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 25
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During Mr. Van Cleef's ministry, there have been adınitted to communion, on confession of faith, sixty- four persons, and on certificate, one hundred and twenty-nine-in all one hundred and ninety-three.
This congregation in 1856, numbered one hundred and thirty-five families, and one hundred and eighty communicants. The annual contributions for religious and benevolent purposes amounted, in April, 1856, to eight hundred and fifty-two dollars. Verily, the Lord hath not so blessed every people.
The pastoral office has been held by Rev. William J. R. Taylor, installed September 27th, 1846-resigned October 4th, 1849.
Rev. Paul D. Van Cleef, installed December 10th, 1849.
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History of the Second Beformed Dutch Church at Newark, Esser Co., H. J.
ON the 7th day of February, 1848, arrangements were made by the Consistory of the First Reformed Dutch Church, of Newark, for establishing a Sabbath school, to be located East of the New Jersey Rail Road Depot, at Market Street, in the Fifth Ward of the city. A lot of land was temporarily leased, and a commodious room erected, by the individual liber- ality of the friends of the cause. In a very few weeks the house was ready for occupancy. The school, previously opened in the house of Mr. Gilbert Vanderwerken, was removed into the building, and a memorial forwarded to the General Synod's Board of Domestic Missions, for a missionary to labor in this field of usefulness.
The Rev. George R. Williamson, then pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church at West Ghent, in Colum- bia County, N. Y., was invited to take charge of this enterprise, and on the first Sabbath of March com.
[894 ]
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menced his labors, under appointment from the Board of Missions.
At the stated session of the Classis, April 18th, 1848, a petition, signed by sixteen members in full communion, was presented, and after a reference to a committee, and their favorable report thereon, the Classis determined to hold a special session on the 23d of May ensuing, in the First Church in Newark, with a view to the organization of the Second Church. They also appointed Rev. Drs. J. Scott, and B. C. Taylor, Rev. J. Garretson, and W. V. V. Mabon, and the Elder Joseph W. Duryee, a committee to re- ceive the certificates of dismission of those who pro- posed to form the said new church; to supervise the election of Elders and Deacons, and prepare the way for the constitutional action of Classis in their ordi- nation.
On the 28th of April, the committee met in the City of Newark, and received a certificate of dismis- sion from the First Reformed Dutch Church, for twenty-four persons, six of whom were male commu- nicants ; also, a certificate from another church for a female member, and one person was received on con fession of faith-thus making in all twenty-six mem- bers. The election, by the male communicants, re- sulted in the choice of Samuel R. Southard, and Nathan Crowell, as Elders; and Simpson Van Ness, and Thomas J. Cochran, as Deacons.
On the 23d of May the Classis met in the even- ing, when the Rev. B. C. Taylor, D. D., preached on Jeremiah, 51: 50. " And let Jerusalem come into your mind." Other members of the Classis shared in
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the exercises, and it was a season of solemnity. The interest of the occasion was heightened by the formal reception of a German Church into our body. The Rev. Mr. Williamson labored efficiently ; and although he toiled hard, his success was cheering. In April, 1849, there were in the communion of this Church forty communicants.
This people, with most commendable energy, pressed onward to secure a comfortable church, in which they and the generation following could wor- ship the God of salvation. Liberal subscriptions were obtained, and on the 25th of September, 1848, the corner-stone of their church was laid with appropriate services.
The Rev. Dr. James Scott laid the corner-stone. The Rev. Dr. Thomas De Witt, of New York, and Dr. B. C. Taylor, delivered addresses. Nine minis- ters of the Reformed Dutch, and six of the Presby- terian Church, were present. A large concourse of people witnessed the solemnities, and encouraged this new congregation to go forward in their noble work.
The Lord so blessed their efforts, that this people, in less than a year from the laying of their corner- stone, entered the house with great gladness. It was dedicated to the triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, on the 8th day of May, 1849, on which occa- sion the Rev. J. Scott, D. D., offered the opening prayer, Rev. George Williamson the dedicatory prayer and an address, and Rev. Samuel Van Vran- ken, D. D., preached the sermon. The house was free from debt, and has been from time to time this spiritual birth-place of many precious souls.
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DUTCH CHURCH AT NEWARK.
