USA > New Jersey > Burlington County > Burlington > History of Burlington and Mercer counties, New Jersey : with biographical sketches of many of their pioneers and prominent men > Part 67
USA > New Jersey > Mercer County > History of Burlington and Mercer counties, New Jersey : with biographical sketches of many of their pioneers and prominent men > Part 67
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Fifth Presbyterian Church .- This society was or- ganized early in 1874, with twenty-seven constituent members. The organization was effected mainly through the instrumentality of Rev. A. D. White, who on his return from a sojourn in the West com- menced labors here which terminated only with his life. He died while on his knees engaged in prayer for the welfare of this church.
The place of worship of this society from the time of its organization has been the chapel iu Princeton Avenue, opposite Chapel Street. This chapel was erected in 1854 through the exertions of Rev. David Cole, D.D., and it was afterwards used for a mission of the First Presbyterian Church.
The pastors of this church have been Rev. A. D. White, 1874-78; Rev. Joseph W. Porter, 1878-80; Rev. John S. Beekman, a supply during six months ; and the present pastor, Rev. John F. Shaw, since Jan. 31, 1881.
Prospect Street Presbyterian Church .- In the autumn of 1872 a Sunday-school was organized in the western part of the city, mainly through the efforts of Miss Mary I. Fisk, Mrs. James Clark, Mrs. Hannah J. Welling, and Mrs. Theodore Hill. This school first met in unoccupied dwelling-houses, and for a time in a building that was erected for a stable and carriage-house.
Fourth Presbyterian Church .- On the 6th of No- A feeling arose that a church would be a necessity in this part of the city, and this feeling strengthened as time went on. In March, 1874, a lot at the corner of Prospect and Spring Streets was offered by the Rutherford Land Company, and was accepted, and vember, 1858, this church was organized with thirty- nine members, of whom seven were from the First, and thirty-two from the Third Presbyterian Church of Trenton. Rev. Edward D. Yeomans was chosen the first pastor, and entered on his duties Dec. 19, | several gentlemen associated themselves in the work
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CITY OF TRENTON.
of erecting a church edifice. The corner-stone was laid on the 11th of August, 1874, and the building was completed early in February, 1875. The Sunday- school met there on the 21st of that month, and on the 29th of April the church was organized. The -constituent members at its organization numbered thirty-five, mainly from the First and Third Presby- terian Churches.
All debts resting on the building having been dis- charged, it was dedicated on the 9th of December, 1875. It is a tasteful structure, built of brownstone, at an expense of about twenty-five thousand dollars. It has a seating capacity of about five hundred.
The present pastor, Rev. Walter S. Brooks, was called June 6, 1875. He entered on the discharge of his duties September 5th, and was ordained and in- stalled on the 14th of October in the same year. :
St. Michael's Episcopal Church .- Only a meagre history of this church has been preserved. Hum- phrey, in his "Historical Account of the Gospel Propagation Society," says, "The people of Hopewell showed a very early desire of having the Church of Eng- land worship settled among them, and in the year 1804 built a church with voluntary contributions, though they had no prospect then of having a minister."
Rev. Mr. May was, during a short time, with the people here, and MIr. Talbot often visited them from Burlington. A missionary, Rev. Mr. Warren, was sent here in 1720.
Raum wrote : " The church, a frame building, was commenced in 1748, aud finished in 1753."
. The accounts of the above-named society state that the Rev. Michael Houdin is "invited by the inhab- itants of Trenton and other places to go and officiate among them."
April 30, 1855, mention is made in the minutes of the vestry of St. Michael's of MIr. Houdin as rector. His name is written, in accordance with its French pronunciation, "Eudang." At that time the vestry consisted of Daniel Coxe and Robert L. Hooper, Esqrs., wardens; Joseph Warrel, Esq., William Pid- geon, Esq., John Allen, Elijah Bond, John Dag- worthy, and Charles Axford, vestrymen. The church was vacant in 1761.
