USA > New Jersey > Sussex County > Hardyston > Hardyston memorial : a history of the township and the North Presbyterian Church, Hardyston, Sussex County, New Jersey > Part 13
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" Thursday, P. M., preached at the school house [New Pros- pect] near Mr. Givans, to a full and interesting house. Spent the, night at Esq. Buckley's, an Elder.
"Friday 11. Visited Mr. Givens' family. Conversed with the old gentleman on many points. He is indulging a hope. Also with two young women-both seriously impressed. One trusted she had found a hope in the Lord Jesus. Visited another
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family -- woman unconcerned. Urged the necessity of seeking an interest in the Savior. She appeared pleased with my visit and desired me to call again. Left a message for a young woman who had hid herself at my coming. Visited Mr. Buckley's -- Found Mrs. B. and a young woman under exercise of mind. Called on her mother-in-law, a pious old lady. Dined at Israel Munson's and conversed with him and his wife. Visited Mrs. Wade. Preached at school house near the Franklin Furnace. The house was filled with attentive hearers."
These extracts exhibit something of Mr. Allen's life and the style of his labors. He was an earnest preacher and faithful pastor. Those whom he visited and conversed with were mostly all in due time brought to Christ, many of them by his faithful personal appeals.
Ile labored here for nearly two years, during which time 28 members were received into the North Church, and a goodly number into the Hamburg Church. He went to Deekertown and the C'love, and met with wonderful snecess, and especially in his labors at Beemerville.
The following is from the diary of Robert Ogden :
" Saturday, October 23d, 1824-Went to Decker Town. Lodged at Mr. Allen's.
" Sabbath 24th-Attended the communion at the new meet- ing-house below the mountain in Wantage [Beemerville] under the pastoral care of Mr. Edward Allen. A powerful and extensive revival of religion has taken place in that congregation, and the congregation of the C'love and of Decker Town, now united under the care of Mr. Allen. Over one hundred and twenty-two mem- bers were received into the church, of whom more than fifty were baptised. Mr. Job Foster Halsey, a licentiate from the Seminary at Princeton, was there and assisted Mr. Allen in the administra- tion of the ordinance. The house, though large, was crowded to overflowing. The exercises of the day were solemn, impressive, edifying, and consoling, and in the highest degree alarming to the impenitent. O my God, let not the operations of thy Spirit be suspended, but may they still be visible among that people and also be extended to this barren corner of Thy vineyard."
Mr. Allen was for nine years in charge of the Wantage Church. His field extended fifteen miles east and west, and from six to eight miles north and south. Failing health compelled him to suspend his labors for a time, but he resumed them later at
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Milford, Pa. When the Second Church of Wantage was organ- ized, in 1834, he preached there two years, and then returned to Milford for two years. IIe had charge at different times of five other churches in Pennsylvania, to all of which he came in their weakness and left them greatly strengthened and enlarged. As many as ten church buildings owe their erection to his endeav- ors. He died August 1st, 1877, aged eighty-five years. His first wife was Elizabeth, daughter of Elder John Linn, of Harmony Vale, whom he married while minister here. His second wife was the Widow Louisa T. Richardson, of Harford, Pa.
The following is an extract from North Church Sessional Records :
" Near the close of the year 1820 the Rev. Edward Allen, after laboring among us as a Missionary a year and a half, accepted a call from the Presbyterian Church and congregation of Wan- tage, N. J."
" During the winter of 1821 the congregation were convened according to notice; when they voted to give REV'D BURR BALD- WIN a call to preach for them, either as Pastor or stated supply, under an engagement to preach one-half his time at the North Church and at Hamburg ; and the remainder of his time at Frank- ford."
This invitation was accepted by Mr. Baldwin, and he entered upon his duties as a stated supply, having been ordained since his former service here. It is a matter of regret that we know so little of this good man's labors while for three years our two churches were in his charge. During his pastorate twenty-one were added to the membership of the North Church.
We had no communion set of our own. The one belonging to the Sparta Church, given by Robert Ogden, had been some- times used here. It was proposed that all the farmers' wives should make a contribution of butter, and as many as possible should send a tub. This butter was forwarded to New York for sale, and with the proceeds was purchased the communion set. which is still in use.
