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 21
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29
If the state of the country in the earliest days of her settlement be considered-the scenes of excite- ment arising from the exasperation of the Indians- the protection of the settlers from the savages of the land-the enclosures of the settlements or the most compact portions of them with gates well fastened at night -and the ceasless vigilance needed to secure comfort and repose for their families, be taken into the account ; if we bear in mind the agitation, con- [820]
321
CLOSING REMARKS.
fusion and distresses of the period of the revolution- the wide dispersion of the inhabitants, their subse- quent return to their homes almost ruined-their con- sequent poverty, and the pressing demand for renew- ed, painful toil ; if we reflect on the exceedingly great difficulties connected with the obtaining of pastors adapted to the wants of the Churches-the imperious demand for religous services in the Dutch tongue- the strongly cherished feelings of attachment to the mother Church in Holland-the strife growing out of these circumstances-and the Cœtus and Confer- entie difficulty, it will be evident that it is only of the Lord's mercies they were not destroyed. But the Lord maketh the wrath of man to praise him, and the remainder of wrath he restrains.
There is also a development of the general character of the people of these five congregations, in their common attachment to the doctrines, discipline, cus- toms and usages of the Church of their fathers, and of their affections. They all labored to secure to them- selves and their children the means of grace, in the worship and ordinances of God's house. Though the blessing tarried, they waited for it with unwonted patience, and labored for it with indomitable perse- verance. In the end they were successful. The ob- jects of desire were never out of mind, though very far in some instances in the distance. Their eyes at length beheld, and have continued to behold their past- tors and teachers. They have protected, used, and re- built their sanctuaries for God, and their parsonages, and they are all free from any onerous debts. Their
14*
322
CLOSING REMARKS.
churches are ornaments in the land, and tell of God's grace and salvation for nearly two centuries. May the blessings of the God of the covenant abide with them forever.
-
A BRIEF HISTORY
OF THE
CHURCHES
CONSTITUTED BY
The Classis of Bergen,
FROM THE YEAR 1828 TO THE YEAR 1857.
[828]
% .
Hew Churches of the Classis of Bergen.
THE year 1822, opened to the Reformed Dutch Church in the United States a new era, especially as to her extension. The Domestic Missionary operations received fresh impulse from the organization of "The Missionary Society of the Reformed Dutch Church." The spirit of the ministry and of the churches was awakened. The state of the feeble churches was in- quired into, and their necessities ascertained. Favor- able opportunities for constituting new churches were carefully regarded. The waste places of Zion were to be built up, and thus the general welfare of the whole body to be promoted. This had its influence in en- couraging the endowment of our Theological Semi- nary, and the revival of the literary department of Queens, now Rutgers College. Energy in one de- partment served to develope resources, and call forth vigorous action in every department of the Church's work. If new churches were to be reared, ministers must be raised up to preach in them, and labor for
[325]
326
CHURCHES OF THE CLASSIS OF BERGEN.
the souls of the people. If men must be qualified for their work, the school of the prophets must be sus- tained. In like manner, every other interest of the Church rose to view, and as fast as God's providence and grace furnished the resources, they were called into action, and the Church entered more earnestly into the work assigned her by her Lord and master. The Classis of Bergen has nobly borne a part in this work, as the following histories will show.
History of the Reformed Dutch Church at Bergen Heck.
WITHIN the Classis of Bergen, the first movement for the multiplication of churches, during this period, was made in the year 1828, at Bergen Neck, a most beautiful district of country, scarcely two miles in its average width, about four or five miles in length, having Newark Bay on the West-the Kill Van Cull on the South-New York Bay on the East, and Ber- gen on the North. At that time this territory was oc- cupied by about sixty families, a very few of which usually crossed the Kill Van Cull to Staten Island, to attend public worship. The other families were prin- cipally connected with the Reformed Dutch Church at Bergen.
During the summer and fall of this year, (1828), the people who were interested in securing public Sabbath services, erected a neat but small church, on land given by Mr. Cadmus. It is perfectly plain in its structure and arrangement, and could comfortably [327]
328
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED DUTCH
accommodate about two hundred and fifty or three hundred people. The house is of wood, surmounted by a belfry. Among the prominent actors in this movement were Messrs. Richard Cadmus, Senr., Rich- ard Cadmus, Junr., John Cadmus, Michael Cadmus, James C. Van Buskirk, John Van Buskirk, Jacob Cub- berly, Jacob Van Horne, John Vreeland, Jasper Za- briskie, and others.