Raum says, "In 1763 the Rev. Mr. Treadwell was settled. In 1770, Rev. William Thompson was pas- tor. In 1774, Rev. Mr, Panton was settled, and in April, 1776, the services in the church were suspended in consequence of the war of the Revolution.
"When the British forces were in Trenton they converted the church into a stable for their horses. After the close of the war the building was repaired.
" In 1788 the Rev. William Frazer was appointed to the rectorship.
" In 1795 the Rev. Mr. Vandyke was settled as pastor."
In 1798, Rev. Henry Waddel became rector, at £125 per amitun, and devoted half of his time every alternate Sunday to the work here.
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In 1802 it is recorded that the pew-rents amounted to about ten hundred and fifty dollars, the first record in Federal currency. Mr. Waddel died in 1810, and in 1811 Rev. MIr. Ward became rector, and continued till the close of 1814, when he was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Sherwood.
In May, 1817, Rev. James Montgomery became rector for about a year at a salary of eight hundred dollars, and in the latter part of 1818 Rev. Abiel Carter was made rector, which position he filled during four years.
In 1822, Rev. William L. Johnson, of New York, was elected reetor. He resigned in 1830, to take charge of Grace Church, Jamaica, L. I.
In August, 1830, Rev. Frederick Beasley, D.D., was elected rector, succeeded by Rev. Samuel Starr in 1836. During his rectorship (in 1843) the church was remodeled and enlarged. The front was ex- tended to the street, thereby adding twenty feet to the length of the church. Peuding these repairs ser- vices were held in the court-house. Mr. Starr's salary was increased in 1854 to one thousand dollars. IIe resigned in 1855, and removed to Iowa.
The subsequent reetors have been Rev. Samuel Clements, 1855-58; Rev. R. B. Duane, D.D., 1858- 62; Rev. E. W. Appleton, D.D., 1862-65; Rev. C. W. Knauff, 1866-73; and the present rector, Rev. W. H. Neilson, Jr., since Oct. 12, 1873.
The present commodious chapel on Perry Street was erected during the rectorship of Dr. Duane, and in 1870, "during the rectorship of Mr. Knauff, the church was enlarged by building a transept and throwing baek the chancel, and remodeled in the in- terior as it now appears. Under the present rector- ship the mortgage resting on the church property has been removed, a rectory has been purchased, and a mission chapel built in a new and growing part of the city, which it is hoped will eventually develop into a self-sustaining parish."
St. Paul's Episcopal Church .- The parish of St. Paul's was formed by members from St. Michael's in 1848. A lot was purchased in South Trenton, on the corner of Centre and Federal Streets, and a stone edince in the Gothic style of architecture was ereeted on it.
Rev. Benjamin Franklin was the first rector. He continued about three years, after which the rector- ship was vacant for a time. Rev. Francis Clements was the next rector, but on the 18th of December, 1852, he died, and for a time the church was again without a rector.
Rev. James L. Maxwell was called to the rector- ship in 1853, and resigned in 1855. The parish was then during five years without a rector. In 18;) Rev. Thomas Druumm became rector, and held the position till he accepted a chaplainey in the army in 1862. In that year Rev. John C. Brown was edled. He remained till the spring of 1877, when he died. and was succeeded in the same year by the presea: . rector, Rev. John Bakewell, D.D.
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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
In the latter part of 1880 the interior of the church was entirely remodeled at an expense of about three thousand dollars. It is now one of the most tasteful and convenient churches in this region. The Sun- day-school room was enlarged and improved in 1881.
Trinity Episcopal Church .- This parish was or- ganized on the 23d of September, 1858, with seven- teen members. Services were first held in what was known as Dolton's building, in Warren Street. On the 15th of June, 1860, the corner stone of the present church edifice, in Academy Street, was laid, and on the 14th of October in the same year it was first opened for service. It was consecrated Dec. 13, 1860. It is built of Trenton sandstone, and covers an area of forty-two by ninety-one feet. The style of archi- teeture is known as the first pointed Gothic.
