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 2
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HISTORY OF THE CLASSES OF
a far country, like water" refreshing to our souls, weary and thirsty by reason of our former correspond- ence in relation to existing difficulties. Well may we, in the congregation of God's people, offer up our joy-
ful songs of praise to the God of peace. We desire with our whole hearts, and in pure disinterested love to the brethren and the church, that this peace and union may be universal, and prove perpetual. The pious zeal of the Consistory of New York, the wil- lingness and readiness of the brethren to respond to their invitation to assemble in convention, the pious and edifying character of their deliberations during their session of four days, and the declared assent of most of their absent brethren, conspire to warrant the well-grounded hope that such will be the result. In order speedily to confirm and bring to conclusion this sacred work of peace, and to allow no languor or de- lay, we have in our classical meeting attentively read and maturely considered the proposed articles adopted by the brethren present as a basis of union. These articles essentially correspond with the plan hereto- fore proposed by us, and appear to be wisely adapted to the peculiar circumstances and condition of the churches of New York and New Jersey. The Classis, cordially desirous to see peace and harmony restored and established among their brethren in the common faith in America, wish it to be extensively published, that they have heartily and unanimously approved the plan of union, without proposing any alteration or addition ; and they express their ardent hope that the brethren not present at the Convention lately held in New York, may be animated with the same zeal for the attainment of peace and harmony, and adopt the plan of union without suggesting any material altera- tion. We trust that our full approbation will tend to promote this most desirable end in your entire unani- mity. Still, the general Convention, of the united brethren and churches, not only claims the freedom,
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HACKENSACK AND BERGEN.
but, (according to the import of the articles now ap- proved by us), feels itself bound further to make such stipulations and additions as the interests and welfare of the churches may require. We therefore request the brethren who have signed the articles of the plan of union, (having entire confidence in their love of and devotion to the cause of peace), to employ all their ef- forts for the accomplishment of the proposed object, and especially to seek the reconciliation of the church at Kingston, with their minister, Rev. H. Meier. We are rejoiced to hear that he yielded with the other brethren his full approbation of the articles of union, and hope that the reconciliation between him and the church may soon be effected, through the kind media- tion of the brethren, unto mutual satisfaction and re- joicing. We cheer ourselves with the hope which you have expressed to us, that when our ready and full approbation of the articles of union shall be sent to those particular churches who have not signed them, it will exert such a strong influence as to lead to their acquiescence and approbation. Thus, a speedy adoption of the articles as conditions of peace will be- fore long bring to an end all divisions and dissentions, cause them to be ever forgotten, and unite the hearts of the brethren so closely that they shall continually remain a well-cemented body, abiding in one spirit, and with one accord striving for the faith of the gos- pel. Thus shall the mother church of the Nether- lands remain in close connection with her daughter, dwelling in a distant country, in the unity of faith and love, and built on one common constitution. Thus also the churches of New York and New Jersey may successfully appeal to the civil authorities with good hope of success for the maintenance of their ecclesias- tical freedom and privileges, preserving fully the character of Reformed Dutch Churches as originally organized. Thus may our Reformed Church in your land, in the midst of so many denominations as sur-
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HISTORY OF THE CLASSES OF
round her, exhibit the beautiful and attractive appear- ance of the Lamb's bridal Church, "Fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with ban- ners." Over your peaceful church, animated by truth and love inseparably united, God will command his " blessing, even life for evermore," even as "on a habitation of righteousness and a mountain of holi- ness," the fragrance of which shall spread all around, and attract many to her communion as members of the " one body in Christ." Nothing can prove more delightful to us, who have with a disinterested spirit strongly exhorted the brethren to reconciliation and union, and at the same time to a close correspondence . with the Reformed Church of Holland and continued attachment to her faith and order, than henceforth to see the churches of New York and New Jersey a true Philadelphia, where the Lord loves to dwell. For this end we entreat, in behalf of the brethren and churches, the direction of the " wisdom which is from above, which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." May the hearts of all flow together into one, and be bound together in love, which is the bond of perfectness. Thus, " the fruit of righteousness shall be sown in peace of them that make peace ;" yea, the God of peace shall impart the earnest of salvation to those on whom he pronounces the blessedness of the peace-maker, and furnish there- in the evidence of their heavenly sonship. Com- mending you to God's manifold and best blessing for this, and continued years, yourselves, ycur families, your churches, and ecclesiastical assemblies,
We remain, reverend and respected brethren, with true brotherly love and regard, your fellow-servants and brethren in Christ, N. TETTERODE,
V. D. M., Amst., et Deputatorum Classis ad res exteras Præses.
JOHANNIS ARN. ECK,
V. D. M., Amst., et Dep. Classis ad res exteras Scriba.
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HACKENSACK AND BERGEN.
