USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > West Long Branch > Centennial historical souvenir, Old First Methodist Episcopal Church, West Long Branch, New Jersey > Part 2
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).
343 B'WAY LONG BRANCH
Telephone 153 Established 1872
Cloughly, Nicholl & Co. Building Materials, Hardware, Paints, Etc. Coal and Wood. General Mill Work.
Branchport Ave., N. J. S. R. R. Long Branch, N, J.
23
HISTORICAL SERMON BY REV. GEORGE REED, JULY 26, 1974
continued. "but my work is done, and I must die." And with rapture kindling in his eye, said, "I am uot afraid. Tell the preachers at Conferance I am going to heaven ; there is no doubt about that." And on April 1, 1849, " his sun set without a cloud."
In 1825, J. Finley and the devoted but rather eccentric Irishman, James Moore, were on this circuit. There are perhaps none, who live to recall the glowing honest face of James Moore, who do not hear him exclaim, as was his fre- quent manner, "Thot's as thrue as Jemes Moore stonds here " and "isn't thot so brother?" He spoke his last in Medford in 1842, 82 years of age.
In 1826 or 1827, J. L. Gilder and L. M. Prettyman, whose name was expressive of his appearance and style, were ap- pointed to this circuit.
In 1828-9, R. W. Petherbridge and William Granville were on this Freehold circuit. Brother Joel Potter says he preached on one occasion from the text, " Come unto Me, all'ye that are weary," etc. He was speaking of coming to Christ while young, and remarked that a man who did not before he arrived at forty years of age, rarely ever came at all. And, says Brother P .. "that struck me, for I was about that age, and it was as though he had hit me in the forehead with a beetle ; and from that day I tried to seek salvation."
"While father Petherbridge was engaged on one of these large circuits, there came a terrible stormy day. His - appointment was distant some ten or twelve miles. His family endeavored to dissuade him from going, on the ground, that no one would be present. But he felt he must be there, if no one else. He went. On reaching the place of meeting he found twelve persons awaiting his arrival. He preached, led class, and gave an opportunity to any who wished to unite with the church. Seven of the number rjoined on probation, among whom was a man and his wife, four of whose sons subsequently became ministers of the
24
1809-OLD FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-1909
Calvin Cunnius
MANUFACTURER OF
Steel Bound Columns and General Mill Work
N. J. S. R. R. CROSSING
70 S. Broadway Long Branch, N. J.
Telephone Call 5.L
Established 1860
A. M. Townley & Co.
Hardware, Paints, Oils
Housefurnishing and Sporting Goods
191-193 Broadway
Long Branch, N. J.
25
HISTORICAL SERMON BY REV. GEORGE REED-JULY 26, 1974
Gospel." What an argument is here for laboring faithfully in the smallest fields. Brother Petherbridge offered his last prayer in the home of our present Presiding Elder, Brother Ballard, and now sleeps with the many sainted dead at Pem- berton or New Mills.
In 1830-1; John Woolson, J. F. Canfield and I. N. Felch were preachers on this circuit. Brother Felch, a supernum- erary in the Newark Conference, resides in Paterson, N. J. It was during the pastorate of Woolson and colleagues that the parsonage was built just West of Lippincott s corner. J. F. Canfield, after forty-four years in the ministry, is now residing in Springfield, Ill.
In 1832-3, David Bartine again, Thomas Stewart, Mul- ford Day and James Long were traveling this circuit. Of Thomas Stewart, it is said, "he traversed four hurdred miles around his circuit. which required three weeks of heavy toil to be followed by a week of rest. But the soul of our evangelist was as large as his field of labor; through the length and breadth of which he traveled with a zeal and ardor that never flagged. At the close of the year upon this circuit with David Bartine, the summing up of the result showed that some seven hundred had been convert- ed. During this year the Asiatic cholera was raging in New York and Philadelphia, so that upon the 4th of July, instead of celebrating our National Independence. it was observed as a day of fasting and prayer. The religious sentiment
was greatly aroused in the people. It was in that dark and threatening time that Thomas Stewart came-truly a burn- ing and shining light-preaching upon such texts as " what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world," etc, On September 30, 1833, he preached from the text in Malachi, "For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven," etc. Multitudes thronged the altars of this old sanctuary,
NOTE .- In the absence of any written record prior to 1830, there may be in the above certain historical inaccuracies or défects. - G. R.
26
1809-OLD FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-1909
and many yet remain who found "the truth, the life, the way." under his hallowed ministry. His last sermon was from a characteristic text, " The time is short." His fervent soul went home to God from Bordentown, in 1848. Malford Day, a man whose solemn bearing bordered upon gloom, doubtless found the joy eternal in 1851. James Long, that devoted man, noted for his meekness and simplicity, died in Imlaystown, N. J., in 1863.
