History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 134

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 134
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 134

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The church has a seating capacity of three hundred and an average attendance of one hundred. Mr. Thomas Rre is superintendent of the Sunday-school. which number- two hundred.

The Church of Our Lady of Grace. '-This church woich fronts the public park on Willow Street, corner of Fourth, Hoboken, is the largest church in New Jersey, and one of the largest in the United States. It succeeded as parochial church to the old church of the same name, which was built on the corner of

Willow and Fitth Streets by Rev. Anthony Cauvin in 1855. The new building was begun in 1875 by Rev. M. C. Duggan. The new pastor, however, he- canie discouraged at the financial prospect, and dis- continued work after having expended about fifty thousand dollars. He was succeeded by Rev. D. L. Senez, of St. Mary's Church, Jersey City, in 1875, who did not resume the work. Father Corrigan, who had succeeded Father Senez in S. Mary's Church, Jersey ('ity, was sent to succeed him also in Hoboken. HIe resumed work on the building in 1877, and brought it to its present, almost finished, condition in 1878. There have been over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars expended on the building alone. The con- gregation numbers about six thousand five hundred souls.

The Sunday-school is in charge of the Sisters of Charity, and has an average attendance of nine hun- dred pupils.

Former Trustees, James Tallon, Bryan Smith, John Mc Dermott, Leopold De Granval, Bernard McCloskey and Timothy Foley. Present Trustees, John Kresey and James .1. Judge.

The German Roman Catholic Church, corner of Monroe and Ferry Streets, was started in 1874. The first pastor, appointed by the Franciscan order for the diocese, was Father Alphonsus Zoeller, O.M.t. The present site was purchased for seven thousand dollars; the cost for filling in the lot and preparing foundation was about four thousand dollars, but through the efforts of Father Zoeller this amount was collected outside of Hoboken. This pa-tor died in discharge of his duty in May, 1881, and the whole congregation was reduced to five families. In 1880 the district bounded ou the north by Second Streets and on the east by Adams Street was designated as a parish by the bishop. The prosent pastor is Dominick Marzetti, D.D., O.M.C. He preached in English, German and Italian. All Catholics are con- sidered members, and are entitled to assist in all cere- monies. The church has a seating capacity of three hundred and fifty and an average attendance of one thousand.

A parochial school connected with the church, and managed by the Sisters of St. Francis, has three hundred and fifty pupils. The entire cost of lands and buildlings was abont twenty-five thousand dollars, about one-half of which has been paid.

It should be noted that the late Father Alphonsus Zueller was the founder of several churches in Texas, the St. Alphonsus parish in Philadelphia, the parish of the Assumption in Syracuse, St. Peter's Church in Louisville, Ky., St. Joseph's Church in Utica, and lastly the Roman Catholic Church in Hoboken.

The Franciscan order, under whose care the parochial school is, was founded by St. Francis in the twelfth century, and although it has a governor ( provincial) for its internal management, still it is under the authority of the bishop of the diocese.

1 By Rev. P. C'organ.

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CITY OF HOBOKEN.

First Presbyterian Church, on the eornor of educated in columbus, Ohio, then took charre. He Hudson and Sixth Street -. The records of this is equally fluent in English and Gherman. In Istr church having been destroyed by fire in the hon-e of Eller Rose, 1860, all that transpired prior to that time can only be obtained orally from present mem- bers. the society sold the property on the corner of Third and Washington Streets for tex thousand dollars, and purchased the new site, corner of Singh and Bloon - field Streets, for eight thousand dollar -. Before the edifice was started they exchanged this latter site for the present one, on the corner of Eighth and Hudson Streets, which cost them fourteen thousand five Hundred loHlars ; it is sixty by one hundred feet. The largeclock in the steeple rest cleven hundred dollars, and was pre- ser ted to the church by Mr. Christ. Moller. The entire cost of the present property is about sixty-three thet- Band dollars. The church has a seating capacity of six hundred and tifty and an average atten dance of four hundred.