The original monied cost of the house was only about sixteen hundred dollars, in the raising of which they were aided by the people of Bergen. Their own labor was largely bestowed in the rearing of the house.
As there was no building in which public service could be held, until the church should be ready for occupancy, no application for organization was asked until the 30th of December, 1828, when, at a special session of Classis, the case was presented and urged. Willing as the Classis were to extend the Church, there were those who at first hesitated as to granting the request ; but the peculiar state of seve- ral families, having no mode of conveyance to the church at Bergen, and some of them frequently walk- ing there, a distance from five to six miles; and the fact that some of the people often spent the Sabbath in fishing, oystering, and taking pleasure in boats on the surrounding waters, went far to silence fears, and to urge the request.
Mr. Jasper Zabriskie, an elder in the Reformd Dutch Church on Staten Island, but a resident of Berger Point, who had taken a deep interest in this enter prise, was prostrated by disease, and in making his
329
CHURCH AT BERGEN NECK.
will, generously bequeathed to this Church one thou- sand dollars, to be paid by his executors to the Consis- tory so soon as it should become duly constituted as "The Reformed Dutch Church at Bergen Neck."- The money was to be invested, and the interest paid over in perpetuity to the pastor of the Church, as part of his salary. Mr. Zabriskie having died before the church was completed, never became a member of it, but his memorial in Jerusalem is engraven on the hearts of the now surviving remnant of that little company of professed followers of Christ, who first constituted the ecclesiastical, and we trust the spirit- ual body of this Church of God.
The Classis having granted the petition of the pe- titioners to be organized into a new Church, adopted the following resolution :
" Resolved, That we affectionately recommend to the Consistory of the Church at Bergen, to dismiss, on their own application, all the members in full com- munion, residing South of the road, running from the North River, between the houses of Samuel Gautier and Thomas Cubberly, in a North-west direction, to the Hackensack River at Drawyer's Point, together with such other communicants now living North of said line, as have applied this day to the Classis, to be organized into a congregation, and that we recom- mend to the said Consistory, henceforth, not to consider the families living South of said line, as con- nected with the congregation of Bergen, except it be the special desire of such families."
On the 5th of January, 1829, the Consistory of the
330
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED DUTCH
Church at Bergen, "Resolved, unanimously, That Richard Cadmus, Thomas Cubberly, Jacob Cubberly and his wife Mary Cubberly, Jacob Van Horne and his wife Catharine Van Horne, be and hereby are dismissed, with a view to be organized into the Church of Bergen Neck.
" Resolved, That the President of this Consistory be and hereby is authorized, to dismiss such other com- municants living South of the line of division between this congregation and the one about to be organized, as shall personally apply to him for said purpose.
" Resolved, That this Consistory will comply with the recommendation of Classis, as to the families South of the line of division, as specified above."
It is proper here to state, that until within a com- paratively few years, the population of the Counties of Bergen and Hudson being very homogeneous, it was usual in setting off a new congregation from an old one, to designate the geographical limits of each. This was involved, in a measure, in the constitutional designation of the powers of Classes, viz: Section 2, Article III, Chapter 2d, of the Constitution of the Re- formed Dutch Church: "They (the Classes), shall have the power of forming new congregations, and determining the boundaries of congregations when such boundaries are contested." The Classis deemed it best not to wait until a contest might arise, but by fixing the boundaries at the organization, to prevent any contest on that subject. This was done in this case with full understanding between the parties, and to comply with the usual mode of classical action at that period.
331
CHURCH AT BERGEN NECK.
According to the foregoing arrangements, Mr. Jacob Ackerman and his wife having consented to take their dismissions from the Church at Bergen, there were now eight communicants dismissed from that Church-five males and three females. Of the five male members, whose certificates were presented to a committee of Classis, Richard Cadmus and Jacob Cub- berly were on the 10th of January, 1829, duly elected Elders, and Jacob Van Horne, and Jacob Ackerman, Deacons.
