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 28
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447
DUTCH CHURCH OF FRANKLIN.
with the Church at Belleville, they to worship there in the forenoon of the Sabbath, and to receive the usual pastoral attention of the pastor of that Church.
The Rev. John A. Liddell, pastor of the Reformcd Dutch Church at Stone House Plains, distant from Franklin between two and three miles, and then un- der the care of the Classis of Passaic, so arranged with his congregation, as to preach at Franklin every Sabbath afternoon, and continued to do so until his death, which occurred in 1851. In this service he was succeeded by the Rev. John Wiseman for about two years. In 1853, on the cessation of his labors, the congregation at Belleville were engaged in rear- ing their new church. This afforded an opportunity for the Rev. Isaac S. Demund, then pastor, to preach every Sabbath morning, for about one year, at Frank- lin.
It is pleasing to add, that although looking forward to an early day, when they should become a distinct church, the people of Franklin heartily co-operated in this work at Belleville, by personal exertions and prayers. Their contributions to this church erection amounted to nineteen hundred and ninety-five dollars.
On the completion of the new sanctuary at Belle- ville, the pastor necessarily resumed his pulpit, and discontinued his labor on the Sabbath at Franklin. The Rev. Peter S. Talmage, having become the pas- tor at Stone House Plains, was employed to render a Sabbath afternoon service, as his predecessors had done at Franklin.
At the session of the Classis of Bergen in April, 1855, an application was made by twenty-eight com-
448
HISTORY OF THE REFORMED
municants, all of whom, except five, were identified with the Church at Belleville, to be organised into a Reformed Dutch Church. The request was granted, the Rev. Isaac S. Demund and James Scott, D. D., with the Elders Tunis Waldron and William H. Kirk, were appointed a committee to superintend the election and ordination of elders and deacons, and constitute the Church. On the 6th of May the committee met. The Rev. I. S. Demund preached on the occasion, on Solo- mon's Song, 6 : 10-" Who is she that looketh forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners ?"
On the 27th of May, the Rev. Dr. Scott ordained as Elders and Deacons elect-Sebastian Duncan, John Barns, Elders ; Robert Duncan, Henry A. Ventress, Deacons.
The want of a suitable house for worship was felt. The people desired something they could call their own, and around which to rally. The project of a permanent fund, not to exceed six thousand dollars, was planned, the interest of which was to be applied to the support of the pastor of the Church. The scheme was zealously entered upon-the money to be raised by semi-monthly subscriptions, of one penny and upwards, and at the date of the last report, amounted to fifteen hundred and sixty-six dollars.
The question of location of their proposed church remains unsettled. So soon as this somewhat vexed question shall have been put at rest, no doubt this congregation will take rank with our energetic work- ing churches, and share in the blessings of her adora- ble Head and Lord Christ Jesus.
449
DUTCH CHURCH OF FRANKLIN.
In April, 1856, this congregation numbered fifty- four families and forty communicants. A Sabbath school of one hundred and thirty-one scholars is sus- tained. The contributions for benevolent and religious purposes, reported in April, 1856, were two hundred and seventeen dollars and twenty-three cents-a good evidence of vitality and energy. " The Lord increase them with men like a flock."
istory of the Second B. J. Dutch Church at hackensack, Bergen Co.
THE growth of population in the beautiful village of Hackensack, and the inability of the old mother Church to supply families with eligible pews, originated the desire for a church in the Northern part of the village, which ripened into action in October, 1855.
On the 16th of that month, an application was pre- sented to the Classis from a number of persons, nearly all of whom had been connected with the First Church, praying for an organization into a new church. The applicants were heard, and no objection having been presented, the request was granted. The Rev. Alex- ander H. Warner and Andrew B. Taylor, with the Elder, Peter R. Terhune, were designated as a com- mittee to constitute the Church.
This committee met in the Reformed Dutch Church in that village, on the 31st of October, 1855. After appropriate religious excercises, twelve communicants presented their certificates of membership and dis- [4.50]
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DUTCH CHURCH AT HACKENSACK
mission, and were duly recognised by the committee, who proceeded to superintend the election of officers, when the following persons were elected : Jacob J. Banta and Aaron C. Bogert, as Elders; Cyrus Knapp and David A. Bogert, as Deacons.