The society was organized in 1832; the founders were Joseph Boynton, Sarah Boynton, Andrew W. Rose, Alexander L. Cadmus, Mary J. F. Cadmus, Alida L. Stricker, Hmnaah P. Palner, Sarah Palmer, Mary Crane, Sylvina B. Beckwith, with the first regular pastor, Rev. Isaac P. Stricker. He was installed in 1854, and resigned in 1856. The society first por- chased the buckling, corner of Washington and Third Streets, belonging to the First Baptist Church. Rev. William Babbitt moveeded Mr Stricker in 1856, and continued until 1867. During his pastorate, in 1565, the present site was purchased from Mr. John Il. Bonn for three thousand dollars, and the old building was sold to the fierman Lutheran Church. The pres. ent building cost twenty two thousand dollars.

The Rev. E. P. Gardner was installed in 1857, and remained until 1871. Next came the Rev. Janses Marshall, installed 1872, who remained until 1876. and was followed by Rev. John Reid, who remained until 1879, succeeded by Rev. Addison K. Strong in 1880, then the present pastor, J. B. Kugler, in 1883.

The Sunday-school superintendent is Pahuser Camp- bell. The church school numbers three hundred and thirty, and the mission-school one hundred and eighty.

Value of church property, thirty-five thousand dol- lars. Seating capacity, three hundred and eighty. Average attendance, one hundred and fifty.

The German Lutheran Church of St. Matthew, on the corner of Eighth and Hudson Streets, Was organized in 1958 by Mesers. II. Huster, G. A. Herny, L. Brumler, L. Korbett, J. F. Kampin, H. Grassan and the pastor, Rev. C. Wassidlow.

The first servicey were held in Odd-Fellows' Hall. The New York congregation decided to contribute three hundred dollars per annum. In 1550 they tried unsnecesslully to purchase the building belonging to the Presbyterians, on the corner of Third and Wash- ington Streets. The purchase was consummated in Isol for six thousand seven hundred dollars. A day- school was immehately started in the basement, and plnred in charge of Mr. A. Van Duisveck.

In raising the cash for the purchase, three thousand dollars was borrowed from Henry tto, proprietor of the Otto Cottage Garden. The society built a two - story brick house in the rear of the church which they renten for three hundred and fifty dollars per annum. The Rev. Mr. Wassidlow died of heart-disease March 18, 1575. The Rev. Mr. Driess took temporary charge while the congregation was discussing the propriety of calling a new pastor from Germany. This resulted in the engagement of the Rev. Hatlerman, of East Frisia, who remained until 1×80. The present pastor, the Rev. Peter Eiricle, from Albany, N. Y.,

Mr Ferd. Ralty is superintendent of the Sunday- school, which numbers one thousand.

Among the principal subscribers were Messrs. Cord Moller, Carsten Sierck, C. Mattlage, H. Offerman, J. Hor-man and II Harms.

The parochial schoul is on Bloomfield Street, near Seventh.

The German Evangelical Church, on the north- west corner of Garden and Sixth Streets, was the first church in Iloboken in which services were held in Herman. It was started in 1856 on Church Square, by thepresent pastor, the Rev. Leopold Mohu. At one time the congregation consisted of one man and his wife. It was permanently organized as a Dutch Reformed Church August, 1856. Present building was erected in 1860, at an expense of $10,000. The seating capacity, between 600 and 700; the average attendance, 500; the value of the property, $25,000 ; Sunday-school superintendents, Mr. William Meyer and John Straub. Number of pupils, 750. The fol- lowing are the original elders and deacons: Mr. Diedrich Quellhorst, Hienrich Quellhorst, Louis J. Hansen, George Walter. During the first years the pastor's salary was two hundred dollars per annum. and yet this same pastor, Dr. Mohu, stood at his post and worked with tireless activity. He is to-day the oldest pastor in the city and the most successful. He has also established flourishing branches of his church in many neighboring places, and his ability is only equaled by his wonderful endurance.

