History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 123

Author: Shaw, William H
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: [United States :]
Number of Pages: 830


USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 123
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 123


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Dutch Church in the Fourth Ward of Jersey City was held in April, 1852, and on frequent subsequent dates, the prominent persons in the movement being Stephen Garretson, Thomas Taber, John Smyth, The building having already proved inadequate in | Henry MI. Traphagen, Lewis D. Hardenbergh, Philip


size for the rapidly increasing congregation, it was deemed advisable, in connection with the repairs, to enlarge it to the full depth of the lot. This was


accordingly done, and on the 13th of June, 1852, the " ing as a committee the Rev. Drs. Taylor and Abeel building, enlarged and greatly improved, was re- , and Rev. Paul D. Van Cleef. On the 7th of May opened for divine service. About this time a number the committee received on certificate fifteen commut- nieants, and immediately afterwards the first elders and deacons were elected. The persons chosen were Stephen Garretson, Thomas Taber, John H. Smyth, L. D. Hardenbergh as elders; Peter Hart, John Ludlum and Robert Moore as deacons. of families were dismissed to organize a separate church in the upper part of the city. The parish so formed-now known as the Park Reformed Church- is under the pastoral care of Rev. J. Howard Suy- dam, and is one of the most flourishing in the city.


In March, 1801, the church joined with the other Reformed Dutch Churches in Jersey City in estab- lishing the Morgan Street Mission Sunday-school. This mission has proved very successful. Its property consists of a lot and a commodious chapel on First Street. A new church has grown ont of the mission. It is known as the Free Reformed Church, and Rev. H. Mattice is it- pastor.


In March, 1871, Mr. D. Van Winkle, Jr., who was afterward joined by a number of the young people of the church, organized a mission Sunday-school in the western part of the city. This enterprise has also proved highly successful, and a German Church has grown out of this mission.


The Sunday-school of the church was organized Jan. 16 and 23, 1848, under the direction of the consistory, with eleven teachers and abont forty scholars. Of the original scholars, two are now serving in the school as teachers. One of the former scholars, now Rev. E. T. Corwin, D.D., is pastor of a large congregation at Millstone, N. J., and is already known as a scholar and an author. Hon. A. A. Harden- berghi, was one of the original teachers, and is still actively connected with the church. The first superin- tendent was B. W. Ryder, followed by A. D. Hope, J. D. Lawrence, James Lauder, M. Bailey, A. S. Whiton, Thomas MI. Gopsill (who held the office for sixteen years), and the present ineumbent, Charles J. Dodg- shun.


The society now numbers one hundred and twenty families and two hundred and twenty communi- cants. Since the beginning of Dr. Van Cleef's pas- Iorate he has received more than seven hundred persons into the communion of the church. The value of the church property in 1884 was thirty thousand dollars.


Fracligh, Jr., William Gaul, Samnel Knapp and others. On the 20th of April the Classis granted the petition for the organization of the church, appoint-


They were duly ordained on the 23d of May, the Revs. B. C. Taylor and P. D. Van Cleef officiating. These services took place in a hall owned by Mr. Smyth, in Grove Street. The certificate of incor- poration was signed and filed the next day. A call was proffered to Rev. William J. R. Taylor, whose term of service commenced on July 25th. A deed for three valuable lots of ground on Grove Street, between Pavonia Avenue and North Second Street, on which to erect a church, was presented by Miss Anna V. II. Traphagen. A neat and commodious tabernacle, accommodating four hundred and fifty persons, . was creeted on the southeast corner of Eric and South Third Streets, and occupied until the permanent edifice was built. The whole cost of the building and lot was borne by Judge Stephen Garretson, on the condition of the payment of interest at six per cent. by the church. The permanent building was erected on the corner of Eighth Street, fronting on Hamilton Square. On Sept. 20, 1859, the corner- stone was laid, and dedication services were held in the Church on May 6, 1860.


The several pastors of this church have been as follows :


Revs. William J. R. Taylor, from Aug. 19, 1852, to Nov. 14, 1854; J. Paschal Strong, from Jan, 21, 1855, to Nov. 25, 1856; Calvin Felden, from May 10, 1857, to Oct. 5, 1857 ; Cornelius L. Wells, from June 13, 1858, to March 5, 1863; J. Romeyn Berry, from Nov. 25, 1863, to Nov. 1, 1868; J. Howard Suydam, from Jan. 21, 1869.