A call upon Mr. Williamson, to become the pastor of the Church, was presented to him September 13th, 1849, but the efforts and anxieties necessary in attain- ing the great object of rearing this Church, and bring- ing it at once into this honorable position, was too much for his physical system, and he was obliged by a bronchial difficulty to relax his efforts for several months. He consequently declined the call, and his labors at Newark ceased.
On the 10th of December, 1849, he was dismissed from the Classis of Bergen, to that of Schenectady, to become pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church at Amity, Saratoga County, New York. He served this affectionate people with fidelity and success until Sep- tember, 1852. On the fourth of that month, he had with his family embarked at New York on the favor- ite steamboat Reindeer, when, by the bursting of a flue, they were among the smitten ones. His child died in a few hours. Twenty-four hours after receiving his injuries, his spirit ascended to God who gave it, on Sabbath morning, the 5th of September, 1852, at the age of twenty-nine years and four months.
A neat volume, entitled "Cypress Wreath, to the memory of Rev. George R. Williamson, his wife and child"-narrates the incidents of his useful life, and the affecting scenes of the painful but joyful death of this happy family. It was published by Robert Carter & Brothers, in 1853.
The minds of the people of the Second Church at Newark were, after the removal of Mr. Williamson, directed to the Rev. Gustavus Abeel, D. D., of Ge- neva, New York. He signified his willingness to
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accede to their proposals, and accepted their call; reserving, however, to himself time and opportunity to visit Europe before entering upon his pastoral duties among them. To this reservation they assented, and secured temporarily the services of the Rev. Rutgers Van Brunt. Mr. Van Brunt ably supplied their pulpit until the spring of 1850. In May, 1850, their call on Dr. Abeel was approved by the Classis, and he was installed in June following.
Under the ministration of Dr. Abeel, this Church has gathered strength, and is now efficiently co- operating with the other churches, in furthering the best interests of the denomination of Christians to which she belongs. He has been permitted to see already of the fruit of his labors, in constant acces- sions to the communion, and in steady efforts for the various benevolent operations of the Church of Christ. At the last April report, (1856), there had been re- ceived since his pastorate commenced, sixty-three persons on confession of faith, and eighty-six on cer- tificate-in all one hundred and forty-nine. The congregation numbered one hundred and five families, and one hundred and sixty-two communicants. The contributions to religious and benevolent purposes amounted, for the year, to three hundred and seventy- six dollars.
The seal of the divine approbation has rested on this Church from its organization, and she is, with a good degree of activity, fulfilling her mission in the world. The Lord prosper her a thousand fold.
History of the Third Reformed Dutch Church of Helvark, A. S.
THE Christian community in the United States, have been for years past accustomed to look with interest and deep solicitude upon the wonderful influx of population from the old world. Of that swelling tide the German element is peculiarly interesting. While a large proportion are of the Roman Catholic faitlı, very many are imbued with the principles of infideli- ty. These, on arriving in this country, manifestly understand but little of the true spirit and genius of our constitutional, our civil and our religious rights and privileges. There are also those of an evangeli- cal and Protestant faith, who specially claim, and surely ought to receive the fostering care of evangeli- cal Christians. Some, and even many of them, have long been accustomed to the Heidelbergh Catechism, as a symbol of their faith. These can the more readi- ly become identified with the Reformed Dutch Church [399 ]
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in this land, as that catechism is recognized as an ex- ponent of her faith.
Aware of this, a certain German Protestant Church in Newark, N. J., through the Rev. James Scott, D. D., presented to the reverend Classis of Bergen, on the 18th of April, 1848, a petition, setting forth "That they were a Christian Church, bearing the name of the German Evangelical, in the City of New- ark. That they were German Protestants, attached to the principles of the Reformed Church, consisting of at least fifty families, mostly emigrants from Europe. That they have not heretofore had the advantages of connection with a church judicatory, sufficiently near to them in location or sympathies, to ensure to them the benefits of a fostering and paternal supervision, which all Christian congregations inherently necd. That they had recently purchased a suitable building in which to worship God, and that having a commu- nity in sentiment, feeling, and doctrinal views, with the Reformed Dutch Church, they therefore prayed to be taken under the care of the Classis, according to the forms and usages of the Church, and to be re- ceived as an integral portion of the Classis."