Immediately after this election, the congregation assembled in the sanctuary, now for the first time opened for divine service, and for its dedication. On this peculiarly interesting day to this little flock, the introductory prayer was offered by the Rev. Peter I. Van Pelt; the Rev. Benjamin C. Taylor preached the dedication sermon, on Psalm 122 : 7, 8, 9. "Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions' sake I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek thy good." The Rev. James G. Ogilvie, of Montville, pronounced the benediction.
On Sabbath, the 11th of January, Mr. Ogilvie preached and ordained the Elders and Deacons, and thus they were duly constituted the Reformed Dutch Church of Bergen Neck.
This was but a small beginning. Many doubted, and some despaired of success ; but the work was be- gun in faith, and with a deep conviction of the spiritual wants of that neighborhood. God favored it. Their first invitation to become the pastor of the
332
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED DUTCH
Church, was extended, on the 18th of March, 1829, to the then candidate Robert P. Lee, who declined the call. They renewed their efforts on the 1st of July, 1829, and received a favorable reply to their call upon the Rev. Ira C. Boice, then pastor of the Reformed Dutch Churches of Salem and Union, New York.
Mr. Boice was admitted a member of the Classis of Bergen, on the Sth of September, 1829, and installed pastor of this infant Church, on the 15th day of that month.
This congregation enjoyed the efficient and success- ful labors of Mr. Boice for a little more than fourteen years. Peace and prosperity were granted them ; population increased; the attendance on the sanctu- ary became good; the attachment of the people to their pastor was constantly strengthening. They purchased an elegant parsonage property, and with perseverance and liberality on their own part, and as- sistance in some degree from Bergen and New York, had entirely paid the first cost of their church and parsonage, and in 1837 extended the church fifteen feet, at a cost of eleven hundred dollars. While oc- cupied in these labors of love, they aided the different religious and benevolent institutions of the Church. For a few years they needed and received aid from the Missionary Society, and Board of Domestic Mis- sions, but at the earliest practicable period ceased to apply for continuance of aid.
The number of communicants, for the first twelve years of Mr. B.'s ministry, gradually increased ; and while the harvest season had not come, and the seed-
833
CHURCH AT BERGEN NECK.
time availed for diligent labor, the good seed was sown. In 1842, a rich harvest was gathered. The pastor rejoiced-the attention of the people was aroused to the great matter of personal salvation. The neighboring Church at Bergen was experiencing a copious rain of heavenly grace-the blessed showers extended to Bergen Neck, and the Classis in April, 1842, in their report on the state of religion, say of this work of divine power, "The Classis cannot but find cause of great rejoicing, in the rich display of God's grace in the Churches of Bergen and Bergen Neck. On this portion of the Lord's vineyard, the rains of grace have descended ;- the ordinary means of grace have been blessed. Under the stated minis- try of the word, sinners have been made to cry out, 'men and brethren, what must we do to be saved.' The prayers of God's people have been answered. The influences of the Holy Spirit have elevated the tone of the piety of Christians, and brought even the rebellious and stout hearted in humility before God. Not a few have been made to see that God is gracious.
"The only extra services instituted in these Churches, have been in meetings for prayer, which have been multiplied; but a more than ordinary blessing has attended pastoral visitation. The people seemed all waiting for them, (their pastors), and where perhaps indifference or formal reception was expected, they found open hearts and a delightful welcome.
"The results thus far are, that in the Church at Bergen, fifty-five persons have been admitted to the communion of the Church, on confession of faith,
334
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED DUTCH
during the year-forty-seven of whom were received at the late communion season. In the Church at Bergen Neck, twenty-six on confession throughout the year-fourteen of whom were admitted at the late communion.
"Nor has the good work ceased. The pastors, laboring side by side, each in his own sphere, still have sinners calling upon them to enquire 'What they must do to inherit eternal life.' And the united prayer of pastors and people is, ' O, Lord take not thy Holy Spirit from us.'"
As this good work continued, the annual report for 1843, says : " A deep seriousness, and an awkened at- tention to spiritual and eternal things, seem to per- vade the whole community, and we fondly hope we are just now receiving the drops which indicate a gracious and copious shower, soon to descend upon us, which shall prove, like the rain on the newly mown grass, reviving and fructifying every part of our vine- yard."