The first rector was Rev. Hannibal Goodwin, who entered ou his duties Dec. 8, 1858, and resigned Sept. 29, 1850. The second rector was Norman W. Camp, D.D., who was called Dec. 19, 1859. Dec. 30, 1860, Rev. Henry Palethorp became rector. He resigned Oct. 31, 1863. Rev. Mark L. Olds was rector from June 30, 1864, to March 27, 1867. The fifth rector, E. P. Cressy, D.D., entered on his duties May 12, 1865, and continued till his death. Rev. Albert Up- ham Stanley became rector Nov. 11. 1866. He re- signed Oct 17, 1875, and was succeeded by the present rector, Rev. Henry Merlin Barbour, who entered on his duties Nov. 28, 1875, and was instituted Jau. 12, 1876.
In 1870 the congregation dispensed with the rent- ing of pews, and adopted the plan of a small weekly contribution from each attendant to defray expenses. This plan has been successfully followed to the pres- ent time.
A rectory adjoining the church was purchased in 1877. Aug. 15, 1881, ground was broken for the erec- tion of a Sunday-school building in the rear of the church. The corner-stone was laid September 16th, , ceeded in October, 1841, by Rev. Luther F. Beecher, and it was first occupied December 25th in the same year.
There are in this parish two guilds, a men's and a boys', numbering about thirty each, and a working- men's club of about one hundred. This club is an organization for furnishing a free reading-room, and an attractive place of resort to those who might other- wise be subjected to evil influences.
First Baptist Church .-- In 1787, Rev. Peter Wil- son began preaching in Trenton in what is now the First Ward. Mr. Wilson, on the 4th of March, 1788, baptized five persons in the Delaware River. This was the first administration of the rite here. In 1801, the number of Baptists having considerably increased, measures for the crection of a house of worship were inangurated. Col. Peter Hunt donated a lot of land, about midway between Trenton and Lamberton. and on this a house was erected, and dedicated on,the 26th of November, 1803.
Mr. Wilson continued to supply preaching here,
but no church was formed till Nov. 9, 1805, when an organization was effected with forty-eight members, most of whom had been members of the church at Hightstown. Mr. Wilson and others continued to supply the church till September, 1809. when Rev. William Boswell was called. He was ordained on the 9th of that month.
The following curious resolution was adopted by the society Jan. 3. 1810: "That no person laying violent hands on their own lives should be buried in the Baptist burying-ground of Trenton and Lamber- ton, without they are a regular member of this church."
Mr. Boswell's pastorate continued till 1823. when, by reason of having embraced views differing from those of many of his brethren. he with sixty others seceded and erected the house afterward purchased and occupied by the Second Presbyterian Church. This building, which was a neat structure fifty-fonr by forty feet, was commenced in July, 1823, and com- pleted in eleven weeks from its commencement. It was dedicated Oct. 19, 1823. Mr. Boswell was settled over this congregation, which was called the " Re- formed General Baptist Church," till his death in 1833. Mr. Wilson followed him for a short period. after which the church was closed till its sale to the . Presbyterians in 1842. This congregation differed from the old church only in some unimportant mat- ters, the principal of which were the mode of admin- istering baptism and communion.
Rev. George Patterson, M.D., became pastor in January, 1826, and continued till March, 1828. The church was then supplied by Rev. James E. Welch and others till April, 1830, when Rev. Morgan Rhees became pastor, and continued, with a short interreg- num, till November, 1840. The pastorate of Mr. Rhees was very successful, and he was distinguished as an ardent champion of temperance. He was suc- who continued a year, followed in January, 1843. by Rev. John Young. In August of the same year he resigned, and with one hundred and twenty-three others formed the Second Baptist Church, and built the house afterward occupied by the Central Baptist Church of Trenton.
