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 22
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The respective Consistories subsequently determined to carry out the whole arangement. Those who had retained their offices in the old Consistory, and favor- ed the new Church, resigned and made way for others,
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who would remain with the old Church, and thus the trouble ceased.
During Mr. Dutcher's ministration as pastor of the old Church, there were admitted to communion, six on confession of faith, and six on certificate-twelve in all.
On the 19th of September, 1854, the Church at Bergen Neck, with great unanimity, called the then candidate for the ministry, Aaron L. Stillwell. The call was approved. On the 4th of October ensuing, Mr. S. was ordained to the ministry, and installed pastor of the Church, on which occasion the Rev. Isaac S. Demund preached the sermon-the Rev. Benjamin C. Taylor charged the pastor, and Rev. Alexander H. Warner the congregation.
Mr. Stillwell's kind people have, since his settle- ment among them, erected for his use a most beautiful parsonage house, on a lot of land admirably located, and generously given by Mr. James C. Van Buskirk. The cost of the house and other improvements was thirty-five hundred dollars, of which fourteen hundred was from individual subscriptions. His labors con- tinue, both at the Church and at Greenville. The Lord prosper this people yet more abundantly.
The feeble band which in 1829, exercised with love to God and zeal for his honor, entered on this good work, have cause to bless his name for what their eyes have seen, and their ears have heard, and their hearts have felt, of God's great goodness. They have endur- ed trials and hardness as good soldiers of the cross of Christ. They have had one controversy, but not a protracted one, and in the close of that difficulty have
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wept for joy over restored harmony and sympathy with each other. Now that they have become two bands, they dwell beside each other pleasantly and happily, each being blessed of the Lord, and looking with favor on each other's prosperity. The pastors have been,
Ira C. Boice, from 1829 to 1844.
James Romeyn, " 1844 1850.
Jacob C. Dutcher," 1850 1854.
Aaron L. Stillwell," 1854.
History of the First Reformed Dutch Church at Jersey City.
IN the year 1807, the first attempt to constitute a Reformed Dutch Church in this city, was made. The Rev. John Cornelison, of Bergen, and Rev. Peter Stryker, of Belleville, informed the Classis of Bergen, that the inhabitants of Jersey City desired a congre- gation to be formed under the jurisdiction of that body ; that the Associates of the Jersey Company had offered a grant of ground, on the South side of Grand Street, provided they would build thereon, within two years, a church of prescribed dimensions. A com- mittee was appointed by the Classis to further the object, and ministerial supplies, for several Sabbaths, were granted.
In 1808, in the month of April, the committee re- ported the impracticability of the organization of the Church, owing to the insufficient number of male communicants to form a Consistory. A subsequent attempt was made, but with no better success.
[313 ]
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HISTORY OF THE FIRST REFORMED
In 1828, the Associates deeded the land above named, (which is the same now occupied by the First Reformed Dutch Church), to "The First Presbyterian Church of Jersey City," for the purpose of erecting a church thereon, to be occupied as a place of public worship, by the congregation then worshiping in the old Town Hall, under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Olcott.
On the 31st of January, 1830, this people, having been called to part with their pastor, Mr. Olcott, whose connection with this Church had been dissolved by the Presbytery of Newark, submitted, through the trustees and session, to the congregation, the pro- priety of becoming a Reformed Dutch Church, under the care of the Classis of Bergen. By an almost unanimous vote, the congregation decided to unite with said Classis. Measures were immediately taken for that purpose. A petition, signed by forty-eight heads of families, and thirty-eight communicants, was presented to the Classis on the 16th day of February, of that year, which was favorably acted upon. A Consistory was elected and ordained, and thus the Church duly constituted.
The Rev. Stephen H. Meeker, of Bushwick, on Long Island, N. Y., was immediately called. He was duly installed as pastor on the 9th of May, 1830. Mr. Meeker entered upon his labors, but was soon so strenuously urged by the people of his former charge to return to them, that on the 20th of October follow- ing, at his own request, the connection was dissolved, and he returned to Bushwick, where he continues his labors.
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DUTCH CHURCH AT JERSEY CITY.