During this ecclesiastical year, ending in April, twelve more persons were added to the communion of the Church on confession of faith.
Mr. Boice continued his valuable labors among this people until January 22d, 1844, when, on his ac- ceptance of a call from the Reformed Dutch Church at Claverack, in Columbia County, New York, his pastoral relation was dissolved.
It was painful to this people to suffer this sever- ance, but the large and important field to which their pastor had been invited, pressed upon him the appeal made to him. The most kind and affectionate remem-
335
CHURCH AT BERGEN NECK.
brance of him is cherished by the people of Bergen Neck, and will be for years to come.
While ministering to this Church, Mr. Boice wel- comed to communion, on confession of faith, eighty- five persons, and nineteen on certificate-in all one hundred and four; so that, having been constituted a Church with only eight communicants, there were numbered in this fold of Christ in all one hundred and ten persons ; and after deducting those who had died and been dismissed, there remained at the close of Mr. Boice's ministry ninety-seven communicants. The number of families had increased from fifty to one hundred and six.
Soon after Mr. Boice's departure, the attention of the congregation was directed to the Rev. James Romeyn, then of Leeds, Greene County, New York. He was called April 6th, 1844. The call having been approved by Classis on the 16th of that month, Mr. Romeyn was installed on the 28th of May following, on which occasion the Rev. James Scott, of Newark, preached the sermon-Rev. Benjamin C. Taylor charged the pastor, and Rev. Matthias Lusk, the congregation.
For six years Mr. Romeyn, though in feeble health, dispensed to this people the truths of God's word and the holy sacraments-always delighting them with his able discourses and generous flow of Christian sentiment. He secured a strong place in their affec- tions.
The growth of population at Bergen Point, in the vicinity of the parsonage, as well as at Greenville, at the Northern extremity of the congregation, now be-
336
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED DUTCH
gan to exert a strong influence on the circumstances of the congregation. The church was central, but the people at the Point needed more service. Those at Greenville had a commodious lecture-room, and had shared for years in the pastor's Sabbath services. At length a portion of these services were given to those living at the Southern extremity, at the Point.
In his feeble state of health, the work became oner- ous to the pastor, and other arrangements were pres- singly called for, to accommodate the respective neighborhoods. Mr. Romeyn, on the 15th of May, 1850, presented a renewed and joint request for the dissolution of the pastoral tie, which was granted by the Classis.
During this pastorate of six years, there were added to the communion of this Church, on confession of faith, nineteen persons, and on certificate ten-in all twenty-nine.
On the 15th of Angust, 1850, a call was made upon the Rev. Jacob C. Dutcher, then pastor of the Re- formed Dutch Church at Owasco, N. Y., who was installed on the 8th day of October ensuing. The Rev. Paul D. Van Cleef preached on the occasion, on II Corinthians 2: 15, 16. " For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish. To the one we are the savor of death unto death, and to the other the savor of life unto life." The charge to the pastor was delivered by Rev. Benjamin C. Taylor, and that to the congre- gation by Rev. Isaac S. Demund.
Mr. Dutcher continued his labors kindly and pleasantly for about two years, officiating in the
337
CHURCH AT BERGEN NECK.
church in the morning of each Sabbath, and in the afternoon at Greenville. About this time the popu- lation had so greatly increased at Bergen Point, that the propriety of erecting a church at that place was discussed in Classis in September, 1852, and a com- mittee appointed to confer with the Consistory of the Church at Bergen Neck, on the subject of enlarged church accommodation for that population. On the 23d of February, Mr. Albert M. Zabriskie deeded to the Church a suitable lot of land for a new church at the Point, and in April, 1853, the committee reported to Classis, that they had favored the erection of a new church, that the Consistory of the Church at Bergen Neck had urged on the work, and the new sanctuary was then nearly ready for use. This is a neat and pleasant edifice, well located. Responsibilities were assumed for its erection by the Consistory of Bergen Neck. Those of the congregation residing in the im- mediate vicinity contributed generously towards the building.