In 1834. John K. Shaw was preacher in charge at Long Branch. In this year it was first made a seperate station, and the old Freehold circuit ceased to be. Rumson, Eaton- town and Tinton Falls were the regular out appointments in connection with this Church. There was preaching occa- sionally at the old Poplar school-house as early or earlier than this, but when it began I am unable to state: J. K. Shaw spoke of the two years spent upon this charge with great pleasure. In the city of Newark this able and success- ful preacher met his fate firmly and peacefully.
In 1836-7, John Lenhart was your preacher. Lewis T. Maps was this year recommended by the Quarterly Confer- ence at this Church. He closed his brief but brilliant ca- reer (after being appointed to the Toms River circuit, Ber- gen Missions, reappointed to Toms River, thence to Essex County, Morristown and Patterson, N. J.), on July 1'I, 1846. Brother Maps, it is said, ""possessed a vigorous intellect, a pleasing address, and no inconsiderable share of the'fire of genius ; while the whole was chastened and adorned by an ardent and consistent piety." He everywhere attracted at- tention, says a Newark paper, as a gifted and eloquent preacher of the Gospel. His name adds another to the long list which honors the church where he began his ministry.
Perhaps few men have ever been more generally pop- ular in this community than John Lenhart. But I notice in the minutes of a Quarterly Conference "it was resolved to make his salary $400," voting him the privilege of collecting
27
HISTORICAL SERMON BY REV, GEORGE REED-JULY 26, 1874
a deficiency on the previous year's salary, himself. In 1846 he failed as an effective minister. "Poverty and sickness stood before him in all their hideousness," which filled him for a time with great distress of mind. But providence led him into a position in the U. S. Navy, And there at his post, true to the last, he went down on the ship Cumberland in Hampton Roads, in the first year of our civil war.
In 1838-9, J. H. Dandy was preacher in charge. He is now a supernumerary in the Newark Conference, residing at Perth Amboy.
1840-I were the years of R. E. Morrison, the father-in- law of our honored Editor of the Long Branch News. Mr. Morrison was eminently a man whose fatherly bearing, kindness and love was felt by all associated with him. Dur- ing his pastorate, the little but exalted pulpit was taken down, the sounding-board removed, and the high backs of the pews lowered. which must of greatly lessened the ac- commodations for sleeping. It was cruel, but I presume they thought it "expedient," for there were some in the olden time, who would almost sleep at their father's funeral. In the Quarterly Conference minutes for this year, I find recorded the appointment of W. R. Maps, as delegate to attend a meeting in Trenton, to take into consideration the "temporalities of the Presiding Elder "-which is another way of speaking of a District Stewards' Meeting. In this year also Thomas T. Campfield was recommended for license to preach. He now resides at Broadway, N. J. Father Morrison was removed to the fellowship of the Church above in August. 1873, from Hightstown, N. J.
In 1842-3, were the memorable years of James Ayers. During his first year a bent of twelve feet was added to the West end of the Church. It was in this year that the sweet- spirited Israel Corbitt, who rests so early from his labors, was recommended by the Quarterly Conference at this Church. But the chief event of this time was the wonderful
28
1809 -- OLD FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-1909
revival of religion with which God favored this Church. So deep and pervading was the interest, that when the "sun was an hour high in the evening," the people crowded to the church in order to obtain a seat. And on a Sabbath morning one hundred and ten were received into the Church on probation. On the Saturday evening previous. during the services in the Church, three distinct prayer meetings were in progress at the same time-one around the altar, one in this gallery, and one in that. In those days the light of salvation dawned upon many a seeking heart that has since entered the light and life above, while many are still serving in the Church below. Brother Ayers in the forty- fifth year of his successful ministry. is now stationed in New Providence, Newark Conference.
Rev. J. S. Swaim followed in 1844-5. His salary was raised, and was estimated thus :
For himself and wife, $200.00
For three children, . 72.00
Table, horse-feed and fuel,. 178.00
Total, $450.00
Brother Swaim is now a supernumerary, residing at Jack- sonville, Fla.
Rev. J. N. Crane, who was your pastor in 1846-7, is a supernumerary, residing in Morristown, N. J.