Amsterdam : Done in Classical Session, January 14, 1772.
The Classis of Amsterdam appointed a committee out of their number, to whom was intrusted the care of and correspondence with their churches in foreign lands. It was termed the Committee of the " Depu- tati Classis ad res exteras." This will explain the form of the above signatures.
We will sing of this mercy of the Lord forever. We should make known God's faithfulness to all generations. And we trust the names of the venerated men whose good offices brought about this precious union, will long be hallowed in the memory of the churches. Verily, a good name is better than precious ointment.
Although by no means without seasons of sorrow and trial, this American Branch of the Reformed Church of Holland has enjoyed many mercies, and lives and rejoices in Christ, whom God the Father hath given to be head over all things to the Church.
Thus, in 1772, the organization of the present Re- formed Protestant Dutch Church in the United States of North America was effected, and independent Clas- ses and Synods were established on the model of the Church of Holland. Five Classes were then designa- ted-viz : in the Province of New York, those of New York, Kingston and Albany. In the Province of New Jersey, those of New Brunswick and Hackensack.
In the Classis of Hackensack, were included all the then existing churches in the Counties of Bergen, Essex and Morris, in New Jersey, and in the County of Orange in New York.
2
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THE CLASSIS OF HACKENSACK.
THE CLASSIS OF HACKENSACK.
From the Records of this Classis, which are in a fine state of preservation, commencing May, 1778, and kept in the Dutch, language until August 20th, 1799, and in English from that day until the dissolution of the Classis, in 1800, somewhat of the state of the churches under its care is ascertained.
Seventeen churches were recognized as properly sub- ject to the jurisdiction of this body. Of these, in 1778, thirteen were located in New Jersey, and four in New York.
Those in New Jersey were Paramus, Pompton, Totowa, Ackquackanonck, Hackensack, (two), Schraa- lenbergh, (two), Second River, Persippany, Ponds, Bergen and English Neighborhood -thirteen.
Those in Orange County, New York, (now in Rock- land County), Tappan, N. Hempstead and Kakijat- three.
And the church on Staten Island, N. Y., being under the pastoral charge of the same minister with Bergen-one.
Nevertheless the minutes of the Classis show that Rev. W. Kuypers, pastor of one of the congregations, each at Hackensack, and Schraalenbergh, and his Con- sistories, for some years were not present at the sessions of the Classis, and that repeated efforts were made to secure their attendance in accordance with the Arti- cles of Union. To this we may have occasion hereafter to refer.
NOTE: By a note at the commencement of this volume of minutes, it appears that the books and papers of the Classis, from 1773 to 1776, were lost during the invasion of the British army at Schraalenbergh.
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THE CLASSIS OF HACKENSACK.
Rev. William Jackson and the lay delegation from Bergen and Staten Island were not present until 1785, and in 1788 the Classis acquiesced in the reasons for their frequent absence.
Some of the proceedings of this Classis will be hereafter referred to, when presenting the history of the respective churches. Many difficulties appertain- ing to all the churches comprising this Classis, were from time to time brought forward, while there were frequently perplexities, and even painful occurrences arising in the different churches, and sometimes be- tween the ministers.
Nevertheless, the minutes show that prevailing sins received open and fearless rebuke, and abuses of the ordinances of God's house were not connived at, but reproved. Deservingly pious young men were en- couraged in the prosecution of their studies, and sev- eral were licensed to preach the Gospel of the blessed God, some of whom became burning and shining lights in the Church. One of these was the lately deceased and venerated James Spencer Cannon, D. D., who will long be remembered with affection. Another, the venerable Peter Labagh, D. D., survives at a very advanced age. Their licensure was on the 13th of August, 1796, and the latter was ordained at the same session, as a Missionary to Kentucky, in answer to a call sent by emigrants from New York and New Jersey.
- The Classis also organized some new Churches ; one of which is that at Ramapaugh, whose application was made in December, 1785.