The First United Presbyterian Church, on the corner of seventh and Bloomfield Streets, was organ- ized in the City Hall, Nov. 20, 1814 as an Associate Presbyterian Church, with nineteen members. Seven of the original members were named Harper, only one of whom now remains in the city. Among the officers elected were Edward Best, John Harper and Robert Harper.

In 18is the congregation went into the union formed between the Associate and the Reformed Pres- byterian branches, hence the name ns above given.

Rev. W. G. MeElhenney was elected in 1855, and remained until his death, in 1861. He was succeeded

1226

HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

by the Rev. Samuel C. Marshall, who resigned in 1863. From then until December, 1866, there was no pastor, at which time the Rev. Henry Allen took charge, but he died Sept. 6, 1867.

In 1868 a mission church was erected on Bowers Street, Jersey City Heights. Efforts were made dur- ing this year to sell the property, which caused dis- satisfaction, during which the Rev. Mr. Armstrong resigned, and the fifty-eight members formed the United Presbyterian Church, on Jersey City Heights. The old congregation was without a pastor until 1874, when the Rev. James Price was elected pastor. The present efficient pastor, the Rev. John C. Scott, has been in charge during the last two years.

The church property was purchased in 1856, the pastor, Rev. John McCullough, and Robert Harper constituting the building committee. In 1860 they bor- rowed three thousand dollars to pay the balance due on the building, fourteen hundred, and fifteen hundred dollars due for land, and also to help build a parson- age on Seventh Street, adjoining the church. The present value of the church property is about twenty- five thousand dollars. From 1850 to 1869 the church was assisted by the llome Mission Society.

The seating capacity of the church is about two hundred ; the average attendance, eighty-five; value of the property twenty-five thousand dollars; the Sunday-school superintendent, Rev. John C. Scott; with one hundred pupils.

The First Baptist Church is on the northwest corner of Bloomfield and Third Streets. This con- gregation, like several others which were founded in the carly years of Hoboken, first met on Church

The German Methodist Episcopal Church, Gar- Square. They built a little meeting-house on the den, near Second Street, organized April, 1875, by

northwest corner of Fourth and Meadow Streets in 1845. The church was founded by Deacon Field, Abraham Stout, Jacob Spier, Mary Field, Isabel Reeds, Eliza Morris, Elida Garman, Matilda Jen- nings, Sarah Stout, Sarah Banks, Susan and Sarah Whitney. The first pastor was the Rev. M. Battey. in 1×54 the Rev. Josiah Hatt was ealled, who was followed in 1860 by the Rev. Alfred Patton, in 1873 the Rev. Alfred Harris, in 1875 the Rev. Webster Maul, in Iss1 the Rev. W. S. Goodno.

In 1846, after finishing their church building, it was blown down by a heavy storm. Instead of rebuilding on the old site, they built the structure on the south- west corner of Third and Washington Streets, which was afterwards sold to the First Presbyterian Church. The present edifice was built in 1851.

Mr. Henry Barkelew is superintendent of the Sun- day-school, which numbers one hundred and fifty.

The First Methodist Episcopal Church, on Washington Street, between Seventh and Eighth Streets, was organized in 1856, the Rev. Robert Graves as pastor. Their first building, on the north- West corner of Church Square, was blown down in 1848. The second pastor was the Rev. W. W. Christine. who was succeeded by the Rev. ML E. Ellison. In

