History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 91

Author: Snell, James P; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1170

USA > New Jersey > Somerset County > History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 91
USA > New Jersey > Hunterdon County > History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 91

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Rev. Michael Schlatter was sent from Germany as general superintendent in 1746. He resided in Phil- adelphia, and had charge of the German churches there and in Germantown, but most of his time was spent in visiting the vacant churches. Being invited by the New Jersey congregations, he came to them in November, 1747, and administered the rites of the Lord's Supper and baptism. At this time the Amwell church had been without regular preaching for up- wards of three years. Thirty members took part in this communion-serviec.

The next date is Jan. 21, 1749, when the deed to the graveyard was made by James Whittaker to Wil- liam Kase, Peter Hofman, and William Bellowsfelt, " trustees for the Calvinistical High Dutch Congrega- tion." Whittaker derived his title from the heirs of Anthony Diezdorf, to whom it was deeded in 1742 by Nathan Allen, of Allentown. The old stone house was creeted the same year. The minutes of the old Dutch Church in New York, of date May 22, 1749, record a resolution to pay £15 to the High Dutch Re- formed Congregation at Amwell, to help in building a church, since their own means fall short, signed by John Ritzemu, pastor. The church was consecrated Dee. I, 1749. The services were conducted by Rev. George Michael Weiss (or Weitzius) and Rev. John Philip Leidich. December 2d a congregational meet- ing was held, and " Articles of Order and Discipline" adopted and signed by the ministers present and twenty-three male members. A more extended series

* " First Century of Ilunterdon County," Rev. Dr. Mott.

t By Rov. C. S. Converec.

of rules was adopted on July 12, 1762, in addition to those of 1749. They were again confirmed in congre- gational meeting Nov. 16, 1763.

The record-book of the old church has unfortu- nately been lost. For the next sixty years little can be given of interest, except such facts about early pastors as are given in " Harbangh's Lives." It has been found impossible to obtain a complete list of the German pastors, and there is some uncertainty about the dates of some of them. Their names, as far as known, will be given in regular order.

Rev. John Conrad Wirtz did not live at Amwell, but came to Rockaway and Fox Hill ( Lebanon and German Valley) soon after Mr. Schlatter's visits (1750-62). Ile is supposed to have preached also in the Amwell church. But little is known of him. He was the ancestor of Hon. Alexander Wurts, of Flem- ington.

Some old receipts indicate that Rev. John Casper Lapp was serving here in 1755-56, but nothing is known of him.

Rev. William Kalls (1757-59) came from London in 1756 and labored in Philadelphia till his settlement here. After leaving Amwell he preached in New York. Rev. Caspar Michael Stabel; (1762-63) re- sided in Amwell, but preached also in Lebanon and German Valley. His ministry here was short, but successful. He died in 1766, and is buried in our graveyard.

The name of Rev. Frederie Dalliker (1763-70) was originally De la Cour; he was probably of Huguenot descent. He died in 1799 and is buried in the Ger- man Reformed cemetery at Faulkner Swamp, Pa.

The life of Rev. John Wesley Gilbert Nevelling (1770-83) abounds in historic interest. Born in West- phalia in 1750, he came to America in his boyhood, and studied theology with his uncle and another German minister. Hle preached at Amwell when lit- tle more than a boy-only twenty ; and soon after was ordained. Mr. Nevelling was an ardent patriot in the Revolution. He sold his property and loaned the money-some $25,000-to Congress. He was after- wards defrauded of his certificate and left destitute. The British offered a large reward for his capture, and at one time Gen. Washington sent a troop of horse to protect him. After the war he removed to Reading, l'a., but was soon disabled by a remarkable accident. He was a devoted smoker. While riding on horse- hack his horse fell with him, and the stem of his pipe pierced his throat. The remainder of his long life was spent as an invalid; he was a paralytic sixty years and entirely helpless forty. He lived in Phila- delphia in his last years, and died Jan. 18, 18:44, aged ninety-four.