Second Reformed Church,1 of Hudson City, cor- ner of Central Avene, near Franklin Street. This congregation was organized on Nov. 6, 1859, and


1By Henry Farmer.


1175


JERSEY CITY.


received the ministration of Rev. C. Doeppen- schmidt, of Jersey City, as a missionary. In 1863 it was united, with a mission at Washington village, under the pastorate of Rev. Leopold Niolu. Res. C. Poeppen- schmidt was installed pastor of the united church on Dee. 11, 1864. Mr. Hanmond was installed July 23, | 1571. Rev. C. Grittaner was the pastor in Sept. Iss4


Lafayette Reformed Church of Jersey City This church is located on Communipaw Avenue, car- ner of Pine Street, and was organized in Imes, with seventeen persons dismissed for that purpose from Rev. Dr. B. C. Taylor's church, nine from the Second Reformed Church of Jersey City, two received on colt- fession of faith and another a short time after- wards. The foll wing-named persons were the orig- inal twenty-eight members : Abraham Britten, John 1. Van Horne, Michael Simmons, Justus Flater, Epaphrus Warren, Stephen St. John, John Van Ilorne, Jr., Jacob Van Horne, John 1. Bouker, James Stevens, James P. Zabriskie, Heury I. Vanderbeek, Justus Slater, Jr., Mrs. Abraham Brittin, Mrs. Rebecca Van Horne, Mrs. Valentine Havens, Mrs. Jane Brinkerhoff, Mrs. Peter Vreeland, Mrs. Henry Van- derbeek, Mrs. James P. Zabriskie, Mrs. John Van Horne, Jr, Mrs. Jacob Van Horne, Mrs. John A. Bouker, Mrs. James Stevens, Mrs. John Post, Mrs. Justus Slater, Mrs. Stephen St. John, Mrs. Elizabeth W. Slater.


A Sunday-sched with about one hundred scholars and teachers was connected with this new church or- ganization, and services were held in the upper rooms of the public school building. Public services were, for some length of time, conducted by Rev. Dr. Taylor, Rev. Dr. Van Cleef and other ministers of neigh- boring congregations. Among those who preached for this people in 1863 was the Rev. James B. Hard- enbergh, D.D., who for forty years had been minis- tering to various Reformed Churches, and was then living in New York without a charge. Mr. Harden- bergh, however, declined a call to the then youthful congregation.


Plans for building a plain chapel and church edi- fice were drawn four ordinary city building lots se- cured, and the plans carried out, so far as the lecture- room was concerned which was completed prior to July, 1861. The subscriptions were then exhausted, yet the foundation walls of a church edifice had been Jaid and some building material purchased. A con- tract had been made to put up the side walls of the church, when, for want of funds, work upon the temple ceased for a while. In 1865 money enough was raised to put up the spire and roof the building, when another forced cessation of operations was met with. However, in November, 1866, the editice was completed and dedicated, but not till 1873 was this working, struggling society free from debt.


In 1877, by a generous donation by one of the elders of the church, of two buil ing lots on Pacific Avenue, a fresh impulse was given to the parsonage committee ; the energy and devotion of the congregation carried to a steersfil completion the building of a comfortable and delightful home for their minister, which wa e naplet din 1879.


In May, 1864, Will am Rankin Duryce, a young man of twenty-six summers, was laboring in the vineyard of his Master, near William burgh, Long Island, having preached there about fifteen months, and manifesting during this time unmistakable evidences of his solid worth and devotion to the cause of Christ, to which it had consecrated his best energies, was called upon by Justus Slater, and asked to " Come over and preach for this people." Young Duryce had left the theological seminary in INGI, and for a few months iu 1862 was chplain of a Kentucky regiment of U'nion soldiers; then en- tered the mission field, near Williamsburgh, N. Y. Here his prenliar tact and talent was discovered by a Presbyterian Church which had been long established, and which extended to him a call to become its pastor. He very courteously declined the offer to be pastor of a rich congregation, and accepted the invitation to " Come over and preach to this peo- Je," which resulted in his being installed as pastor of this church, on the last day of July, 1864, by the South Classis of Bergen, which sacred office he still fills to the honor of the cause and the satisfaction of a large and flourishing membership and congrega- tion, he being the first and only pastor of this church.