The whole subject was referred to a special com- mittee, consisting of Rev. James Scott, D. D., B. C. Taylor, J. Romeyn, and the Elder, J. W. Duryee. This committee recommended a special conference with the elders and trustees of this Church. The Rev. Drs. Scott and Taylor, and Messrs. Garretson and Mabon, and Elder J. W. Duryee, were the com- mittee to report to the Classis, at its adjourned session to be held on 23d of May following.
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DUTCH CHURCH OF NEWARK.
On the 28th of April this committee met with five elders and five trustees, and had a protracted inter- view with them, in which they were interrogated as to their doctrinal views-their willingness to submit to the government of the Reformed Dutch Church, and the present state and prospects of their congrega- tion. The committee became satisfied of the propriety of their reception, and recommended to the Classis to take such steps as might be deemed necessary to re- ceive the said Church as a constituent part of the Classis.
Subsequently, another committee was appointed, to consider the mode in which this Church should be re- ceived. This committee were Rev. Drs. B. C. Taylor, J. Scott, and the Elder, William Stephens. They rec- ommended, "That as this Church was not connected with any ecclesiastical body, the following course be pursued :
"1st. That as many as practicable of the members of said Church shall be present this evening, during the exercises which have been appointed, and publicly have propounded to them, such appropriate questions as the President may deem proper, respecting their reception of the doctrines, and submission to the government of the Reformed Dutch Church.
" 2d. That on making such acknowledgements, they shall be recognized as a Christian Church, under the care of this Classis.
"3d. That Classis appoint a committee to meet with the male members of said Church this evening, immediately after service, and superintend the elec- tion of elders and deacons.
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"4th. That the persons elected be published three successive Sabbaths from the pulpit of their church, and on the second Sabbath in June, Rev. Dr. J. Scott ordain them to their respective offices.
"5th. That it be recommended to the elders and deacons elected, immediately after their ordination to become incorporated as a Reformed Dutch Church, according to the law of the State.
"6th. That they obtain from the present trustees a transfer of their church property."
In accordance with the foregoing arrangements, a public profession of faith, and submission to the government of the Reformed Dutch Church, was made by several of the members of the German Evan- gelical Church in Newark, in presence of the Classis, in the evening of the session thereof, on the first day of June, 1848. Mr. Francis Michael Serenbetz was one of that number.
On the 23d of May, a verbal statement respecting the Rev. F. M. Serenbetz and his ministerial creden- tials, was made to the Classis. A list of his testimo- nials was presented, as having been examined by the Rev. John C. Guldin, of New York, and they were referred to a committee of the Classis. The commit- tee reported, "That his credentials presented him to us as a Roman Priest, ordained at Fribourg, in the year 1834, by a papal arch-bishop-of unimpeach- able morals, and high standing as a scholar. One of these testimonials, dated in A. D. 1846, from the aforesaid papal dignitary, was given him upon his leaving Germany for this country, and commended him to any Roman Catholic bishop to whom he might apply for the discharge of his priestly functions."
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There was also a letter from Rev. J. C. Guldin, at- testing the employment of Mr. S. by the American Protestant Society, and that he was editor of The Free German Catholic, a religious semi-monthly paper, published in New York.
The committee recommended Mr. Serenbetz to the Classis for examination, in view of becoming one of its members. The committee also submitted to the Classis the question of the validity of the ordination of Mr. S., and recommended that measures be taken for his examination in the presence of a Deputatus Synodi, on the first day of June next. At that date Classis resumed the consideration of the case, and de- termined to proceed according to the recommendation of the committee. A preliminary question was sub- mitted, and the following resolution offered :
"Resolved, That the Classis recognize the validity of the ordination of Mr. Serenbetz, by the papal arch- bishop of Macrensis." This question was decided in the negative by nine votes, there being only one in the affirmative.
The Classis then proceeded to the examination of Mr. S. on the subject of personal piety, and proving satis- factory, it was sustained, with a view to his admission to holy baptism. The Classis directed his baptism to take place immediately. The Rev. A. H. Warner offered prayer, and read the form of baptism; the Rev. John Garretson administered the ordinance to Mr. S., and Rev. E. H. May, one of the Deputati from the Classis of New York, closed the exercises with prayer.