Rev. John Jacob Wack (1798-1805) was the last German pastor. He married an aunt of John, Wil- liam, and David S. Bellis, now elders. He was the

: The name was also spelt Stapel and Stapfel.

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first pastor who used English in this church. After leaving Amwell he labored in New York, and was a chaplain in the army during the war of 1812-14. He subsequently became an independent minister.

English Period .- We now enter the second period of our history. Like the other German churches of this neighborhood the difficulty of being remote from the German Synod of Pennsylvania was keenly felt. All of them about the same time, led by the same cause, abandoned their old connection and entered the Presbyterian Church.

The name of the church was changed at this time. At first it was spoken of in the old deeds as "The High Dutch Calvenistical or Preisbeterian Church ;" in 1800 they adopted the title "German Presbyterian Church of Amwell ;" in 1809 it became the " Amwell Dutch Reformed Church ;" and in 1810 it assumed its present title, the "United First Church of Amwell."

This was the result of a union with the Amwell First Church. All the Amwell Presbyterian Churches were at this time vacant. The Flemington Church made overtures for a union in supporting a pastor, but they were declined. A similar proposition from the Amwell First was accepted. Together they had funds yielding about $600 a year. In April, 1810, in conjuction with the Amwell Second Church, they called the Rev. Jacob Kirkpatrick, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New Brunswick. He was ordained in the Amwell First Church, or "old house," June 20, 1810. The arrangement was that he should preach twice a month at Mount Airy and once a month in each of the two houses of the United First.

In 1818 the United First Church divided its funds and separated into its component elements. For several years unsuccessful efforts had been made to secure a new church building in place of the two old ones, which were too small and uncomfortable. They were unable to agree, and it was thought best to sever the connection. The old First Church branch resumed that name, while the German branch retained the name United First.

The same year the present building was erected, on a lot given by Mr. Joseph Kugler, to the west of the old graveyard. Both branches desired to retain Dr. Kirkpatrick's services, but it was decided that he should remain with the United First and Amwell Second, preaching alternately in the two places.

In 1823 a separate bench of elders was elected for the United First Church. After the union with the Am- well First, one Session attended to the spiritual affairs of the thrce congregations, and this arrangement con- tinued for several years after the withdrawal of the First Church. It was now thought best that each congregation should have its own Session. The ear- liest list of elders to be found is of date 1798, twelve years before the union. They were Peter Young, Jacob Fisher, Peter Risler, and John Trimmer; with Adam Bellis, Jacob Young, Paul Kuhl, Jr., and Jacob Bearder as deacons. In May, 1823, Peter Young and

George Dilts were the elders present at the first meeting of the separate Session. John T. Skillman and John Vandyke were nominated at this meeting, and ordained in August, 1823. Others have since been elected at intervals,-in January, 1830, David Bellis and Thomas Skillman; May, 1836, John Kuhl, C. Farley Fisher, and Derrick Sutphin; November, 1848, William M. Bellis, James J. Fisher, Sr., and John William Bellis; May, 1859, George F. Wilson and D. B. Kirkpatrick; March, 1867, Theodore Y. Van Marter and Dr. Jacob Dilts; February, 1873, David S. Bellis, Jacob Brewer, William W. Fisher, and William Brewer. Thus in nearly sixty years this church has elected eighteen ruling elders. Six are still in active service, and three others are living and in the bounds of the village congregation.

In September, 1852, the congregation decided to employ a co-pastor with Dr. Kirkpatrick. This action was the result of a conviction that, as both churches were large and able, they ought to have preaching in both houses every Sabbath. Rev. S. M. Osmond was called in 1853, and labored zealously here for four years. Poor health then led to his res- ignation. After his departure the two congregations separated in peace, and were served by separate pas- tors, Dr. Kirkpatrick remaining with the United First. In Jannary, 1866, another co-pastor was employed on account of Dr. Kirkpatrick's failing strength; Rev. W. S. Wright was called, and installed on April 28, 1866.

