USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Essex county, N.J., illustrated > Part 7
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In the presidential campaign of 1864 the great Democratic party of the nation made George B. MeClellan their candidate for President. During the campaign which ensued, George B. McClellan, at the request of Major Edward H. Wright, visited Newark, and became the Major's guest at his father's home.
Dr. M. II. C. Vail, the writer of this sketch, made the address of welcome, to which the General made a happy response. An informal reception was held at the senatorial mansion, where many had opportunity to grasp the hand of one who held a warm place in the affections of the people.
THE CHURCH HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY.
PLEASANTER duty does the writing of " ESSEX COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED " pre- sent, than that which her church history imposes. Although her church edifices as a rule do not vie in architectural grandeur with those temples of worship which in New York and Philadelphia are the pride of their people, and even though their spires do not reach so far heavenward as Old Trinity and others, yet in number and seat- ing capacity they present blessed church privileges to the people, when territory and populations are considered, in greater proportion, perhaps than either. Brooklyn City, which for many years carried the banner with the inscription " The City of Churches," the same may now be said of the capital city of Essex County. Newark. She, too, is entitled to carry the banner inscribed with the same device.
With a population of less than 250,000, more than 200 churches open wide their doors and extend a hearty welcome to all who may come and worship at their religious shrines. It is pleasant, again, 3 to be able to indite the fact. apparent everywhere. that 1716 17y that blessed spirit of love which calls every man his neighbor, permeates church society through and through and is rapidly driving out every vestige of illiberalism 16 6 and denominational prejudice which have all too long been the bane of Christianity and acting as a clog to its spread and progress. The church 1791 1891 people of Essex County have fully learned the beautiful lesson which toleration in- stils and can easily divine the mighty difference between the rich. mellow fruit which grows with such luxuriance on the denominational tree, and the bitter abortions which dwarf and destroy under the appellation of denominational prejudice. The beautiful truth so lovely and so inspiring is everywhere being learned that the fruit of tolerance is indeed sweet to the heart, while the fruit of intolerance, though fair to look upon, turns to bitter ashes on the lips that continue to sip, at the same time the glamour which so long hid from view the fact that there is no denominational dividing lines
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
"In heaven above where all is love,"
is being rapidly torn away and that these names which have long been music to Christian ears, Methodist, Presbyterian,
Baptist. Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, etc., are but pass-words to an entrance in the home over there, where denominational appellations in truth are afterward never spoken, and the salut- ation, " my brother, my sister in Christ " is only heard.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
HE church history, proper, of the County of Essex dates T back to the year 1667, when the little congregation at Branford, Connecticut had resolved to jom their brethren of Milford, who shortly before that period had cast their lot in Newark, on the Passaic. Dr. Stearns, the historian of the Old First Presbyterian Church, says : "Indeed the Old Church in Branford, organized there twenty years earlier, has probably transported bodily with all its corporate privileges and authorities. Its old pastor was conveyed hither at the expense of the town; its deacons continued his func- tions without any sign of reappointment ; its records were transferred and it im- mediately commenced church work, and its pastor was invested with his office and salary on the new spot with- out any ceremony of organiz- ation or installation."
Although several of the members had been left at Branford. they had no regular church organization until several years afterwards. Mr. Pierson, the pastor, was a strong as well as a godly man. His influence upon the new community was very great and largely determined its character and career. He was a learned man, still fond of his books and study in these wilds. Just to think of it ! His library numbered four hundred and fifty vol- umes-a goodly library for the most refined centre of the new world. and of magnificent proportions for a clearing in the woods. Earnest, eloquent, godly, patient and devoted, he was beloved and esteemed not only by his own little flock, but by all the great and strong leaders of New England.
If it were indeed true that there really is a fish in the sea called Lucerne, whose tongue doth shine like a torch, then it is but a trifling stretch to say that its illuminating power might be transferred to the human organ, and then as a natural sequence, the tongue of the first parson of the First Presbyterian Church of Essex County might easily have been reached.