On Sabbath, the 11th day of November following, the persons so elected were ordained to their respective offices, and the Church declared to be duly constituted as "The Second Reformed Protestant Dutch Church at Hackensack."
A school room in the northern part of the village was procured, in which to conduct the Sabbath ser- vices of this Church. They obtained supplies from the neighboring and other clergy, with increasing assemblies.
Early efforts were made to raise by subscription a sum sufficient to warrant them to build a church. Two thousand dollars were subscribed. Different sites were offered on which to rear their sanctuary. The final decision was to accept the ground offered by the heirs of the late Abraham H. Berry, fronting on State Street, being one hundred and twenty-three feet front and rear, and one hundred and ninety-two feet deep, and valued at eight hundred dollars.
On the 22d of May, 1856, a call was executed by the Consistory, upon the then candidate for the minis- try, James Demarest, Junr., and approved by the Classis on the 27th of that month. Mr. Demarest announced his acceptance of the call, and was ex- amined for ordination. The Classis having been fully satisfied, appointed the 8th day of July for his ordina- tion and installation. " On that occasion the services
452
DUTCH CHURCH AT HACKENSACK.
were rendered in the old church, by invitation of its Consistory. The Rev. James Demarest, the father of the pastor elect, by request, preached the sermon. The Rev. James Scott, D. D., charged the people, and the Rev. Paul D. Van Cleef the pastor.
In April, 1856, the Consistory reported to Classis, as connected with the congregation, thirty-two families and fourteen communicants.
On the 30th of July, 1856, this people witnessed the interesting ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of their church, by the Rev. John Knox, D. D., of New York, and have pressed onward the work of its erection. They hope in a few weeks to enter this holy house, with songs and praises making melody unto the Lord. The dimensions of the church, which is a neat frame edifice, are forty by sixty feet, with a front ex- tension of thirteen by twenty-eight feet, and a recess for the pulpit of four feet in depth. The steeple is one hundred and twelve feet in height from the ground. The house will probably cost five thousand five hun- dred dollars.
The German Evangelical Church of the City of Hoboken, H. J.
IN April, 1856, a statement was made to the Classis of Bergen, in stated session, in the city of Hoboken, of the wants of a large number of German families, resident in that city-many of them desirous of en- joying the ministrations of the gospel, statedly : and that the Rev. Leopold Mohn was willing to labor among them a part of his time, if means to sustain the necessary expenses could be furnished. The Classis immediately arranged for contributions to be made in their Churches, for at least temporarily sus- taining this well directed effort. The arrangements have been well sustained, and Mr. Mohn's labors have proved highly beneficial.
The committee appointed to superintend this effort, reported to the Classis, on the 29th of July, 1856, "that with commendable zeal and intelligence Mr. M. had prosecuted this work in Hoboken, and in the village of West Hoboken and Carlstadt. in addition [458]
454
THE GERMAN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
to his pastoral labor at North Hoboken, that the num- ber of Germans resident in the first three of these places, is not far from three thousand, that preaching had been maintained every Sabbath, by Mr. Mohn, in Hoboken, and a nucleus formed, around which, ere long, many devout persons may be gathered into a church of our blessed Lord. They therefore recom- mended to the favorable regard of the Classis, the peti- tion of twenty persons, who were of the number of those who for some time had enjoyed the ministrations of Mr. Mohn, and ten of whom were heads of families." The petition was necessarily deferred to a special session of the Classis, to be held on the 5th of August. On that day the Classis re-assembled-acted definitely on the whole subject, and appointed the Rev. Messrs. W. V. V. Mabon, L. Mohn and C. Par- ker, with the Elders William Icke and J. Dunn Little, a committee to organize said Church. On the 16th of September, they reported the organization duly effect- ed, and an elder delegated from that Church took his seat in the Classis.
This people have secured for their Sabbath services the use of the Presbyterian Church. Rich blessings, it is hoped, are in store for them, according to the as- surance-"Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God."
At the stated session of Classis, April 21st, 1857, this Church presented a call on Mr. Mohn, to become their pastor, which was approved, and arrangements were made for his installation at an early day.
