History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 47

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 47
USA > New Jersey > Essex County > History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II > Part 47

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During the existence of this church, besides those already mentioned, we give the names of the follow- ing ministers who have oficiated here : In 1810, Wil- ham Berrian, D. D., afterwards rector of Trinity Church, New York ; in 1816. the Rev. George Moore- house. in 1819. the Rov Augustus Fitch ; in 1821, the Rev. Lawson C'arter: in 1823, the Rev. John Griggs; in 1825, the Rev. Matthew Matthews; in ]>31, the Rev Ralph Williston; in 1832, the Reys. Holmes and Whittingham; in 1-31. the Rev. Robert Davies.

HI re ends the list of officiating clergymen prior to the separation from Trinity Clarth, Newark. Com- mening with the independent organization in 1.11. the list is as follows: The Rev. Dr. Chapman; from 1-42 (> 1×44, Sammel L. Southard ; 1945 to 15th, Rev. H. R. Sherman : 1862 and 1883. Rov. J. F Blake; last to 1975, Rev. S. W. Sayres, at which Titter date commenced the rectorship of the Rev. (. s. Abbett, which has continued to this time.

The first warden from this part of the parish, and while connected with Trinity Church Newark was William Kingsland, and the first vestrymen William Dow, Aarent Schuyl r. Willrun Sandford, Edmund Leslie and Honry Kingsland. Atthesame time from Tranty Church. Newark, Uzal Ogden, James Nut- Ioan, John Robinson, Daniel Rogers, Benjamin Je hn- son, Ebenezer Ward wer . officers.

Since that time, : mong the others of this church, convictions soon led her to believe that it w: sher duty

we mention Joseph Kingsland, Sr., John Rutherford, Aar nt Schuyler, Thomas W. Sitterthwaite. Robert Sword , Jonathan Bird, Richard Kingsland, James Satterthwait , Henry K. S huyler, Jr., as prominent. I'nder the pas trat . of the Rev. t'. S. Abbett, now in charge, netw/hs ahding the many draw a ks here

referred to, the church is in a prosperous condition, and unity prevails. The value of the church prop- erty, including the parsonage, situated some dis- tanee north of the church, which is of modern con- struction, substantial in appearance, and suggestive of comfort, is thirty-five thousand dollars.

METHODIST CHURCH .- Looking back more than a century and a half, we see situated upon the west side of Main, then the only street or road in the vil- lage, along Passaie River, adjoining the Reformed Dutch Church, and south of it, an old mansion, standing back from the road some forty feet. It is of stone, and of the usual style of houses of that day, substantial in appearance, of medium dimensions, A small portion of this old house, the then residence of the late William Dow, one of the early settlers of fee- ond River, yet remains, and is part of the residence of one of his descendants, to whom it has come down through generations by lineal deseent. Though nearly all of the original of this house of William Dow has long since been lost to view, and has given place to the present comfortable residence of his de- seendant, John W. Dow, Eng., there is yet much of history connected with it which suggests that we make record of its former occupants. Its owner in these early times of which we speak was a man of rertitude and intelligence, possessing in a marked degree the respect and confidence of his fellow-citi- zens. He was identified denominationally with the Episcopal Church organization, was one of its first vestrymen, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Isaac Brown, as early as 1751 or 1752, and afterwards under the ministrations of the late Rev. Uzal Ogden. His daughter, Margaret, youngest sister of the lite Rev. John Dow, of Belleville, and second wife of William Holmes, now deceased, had united with this church. and John Dow, her brother, was also a member.

Soon after their connection with the church, and when they were just stepping upon the threshold of manhood and womanhood, and about the year 179], Methodism and its teachings began to lay claim to consideration. Its birth-place in this region might be said to be the old John Street Church in New York ; at least here it was eradled in its infancy. Margaret Dow, a young woman of naturally pious inclinations, to which had been added the force and effect of relig- ious encouragement and training by her father, visited New York, where she had cousins residing. Her thirst for religious teaching led her to atte il this old era dling place of Methodism. Being forcibly impres- sed with the earnestness and spirit manifested by its members and shown in its devotional exercises, her to connect herself with these plain, but earnest Chris- tian worshipers, which, after many conversations with her father, she oil.