Rev. Levi Beck became pastor in February, 1844, and resigned in September, 1849, succeeded by Rev. Henry R. Green in January, 1850. In 1852 the meeting-house was damaged by fire, and an expense of nearly seven hundred dollars was incurred for re- pairs.
Rev. Duncan Dunbar was pastor from July, 1843, till November, 1854. Rev. Lewis Smith was then called, and entered on his duties Jan. 1, 1855. He closed his labors in November, 1857, and was suc- ceeded in October, 1558, by Rev. O. T. Walker.
In 1859-60 a new church was erceted on the site of the old one, the congregation meanwhile worshiping in the court-house. The corner-stone was laid July 28,
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CITY OF TRENTON.
1859, and the house was dedicated July 26, 1860. It Is of brick, one hundred by sixty feet, and the spire has a height of one hundred and seventy-five feet. The seating capacity is twelve hundred.
March 14, 1861, the corporate name of the church was by an act of the Legislature changed from " The Baptist Church of Trenton and Lamberton" to "The First Baptist Church of Trenton."
Rev. Henry D. Miller became pastor in December, 1863, succeeded by Rev. George Fisher in April, 1868. He resigned in 1872, and the present pastor, Rev. E. Lucas, entered on his duties in November, 1873.
In 1868-69 a mission chapel was erected in Hamil- ton, east of the canal, at a eost, including site, of two thousand two hundred and eighty-eight dollars. It was dedicated May 23, 1869.
In 1870 another mission chapel was built in the Sixth Ward, at a total cost of fifteen hundred and sixty-two dollars and fifteen eents. It was dedicated March 19, 1871.
Central Baptist Church .- On the 30th of April, 1854, this church was organized with Rev. J. T. Wilcox, who had been a missionary here, as pastor. The house on the southeast corner of Hanover and Montgomery Streets, which had been built by the Second Baptist Church (then extinet), was occupied as a place of worship. In 1858. Mr. Wilcox resigned on account of age and ill health. He was succeeded the same year by Rev. Lyman Wright, and he in 1859 by Rev. G. R. Darrow. Mr. Darrow resigned in 1861 to aceept a chaplaincy in the army, and was succeeded the same year by Rev. T. R. Howlett, whose pastorate elosed Feb. 14, 1863. During the summer and autumn of this year an addition to the church building was made equal in size to the original House, which was completely renovated. The lecture- room was first completed and occupied Nov. 1, 1863, and the main building during the following winter. The rededication services were held March 3, 1864. The total cost was about seven thousand dollars, which was all paid by 1866.
Rev. T. S. Griffiths became pastor Dec. 1, 1863. During his pastorate the church enjoyed great pros- perity. In 1867 a mission chapel was erected on Perry Street at a cost of three thousand five hundred dollars. This was afterward donated to the Clinton Avenue Baptist Church. Another mission school was established at East Trenton, and a chapel was subsequently built there. In January, 1870, Mr. Griffiths resigned, and the pulpit was supplied for a time by Rev. Dr. Weston. October 16th, Rev. Charles Keyser became pastor.
In 1872 the church edifice was again thoroughly repaired and renovated, and a new organ purchased, at a total cost of nearly ten thousand dollars. Dr. Keyser resigned in the spring of 1875, and in No- vember of the same year Rev. T. R. Howlett became pastor again. He resigned in the autumn of 1878, and the present pastor, Rev. L. B. Hartman, entered
on his duties early in 1879. The church is prosper- ous. It has always been distinguished for its activity in Sunday-school work, and this activity has been mutually beneficial to both church and school.
Clinton Avenue Baptist Church .- In the spring of 1867 the Central Baptist Church of Trenton erected a chapel on Perry Street. It was a wooden building, twenty-four by forty-four feet, and its cost, including site, was three thousand five hundred dollars. It was opened for publie worship on the 28th day of July in the same year. A Sunday-school was estab- lished there on the following Sabbath. The chapel . continued to be used for Sunday-school purposes and occasional religious exercises until May, 1873, when the Clinton Avenue Baptist Church was organ- ized there, with thirty-two constituent members. In September of the same year Rev. Charles B. Perkins became the pastor.
