History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 19

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 19
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 19

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

THE NEW PARSONAGE -Many years previous to the demolition of the old parsonage it had been or- eupie l only as a tenement-house, thus bringing a small revenue to the society, but was of no benefit to the pastor-in-charge.

In 1836 measures were taken to provide a parson- nge more suited to the wants of parochial necessities.

A lot on High Street was purchased of Abraham Harrison, " near his residence, at two dollars per foot, fronting on a new street soon to be opened." The lot purchased had a frontage of fifty feet, to which Mr. Harrison added an equal amount by way of donation. Upon this lot a parsonage was built, the contract price being eighteen hundrel and seventy-five dollars, and the money raised by subscription. The house was finished in the spring of 1537, and occupied by Rev. William C. White. Upon the retirement of Mr. White from active service, in 1855, the church, in addition to salary paid, donated to him the parsonage and lot, which is still in possession of his heirs.

At present the church is without a parsonage, only as rented.

THE PARISH LANDS FOLD-BUILDING LOTS -- THE COMMON .- The growth of Orange previous to 1802 had created quite a demand for building lots, and in that year the parish was seized with a speculative fever, and resolved to sell a portion of its lands along Main Street for building lots, the interest to be appro- priated towards the support of the gospel. Five lots north and eight lots south of the street were accord- ingly sold, for the sum of three thousand five hundred and forty-six dollars, secured by bond and mortgage.

The strip of ground already used for a "common," lying opposite the parsonage (the parsonage then stood in what is now Grace Church grounds), was to be re- served for that purpose for ever. The eight lots lay along the southern border of this (from Willow Hall cast), and contained six acres and fifty-eight hun- dredths of an acre. The common was for a special and patriotic use, as well as for the public conveni- ence and for the adornment of the village. The martinl parade drew hither annually its display of military and a crowd of citizens, old and young, who in those days looked forward upon the occasion as the carnival of the year. Generous dinners were furnished by mine host Munn, who for many years kept the old and popular hostelry, on the site now orcupied by the Park House. Traveling hucksters and auctioneers also did a thriving business by the wayside.

ORANGE SLOOP-Among the other sources of reve- nue with which the old First Presbyterian Church drew funds from time to time to defray incidental expenses was a project formed in 1784, and called the Orange sloop. The plan was to buy or build a boat to be used for the benefit of the parish, and run it between Newark, N. J., and Albany, N. Y., stopping at intermediate ports. Subscriptions for this purpose were received, and at a parish meeting it was resolved to build a boat, for which purpose a committee of three managers was appointed. In due time the little craft was launched from near the dock the parish had pur- chased in Newark, and was under full sail on its useful mission, the parish to receive one-third of the profits from each trip. The income from this source was from forty to sixty pounds sterling each year.

760

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

In 1800 the parish trustees resolved to build a store- house, eighteen by thirty fret, on the Orange dock. The contract for building the store-house was awarded to Amos Harrison for $239.75, he being the lowest bidder.

In building the Orange dock and store-house a mortgage for seven hundred and fifty dollars was executed by Jacob Plum (no doubt for the trustees or parish), bearing date May 25, 112.

Subsequent to this date we find that the Orange dock was sold, and we infer that the sloop owned by the parish was included in the sale. The proceeds of the sale were probably applied to the building fund, and absorbed in the erection of the present church edifice, which ended the shipping interests of the Mountain Society, as far as it was concerned as a parish.