1852 the property was valued at ten thousand dollars. In 1865 the city commenced litigation, claiming Church Square as a public square. A long and tedious liti- gation followed, which was decided adversely to the church. The City Council passed a resolution in accordance with a popular book that had been taken in the city, to reimburse the society to the extent of ten thousand dollars for the property they had vacated, but the resolution was vetoed by Mayor Bobistedt. The present plot, on Washington Street, was then pur- chased from the Iloboken Land Improvement Com- pany at a reduction of ten thousand dollars on its actual value. With a balance of three hundred dollars in hand, the society proceeded to erect their present church, which was dedicated in March, 1870. It has a seating capacity of one thousand and an average attendance of five hundred. Subscriptions to the amount of ten thousand dollars were obtained at that time, which were increased within a few years to sev- enty thousand dollars. In 1875, under the pastorate of the Rev. J. R. Bryan, a division took place, and two new societies were formed, viz. : The Methodist Epis- copal Free Tabernacle of l'ark Avenue, and the German Methodist Episcopal Church, on Garden Street. Value of present property is seventy-five thousand dollars ; the debt trifling. The society is very flourishing ; the congregation is large, besides, and the Sunday-school has four hundred members, under Mr. Middleton as superintendent. Connected with the church there is a Ladies' Aid Society, a Young People's Association, and Free Reading-Room. Rev. Mr. Day is the pres- ent pastor.

members of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, on Washington Street, in order that services might be con- ducted in the German language.

Prominent among the founders of the new enter- prise were Mr. G. Offenheiser and Messrs. J. H. and Claus Bahrenburg. The first regularly deputized pastor, was the Rev. Chas. Reuss, who was appointed in 1878.

The enterprise was successful, and in 1879 the present property was purchased and a building crected. Seating capacity, two hundred and fifty ; average attendance, ninety. Prominent among the outside contributors were Messrs. Woltman, F. K. Keller, HI.Hauschildt, H. MeDougall, HI. Meyer, F. J. Drescher and Crevier Brothers. The Sunday school, under the charge of Messrs. Offenheiser and Bahren- burg, has been very successful, and now numbers about two hundred.

In 1881, Rev. Charles Reuss was sneceeded by the Rev. P. Haendiges, in accordance with the customs of I their church, who was again succeeded by Rev. Charles Reuss.

The Methodist Episcopal Free Tabernacle, Park Avenue and l'ifth Street. This is also an offshoot of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of Washington

1227

CITY OF HOBOKEN

Street, from which fifty - four members withdrew. April 6, 1875, and organized the present society in Martha eight baptisms and three hundred and Carteen persons contiread lin- church has an endowment

Institute.

The Rev. J. Boyd Brady was the first pastor: 31. J. of one hundred thousand dollars.

B. Renwick was shperintendent of the Sunday-school. The first board of trustees elected were E. I. Melntyre, C. L. Pitts, C. F. Kyte, William MeNa gh- ton, Jacob Vanderbilt, J. H. Bahrenburg and I .. .. Davis.

Mr. J. 11. Bahrenburg was elected president of the board. On May 9, 1875, the society first worshipped in their present building, which was erected by the Frei Gemeinde Free Thinker-) Society in 1867.

In 1878 the Rev. D. B. F' Randolph was appointed pastor and C. F. Kyte elected Sunday-school super- intendent.

The latter was succeede 1. in 1879, by Mr. t. L. Pitts. The Rev. D. B. F. Randolph was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Collins, and in 1881 the church had a member- ship of one hundred and eighty and the Sunday-schoo! of two hundred and fifty. In 1ss3 this organization re- united with the First Methodists on Washington Street.

The Holy Innocents Church is on Sixth Street, between Willow and Clinton Streets. It is as yet un- finished, and has cost to date about eighty thousand dollars. It is of Gothic architecture, and built en- tirely of stone. It represents the high-school prin- ciples of the Anglican Church. It was built and en- dowed by Mrs. Edwin M. Stevens as a memorial to her daughter. Julia Augusta, who died in Rome, Italy, in 1870. It was built under the direction of the Rev. Robert J. Nevins, who is now president of the incorporated trustees, who managed the property in place of the vestry.

A parochial school is now being constructed on the west side of the present building.