On the 27th of May. 1875, ground was broken for the -Clinton Avenue Church edifice, and the hou-e was first occupied Feb. 23, 1876. It is a Gothic structure, built of brownstone, fifty-four by eighty- five feet, with a spire rising from a corner one hun- dred and seventy-five feet. It has a seating capacity of eight hundred. Its cost was thirty thousand one hundred dollars.
Mr. Perkins resigned the pastorate in the spring of 1878, and was succeeded in August of the same year by Rev. Noyes D. Miner, who resigned March 1. 1882. During the pastorate of Mr. Miner ninety- nine were added to the church by baptism, and six thousand dollars of the church debt was discharged.
Berean Baptist Church (Colored) .- This church was organized in the spring of 1880 with sixteen members. It first worshiped in a private house, 35 West Hanover Street. It now meets in a hall, No. 205 North Greene Street. The society has been pros- perous from the time of its organization.
Rev. Charles H. Barry became pastor at the forma- tion of the church, and he still continues in that re- lation.
Roman Catholic Churches .- The first Catholic services in Trenton were held in 1804, in a building at the corner of Queeu and Second (now State and Greene : Streets, by a missionary.
In 1811, Rev. Fathers Carr and Hurley conducted services at the residence of Mr. Jolin D. Sartori, in Federal Street; and in 1813, Rev. Father Harold officiated at the same place.
About 1814, Mr. Sartori and other Catholic gen- tlemen purchased a lot on the corner of Lamberton and Market Streets, and erected thereon, under Right Rev. Michael Eagan, D.D., a brick edifice, which was dedicated in that year.
St. John's Church .- In 1846 the increase in nun- bers of Catholics hore necessitated larger aceonimo- dations, and a brick church (St. John's) was erected on Broad Street. In 1853 still larger accommoda- tions were required, and a wing in the rear was added,
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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
which greatly improved the appearance of the build- , Revs. M. J. Holland, 1878-79, and James McFaul. ing. 1880-82.
'At an early period no pastor was settled here, but supplies were sent from Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York. Among these were Revs. James Smith, Doyle, Whalen, and Commisky. The first resident pastor was Rev. Father Geaghen. He was followed in succession by Revs. Patrick Rafferty in 1832; Wil- liam Whalen, 1833; William Reilly, 1834; Patrick Costello, 1834; Richard Hardy, 1835; Daniel MeGo- rian, 1837; John Charles Gilligan, 1839; John P. Makin, 1844; Revs. O'Donnel and Young (supplies) ; Anthony Smith, 1861; Joli P. Makin again, 1871.
St. Mary's Parish was set off from St. John's Jan. 1, 1871, the Assanpink being the dividing line.
Father Makin died, and was suecceded in 1873 by . that had been purchased from Mr. McCully. It has
Rev. P. Byrne. He remained till 1878, when he was succeeded by the present rector, Rev. Thaddeus Hogan.
In 1874 a new school building was erected in Lam- berton Street, capable of accommodating eight hun- dred seholars. The parochial school had been e-tab- lished previously. By his will Father Makin gave five thousand dollars toward the ercetion of this building, which cost about forty thousand dollars.
This school has 12 teachers and an average of 620 scholars.
In 1880 a building on Broad Street was transformed into an academy for young ladies by Father Hogan. Here are three teachers, and instruction in the higher branches is given.
St. Mary's Church .- In view of the rapid inerease · of the Catholic population in Trenton, it was deemed expedient not only to supply immediate wants, but to provide for necessities which it was foreseen would arise in the not distant future. Accordingly, in 1865, the property at the corner of Warren and Bank Streets was purchased; ground was broken for St. Mary's Church April 23, 1866; the corner-stone was laid July 15th of the same year, and the church was consecrated Jan. 1, 1871.