THE OLD CHURCH BELL .- The old bell that hung in its mindest quarters in the old steeple was taken down when the old church of 1754 was demolished, and sus- pended ou a pole to perform its last offices in calling the workmen to their tasks. Some time previous to this the tongue had dropped out when its voice was needed on a funeral occasion, and was taken by the bell-ringer and struck upon the rim of the bell, by which a fracture was produced. The bell was taken to a blacksmith, who attempted to weld the fracture. Not being an expert in working metal of that kind, he melted a piece out of the bell, which proved, however, more of a success than failure, as, 'this parish."

by this accident, the tone of the bell was in a good measure, restored. Having in this condition con- tinned to do duty, it was now, as stated, put to a use- ful service in calling the workmen from laber to refreshment and rice versa. But the bell was destined to share the fate of the okl church,-bequeathing its metal, while losing its individuality. .As the new church drew near completion, one of the workmen, named William Halsey, to secure the parish against, possibilities which excited uneasiness in some minds gave the old bell a finishing stroke with his hammer. A piercing knell, and the tongue which had so long discoursed solemnly of eternity and sweetly of heaven, which had called a generation to their nightly repose anel to their weekly devotions, which had been the music of their lives and a mourner at their burial wa- now forever silent.

EXTRAITS FROM TRUSTEES' RECORDS .-- During the building of the second meeting-house, in 1754, the pastor, Rev. Caleb Smith, seems to have kept the accounts with the several contributors to the building, among whom was May 20, 1754, Samuel Jones, credited for six loads rough stone, 15a .; David Peck, four loads, 10a. , David Williams, by Dave Taylor, two loads, 3x. ; Deacon Freeman, laying sleepers, two days, 7×. Justice Harrison, William C'rane, Thomas Wil- liams, Samuel Cundict, Isaac t'undiet, John C'undiet, Stephen Dod, David Williams, Capt. Williams (proba-

others, for "taking down the ceiling of the okl meet- ing-house," and for other work, were duly and equally credited at the rate of three shillings, six pence per day.

In " Justice Harrison's" old account-book, may be found a series of charges to the parsonage account, in July, "when," says the record, "we raised the meet- ing-house galleries."

From the records kept by the trustees of the parish during the period of Mr. Chapman's pastorate we select the following :

At the annual meeting of parish, in January, 1785, "a move was made by Mr. Samuel Pierson, that there were not a sufficient number of musical clerks for the convenience of public worship; " and "it was agreed to by the major part, that Nathaniel Crane, John Dodd, Jr., Aaron Munn and Joseph Ward shall assist in that office." The custom still continued of reading the lines as the psalm was sung. Watts' Psalmody was then in use, but the time of its intro- duction is not known. As early as 1763 "Sundry members and congregations " within the bounds of the Synod had adopted it, and the Synod had "no objection to the use of said imitation by such ministers and congregations as ineline to use it, until the mat- ter of psalmody be further considered."

" Jan. 12, 1786,-Voted that Stephen Harrison, Esq., do provide a good box or chest, with a lock, to contain the books and public writings belonging to

"March 12, 1786,-Voted that Cornelius Jones be paid four shillings a load for six loads of stone used at the parsonage well. Also that any person getting stone on the parsonage lands allotted for this parish shall pay into the hands of Deacon Amos Baldwin, Treasurer, the sum of one shilling the load. Also that the old parsonage field may be plowed for a crop of buckwheat the ensuing summer, and that the parish receive every fifth bushel free from all expense, except some person will give more."

"Oct. 12, 1786-Voted that the buckwheat for the rent of the parsonage land is to be converted to the use of the whole parish. Also that the price of the buckwheat shall be two shillings and sixpence per bushel."

"Jan. 15, 1787 -- Voted that the widow of William Matthews have the care of opening the meeting-house and sweeping the same, and taking all care respecting it that those formerly appointed for that purpose had, for the sum of one pound two shillings. and sixpence for three months. '

During the next year (1788) John Tichenor re- ceived the sum of fourteen shillings for pulling down the okl oven and building a new one in the parsonage.

In 1789 the "okl parsonage field " was put again to buckwheat, the parish to have " every fourth bushel, if nobody will give more."