REV. NATHANIEL. CONKLING succeeded Mr. Baldwin in June, 1824, and was here nearly four years, during which time there were thirty-nine additions to the church. Except from the Ses- sion book little information remains respecting his ministrations,
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but we may judge from these records that he was a useful man and faithful to his calling.
He was ordained as an Evangelist by the Presbytery of New- ton, November 19th, 1823, preached in Indiana and Illinois, labored in Pennsylvania, and died at Tyrone City, Pa., about 1866. Rev Nathaniel W. Conkling, D. D., of New York city, is his son.
E. N. Hainhila
CHAPTER XI.
MINISTRY OF DR. FAIRCHILD AND MR. CAMPBELL.
In September, 1829, began the ministry of ELIAS RIGGs FAIRCHILD, who served the church exclusively for nine years, with the exception of nearly twelve months, when the state of his health required rest, and Rev. Stephen Thomson supplied his place.
When the North Church was burned the congregation was greatly disheartened. The session gathered around the smoking ruins, and the question was asked, what shall we do now ? Amid the tears of the old Elders, Dr. Fairchild answered, we must build again. Dr. Fowler headed a subscription list with $100. and others came forward liberally. Dr. Fairchild circulated the sub- scription paper at home and in other places. Stated worship was held under the trees in the orchard, as long as the weather per- mitted. The new house was dedicated on Friday, May 6th, 1831, fourteen months after the fire. Rev. Peter Kanonse preached on the occasion from Isaiah, 54:2. Rev. Mr. Allen was pre- sent and participated in the exercises, which were solemn and impressive.
The attendance at the new church was soon greatly increased. In the fall and early winter of this year the work of God's Spirit was manifested, and sixty united with the church during 1831. The following sessional record is made November 26th, 1832 : " In the early part of September the special influences of the Holy Spirit were shed forth on different sections of the church. The members soon manifested a deeper interest in the things of
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religion, and many of the unbelieving community were converted to God." Sixty-seven were received into the church this year ..
In 1 833 there were bnt five additions, while in 1834 twenty- six are recorded. None were received in 1835, and seventeen were added in 1836.
A woman's prayer meeting was held on week day afternoons 'at the different houses. The ladies met for co-operative work, in sewing and making garments for the poor, and their tract society carried the gospel message once a month to every house. Thus the woman's societies, now so universal, were all anticipated in bur female organization, which was in active service a half een- tury ago.
" Neighborhood prayer meetings " were held in every part of the congregation. The young men would walk long distances, often after a hard day's work upon the farm, and take their part in prayer, and if required conduct the meetings. From eight and ten miles distant the people drove to the North Church. When there was much religious interest the church was overcrowded and benches were kept to be placed in the aisles. Mr. Fairchild preached and lectured night after night, gaining the solemn and fixed attention of his hearers. HIe had power in almost compell- ing careless families to come to the house of worship, and when they became hearers for a time, they were soon brought to an awakened state.
CALEB FAIRCHILD settled at Whippany, Morris County, N. J., about 1735. Ezra Fairchild, his son, married Prisilla Burt, and removed to Mendham, in 1762. IIe was in Washington's army, and died of small pox, contracted while the army lay near Mor- ristown. He had four daughters and two sons. Ebenezer was the youngest child, born January 18th, 1776, married Phebe Vance in 1797, and died July, 1869, in his ninety-fourth year. He had been a Ruling Elder in the 1st Presbyterian Church of Mendham for seventy years. His wife attained almost as great an age as himself. They were both marked by great simplicity of charac- ter and earnestness in christian life. They had two sons, Ezra, a successful teacher and principal of an Academieal school for many years, and Elias Riggs.
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ELIAS RIGGS FAIRCHILD, D. D., was born near Mendham, N. J., August 17th, 1801. His boyhood was spent upon his father's farm. Resolving to prepare for the ministry, he secured a classical education, graduated at a New England College, and at Auburn Theological Seminary in 1827. He was soon after licensed and did missionary service in Western New York. Some of his sermons were prepared with great care, yet he had remark- able facility in speaking, and some of his happiest efforts were made upon the emergency. At times he rose to eloquence and his appeals were most touching. He sought to reach the hearts of his hearers, and the love of Christ was his constant theme. Yet he did not fail to persuade men by the terrors of the Lord.