The subject of the endowment of a Theological Pro-
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THE CLASSIS OF HACKENSACK.
fessorate was kept prominently before the body, and received their repeated recommendations. The mat- ter of church extension was often urged by them, and at different times the churches, or at least some of them, took up collections for both these purposes. A system of church visitation was adopted in 1782, and from repeated reports, at subsequent times, it was evi- dently carefully carried out. By this system the state of the churches visited was inquired into by the cleri- cal visitors, and the pastors and consistories of the churches responded to the inquiries put by them. By these visitors, reports were made to the Classis, and frequently, matters of interest in spiritual things were reported. During the invasion of the British army, and the frequent troubles and difficulties of the revo- lutionary war, efforts were made by the Classis and members of the consistories, to ascertain the wants, both temporal and spiritural, of the scattered families of the congregations, many of whom had filed for safe- ty into the interior of the country. Communications from the Classis, embodying the reports from the churches on this behalf, were sent up to the General Synod, detailing the hardships they were enduring, and the varied measures of the pastors, elders and . deacons, to watch over, and comfort those of their congregations to whom access could be had. But these will appear when we review the dealings of God with the particular churches.
Thus the orderly proceedings of this Classis were continued, until in the year A. D., 1800, when by the General Synod of the Church, it was dissolved, and two new classes constituted. These were called the Classes of Paramus and Bergen.
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THE CLASSIS OF BERGEN.
The Classis of Paramus was to consist of the churches of Tappan, New Hempstead, Kakijat, Hack- ensack and Schraalenbergh, (under Dr. Solomon Frœ- ligh's charge), Ramapaugh, Paramus, Acquackanonck and Totowa, -nine congregations.
The Classis of Bergen to consist of the churches of Hackensack and Schraalenbergh, (under the pastoral charge of Rev. James V. C. Romeyn); Second River, Bergen, Horseneck, Pompton, English Neighborhood, Ponds, Persippany-subsequently known as Boonton, now Montville-nine congregations.
Seven of the churches connected with the latter Classis, had been from 1772 constituent members of the Classis of Hackensack. And five of them will specially claim our attention, being those which re- main connected at present with this Classis, viz: Bergen, Hackensack, Schraalenbergh, English Neigh- borhood and Second River, (now Belville). The others being now identified with the Classis of Passaic, to which reference will hereafter be had.
THE CLASSIS OF BERGEN.
According to the appointment of the General Synod, the ministers and elders, delegated by the Consistories, met at Second River, (now Belville), on the first Tues- day in September, A. D., 1800. The Rev. James V. C. Romeyn having preached the sermon, presided at the opening of the meeting, and was immediately elect- ed the first President of the Classis.
The ministers of the Classis were Rev. James V.
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THE CLASSIS OF BERGEN.
C. Romeyn, of Hackensack and Schraalenbergh ; John Cornelison, of Bergen and English Neighbor- hood ; Peter De Witt, of Ponds ; Stephen Ostrander, of Pompton Plains ; Peter Stryker, of Second River ; and William P. Kuypers, without charge.
To the churches already named, there were subse- quently added by new organizations, Preakness and Stone House Plains, in 1801; Pompton, in 1815 ; Newfoundland, in 1815 or 1816 ; Wyckoff, in 1822 or 1823; Bergen Neck, in 1829; Jersey City, (1st), in 1830 ; Newark, (1st), in 1833 ; Little Falls, in 1837 ; Clintonville, in 1840; New Durham, in 1843; Van Vorst, (now Wayne St., Jersey City), in 1846 ; New- ark, (2nd), and Newark, (3rd), (German), in 1848 ; Hoboken, in 1850; Jersey City, (3rd), in 1852 ; Ger- man Evangelical at North Bergen, in 1853 ; Hudson, in 1854; Bergen Point, in 1854; Franklin, in 1855 ; Hackensack, (2nd), in 1855; German Church, Ho- boken, in 1856, and German, in Jersey City, in 1856; North Church, in Newark, 1856. Thus, twenty-three churches have been added by this Classis since its organization, to the nine originally constituting it, being thirty-two in all, only one of which, that of Newfoundland, has ceased to exist.
In 1839, the Classis then numbering seventeen churches and sixteen ministers, unanimously resolved to ask of the Particular Synod of New York, to con- stitute a new Classis, to consist of the churches of Pompton Plains, Pompton, Ponds, Preakness, Wyck- off, Stone House Plains, Montville, Fairfield and Lit- tle Falls. The request was granted, and the Classis of Passaic was duly organized. Thus leaving in 1839,
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THE CLASSIS OF BERGEN.
under the immediate jurisdiction of the Classis of Bergen, the churches of Bergen, Hackensack, Schraa- lenbergh, Belville, English Neighborhood, Jersey City, (1st), Bergen Neck, and Newark, (1st)-eight churches ; to which have been added the fourteen new churches constituted in the years heretofore named.