This servant of Christ has also access, at times, to the new German settlement of Carlstadt, located on
455
OF THE CITY OF HOBOKEN.
the Southern extremity of Bergen County, on the route of the Patterson plank road. It is in the town- ship of Lodi, and on the Southern extremity of the pastoral charge of the Rev. Alexander H. Warner, of Hackensack. Of this place the missionary writes: "no where, in all my life, among the German popula- tion of America, have I witnessed such a desire to hear the gospel, and secure the establishment of a church."
These developments have all deeply impressed the minds of the ministers and lay delegates of the Classis with the greatness, and difficulty, and desirableness of a faithful cultivation of this field of labor. The conviction is entertained, that this Classis cannot do a nobler work for the Master, than to enlarge their field of usefulness among the Germans in the very midst of us. God has sent them among us, and they must not be neglected at our very doors. "The Lord strengthen us for this good work."
History of the Berman Ebangelical Alis- sion Church of Jersey City, H. J.
IN his watchfulness over the religious interests of the Germans, the Rev. Mr. Mohn has been anxious to secure not only fields of labor, but men to occupy them. In the month of April, 1856, the Rev. Charles Dæpenschmidt, an evangelical minister, and a mem- ber of the German Evangelical Synod of Ohio, who had for some time labored in the West as a Missionary of the American and Foreign Christian Union with great acceptance, was induced to visit Jersey City, in company with Mr. Mohn, and see what encourage- ment the Protestant Germans there would give to es- tablish among them an evangelical ministry. A few years previously, a Lutheran Church had been at- tempted, but soon ceased to exist. The exploration of the field, satisfied these brethren that a pleasant and profitable work could be undertaken on this be- half, with good prospect of success. A number of Germans soon came forward, with offers to assume the
[456]
457
MISSION CHURCH OF JERSEY CITY.
expense of renting, lighting, and warming a suitable room for Sabbath worship. Mr. Mohn assumed the responsibility of raising funds for the temporary sup- port of Mr. Dæpenschmidt.
Very soon the commodious room in Franklin Hall, on the corner of Montgomery and Warren Streets, was secured for a sanctuary for these Germans. An appeal to the pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church of Van Vorst, for aid, prompted the recommendation to his people, and a sum sufficient, or nearly so, for three months support of Mr. D., was immediately raised by them and a few other persons. Mr. Dæpen- schmidt commenced his labors on Sabbath the 27th of April, 1856, morning and evening, attended by thirty hearers. His labors were so far successful, that on the 8th of July, a petition was presented to Classis, signed by over sixty Germans, of whom forty-two were com- municants, asking to be constituted a Church under the care of the Classis of Bergen,
Action on this application was postponed until the 5th of August ensuing, when the request was granted, and the Rev. A. W. McClure, D. D., P. D. Van Cleef, and L. Mohn, with the Elders H. DeHart and S. Garretson, were appointed a committee to organize the Church.
On the 17th of August the committee met with the applicants, and received them into communion with the Reformed Dutch Church, and superintended the election of Elders and Deacons, two of each being chosen. On the 7th day of September following, they again met with this little band of Christians, and or- dained the Elders and Deacons previously chosen.
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458
MISSION CHURCH OF JERSEY CITY.
On the 16th and 17th of September, the delegate from this new Church occupied his seat as their rep- resentative in the Classis. At the same time Mr. Dæpenschmidt was, after examination as to his doctrinal views, and his desire to be identified with the Reformed Dutch Church, duly admitted a minister of said Church, and a member of the Classis. He is prosecuting the work assigned him among this interest- ing people with anxiety and diligence, in the hope of steady increase and success.
It is confidently believed, that in fostering these infant German Churches, the Classis of Bergen is doing a work of no small moment. Foundations of future usefulness to this population are being reared, on which will rise the superstructure of Churches blessed of God, with his presence, spirit, power, and love.
istory of the Horth Reformed Dutch Church of Hemark, H. S.
THE North Reformed Dutch Church, of Newark, N. J., has been constituted under circumstances pe- culiarly promising. As it has just entered on its church life, we can do little else than present the offi- cial records taken from the minutes of the Classis of Bergen.