About this time a Miss Annie Stewart, afterwards Mrs. Bonsell ( who died in Newark, Ang. 14, 1>4), also n native of the village, having lost her parents, found a

BELLEVILLE TOWNSHIP

home at the residenceof her chillle s aunt, the late Mrs Tyson ; she also was a convert of Mr. Orden's and a member of his church. About the time of Mi Dow's villt to New York, Miss Stewart was on a visit to Elizabethtown, whereshe became acquainted with the Methodists. She snow united with the church, and though a stranger, she was warmy received by these people. Trusting in the indult nee of her aunt at Belleville she ineed one of the min- isters to preach at her house. He consented, and dil preach there. It was in the wind rof 1791 or 1792 that the first sermon by a meister of this denonur a- tion was delivered here, and either the R v. Thomas Murrell or John Mann, (both of whoor were sta- tioned in New York at that time. ) was the minister thus preaching.

Margaret Dow in the me nwhile having returned from a visit in New York, finding that these services had been held at the home of Mrs. Tyson was greatly rejoiceal. Many others manifesting sympathy, added to the interest of the meetings. Jeho Dow, the brother of Margaret a man of more than usual in- tellivoice and penharly endewed at this early day with the elements of character essential to leadership and public speaking, as afterwards shown, though quite young, being also a devoted Chirstian, joinel this little band and became their leader, gathering muy supporters of more mature years. Among them we find Mary Ann Stewart, aiding in the leadership; Mrs. William Crissev, afterwards wife of Thomas Brown, and mother of the Rev. George Brown, deceased; William Dow, father of John, and Margaret, second wife of William Holmes, and Richard Lecraf of New- ark ; Joho Rykeman, James Van Ryper, and William Whitfield, who had come as an exhorter from New York. Preachers were invited to aid the classes formed

Belleville became a part of the old Elizabethtown Circuit, which extended as far as New Brunswick and included snten Island, reached as far north as the New York State line and included some territory be- yond it, and many miles in a westerly direction. Here began Methodism in this region.

Rw. John Clark was appointed in 1792 to the charge of this circuit. He found over this vast terri tory only one hundred and ninety white and three colored members of the church. Joseph Totten was appointed his colleague. The visits of these minis- fers were but few, as their services had to be divided up by those having claim on them all over this vast territory. John Dow, their leader here, was emi- nently qualified for the work His father's house was the place of meeting from the origin of the or- ganization until a church was built. Nicholas Sneathen, a young man whose talent was apparent to all, in the employ of Mr. Bennett, then conducting a grist-mill on Se ond River, whose perut arty stadions habits found him with book in hand on every avail- able occasion, even while at work, the following year

was recommended to and red sadby the Annual ton- ference as a traveling press her, and labored access- folly for many years. To 1793, John Rezan anl M. Kainer were appointed on this cir mit the for er a native of Ireland a studious communications and up - right minister, diedin 1796. In 1794, 3 En Chark and Hezekiah 1. Wooster were appoint 1. There were one handred and ninety moe while and tw lve colored members at this time In 1795 thr. were two preachers appointed to this areuit, Shadrach R. Hutchison and Withano St rins. They were followed in 1796, by John Fount co ated Alır - ham Van Nostrand. In 1797 John clark why had been in the district before, returned with T. Marit and J. Seward, his colleagues. They found a member- ship of two hundred an I ten.