Rev. Dr. Jacob Kirkpatrick died May 2, 1866, in the fifty-sixth year of his pastorate in this church. He was universally beloved and esteemed. The funeral sermon was preached by his aged friend and co-presbyter, Rev. Dr. Studdiford, who soon followed him to his rest. He sleeps in the old graveyard. A handsome marble shaft was erected over his remains by a subscription of the congregation. In his semi- centennial " Historical Discourse" Dr. Kirkpatrick speaks of having "enjoyed ten special seasons of revival. In one year we received 117; in another, 67; and from 40 down to 20. The whole number received is over 600." In these fifty years he " sol- emnized 635 marriages; attended more than 800 funerals; preached at home and abroad more than 10,000 times."

Mr. Wright's pastorate was of short duration. The connection was dissolved by the Presbytery of Rari- tan, Oct. 1, 1867. He is now laboring in Pennsyl- vania.

The next pastor was Rev. Samuel Harrison, called June 27, 1868, and installed September 5th, of the same year. His pastorate commenced under great difficulties arising from the division of the church. For many years there had been a lecture- roon in Ringos, in which Sunday-school, prayer- meetings, and other services were held. Many were in favor of removing the church to the village, but a majority voted against it. The result was that the

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Kirkpatrick Memorial church was built in Ringos, and 47 members, including three elders, dismissed by the old church in December, 1868. The old church was repaired and enlarged at this time. Mr. Harri- son's pastorate will long be remembered for the re- vival of 1870. Eighty-three were received into the church on profession at the spring communion, and six more later in the year. During his pastorate a Sunday-school was established at the church, also a ladies' missionary society.

Mr. Harrison resigned in the fall of 1875, in conse- quence of a throat affection that disabled him from preaching. He studied medicine, and is now prac- ticing at Clover Hill, N. J.

The present pastor, Rev. Charles S. Converse, was ordained and installed May 8, 1876. This is the only ordination that has ever taken place in this church.

The United First Church now numbers 200 mem- bers (or about 240, including scattered absentees), and is a united church in fact as well as in name.

THE "KIRKPATRICK MEMORIAL CHURCHI" (PRESBYTERIAN) AT RINGOS, N. J .*

This church was erected as a memorial of the minis- try of Rev. Jacob Kirkpatrick, D.D., for fifty-six years pastor of the Amwell churches in this vicinity. During the later years of his life Dr. Kirkpatrick made several attempts to induce the Amwell United First Church, located at Larison's Corner, about a mile out of Ringos, to remove to the village of Rin- gos, but these attempts proved ineffectual. After his death, in 1866, the effort was renewed by members of that congregation resident in the village and vicinity, but still without success. Then a separation was de- termined upon, as the following historical minute shows :

"The inhabitants of the village of Ringos and vicinity, having long been impressed with the need of the means of grace for themselves and their children nearer to them than the old place of worship, used all honorable and Christian efforts with their brethren of the United First Church, Amwell, to unito with them in the erection of a more cominodl- ous and enduring edifice in the village, and that the whole congregation might be transferred. Having failed in this attempt, they resolved to build, cherishing no unkind feelings towards those who did not come with thent."

The corner-stone of the new edifice was laid Oct. 3, 1868. The Rev. Thomas L. Janeway, D.D., made an address and laid the stone.

The people applied to the Presbytery of Raritan to set them apart in a new organization, and at a meet- ing held at Lambertville, N. J., Dec. 23, 1868, the Presbytery, satisfied with their reasons, and believing that the cause of Christ would be thereby promoted, resolved to grant their request and organize them into a church, with the name of the "Kirkpatrick Memorial Church." Accordingly, on December 28th, the committee appointed by Presbytery met with the applicants at Ringos, for the purpose of organiz- ing them into a church. Forty-nine persons pre- sented certificates of dismission and were enrolled as

