USA > New Jersey > Sussex County > Hardyston > Hardyston memorial : a history of the township and the North Presbyterian Church, Hardyston, Sussex County, New Jersey > Part 12
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Dr. Shafer's usefulness continued until he was stricken with paralysis, shortly before his death, while reading the closing hym after his sermon. He was most conscientious in his religions cou- victions and affectionate toward the people of liis charge. His ministry in North Hardyston was distinguished by the building of two churches.
A subscription list dated June 19th, 1813, reads: " We, the subscribers, being sensible of the decayed situation of the old meeting house near the widow Beardslee's, and of the necessity
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and great utility of having a decent and comfortable house erected at or near the place where the old one stands, for public worship, do engage to pay the several sums annexed to our respective names. When a sufficient sum is subscribed, managers shall be chosen to contract and superintend the work, and Martin Ryer- son, Israel Munson, George Buckley, Noah Hammond, Peter Whitaker and J. Sutton shall be a committee to circulate sub- scriptions to raise funds for the purpose aforesaid." John Linn subscribed $150 ; Samuel Fowler, $150 ; George Beardslee, $150 ; James Scott, $100 ; Charles Beardslee, $100, and others very lib- eral sums amounting to $1,133. Noah Hammond subscribed $45 " if no house is built at Hamburg."
The portion of the congregation who before went up the hill ·complained so much, that the new house was placed below it, near where Colonel Cary's log house once stood. A paper endorsed " Memorandum of Proceedings and resolutions respecting building a Meeting-house near Widdow Beardslee's in Hardiston, 1814," reads : " At a meeting held at the Widdow Beardslee's the 1st day of February, A. D., 1814, to consult upon the propriety of building the Meeting House near the old house in that place it was resolved to go on; and that George Beardslee, Doctor Samuel Fowler, and Samuel Beardslee be the managers to Con- tract and superintend the work.
" And that John Buckley, Jr., Beverly Beardslee, George Buckley, and Peter Whitaker, Esqr., be Collectors, to collect the Money subscribed for the purpose of building said House. And that Jolin Linn, Esqr., be and hereby is chosen Treasurer. It was moved and carried that the Treasurer and Collectors act in that capacity without fee or reward. And the Managers be only allowed pay when out from home on expense."
By Feb. 10th, 1814, bills were presented for shingles pur- chased and lumber hauled, showing that the work went promptly on after the congregational meeting was held. A debt contracted was not wholly paid off until after 1820. The building in an unfinished condition was occupied that winter, and for several suc- ceeding years. Dr. Fairchild speaks of it in 1830 as " scarcely finished."
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From the time the Post Office was established until the break- ing out of the second war with Great Britain there was much business energy and some village pride in Hamburg. The build- ing of a church in the place had been discussed, and March 21st, 1808, a meeting was held by a few influential citizens, who ap- pointed a committee to secure subscriptions for a meeting house, to be called the Hamburg Church, and to be free to all denomin- ations. Nothing, however, came of it.
In 1813 when the matter of rebuilding the Cary Meeting House was under discussion, the Presbyterians of this place re- solved to build, and shortly after the two structures were going up at the same time. Mr. Martin Ryerson, who called himself a Quaker, promised to give the land. The Baptists subscribed nearly one hundred dollars, and when the deed was drawn up, dated January 10th, 1814, Mr. Ryerson refused to give the lot to the Presbyterians exclusively, but made it to the " Trustees of the United Presbyterian and Ana-baptist Society of Hamburg."
When the house was completed stated services were held in it by the ministers of the First and North Hardyston congrega- tions, and the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's supper were administered. The Presbyterians exercised the prior use of the house, and continued until 1831 to have their Sabbath morning service here, alternating with the North Church. When the third North Church was dedicated Dr. Fairchild insisted upon preaching there every Sabbath morning, and giving the afternoon only to Hamburg.
The Hamburg Church was originally almost square in plan, with a gallery on three sides. The wine glass shaped pulpit stood on a single pillar, and was reached by winding stairs. There were four square pews on each side and long seats through the middle of the house. The square pews were sold and deeds given for them as in the Sparta Church. The Second North Church re- sembled the Hamburg Church, and was built on the same model.
REV. NOAIT CRANE came in 1816, and purchased a farm in Sparta, upon which he lived. He was born at Montclair July 14th, 1780 ; ordained by the " Associated Presbytery of Morris County ;" was our minister until 1818, and continued twelve years
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longer at Sparta. He was spoken of in terms of warmest affec- tion. His death occurred at Newark Sept. 16th, 1851.