The examination for licensure, as a candidate for the holy ministry, was then attended to, in presence
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of Rev. Mr. May and Mr. Oakey, the Deputati Synodi. Having been examined on the various subjects re- quired by the Constitution of the Reformed Dutch Church, the examination was sustained, and Mr. Serenbetz was licensed as a candidate for the gospel ministry, having first subscribed the usual formula.
On the 27th of June the Classis again convened. A call from the Third Reformed Dutch Church, at Newark, upon Francis Michael Serenbetz, was pre- sented and approved. At this meeting the commit- tee reported the ordination, on the 11th of June, of the elders and deacons elected, and the Classis, on the announcement by Mr. S. of his acceptance of the call, proceeded to his examination for ordination, in presence of Rev. Peter D. Oakey, Deputatus Synodi. The ex- amination was thorough on all the subjects required by the Constitution of the Church, and was very satis- factory.
The Classis agreed to meet again on the 17th of July, in the Third Reformed Dutch Church, in Newark, to ordain and install Mr. S. At the appointed time, these services were rendered. On this occasion, by request of Classis, the Rev. John C. Guldin, of New York, preached in the German language. Rev. J. Scott, D. D., charged the pastor, and Rev. B. C. Tay- lor, D. D., the congregation. The Classis then recom- mended the Church to the Board of Domestic Mis- sions for aid.
From this time the affairs of this Church have been conducted under the ecclesiastical supervision of the Classis.
The foregoing detail of procedure is inserted, be-
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cause of the peculiarities of the whole case, both as to the Church, and their pastor. It manifests the anxiety of the Classis to minister to the exigencies of this people, and to do so by protecting the Church as far as possible, by proper safeguards, against errors of doctrine and practice, and causing the people to feel the value of a truly spiritual religion.
Mr. Serenbetz continued his labors in this charge until the 10th of December, 1849, when on the joint application of Mr. S. and the Consistory, the pastoral relation subsisting between them was dissolved.
On the same day, the classical committee on cre- dentials reported to the Classis that the Rev. Frederick Augustus Lehlback, of the Grand Duchy of Baden, had appeared before them, in the first week in No- vember, and presented his credentials, with a view of being permitted to occupy the pulpit of the Third Reformed Dutch Church, in Newark, until a meeting of the Classis should occur. These documents were full and satisfactory, both with regard to his good standing and usefulness in "The United Evangelical German Church of Baden."
It also appeared to the committee, that Mr. Lehl- back, being identified with the late revolution in the Grand Duchy of Baden, was constrained to leave precipitately, on the entrance of the Prussian army ; and that on account of the union of the Church and State, in that Duchy, it was and is imposible for him to obtain a regular classical dismission. Before this could be secured, an act of amnesty must be passed in regard to him by the government.
The committee examined Mr. L. respecting his
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views of doctrine, church government-the sacra- ments, and experimental piety, and were fully satisfied. They authorised Mr. Lehlback to occupy the pulpit of the Third Reformed Dutch Church, in the City of Newark, until a meeting of the Classis of Bergen should be held.
The credentials of Mr. L., so satisfactory to the aforesaid committee, were referred to the committee on credentials. This new committee reported that the documents referred to them, showed Mr. L. to be a liberally educated man, a minister of the national Church of Baden ; that he was ordained in 1828, and officiated as pastor of a church near Heidelbergh, in the Grand Dutchy of Baden, several years. The standards he subscribed were the Heidelbergh and old Lutheran Catechisms. The committee recommended his examination as to his theological views and Chris- tian hope.
On the morning of the 11th of December, 1849, Mr. L. was examined, (through the Rev. John C. Guldin as an interpreter,) on the subjects of the inter- pretation of the Scriptures, didactic and polemic theology, the sacraments, and personal piety. The examination was sustained, and the Classis accredited him as an authorized minister of the gospel, and took him under their care for one year, as a probationer, with a view to his future reception by the Classis, and gave him permission to preach within their bounds.
Mr. Lehlback was also recommended to the Board of Domestic Missions, to be appointed a missionary to the Third Reformed Dutch Church at Newark. On this recommendation, Mr. L. became for one year the
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stated supply of this congregation. He diligently pursued his holy calling, serving this people accepta- bly, the congregation having increased in numbers during that time.