In 1848-9, Rev. Joseph Chattle was appointed to this charge. Under his pastorate S. T. Hudson was licensed to preach. Many have been the young men who first received their commission from this old Church. At one time, also, Alexander Hopper was here licensed, of whom his grand- father used to speak as a " high duke for rude manners " in his early days, but who is now a successful and faithful minister in the Baptist branch of this family. During the ministry of Brother Chattle the Church was visited with the revival spirit, nearly equal to that under Brother Ayers. It., was said of him in the Conference, Memorial, "He was
29
HISTORICAL SERMON BY REV, GEORGE REED-JULY 26, 1874
favored in many of his fields of labor with gracious revivals and the fragrance of his good name remains in all his cir- cuits. He was a man endowed with clear perception, sound understanding and ready utterance." In May of 1860, this man of purity and power with God ceased forever from the labors of earth.
In 1850-1, Bartholomew Weed was stationed here. At this time the M. E. Church in Eatontown was built and dedi- cated. Brother Weed is a supernumerary of the Newark Conference, residing in Newark, in the 57th year of his ministry.
During 1852-3, Brother F. A. Morrell endeared himself to all this people by his ability, faithfulness and love.
In 1854-5, Alex Gilmore occupied this pulpit, and he is now acting as Chaplain in the U. S. Army in Arizona Terri- tory.
In 1856-7. your pastor was Thomas Sovereign, who is now residing in Burlington, N. J. .
Again, in 1858-9, Brother F. A. Morrell was stationed here; who has at last returned, yet vigorous and active, to make his home in beautiful Long Branch. During his pas- torate $773 were raised for liquidating a debt which had re- mained upon the church and parsonage until this time.
Rev. E. Green followed in 1861, during whose term the Centenary society seperated from this Church, and com- menced their worship in the village of Long Branch.
- >: Then in regular succession followed J. Lewis; the ever zealous and esteemed William Franklin; George Neal, S. R. Wheeler and Samuel Parker, all of whom are too well- known and loved to admit of any comment from me.
Here, too, in the years ago, hearts were thrilled by the sonorous voice of the el quent Jerseyman, Charles Pitman. and others of kindred spirit, whom my space forbids to note. I : Sixty-five years of blessing, of strife with sin, of trial and of triumph ! Who shall write it? History cannot be
30
1809-OLD FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-1909
written. A single heart would fill a volume. And what numbers have come and gone from this Bethel never to re- turn ! Their records are in the books of God. There were such members as John Lippincott, who three times a day assembled all his work-hands and read to them the word of life; John Martin, the exorter; Michael Howland; Joseph Parker; Francis Martin, the school-teacher; Ellison Covert, the earnest exorter; William Throckmorton; Michael Maps, who said he had subscribed twenty dollars to the church when he had not twenty cents; George Griggs; Jos. Covert, and the colored brother, George E. Moore, who gave fifty dollars towards the erection of this church! Rebecca Mar- tin, Abbie Throckmorton and Hannah Maps, of noted piety. " These all died in the faith." Of Michael Maps and his wife. it is written that they walked together for fifty years, like Zacharia and Elizabeh in all the ordinances of the Lord blameless.
How many have been rejoiced in the Salvation of: God, have fought a good fight and are shouting the triumphs above! We are standing to-day on the old battle-ground, not marked with blood, save that of our adorable chieftain, Jesus Christ ! This week the Maryland National Guards will visit the old. Monmouth battle-field. But we are visiting a holier place, and our memory is singing of grander scenes ? We might stand at Bunker Hill with patriotic pride ; or we enter the old State House in Philadelphia and are thrilled as we look upon the old cracked bell which rang out the na- tion's independence; but here in this old temple rang out the deliverence and salvation of immortal souls ! When Joshua crossed the last river he carried up stones for a memorial, and when Jacob in his lonely journey had met with Jehovah, he gathered stones together, and rearing a little monument said, " here I'll raise my ebenezer." So will we, by renew- ing and remodeling this sanctuary, rear a tabernacle to God for it has been good for us to be here, and hitherto the Lord has helped us.
31
HISTORICAL SERMON BY, REV. GEORGE REED-JULY 26, 1874
This has been the starting place of many that have gone forth to live and labor for God and the good of man. No wonder that they love it. It is like an old home. And many of you have come back to-day as when one returns to see the old homestead before the buildings are changed, the old trees cut down, the brook filled up, or the fields become strange. You have come home, but the old folks are gone I have met with those, all over the district. who have said it was in the old Church at Long Branch that I was born of God. 1
Sixty-five years it has stood a beacon light, and warn- ing men of sin. Doubtless,'during that time many a soul has foundered and gone down, but they have gone down in view of the light of home.
Now, as in the old church, the aged ha've come and talk- ed with God, brightening their hopes for heaven, the sor- rowful and the poor have been welcomed and consoled, and the youth have learned to love that Jesus-so may it be in all the years to come.