The church, as first settled, was on the Congregational order, and that of the most primitive and distinguishing type. In 1716, or shortly after, its form of government was changed
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ESSEX COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED.
to Presbyterian, and with the change of name came the change of spirit. The first meeting-house was con- structed in 1668. Five men were selected to superintend its construc- tion and were endowed with full power to manage its affairs. Modest, in- deed, were the proportions of the buildings, viz. : 36x 26 and 13 feet between the joints. Such wonderful care was exercised on the part of these five good men and true, that nearly a year and a half of time had slipped away ere the little church approached completion. When finished, the little church building had what was termed a lenter or lean-to, which made the building 36 feet square.
Pastor Abraham Pierson led his little flock into its sacred precincts for nearly twelve years, when God, whom he had faithfully served for many long years, called him away to the better 1.ind.
The building, which was known as Our Meeting House, had a stockade at each corner, rendering it more easily defencible against attacks from the Indians. Instead of the huge bells which now call the people with brazen tongue, the roll of the drum announced the hour for making ready, then again
INTERIOR OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, DURING CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
to announce that the church doors were open and the congrega- tion might enter. Not alone for religious service did the first settlers occupy their church ; it was their place of assemblage
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INTERIOR OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, DURING CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION.
on all important public occasions, and thus it continued for the first forty years. That no monument, or simple slab, even, marks the spot where the heroic old first pastor sleeps, is to be regretted. Even though the spot where he lies buried is unmarked, yet his memory is sound, and the spirit of the eminent divine moves on.
The second minister to officiate in the First Presbyterian Church was a son of the first, a graduate of Cam- bridge. A few years after his father's death he was removed from his pas- torate and returned to Connecticut, from whence he was called to the Presidency of Yale College, which office he filled but a short time before his death.
The Rev. John Prudden at the age of forty-five, was settled as the third minister of the church and continued to be the pastor for about ten years. After his removal from the pastorate he remained in Newark, and lived a private life, beloved and honored by all till in 1725, and at the ripe old age of So, he died.
About 1701, Rev. Jabez Wakeman, the fourth minister in the succession of pastors, was installed. His ministry was of short duration, extending over a period of but three years, when he died at the age of 26. In 1705-6, Rev. Nathaniel Bowers was accepted as the
43
ESSEX COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED.
fifth minister. Mr. Bowers remained but ten years when he was dismissed, says the record, for reasons no longer known. During his pastorate the congregation built a new church, of which stone was the material, a church which it was said was the first in respectability and elegance in the colony.
Not long. however, were this congregation of devoted Christian people permitted to enjoy their seating in the beautiful structure. since the legal fraternity were not long satisfied with glances alone, but after it had been newly covered and repaired in 1756. it passed into the hands of the County officials, and became the Essex County Court House.
After the dismission of Rev. Mr. Bowers a long vacancy occured, during which a Mr. Buckingham officiated a few tinis. and it is said occasioned some excitement. At length. on Oct. 21. 1719. Rev. Joseph Webb was ordained here, and installed
the students under the care of Mr. Burr, at Newark. On the permanent location of the college at Princeton, Mr. Burr was called to preside over it there.
On June 28, 1759, Mr. Alexander Mcwhorter a graduate of the college of New Jersey, who had studied under the famous William Tennent, of Freehold, was called and when he preached his first sermon, the people " At once fixed their eyes on him, as the object of their united choice." Mr. MeWhorter was ordained at Cranbury, North Carolina, on July 4, 1759. When the Commissioners from Newark appeared to request of the Presbytery his appointment as stated supply among them, their prayer was granted at once and the same summer he was installed as the eighth pastor of this church. In 1764-5. a great revival was enjoyed in this church and many were converted. In 1766, Mr. McWhorter being in feeble health traveled and
PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
as the sixth pastor of this church by the Presbytery of Phila- delphia, the Rev. Joseph Magee, Rev. Jonathan Dickerson, Rev. John Pierson and Rev. Robert Orr officiating at his or- dination. For a few years (observes the venerable historian) tranquilty reigned in the town, all were harmonious and all were avowed Presbyterians, but contentions arising, some persons became dissatisfied and invited the services of an Episcopal clergyman. Not long after this Mr. Webb requested and obtained his dismission. Sad to relate, shortly after this himself and son were drowned while crossing the river at Say- brook, Connecticut. In 1737-8, Rev. Aaron Burr the seventh minister was settled here, He was the father of the once celebrated Col. Aaron Burr, once the Vice-President of the United States. In 1747, the college of New Jersey was insti- tuted and Mr. Jonathan Dickerson, was appointed its first President. The following year he died, and the trustees placed
was entirely restored, not the only one who has since journeyed that way to recover. In 1778 Mr. McWhorter received a degree of Doctor of Divinity from Yale College, and in 1779 Dr. Me Whorter, who had won world-wide fame as a minister of the gospel, was called to Meckelenburgh County, North Carolina, and placed in charge of the Presbyterian Church at Charlotte. Soon after his settlement there, the British army, under Lord Cornwallis, entered Charlotte. The Doctor and his family fled, his house was plundered, and nearly all his property, his furniture and his library were destroyed. In the summer of 1780 he returned to the North and engaged to teach at Abing- ton. in Pennsylvania, for the winter. The people of Newark hearing this, invited him to pay them a visit. He did so in February, 1781. In April they sent him a regular call. He returned with his family and though never regularly installed again, he officiated as pastor till his death in 1807.