BURR BALDWIN, a licentiate of New York Presbytery, preached here for one year, 1818, and was greatly blessed in his work.
The wave of the great revival of 1800 reached this region, and the activity of the pastors in our county was finally crowned with joyous ingatherings. There were several " general meetings" in which a number of churches united. . As a specimen of these, we may name one held at Beemer Meeting House. Robert Ogden records it in his diary as follows :
" 1818, Tuesday, 25th August. After breakfast set off with Mr. Crane to go the General Meeting at Beemer's Church, in Frankford. Eat dinner at Judge Lin's. In the evening attended the prayer-meeting in Beemer's church : about 100 assembled. Lodged at N. Beemer's. Wednesday morning attended the prayer- meeting at sunrise ; about fifty were present. At nine assembled for worship. Mr. Greer, Mr. Williams, Mr. Shafer, Mr. Crane, Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Allen attended. Mr. Greer preached, the others exhorted. At twelve had an hour's intermission. Assem- bled at one. Mr. Allen preached, the others exhorted. Closed the exercises before four o'clock. It was supposed 1500 were collected. No accident or disturbance happened. * After breakfast Thursday morning came home. Mr. Crane eat dinner with me. After dinner went to prayer-meeting [Sparta]."
Some dissatisfaction was expressed at the suggestion that Mr. AAllen should preach at the great meeting. He was very youth- ful looking and a stranger. But as he stood in the doorway he soon carried the hearts of his great auditory with the earnest, piercing words he used. They were deeply affected, and from this time Mr. Allen's reputation as a preacher was established.
Mr. Allen has himself recorded another account of this great meeting.
EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF REV. EDWARD ALLEN.
"Sabbathı 23d August, 1818. This day a Presbyterian Church was duly organized in Newfoundland. The ordinances were administered at Brownville in a barn. This was a very sol- emn day. The largest audience assembled that I have ever seen
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in this region of the country, between 4 and 500. Dr. McDowell preached from the words, 'And he shall see of the travail of his soul.' While the ordinances were administered a no. of affec- ting addresses were made. It was a time of deep solemnity. Mr. Green preached in the r. M. from the words, 'And yet there is room." I trust that the transactions of this day will not soon be forgotten. Mr. Green and myself rode to Snufftown. I preached in the evening at Mr. Ford's to a large assembly.
" Tuesday, 25th August, 1818. Had made a promise to at- tend a great meeting about 20 miles distant-near Decker Town. This had been appointed by Rev'd Mr. Williams and Mr. Baldwin. Arrived at Judge Linn's at even.
" Wednesday, 26. In a gig with Judge Linn, rode to Beem- er Meeting House. Ilere found five Presbyterian Clergymen assembled, two of the Baptist order, one Methodist and one Inde- pendent. At 10 : public worship commenced. The exercises were opened by Mr. Williams. After an exhortation and prayer, Mr. Greer, of N. York State, preached a good sermon. Ile was succeeded by Mr. Crane, of Sparta. The audience was large and not half could get into the house. Mr. Shafer, of Newton, com- menced the exercises with a short prayer. I then preached a ser- mon, and was followed by exhortations from Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Shafer. At 4: the meeting was dissolved. In the P. M. we preached standing in the door. It was judged that nearly 2,000 persons were present, but the order and solemnity was as great as if it had been the Lord's day. Spent the night at Judge Linn's and had the pleasure of Mr. Ogden's and Crane's company.
" Thursday, 27th August, continued at Mr. Linn's until P. M. At 12 : was informed that Mr. Linn's brother had expired the day before. He was ill but half an hour before he became a corpse --- a solemn providence. Spent the night in Hamburg at Mr. Odell's, a Methodist. We had much interesting and edifying conversation during the evening and retired late.
" Friday, 28th. Continued in Hamburg until 2 o'clock P. M., dined at Mr. Gould's [Elder Johnson N. Gould]. Made arrange- ments to exchange labours with Br. Baldwin a few days the com- ing week. Arrived at Pittenger's Tavern at the appointed hour for meeting, and preached again in the evening at Mr. Young's to a crowded house, "How will you escape, if ye neglect so great salvation." Many were affected and the meeting solemn. One inan desired our prayers.
"Tuesday, 1 September, 1818. Had agreed to exchange with Br. Baldwin for a few days. Set off for Judge Linn's where I had an appointment in the P. M. Preached to a crowded house --
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the people gave good attention. Wednesday, 2d September, P. M., preached at Cary Meeting House to a full house, the people were attentive ; returned to Judge Linn's and spent the night.
