USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Montclair > History of Montclair township state of New Jersey; including the history of the families who have been identified with its growth and prosperity > Part 12
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
An event of interest at this time connected with the failing health of Mr. Bradbury, and expressing the warm attachment to him by the school, is worthy of mention.
On a beautiful Sabbath in June, at nine o'clock in the morning, the school assembled at the church, and, after forming in line, headed by the superintendent, marched in procession to the Mountain House, where Mr. Bradbury was then boarding. He was seated in an invalid chair at one end of the large parlor. The school formed in a circle about him and sang several choice selections from his own collection of Sun- day-school hymns. The children then passed him in single file as they left the room, each one presenting him with a bouquet with their best wishes. It was a touching scene, which left its impress on the hearts of the children, while this " sweet singer of Israel" shed tears of joy and gladness, and carried with him these delightful memories as he passed through the dark valley, and the refrain of the children's songs was doubtless heard on the " other side " as he entered the eternal abode.
Mr. Doremus was connected with the school for nearly forty years-fifteen of which was as super- intendent. During his faithful labors as teacher and superintendent, hundreds were added to the church from the ranks of the Sabbath school, many of whom have since become teachers in this and other schools. lle was succeeded by Dr. H. H. Lloyd, who conducted the school with marked intelligence, interest and success, up to the time of his decease. Mr. Samnel Wilde, who had efficiently served the school as President of the Sunday-school Missionary Society, was chosen to succeed Dr. Lloyd, and, in his new relations, evinced the same zeal and devotion that characterized his previous work. His individual resources and extensive acquaintance with prominent Christian workers in different parts of the country, enabled him to contribute much to the public exercises of the school at its anniversary meetings and Christmas entertainments.
Hle was succeeded by Thomas B. Graham, who for a number of years did excellent service for the school by the introduction of new methods which were prosecuted with prudence and energy.
Dr. George llawes was the next superintendent and conducted the affairs of the school very satis- factorily to the church, particularly in the study of the shorter catechism, and a higher elass of Sunday- school music. Ilis death occurred while still holding this position, and his loss was severely felt both by the church and school.
Elder Thomas Russell was the unanimous choice of the school as his successor, and for many years discharged the duties with fidelity and devotion, and with marked success. The school largely increased in numbers during his administration, and a deeper interest in the study of the Word of God was devel- oped, and the school was held in close relationship with the church. Ile continued in office until the autumn of 1890.
Charles H. Baker was elected superintendent in October, 1890, and held the position until May,
69
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
1893. He was thoroughly qualified for the office, having filled a similar position in the First Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn. Ile was also assistant superintendent of the chapel connected with this church.
Mr. Baker resigned his position as superintendent of this school in May, 1893, and Mr. Thomas Russell accepted the position temporarily.
The present officers of the school (1894) are: Thomas Russell. Superintendent : J. A. Sanford, Assistant Superintendent : Charles H. Baker, Secretary ; Miss Grace Howell, Treasurer ; John Murphy and William Peake, Assistant Librarians.
The school numbers at the present time 245, of which 140 are in the main school and 35 in the primary department.
TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
1886.
The preliminary efforts that led to the organization of this ehnreh were begun in the summer of The first meeting was held on August 17th, at the residence of D. V. Harrison. There were present at this meeting : D. Vincent Harrison, Abra- ham Bussing. William L. Ludlam, Edward S. Smith. Robert G. Hutchinson. Dr. John J H. Love. E. Au- gustu- Smith, Charles B. Morris and Philip Doremus. A committee consisting of Messrs. Harrison and Dore- mus was appointed to prepare a petition to the Presby- tery of Newark, for the organization and secure the necessary signatures.
At a meeting held at the house of Mr. Harrison, Saturday evening. Det. 20. 1ss6, reported the follow- ing petition, signed by fifty-eight church members :
" TO THE PRESBYTERY OF NEWARK .- We, whose name- are subscribed, residents of Montelair, respect- fully beg leave to make the following presentation to TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. your body. After long and careful deliberation, it has become our conviction that the time has come for the organization of another Presbyterian Church in Montelair. In forming this opinion and seeking to give it effeet through your authority we believe we are prayerfully seeking the interest of Christ's Kingdom in our community. We believe the best interests of our denomination require that the action now contemplated and sought from you should be no longer delayed. We therefore petition that your honorable body will take such steps as are requisite for the organization of a new Presbyterian Church in Montelair at your earliest practical convenience.
" MONTCLAIR. NEW JERSEY. Aug. 1. 1886."
