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 20
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During the years 1777-78, and until November, 1779, the congregation were without a pastor. No doubt they, as well as other congregations, were seri- ously affected by the scenes of the revolution then passing-and the foraging of the country by the armies of the two nations. Many of the inhabitants were driven into the interior of the country. When public worship could be sustained, it was conducted by the Voorleser or Clerk of the Church. Mr. John Speer, and a Mr. Canfield, are remembered to have acceptably filled that office.
In November, 1779, the candidate, Mr. Matthew Leydt, was examined for ordination by the Classis of Hackensack, and ordained and installed pastor of this Church. In November, 1780, this pastoral relation was dissolved.
The state of the churches was now so deplorable, that the Classis directed that each church make a special report, particularly referring to the state of the Church, and the many fugitives from the scenes of distress, by reason of the invasion of the British army, for the purpose of being sent to the Particular Synod, in order to a full report to be made in 1781, to the General Synod.
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For some years, indeed, during the entire period of the revolution, this Church must have suffered very severely, and of whatever occasional service there may have been rendered, no record is extant, and it is believed the records of the Church were destroyed.
In 1784, the Rev. Henricus Schoonmaker, pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church at Acquackanonck, entered into an arrangement with the Church at Second River, to supply the pulpit a portion of his time. For eight or ten years, his services were thus rendered. Although a very limited provision for the spiritual wants of this people, God did not leave him without seals to his ministry-twenty-three having been admitted to communion by confession of faith, and one on certificate.
The year 1790 opened to this congregation a pros- pect of more permanent arrangements for their wel- fare. On the fifth of June, the Church became incorporated as " The Reformed Dutch Church of Second River." On the 21st of June, the first meet- ing of the Elders and Deacons, as trustees, was held. On the 26th of June, the two special trustees, who had heretofore held the property of the Church in trust for the congregation, passed the property over to the trustees under the charter. On the 28th of June, they appointed Mr. Abraham Speer to visit the Rev. Peter Stryker, then pastor of the Church on Staten Island, and ascertain if he was willing to accept a call from this Church. The appeal made to Mr. Stryker was unsuccessful.
In 1792, the Consistory resolved to build a school- house on the church lot, thus keeping up the long
305
DUTCH CHURCH AT BELLEVILLE.
cherished union of the Church and school, so con- stantly to be found among the churches of the descendants of the Hollanders. In the same year an effort was made to secure the Rev. John Cornelison as the pastor, but he was induced to decline the invitation.
On the 5th of September, 1794, the Church renew- ed their appeal to the Rev. Peter Stryker, of Staten Island. His call was moderated by the Rev. Henri- cus Schoonmaker, and on the 28th of October, 1794, approved by the Classis of Hackensack, soon after which he was duly installed.
On entering on his ministry here, Mr. S. found the people anxious to advance the interests of the Church. The interior of the church was fitted up with pews, which were rented to the highest bidder.
Up to this period, the public worship of God had been conducted only in the Dutch language, but now Mr. S. preached in that tongue only when specially requested by one or more of the congregation.
In 1795, a dispute arose between two of the mem- bers, which was the occasion of no little anxiety. As lovers of peace and order, and having in former times experienced the terrible influence of contention, vigorous efforts were made to reconcile the disaffect- ed brethren, which proved successful. The people sought the things which make for peace. Harmony now prevailed. Notwithstanding the Dutch preach- ing had only been occasional, for the year previous, yet to gratify the aged, who loved to hear the word in their mother tongue, it was agreed, that on the first Sabbath of every month, the morning services of the
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HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
sanctuary should be in that language. In this year also, family provisions having risen, the congregation promptly raised their pastor's salary, and purchased the present parsonage premises for his use, thus doing justice to him and themselves.
In 1797, extensive repairs to the church, and par- ticularly the steeple, were made. The old parsonage property, formerly occupied by Mr. Haughhoort, was sold, and the present parsonage premises, consisting of fourteen acres of good land, were conveyed to the Church, by Col. Thomas Cadmus.
Mr. Stryker, aided by his people, was thus instru- mental in securing the comforts of a well-regulated Church, as to temporalities, which ever have an im- portant bearing on the usefulness and success of a pastor. His labors appear to have been well direct- ed, and on the 27th of April, 1801, we find him and his Consistory encouraging church extension, as, on request from the people of the Western section of the Second River congregation, in the neighborhood of Stone House Plains, to be formed into a new congre- gation and to build a church there, they declare that they " see no cause to object to this proposal." They " Resolved, That the request be laid before the Classis of Bergen at its next ordinary meeting."