During his pastorate of twenty years over this church, he has baptised 206 children, 11 adults ; of- ficiated at 109 marriages and 225 funerals. There was in June, 1××4, a membership of 140, with a church property valued at $35,000.


The following is a list of those who have served as elders and deacons, in the order of their election. Where re-elected the names are not repeated.


Ellers, Abraham Helttin, Joaus Slater Jacob Van Horne, James P Zabrinku, John Van Horne, Jr., Jaba (. West rvolt, John McIlry, John & Bruker, Paul M. Drake, John W Wwood, Thorno P Sherwood, Deacona, Jolın Van llorue, Jr., John A. Bonker, James P Zabriskie, John Mellroy, Jar e stevens, Morris S. Roe, Valentino Havens, Rumeli W. Wwelward, Thorue P. sherwood, Ili ary Watrous, James Ward, C'.r- nelius V JI. P st, C'rueline Thompe n, Wil aus W. Edwards, Richard Van Tyra, Jr., R bert A. Mcknight, Darll Huncsey. C. A Hettman, William Booth, Alexander F. Deunisten, Inanc L. R. Lofferta, Charles V Drake. The officers of the church for land were EMlora, John ... Bunker, Ja b Van Horne, Paul M. Drake, Thorne P Sherwood ; Iva- cons, William Bo th, Isaac 1. R. Leff rta, Alexander F. Denniston, Charles V Drake ; Sunday school Superintendent, Richard Van Dlen, Jr.


Reformed Church of Greenville,' corner of Dan- forth and Ocean Avenues. The first service of this congregation were held in the former township school-


From historical sermon, preached by Key W Rankin Durywe, DI. June 22, 1884


2 Ily llenry Farmer.


1176


HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.


house on the 1st of January, 1871, by the Rev. B. C. Taylor, D.D., of Bergen. Addresses were also made at this meeting by F. Jones, of Bergen Point, and W. R. Duryee, of Lafayette. The society was put upon a permanent basis on the 19th of February of the same year, and soon after called the Rev. Alexander Young, who accepted the call, and remained with the congre- gation nine years, and was followed by the present pastor, Rev. P. T. Pockman. A brick building was erected at a cost of eleven thousand dollars, and on Jan. 16, 1876, was dedicated for divine worship by Rev. Dr. Taylor. The following persons constituted the original membership of the church : Stephen B. Vreeland and wife, Mrs. Thomas Taylor, Mrs. George W. Howe, Mrs. Jesse D. Abrams, Mrs. Cornelius R. Van Riper, Miss Georgina Dillaway, Mrs. Catharine B. MeAveny, William Currie, Peter V. Voorhees and wife, Isaac N. Kershaw, Edwin Battley and wife, Miss Fanny Stockdale, Mrs. Michael Schultz, Mrs. Lisette Jacobs, John Morrell and wife, Mrs. Charles H. Win- field, Mrs. Stephen Gorham, Michael Terhune and wife.


The first officers of the church were Stephen B. Vreeland, Edwin Battley, Michael Terhune, elders ; William Currie, Peter V. Kershaw and John Morrell, deacons.


The present officers are Michael Schultz, Albert Chestro, Stephen B. Vreeland, Samuel H. Conklin, elders; G. B Boice, S. L. Harvey, M. H. Smith and HI. Brooke, deacons.


The church is prospering under the ministrations of Rev. Mr. Pockman, and has a membership of one hundred and twenty-eight. A large and energetic Sabbath-school has always been the pride of the church.


Central Avenue Reformed Church of Jersey City. -- This church was organized July 10, 1872, with the fol- lowing-named persons as constituent members ; Wil- lard T. Eddy, Su-an Eddy, Peter D. Vreeland, Lavina Frederick Vreeland, Peter Conover, C'atharine Cono- ver, JJames Christie, Charity I. Christie, Henry B. Robinson, Margaret G. Robinson, William D. Smith and John Fletcher.