In 1791 it was " Voted that Aaron Munn do go bly Matthew), Isaac Williams, Joseph Harrison and ! through the parish and settle with all delinquents

761

CITY OF ORANGE.

respecting Mr. Chapman's rates, and make report to the Board of Trustees; for which service he shall have a reasonable compensation from the funds of the par- i. h, agreeable to a vote of the same."

In June, 1791, Deacon Baldwin resigned the office of treasurer when twenty shillings were voted to his daughter Esther "for her services as Treasurer for a number of years.

In November of the same year Mr. Munn reported that he had spent six days in collecting rates, for which he was rewarded in the sum of as many shil- lings per day for "him and horse."

It appears that some of the then acting board of trustees put an easy construction upon their oath of otlice; for in January, 1792, we find the board ad- journing to meet again on the 30th of said month, "at Samuel Munn's, at Sundown, on forfeiture of six - pence." This little addition to the weight of official responsibility appears to have wrought the needed re- form, for at the hour specified all the tristees were present.

In 1792 the burying-ground was let out to Josiah Quinby at six shillings. The burying-ground was also enlarged this year by the purchase of about two avres of land from the executors of the estate of Sam- uel Ogden. Also the parsonage received repairs, and a new roof was put on the meeting-house.

In 1795, Josiah Quinby was engaged by the trus- tees to ring the church-bell through the year on Sabbath and lecture days, for three pounds and ten shillings ; Bethuel Pierson to ring it at nine o'clock every evening, for four pounds ; the Widow Martha Davison "to sweep the meeting-house and keep it clean all the year," for four pounds and ten shil- ling4.

The teacher of the academy was allowed to ring the meeting-house bell for the use of the school.

In 1800, Josiah Frost was employed to ring the bell " on Sabbath and lecture days " for three pounds and fourteen shillings, the Widow Sarah C'ondit hay- ing charge of the sweeping at tive pounds per annu u. The sexton's duties were thus divided between the two until 1805, when the former assumed the whole business at $33.87. By the terms of the contract he was to take the whole and proper charge of the meet- ing-house, sweeping the same, finding the sand, ring- ing the bell, and lighting the candles, the last-named article to be found at the expense of the parish, and " the ends left to go to the person who lights the can- dles." This service Mr. Frost performed for ser- eral years.

Among the items recorded in 1838 by the trustees, was the appointment of James Matthews as sexton, with a salary of sixty dollars per year.

In January, 1×39, " William Condit and Smith Williams were appointed a committee on the singing in the church ; " and, "inasmuch as intimation had been given to the female part of the choir during the past year that some present should be made to them, it

Was 'resolved that a psalm and hymn book, with the select hymns, should be given to each of them.'"

MINISTERS SALARY, AND RETAIL PRICE-LIST, 1762 .- In the years 1755 to 1765 the average salary of Rev. Caleb Smith, of the "Mountain Society," was not far from £65, or about one hundred and fifty dol- lars. An old account book of Mr. Smith's contains the names of about eighty persons, who are regularly charged for their annual rate, varying from a few shillings to two pounds and upwards. The rates were doubtless graduated by the civil tax list. From an entry made in his book in 1762 it appears that the dollar was then equal in value to Ss. Id. Wheat was tis. to 78. per bushel; oats, 28. 6d .; Indian corn, 3) to 4s .; buckwheat, 2s. 6d. to 3s .; flax, 9d. per pound ; tallow, &d .; beef (by the quarter), 3d .; pork, 6d .; butter, I&d .; cider, Is. per barrel; cider spirits, 38, Gd. a gallon; a quart of rum. ld. Jona- than Young received credit for weaving 114 yards ofcloth, at 3d. per yard. and El for weaving two cover- lots. James Wood, alias Gohl, received credit at the rate of 3s. per day for cutting wood at the door, 38. 6d. for cutting saw logs, 4%. for dressing flax. Isaac Williams had 42. 6d. per day for working in the meadows. Jedediah Crane has a credit of 28. fid. for tobacco. Naron Case has credit for a clock and case, £17.108. (840); for cleaning watch, 33. 6d. ; for grind- ing five razors, 3x. 9d

It may seem a little queer that in a minister's account there should appear a quart of rum. But, then, it was a long time ago, and no doubt the quality of piety and preaching of Mr. Smith would admit of a little dilution of that kind.