In 170%, Thomas Morrell became supernumerary, and he, with J. Tolleson and S. Thomis appear on the minutes of this year. The first-naveed, who had been an officer in the Revolutionary army with Washing- ton at winter quarters at Morristown. afterwards en- ragd in mercantile business at Elizabethtown. where he was widely known. In 1790 Thommes Everard and David Bartine, Sr., followed. At this time Newark was a small town, and had not yet been visited clerically by these meisters. David Bar ine. then in the vigor of manhood, with a strong intel- lectual, as well as physical development, supported by peculiar energy. re dved that Newark shombl be added to the appointments of this eirenit. He pro- cured a place of meeting, and ex pounded to them the doctrines of his church in that peculiar forest le manner for which he was so noted. In the year ISIM. los ph Totten returned to the circuit, Jess, Gii bert bring his colleague. The membership at this time was two hundred and fifty. In ISH, Solomon Sharp. spoken of by the church as one of its great men, was then presiding elder, his district being the whole of New Jersey and part of New York State. In 12, Joseph Totten and William Mills who were the preachers in charge, had at the expiration of their term an increase of two hundred and fifty members.

Up to this time the me ting-place at Belleville (John Davis' house) became too small, and the ques- tion " What shall we do?" was propounded. Vmeet- ing was called to consider. It was a cold Dermber evening, 1802, they assembled at their esund place of meeting, tive in all being present -- John Dow, Richard . Lecraft. William Holmes, James Van Riper and John Rykonrmn. They convened to take mea- ires for the building of a church. In 1503 they issued their subscription, headed as follows: William Holmes, $200; Richard Lecraft, Stor; John Rykeman, $100; John Dow $100; and J. Van Riper, 850. It was ciren ated, and on its return contained the names of one hundred and ninety-tive perenes, all of whom have passed away. The amount subscribed was $1720.53.

On this subscription list were succes sively placed the

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

bowitz ninges of clergymen of different denomina- mois: Rev. Uzal Oglen. Episcopal, SJ0; Rev. Wil- liani Woodbridge and Rev. A. M. M. Whorter, Pres- Hancock, who died in 15544, preached there when there were but five Methodists in the place. Up to this time they had no regular meeting-house. On hyterian. each $5; R v. Daniel Smith, Methodist, the 2nd of January, 1808, they held a meeting at the $5; the Rev. Grorge Strebeck, who was sent out to this country by Mr. Wesley, but afterwards went to the Episcopal Coolich, 55; Rev. William Phoebus, Methe list, 8. In 1803, Father Thomas, C. Wooley and J. Sevens see the ministers in charge, and the mer der ip of the circuit was five hundred and fifty white- and thirty-one colored. During their term of service the church at Belleville was completed, being rectel on the lot occupied by the present church + Ifie , which was for these early days a very respect- able one of Frown stone plastered and penciled; the se. 's were old-fashioned, high, open backs, with sindle radi on which to res' the shoulders ; the pulpit, half- octagon, very high, though afterwards modern- iz 1, lowered and painted white; over the pulpit was a canopy or sounding- board, on the top of which was grille l pineapple with green leaves, the only orna- ment about the church. There were no galleries.

The cost was twenty-four hundred and seventy dol- :rs. On the 3d day of April, 1804, it was found that there was a deficiency of seven hundred and fifty dol- lar- to take payment in full for this church. It was borrowed of Richard Lecraft, before spoken of as in- strumental in ils building, he being serured by houd and mytrage, the interest on which was to be paid quarterly Here. in this plain but comfortal le buikdl- ing. this congregation worshiped for many years. In 1804, Thomas Morrell, B. Hiff and S. Budd presided ower th circuit.

The Rev. JJohn Dow having been carly licensed as a local preacher, and standing in the front rank of that honorable class of ministers, supplied the pulpit most of the time during th se intervals with great ac- perlility to the people. He was an easy, fluent, yet earnest sp aker.

