great acceptance, and without anything to mar the pleasant and happy united action with the aged pastor.
In August, 1832, Mr. Romeyn, on a certain day, while sitting at his own table, was suddenly stricken with paralysis. He silently burst into tears, and re- ceived the stroke as a signal that his work was nearly done. As this attack was comparatively slight, he somewhat recovered from it, and resumed his pulpit labor, and with great effort continued to serve at God's altar.
In the month of February, 1833, Mr. R. proposed to the people of Schraalenbergh, the calling of a col- league, and made generous offers to them, in case of so doing. This was declined. The congregation, however, assuring him, that he might remain their pastor, as long as he should deem proper ; but that they would never again make a combined call-they desiring a pastor for their own Church exclusively.
After this decision, Mr. Romeyn, on 23d of Feb- ruary, 1833, wrote the Consistory of his Church, at Schraalenbergh, soliciting arrangements for leaving them free to act in choosing a successor, hoping "God will give them a man after his own heart, in whom is the Spirit, and one who would prove a blessing."
Arrangements were accordingly made, Mr. R. hav- ing proposed to this Church, to pay him his salary up to the 14th of the ensuing October, to which they
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readily assented. He had served them thirty-three years in the ministry, and he could not but say, " it is a trial to bid you farewell." The congregations were combined-and Classis must needs act in effecting the dissolution, preparatory to which, on the 25th day of March, 1833, the two Consistories met at Hacken- sack, all the elders and deacons being present, together with their venerated pastor, and the Rev. Benjamin C. Taylor, who had been invited specially to be present.
Mr. Romeyn stated his determination, in view of his increasing infirmities, and the necessity in these Churches of a greater amount of service than was in his power to render, to apply for a release from his charge at Schraalenbergh, and "that as the Churches have been for years in combination, which combina- tion ought at present to be dissolved, he desired the joint Consistories to act on this subject." After due deliberation it was
" Resolved, unanimously, That it is the sense of these combined Consistories, that the time, in the Providence of God, has arrived, when said combina- tion should cease, and that we are mutually and con- jointly agreed to apply, and we hereby do apply, to the reverend Classis of Bergen, to dissolve the same."
Immediately after the joint meeting alluded to, the Consistory of Schraalenbergh convened, and Mr. R. applied to them for their consent to a dissolution of the pastoral relation subsisting between him and that Church, and this having been assented to, the follow- ing resolution was adopted :
" Resolved, unanimously, That in parting with our
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venerable pastor, who for thirty-three years has faith- fully ministered among us, we do hereby assure him of our continued and hearty affection for him, and our gratitude for his past services, and that our fervent prayer to God is, that in his retirement, he may enjoy the gracious presence of our divine Savior, and at last, with us, reap the reward of eternal life ; and this resolution shall be recorded in the Book of Records of our Church."
On the same day, the Consistory obligated them- selves to pay to Mr. R. three hundred and seventy- two dollars, on the 16th of April, ensuing, and furnish his usual supply of fuel, on or before the 14th of October, ensuing, and immediately released him from any further pastoral service.
On the same day, after the meeting of the Schraal- enbergh Consistory, the Consistory of Hackensack met, and executed a call on Rev. James Romeyn, son of their aged pastor, to become the colleague of his father. This call Mr. R. conditionally accepted, de- clining to be installed under one year, in consequence of his feeble health.
In April, 1833, all the proceedings of the joint and separate Consistories were brought before the Classis of Bergen, and the combined relation of the two con- gregations dissolved, as also the pastoral relation of Mr. Romeyn with Schraalenbergh. The Classis adopted an appropriate resolution, expressive of their high regard for and deep interest in the honored father who had so ably, happily and efficiently, served these congregations. At the same time, the call upon his son, from Hackensack, was approved.
XN- 21810 MG
James MCRomero
PLY
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HACKENSACK AND SCHRAALENBERGH.
From the time his son entered upon his official work in Hackensack, until September 15th, 1834, the aged father retained, nominally, the pastoral relation to this Church, but never appeared in the pulpit after the first Sabbath in May, 1833. His last public per- formance was a funeral sermon, in the Dutch language, over one of the most aged members of the Church. On his final resignation, the Classis dissolved the con- nection between him and this Church, which now had subsisted for thirty-five years ; and again, by resolution, expressed to him their sympathy-their affectionate remembrance of his wise counsels, his love for Zion and her sons-and commended him to the God of all grace and consolation.
From this time he declined slowly and steadily in health, until June 27th, 1840, when God called him from earth, and took him home. He died in the seventy-fifth year of his age.
This faithful servant had many seals to his ministry. In the Church at Schraalenbergh, in the year 1816, he was permitted to report to Classis accessions to communion, on confession of faith, to the number of thirty-two; and in 1819, he says, in the report of this Church, "For two years past, a refreshing season has been experienced. Within one year, fifty have been added to the communion, principally from among the young and middle aged. Conferences for social pray- er are held weekly. Enquiring souls often resorted to the house of the pastor. The work appears solid and scriptural, unmixed with enthusiasm, and dis- covering much of Christian temper."