After a period of thirty-six years, or in October, 1798, we find that the trustees met "to inspect Mr. Chapman's rate (Jedediah Chapman was at this date pastor of the church), and to make a statement of the bad debts." Collectors were appointed to visit those who had unsettled accounts, and Mr. Chapman was applied to for a power of attorney to enforce their settlement. This he reminded them was un- necessary, the power being already theirs, To cover delinquencies, a paper for subscriptions was also circulated, agreeably to a vote taken at a parish-meet- ing, in order to make the salary equal to what it was at the time of his settlement. It appeared ujem examination that the rate, as now received, "amounted to about £134. 6x, yearly." With this stipend, equal to $357, the pastor had a house, which was kept in repair by the parish , a parsonage lot of four acres, and the twenty acres on the opposite side of the road (where now stands the Mansion House, the Baptist t'hurch, and many dwellings) purchased by the society at its organization.

In January, 1799, the parish agreed to raise the salary to £100, equal to $427. The plan was: That those who did not assent to this agreement should be rated as heretofore; "then deduet the amount of those who have agreed on the subscription to pay by way

762

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

of rate." In December, 1799, the old debts continued to cause trouble, when the trustees appointed Jotham Harrison and Isaac Pierson a committee to wait upon | the dissolution of the servile bond. It is gratitying to Mr. Chapman, and make some arrangement of the old debts, previous to any suits being commenced. know that while the day of emancipation was dawn- ing thus early, th , light of the gospel was already shining on the colored portion of the population, and in 1816 a Sunday-school, the first in the parish, was established for the benefit of the children of colored people, both bond and free.

In his final settlement with the parish, Mr. Chap- man reecived $29 for a study and other buildings added by him to the parsonage, and £10 for money spent in repairs.

In 1809, during the pastorate of Rev. Asa Hillyer, an addition was made to the pastor's salary, raising the amount paid in money from $625 to $800. Mr. Hillyer occupied the old stone parsonage till 1815, when the failing health of Mrs. Hillyer caused him to move into a frame building yet standing on the corner of Main and Hillyer Streets, subsequently oc- eupied by his son-in-law, Dr. William Pierson. The parish that year resolved to pay Mr. Hillyer $200, in lieu of the wood formerly provided for him.

In the spring of ISI7 the trustees and committee appointed for that purpose, at a late parish-meeting, reported "That they had agreed with Mr. Hillyer to raise his salary to $1120 per year on condition that he would relinquish his claim to the old parsonage- house and'one-half acre of land adjoining, a quarter of an acre adjoining Samuel W. Tichenor, a quarter of an aere adjoining Allen Dodd, and all the land owned by the parish on the south side of the road." They further reported that they had conferred with Mr. Hillyer upon the subject, and that he was satis- fied with the arrangement. The meeting approved and confirmed the contract by a solemn vote, and authorized the trustees to use the above-mentioned pieces of land to enable them to fulfill the contract on their part.

signed an assistant pastor, and in May, 1829, he f furnishings the house was improved in appearance,

After the death of Mr. Hillyer, April 4, 1828, and the partial failure of Mr. Hillyer's health, he was as- entered into an agreement, that he would accept for the next succeeding years an annual salary of $920. At the expiration of that term he was to receive 8%) per annum during his natural life, but by a later agreement, made in 1834, he accepted $600 per annum and a donation of $1000. This was after the organi- zation of the Second Presbyterian Church. Five- sevenths of the whole was to be paid by the old society, the arrangement to go into effect from the Ist of April, 1833.