On the 22d of May, 1804, a violent tornado threw down and demolished the steeple, and rendered the sanctuary unfit for worship. On the 4th of June fol- lowing, the congregation met and arranged for its being re-built.
On the 28th of October, 1804, the new Church at Stone House Plains asked for the one-third of Mr.
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DUTCH CHURCH AT BELLEVILLE.
Stryker's services, and for some time he served both Churches.
How extensively the church was repaired in 1804, is not ascertained, but in 1807, a new stone church was erected, and the pulpit of the old one presented to the Church at Stone House Plains.
The loved and honored John H. Livingston, D. D., of New York, officiated on the occasion of the dedica- tion of this new church, in 1808; and on the 12th of January, 1808, the Consistory directed that a "letter of thanks be prepared and addressed to the Rector, Church Wardens, and Vestrymen, of Trinity Church, in Newark, for their granting the Church at Second River permission to preach and administer the sacra- ments in their church, whilst ours was building."
Let it be remembered here, that the origin of the Episcopal Church worship, in Belleville, was in the movements of Col. Schuyler, which gave great dis- satisfaction ; and that Trinity Church, in Newark, had aided in rearing, and had taken into connection with itself this church, or chapel as it then was, thus subserving the convenience of the mother Church ; that in the resolution of thanks just referred to, the reciprocal good will and Christian courtesy of the two Churches is manifest, though as sects or denomina- tions of Christians, differing from each other .* It is a beautiful exhibition of the spirit and feeling prevalent in these churches, and of the mutual recognition of
N. B. - A similar case occurred in Patterson, N. J., in 1826 or 1827, when the Second R. D. Church of that place were erecting a building. The supplies for that Church were granted, by the Wardens and Vestrymen, the privilege of officiating in the Protestant Episcopal Church in that city, the author having personally so done.
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each other as component parts of the Church of God on earth.
In the month of September, 1809, the Presbyterian Church, at Amboy, forwarded a call to the Rev. Mr. Stryker, which he was prevailed on to accept. In October following, the pastoral relation was dissolved, not without unmistakable evidence of painful emo- tions on both sides.
Mr. S. having left this people on the 29th of No- vember, 1809, they appointed Mr. Stephen Van Cort- landt to solicit of John A. Schuyler, permission for the Consistory to invite such ministers of different de- nominations, to preach in the church, as could be ob- tained during the vacancy.
Such was the attachment of this people to their late pastor, that in December, 1810, he was re-called to the double charge, and on the 20th of that month, again installed as their pastor, by the Rev. James V. C. Romeyn, of Hackensack. But again, on the 28th of April, 1812, Mr. Stryker resigned this charge.
During his entire ministry at Belleville, he was permitted to admit to church membership, on confes- sion of faith, fifty-two persons, and on certificate, thirteen-in all sixty-five.
In a manuscript, one of his sons says of him : "To- wards the close of his ministry, at Belleville, he became greatly afflicted with nervous head-ache. Medical aid failing to relieve him, by the advice of his old friend and schoolmate, Dr. Hosack, of New York, he resolved to travel on horseback, taking a long journey, and consequently resigned his charge."
This Church remained without a pastor until Octo-
J.Stryker 7
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DUTCH CHURCH AT BELLEVILLE.
ber, 1814. On the 6th of that month, the Rev. Staats Van Santvoord accepted the call tendered him by this Church, for two-thirds of his time. He was ex- amined by the Classis of Bergen, for ordination, on the 15th of November following, and on Sabbath, the 10th of December, ordained to the gospel ministry, and installed pastor of this Church. The Rev. James V. C. Romeyn, John Cornelison, Peter Stryker, Cornelius T. Demarest, and John Demarest, each taking a part in the appropriate services. On the same day, Mr. Van Santvoord delivered his introduc- tory sermon.
In the year 1815, the congregation erected a new parsonage house, which has continued to be occupied by their successive pastors ever since.
Mr. Van Santvoord labored here until June, 1828, a period of thirteen years and eight months. On the 1st of July, the Classis, on joint request of the pas- tor and Consistory, dissolved the pastoral relation.