On the 8th of February, 1834, the Rev. James R. Talmage was called to this Church. It existed in feebleness, yet was sustained by those who, anticipa- ting the future growth of population, were satisfied it must ultimately become an important Church. They did not despise the day of small things. Mr. Tal- mage, on a very limited support, continued his labors for two years. On being called to the Reformed Dutch Church at Pompton Plains, N. J., he resigned this charge. His labors were acceptable, and he was beloved for his simplicity of manner, and con- stancy of devotion to the people of his charge. The connection between him and this Church was dissolved on the 30th of January, 1833.
Under his ministrations this Church had added to her communion, eight persons on confession of faith, and fifteen on certificate-in all twenty-three.
On the 19th of November, 1833, the then candidate for the ministry, Mr. Matthias Lusk, was ordained by the Classis to the work of the ministry, and installed pastor of this Church.
His pastorate continued for nearly fifteen years. They were years of painful and most anxious toil. Discouragements often oppressed ; but mercies were shared. Gradual accessions were received to the communion of the Church, which amounted, at the close of Mr. L.'s ministry, to nearly or quite one hun- dred ; and there were about one hundred families identified with the congregation.
The church had been neatly refitted, and a con- venient lecture-room constructed under it. No incon- siderable outlay of money was made for these 15*
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improvements. Old indebtedness was liquidated, and at the close of his labors it was free from any debt. His connection with it was dissolved October 26th, 1848.
It was not until July, 1849, that this people engaged the services of another pastor. On the 31st day of that month, a call upon the Rev. John Austin Yates, D. D., a Professor in Union College, N. Y., was ap- proved, and he received as a member of the Classis of Bergen. He accepted the invitation, and com- menced his labors with vigor, securing, very speedily, a high degree of confidence from the congregation and citizens generally. He was a man of large and elegant literary accomplishments-an able and truly eloquent preacher. Large expectations of growth and prosperity, as the result of his stated ministrations, were indulged. His call had been approved, and his installation was to have taken place on the third Sab- bath, the 16th of September. To that event all were looking forward with great interest. But God's ways are not our ways. He seeth not as man seeth. Man appoints, but God disappoints. Dr. Yates had gone to Schenectady, to effect the removal of his family to Jersey City. While there, and when his goods were ready for removal, he was attacked with cholera, which very soon proved fatal. He died on Sabbath, the 26th of August. The painful tidings of his de- parture from earth afflicted many hearts, specially the people who had just learned to love him, and were waiting for the consummation of the bond of union between them.
On the ensuing Sabbath, the Rev. M. W. McLaren,
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DUTCH CHURCH AT JERSEY CITY.
D. D., supplied the vacant pulpit, and a brief address, touching the affliction God had sent this people, was, by request, made by the Rev. B. C. Taylor. It was a trying season. Every heart was touched. The whole city was moved with sympathy, and we could only say, "Be still and know that the Lord is God."
Arrangements were made by the Consistory for the delivery of an appropriate funeral discourse, on the evening of the third Sabbath of September, when the Rev. William J. R. Taylor rendered the service to a crowded audience. His discourse was founded on Isaiah 40: 6, 7, 8. "The voice said cry. And he said What shall I cry ? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it. Surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the word of our God shall stand forever."
In May, 1850, the Rev. Daniel Lord was called as successor to Dr. Yates, and installed on the third Sabbath, the 16th of June, on which occasion the Rev. Dr. Lord, of Philadelphia, an uncle of the pastor, preached the sermon. Rev. William V. V. Mabon, charged the pastor, and Rev. P. D. Van Cleef the congregation. Mr. Lord retained this pas- toral relation for only one year. It was dissolved on the 5th of May, 1851.
Another year had nearly run its round, before this pulpit was again occupied by a pastor. In April, 1852, a call was made upon the Rev. Alexander W. McClure, of Malden, Mass., and on the 19th of May following, he was received into the Classis, according
.
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to the well established rules of the Church, on dismis- sion from the Suffolk North Association of the Con- gregational body of Massachusetts, and installed pastor of this Church. The sermon was preached by Gustavus Abeel, D. D., the charge to the pastor by Rev. P. D. Van Cleef, and to the people by Rev. B. C. Taylor. For three years Mr. (now Doctor), McClure labored assiduously in this pastoral relation. During this time arrangements were made for the erection of a new house for God, on the same site on which the old church stood. The edifice to be of cut brown stone, of large dimensions, and intended to be appropriately finished. Several liberal subscriptions were received, and the encouragement to go forward was not small.