The church is absolutely free, every comer being at liberty to take any seat (chairs are used), and is intended to copy the churches built in the poorer dis- triets of the great English cities. The music is exclu- sively tiregorian chants, and services are held every day.

The parish began its work two years before the building of the church. Services were conducted by Rev. Henry F. Hartman, who resigned in 1874. The Rev. Charles C. Parsons was then called, and he re- mained until 1876, when he accepted a call to Mem- phis, Tenn. In 1578 he there fell a victim to yellow fever, and died at his post of duty. Rev. J. P. Wetherell had charge during the years 1876 and 1877. and was in turn succeeded by the Rev. John Sword, and later by the Rev. Wilberforce Wells.

Rev. S S. Lewis was the assistant rector until 1878, when he resigned and went to Memphis to fill the va- caney caused by the death of Mr. Parsons. Five days after reaching Memphis this brave pastor also died of yellow fever. Since September, 1878, the as- sistant rectorship has been filled by the Rev. Louis Schuyler.

Up to date there have been six hundred and fifty-

St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, Hudson Street, between Eighth and Nigth Street. First service was held in 1852, William Tryen, res- tor. Permanent organization was effected March 2, 1535, Rev. Robert Davis, rector The warden- were ames lagre king. The Vestrymen were Robert 1 .. Stevens, Thomas A Conover. Thomas B. Gautier_ M.D., John Van Boskirck, Abraham L. Van Boskirek, Peter litter, Pierre 1. Van Ben & laer, George Morton, Richard F. Cook, M. D., and William Tryou.

The first permanent building was on the corner of Hudson and Third streets, where Busch's Hotel now stands. The land was donated by John Stevens. The Rev. John A. Ward was installed as pastor April 4 1>35, the Rev. Mr. Cruse in 1 and suc- ersively the Revs. Messrs. Burnham, Hoyt, Parker, Moore and Bruce, to 1551.

In 1sol Trinity parish was formed, and located their church at Washington and Seventh Street -. In 1-t, Rev. N. S. Harris was called. In 1871 the church moved to Hudson, between Lighth and Ninth Streets, where it erected the present building, at the cost of forty seven thousand dollars, and called the Rev. Mr. Hartman to the pastorate. The same year the Holy Innocents was started. In 1873 the Rev. Elgar John- son was installed, and in 175 the present rector, Rev. Charles L. Newbold.

The present site was presented to the church by the Hoboken Land Improvement Company. Present debt is little over two thousand dollars. The seating capacity is five hundred; value of the property, sixty thousand dollars. The rector is the superinten- dent of the Sunday -school. It has an average attend- ance of two hundred and fifty.

Trinity Church (Protestant Episcopal), on the northeast corner of Washington and Seventh Streets, is the oldest church building in the city. This organiza- tion is an offshoot from St Paul's Church, and was organized in the Town Hall, over the engine-house, corner of Washington and First Streets, Sept. 16, 1853. The first wardens were John W. Van Baskirek and William P. Wright, the vestrymen were A. L. Van B skirck, M. V. Banta, William Hindhangh, Hazelten Walkley, James F. Melliss, Daniel Wadsworth, and Peter Ritter. The rector was Rev. N. W. Camp. D. D., and the first service was held Vet. 15. 1553. Present building was begon in October, 1555, and finished in September, 1536, Value, eighty thousand dollars ; seating capacity six hundred, average attendance. four hundred. The tablet was the work of the celebrated American sculptor, Mr. Crawford, who died before the work was finished, and it was finished by Rudolph Rogers. On its way to America the vessel containing it was shipwrecked off the island of Corsica, Feb. 2,