We praise God to-day for this hallowed place. Not that the house in itself is anything, but for what it represents to us. Every place is holy where God meets with his people. There are those who do not prize the influence and blessing of a Church. They will say, let every man take care of himself; but they will not. None can know its preciousness as those who have grown up in it. - to whom it has been as a mother's arms folding and keeping them through all the strife and sin of the world.
Taking leave of this Church (before the old landmarks are removed) is like leaving an old ship which has borne many safely over stormy and dangerous seas; like laying aside an old traveler's staff; or turning away from an old city of refuge in which may be found safety and peace.
Soon you will meet an aged man of snowy locks and feeble frame, who will tell how this old church looked to- dav; as our fathers are telling us. And that old man is the little boy who listens to me this morning. Soon we will be sleeping with our fathers in some church-yard; and O, may we through infinite grace, be at home with them in the land that is far away 1 , Amen.,
32
1809-OLD FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-1909
HARRY TRUAX ATTORNEY AT LAW
191 BROADWAY LONG BRANCH
W. M. SLOCUM
HATTER MEN'S FURNISHER MERCHANT TAILOR
CITY STYLES CITY PRICES
183 B'WAY LONG BRANCH
Harry E. Underwood PHOTOGRAPHER and Expert Picture Framer 205 BROADWAY LONG BRANCH Phone 176=L
T CHESTER M. RUA X
Telephone Call 6=L
HARDWARE Tools and Cutlery Paints and Varnishes Housefurnishing Goods Blacksmith's Supplies Agricultural Implements
223 BROADWAY LONG BRANCH NEW JERSEY
Supplemental Sermon
By the REV. CURWEN BARTINE FISHER, A.M. On the Centennial Anniversary of the Laying of the Corner stone, May 16, 1909.
From the beginning Old First Church has kept gocd company. 1809, the year of her birth, chronicles the advent of Alfred Tennyson, Oliver Wendell Holmes, William Ewart Gladstone, and the immortal Abraham Lincoln. However, Methodism antedates the organization of Old First by several years. Francis Asbury made a preaching tour through Monmouth County in 1785 and tradition says he preached here at Long Branch at that time. A church building was erected about this time midway between the present villages, West Long Branch and Oakhurst. This early became a part of Freehold circuit which reached from Trenton to the shore. Other denominations seem to have shared this place of worship with the Methodists. About the year 1795, Zenas Conger began his labors as a Methodist preacher in this vicinity. He proved to be a man of irreg- ular habits and complaints were made against him. Many of the congregation sympathized with him. These adher- ents he gathered about him and organized another church which he styled the Methodist Independents. After the Methodists built the present edifice in 1809 the Independ- ents continued to worship in the old property which was finally deeded to them, their trustees being Stephen Cook, Richard Taber, James Edwards, Ralph Thompson, Thomas Brown, Abram Lane, John Emmons. This society finally became weak and the house unused, and was sold by Stephen . Cook in 1846, he being the sole surviving trustee. It was then moved across the road, where the frame may now be found, as originally put together a century and a quarter ago, as a part of Mr. Walter Cornell's barn.
Notwithstanding this departure of the Congerites, Methodism in its purity continued to flourish at the same time. Bishop Asbury's Journal for Monday, Sept. 5, 1791.
THE "HUB" MANIFOLDER
The Best and Cheapest Manifolding Device in the World.
No Cranks to Turn ! No Levers to Shove !!
Can be Operated by One Hand. Specially adapted to the needs of LU 1BERMEN, COAL DEALERS, MARKET MEN and all others doing a Delivery Business or Shipping Goods.
Delivery Tickets, Bills of Lading, Invoices, Cash Sale or Charge Slips, etc., made in Duplicate, Triplicate, or Quadruplicate at one writing. Put up in Roll Form and Consecutively Numbered. Roll Printing Done for any kind of Manifolding Device.
Special Discounts to Customers Secured through the medium of this Advertisement. Send for Descriptive Reading Matter. Salesmen write us. Address Dept. "D" HUB AUTOGRAPHIC REGISTER CO., 14-18 Binford St., Boston, Mass.
Orders for "Hub" Manifolding Machines and Printed Supplies may be placed with J. N. VAN HORN, Mercantile Job Printer, 16-18 Branchport Avenue, LONG BRANCH, N. J.
31
1809-OLD FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-1909
35
SUPPLEMENTAL SERMON BY REV. C. B. FISHER, A.M.
contains this record: "I rode through much rain to Mon- mouth (Freehold) where I preached to a considerable con- gregation on 'The just shall live by faith, etc.' There is some stir among the people at Long Branch, within eigh- teen months, as I am informed, nearly fifty souls have pro- fessed conversion."