We premise, however, that for six years past, the North Ward, in the City of Newark, has been viewed as a field in which a Reformed Dutch Church might properly be commenced. Unless, at its organization, it be under the influence of active and persevering men, with weight of character and influence, success would be doubtful. It would require large expendi- ture, great perseverance, and the rich blessing of the adorable Head over all things to the Church. The cordial sympathy and the kind co-operation of the First and Second Churches, in the city, would be necessary. The former, especially, must spare some [ 459 ]
460
HISTORY OF THE NORTH REFORMED
of her enterprising and devoted members, whose tried services had so largely availed in fostering her tem- poral and spiritual interests. This would require a struggle of feeling on the part of pastor and people. To effect this happily, time was needed. Nor could an appropriate site be secured in a day. Some favor- able opportunity must be waited for. A suitable place, in which to commence public worship, must be obtained, and friends, on whom reliance could be placed, must be enlisted in the cause. The co-opera- tion of the pastors of the other churches, not only in organizing a church, but in securing a number of the very best men to take hold of the work, was de- manded. After the lapse of years, these objects have been attained. By far the larger part of the families and communicants, who have identified themselves with this new Church, are from the First Reformed Dutch Church.
On presenting to the Classis the petition for organ- ization, the Rev. James Scott, D. D., pastor of the First Church, said it was known to the Classis that he had taken the initiatory steps in this enterprise as far back as 1849; and that he rejoiced that it had now assumed so palpable and so imposing a form. There could be no doubt of its success, from the energy, character, and liberality of those who were casting their lot in with it. Already a few gentlemen in his congregation had purchased a piece of property at thirty-eight thousand dollars, and had set off a plot of eighty feet on Broad Street, for a new church edifice, and divided the remainder among themselves. He had no doubt the plot consecrated to God was worth
1
461
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEWARK.
thirteen thousand dollars. He went on to say that there was much sacrifice of feeling, both on the part of those who went out of the First Church, and on the part of those remaining, but to none a greater sacri- fice than to himself. While he rejoiced at the move- ment, he had also sorrow. But the glory of God would be promoted by it; and personal feelings were nothing when that grand end was in view.
Regular Sabbath services had been maintained in Oraton Hall for some six months, at the expense of the First Dutch Church ; and there was but one feel- ing and one wish in relation to the enterprise.
The following official document will set forth the action of Classis, and of the friends of this good work :
At the session of Classis held on the 25th day of November, A. D., 1856, the following communication, signed by thirty persons, was received :
" NEWARK, N. J., November 22d, 1856.
" At a meeting of a number of persons interested in the formation of a new Reformed Dutch Church in the Northern part of the city of Newark, to be called ' The North Dutch Church of Newark,' held at the residence of J. P. Bradley, in Newark, November 22d, 1856, it was, Resolved, That the Classis of Bergen be re- quested to take measures for the organization of such new Church, at as early a day as circumstances will admit; and that the Rev. Dr. Scott be requested to present this application to Classis."
The application having been read, it was Resolved, That their request be granted ; and that the following committee be appointed to effect the said object, viz :
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HISTORY OF THE NORTH REFORMED
Rev. Drs. Scott and Abeel, and Rev. T. D. Talmage, with the Elders B. C. Miller and Sebastian Duncan.
At the session of Classis held in the First Reformed Dutch Church of Newark, on Monday, the 26th day of January, A. D., 1857, the following proceedings were had.
The committee appointed to organize a Church in the North Ward of the city of Newark, presented their report, which was accepted and adopted, and is as follows, viz :
At a meeting of the committee appointed by the Classis of Bergen, to organize a Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in the Northern part of the city of Newark, to be called " The North Reformed Dutch Church of Newark," on the 16th of December, 1856, in the presence of persons desiring such organization, the Rev. Dr. Scott took the chair, and Rev. T. D. Talmage was appointed as secretary.
Certificates of membership were presented and re- ceived from the First Reformed Dutch Church at Newark, for twenty-nine persons; from the Second Reformed Dutch Church of Newark, for four; and from the First Reformed Dutch Church of New Brunswick, one. On motion, these persons were constituted the membership of the North Reformed Dutch Church of Newark.
It was Resolved, that there be four elders and four deacons elected. Nominations were made, and the male members of the Church commenced balloting for church officers. Tunis A. Waldron, Joseph P. Bradley, Frederick T. Frelinghuysen, and Peter Demarest were elected Elders. John A. Miller, Isaac
463
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEWARK.
Gaston, Peter Vanderhoof, and John C. Woodruff, were elected Deacons.
