USA > New Jersey > Bergen County > History of Bergen county, New Jersey > Part 12
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CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH.
The Christian Reformed Church ( formerly known as the True Re- formed Dutch Church ) has a history dating back to 1822, when differ- ences in doctrine and practice, caused eleven (11) congregations to with- draw from the judicature of the Dutch Reformed Church, and organized as the Claseis of Hackensack of the True Reformed Dutch Church.
Six of these congregations are entitled to recognition in the history of Bergen County, and are situated at Ramseys, (formerly Ramapo), Schraalenburg, (now Bergen Fields), English Neighborhood, (now Leonia ), Paramus, (now Ridgewood ), Englewood and Hackensack. In the year 1890 after an acquaintance of several years the two branches of the True Reformed Dutch Church. east and west, united, and for the sake of ecclesiastical, uniformity and compatibility with the Mother Church in the Netherlands, they assumed the name, Christian Reformed Church, still retaining their corporate title, observing the same form of church government and doctrinal standards. worshipped for a time in private houses, barns and halls, under the pastorate of Rev. Solomon Froeligh, D. D., until 1830, when Rev. C. T. Demarest served the church for one year, and Rev. Christian Z. Paulison was installed pastor. In 1839 Rev. C. T. Demarest was again called to Hackensack, and served
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the church jointly with Leonia, until 1852, Rev. Cornelius J. Blauvelt succeeding to the pastorate in 1854, remaining until his death in 1860. Rev. John Y. De Baun was with the congregation for twenty-seven years. The first church edifice was erected in 1833 on Hudson Street, enlarged in 1861, and again in 1867. In the year 1899 a new edifice in modern style, was built on State Street to replace the old one. The new church is called the Town Clock Church.
Rev. John C. Voorhis, who is the sixth incumbent since the secession, was called to this pastorate in 1887, since doing a good work, both in his church and in educational affairs, being a member and for several years President of the Board of Education. He was ordained in 1875, and became pastor of the church at Englewood where he remained twelve years, just prior to coming to Hackensack.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The Church known as the First Presbyterian Church was originally the result of a secession, owing to a dispute of Rev. C. Z. Paulison with the Claseis of the True Reformed Church. Thinking himself and his following aggrieved, they organized a church similar to the Seceder Church but entirely independent of it. Finally in 1871 the Consistory applied to the Presbytery of Jersey City for admission to the Presby- terian Church which was granted. Thus this church, organized in 1832 as an independent True Reformed Church, came eventually into the Presbyterian fold. There has been a succession of short pastorates until in 1891 Rev. R. Kuebler was called who continues to the present time. He was graduated from Union Theological Seminary in 1891. The church has recently been enlarged and is in a prosperous condition.
THE FIRST METHODIST CHURCHI.
In 1837 an organization was effected by the Protestant Methodists. but disbanded after six or seven years. It was not until 1849, that the first class was established, and shortly afterward the First Methodist Episcopal Church was built on the rear of the same lot, upon which stands the present church and parsonage. The front was on Warren Street. The present church was begun in April 1874, the lecture room being dedicated in January 1875 and four years later the work was again taken up and the church completed.
ASBURY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
was organized in 1868, when thirty-six members were transferred from the First M. E. Church, and on New Year's Day 1871, they dedicated their new church. One month later it was burned down. It was not until nearly ten years had elapsed, that the present church was built. They have now a membership of nearly 150, and church property worth probably $12,000.
HOLY TRINITY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Not until 1863 did the Roman Catholics of Hackensack have a church of their own. Both the foreign and native born Catholic element is large and the congregation worships in a commodious edifice on Mapk
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Avenue under the pastorate of Rev. J. J. Cunnelly. Already a new church has sprung out of the old one and worships in a sanctuary of its own on Vreeland Avenue.
The Rev. Dr. Brann purchased the site of the present church from the late John C. Myers on March 31, 1867. The Rev. P. Corrigan the first resident pastor preceded Dr. Brann and officiated at Hackensack and Fort Lee, from September, 1863, to May, 1866.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
was organized in 1832 by Elder Griffiths, but for various reasons the membership dropped off until Deacon De Woff, his wife and daughter alone remained. It was not until 1870 that an effort was made to again establish a church of this creed, and in July of that year, eleven mem- bers united to form the First Baptist Church. Mr. George H. Atwood alone secured $1500 toward a fund for the erection of a suitable house of worship. At the completion of the building the first pastor Rev. Zelotes Grenell, senior, was installed on the day of dedication December 30, 1870. The pastorates have in no case covered a long period but have for the most part been vigorous and fruitful of much good.
CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH.
About seventy members withdrew from the First Baptist Church, and organized temporarily on May 5, 1896, at the house of Mr. William E. Taylor. On December 3, 1896, the church incorporated under the name of the Calvary Baptist Church of Hackensack, Bergen County, New Jersey.
The membership is now about eighty. The church property at Union Street and Central Avenue is valuable and the financial affairs, generally, in a flourishing condition. The various church helps, Sunday School, Young Peoples' Societies, etc., are active and growing.
CHRIST CHURCH.
The Protestant Episcopal Church known as Christ Church, dates back to 1861, and has attracted a large number of people. The noble edifice on State Street, with its rectory, tells of the zeal and labors of the present pastor, Rev. Dr. William Welles Holley, who has labored with his present charge for more than twenty-eight years. There are now about 600 members zealously working in their especial field. In' its short life this church organization has given nearly a quarter of a million dollars for the spread of the gospel.
Dr Holley is a native of Geneva, N. Y., and a graduate of Trinity College. He was ordained to the ministry in 1865.
THE UNITARIANS
established a church organization in February, 1898, and incorporated soon after under the name of the "First Unitarian Congregational Church of Hackensack." They worship in Odd Fellows' Hall. This society has many prominent financial people of the city among its sup- porters, and is doing a successful work in the broad field covered by the
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
"Love to God and Love to Man," which they recognize as practical religion.
MOUNT OLIVET BAPTIST CHURCH.
The colored people are quite weak, but succeed in keeping up the interest of two congregations of the Methodist and Baptist denomina- tions. There are about fifty-four members in this organization, but they have church property valued at $2500. The work of organizing a congregation was commenced on Sunday. July 2d, 1889. The Mission was. reorganized and recognized in 1892, when the lot for the present church building was purchased and paid for at a cost of $290.
ZION M. E. CHURCHI
was organizee in 1865, and Mr. L. H. Sage donated the lot on which the church stands, the building having been erected some three years later.
NEWSPAPERS.
The first newspaper published in Hackensack was the Bergen Coun- ty Journal, with Mr. Joseph Baldwin as its editor until 1861, when he enlisted in the Civil War. About this time Mr. C. C. Burr began pub- lishing the Bergen County Democrat and Rockland County Journal. In the meantime Mr. Eben Winton having bought the plant of the lately suspended Journal, formed a partnership with Mr. Burr in publishing the Bergen County Democrat, and at the same time discontinued the Rockland County edition. In less than a year, however, Mr. Burr with- drew, and Mr. Winton remained alone in the publication until 1870, when he took his son Henry into the business, and the firm became known as E. Winton & Son. One year later Mr. Henry Winton became sole owner.
In politics the paper is Democratic, and is on a good financial basis, being one of the best paying newspapers in the State.
THE HACKENSACK REPUBLICAN,
the only permanent Republican paper of general circulation in Bergen County, was established in 1870 under the editorship of Arnold B. John- son, as " The New Jersey Republican."
Mr. Johnson remained with the paper until 1874, when he was suc- ceeded by Hugh M. Herrick of the Paterson Guardian. Mr. Herrick returned to the Guardian a year later and was succeeded on the New Jersey Republican by William H. Bleecker and Thomas H. Rhodes. Mr. Rhodes, however, retired after a few months leaving Mr. Bleecker sole proprietor until 1878. Thomas 11. Chrystal then purchased the plant, and changed the name of the paper to that of The Hackensack Republican, at the same time enlarging the sheet and improving its mechanical department, while adding to its attractiveness by his hu- morous writings.
In 1882 Hon. William M. Johnson purchased the paper, placing Eugene K. Bird at the head of its editorial department. Mr. Bird is of recognized ability and has been with this paper since 1877.
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
In 1889 Mr. Herrick, former owner, again took charge, where he still continues, with Mr. Bird as local editor and business manager. This paper is progressive and independent, devoted to local interests as well as to State questions. It is on a solid business basis.
THE EVENING RECORD,
published in Hackensack, is the only daily paper in Bergen County.
In June, 1895, some young men of enterprise undertook this publi- cation, which they continued until January following, when "The Evening Record Publishing Company," incorporated and purchased the business.
Herbert W. Collingwood, the president of the company, became editor-in-chief, James A. Romeyn, treasurer and manager, with James Smith as local editor.
In September Mr. Collingwood retired when Mr. E. G. Runner was made president, and James A. Romeyn became editor, in addition to his offices of secretary and treasurer.