On the 10th of December, 1850, this Church pre- sented a call to Mr. L., to become their stated pastor. He was again examined with a view to his reception as a member and minister of the Reformed Dutch Church. He produced additional testimonials of his Christian and ministerial character and standing, and setting him forth as an advocate of the doctrines of grace, professed by the Reformed Church. This exami- nation having been sustained, he was now, on sub- scribing the formula for ministers of the Reformed Dutch Church, received as a member of the Classis of Bergen. Arrangements were made for his installa- tion as pastor of this Church. This was effected on Sabbath evening, the 29th of December, 1850. The sermon was preached by Rev. James Scott, D. D .- The charge to the pastor was given by Rev. Gustavus Abeel, D. D., and that to the people by Rev. Isaac S. Demund.
During Mr. Lehlback's ministry, the church edifice has been refitted and enlarged. The congregation now support their pastor without further aid from the Board of Missions, and numbered over one hundred families, and two hundred and seventy-three com- municants, in April, 1856.
The recital of the particulars appertaining to the reception of the two successive pastors of this Church has been minute, for the purpose of exhibiting the watchfulness of the Classis over this people, and their
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adherence to the constitutional regulations of the Church, as well as to present the cheerful acquies- cence of the congregation in every requirement of the Church of their adoption-thus showing the mutual affection and confidence subsisting between the Church represented by the Classis, and this indi- vidual Church and congregation.
This having been the first instance of a German population seeking for the spiritual watch and care of the Classis, the necessity for caution is self-evident. An injudicious movement, and a consequent failure, would have operated seriously against subsequent efforts in other places, for the spiritual good of that exceedingly interesting people, so constantly ad- ding to the communities among whom our churches are located. The results, however, have encouraged others to seek like privileges with our German brethren in Newark, and already North Hoboken, Hoboken, and Jersey City, have each an organized Church in connection with this Classis. But of these we shall testify hereafter.
The pastors of this Church have been -
Rev. Francis Michael Serenbetz, installed July 17th, 1848-resigned December 10th, 1849.
Rev. Frederick Augustus Lehlback, installed Decem- ber 29th, 1850.
History of the First Reformed Ontch Church of Hoboken, A. S.
DURING the ministry of the Rev. Gustavus Abeel, D. D., at the English Neighborhood, he often extend- ed his visits to the inhabitants along the route of the main turnpike road to Hoboken, and diligently ex- plored the whole of the region now known as Hoboken City. His public services were earnestly desired by several of the prominent families in that place. There was then no house for God there. Some of the fami- lies, when attending on the public worship of God, did so in the churches in the City of New York; others in the Reformed Dutch Churches of Bergen and English Neighborhood. Although, at this time, Hoboken contained but a small population, it was a place of resort on the Sabbath, by multitudes from the City of New York. Hotels, pleasure gardens, drinking saloons, and places of amusement were open throughout the Lord's day. The Elysian Fields were visited by throngs. Thus Sabbath breaking and [ 409]
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deeds of revolting immorality were constantly occur- ring there.
In 1826. measures were taken for Sabbath evening services to be maintained, and the ball room of a large hotel was obtained, in which Mr. Abeel could hold forth the word of life. The exercises could not, however, commence until a late hour. At that time the ferry boats ceased plying at eight o'clock in the evening. With the ringing of the last ferry bell, as it was called, the shops, the pleasure houses, and the eating and drinking saloons were closed. Then, and not until then, could an assembly be gathered for the worship of God. Mr. Abeel commenced his preach- ing services there under all these disadvantageous circumstances. The Missionary Society of the Re- formed Dutch Church appointed him a missionary to Hoboken, in 1826. He thus took this important labor upon him, in addition to his duties as pastor of the English Neighborhood Church. His toil and anxiety were not without reward. Several persons, resident there, hopefully passed from death unto life under his ministrations, and became communicants of his Church at the Neighborhood. Great, and at that time insuperable difficulties, prevented the erec- tion of a church edifice, yet Mr. Abeel continued his valuable labors during his pastorate in the vicinity. In 1828, Mr. Abeel having removed to Belleville, and been succeeded by the Rev. Philip Duryee, arrange- ments were made by Mr. Duryee and the Rev. B. C. Taylor, for continuing the Sabbath evening services at Hoboken, twice in each month, by respectively al- ternating these services. The only place which could
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