members, viz. : From the Amwell United First Church : Jacob Dilts, Mahlon Schenck, Hannah MI. Schenck, Liscomb T. Schenck, Virginia C. Schenck, Edward Il. Schenck, Frances J. K. Schenck, George F. Wilson, Mary A. Wilson, Nathaniel G. Wilson, Caroline Wilson, David Williamson, Mary L. Wil- liamson, Martha Williamson, Mary Williamson, Sa- rah C. Williamson, Jane E. C. Williamson, Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, Joseph C. Sutphin, Cornelia A. Sutphin, Mary F. Egbert, Mary Ten Eyck, Catharine Tindall, Anna C. Young, Peter I. Young, Jacob Young, Theo- dore Y. Van Marter, Ann S. Van Marter, Jacob S. Van Marter, Mary C. Van Marter, Robert I. Hunt, Catharine T. Hunt, Frances M. Hunt, John J. Con- over, Henrietta Conover, George Rowland, Amanda Rowland, Levi M. Housel, Rebecca A. Housel, Ada- line Housel, Thomas Van Fleet, Catharine Servis, Caroline Blackwell, Elizabeth N. Young, Peter Brewer, Catharine Brewer, Sarah A. West, Elias Brister. From the Presbyterian Church, Lambert- ville: Mrs. Eliza Schenck.

At the same time, Jacob Dilts, George F. Wilson, and Theodore Y. Van Marter were elected and in- stalled as ruling elders, they having been previously ordained as elders in other churches. The financial interests were committed to a board of trustees, con- sisting of Jacob Dilts, John J. Conover, Edward H. Schenck, Cornelius Vreeland, J. C. Sutphin, J. S. Van Marter, and Noah Blackwell. Services were held in the lecture-room, a frame building 36 by 24 feet, which had been erected near the centre of the village by them and other residents many years be- fore, and used for Sabbath-school, prayer-meetings, and occasional preaching services. At the separation from the old church this property fell to the new or- ganization, which built library and infant class rooms in the rear of the building, adding 14 feet to its length. It is now valued at about $1500.

Meantime, the new edifice was completed, and ded- icated Oct. 27, 1869. It is a substantial stono struc- ture, Gothic style, one story and basement, with pitched roof, 754 by 184 feet, and with seating capac- ity of about 600. The massive memorial tower 14 by 14 feet, projecting from the front centre and sur- mounted by a spire running to a height of 120 feet, forms a spacious outer vestibule to the church. Its cost may be set down at $12,000.

For over a year after organization the pulpit was supplied mainly by Dr. Janeway and other members of Presbytery. The first pastor was Rev. John D. Hewitt, who was installed in this, his first pastorate. AApril 18, 1870. Here he ministered successfully for nearly seven years, his pastoral relation being dis- solved Dec. 29, 1576, upon his acceptance of a call to engage in home mission work at Helena, Mon. After a vacancy of a few weeks, he was succeeded by Rev. Alexander Miller, of Brooklyn, N. Y., who, on April 22, 1877, was formally installed as the second pastor.

* By the Rev. Alex. Millor.

HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

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In the spring of 1872 a deaconate on the rotary principle was inaugurated, Amos M. Hart, David Lawshe, and Isaac Cherry being elected for one, two, and three years, respectively, and ordained and in- stalled May 12th of that year.

In the fall of 1875 a lot was bought on the north side of the church, and a parsonage built the follow- ing spring, at a total cost, including lot, of about $3500.

When the church was organized, the old "Ringos Sabbath-school," previously carried on in the lecture- room, was reorganized as "The Kirkpatrick Memorial Sabbath - school." The successive superintendents have been D. Williamson, George F. Wilson, H. H. Gorton, D. Lawshe, and W. M. Rue. It numbers about 100 officers, teachers, and scholars.

The present officers of the church are : Pastor, Rev. Alexander Miller ; Elders, Jacob Dilts, T. Y. Van Marter, Jacob S. Van Marter, David Williamson, John Rue; Deacons, Amos M. Hart, John Conover, Levi Holcombe; Trustees, D. Williamson, W. M. Rue, P. O. Holcombe, Noah Blackwell, Ira Munson, William S. Quick, John Conover; Superintendent of Sunday-school, William M. Rue.