Although there does not appear on the records any special manifestation of the divine favor, in any ex- tensive out-pouring of the Holy Spirit, yet there were accessions to the communion of the Church, under his ministry, to the number of ninety on confession of faith, and twenty-six on certificate-in all one hun- dred and sixteen.
In 1827, the following subscriptions were reported by the Rev. Peter Labagh, as obtained by him for the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick :
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HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Rev. Staats Van Santvoord, -
- $50
Stephen Van Cortlandt, - -
50
Jane Van Cortlandt, -
-
25
Gerard Rutgers, - -
- 100
Abraham Jeroloman,
- 15
Total, -
- $240
On the same day the Consistory- presented, for ap- proval, a call upon the Rev. Gustavus Abeel, of the English Neighborhood. Mr. Abeel having signified his acceptance, arrangements were made for his in- stallation, which took place on Sabbath, the third day of August, 1828. The Rev. James G. Ogilvie preach- ed on the occasion, and the Rev. Benjamin C. Taylor delivered the addresses to the pastor and the people.
Under the ministry of Mr. Abeel, this congregation maintained a large degree of harmony. Their affec- tion for their pastor was manifested in various ways. They became attached to his ministry, and he was upheld in his efforts to sustain the discipline of the Church.
On the 18th of October, 1834, Mr. Abeel informed the Consistory of his having been called to the pastoral charge of the Reformed Dutch Church at Geneva, New York, and had determined to accept the same, provided the Consistory of Belleville would unite with him, in an application to the Classis, for sun- dering the tie which had for more than six years subsisted between them. In view of the peculiar cir- cumstances of the Church at Geneva, the Consistory concurred with Mr. Abeel in making the request,
311
DUTCH CHURCH AT BELLEVILLE.
and the relation was dissolved on the 31st of that month.
It was the privilege of Mr. Abeel to welcome to church membership, in this Church, seventy-six indi- viduals on confession of faith, and thirty-three on cer- tificate-in all one hundred and nine.
On the 11th of December, 1834, the Rev. Isaac S. Demund, then pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church at Pompton, N. J., was called, and signified his wil- lingness to accede to the wishes of the congregation, provided the way be found clear. The Consistory and congregation at Pompton, however, manifested so strongly their unwillingness to relinquish a pastor they so highly valued, that the Classis convened in extraordinary session, in January, 1835, declined to approve the call, and Mr. Demund continued in his pastoral relation at Pompton.
A call, proffered by the Consistory, on the 8th of May, 1835, to the Rev. Enoch Van Aken, was declined.
The vacancy continued until the arrival of the Rev. Abraham H. Meyers, on whom a call was made, on the 19th of September, 1835, and approved by the Classis on the 13th day of October following. He was installed on the third Tuesday of the ensuing month, by the Rev. Matthias Lusk, Philip Duryee, and Ira C. Boice, who had been duly appointed to that service.
The Episcopal congregation having become a dis- tinct parish, and the Rev. Mr. Davis having become its rector, and being about re-building their church, (formerly a chapel of Trinity Church, Newark), made
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HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
application (through Mr. Davis and the Vestry), for the use of the Reformed Dutch Church, for Sabbath afternoon service, according to the rites and usages of the Episcopal Church. The request was promptly and cheerfully granted, the arrangement to continue until their own sanctuary should be ready for use.
This opportunity for reciprocating a similar kind- ness, when re-building their own church, in 1807, was in unison with the kind relations which, for many years had been sustained between the people of these congregations. It happily showed "how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
Mr. Meyers' pastorate continued only for two years, when he was dismissed, October 16th, 1837, on his acceptance of a call from the Reformed Dutch Church at St. Johnsville, N. Y., the congregation he had left on coming to Belleville.
Under his brief ministrations here, there were ad- mitted to communion, fourteen persons on confession of faith, and seventeen on certificate-in all thirty- one. The discipline of the Church was observed, and the order of God's house maintained. Mr. Meyers was also occupied in the instruction of youth, espe- cially in the higher branches of education.
On the 10th of November, 1837, a call upon the Rev. John Garretson, then of Brooklyn, N. Y., was duly executed, and on the 17th his acceptance an- nounced. On the 25th of December, following, he was installed by the Rev. Ransford Wells, Benjamin C. Taylor, and Asahel Bronson, as appointed by the Classis.
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DUTCH CHURCH AT BELLEVILLE.