"Thursday, 3 September, 1818. In the P. M., with Mr. Linn rode to the place appointed for preaching. Found a crowd- ed house and spoke to them from these words, "O wicked man thou shalt surely die." Many appeared affected. I thought proper to appoint another meeting in the evening. Mr. Teasdale, a Baptist Clergyman was present and took part in the exercises. I spent the night with him at Mr. Hammond's.
" Friday, 4 Sept. Arose at an early hour and rode about a mile to Mr. Rorick's for breakfast. Was agreeably entertained with fruits. Came to Mr. Gould's, where I was hospitably enter- tained. In the P. M. visited a few families. They were willing to converse and some promised they would endeavor to reform. One man pleaded inability. In the evening addressed a very large audience. They were very attentive. I spoke from these words, ' O Jerusalem, &c., but ye would not.'
" Saturday, 5 Sept. Rose at an early hour, walked 4 miles to Judge Linn's, took breakfast, and being favored with his horse and gig I went to Newton and spent a few hours at Br. Shafer's. Returned and in the evening preached at Hamburg in a tavern. The people attended well. Spoke from the parable of the " Rich man and Lazarus." Spent the night at Mr. Ryerson's. Convers- ed with Mrs. R., an intelligent woman, relative to the concerns of her sonl. Retired at a late hour.
" Sabbath, 6 Sept. After the morning duties repaired to the house of God with raised affections. It pleased the Lord to put it in the hearts of many persons to assemble together this day. I felt animated while addressing so many precious souls-was cna- bled to speak with great freedom. I attempted to expose the vain excuses of sinners. In the r. M. spoke from the 1st verse of 29th chap. of Proverbs. After this went to Vernon, about six miles, and preached to a crowded house. Spent the night at Mr. Winans' tavern. Very agreeable family.
"Monday, 7th. Returned to Newfoundland. Did not meet Br. Baldwin. Dined at Mr. Ford's. Eve'g. attended the monthly concert for prayer, we had a very interesting meeting-the house was crowded with people who were very solemn Conversed with Mr. Babbitt who has recently embraced a hope."
One day as Mr. Allen was returning from a meeting an old gentleman invited him into his house, and said that if the people would build a meeting house, he would give the land and fifty dollars. On October 1st. 1818, a meeting was held in a school
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house, when the people resolved to build a church, and five Trus- tees were chosen. Mr. Allen was much engaged in Sunday Schools, of which there were several large and full. "One girl recited 1152 verses, and another 800." "Some youth commit 200 verses every week." "Thursday 8 Oct., 1818. Attended Pres- bytery at Elizabeth Town, and was examined for ordination. Six young men received License, viz : Crane, Condit, Armstrong, Babbitt, Osborn, Ford.
" Tuesday 19th, 1818. In the evening preached my trial sermon for ordination in the session house of the Brick Church, [New York City]. It was determined that I be ordained at New- foundland on the 2d Tuesday in Nov. Spent the night with Br. Cox at the house of Mr. Dodge.
" Sabbath, 24 Oct. This was considered by many as the most interesting day that was ever witnessed in Newfoundland. Two additional elders were elected. Thirteen persons were bap- tized, etc. Strictest attention from a large audience. Dr. Mc- Dowell preached and considered this as the most solemn day he ever witnessed. The Lord was evidently in the midst of us. I trust this was a day long to be remembered.
" Tuesday, 10th Nov., [1818]. This day had been ap- pointed by Presbytery for my ordination as an Evangelist. The weather was very favorable. Ten of the clergy were present and seven elders-a very large concourse of people assembled. The exercises were performed in Capt. Martin Brown's barn. The Rev. Mr. Williams commenced the exercises. Mr. Condit made the opening prayer. An admirable sermon was preached by Samuel Cox, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ." Mr. Fisher made the consecration prayer and delivered the charge, and Dr. McDowell concluded the exercises by a pertinent address to the people. All was solemn and affecting. May I never for- get the solemnities of this day. The vows of God are upon me. May I ever look to him for assistance to fulfil the duties of my station.
" Friday. 18 Dec., 1818. Rode through the mountains- came to Bro. Bostedo's, [Methodist Minister] and preached in his house. Not many attended. About 10 in this place have united themselves to Mr. B.'s church. Arrived at Newfoundland and preached in the evening at the house of Maj. Sutton. The atten- dance was good. Had the pleasure of seeing Bro. Enos A. Os- born, on his way as a Missionary to Decker Town, to assist the Rev. Mr. Williams. The Lord is reviving his work in that region.