On the 22d day of September, 1853, the corner- stone of this church was laid by the pastor. Addresses were delivered by the Rev. Drs. Thomas De Witt, of New York, and B. C. Taylor, of Bergen. The assembly was large, and much interest manifested in the exercises. The work of rearing the house went on, until the walls were nearly up, when the suspen- sion of the work became necessary. The contracts could not be fulfilled for anything near the sums stipulated, and sore embarrassments ensued. En- larged means must be obtained, or the work could not be resumed. For two years or more these perplexi- ties so tried the congregation, that they almost despaired of sustaining their existence as a Church. A final effort was made under a promise from the Collegiate Reformed Dutch Church, in New York, of one thousand dollars per annum, for ten successive
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years, to date from the day of dedication of the church. A new subscription was put in circulation, and fifteen thousand dollars subscribed, to be applied to the completion of the house. Thus cheered onward, the work is completed, and they have entered this sanctuary, praising God for his deliverance and mercy.
It is proper to state, that on the 4th of October, 1854, on a statement being made to the Classis of Bergen, of the perplexities of this Church, they appointed a committee, consisting of Rev. Drs. Tay- lor and Abeel, to present and urge their case before the Collegiate Church of New York, for the needed aid. The best efforts of the committee were cheer- fully put forth.
The Rev. Dr. McClure had resigned the pastoral charge, and his relation to this Church was dissolved on the 18th of April, 1855. He has since been most happily and usefully employed as a corresponding secretary of "The American and Foreign Christian Union." Under his ministry, the accessions to com- munion were six on confession, and sixteen on cer- tificate-in all twenty-two.
Since the resignation of Dr. McClure, the Rev. Professor William H. Campbell, D. D., of the Theo- logical Seminary of the Reformed Dutch Church, for several months supplied the pulpit, and gave a noble impulse to the subscription for finishing the house, his services being gratuitously bestowed, and himself subscribing largely towards the erection of the new church.
The Rev. Professor Martin, of the University of
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New York, has also for some time supplied the pulpit.
This Church has constantly manifested a regard for the institutions of the Reformed Dutch Church. Her contributions have been liberal. She has been greatly distressed, but God has taught her dependence on his arm, and that her consolation aboundeth by Christ.
On the 22d of December, 1856, the Rev. David H. Riddle, D. D., of the Presbytery of Pittsburgh, was solicited to become the pastor of the Church. On the 9th of February, 1857, a call upon him was duly exe- cuted, and forwarded to him.
On the second day of April, 1857, Dr. Riddle was received by the Classis of Bergen, as a member thereof. The call was approved, and arrangements were made for his installation.
In view of the meeting in this new and elegant church, and the favorable circumstances under which Dr. Riddle enters on his pastorate, the Classis unani- mously adopted the following preamble and reso- lution :
" Whereas the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jersey City have been permitted to open, for the ses- sions of this Classis, this day, their new and beautiful church, and expect to dedicate it on the ensuing Sab- bath, to God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and as this interesting and greatly to be desired end has been attained only by a series of marked and striking providential dealings, whereby this congregation has been brought through great and sore trials, therefore
" Resolved, That this Classis devoutly acknowledge the goodness and mercy of God, the adorable Head over all things to the Church, to this congregation,
บ
ـة كرون
FIRST REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH. GRAND STREET. JERSEY CITY.
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DUTCH CHURCH AT JERSEY CITY.
and the pleasant prospect before them ; and that they have, with their new pastor, strong encouragement ever to rely upon God's covenant faithfulness, and to go onward in holy duty, looking unto Him for con- tinued favor."
On Sabbathı, the 5th of April, 1857, the solemn dedication service was performed. In the morning, the Rev. Matthias Lusk, a former pastor of the Church, opened the exercises by invoking the divine presence, and pronouncing the Christian salutation. The Rev. Alexander W. McClure, D. D., the late pastor of the Church, in a felicitous manner, presented to the pas- tor elect a beautiful copy of the Scriptures, and several Hymn Books for the use of the pulpit, in the name and behalf of the Sabbath School of the Church. He then opened the holy book and read a portion of the divine word. The Rev. John Garretson, D. D.,
offered an appropriate prayer. The choir sang a hymn adapted to the occasion, accompanied by the mellow notes of the organ ; after which, Dr. Riddle preached an able discourse on Psalm 84: 1. "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts."