The first elders of the church were Willard T. Eddy and Peter D. Vreeland. The deacons were James Christie and W. D. Smith.


The church edifice, located on the corner of Central Avenue and Bowers Street, is a frame structure, pur- chased by the congregation in 1884, at a cost of eight thousand two hundred dollars.


The pastors of this church have been Rev. George 1I. Pool, installed Nov. 30, 1872, and dismissed April 15, 1873 ; Rev. George L. Wolfe, installed May 19, 1874, and dismissed April 20, 1875; Rev. Algernon Matthews, Aug. 2, 1875, to June 17, 1876; Rev. W. T. Griffin, June 20, 1878, to April 1, 1881; Rev. W. C. Handy. Oct. 17, 1581, to Dee. 4, 1582: Rev. C. S. Wright, the present pastor, was installed April 1, 1××3.


The elders of the church in 1884 were Jacob New- kirk, William Willy, T. Fireloch and W. T. Chestow.


The deacons were A. Shepherd, Samuel Miller and Duncan Campbell. Membership, one hundred and twenty-five.


The Sunday-school connected with this church numbers two hundred pupils and teachers, and is in charge of W. T. Chestow.


Free Reformed Church,1-177 and 179 First Street. In March, 1861, the Bethel, or Morgan Street Mission-school, was instituted with thirty scholars and eighteen teachers. In 1863 the chapel was ded- icatedl, and subsequently a regular service was held, first on Thursday evening and then on Sunday even- ing, the Rev. Mr. Shaw officiating as missionary. The members of the church gathered by Mr. Shaw met on April 29, 1872, and chose as elders Thomp- son Harris and James Murphy, and as deacons James C. Lindsay and John Sheridan. On May 5th the church was fully organized, with the Rev. Mr. Shaw as pastor, the following being the original members : Mrs. Margaret Craig, Mr. James Lindsay and wife, Mary Ann Brown, Thomas S. Harris, David Smyth, John Sheridan and Mary M., his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Ward, George Raudal and Elizabeth, his wife, Mrs. Sarah Whitford, Robert Greig and wife, Mrs. Jessie Todd, Robert Thompson and wife, Mrs. Mary O'Hare, James Murphy and wife.


On December 4th in the same year the Rev. A. J. Park was called, and on Jan. 12, 1873, he was in- stalled. He remained in pastoral charge until sue- ceeded by Rev. Henry Mattice, the present pastor, in January, 1879. The Morgan Street Chapel passed out ofexistence long ago.


The present edifice on First Street cost about eight thousand dollars. Two years ago the church paid off a mortgage and floating debt of four thousand six hundred and sixty dollars and repaired the building at an additional expense of twothousand five hundred dollars, all of which has been paid. It has a mem- bership of one hundred and thirty four. The officers of the church are Robert Thompson, James C. Lind- say and Alexander Hunter, elders; John Davidson, George Bryan, Robert Hare and John V. Eastland, deacons.


First Presbyterian Church, Jersey City Heights."- It became evident in the summer of 1855 to recent residents in what was then known as South Bergen, Hudson Co., N. J., that the community required enlarged facilities for hearing and diffusing the Gospel of Christ.


Report was accordingly made to the Third Pres- hytery of New York. Its committee surveyed the ground, and held occasional services for divine worship during that autumn in a building known as Miss Carpenter's Seminary, on Hudson (now Storm)


1Iby Henry Farmer.


2 Frons historical discourse by the pastor. Rry. Edward W. French.


--


FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, JERSEY CITY HEIGHTS.


1177


JERSEY CITY.


Avenue. With this beginning the wer rested until the next summer :


On one of his last visits to the manse, Mr. John G. Parker left for safe-keeping, a package containing among other things, five and a half leaves from his " church journal," from which the following extracts are made :


" lu the month of July, Jssf, 'ny wile und I called on the Rev. Jaines & Craighead and wife, at their realden + in Bergen. They had resided here since June let. The subject of the importance and i erity of the formation of u Presbyterian Church was freely discussed during the rien- ing, and we were united iu opinion that efforts sin uld be mad . to @uther n nucleus, with a hope and view of in subsequent formation. We had knowledge of but few Presbyterian families in the town, and we antud- pated toil and expense to fall heavily un the few, should the Christian enterprise be attempted. In Angust the sulyy t had been mentioned to personis in the neighborhood, and the current opinion expressed want it there was need . f another church here.