In politics this paper is independent and aggressive, always loyal to local interests, while maintaining a courteous demeanor toward its contemporaries. The circulation is large and increasing, promising a bright future.
THE HACKENSACK HOSPITAL.
[Contribution of the Secretary of the Board. ]
In the early spring of 1888 Dr. David St. John, who had then already become prominent in this section and whose extended practice brought him into contact with many cases which could be so much more success- tully treated in a hospital, under took the organization of such an insti- tution in town. His efforts met with a ready response and resulted in a preliminary meeting which was held at the office of Hon. William M. Johnson on April 23rd, 1888. This meeting was attended by a goodly number of representative citizens and it was then decided to proceed to organize and a committee on permanent organization was appointed. At a second meeting held at the same place on May 1st, of that year, the committee on permanent organization reported in favor of an organiza- tion dual in form viz : The Hackensack Hospital Company to be managed by a board of eleven directors which might consist of seven gentlemen and four ladies, said company to acquire and hold title to the Hospital property. Second, The Hackensack Hospital Association to be directed by a board of twenty-four governors, the last named organization to lease the property from the company at a nominal annual rental and to equip and manage the hospital. This report was adopted as was also the constitution and by-laws reported by the same committee, provision being made for the appointment of a ladies auxiliary board by the board of Governors. Permanent organization was then effected by the election of the following named Board of Directors for the Company: Hon. Wil- liam M. Johnson, Hon. William S. Banta, Edward H. Dougherty, Nicholas Mehrhof, Sr., John C. Van Saun, Adonijah S. Boyd, William
HACKENSACK HOSPITAL
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
P. Ellery, Mrs. Frederick Jacobson, Sr., Mrs. Elizabeth F. Chrystal. Mrs. Theodore B. Romeyn, and Mrs. E. M. Moses.
For Governors of the Association : Nicholas Mehrhof, Sr., David Terhune, Charles H. H. Harris, Peter L. Conklin, William T. E. Wells Edwin Ackerman, George W. Conklin, William Williams, Edward Poor, Sr., Lewis Perrot, John O. Grode, George M. Fairchild, Jr., James A. Romeyn. Lemuel Lozier, John O. Hilver, Cornelius A. Herring, Wesley Stoney, Abraham G. Munn, Jr., Matthew E. Clarendon, James E. Church, Abraham S. Burdette, M. D., David St. John. M. D., James M. Van Valen, and Nicholas C. Demarest. The Board of Governors met at once with Hon. James M. Van Valen presiding and James A. Romeyn as Secretary. A committee on nomination of officers was ap- pointed, consisting of Nicholas Mehrhof. Sr., Dr. D. St. John, and William Williams. That committee reported for President. David Ter- hune ; Vice-Presidents, James M. Van Valen and M. E. Clarendon : Sec- retary, James E. Church ; and Treasurer. Charles H. Harris, which report was adopted. At a subsequent meeting of the board on May 7th. John O. Hilver, P. L. Conklin, and N. C. Demarest declined to serve as Governors and were replaced by Alvah Towbridge, and William M. Johnson. Mr. Charles H. Harris also declined the treasurership and James A. Romeyn was unanimously chosen in his stead. The President appointed a large and representative auxiliary board, the various com- mittees of which are to be presided over by the following : Visiting Committee, Mrs. William Williams, (Camden Street ) ; Finance Com- mittee, Mrs. William T. Wells; Supply Committee, Mrs. William Wil- liams, (State Street : Nurses Aid Committee, Mrs. Dr. Holley ; Ward- robe Committee, Mrs. J. S. Moses ; Special Needs Committee, Miss. A. Barling. Want of space forbids naming the entire Auxiliary Board, but very largely to the ladies of that board and to Dr. St. John. David Ter- hune, and Cornelius A. Herring belongs the credit of the speedy and successful opening of this much needed institution, The first Medical Board were : Dr. D. St. John, President ; Dr. Abram S. Burdette, Secretary ; with Fordyce Barker, M. D., Edward G. Janeway, M. D .. and Abin Jacobi, M. D., as consulting physicians. Lewis H. Sayre. M. D., consulting surgeon ; W. Gill Wylie, M. D., consulting gynecologist: David Webster, M. D., consulting occulist : Visiting physicians and surgeons, Dr. D. St. John and Dr. Abraham S. Burdette. Homeopathic ward, Chas. F. Adams, M. D., attending physician ; Dr. G. Howard McFadden, interne ; and Miss Mary E. Livingston, matron. Later on a Nurses Training School was organized, whose graduates now minister to the sick and injured in many States.