Ile was three times called to the church of Montgomery, N. Y., and as many times installed its pastor. Ile served as Sec- retary of the American Home Missionary Society, and afterwards of the American and Foreign Christian Union. These positions required severe labor, and the exercise of much courage and faith, but under his management both of these organizations prospered and sent out many young men.
IIe was eminent in building up feeble churches. It was his habit to go to a weak congregation and devote himself to it for a few years. Large revivals usually followed, and under his prac- tical suggestions, debts would be paid, and the salary raised for a new minister. lle would then consider his work complete in that field and go to another.
After a painful illness he died at Morristown April 22d, 1878, in joyful confidence of entering the rest which remaineth for the people of God, and his grave is at Mendham. His funeral was largely attended and devout men carried him to his burial. Representatives were present from many churches for whom he had labored, and to whom he had been a blessing.
Ile has written an autobiography, intended only for the perusal of his most intimate friends, but I have been permitted to copy, for insertion, that portion of it which includes his ministry here.
NARRATIVE OF LABORS AT NORTH HARDYSTON CHURCHI.
" In July, 1829, a delegate from the North Church of Har-
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dyston, in Sussex County, N. J., (Mr. Andrew Linn, one of the elders of the church,) called on me in Mendham, N. J., to lay before me the claims of the church and vicinity, which he repre- sented, and to engage my services there if the way was clear for so doing.
" Mr. Linn returned to his place and under date of August 5th, 1829, at a meeting of the congregation of North Hardyston and Hamburg, a paper was adopted, expressive of the desire of the congregations for my services among them, in the gospel min- istry, with the understanding that public preaching be held on the Sabbath days, in the churches alternately. After maturely con- sidering the call to this field of labor, its claims grew upon me and drew me toward it with unusual force. It was a rural con- gregation, extending in length from ten to twelve miles, (from Lafayette to Vernon) and in width six to seven miles, (from Ogdensburg to limits of the Baptist Church, near Deckertown). There were but 30 names on the church roll of members, and but a small sum could be raised for the annual support of the minister. I early signified that I would come to them if Providence should permit, about the middle of the month of August.
" I succeeded in arranging my affairs so as to keep my ap- pointment. Mrs. Fairchild accompanied me. We were very cor- dially received into the family of Mr. Joseph Linn, and made our home in his house about nine months. The following May ie removed to the parsonage, near the church, which the congre- gation had purchased.
" Religious services were maintained in each of the churches alternately on Sundays. In a short time several stations for preaching were established outside of the church editices. Sab- bath Schools, Bible classes, and meetings for prayer, were in time set up and maintained at various points, with manifest good re- sults. In March, 1830, the congregation of the North Church sustained a great shock from the burning of their church edifice. It was scarcely finished. It was not insured. The loss was there- fore absolute and total. To the friends of the church it was a grevious affliction ; and over-cast them all with sadness, intensified by the impression that the fire was the work of an incendiary. But this sad event was made the occasion of good. A deeper interest in church affairs was by it awakened, and a resolution to build another and better house was quickly entertained. Event- nally subscriptions were opened for funds to supply the loss. Suitable persons were appointed to canvass the territory and see what could be obtained of cash, labor, or materials. When this work was fairly and encouragingly underway, I repaired
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to Newark, Elizabethtown and various places in Somerset and Morris counties, New Jersey, and solicited funds. I also visited some parts of Pennsylvania for the same object. At Mil- ford very handsome contributions in lumber were made. The offerings of the people of the parish, and the contributions of friends outside of it, completed the work, and when the house was dedicated it was wholly paid for.
" When the new stone church was completed the people con- sented to make it the central point for worship every Sabbath morning. Afternoon and evening services, Sundays and week days, were held at Hamburg and in the different neighborhoods. One organized Presbyterian Church, and one board of Elders only existed in the territory, and all church members were members of the North Church of Hardyston.