" Jany. 1st, 1819. The year past my labors owned and blest
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of the Lord. A church formed in Newfoundland of 45 mein- bers. One in Stony Brook of 17 members, and a great Revival in Long Pond.
" Jany. 31st. Twenty-two persons received into the church at Long Pond.
" In February preached in Post Ville and Amity, where Mr. Timlow attended, who was about to become their minister. As- sisted at ordination of Mr. Miller, at Blackriver, Chester, Morris County.
" Thursday, March 11, 1819. Went to Hamburg-had agreed to spend the day, which had been set apart for fasting, Immiliation and prayer, with Bro. Baldwin. A considerable num- ber of people assembled. We each made an address. In the evening I preached from the History of Bartimens. It was very stormy which prevented many from attending. Staid at Mr. Gould's.
" Friday, 12 March. Understood that the people in Ilam- burg had issued a subscription with the view of having me to preach for them one half of the time.
" Saturday, 20th March. Had made arrangements to ex- change a few days with Bro. Baldwin and accordingly set off for Franklin Furnace, arrived at Mr. Munson's before night and took tea. In the evening preached to a crowded house. The atten- tion of the people was good and solemn. Went to Hamburg to Mr. Gould's.
"Sabbath, 21st March, 1819. A cold day. Those present were very attentive. In the evening preached at Vernon, 6 miles from Hamburg, to a very crowded and attentive audience. Spent the night at Mr. Winans'.
" Monday 22d. Rode passed in the evening to Pochunk and preached to a thronged assembly. We passed a solemn evening and a amber appeared affected-the Lord blessed the word preached.
" Tuesday, 23d. Came to Hamburg. Called on Mr. Jones and spent the day with him, his wife a member of the church. Storm prevented preaching. Became acquainted with Dr. L'Hom- medieu.
" Wednesday, 24th. At Judge Linn's. Evening preached in S. House to a very crowded house. Mauy obliged to stand. Solemn meeting. Bro. Baldwin arrived during the service.
" Thursday, 29th March, 1819. Newark-Attended Pres- bytery-was directed to preach at Hamburg and the North Church until the next stated meeting of Presbytery, commencing in June.
EARLY CHURCHES.
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" Friday, 14 May, 1819. Came this day to Hamburg. Had the pleasure of meeting Brothers Fisher, Williams, Crane and Baldwin. P. M. Bro. Fisher preached a sermon suitable to the occasion, and afterwards constituted the church. All the clergy went to Judge Linn's to spend the night.
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MOSS ENG LONEY
THE NORTH CHURCH.
CHAPTER X.
NORTHI HARDYSTON AND HAMBURG CHURCHES.
The following minute is taken from the Sparta Session Book :
"May 14, 1819. The Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Hardyston met agreeable to notice at the house of Thomas Ryerson in Hamburg. Present, John Linn, Johnson N. Gould, George Buckley. The Rev. Mr. Samuel Fisher, Bishop of the congregation of Paterson, presided as Moderator. Opened with prayer. Forty-nine [whose names are given else- where] applied for dismission from this churel to join the North Church in Hardyston. Whereupon it was resolved that the ap- plication be granted and that the several persons named be dis- missed agreeable to their request.
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" 1, Johnson N. Gould ; 2, Elizabeth Gould ; 3, Martha Reeve; 4, Mrs. Jane Jones, w. of Thomas ; 5, Nancy Silsby ; 6, Jane Wood; 7, Priscilla Vibbert, w. of William ; S, Hannah Campbell, w. of John; 9, Julia Kimball ; 10, John T. Perry ; 11, Jane Perry ; 12, Mary Edsall, and 13, Mary Van Vliet, applied for dismission to join the church in Hamburg ; whereupon it was resolved that their application be granted and that the several per- sons named be dismissed at their request.
" The session then elosed with prayer."
FROM MINUTES OF SESSION.
North Church of Hardyston, May 15th, 1819, 3 o'clock, P. M.
" The persons whose names, are underwritten, members of the Presbyterian congregation worshipping in this place, being de- sirous of enjoying christian fellowship and the special ordinances of the church of Christ, met at their usual place of worship and opened their meeting by prayer to God for his guidance and blessing.
" The Rev'd Samuel Fisher, being present, was chosen Mod- erator and John Linn Clerk.
" After having produced satisfactory testimonials of their having been admitted members of the Presbyterian Church, and of their dismission from the churches to which they respectively belonged, they unanimously adopted the following constitution, viz :
I. That we do this day, humbly trusting in the grace of the great Shepherd and Bishop of Souls, cordially unite together as a Christian Church, under the name and style of the North Presbyterian Church of Hardyston.