In addition to the names already mentioned as prominent in its orga- nization and early management, the name of Mrs. Theodore B. Romeyn should also be mentioned.
From its inception there has been most worthy, consistent and enthusiastic efforts put forth by its promotors and managers, each suc-
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ceeding annual report showing increased facilities, a more and more sat- isfactory financial standing, a better corp of trained nurses, additions to and improvements of the hospital property and buildings and most skill- ful treatment on the part of its physicians and nurses until it is to-day recognized everywhere as a strictly first-class institution of its kind as 'shown by the fact that its last annual report shows $3826.40 received during the year from patients and nurses earnings, in a total receipts for the year of $6486.84 while the expenses were $5544.83, leaving a balance of $942.01. The last year (1899) the institution has been taxed to its utmost capacity and though 519. cases were treated during the year some had to be turned away for want of room, and the board of govern- ors are now considering plans to enlarge and otherwise increase its usefulness. The present board of officers are Albert V. Moore, Presi- dent ; M. E. Clarendon and Alvah Trowbridge, Vice Presidents; John Dunlap, Treasurer ; and James E. Church, Secretary. The associates of Dr. St. John on the medical board, are Doctors A. L. Van De Water, Frank H. White, E. K. Conrad, and G. Howard McFadden. Dr. N. A. Harris is attending physician to the Homeopathic ward. Dr. Elmer W. Scott is the present house physician and Miss Emma F. Crum, supervis- ing nurse. The hospital has been peculiarly fortunate in having the hearty assistance of many of the most prominent medical men in New York City, on its consulting staff. Among these are such eminent names as Edward G. Janeway, M. D., Abin Jacobi, M. D., consulting physicians ; Joseph D. Bryant, M. D., and George F. Shrady, M. D., consulting sur- geons, W. Gill Wylie, M. D., and Roberf H. Wylie, M. D., con- sulting gynecologists; David Webster, M. D., consulting opthalmic surgeon; J. Leonard Corning, M. D., consulting neurologist; Rob- ert Newman, M. D., consultant in genito-urinary diseases; Regi- nald H. Sayre, M. D., consultant in diseases of spine and gen- eral deformities, Charles W. Allen, M. D., consulting dermatologist, and S. M. Payne, M. D., consultant in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. The present Hospital Governors are Dr. D. St. John, M. E. Clarendon, Alvah Trowbridge, Major John Dunlap, James E. Church, J. O. Grode, A. G. Munn, Jr., C. E. Breckinridge, E. H. Dougherty, C. E. Eckerson, Chas. Henderson, Edward E. Moore, J. A. Romeyn, Lemuel Lozier, Hon. William M. Johnson, E. M. Barnes, Cap- tain J. J. Phelps, A. V. Moore, William T. Knapp, L. Perrot, E. E. Poor, Sr., G. L. Jaeger, Charies H. Harris and George W. Conklin.
After due credit has been given to all others, more than to any one else the chief credit for organization and most successful management of this admirable and worthy institution belongs to Dr. David St. John. JAMES E. CHURCH.
THE HACKENSACK IMPROVEMENT COMMISSION.
This Commission was created by act of the State Legislature of New Jersey in 1868, supplemented in April, 1871 by a provision em- powering the Commission to organize a Fire Department. On June 1,
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"GLENCOURT", RESIDENCE AND GROUNDS OF MR. C. E. ECKERSON
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
following, two companies were organized, Bergen Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, and Relief Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2. Two trucks were purchased, but not being of equal value, in order to make a satisfactory adjustment of numbers and awarding of trucks, the com- inittee agreed to give choice of trucks to one and choice of numbers to the other. It thus came that Bergen became No. 1, but received the inferior apparatus.
Their truck was first kept in a little building ( now made into a dwelling house ) on State Street, near the Susquehanna Track. Soon after this, however, they moved into the new house on Bergen Street, and for more than a quarter of a century have done active service, with but one interruption. Their enrollment at present twenty-seven. Relief Hook and Ladder Company, No. 2, was organized at the old Park Hotel, on Passaic Street. They first kept their truck in the old . DeBaun black- smith shop on Union Street, and afterwards used La Favorita boat house on Anderson's dock. In March, 1896, they took possession of their State Street fire house.
The first Chief of the Fire Department, John J Ward, was from this company. The company was organized with eleven members, but have now twice that number. Their truck was used twenty years with- out repair, except painting. A new truck was furnished them in 1895 at a cost of $1350.