Rev. William (', White was settled as pastor in February, 1833, and through the trustees and a com- mittee appointed for that purpose, his salary was fixed at six hundred dollars per annum.

THE PIONEER SUNDAY-SCHOOL. - When the present church edifice was new there was a class of worshipers for whose accommodation special provision was made, i.e., the slave population. They were brought to notice in a resolution of the parish in 1815, requesting the trustees "to call on the slave-holders for the annuity on the pews set apart for their slaves." This

was five years before the emancipation act in this State, and ten years before it began to take effect in

The second Sabbath-school in this parish, was established in 1817 for the benefit of the youth of the congregation generally. The two schools assembled in the upper and lower part of the academy. Among those who devoted their time and labor to the instruc- tion of the colored children in religions matters was Miss Hillyer, a daughter of the pastor, Rev. Asa llillyer.

INTERNAL CHURCH IMPROVEMENTS .- During the latter yearsof Mr. White's pastorate new elements were commingling with the old, and innovations and trans- formations were inevitable, and many who deplored the social changes found a large pecuniary solace for their dissatisfaction, and in 1851 another change was made in the interior arrangements of the church edifice.

The pulpit, built at the south or front end of the building, and the gallery opposite were made to change places. The front of the galleries was lowered, and the entire house reseated, the seats, together with the pulpit, being transferred from the Duane Street Presbyterian Church, in New York City. The walls were papered, furnaces were placed under the church, and an organ was purchased. These improve- ments, except organ, were made at a cost of five thousand, eight hundred and forty-five dollars. The organ, made by Henry Pilcher, of Newark, was purchased for eight hundred dollars. By these new and an impressive auxiliary supplied to one part of publie devotion,

RULING ELDERS .- The church has no records from which the names of its elders can be known prior to 1801. The first three in the following list were obtained from .the records of the Synod, the next eleven from the records of the Presbytery, some of them being found also in the oldest minutes of the Session. There must have been other ellers before or contemporary with Joseph Peck, but their names are lost sight of. It is said by Ira Harrison that his ancestor, Lewis ('rane, who died in 1777, aged fifty- nine, held the office of eller. The evidence is wholly traditional. Henry Osborn was one of the ellers who signed the eall to Mr. Hillyer in 1801, and from that time to the present the list is quite complete. David Munn was chosen to the office in 1809, but declined to serve.

Joseph Peck, in office 1757 ; died July 12, 1772, aged 70.

Joseph Riggs, in ofice lieu; left the parish 1783 ; died 170, aged 79. Bethuel Pierson, in office 1768; died May 16, 1791, aged 70.

763

CITY OF ORANGE.

Auto Baldwin, in the 17%, died Fel 21, 15, apel xi. Noah Crane, in office Ich; del Jube, , siger John Peck, in office 1744 ; dia Der. 2x, 1811, 8Kml "9.

Julin Perry, in office 1533, died (et ), I> 4 /1 75.

Sarun Mann, in ofice 179%, left the panel Ima , dial Jan. 28, 1429.

%.mas Freeman, in office 170 die J . pt. 3, 1mm, aged 40.

John Lindaley, in office 1:05 died Por 14. 159, ag 7

Antes Harrison, in office 1790 , ds 1 Sept 5, 18 2, Aged 77.

Nathanled Bruten, in office In, left the parish IN14, die June 24. 1x29, aged hat,

Damel I Stryker, in om e 1-14 ; died Fel, 9, 1516, agel 3.

Adonijah themen, in office 1814 left the parish 1831 , died June 3, 1800, axrd 72.

Joseph Pierson, mothe 114, die Oct. 5. 1814 aged .

Daniel Condit, in office 1211 lied May 11, 1228, apel .

Zaulok Brown, in office 1817 . left the parish (1) 1>1 ; died IN 3.

John Nieud, in other 1s20 , left the parish IN. L.

Peter Campbell, in ethee (20;left the parish 1x31 ; died Der. 23, 1×32, ageil uti.