His daughter Abby, wife of William Lee, and John (il bs, was the first infant baptized at the altar of that church.

house of John Dow, at which there were present Richard Lecraft, John Dow and Charles Marsh. They determined to build a church in the town of Newark, and having formed the resolution, they set to work to accomplish the thing resolved upon. Richar ] Lecraft gave one hundred dollars, John Dow and Charles Marsh twenty-five dollars each. The subscription was circulat 1; a lot was secured in Hal- sey Street, Newark ; men were set to work ; and in a few weeks Ezekiel Cooper stood upon the foundation of Wesley Chapel preaching to the people of that town. In the carly part of 1809 the church was com- pleted, at a cost of $2734.80. When the trustees met for settlement, they found that the same deficiency- seven hundred and fifty dollars-existed here that ex- isted on the completion of the Belleville Church, and Richard Leeraft again said, "I will loan you the money." On the first board of trustees of th's church were John Williams, Joseph Sandford, William and llugh Holmes, Srs., all of Belleville, their associates being from Newark.

Here we find not only that the church at Belleville is the pioneer church of this denomination, that here in Belle ville the foundation-stone of Methodism was laid, but the strange anomaly is brought out that just three-quarters of a century ago Second River, or Belleville, actually contributed to Newark a church of this denomination, which, looked at from the stand-point of to-day. presents the strange appearance of weakness contributing to strength, poverty mak- ing contribution to wealth.

In 1809, William Smith, Thomas Stratton and J. Sharpley were on this circuit, and in 1810 Belleville seems to have been connected with Staten Island as a separate charge, and T. Drammiond was pastoor. In 1811 the okl Elizabethtown t'ircuit was divided. The lower part was called Essex, including Newark, the upper part, including Belleville, was called Ber- gen ; J. Robinson and J. F'inley were the preachers. In 1812, S. Martindale and J. Van Sickle, in the Morris Circuit, supplied Belleville. In 1513 they are again upon the Bergen fireuit, and Joseph Totten and T. Bennett were the preachers in charge. In 1814, Stephen Martindale and P. Price were on this Circuit ; in 1815, D. Best and J. Finley ; in ISIG, J. Finley and W. Burroughs; in 1817, P. Van Ness and A Ketcham; in 18IS, the eminent minister, Joseph Lybrand, with William Smith ; in 1819, John Potts and tharles Pittman; in 1820, George Bang- hart and Charles Pittman ; in 1×21, Licorge Bang- hart and W. Leonard; in 1822, Manning Force and Benjamin Collins. This year the old stone church at East Bloomfield was built by these men. It is said Mr. Collins made and carried mortar himself to pro-

In 1805, P. Van Ness and David Bartine. In 1806, William Lonahan and David Bartine were laboring here. The following two years, 1807 and 1808, James Moore an I Jacob Hevener were assigned to this licht. Daring this year l'et r P. Sandford, one of these worshiper- (they often holding services near the resi- dence of his father, at Sandfor Itown, across the Pas suc), was recommended to and received by the Phila- delphia Conference and appointed to Trenton ('ir- cit. In Box, Thomas Stratton was associated with James Moore. During this year the thought was entertatoed by the Beleville members that some- thing might be done for Methodism in Newark. There had at this time been preaching there by the ministers of this church both traveling and local, for the previous time years. J hn Dow labored there w'h much rep Marity. It is said that the Rev. Mr. mote the work. Daniel Parish, a resident of Belle-

BELLEVILLE TOWNSHIP.

ville, this year was recommended to and they vin Lathrop, all of whom, except Will. M Sand- next year received by the Philadelphia Annual Con- I ford, are now decreased, to having attaine This eighty - seventh year.

ference. In 1823, Benjamin Collins and James Aikins were colleagues.