Protection Engine Company, No. 1, was organized in November of the same year, and in 1884 James Conklin, of this company, was elected Chief. In 1895 a new house was erected for them at a cost of $3500, and the same year the fine La France steam fire engine was furnished them. This company now has twenty-seven members.
Liberty Hose Company, No. 1, now known as Liberty Steamer Company, No 1, was the first hose company in the department, and was organized September, 19, 1882, but did not incorporate until 1885. They are a prosperous company, and in 1883 purchased a new hose carriage, of which they are sole owners. This they turned over to the Commis- mission, and subsequently invested in a new steam engine, which cost $3000. It also was accepted on April 14, 1893, and was the first steamer in town. They now bought one of Gleason & Bailey's improved hose carts, at the same time disposing of the old carriage to the Maywood Fire Department. This brought about the change of name to that of Liberty Steamer Company, No. 1. They number twenty on the roll. These, with the Fire Patrol, which had been organized in 1876 with ten members, comprised the Department.
The next company to come into existence was the Alert Hose Com- pany No. 2. March 22, 1883. Their place of organization was the cigar store of Jacob II. Fank, at 70 Main Street. Mr. Fank was made head of the Department in June, 1889, and in 1893 John Weickert was elected assistant engineer. This company now has seventeen members. Six years later Hudson Hose Company No. 3 was organized in the old Third District of Hackensack, (afterwards the First ) at the Franklin House
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
on Hudson Street. They have twenty-one members. Union Hose Com- pany No. 4, followed in May, 1895, and was accepted on June 1. They had twelve members and still keep that number. The duties of the Fire Patrol were more specifically defined by an Act of the Legislature March 14, 1879, which made the company to number twenty men. In August, 1887, a wagon for carrying canvas covers, stretchers, ropes, lanterns. etc., was furnished and placed in the house of the Relief Engine Com- pany, where it was kept until their removal to their new house on Mer- cer Street. The total number of men in the Department is 169.
The Exempt Firemen's Association was organized February 19. 1890, at the rooms of Liberty Hose Company No. 1. The aims of the organization are both social and beneficial. There are many exempt firemen who are still in active service. They number at this time 100 members.
The Firemen's Insurance Association of Hackensack, is another commendable institution, having in view the payment of an insurance fee of one dollar per member, upon the death of a fireman connected with the organization. The only expense connected with this is that of stationery and printing. The only persons eligible to membership are local firemen. There are now 168 enrolled.
The Firemen's Relief Association is intended to benefit menibers who are injured while on duty. The companies have equal rights by representatives and trustees. The Association has now about $7,000, invested in first class bond and mortgage security.
THE HACKENSACK WATER COMPANY.
This is a private enterprise operated by a stock company incorporated March 12, 1869. The incorporators were Richard R. Hawkey, John H. Banta, Garrett, Ackerson, Jr., Eben Winton and Samuel Sneeden. After ten years, the finances of the company running low, a receiver was ap- pointed in the person of the Hon. Augustus A. Hardenburg, of Jersey City. The following year, under new conditions, it was reorganized and named " The Hackensack Water Company Reorganized."
The source of water supply is the Hackensack River, from which the water is taken at New Milford, about five miles above Hackensack. There are probably 200 miles of force mains, with three high service pumps of ten, five and three million gallons daily capacity, respec- tively. The two reservoirs at Weehawken Heights have a capacity of eighteen and forty-five million gallons each, while the average daily consumption is about 8,000,000 gallons. This water is com- paratively pure, the source being Rockland Lake, which is fed from mountain springs. A new pumping service is soon to be in operation, with a capacity of 13,000,000 gallons daily.
SOCIETIES, LODGES AND CLUBS.
The man who does not belong to a club or a lodge, is the exception and not the rule. Hackensack has its share of these institutions for the benefit, amusement or entertainment of its many citizens who may choose to become members.
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HISTORY OF BERGEN COUNTY
The oldest secret order in Hackensack, is that of Bergen County Lodge, No. 73, I. O. O. F., which was instituted in 1845, and held its first meetings in a small room over the ball-room of the "Washington Mansion House." This proving inadequate the lodge sought more shit- able rooms in which to meet until a permanent home could be secured. A building association was subsequently formed, a site purchased. and Odd Fellows' Hall built. This house which they had occupied many vears. was burned in 1897, but their present hall was in process of erec- tion prior to the destruction of the old one. In addition to the parent lodge. is Hope Encampment, No .. 33. and Uhland Lodge, No. 177, a German Lodge instituted in 1874, with thirteen charter members. This is a prosperous organization holding its meetings in Odd Fellows' Hall. a fine building recently finished.
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