At the close of the sermon, the Rev. Benjamin C. Taylor, D. D., requested the congregation to rise while the dedicatory prayer was offered. With de- vout feeling the large assembly joined in this impres- sive service. The beautiful form presented by the committee of the General Synod for approval, was then read by Dr. Taylor, and this holy house was thus dedicated to the Triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The Rev. Robert B. Canfield gave out
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another hymn, which was admirably sung, and the Rev. Mr. Henry pronounced the benediction.
In the afternoon, the house was again filled with attentive worshipers, who listened to a discourse delivered by Rev. Thomas Vermilyea, D. D., of New York, the Rev. Paul D. Van Cleef and Dr. Taylor sharing the devotional services.
In the evening the house, lighted with gas, pre- sented a delightful appearance. It was crowded to its utmost capacity. The Rev. Isaac Ferris, D. D., Chancellor of the University of New York, occupied the pulpit, and preached to great acceptance.
This was truly a day of the right hand of the Most High to this congregation.
On Sabbath evening, the 19th of April, Dr. Rid- dle was duly installed pastor of the Church, by the committee of the Classis, on which occasion the Rev. Alexander W. McClure, D. D., the late pastor, preached on Matthew 8: 20. "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests." The form of installation was read, and followed with an address to the pastor, by Rev. Benjamin C. Taylor, D. D., after which the Rev. Paul D. Van Cleef delivered the charge to the congregation. The assembly was very large-deep solemnity prevailed, and the interest manifested was an indication of a purpose to sustain with vigor this Church in its every department.
On Monday evening, the 20th of April, 1857, pews were sold to a large amount, and the annual rental for the expenses of the church soon exceeded three thousand dollars. The Lord prosper this energetic people yet more abundantly.
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DUTCH CHURCH AT JERSEY CITY.
The pastoral record of this Church is as follows :- Stephen H. Meeker, installed 1830-resigned 1830. James R. Talmage, 1831 1833.
Matthias Lusk, 1833 "
1848.
John Austin Yates, D. D., accepted 1849-died 1849. Daniel Lord, installed 1850-resigned 1851.
Alexander W. McClure, D. D., installed 1852-re- signed 1855.
David H. Riddle, D. D., installed 1857.
History of the first Reformed Dutch Church of Hewark.
IN April, A. D. 1833, at their stated session, the Classis of Bergen appointed the Rev. Benjamin C. Taylor and Gustavus Abeel, a committee to inquire into the propriety of constituting a Reformed Dutch Church in Newark. This was based upon the fact, that some of the members in the full communion of the Reformed Dutch Church at Belleville, had become residents of Newark, and that if practicable, it was certainly desirable that a church of our faith and order should there be planted.
Shortly after this act of the Classis, though without any knowledge of such action, Messrs. Moses Dodd and Jacob Alyea visited the chairman of the commit- tee, to ascertain what was the method to be pursued, in order to constitute a church of our denomination, and expressed an earnest desire for speedy action. The committee not long afterwards met with those gentlemen, and a few others, at the house of Mr. [354]
1
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Samuel Davis, in Newark. The whole matter was freely and fully discussed, and then carried to the throne of God's grace in earnest prayer. In a few days these individuals secured the use of "The Union Academy," as a convenient place in which to com- mence their stated worship, the neighboring minis- ters of the Classis frequently officiating for the small body of people, who had thus determined to enter in- to a church relation with each other. The First and Third Presbyterian Churches were occasionally, in the kindest manner, placed at their disposal, for Sab- bath evening services, thus evincing an interest in and sympathy with this new enterprise.
The 25th of August, 1833, was a day of hallowed interest to this little band. It was the Sabbath of the Lord. The morning service was rendered by the author, in the Academy. The evening service in the Third Presbyterian Church. The assemblies were large, and the interest deep. It was the day following the meeting of the small company who resolved to rise up and build a house for God ; first seeking an ecclesiastical organization in a church of their own faith and order, and around which were beginning to cluster the fondest hopes of future enjoyment and use- fulness.
The document which follows was drawn up-signed by those present, and then circulated for subscription among others, who sympathised with them in the movement. On the 10th of September, A. D. 1833, it was presented to the Classis of Bergen, convened in stated sessions, in the Reformed Dutch Church at the Ponds, in Bergen, (now Passaic), County.