The first board of tr ces of this church was cum-

B. Weed and Joseph Corey were on the circuit in posed of the following-named persons elected April 1524. The size of the circuit was now somewhat 4. 1-03 : John Dw, Robert Levrat, William Whit- feld, James Van Riper, and John Rykeman. Th, boord was sworn in by Josiah Hornblower, a jus- tice of the peace at that dete. Later we find John Les. William M. Sandford, Jeremiah T. Brower and John Dow forming the board of trustees, with Wil- liam M. Sandford president. In 1944, Charles 3. Williams, Richard G. Humphrys, JJohit Hard, Wil- Ham Whitfield, John Iyle, and Jeremiah T. Bower constitute the board. They were sworn in by John (. Lloyd, Egg, who was justice of the peace at that reduced, and the following, as early as can be asper- tained, were the preaching-places, namely : Belleville, Bloomfield, Spring Garden, Centreville, Rockaway Neck, Fairfield, Bloomingdale, Ringwood, Ramapo. Paterson, Paramus, Homestead, Drummond's, Je hns- town, Babcock, Theles, De tamps, Haverstraw Nock, Pond, Rockland, Fort Lee and Smith. In 1825, B. Weed and Anthony Atwood: in 1:26, D. Burtine and William A. Wiggins, During this year Williams S. Sandford, John and William Lee were licensed as local preachers. In 1827, William Wiggins was appointed to Belleville Circuit, with Lawrence Me- Comb presiling elder. In 182s and Is29, Is ac Winner; in 1830 and 1531, Wilham Granville; in 1832 and 1sas, the Rev. James H. Dandy ; in 1831 and 1835, William II. Bull; in Is36 and 1537, Robert Lutton ; in 1>38 and 1829, Curtis Tally ; in Is40) and 1811, Francis A. Morr 11; in Is12 and 1543, Jefl rson Lewis; in 1844 and 1845, James N. Tutth ; in 1546 and 1847, John D. Blaine; in 1848, Witham A. Will- mer; in 1549, John S. Swain, in 1550, James 11. Dandy; in 1531, Nicholas Vani Zahlt; in 1802 and 1853, William Tunison ; in 1854, George Hughes, in 1955, Ellwood Il. Stokes; in Dad Wesley Robin- son; in 1857 and 185s, Charles Laren; in 1859 and 1500, R. B. Lockwood; in 1561, Daniel E. Franhes; in 1502 and 1863, George W. Treat; from ISHI to 1866, Daniel R. Lowrie; from 1867 to IS », Thomas Walters; in 1-69. David Graves; in 1870 and 1871, J. P. Daily; from 1872 to 1873, John D. Blaine; from 1874 to 1875, Richard Johns ; in 1876, Thomas Il Jacobus; from 1877 to 1879, James O. Rogers ; from ISSO to 1881, David W. Bartine, D.D ; from 1952 to 1883, Charles barew, D. D. ; in Iss1, David Walters.

This first-described church,-within whose walls a Lybrand, a Dew, a Force, a Pittin nn and a Weed, all now de cased, and many others, had eloquently expoundled the Scriptures, and where the sniple Christian teachings of a More was heard, having served its day and generation, in 1945 was removed to give place to an enlarged, more commodious and sightly structure. I'nder the pastorate of the Rev. John D. Blaine the church entered upon the work, and the church ereete i at this time is on the site of the original structure. In size it is thirty -eight by Axty feet, with gallery in the cast end. It is a plain vet mat s ru cture, with a sering capacity of about four hundred. Its interior is beautifully deedrated. Its seating is moders and comfortable, having a lese- ment-room als , seated, which is used as a lecture and Sunday-s hool room. Abraham P. Sandford an i Minard tocyman were the contractors constructing this church. It cost about five th msand de lars. On the south, and adjoining it, there is a par- mage of fair proportions and two and a half stories high. The value of the church property is ten thousand dollars. The congregation numbers about two hundred ani the church membership is ene hundre farol fify.