This church now numbers 170.

THE BAPTIST CHAPEL, RINGOS.

From the time Dr. C. W. Larison settled in Ringos, in 1863, he was active in his efforts to facilitate the progress of the gospel in the village. He believed that the establishment of a new church (there being but one,-the Presbyterian) would draw the crowd away from the tavern and tend to improve the morals of the place. After many discouragements and prophecies of failure, Israel Poulson, a Dunkard minister, then a merchant in the village, advised them to move forward in the name of the Baptist people, and to invite those of that denomination in the vicinity to assume charge of the enterprise.

Dr. Larison then made application for the use of the "session-room," on alternate Sabbaths, for the purpose of holding religious services therein, but was refused. A building was now a necessity.

In response to an invitation given, a number of Baptists met at the office of Dr. C. W. Larison, at Ringos, Oct. 10, 1867. At this meeting it was unani- mously resolved to organize a society and build a chapel.

A committee to purchase a site (Jacob S. Durham, John C. Nevius, and Dr. C. W. Larison) was chosen, who reported that they had purchased the ground for the church enterprise for the sum of $311.

The following gentlemen were chosen as a board of trustees: Rev. A. Armstrong, Frenchtown; Dr. George HI. Larison, Lambertville ; Dr. Charles M. Lee, George W. Sharp, Stockton; Acher Moore, Sandy Ridge; Dr. C. W. Larison, Ringos; Jacob S. Durham, John C. Nevius, Wertsville.

Rev. S. Siegfried, Dr. G. II. Larison, and Dr. C. W.

Larison were chosen a committee to submit at the next meeting a plan for a chapel edifice, and to pre- pare and submit a constitution for the government of the corporate body. Oct. 12, 1867, the constitution was submitted and adopted, and in accordance with it the body hereafter was known as the "Baptist Chapel at Ringos."

Oct. 19, 1867, C. W. Larison, Jacob S. Durham, C. M. Lee, William Daily, and John C. Nevius were ap- pointed a building committee. Under their manage- ment was erected the edifice at present known as the Baptist church at Ringos. It is a frame structure, 44 by 24 feet, with posts 19 feet high. It was dedicated Aug. 12, 1868.

Pursuant to previous arrangements, a Sabbath-school was organized Aug. 17, 1867, and September Ist, eleven individuals organized themselves into a regular Baptist Church.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF RINGOS .*

As above stated, on the Ist of September, 1868, a Baptist Church was organized. It was incorporated as "The First Baptist Church of Ringos," and was composed of twelve members,-Mr. and Mrs. David F. Bond, from the Lambertville Baptist Church ; Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Green, Mrs. Hannah Young, and Mr. A. B. Larison, from Sandy Ridge Baptist Church ; Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Hill, Mr. and Mrs. William Daily, and Mr. and Mrs. John Reading, from the Fleming- ton Baptist Church. Messrs. David F. Bond and William Daily were chosen deacons.

A council of recognition convened Sept. 2, 1868. Rev. George Young, of Sandy Ridge, was chosen moderator, and Rev. H. D. Doolittle, of Somerville, secretary. The Articles of Faith and Discipline hav- ing been examined, and meeting the approval of the Council, the new interest was recognized as a regu- larly-constituted Baptist Church. The recognition sermon was preached by Rev. William Swindon, of Pennsylvania ; prayer by Rev. Samuel Sproul, of Baptisttown, N. J .; hand of fellowship by Rev. J. M. Carpenter, of Pennsylvania; and charge to the church and benediction by Rev. A. Armstrong, of Frenchtown, N. J.

Rev. J. M. Carpenter supplied the pulpit about four months, and to him, with the few faithful workers gathered about him, the church owes much of its present prosperity. In April, 1869, Mr. H. H. Leamy, a student of Crozer Theological Seminary, at Upland, Pa., was secured as a supply and served the church with much acceptance till Sept. 1, 1869. During this period Dr. C. W. Larison, Mr. Silas Nonamaker and wife, Mrs. Henry Morc, and Miss Charlotte Emly united with the church.