Fifty-six years have, up to this time, (1856), elapsed, since the Classis was constituted, and there are unmis- takable evidences of the care, toil, anxiety and suc- cess which have attended the efforts of this reverend body. We apprehend, that the facts to be brought out in the subsequent history of these churches, will prove the fidelity and constant devotion of the Classis, to the work of furthering the interests of these church- es, and to bearing an honorable part in the mainte- nance of the worship and order of the Church of Christ, promoting the general welfare of the inhabitants of the territory over which the churches are located, and of their co-operation in the various benevolent and Christian institutions of the day-and yet more espe- cially of the Literary and Theological Institutions of the Reformed Dutch Church. And all this, even while at times, having to contend with serious and painful difficulties, which on more than one occasion, summoned the Classis to exercise fearlessly the dis- cipline of the Church upon offenders against her peace and order. Truly, God hath done great things for us, and it behoves us to give Him all the glory.
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THE CLASSIS OF BERGEN.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS RESPECTING THE TERRITORY COVERED BY THE CHURCHES CONSTITUTING THE
CLASSIS OF BERGEN.
Before we narrate the history of these churches, it is proper to view the ground they covered, the state of the country, and the condition of the inhabit- ants.
The first appropriation of land to individuals in the present State of New Jersey, is said to be the pur- chase of Michael Pauw, called Hoboken Hacking, opposite New Amsterdam, (New York), on the West side of the river Mauritius, July 12th, 1630, to which was added on November 22d, Ahasimus, and the peninsula of Aressheck, and the place was named Pavonia.
The entire territory referred to, is succinctly set forth in " An account of the Incouragement for pro- moting a design of planting, in East New Jersey, con- taining the constitution and a model of government in that province, in a letter from a gentleman at Edinburgh, George Scott, concerned there, to his cor- respondent in the country," published in 1685 .*
The several plantations are described at length. They are-
1. "Those on Overpeck Creek, near Hackensack River, a river settled by several valleys, for which Mr. Nichols, of New York, had a patent, but gave leave to their settlement at the request of Governor Carteret.
Whitehead's East New Jersey, pp. 243, 274, 275.
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THE CLASSIS OF BERGEN.
2. "Near unto Snake Hill, a piece of land almost an island, belonging to Mr. Penhorne, a merchant at New York, and one Edward Eickbe.
3. " There are other plantations upon Hackensack River, which goes a great way up the country, almost North-west ; others also, on the East side of another creek or river at Hackensack River.
4. " A large neck or tract of land for which one Mrs. Sarah Kierstead, of New York, had a patent given by an old Indian Sachem, in recompense for her interpret- ing the Indian language into Dutch as there was oc- casion ; there are some little families thereon. Two or three miles up, a great plantation settled by Capt. John Berry, whereon he now lives.
5. " Another plantation adjoining belonging to his son-in-law, Micheel Smith ; another to Mr. Baker. This neck of land is in breadth, from Captain Ber- ry's new plantations on the West side where he lives, over to his old plantations, to the East at Hudson's river side, about three miles, which distance severs to Constable's Hook, upward of ten miles.
6. "To go back to the South part of Bergen Neck, that is opposite to Staten Island, where is but a nar- row passage of water, which ebbs and flows between the said island and Bergen Point, called Constable's Hook. There is a considerable plantation on that side of Constable's Hook, extending in land above a mile over from the bay on the East side of the Neck that leads to New York, to that on the West, that goes to Hackensack and Snake Hill, the Neck run- ning up between both, from the South to the North of Hudson's River, to the outmost extent of their 2*
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THE CLASSIS OF BERGEN.
bounds. It was first settled by Samuel Edsall, in Colonel Nicol's time, and by him sold for £600.
7. " Other small plantations along that Neck to the East, are then named. Among them, one to George Umpane, (Gomounepan), which is over against New York, where there is about forty families, within which, about the middle of the Neck, which is here about three miles over, stands the town of Bergen, which gives name to that Neck. Then again, North- ward to the water-side going up Hudson's River, there lies out a point of land, wherein is a plantation and a water (mill), belonging to a merchant in New York.