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"The undersigned, members in the full communion of the Church at Belleville, and other churches ad- hering to the principles, doctrines and forms of gov- ernment of the Reformed Dutch Church, and living in the town of Newark, in Essex County, are desirous of being organized into a church, to be distinguish- ed and known by the name of "The First Reformed Dutch Church of Newark."
"In urging our request for such an organization, we would respectfully represent to your reverend body, that the present time is peculiarly favorable for ac- complishing such an enterprise. The churches in this place are overflowing. A number of families hereto- fore belonging to neighboring Dutch Churches, have already moved into this town, and are not connected with any particular church :- that we, with our as- sociates, have procured the use of a commodious school-room as a place of worship : that we have, for several Sabbaths, maintained divine service, and ex- pect soon to secure the labors of the Rev. Ransford Wells, of Canajoharie, Montgomery County, N. Y., who has promised to come among us ; and we hope he will soon be appointed to this service by the Mis- sionary Board of General Synod. We have good en- couragement to erect a temple for the most High, and trust we shall soon be able to provide for the support of a minister.
"For any further information you may desire, we refer you to the committee appointed by your reve- rend body, at the last spring session, to ascertain the prospect of forming a Dutch Church, in this place- commending our cause to the Great Head of the
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Church, and praying that our request may be granted, we remain with Christian affection,
"Yours in the grace of the gospel. (Signed),
"Jotham Baldwin, Thomas S. Uffington, Ann Uffington,
Joan Baldwin,
Stephen M. Conger,
Magdalen King,
Rachel Conger,
Leah Joralemon,
Peter Vandervoort,
Maria Detmars,
Susan Vandervoort,
Josiah Burton,
Hetty Francisco,
Sarah Burton,
Maria Van Emburgh, John Alexander,
Moses Dodd,
Catharine Alexander,
Samuel Davis,
Charles Hall,
Magdalen Davis,
Mary Ann Hall,
Mary De Hart,"-23.
By the Classis, this application was referred to a committee consisting of Rev. Philip Duryee, Gustavus Abeel, and the Elder J. Ryerson, who made the fol- lowing report, which was accepted and adopted :
"That it appears highly important, from all the cir- cumstances of the case, that immediate measures should be taken to comply with the above request ; and your committee would recommend the adoption of the following resolutions :
" Resolved, That it be recommended to the Consis- tory of the Church at Belleville, to dismiss, on their own application, all those members in full com- munion who reside in Newark, and who are desirous of being organized into a Dutch Church at that place.
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" Resolved, That whenever three or more male members in communion shall have been so dismissed, they are hereby authorised to meet at some convenient place and time, and elect a Consistory, who, after be- ing duly published, shall be ordained, and constitute "The Reformed Dutch Church at Newark," it being understood that said Consistory shall, as soon as may be, become incorporated under the law respecting Dutch Churches, by the same name.
" Resolved, That the Rev. Philip Duryee preach at such time and place, as said male members in com- munion meet, and superintend said election-and that the Rev. I. S. Demund ordain the persons so elected, and constitute them the Consistory of The Reformed Dutch Church at Newark,
(Signed,) "Philip Duryee, Chairman."
On the 26th of September, A. D. 1833, the follow- ing named persons met in the Fourth Presbyterian Church, in Newark, viz: Rev. Philip Duryee, of the English Neighborhood; Josiah Burton, Samuel Davis, Moses Dodd, Stephen M. Conger, John Alexander, Charles Hall, and Peter Vandervoort.
The meeting having been opened with prayer, there were duly elected, as Elders Stephen M. Conger, and Thomas S. Uffington. As Deacons-Peter Vander- voort, and Charles Hall. On the 6th of October, 1833, the Rev. Isaac S. Demund, of Pompton, ordain- ed the above named persons to their respective offices. On the 29th of the same month, before Isaac Andrews, Esq., as a Justice of the Peace, they took the oaths of office required at that time by the statutes of New
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Jersey, and thus they completed their organization as " The First Reformed Dutch Church of Newark."
Very soon after this, the Rev. Ransford Wells con- menced his labors in the Gospel, among this people, the Church being aided in his support by the Board of Missions of the General Synod.
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