ESSEX COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED.
Up to this time ( 1785) what was known as "the half way practice " was in vogue in the Presbyterian Churches. This meant that parents who had not sat at the com- munion table themselves could present their children tor baptism. This practice the Doctor believed was contrary to the primitive church, and was suppression of sound church government and discipline. In 1790 that practice was unanimously condemned and candidates for admission were no longer to be examined by the minister alone, but before the whole sessions, a practice which has prevailed ever since. It is generally believed that Dr. MeWhorter was one of the chief investigators of, if he did not actually write the famous document known as the Meckelenburgh Declaration of Independence and had very much to do with the fury extended toward this venerable divme by the British. In 1801, Rev. Edward Griffin became associate pastor. July 20. 1807. Dr. Me Whorter died, aged 73 years and 5 days, greatly and justly lamented. In May, 1809. Dr. Griffin was dismissed to accept the chair of Sacred Eloquence in the Theological Seminary, at Andover, Massachusetts. He afterward was pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, from which he was called to become president of Williams College. Dr. James Richards was the next installed pastor, as the successor of Dr. Griffin. This was in the spring of iso9, and the blessed connection was continued until 1823 when it was dissolved, that the Doctor might occupy the chair of Christian Theology in the Auburn Theologienl Semin- ary, New York State. In June, 1824, the congregation called a licentiate from the Presbytery of Philadelphia, Rev. William Hamilton.
This connection was continued under God's blessing from the date. of his ordination July 27. 1824. as the eleventh pastor in the line of succession, until the call went forth to Dr. Ansel
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
SIXTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
D Eddy, who served from 1835 to 1848, when a call was made to Dr. Jonathan F. Stearns, Oct. 28, 1849. Dr. Stearns, the thirteenth pastor, continued to minister the affairs of this church until 1883, when he was succeeded by the present occupant of the pulpit, Dr. D. R. Frazer, who up to the present time (1897) has conducted the affairs of this church on the higher lines of Christianity, with marvellous acceptability, and with entire satisfaction as the fourteenth of the pastoral hine, to all who drink from the fount of his learning at the foot of the First Church pulpit. Few men have a higher standing in the Presbyterian Church, and the name of Frazer is known and honored wherever the Gospel is preached.
PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
URING the year 1848, sixty-one members of the First D Presbyterian Church organized a religious society under the style of the " Park Presbyterian Church of Newark, N. J."
The first pastor of the church was the Rev, Ansel D. Eddy. D D. Among the original and charter members are the names of many who are well known in this city, as Stephen Dodd. James 11. Clarke, Humphrey B. Dunham, Richard Hall, Maita E. and Sarah E. Searing, George C. Dodd, Edward A. and Amanda Crane, Ezra Bolles, Benjamin F. Harrison, Charles D. Crane and many others.
Among its earliest elders were Stephen Dodd, Ous Boyden, Richard Hall. David C. Dodd, Terah Benedict, Lewis C. Grover, Stephen R. Grover and William Ashley.