It was Resolved, that after the usual publication, the foregoing persons be ordained to their respective offices, on the evening of the first Sabbath in Janu- ary next.
The committee sanctioned the proceedings of the meeting, the Rev. T. D. Talmage closed the exercises with prayer, and the meeting adjourned.
The committee attended on the evening of the first Sabbath in January, 1857, at Oraton Hall, and or- dained the officers elect, thus constituting the Church. Rev. Dr. Abeel preached the sermon, and the chair- man presided and read the form for ordination.
At this session of Classis, the Church presented for approval a call upon the Rev. Abraham Polhemus, D. D., of Hopewell, Dutchess County, New York. It was approved and forwarded to him for his consider- ation.
At the stated session of Classis, held at Newark, on 21st and 22d of April, 1857, Dr. Polhemus announced his acceptance of the call, and was received a member of Classis, and a committee was appointed to install him in his pastoral charge.
On Sabbath evening, May the 3d, 1857, the instal- lation services were rendered in the First Reformed Dutch Church, which was crowded to overflowing. The sermon was preached by the Rev. David H. Rid- dle, D. D., of Jersey City, on the words in Gal. 2: 20, " The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God." The form of installation was read by Rev. Dr. Abeel, who also delivered the
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NORTH CHURCH OF NEWARK.
charge to the pastor. The charge to the people was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Scott.
This new Church is about commencing the erection of a large and beautiful stone edifice on Broad Street, opposite the Washington Park.
From the small company originally constituting the First Church, nearly all of whom were from the Re- formed Dutch Church at Belleville, what blessed in- fluences have gone forth ? In a quarter of a century, we see the produce of the little seed dropped so largely multiplied, that we can not but praise God for the day of small things. In this rapidly growing city, very many of whose inhabitants are noted for their intelligence, activity, perseverance, industry and suc- cess, we find the Reformed Dutch Church has secured, by her purity of doctrine, her happy form of govern- ment, and the piety, zeal, and success of her ministers and members, a large share of public confidence. She has nurtured many within her sanctuaries, who have passed to the sanctuary on high, " the house not made with hands, eternal and in the heavens." Others are on the way, rejoicing in the old paths of righteous- ness-the path the Christian fathers trod-the path to glory and to God.
Concluding Remarks.
HAVING traced the History of the Classes of Hack- ensack and Bergen, and of the Churches now under the jurisdiction of the latter, the Civil History of the ancient township of Bergen, included, the author feels that his aim throughout the work has been to gather up, embody, and preserve such mementos of the past as are worthy of preservation. He has endeavored to do justice, as far as possible, to the ecclesiastical bodies and Churches so intimately identified with the operations of the Reformed Dutch Church in the United States-a denomination of Christians which has not always been viewed with the high favor be- stowed on other branches of the Church of Christ- but which, by her internal difficulties, arising from causes presented in this history, has struggled even for existence. Having overcome those difficulties, she is now in the constant development of her true char- acter, proving to the Christian community, by her 20* [ 465 ]
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CONCLUDING REMARKS.
energy and decided activity, the wisdom and firmness of her ancestry, in their plans of future usefulness in the cause of Christ, designed to bring forth rich fruit unto holiness, to the praise and glory of sovereign grace. Her indomitable perseverance-her confi- dence in God -- her Christian liberality towards differ- ent denominations-her uniformly conservative char- acter, have ever marked her pathway. God has not forgotten her. He has blessed and is blessing her, while he is ever opening to her new and inviting fields of usefulness.
The historical events recorded in this volume, clearly prove that the Churches, and their ministers, have largely contributed, under the divine favor, to the present efficient organization of her ecclesiastical instrumentalities. They show that the ground origin- ally covered by the congregations of the Classis of Bergen, has been carefully watched over for nearly two centuries, and kept supplied with a preached gospel, and all the stated means of grace.
Her ministers, though for a century and more not generally known to the masses of their fellow laborers in Christ's cause, and appreciated only by their own Churches, were men of learning, of piety, and of use- fulness. Their memory is precious, and their offspring have no cause to be ashamed of their parentage. They may bless God for the honor he has put upon them. Their descendants may well cherish their memory, and praise God that they are children of the covenant. It is a remarkable fact, that very many of the sons, grand-sons, and great-grand-sons of the ministers of the Churches now under the care of the Classis of
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