" In seasons of revivals, the members were always ready to cooperate with me in visiting from house to house, and conversing with the anxious in the' inquiry room, and in any other service which they could render Several remarkable revivals of religion were enjoyed. On one of these occasions almost every part of the territory seemed more or less affected, and the people were anx- ions to attend religious meetings. Obeying the Providential indi- cations services were opened in the church edifice, and continued daily and nightly for considerable time. As one of the results about one hundred persons professed conversion to Christ ; and at a communion service, which included two Sabbaths consecu- tively, seventy-five were admitted to membership. Some of the converts sought connection with Baptist and Methodist Churches in the neighborhood. Other seasons of special interest in religion were enjoyed where-in numbers were converted and added to the church : but they were of more limited extent. By the Lord's blessing a valuable church and congregation grew up on that ground, having in 1838 a good church edifice of stone, a parsonage with barn and other outbuildings, and several acres of plow and meadow and wood land. There was a communion list of a little more than two hundred (200) members, of these about 150 had been added by profession. My closing services at the North Church were held Sunday, May 13th, 1838. In that week I went to Mont- gomery, N. Y.
REV. JOEL CAMPBELL came from Honesdale, Penn., and took charge of the North Church May, 1838. His ministry was a long one, continuing unbroken for eighteen years, when he purchased a farm in western Pennsylvania, to which he removed. On account of sickness he came back after six months, and en-
HARDYSTON MEMORIAL.
gaged to supply the congregation for a short time. He was in- >trumental in organizing the Presbyterian Church of Layafette, a number of whose early members went from us by certificates. When Mr. Campbell came the church had reached its greatest advance in numbers and strength. The corrected roll showed a membership of two hundred, earnest, intelligent christians, and well organized for christian work. The parsonage house was in good repair, with fourteen acres of land attached. The salary of $430 was paid every year, although with some delays. Mr. Campbell purchased additional land to the amount of twenty ares, and after a time built a new house on his own ground, now the residence of Elder S. O. Price, and rented out the church par- omge.
In entering upon his labors he followed Mr. Fairchild in his appointments, but left out the more remote stations. I do not think he went at all to Vernon, where at one time there were so many Presbyterian families that efforts were made toward build- ing a Presbyterian Church in the village. The enterprise fell through, and the people went to Amity, or united with the Vernon Methodist Church, which was formed in 1837. Some of the Vernon members long continued their names upon our roll.
Mr. Campbell usually preached three times on the Sabbath, but had not the physical ability to hold four or five other meet- ing> through the week, as some of his predecessors had done. He won the affection of the children, and was considered peculiarly happy in his addresses upon funeral occasions. Two revivals of religion took place under his ministry. One in 1842, when thirty- six were received into the church. The work commenced in the -minmer. and reached its greatest power in September and Octo- ber. Rev. Mr. Allen and Mr. Conklin assisted in the extra servi- "e; which were held. The word came with great power, and on several occasions the evening exercises in the church were accom- panied by weeping throughout the house. An inquiry meeting be- fore evening service was held at the parsonage, to which many of the young would resort in distress of mind, and to obtain spiritual direction. The scenes of Mr. Fairchild's day were repeated, and the little parlor became again the hallowed spot where souls en-
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tered the kingdom of God. The 1st of January, 1843, was a memorable day, when twenty-six stocd up to profess their faith in Christ, and to come for the first time to the Lord's table. There was one man of sixty-five years, but most were young and more than half were under twenty. Mr. Campbell was very tender and judicions in dealing with awakened consciences.
The second revival occurred in 1850. Early in the fall special meetings were held at the church in which Mr. Campbell was assisted by a young evangelist, who went freely in and ont among the seats speaking with those in attendance. The singing of familiar hymns had much influence in arresting attention and carrying the truth home to the heart. This revival was not as widespread and remarkable as the previous one, and yet through it twenty-four were gathered into the church.
Anannual donation party for the minister's benefit was given at the parsonage. Few gifts were in money, and they were more commonly of farm products, useful in the household. The farm- ers brought oats, wheat and rye ; their wives linen and woolen yarn, and the merchants contributed sugar, coffee and tea. The married people came in the afternoon, and the "young folks" in the evening. One winter the young men of Franklin presented Mr. Campbell with a handsome broad cloth cloak, which he wore for many years afterwards.
Mr. Campbell took charge of the Lafayette Church, and con- tinned its pastor until the Rev. Jetho B. Woodward was installed by Newton Presbytery. He purchased a house in Lafayette vil- lage to which he removed, making it his home until his death, May 15th, 1872, in his seventy-sixth year. He was buried in North Church Cemetery in a lot donated for that purpose by the Trustees. His wife, son, daughter and son-in-law are buried in the same plot. His daughter, Amanda, became the wife of David Hopkins Kimble. His son, JJoel, began to study for the ministry, and was for a time a student in Princeton College, but soon changed his purpose, serving in the army during a part of the war of the rebellion.