At the commencement of his ministry in this
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Church, there were, by his own record, ascertained to be one hundred and twenty-one members. From the consistorial records and statistical tables, it appears there were received in this Church, under his minis- trations, on confession of faith, one hundred and seventy-two persons, and on certificate, nine-in all one hundred and eighty-one.
In the Church at Hackensack, he received to com- munion, on confession, one hundred and seventy-six, and on certificate, eighteen-in all one hundred and ninety-four. Thus, in the two Churches, having ad- mitted to communion, on confession of their faith, three hundred and forty-eight members, and on certi- ficate, twenty-seven-in all three hundred and seventy-five.
Mr. Romeyn's labors having terminated, and the combined relation of the two Churches ceased, they are, from that interesting crisis in their history, to be viewed as separate Churches. We therefore now pro- ceed to their separate history, from April, 1833.
CHURCH AT HACKENSACK AS A DISTINCT CHURCH.
The Rev. James Romeyn, having been duly in- stalled pastor, continued his valuable and able labors; and the congregation, having purchased the former homestead of Elias Brevoort, Esqr., deceased, which adjoined a fertile tract of four and a half acres, bought by them of Rynear Van Gieson, in 1759, proceeded to erect a new and comfortable parsonage house, which, when completed, Mr. R. occupied during his residence in Hackensack. In this year, (1834), they
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HACKENSACK AND SCHRAALENBERGH.
also repaired the church, and by the liberal efforts of the ladies, had ample means to cover the expense of a new and tasteful pulpit of modern construction.
Notwithstanding his public services were highly prized by his people, Mr. Romeyn felt constrained to ask of his Consistory in September, 1836, to unite with him in requesting a dissolution of his pastoral re- lation. This was granted, but with great reluctance, and it was with peculiarly painful emotions the Clas- sis assented.
During his brief ministry here, God did not leave him without witnesses for the truth. Fifteen persons, on confession of faith, and twelve on certificate-in all twenty-seven, were added to the number of its communicants. Mr. R. was soon afterwards called to the pastoral charge of the Reformed Dutch Church at Catskill, New York.
On the 3d day of January, 1837, the Consistory presented to the Classis of Bergen, for approval, a call on the Rev. Alexander H. Warner, then pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church at Clarkstown, in Rockland County, New York. On its approval, his acceptance having been announced, arrangements were made for his installation, which took place on the first Wednesday of February, following. Mr. Warner continues in this pastoral charge.
During his twenty years ministration to this people, population has increased considerably. In 1847, the church was enlarged, by extending the walls ten feet in depth, affording space for fifty new pews ; and with other needed repairs, the cost was about three thousand dollars, which was promptly paid for by the sales of the pews.
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The grave-yard has also been extended, by the pur- chase of a beautiful piece of land, at a cost of three hundred dollars.
The broken inscription stone was removed from its position in the front, to the rear wall of the church, at the time of its enlargement, and an appropriate new one placed over the front door, on which is inscribed :
REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH. ERECTED A. D. 1696. REBUILT A. D. 1728. REBUILT A. D. 1791.
How amiable are thy tabernacles O Lord of hosts. Ps. 84 : 1.
In 1853-4, the parsonage house was greatly en- larged, and the whole premises appropriately refitted, at a cost of twenty-five hundred dollars.
As an encouragement to future labor, the pastor has been permitted to receive, on confession of faith, sixty-eight persons, and fifty-two on certificate-one hundred and twenty, in all, to the close of the year 1855. The Lord prosper him yet abundantly in his unwearied and valuable services.
From this Church, in 1855, there went forth a colony to constitute the Second Reformed Dutch Church, at Hackensack, of which we shall hereafter speak.
In the grave-yard of this ancient Church, are the monuments and other memorial stones of many of the
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valued dead. There lie the remains of Brigadier General Enoch Poor, a revolutionary commander in the United States Army, who died September 8th, 1780, aged forty-four years; whose funeral was at- tended by Washington and Lafayette, and at whose grave Lafayette, when on his visit to the United States, as the nation's guest, was tenderly moved, and turning away exclaimed, " Ah ! that was one of my generals."
There rest the ashes of the learned Peter Wilson, LL.D., Professor of Languages in Columbia Col- lege, a zealous patriot and Christian, who died August 1st, 1825, in the seventy-ninth year of his age.
There sleeps the dust of Colonel Richard Varick, formerly Mayor of the City of New York, and at the time of his decease, President of the American Bible Society, who died July 30th, 1831, aged seventy years, four months, and five days.
There is interred all that is mortal of the Rev. James V. C. Romeyn, who died June 27th, 1840, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, and fifty-third of his ministry, having served the congregations of Hacken- sack and Schraalenbergh thirty-five years.