"In September I invited friends favorable t this enterprise to meet at my house, and the Key J G. Craighead. Mexander Bonnell, Henry In. enbery, Orrin 11 Crosby and John S. Sutphen were present, and all were united in the opinion that a Presbyterin Church was nec mary fit the welfare of our families, and also for the welfare of the community We offeredi prayer for God t guide us in this unportant matter \. resolutions were pasged. Mr Craighead, Mr. Crosty and t yHelf thought It best to engage Miss Carpenter's seminary for u year, und Mr Crusher was advised to make the arrangement , and he engaged her school-bir ner. at fifty dollars a year. Rev Mr. I'rwsghead was il legated to procure supply for the pulpit, and he engagedl Rev. James B Bonar te preach in the school-house on Sabbath, sept. _ J, Isdi, and I had a hinn 1-t 11 printed nul posted np, na follows


** ' PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN BER .EN, N .J.


"' Arrangements have been mado tor Divine service in Miss Carpen- ter's Seminary, on Hudson Avenue, every Sabbath m rning at half-past 10 o'clock, and in the evening at 7 o'clock. Sabbath-acho i will be held In the same place on Sabbath afternoons ut 2 o' lock. A Direting for conference aml prayer on Wednesday evening at & c'ela k


"The public are most cordially invited to attend and umte in this Christian enterprise,


"' BERGEN, Sept. 16, 1856.'


" Rev. James B. Beur preached, according to appointment, to an at- tentive congregation of about eighty persons, morning and evening.


" Ou Wednesday evening. September 24, 1x36, we held , ur first prayer- meeting, which was attended by about twelve persone."


The next day Mr. Parker visited the theological seminary, and engaged Mr. J. Clement French to preach to the little flock, but on account of illness he was unable to fill his engagement, and therefore sent his brother, Edward W. Hle preached morning and evening of Sabbath, Sept. 28, 1856.


The Sabbath-school had on that day an addition of five teachers and twenty three scholars. The con- gregation also increased on every succeeding Sabbath, and with such sanctions the following notice was posted on the seminary, popularly known as the school-house :


. This Religious Society and Congregation, usually meeting for pull- worship in this place, will meet here on the evening of October 21, 1, at 7 o'clock, to let Trustees, in order that the Society may be in ro- rated werording to law.


" JOHN PARKER.


"Duted nt Bergen, N. J., this 11th (ht., 1854 ;.**


On Monday, Oct. 13, 1856, Messrs. Parker and Crosby, on behalf of the congregation, applied to the Third Presbytery of New York for the organ-


isation of a Presbyterian Church. Their request was granted, and a committee, consisting of the Rev. Samuel D. Burchard, D. D., of New York City, the Rev. Charles Houver, of Jersey City, the Rev. James C. Egbert, of West Hoboken N. J., and Elder Stevens of New York City, was appointed, who met the con- gregation in the "school-hon e" on the evening of Uht. 24, 1856, when twenty-four persons (one hy profession of faith and twenty-three by certificate of thismission) were duly constituted as "The First Presbyterian Church of Bergen, N. J."


At the same time a board of seven trustee was electel, namely_ the Rev. James G. Craighead, John G. Parker, JJacob M. Merseles (the latter never met with the board, and his successor was ch men at the next election), John Raymond, Alexander Bonnel, James V. MeBirney and Elisha Boss, Jr.


The above-named soon afterwards signed and placed on record, in the office of the clerk of the Court of Common Pleas in the county of Hudson, N. J., the following document :


" I"her an, the R dit Ils Society anie a gregati in noually me tog fr in the town of Bergen | unty of 11.dds ) \ Jel as alle at their wahl įdire of meeting on the 24th day of Out ber, 1 . tu lays peter is untip of the time and pur mo of assembling having loss given by an " Ivertisement set up in open view at su h plc fest 2 allwho


grogatun as were present, elect even of the man tener gatan and no ciety to ler Trasters of the same You therefore, we, the wall Trustees, selected as aformand, do hereby certify that we have taken up our- silver the name of The Tri es of the First J'realyb nut hunb I Bergen, und de request this i ir Lertin ale to be dy y a re led ac- cording t . low


. Witness our hands and erals this 24th day of thet., 19.