The session, in later years, has included Francis K. Howell, James S. Higbie, Stephen J. Meeker, Dr. Edward P. Nichols, Elbert H. Baldwin. Edwin J. Ross, Joseph A. Hallock. Albert T Freeman, James Mawha, William J. Rusling, Aaron King, Alexander Beach, Edward N. Crane, Elias F Morrow, Edward E. Sill, Edward B. and George H. Denny, Hugh Haddow, Alvah W. Osmun and others
Rev. Dr. Eddy was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. Henry A. Rowland, D. D., Rev. James G. Hamner, D. D., Rev. Joel Parker, D. D), Rev. Prentiss De Veuve, D. D., the last named of whom was influential in securing the removal from Park street to the present site of the church, in Belleville avenue, corner of Kearny street.
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ESSEX COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED.
The corner-stone of the new building was laid May 22, 1872. The dedication sermon was by Rev. William Adams. D. D., October 6. 1874. Dr. De Veuve resigned the pastorate in March. 1879.
In 1879 a unanimous call was extended to Rev. J. Clement French, D. D., who had been pastor of the Central Congrega- tional Church, of Brooklyn, for fourteen years, and of the West- minster Church, of that city, for five years.
Dr. French was installed as pastor of Park Church in October, 1879. At that time the membership was 164.
apartments, were complete and dedicated on the evening of that day,
Dr. French is still the pastor, and will complete his eigh- teenth year of service in October, 1897.
SIXTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
E FIND the efforts leading to the organization of the
W Sixth Presbyterian Church somewhat hard to trace. It appears that Rev. S. S. Potter began services in this neighbor- hood March 5. 1848. On March 28 he was invited to preach for
ST. PAUL'S M. E. CHURCH.
From the first the seating capacity of the edifice was too small for the attendance. In 1884 it became absolutely necessary 10 enlarge the building. On Sabbath morning, April 20, $18,000 were subscribed for this purpose, afterwards more. Work was at once begun. The chapel. Sunday-school rooms and the rear of the auditorium were taken down.
On April 20. 1885, the church building increased in its seating capacity to about 800, and changed in all its interior architecture and adornments, a new chapel, Sabbath-school rooms, primary department room, bible class rooms, study and other necessary
a term of six months at a salary of Sioo for the whole time. It is curious to find that when this term of service had expired a meeting was held to raise the money which resulted in a total of $35 But the ladies came to the rescue and helped out the balance with a donation visit. Mr. Potter's term of service was during the cholera epidemic and he writes that he had four or five funerals a week.
The church was organized by a Committee of Presbytery, October 1. 1848, in a little school hall in Union Street, near Lafayette Street. The committee consisted of Rev. Drs. Condit
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ESSEX COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED.
and Brinsmade and Rev. S. S. Potter, and elders 11. Hunt and O. Crane. Dr. Condit being prevented from attending by a funeral service, Mr Potter took his place as moderator of the meeting. The organization was effected with 36 members, sixteen coming from the Third Church. nine from the Central Church, three from the First Church and the remaining right from churches outside the city. So far as is known. Rev. Mr. Potter is the only person surviving who participated in the organization and he is still active, being connected with a religious journal in Cincinnati.
It was during Mr. Potter's term of service that a church edifice was begun. This building still stands in Union Street, opposite Hamilton and is occupied by a congregation of colored people. It does not appear just when the Sunday School was organized but it was some months before the church, prob- ahly early in the year 1848. The first elders of the church were : David Joline, Lenmel F. Corwin and Aaron C. Ward. The first trustees were; Horace J. Pointer, Robert Dodd, Aaron C. Ward, Ephraim Tucker, Wm. Douglas, Jabez Cook, Jr., and Isaac B. Lee. A number of these names have been associated with the public life of this city.
The first regular pastor of the church was Wm. Aikman, who was installed December 26. 1849, and served the church for almost eight years. It was during this pastorate that the lecture room was built in the rear of the old church. Mr. Aikman is now living in Atlantic City where, until recently, he was pastor of the Presbyterian Church.