It was during the ministration of Mr. Garretson, that the venerable Stephen Van Cortlandt, Esq., who had long been the fast friend of this Church, and from the time of Mr. Hanghhoort, under every pastoral re- lation, an efficient supporter of it, was summoned from earth to his reward on high. His name, and his me- morial in Jerusalem on earth, is precious. On the 24th of February, 1840, his son-in-law, John Van Rensselaer, Esq., announced to the Consistory of the Church, the handsome bequest of one thousand dollars, which, on the 11th of January, 1842, was succeeded by a bequest of the same amount, by his estimable widow. Together, for many years, they travelled to the house of God ; together gave and labored for Zion's welfare, and in death left an example of devotion to the service of their Lord and Savior, which is exerting a blessed influence until this day, and will continue to do so for generations to come.
In 1845, the call for increased accommodations in the house of God began to sound aloud, but no defi- nite response could yet be given.
In 1846, the Methodist Church, engaged in refitting their sanctuary, applied to the Consistory for the use of their lecture-room, for Sabbath morning service, for three months, which was cheerfully granted.
Mr. Garretson, for over eleven years, continued his labors among this people, preaching the word in sea- son and out of season, dispensing the ordinances of God's house with earnestness, and fearlessly rebuking, reproving and exhorting, with all long-suffering. He was supported by his eldership in sustaining the dis-
14
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HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
cipline of God's house, and warning the wicked to turn from his evil way and live.
There were admitted to communion under his min- istrations, thirty-nine individuals on confession of faith, and fifty-one on certificate-ninety in all.
Duly appreciating the talents of this herald of the cross, the General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church, by the Board of Domestic Missions, ap- pointed him the Corresponding Secretary of that Board, in July, 1849. On the 28th of that month he notified the Consistory of his appointment, and asked for the dissolution of the pastoral relation, to take ef- fect on the first of the following September. His de- sire was complied with, and he continues serving the Church of his fathers and of his affections, profitably and honorably.
On the 29th of November, 1849, Rev. Abraham Polhemus was invited to succeed Mr. Garretson, but declined the call.
In February, 1850, the like invitation was extended to the Rev. James Romeyn, which was also declined.
On the 23d of March, 1850, the Rev. Isaac S. De- mund was again called, and on the 28th of that month announced his acceptance, and was installed in April or May following.
The cry, " give us room where we may dwell" in the house of the Lord, which had previously been raised, was not silenced. On the 13th of May, 1850, the subject of the erection of a new church was discus- sed, and a committee appointed to procure estimates, both for enlarging the old church, and for building a new one. Soon afterwards a committee was appointed
315
DUTCH CHURCH AT BELLEVILLE.
to ascertain the views of the congregation. The sub- ject was thus kept before the people. On the 10th of March, 1851, it was agreed upon that subscriptions should be opened for erecting a new church. On the 27th these subscriptions amounted to $5,480. On the 8th of May to $6,355. On the 11th of August it was resolved to make an effort to enlarge the old church. Thus was shown the great diversity of feeling, by no means uncommon, on such occasions, yet almost invariably resulting in some enlarged and liberal ef- fort. Such was the issue in this instance.
On the 15th of June, 1852, the final resolution to erect a new church was adopted. The building com- mittee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. John Van Rensselaer, John N. Joralemon, Nicholas N. Jorale- mon, John C. Lloyd, James Brown, Sebastian Dun- can, and Samuel L. Ward, M. D. A contract was entered into for the building of the house, with Messrs. William H. Kirk & Co. and Mr. Van Ness.
The reciprocal good offices of the Methodist con- gregation were now returned, and the use of their church granted until the new church should be com- pleted. The work was soon in progress, and from the style of the edifice, and the labor to be expended upon it, somewhat more than a year elapsed before it could be completed. It is a most tasteful gothic edi- fice, doing great credit to the congregation, and the builders. On the same lot directly South of the church, is a commodious and appropriate lecture room, a frame structure, well built, neat and ornament- al. The entire cost of the church and lecture-room, was about sixteen thousand dollars.
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HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
On the 26th of November, 1853, on the completion of the house, the Consistory, by resolution, expressed their entire satisfaction with the execution of the contracts.
On the 8th of December, 1853, the dedication services were rendered. The surviving former pas- tors were specially invited to be present. Only one, the Rev. Mr. Meyers, was absent.