8. "Southward there is a small village, about 5 or 6 families, which is commonly called the Duke's Farm. Further up is a good plantation in a neck of land, al- most an island, called Hobuk : it did belong to a Dutch merchant, who formerly, in the Indian war, had his wife, children and servants, murdered by the In- dians, and his house, cattle and stock destroyed by them. It is now settled again, and a mill erected there, by one dwelling at New York.
9. "Up Northward, along the river-side, are other lands near to Mr. William Lawrence, which is 6 or 7 miles further : opposite thereto, there is a plantation of Mr. Edsall, and above that, Captain Bienfield's plantation-this last is almost opposite to the North- west end of Manhatta's Island.
Here are the utmost extent of the Northern bounds of East Jersey, as always computed."
This connected narrative of these plantations, pre- sents the field of operation in which the churches in
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THE CLASSIS OF BERGEN.
the Classis of Bergen have been, for nearly two cen- turies, dispensing the blessings of the Gospel, of peace and salvation. The population was Dutch ; the lan- guage was that of Holland ; the manners, customs, and religion of this people were essentially those of the fatherland. They had their vices and their vir- tues-their civil, social, political and religious difficul- ties, as well as their rich blessings and enjoyments. They felt their need of wholesome laws for their go- vernment, and in 1661, a subaltern bench of justice was established, consisting of the sheriff and two schep- ins, and on the 22d of September, 1668, Bergen re- ceived a Charter, and the plantations referred to were placed under the jurisdiction of this town court.
In 1673, under the Dutch Government, a code of laws was promulgated in New Jersey " by the Schout and Magistrates of Achter Kol Assembly, held at Elizabethtown, to make laws and orders, on the 18th of November."
The principal aim of the assembly being the pro- tection of the province from the demoralizing effects of vice, with needful regulations to secure those rights which the state of society required. The observance of the Christian Sabbath, the employment of minis- ters, and the erection of churches, received a share of their consideration .*
In 1682-3, the Assembly of the Province passed an act dividing the Province into four counties, viz :- Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, and Monmouth. Bergen included all the settlements between the Hudson and
* Whitehead's East Jersey, p. 62.
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THE CLASSIS OF BERGEN.
Hackensack Rivers, and extended to the Northern bounds of the Province. In 1693 each county was divided into its several townships .*
Bergen and its out plantations comprised about 60,000 acres of land. And from 1680 to 1690, it is pro- bable there was an increase of nearly an hundred fold of the population in East Jersey. With an increasing population, and almost constant extension of settle- ments, and the springing up of small villages, the necessity for an increase of clergy, and the multiplica- tion of schools, was deeply felt. Nor are there wanting instances of commendable effort to provide for the future, with respect to both. Especially was it the case with the Reformed Dutch Churches, that, while providing for the generations to come, that they might be blessed with the gospel ministry, even although at that time they themselves could only have occasional preaching of God's word. They also had regard to the schools, and generally made the schoolmaster, the clerk or voorleser of the church. By him the scholars were taught the principles of the Reformed religion, and by him the sanctuary service was conducted, he using the Liturgy of the Church, and reading appropriate ser- mons from approved Holland authors. From 1693, a somewhat more favorable state of things presents itself in regard to the early established churches. A settled ministry, with its blessings, was then being secured, but only in a limited degree. The first pastors had to assume the labors and responsibilities of double char- ges. They officiating on alternate Sabbaths in their respective churches. In nearly every case of settle- ment this was so for many years. Yet as the churches
*Whitehead's East New Jersey, pp. 97 and 159.
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THE CLASSIS OF BERGEN.
in the Classis of Hackensack, and subsequent to the dissolution of that body, in the Classis of Bergen, were not more remote from each other than from six to twelve miles, it was frequently the case, that when the one church of a pastor was closed, he found in the other, the people of both in happy unison listening to his instructions. They thus strengthened and encour- aged one another, and jointly supported their pastor- Of course they had to pass through the scenes of dis- tress which attend the settlement of a new country - the growing difficulties originating in the great church question of Cœtus and Conferentie ; the transition from the use of the Dutch to that of the English language ; and the other diversified trials, arising from local jealousies and interests. And in some of the most violent of these, it was only of the Lord's mercies they were not consumed. Yet the Lord remembered Zion, and had graven her upon the palms of his hands. Her walls were ever before him.
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