The second pastor was Wi. T. Eva, who was installed Dec. 16, 1857, and served the church about three years, when he was called to the Bethesda Church, Philadelphia There he labored
SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH.
during the remainder of his life Mr. Eva's pastorate covered the period of depression just previous to the great Rebellion. and when he left the church experienced much difficulty in securing a new pastor-so much so that they were almost ready
PADDIE MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH
to disband. Finally, Rev. James M Dickson was called and installed as pastor March 11, 1863. Mr. Dickson served the church about six years. It was during this pastorate that strenuous efforts were made toward getting a new church edifice, but the scheme finally failed and many of the people lost all confidence in the intention of the uptown churches to aid the Sixth Church building enterprise. It was about this time that the Ladies' Parsonage Association was formed, which succeeded in securing the house that is the present parsonage. at 124 Elm street. Rev. Dr. Dickson is now pastor of a Reformed Church in Brooklyn, N. Y.
Martin F. Hollister was the next pastor and served during the longest period of any pastor the church has had. He was installed on June 4. 1870, and resigned December 1, 1884. Mr. Hollister then removed to Chicago, where he labored in connec- tion with the Tract Society, and later as secretary and treasurer of the Congregational Seminary until he was taken sick and came east to be amid home associations and in the summer of 1889 departed this life.
The present pastor, Davis W. Lusk, a life-like photo of whom appears among the illustrations, began work on the first Sunday of April, 1885, an I about two weeks later was installed by the Newark Presbytery. Hle immediately set himself to the work of getting a new church edifice, and in the fall of that year put in working form methods for accumulating money to build. It was a long, hard task of over six years, but patience. perseverance and prayer made the efforts successful and on November 9, 1891, the present beautiful building at the corner of Union and Lafayette Streets was dedicated, with sufficient money pledged to meet all obligations, The total cost of the site and building furnished was about $48,000. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. Charles H. Parkhurst, D D., of the Madison Square church, New York. Henry E. Ogden was chairman of the building committee and Halsey Wood, archi- tect.
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ESSEX COUNTY, N. J., ILLUSTRATED.
The church is unique it its arrangements and entirely modern. It is heated throughout with hot water and the gallery is seated with upholstered opera chairs. The building is so arranged that all the parlors can be turned into the church and the speaker can speak to over one thousand people. The church is very popular in the community and never has to close, summer or winter, for lack of a congregation. On the outside is a tablet bearing this inscription : " This church is conducted in the interest of the people outside of it." There are no pew rents. the church being supported by the systematic and voluntary offerings of the people. The effort is to create the right kind of spiritual atmosphere, to bring the Christ life and love and feeling into the church. The church has a well equipped Boys' Brigade -the first organized in the city. The Christian En- deavor Society was the first organized among Presbyterians here and the second in order of time in the city.
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The names of those who have served the church as ruling elders are as follows : David Joline, Aaron C. Ward. Lemuel F. Corwin, Horace J. Poinier, J. Sandford Smith, John D. Wood, Isaac Ogden, John C. Wilkinson, Wm. K Parkhurst. Job Haines, Joseph A. Hallock, Wm. R. Barton, Hemy E. Ogden The present officers are: Elders .- Joseph Clark, Henry R. Williams, Alvin V. Decker, Win. H. Preston, Wm. Mckenzie, Abram I. Thompson. Deacons -Josiah Duncan, Win. H. Davis, Thomas Thompson. Trustees .- Alvin V. Decker, presi- dent: Abram I. Thompson, secretary ; Ernest C. Reock, treas- urer : Lott Southard, M. D. Clarence M. Hedden, Fred. L. Eberhardt, Theodore T. Lawshe, Joseph W. Clark, W'm. H. Davis.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
IN the former part of the year 1810, a number of individuals residing in the upper part of the town of Newark, and members of the first Presbyterian congregation, being impressed with the importance of having a Second Presbyterian Church, adopted incipient measures for the accomplishment of this object. A year before this, at a meeting of the members of the First Church, it was evolved, that it was "advisable for this society to build another meeting-house;" but no successful movement was made, till the time above mentioned, for the establishment of a second church. On the 18th of June, 1810. the corner-stone of the church edifice was laid with appropriate
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THE NEW YORK AVENUE REFORMED CHURCH.
THIRD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
religious services by Rev. Samuel Whelpley. The building was dedicated to the worship of God. September 30, 1811.
At a meeting of the congregation, held January 12, 1811, the following persons were elected Trustees, viz. : James Hedden, Joseph T. Baldwin, David Doremus, John N. Cumming, Marcus B. Douglass, James Conley and Theodore Fre- linghuysen, who took the oath of office April 22, of the same year.
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