On examination of the accounts for the building of the house, a deficiency of about two thousand dollars was ascertained. After various propositions for rais- ing this deficiency, which did not meet with general favor, John Van Rensselaer, Esq., with the same good feeling which had distinguished Mr. and Mrs. Van Cortlandt, proposed, that in addition to his original subscription, he would give one thousand dollars, pro- vided the congregation would promptly raise the re- maining thousand. This noble offer found a quick response. The money was raised-the indebtedness discharged, the Church and congregation put entirely free from debt, and they now possess this elegant house, wholly unincumbered.
For several years, one service on the Sabbath was rendered in the neighborhood called Franklin. On the 24th of January, 1853, the Consistory determined that the morning and afternoon services should be rendered in the church, and that the people of Frank- lin make special arrangements for the services there. For some time the services of the pastor of the Church at Stone House Plains were obtained, and in 1855, a distinct Church organized at Franklin.
Mr. Demund continued his labors, until having ac-
WHICH!
REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, BELLEVILLE. N. J.
317
DUTCH CHURCH AT BELLEVILLE.
cepted a call from the Second German Reformed Church, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, he resigned the charge. The connection having been dissolved by Classis on the 26th day of March, 1856, he was dis- missed to the German Reformed Church.
During his ministry at Belleville, there were added unto the Church, on confession of faith, thirty-three persons, and on certificate fourteen-in all forty- seven.
On the third day of June, 1856, this Church unani- mously called the candidate, Thomas De Witt Tal- mage, to become their pastor. On the 29th of July, 1856, he was ordained to the work of the ministry, and installed pastor of this Church. On this occasion of deep interest, the sermon was preached by the Rev. Goyn Talmage. The ordination prayer was offered by the Rev. Benjamin C. Taylor, D. D. The charge to the pastor was by the Rev. F. L. King, and that to the congregation by the Rev. J. Paschal Strong.
This Church has been permitted to send from her bosom many of her sons and daughters, to constitute, in 1801, the Church of Stone House Plains-in 1833, the First Reformed Dutch Church at Newark-and in 1855, the Church at Franklin.
The following is a list of the pastors of this Church, chronologically arranged :
Henricus Coens, called in 1726-served until 1730. Cornelius Van Santvoord, called in 1730-resigned 1732.
Gerrardus Haughhoort, called in 1735-served until 1776.
Matthew Leydt, called in 1779-resigned 1780.
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HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
Henricus Schoonmaker, served as a stated supply from 1784 to 1790.
Peter Stryker, called in 1794-resigned 1809.
Peter Stryker, re-called in 1810-resigned 1812.
Staats Van Santvoord, called in 1814-resigned 1828.
Gustavus Abeel,
1828
"
1834.
Abraham H. Meyers,
"
1835
"
1837.
John Garretson,
"
1837
1849.
Isaac S. Demund,
"
1850
"
1856.
Thomas De Witt Talmage, "
1856.
The original church grounds have been very con- siderably enlarged, by the late James Hornblower, and Anthony Rutgers, and a valued friend of this Church still living, William Stephens, Esq.
Most of the honored dust of the fathers of this Church sleep in these consecrated grounds. Here are interred the remains of those who bore the honor- ed names of Speers, Joralemon, Vreeland, Kidney, Cadmus, Winne, Jacobus, King, Coeymans, Brown, and Wauters; descendants of those honored ancestors, who in perilous times laid the foundation of this Church. Here, too, are reposing the ashes of the son and grandson of the venerable Haughhoort-the son, bearing his father's Christian name, having died in 1818, at the age of seventy-nine years, and the latter, bearing the same cherished name, in 1833, at the age of sixty-five years. Here, likewise, sleep in dust, the loved ones-those useful, devoted men and women, whose praise is in this Church, and will long there remain-the Hornblowers, the Rutgers, and the Van Cortlandts ; kind, generous, affectionate and blessed
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DUTCH CHURCH AT BELLEVILLE.
they were, and a blessing they will continue to be- their useful lives giving happy examples of eminent Christian influence. Verily they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.
Closing Remarks respecting the Fibe Old Churches
IN reference to the five old Churches of Bergen, Hackensack, Schraalenburgh, English Neighborhood and Second River, (now Belleville), there are points in their history appertaining alike to all of them.
They have passed through many afflictive scenes, and but for the covenant faithfulness of the adorable Head over all things to the Church, could not have survived the repeated assaults of the powers of dark- ness upon their peace and usefulness.
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