Messrs. Parker and Crosby were elected then us ruling elder- for the term of two years, and Mes-r -. Richard H. Westervelt and Robert D. Wynkoop as deacons for the same time.


Edward W. French served the church as stated supply from sept. 28, 1856, to Nov. 19, 1856, when he received a call to its pastoral office. The Rev. James C. Craighead, moderator of the meeting, Messrs. John Raymond, Joseph H. Merwin and Alexander Bon- nell were chosen by the congregation to son and present to the Presbytery this call.


Mr. French signified to the church, Nov. 26, 1856, his acceptance of it, and continued to preach as pastor-elect until Jan. 15, 1857, when he was ordained and installed as pastor by the Third Presbytery of New York, with services in the " school-house," as follows ;


The Rev. Oliver B. Bidwell presided and put the constitutional questions. The Rev. Asa D. Smith, 1. 1., preached the sermon, from John xii. 21. The Rev. James Q. Craighead offered the ordalning frayer, the Presbytery laying on hands. The Rev. Sunuel D. Burchard, D.D., gave the charge to the pastor, and Rev. Alfred E. Campbell, D.D., gave the charge to the people.


The sacrament of the Lord's supper was adminis-


1178


HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.


tered for the first time to this church on Sabbath morning, Feb. 1, 1857. The roll was then enriched by the following names : Mrs. E. V. S. Bonnell, Orrin H. Crosby, Mrs. J. F. Crosby, W. J. Demarest, IIenry Dusenberry, Mrs. E. A. Dusenberry, J. A. Emmons, Mrs. A. M. Emmons, Mrs. M. L. Foy, G. L. Hall, Mrs. M. M. Hall, M Honeyman, Mrs. J. F. Honey man, J. G. Parker, Mrs. J. C. Parker, John Raymond, Mrs. J. Raymond, Mrs. L. E. Rollins, Alexander Smith, Mrs. I. R. Smith, R. H. Wester- velt, Mrs. L. F. Westervelt, R. D. Wynkoop and Mrs. A. A. Wynkoop, all but one received by certifi- cate. These individuals are entitled to honorable recognition as among the founders of this church. The same may be truly affirmed of a few others who embarked in it at a later period of its first year. Thus this church came into being. This was the first Pres- byterian Church in Bergen, and its growth depended upon the influx of a new element in the population. It had not the wealth which swiftly obliterates ma- terial obstacles and attracts popular attention. Those to suspense discord, toil and liberality. Trial soon cam . The autumn and winter of 1x57-58 are nota- ble for commercial panic : vet this young and vigor- ous church, without the wealth of her elder sisters, struggled through the crash of those years of suspense, and finally came otl' victorions.


A plot of ground one hundred feet in front and one hundred and seventy-five feet in depth, upon which the church edifice now stands, had been purchased, and on Sept. 16, 1857, the corner-stone was laid in presence of a large congregation. Rev. J. G. Craig- head read selections from the Scripture- : Rev. B. t. Taylor, D.D., offered prayer ; Rev. J. Clement French read the hymns; the pastor made an address and laid the corner-stone; and the Rev. George L. Prentiss, D.D., also delivered an address.


As time went on, and the panic of 1857 passed away, the walls of the church edifice went up, and on Thursday, Oct. 28, 1858, the edifice in which this church has since worshiped was dedicated to the glory of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, with the following order of exercises: Prayer of invocation by the pastor : reading of Scriptures and hymns by Rev. J. G. Craighead ; prayer of dedication by S. D. Burchard, D.D .; reading of hymn by Rev. J. Clement French ; sermou by the pastor,-text, Ps. xevi. 6, last clause: address, Rev. Charles Parker; reading of hytun Rev. James ('. Egbert ; prayer by Rev. P. D. Van Cleef, D.D.




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