Jan. 30, 1870, Mr. A. B. Larison was called to the pastorate. He was ordained Feb. 9, 1870, in the Baptist chapel at Ringos. With his coming a new era seemed to open to the church. A revival at once

* By Rev. J. M. Helsley, pastor.

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began, and about thirty united with the church during the first three months of his ministry.

The church depended on supplies from Crozer Seminary, Pennsylvania, till Sept. 7, 1873, when Ebon J. Pearce, of Upland, l'a., became its pastor. He remained in charge only about a year, after which preaching was supplied by the students of Crozer Seminary. During this period another revival oc- curred which increased its membership to nearly 100.

Soon after this Mr. T. C. Young was called to the pastoral charge. He was ordained May 6, 1875, and served with ability till February, 1876, when he re- signed to accept a call from the Bethlehem Baptist Church.

During the next fourteen months the church had no regular pastor, but was supplied from time to time by students and neighboring pastors, when such could be obtained. Internal feuds and dissensions about this period seemed to threaten its very existence.

In April, 1867, Mr. J. M. Helsley, of West Vir- ginia, who had just completed his course at Crozer Theological Seminary, was called to the pastoral care. Comparative harmony was restored, and the little band, so near dissolution, now numbers 110 members.

THE WERTS' CORNER BAPTIST CHURCH.

On March 1, 1834, a meeting was called at the school-house at Werts' Corner (now Wertsville) of persons favorable to the erection of a Baptist meet- ing-house, at which it was resolved to erect a building to be known as the Baptist meeting-house at Werts' Corner. At an adjourned meeting, hell March 22, 1834, articles were drawn and subscribed to.

One acre of land was given by James Servis and Betsey Hoagland, as a site for a meeting-house and burying-ground forever. A structure was erected upon the lot, 40 by 48 feet, and dedicated with appropriate services.

A council was called Oct. 1, 1836, for the purpose of constituting a regular Baptist Church. The minis- tering brethren who were present were Revs. G. S. Webb, Daniel T. Hill, Morgan J. Rhecce, and David B. Stout. Rev. G. S. Webb was moderator, and Rev. Morgan J. Rheece clerk. Letters of dismission were presented from the Amwell Baptist Church at Flem- ington by the following persons: N. O. Durham, Mary Durham, Mahlon Higgins, Ann Higgins, Abra- ham I. Van Doren, Abraham Larison, Mary Carr, and Elizabeth Young. The letters, together with the Articles of Faith and Covenant, having been exam- ined and approved, the church was regularly consti- tuted and recognized. Rev. Morgan J. Rhecce pre- sented the right hand of fellowship. The church then elected N. O. Durham and Abraham I. Van Doren deacons, and N. O. Durham clerk.

Rev. William Pollard was called as pastor, and in much bodily weakness and infirmity he served faith- fully three years, dying Nov. 30, 1839, much beloved. He baptized twenty-one persons during his pastorate.

After this the church was dependent on supplies for a few months.

Near the close of May. 1840, Brother F. Ketchum, an evangelist, commenced a series of meetings, and twenty-eight were baptized into the fellowship of the church.

June 13, 1840, Rev. James Spencer accepted a call and became pastor; he remained until the middle of December, 1841, having baptized nineteen during this period.

The church was again dependent on supplies until .April, 1842, when Rev. Joseph Wright accepted a call, dividing his time between Werts' Corner and Sandy Ridge. This arrangement continued for one year. 1le then accepted a call for the whole of his time at Werts' Corner, continuing as pastor until April, 1849, and baptizing forty-two during his term of service.

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History of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, New Jersey : with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Part 91

Author: Snell, James P; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885 Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck Number of Pages: 1170

Author: Snell, James P; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Philadelphia : Everts & Peck
Number of Pages: 1170