Another entry in Mr. Asbury's Journal reads : "Sunday Sept. 30, 1809, at Long Branch my subject was Acts III: 26. It was given me to speak in strong words, words of God and from God. At 3 o'clock I preached in the Episcopal Church at Shrewsbury; I came home with John Throckmorton."
I am led to believe that this sermon by the Bishop was delivered within the sacred walls of the present Old First Church, though as yet not completed. It was in March 18c9 that the present Old First was incorporated, with the fol- lowing named trustees: Elihu Chadwick, Joseph Parker, John Martin, Peter Slocum, John Lippincott and Michael Maps.
The corner-stone was laid May 16, 1809, at [I o'clock, according to the statement of Mrs. Theodore Woolley, whose mother was born on that day, and related to her this fact. The services lasted from 11 o'clock in the morning until 6 in the evening. The lot for the church was donated by Alexander Mac Gregor. Joseph Totten was the presid- ing elder and Samuel Budd the preacher in charge. Totten succeeded Budd as preacher in charge of the circuit the next year. The first quarterly meeting was held in the church in 1810, Michael Coates, the presiding elder, preached and Totten followed him with another sermon. Picking berries afforded the girls the means for the gratification of the womanly desire for fine feathers, etc.
Mr. Totten preached a sermon against such ungodliness. The young men came to their defense and resolved to thrash the parson. Totten learned of this, and taking his whip he stepped outside and cracked it challenging them to
Birds Eye View of Old First Methodist Episcopal Church and part of Cemetery
37
SUPPLEMENTAL SERMON BY REV. C. B. FISHER, A.M.
conflict, but his stalwart form and defiant air proved too much for the young gallants. He was not molested. .
In 1813, William Mills was the succeeding pastor, a na- tive quaker of Monmouth County, but fired by patriotic feeling became an officer in the Revolutionary Army in 1776, captured by the British, and after thrilling experiences re- turned; was impressed by the despised Methodists, entered its ministry and closed his career in a most remarkable manner. Sunday morning, December 14th, just as he foresaw and predicted he would before leaving home for the circuit work of the week, yet persisted in entering upon his duties; after first giving his wife sundry directions and advices in case of his death, filled all of his appointments, preaching most fervently, met the early Sunday morning class and re- turned to Mr. Lippincott's and retired to a room to prepare for the sermon to follow at 10.30. The congregation assem- bled, but the pastor tarried. Finally on entering the room he was found in a dying condition. Being asked if medical aid should be summoned, he replied, " The Lord is the best physician," and soon the heroic Methodist itinerant was with the church triumphant. At this time the entire Free- hold circuit numbered 736 members.
In these early days the parish of the old Church extend- ed from Sea Bright, on the North, to Shark River, on the South. Now twenty-one churches share with her this ter- ritory, and she is mother or grand-mother to them all.
Britton Woolley, born in 1812, has a vivid recollection of the appearance in early boyhood of the old Church. The interior remained for some time without plaster. The com- ing of the circuit rider was a stirring event. The roads were lined with pedestrians walking for miles, men, women and children, carrying their shoes to save the wear, and putting them on before reaching the meeting house. Young children were often carried for miles, for vehicles were scarce in those days. Edward I. Pitcher relates that his
88
1809-OLD FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH-1909
GEO. C. ALLEN, President
HENRY JOLINE, Cashier
A. M. HOLMES, Asst. Cashier
Long Branch Banking Company
Long Branch, N. J.
This Bank was organized in July 1872, and has one hundred and nine stockholders, consequently, is not a close corporation.
When a bank has been established for thirty- seven years, as this bank has been, the sentiment amounts to perfect confidence, We have always been liberal in policy, and conservative in man- agement. We have unexcelled facilities for the handling of all branches of legitimate banking." >
WE SOLICIT YOUR ACCOUNT:
39
SUPPLEMENTAL SERMON BY REV. C. B. FISHER, A.M.
mother was considered the proudest young woman attend- ing the church because, while walking to church barefoot like the rest, she brought with her a towel and stopped at a nearby house to wash her feet before putting on her shoes.
" William Throckmorton maintained a prophets home," dec'ares the Rev. Thomas O'Hanlon, D. D. Three daugh- ters married methodist preachers: that eloquent and excen- tric Irishman, Billy Barnes, took one; Samuel Jaquett another, and William Franklin a third. A son, Samuel, en- tered the ministry. At this home Bishop Asbury and many others whose names are illustrious in the pages of early methodism found sympathy and refreshment. He passed to his reward in a good old age in 1861.
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.