There, also, is the memorial of the Rev. John S. Mabon, who died April 27th, 1849 ; the able instruct- or-the distinguished scholar-the earnest, humble Christian.
There, too, is the monument of John V. B. Varick, the kind husband and father, and the long-tried and faithful Elder in the house of God, whose wise coun- sels, and holy, well directed zeal, gave him promi-
11
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nence and efficiency among the laity of the Reformed Dutch Church. He died May 18th, 1835.
There repose all that was mortal of the intelligent, wise and honored citizen, Adam Boyd, Esqr., who frequently represented the State of New Jersey in the House of Representatives of the United States.
There lie, also, the remains of Robert Campbell, Esqr., the upright citizen-the sound, and trust- worthy lawyer, in whom all confidence was placed, and who in his old age publicly owned Christ his friend and Savior.
There rest the ashes of that prudent counsellor, honored citizen, and steadfast Christian, George Zabriskie, Esqr., who was suddenly taken from earth at Mackinaw, while on a journey to the far West.
These loved and honored dead were identified, in their lives, with their country's weal and woe, and with the interests of the Church of God. "The memo- ry of the just is blessed." "Their good name is better than precious ointment."
We now resume the history of the
CHURCH AT SCHRAALENBERGH AS A DIS- TINCT CHURCH.
The connection between Mr. Romeyn and this Church, having been dissolved in April, 1833, and its combined relation with Hackensack terminated, and Mr. Cole's services having ended, the way was open for the independent and vigorous action of this large and respectable congregation. In the fall of 1833, their attention was directed to the Rev. John Garret- son, of Middleburgh, Schoharie County, New York. Having called him as their pastor, he accepted, and
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on the 22d of October, 1833, was duly installed. Soon after his settlement, the congregation erected a noble and commodious parsonage house, which betokens the character of this people. It stands a short distance North of their church, and furnishes a pleasant and comfortable home to the pastor.
For three years, Mr. Garretson labored here, with credit to himself and usefulness among the people, mutually enjoying each other's society, and happy in their relation ; but in September, 1836, having been specially urged to labor in the City of Brooklyn, New York, in rearing a new Church, he was prevailed on to enter upon that work, and requested his people of Schraalenbergh to unite with him, in requesting a dissolution of the pastoral relation between them. They reluctantly assented, and on 20th September the Classis dissolved the relation.
During his ministry, the discipline of the Church was brought to bear especially upon those who had become the victims of the deadly cup. Intemperance had affected several of the members of the Church. The law of God's house was enforced, mildly, but firmly, and with a good measure of success. Some were reclaimed from the error of their ways.
While ministering at this altar of God, Mr. G. was permitted to welcome to communion, on confession of their faith, thirteen persons, and eight on certificate- in all twenty-one.
In the month of March, 1837, the Rev. Peter O. Studdiford, of Lambertsville, N. J., was invited to the pastoral charge of this Church, but felt compelled to decline.
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On the 15th of May, 1837, the Rev. Michael Os- borne, of Virginia, was called, and installed on the 12th of July, following. This relation continued until October, 1841. The habits, manners and cus- toms of the people, were those of the good old Dutch, and are so, largely, to this day. They continue to use, quite extensively, the Dutch language, as the medium of communication. There were peculiarities to which Mr. O. was unaccustomed. Unhappiness ere long began to prevail ; difficulties arose. In 1840, the per- sons elected as Elders and Deacons declined to serve. Thus, " grievous dissensions" were spoken of in the report of the Consistory to Classis, in 1841, and their troubles were referred to Classis. A committee was appointed to " confer with the Consistory, to unfold the views of the Classis, and seek their good." This committee were Rev. John Garretson, and Alexander H. Warner. They discharged their duty, and suc- ceeded in securing the election, by the members, of an entire new Consistory. Mr. Osborne resigned in October, 1841, and by mutual consent, the Classis dissolved their pastoral relation. On a recent visit to this people, a substantial token of regard from them was presented to him, honorable alike to both parties. During his ministry, there were added to the com- munion of this Church, thirteen on confession, and three on certificate.
In 1842, on the 9th of February, Rev. James Ro- meyn was invited to occupy the pulpit his father had so long and so well filled, but he declined. On 5th of April following, Rev. Richard D. Van Kleeck was invited to the same, but declined, and on 22d of
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August ensuing Rev. David D. Demarest, who was born at Schraalenbergh, and baptized in this church, was called, but also declined.
On the 8th of October, 1842, the then candidate for the ministry, Cornelius J. Blauvelt, a graduate of the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick, N. J., was called, and promptly accepted the call. He was or- dained and installed as pastor, on the 16th of Novem- ber following. Mr. Blauvelt has now served this interesting people for nearly fifteen years, with acceptance and usefulness. May the Lord continue to lay plentifully to his hand, and strengthen him with great grace for days to come.
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