It is built on historie ground. On its site stood the headquarters of Col. Rahl, the Hessian commander in the battle of Trenton, and here some of the se- verest fighting of that important battle took place. In this vicinity also Col. Rahl was mortally wounded white endeavoring to rally his men.
and the height of the spire two hundred feet. It is built of brownstone, in the Gothic style of architee- ture. The interior is elaborately finished, and orna- mented with statuary, bas-reliefs, and paintings, a minute description of which space will not permit. The cost of the church was about ninety-five thou- sand dollars. Its seating capacity is one thousand five hundred. The building is a monument to the skill and energy of Rev. Anthony Smith, under whose supervision it was built, and who has been its only pastor. The assistant pastors have been
In 1881, Trenton was made an episcopal sec, and Rt. Rev. M. J. O'Farrel was eonscerated by Cardinal Archbishop MeCloskey in St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York, its first bishop. His enthronation took place in St. Mary's Cathedral, Nov. 17, 1881, with great solemnity, in the presence of several bishops and all the elergy of the diocese, together with a large concourse of people.
It may here be remarked that when St. Mary's Church was built the probability of its becoming a cathedral was recognized.
The parochial school was built in 1870, in the rear of St. Mary's Cathedral, on Bank Street, on property six teachers, and an average of four hundred and fifty scholars.
Church of St. Francis of Assisium .- The chapel of St. Francis, at the corner of Lamberton and Mar- ket Streets, was the only Catholic house of worship till 1846, when St. John's Church, on Broad Street, was erected for the Irish Catholies.
The Germans were too weak to maintain a separate church, and it was elosed. Mr. Peter Hargons, how- ever, purchased the chapel and presented it to the bishop, who permitted its use by the Germans.
In 1853, Father Gemeiner, the first German priest, was sent here and remained till 1856, when he was succeeded by Rev. Anton Muller, and he, in 1859, by Father Gemeiner again. In 1865 he retired, and was succeeded by Rev. Father Storr. At this time the congregation had increased beyond the capacity of the chapel, and the Methodist Church in Front Street was purchased for eleven thousand dollars. Mr. Storr left in 1866, and the congregation was supplied for a time. During the year the new church was consecrated, and Rev. Francis Gerber, D.D., be- came pastor. Under his pastorate a parsonage was ereeted in 1867, near the church, at a cost of six thon and . dollars. Father Gerber also added the tower to the church building. He left for Europe in 1869, and was succeeded by Rev. Peter Jachetti. The congregation was offered to the Franciscans, and ae- cepted by them in 1870, and Father Jachetti was continued as pastor.
The new church in Front Street was first named by
The length of the church is one hundred and sixty feet, the width sixty-six feet, the height eighty feet, . the congregation "Saint Boniface Church," but in 1868 it was ordered by the bishop that it be called the " Church of Saint Francis of Assisinm."
In 1869 the Franciscan Sisters took charge of the parochial school, which then numbered about two hundred.
In 1874, Father Jachetti having successfully dis- charged his duties here, entered on the work of e-tab- lishing in Chambersburg, where many Germans re- sided, a church and Franciscan college.
He was succeeded in that year by Rev. Father Avelinus Szabo. He was distinguished for his quiet,
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CITY OF TRENTON.
unostentatious piety, and under his administration the prosperity of the parish continued as under that of his predecessor.
Father Szabo sold the property on Cooper and Market Streets, and with the proceeds, and with ad- ditional funds raised for the purpose, erected the school building in the rear of the church.
After eight years of active service here he sought relief from his labors, and retired to the convent at Chambersburg, to follow the more quiet life of a teacher. He was succeeded on the 22d of February, 1
1SS2, by Rev. Father Conrad Elison, the present pastor.
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