II. That we do sincerely receive and adopt the confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church and do approve of the gov- ernment and discipline of the same, as exercised in these United States.
III. That we do sincerely engage to walk together in Chris- tian fellowship and love ; tenderly and carefully watching over one another in the Lord.
IV. That we do solemnly engage to submit to the discipline of this church, when administered according to the rules of Christ, as long as we continue members of the same.
" The communicants of the church then chose John Linn and George Buckley Elders, and Mr. Linn Deacon. These per- sons having been already ordained to these offices were not reordained. Eleven additions were received upon profession.
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The loss of the records prevent us from knowing what oth- ers beside the thirteen named were received by letter from other churches or by profession of faith into the Hamburg Church when constituted. By direction of Presbytery Mr. Allen came at the end of the month to assume charge of the churches. We may again take up his diary which furnishes the best history of his ministerial labors.
" Thursday, May 27, 1819 Thus have I spent one year and one month in preaching the gospel in Newfoundland. The Lord be praised. He has done great things for the people insthis des- titute region. Three churches have been established-containing 45 in one, 35 in another, and 21 in the third ; the foundations laid for three meeting houses. This year has proved the most happy of my life. The Lord go with me to that people among whom for a few months I expect to labor.
" Friday, 28th, spent the former part of the day in making preparations for removing to Hamburg.
" Saturday, 29th, came to Hamburg. Stayed at Mr. Johnson N. Gould's.
" Sabbath, 30th, 1819. A cloudy day and appearance of rain. Preached at the meeting house one sermon. The audience was respectable, but I felt cold and dull, and fear the sermon was not much felt. Dined at Mr. Ryerson's. Messrs. Ford and Bruer, lawyers, were present. In the r. M. rode to Vernon and preach- ed at the school house. The andience was not large but atten- tive ; ' Behold I stand at the door and knock, etc.' Spent the night at Mr. Winans'. Next day I visited the school in Vernon and exhorted the children to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. In the r. M., in company with Mr. Winans, went to Pochunk and heard Mr. Vreeland, a Methodist, preach. Went to Mr. P. Ryerson's where i spent the night.
" Tuesday, 1st June. Attended the funeral of Mr. B.
once a professor of religion but had grieviously apostatized and .died from intemperance. He is gone to render up his account. In the afternoon I preached at the school house near Mr. Ryer- son's. Conversed with a young man who was a little serious.
" Friday 4th. Visited the school near JJudge Linn's. After examining the pupils, addressed them on seeking the Kingdom of Heaven. r. M., Visited a number of families. Found Mr. Tuttle and wife at the Big Spring. Serious impressions. Had an interesting interview with them, and particularly with two men who were laboring at his house. One was mnch'affected and
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thought he would, without delay, seek the one thing needful. The other, his apprentice, appeared somewhat impressed, said he had forsaken many of his evil practices, but he feared the scoffs and sneers of his young companions. At the next house found Mr. Kimble and his wife both professors of religion. IIe had been in much distress and lost his hope, but was in a more com- fortable state of mind. Addressed a young woman here who was careless, but promised to forsake her evil ways and think of her eternal concerns. Hopkins family-The man did not seem very happy to see me, but invited me to go into his house. His wife was somewhat serious. Came to Mr. English's, was detained by a shower all night. I saw him the next morning. Called at the Hopkins', found Mrs. H. serious and had a conversation with her. Spent an hour in the family of Mr. Smith. His case was pecu- liarly interesting. A native of Ireland, he had been a professor of religion and thought he enjoyed its comforts. He appeared penitent and wept much. I exhorted him to return unto the Lord who would heal his backsliding.
" Sabbath, 6th June. North Church. Endeavored to sup- plicate a throne of grace that the Lord would this day own and bless my feeble labors. Repaired to the courts of the Lord and found a large assembly convened. Had much freedom in address- ing immortal souls.' 'Behold I lay in Zion, ete'. In the r. M. ' Parable of the Supper.' The attention was good. Baptised four children. Attended sabbath school at the Stone S. House. Heard the Bible class.
"Monday 7. In the p. M. attended the monthly concert of prayer, at the meeting house. A goodly number of people at- tended. Conversed with some persons on the subject of religion immediately after service.
" Tuesday, June 8, my birthday. So teach me Lord to num- ber my days, etc. With Judge Linn rode to Newton, to attend the County Bible Society, was appointed a director, may I dis- charge my duties with fidelity. Wednesday, Bro. Enos Osborn, laboring at Deckertown, called on 'me and spent the day. We examined the points on'which he expected next week to be exam- ined by Presbytery for ordination.
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