The Sabbath-school was organized about 1522. Of those who have acted as superintendent of the school, commenting in its early history, we mention John Williams, William Le, Jeremiah T. Brower and others; later, Minard Greyman, John Collard, Wil- liam F. Jacobson, Edgar Coryman, H. II. Mor Kan. Among its carly teachers, William M. Sandford, John Pollard, Abby Dow, EDza Holden, JJohn M. Sandford. Later, as superintendents, there were C. W. Thekinson, James Roomde, (. D. Bogart and others, Almut sixty scholars attend the school. Among those who started in the ministry from here, to whom reference should be made, we mention the late Rev. Edmund S. Janes, who, while here and en- gaged as a school teacher, started in the minWry in 1×20, and became one of the most et ment bishops of this denomination ; the late Peter P. Sandford, a native of this vicinity, who, being licensed seventy - six years ago, occupied during his ministry several of the pulpits in the city of New York, and edited the Christian Advocate ; and also, Edwin James (twin brother of the bishop), Isaac N. Felch, Nicholas Snethen, Isaac W. Cole. Notable in the local min- It will be apparent to the reader that no history can be given of this church that is not to a great extent a history of Methodism. This was the nucleus around which all its original interests centred in a great measure. To close it without some allusion to the privation and hardships end are I ly its ministers, istry we mention the Rev. John Dow, licensed in the carly days of Methodism, prominent as its founder, conspicuous for his talent and long service. We also give a list of local preachers licensed being members of this church, namely,-Joseph Sandford, John and William Lee, William M. Sandford, Cul- . both circuit and local, in this early day would exhibit

IHISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

great incompleteness. It will be seen that in the winter of 1791 or 1792 the first ermon was preache 1 here, and probably the first by any minister of this denomination in this State, except that it may have been that about this time similar services may have len h Id in Elizabethtown. In 1792 in its extent, Elizabethtown Circuit embraced the territory bounded southerly by New Brunswick, northerly by New York State line and some territory beyond it. On its east- ern boundary, taking in Staten Island, it extended westerly many miles, probably twenty or more. Over this territory two ministers presided, subject to the direction of the'r presiding elders. As late as 1-24 th . circuit which embraced Belleville included twenty-two appointments, with two traveling minis- ters, leaving twenty appointments to be filled by local preachers, the former for their services receiving upon an average two hun Ired and fifty dollars per year to support themselves and families and provide the necessary equipments which always included a fine Worse and saddle, with saddle bags-attached. As they spent a large portion of their time in the saddle, it norraari's was their place of study. Local preachers who followed their usual avocations during the week as a means of livelihood, and also necessarily had horse and saddle as a means of reaching their ap- pointments, often fifteen miles distant, which re mired then to start carly. Their travel, lay often over turopike roads, where they paid gate money or toll, besides rendering their services withont fee or reward. In the latter, as well as in the first place, much of their sudy was done in the saddle. A careful esti- mate mad by one of these last-name ] ministers now living, fixes the number of sermons probably preached by Wim in the early days of his ministry at eighty per year, and the number of miles traveled to reach his appointments at nine hundred for the same period.1

ST. PETER'S CATHOLR CHURCH, situated on the south side of Willirn Street, about fifteen hundred fert west of th . Passaic River, occupies a beautiful eniien e probably one hinilred an I fifty feet above th high-water in Pas- de River; was opened for divine service on Monday, Dec. 2, 1538, since which ti. i has been more than on 'e enlarged to meet the d'minds of the in reasing attendance until it now his a seating capa ity of over four hundred. The thereon a substantial stone edifice of Gothic archi- church property has a value of about thirty-five thousol dollars.

In carly years this church was attended by rosi- outs of Newark in large numbers.

Res. Father S ches was its first pastor, and in sue- rasjon cam the Ress. Bernard MeCabe, David Bicon (who), at th there of his death, was a bishop of the church, redleit at Por hul, Me.), Francis Cale, Philip tolick, John Curor, John Hogan,

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History of Essex and Hudson counties, New Jersey, Vol. II, Part 47

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