Samuel Freeman, in ofice 1820 - left the parish 1& 1 ; died De. 31. Ja: , aged 56.

Auron R. Harrison, in office 1822 ; left the parish 18.53; died July - 1857, aged 73.

Aaron Peck, in office Is25, Left the parish 1831

Amon Vincent, in office 1820, left the parish 1×10 died June 24, 1853, aged 71.

Abraham Harrison, in office 149 ; die Dag 1. 1511, agood 73. Juninh Frost, in office 1831 ; died Sept. 1h, 1559, aged 81

Daniel D. Condit. in office 1831 ; died Det. 17, 1839, aged Mi. Jia Cantell, in office 18331 ; left the parish lhas,

Samuel L. Pierson, in office Jx1 ; left the parish 1840. Abiathar Harrison, in office 1833 ; left the parish 1855. Jonathan S. Williams, in office 1834.

Smith Williams, in office 1839.

Cyrus Gilderelease, in ofice lala.

Charles R. Duy, in oflice 1851 James freacen, In office 1856 ; died Nov. , 1857, aged 4. Julin Boynton, in office 1806. s. Wickra, in office Isil.

Irn Harrison, in office 1856.

The elders for 1884 were Ira Harrison, Edgar P'. Starr, Robert HI. Atwater, A. W. Kelbourne, Zenas Williams, Edward H. Williams, Josiah Il. Read and Oliver S. Carter.

DEACONS,'-We insert the name of Samuel Pierson (written Pairson on his headstone). For reasons which have been given, there can be little doubt that he was one of the first officers of the church. The second pastor of the church, Rev. Caleb Smith, had an account with . Deacon Thompson," as his account- book shows. There is also extant a copy of the New York Pocket Almanae for the year 1757, which has been preserved in the parish, in which we find, among a number of business entries, that the owner of it, in 1769, paid " Deacon Smith £100."

Samuel Harrison's account with the parsonage in 1748 mentions Deacon Samuel Freeman.

Samuel Piersio, died March 19, 1738, aga .

Samuel Freeomn, in ofce 174x ; died Oct 21, 1782, Aged 66.

1 From Rev. J. Hoyt's history.

-- Themen, in office 1761

John Smith, in office 1700, died Feb, 14, 1777, agul 7

Joanph Peck, died July 12 1772, aged 71

Bethue -, diel May 16, 17 +], Aged 70.

Amane Baldwin, in office 1743; diml feb. 23, 1807, aged =" Noah Crane, died June x, 1" 1, ageet =1.

Innac Ihall, died Nog 19, 18, uged 76.

John Perk, d el De 24 Isil, aged

Jobu Perry die JUrt. 21, 1821, Agel 75.

um » Harrison Sanmiel Freeman, in office 1820

Abraham Harrison, in office 1x37.

Jemialı Front, In office INJ.

Mou+ B. Confield, in off . INil

t'yrus s. Minor, in office 1534

The deacons for last were George Lindaley, Charles N. White, Horton D. Williams, William Beach and W. P. Town.

Trustees for 1884, Oliver S. Carter, George Lind-ley Stephen T. Smith, Peter Gerbert, William H. Dodd, Thomas J. Smith and Albert D. Smith.

PASTORS .- The pastors of this church have been Rev. Daniel Taylor, the first regular pastor from soon after the organization of the Mountain Society, till his decease. Much might be said in his praise, but space forbids more than the following, found upon his tombstone in the old burying-ground at Orange.

·· Survivor, let's all imitat The Verturs of vor l'astor, And copy after him like us H. did his lord and Master To his tuost awful was the struke. By which he was removed

Into the full fruition of The Girl be served and loved."

And below it,-

" Here lyes the pious renmains Of the Rerd. Mr. Daniel Taylor, Who was minister of this parish. Yours, dec'd January 8th, A. D., 1747-48, In the 57th year of his age "

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 19

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