After commencing divine worship in this house, some difficulties arose, not wholly unexpected. By the Consistory of the Church at Bergen Neck, the dif- ficult work of regulating the public worship of the congregation in three distinct localities, with three separate houses for worship, and only one pastor, was now to be adjusted. The morning service, all were agreed, should be rendered on each Sabbath in the old church. The afternoon service was now sought for by the people at Bergen Point, in the new church ; but those residing at or near Greenville, claimed their long used right of having the afternoon service there.
15
338
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED DUTCH
In the spring of 1854, the Consistory determined to discontinue the Sabbath afternoon service at Green- ville, and that that service should be rendered in the new church at the Point. This dissatisfied several families residing at the Northern extremity of the con- gregation. An appeal from the action of the Consis- tory was taken on this matter, and in part sustained. The Classis also appointed a committee, consisting of Doctors Scott and Abeel, Rev. P. D. Van Cleef, and Elders Stephen Garretson and William H. Kirk, with power, if they deemed it advisable, in case of failure otherwise to adjust the difficulty, to constitute a new Church at Bergen Point. They did so constitute a Church there, the Consistory of which promptly called Mr. Dutcher to be its first pastor. On the 25th of May, 1854, the call was approved by Classis, and the connection between Mr. D. and the Church at Bergen Neck was dissolved.
In anticipation of this new organization, the par- sonage property at Bergen Point having been sold, an appropriation of five thousand dollars of the avails of the sale was made for the erection of a new parson- age house, on a new site, near by the new church at the Point. Serious difficulties now arose, which threatened vexations and protracted strife. The con- sequence was, a complaint was presented to Classis, from a number of members of the Church and congre- gation, respecting the action had in these matters This document was referred to a committee consisting of Rev. B. C. Taylor, and the Elders William C. Morris and Minot C. Morgan, who were to confer with the acting and Great Consistory of Bergen Neck,
339
CHURCH AT BERGEN NECK.
and the Consistory of Bergen Point, and the trustee to whom the property had been conveyed in trust, and to aid in adjusting their differences, and promoting the harmony and peace of the two congregations.
Accordingly, on the 29th of May, 1854, the com- mittee of Classis, and the respective acting and Great Consistories, met. The Rev. J. C. Dutcher, then pas- tor elect of the new Church at the Point, was also present. Guidance in the whole matter having been sought in prayer to the God of Zion, the committee desired every one present, in turn, to express his per- sonal views and feelings. All of them were heard who were willing to give utterance to their senti- ments ; all admitted that something of the property should be appropriated to the new Church; but the differences were twofold-as to the amount, and the manner in which the thing had been done. The com- mittee patiently heard the respective statements, and then desired to be left alone for deliberation. It having been found that all of those who expected to remain with the old Church, would be content if four thousand dollars were allotted to the Church at the Point, from the proceeds of the old parsonage sale, while five thousand had been spent or would be on completion of the new house, and that the old Church was not released from liability for indebtedness for the erection of the new Church-and that thus the main points were reduced to the two named; the committee having also been informed that the trus- tee to whom conveyance had been given, had con- veyed the property to the new Church,-
" Resolved, unanimously, that in view of all the
340
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED DUTCH
difficulties which have existed in this matter, the com- mittee of Classis deem that the true and permanent interests of both congregations will be advanced, by the Church at Bergen Neck yielding their assent to the arrangement heretofore made by the Consistory of said Church, so that the new church and parson- age at Bergen Point, already transferred to said Church, shall remain as their property; the Consis- tory of the Church at Bergen Point to entirely free the Consistory of Bergen Neck from all liability for any indebtedness for the erection of said new church, at an early day."
All the parties having been recalled into the church, and all save one having come in, the chairman of the committee announced their action, and having assign- ed the reasons for it, called on each one then present to say whether he was content with the resolution of the committee. The reply of each one, separately given, was in the affirmative.
Prayer and thanksgiving to the great Head of the Church were offered by the chairman of the commit- tee, for this harmonious result; after which the right hand of brotherly affection and fellowship between the persons present was given. Tears of joy dropped from their eyes. All were glad. This heretofore hap- py people had now overcome a great difficulty, and their kindly sympathies for each other were sweetly commingled.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.