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CHAPTER XII.
CHURCH HISTORY CONTINUED.
REV. DAVID C. MEEKER came to the North Church April 1st, 1857. Hle had been preaching at Deerfield, N. J., and at Darby, near Philadelphia. The matter was under discussion whether to repair or rebuild the parsonage. Mr. Meeker was so urgent for the new house that the congregation decided to build if the means conld be raised. A subscription paper was prepared and placed in the hands of my aunt, the widow T. A. Austin. Her perseverance and activity secured the amount, and the new building soon arose not far from the old site, and is the present parsonage of the congregation. The old one, which has the date of 1788 on the chimney, was remodeled, and has since been the home of the sexton.
During the year 1858 much religions feeling existed in the congregation, and a few extra meetings were held. These closed abruptly after two weeks continuance, and the result was the in- gathering of sixteen souls. The total addition during Mr. Meek- er's ministry was nineteen.
He left the church in August, 1859, and returned to Darby, Pa., where he died a few years later.
The REV. GOODLOE BOWMAN BELL is the only survivor of the former ministers of the North Hardyston Church, and is now pas tor of the Presbyterian Church, of Amenia, N. Y.
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Ile was the son of the late Hon. Samuel and Louisa Bell, and was born at Reading, Pa., June 14th, 1832. After graduating at Yale College in 1852, he made an extended tour in Europe, and on his return entered the Union Theological Seminary in New York City, where he graduated in 1859. He was ordained by the Fourth Presbytery of Philadelphia at Norristown, Pa., in Octo- ber, 1859, and immediately after took charge of the North Church. He married Annie Angustine Anstin, the only daughter of Mrs. T. A. Austin and neice of Daniel Haines, who died at Amenia in 1887.
Soon after Mr. Bell's advent extensive repairs were made upon the church building. The roof was slated, and the whole interior changed. The pulpit which formerly stood between the. doors was placed on the opposite side, and the seats reversed. The alterations made transformed the house into a neat and com- modions place of worship. The attendance upon the services in- creased largely when the church was reopened, and new members were added.
The civil war came with its excitements and ocenpied much of the thoughts of the community. Soldiers were recruited, and many of the young men volunteered. Three companies were chiefly raised from within the bounds of the congregation, besides individuals who joined other military organizations. The ladies formed a soldier's relief society, and made lint and garments, and knit stockings for their friends in camp. In all this patriotic- work Mr. Bell heartily sympathized and co-operated. His own brother, Captain Bowman Bell, fell in battle.
Mr. Bell writes, " The North Church was up to the highest standard of patriotism, and freely gave ' its boys' to save our coun- try. When I went to Hardyston in 1859 the first to welcome me was Thomas R. Haines. The last service I rendered as pastor- was to officiate at his funeral ; he had fallen upon the battle field in Virginia, and was buried October, 1864, and the entire com- munity were mourners."
Sunday evening services were held at Franklin Furnace where the school house was often crowded. Other stations were- visited in their turn on Sabbath afternoons. Mr. Bell was an ex-
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cellent musician, and often led the singing, which formed an at- tractive part of the exercises. The whole number added to the membership during his five years term of service was seventeen. Hle was called to Hope Chapel, a mission enterprise of the Brick Church of New York, and resigned his charge here October 1st, 1864, and removed to the city.
My own ministry in Hardyston began at the close of my connection with the army. After three years service as Chap- lain of the 15th Regiment, N. J. Volunteers, I visited my home and was asked to preach the first Sabbath of July, 1865. Before service a paper was given me with thirty signatures representing the families of the congregation. This was a call inviting me to become their pastor, and stating that it was the nnanimons wish of the people that I should settle among them. A few days later Isignified my acceptance of this invitation, and have continued here ever since. The only breaks in this relation wereone of nine months, when I went to Palestine in the service of the American Palestine Exploration Society in 1573, and another when I re- ceived a second leave of absence from my church for six months in 1876 to visit and make explorations in the Sinai Desert.
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