1225

HISTORY OF HUDSON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY

1859. After lying six months in the Mediterranean the quent act this restriction was removed, and now any tablet was recovered, and reach .d loboke rin August. one can become a purchaser. 1860. The inscription was written by the late Bishop When the mayor and Council surrendered the cemetery to the trustees, in 1868, there was a debt of two thousand seven hundred dollars on the property. This debt has been entirely paid off, the running ex- penses promptly met and a surplus of about nine thousand dollars has been accumulated, which is laid aside as a sacred fund. to be used only for improve- ments and repairs on the cemetery. Doane. In 1864 the rectory and school-house were built. In 1865 the Rev. N. Sayre Harris resigned after nin years of service. He was followed by the Rev. Frederick Fitzgerald, who died Aug. 31, 1866. The Rev. Reuben W. Howes remained pastor until 1874 and the Rev. Telfair Hodgson until Ists. Since then the church has been under the pastorate of the Rev. George Clarke Houghton, the present rector. There is a Hour hing Sunday-school, numbering three hun- dred and twenty-five scholars, connected with the church, under the superintendence of the rector, also a Ladies' Missionary Society Guild and a choir of eighteen adult and eighteen junior choristers.

The baptisms to date are seven hundred ; confirma- tions, three hundred andtwenty-eight, marriages, one hundred and sixty ; burials, three hundred and fifty ; receipts, one hundred and thirty- five thousand dollars.

Jewish Synagogues .- The only Jewish synagogue in the city is the temple, Adath Emuno, located at 279 Garden Street, dedicated April 15, 1×53. The Rev. Isaac Schickler is the pastor and also the super- intendent of the school. The church has thirty-three member-, and the services are held Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. The school has forty scholars. Prominent among the members are Louis Ettinger, president ; S. Wolfe, vice-president ; M. Lesser, score- tary; and Louis Hart, treasurer. The trustees are Mossrs. R. Berel, M. Kouert, A. Marks and Charles Cohen.

Cemeteries .- THE lloBOKEN CEMETERY is located at New Durham, North Bergen township, Hudson Co .. N. I. It contains seventeen and a half acres, and was purchased from John HI. Boun, Jan. 27, 1859, the consideration being four thousand dollars in cash, sixteen city lots, comprising old Potter's Field burying-ground, at Hudson and Sixth Streets, Hoboken, and the removal of the bodies therein to the present cemetery. This action was taken under the authority of an act of the Legislature of the State of New Jersey, passed in 1857.

In 1862 a map was made of the cemetery, after a plan suggested by Mr. B. N. Crane, who was ap- pointed by the Council to inspect the laying out of the same.

In 1868 the control of the cemetery passed from the Council by an act of the Legislature to a board of six trustees, one of whom is annually elected for a term of six years by the lot-owners of the cemetery. All moneys received by the trustees from the sale of lots, etc., is paid to the treasurer of Hoboken, who pays all bills contracted by the trustees when coun- tersigned by the president and secretary.

Each trustee must be a lot-owner. The law re- quires five acres of land to be reserved for a free bury- ing-ground ; the balance of the lots could be sold formerly only to citizens of Hoboken, but by a subse-

The value of the property now is about thirty-five thousand dollars. About two-thirds of the cemetery is now occupied. There have been six thousand inter- ments, four hundred of which were in the five acre free burying plot by donated Mr. Bonn, in accordance with his agreement with the city in 1859. On this plot the only charge made was for the opening of the grave. This cemetery is one of the finest in the State. This is due to its favorable location and to the judicious and indefatigable labors of the trustees and superin- tendent, B. N. Crane, who has made the study of cemeteries a specialty during the last thirty years.

Prior to 1875 the chairman of the Council was ex- officio member of the board of trustees, but during this year the art was changed, and the mayor since that time has been the er-officio member.

The trustees report every three months to the mayor and Council. The officers of the cemetery have been as follows: From 1868 to 1877, Christopher Gregory, president ; and from 1877 to 1884, Win. H. Havens, president. Since 1868, Mr. B. N. Crane has been annually elected by a unanimous vote secretary and superintendent. He served without salary from 1 868 to 1872, received five hundred dollars per annum till 1875, and one thousand dollars per annum since that time.

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 134

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

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