The petition was granted by a unanimous vote of the Presbytery, and at a meeting held in the old Presbyterian church. on Thursday evening. Oct. 14th, it was duly organized by the Presbytery of Newark, with fifty-eight members, fifty-seven on certificate- (mostly from the Presbyterian Church in Montelair,, and one on profession of faith, under the name of "Trinity Presbyterian Church of Mont- clair."
The following certificates were placed in the hands of the commissioners :
John J. H. Love. Francis J. Love. Edith Love. Philip Doremus, Hester A. Doremus, Carrie S. Doremus. Adah N. Doremus. Annette C. Goodell. S. C. G. Watkins, Mary Y. Watkins, Caroline Doremus, Martha M. Doremus, Mary K. Doremus, Julia N. French, Albert French, Caroline French. II. C. Dabney. D. Heber Baldwin, Ethe K. Baldwin, Eveline P. Munn, Abbey M. Munn, Josephine French. William L. Ludlam. Anna R. Ludlam. Franees W. Priest, Martha B. Priest, S. Maud W. Priest. Daniel V. Harrison, Franees P. Harrison. Benjamin V. Harrison. Peter A. Tronson, M. Hattie
70
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
Tronson, Samuel T. Stewart. Mary C. Stewart, Julia B. Douglass, Charlotte Isabel Bayles, Edward S. Smith, Arabella G. Smith, Charles B. Morris, Fannie L. Bacon, Carrie A. Williams. Eliza M. Morris, Mary C. Meade. Harriet M. Meade, Samuel C. Munn, Abraham Bussing, Emma F. Bussing, Alice C. Bussing.
From the First Congregational Church, Montelair : Robert G. Hutchinson, Almira Hutchinson. Robert G. Intchinson.
From the Congregational Church in Wells River. Vt. : Clara B. Morris, wife of C. B. Morris above. From the Caldwell Presbyterian Church, Caldwell, N. J .: Mrs. Sarah Montanve. Miss Alice Montanye.
From the Reformed Church. Little Falls. N. J .: Mrs. Ella Obrien Munn, wife of Joseph W.
Munn.
From the Brooklyn Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, N. Y .: Mrs. Elizabeth C. Mead. From the Lafayette Avenne Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn, N. Y .: Miss Sarah W. Walker.
Miss Marie Marguerite Tronson united with the church on profession of faith.
An election for Elders at this time resulted in the election of D. V. Harrison for a term of three years, and Philip Doremus for two years, both of whom were duly installed.
By permission of Presbytery the church provided for its pulpit and Prof. Francis L. Patton, D.D) .. of Princeton, N. J., was engaged by the Society to preach for them until a pastor could be secured.
The first regular service was held in Montelair Hall, October 17th, the Sabbath following the day of organization.
The first baptism took place Sabbath morning. December 12, 1886, being that of Annie Yarrington Watkins, born January 28. 1883. daughter of Dr. S. S. G. Watkins, and granddaughter of Philip Doremus.
The Society very soon purchased property containing about one and a quarter acres on the corner of Valley Road and Church Street, at a cost of 87,500, on which a frame building 40 by 68 feet was erected, fronting on Church Street, with a seating capacity of 350 persons. The cost of building, including furniture, fixtures, etc., was $5,781. The entire cost was 813.281. Of this amount $8,306 was raised by subscription, leaving a balance of $4.975. which was secured by mortgage on the property.
The chapel was opened for public worship May 29, 1887. Dr. Patton supplied the pulpit at intervals until the summer of 1888, when a call was extended to Rev. Orville Reed, and he was duly installed as pastor on the evening of October 11, 1888.
The first auxiliary society organized was that of the " Ladies Church Home Society," in ISS7, its object being "the social development and material interest of the church."
The total amount raised the first year for regular expenses and benevolent purposes was $3,263. The second year the total amount raised was $12,395.58, which included the subscriptions to the church building fund. The amount raised the third year was $4,517. In 1890, 85,350. In 1891 the total sum was $9,115.42, of which $1,732.28 was contributed to Home and Foreign Missions. An organ was also purchased for the church at a cost of about $3,000. In 1892 the amount raised was $7,347.55, of which $2,284.08 was for benevolent purposes. In 1893 the total sum was $7.678.64, of which $1,890.71 was for benevolent purposes.
In 1887 the additions to the membership were 6, making total of 64. In ISSS, there were 2 on profession of faith and 19 on certificate. In 1889, there were 2 on profession of faith and 16 on certificate : 2 dismissed ; baptism of infants, 2. In 1890. there were 6 on profession of faith and 15 on certificate : 6 dismissed. In 1891, there were 10 united on profession of faith and 4 on certificate. In 1892, there were 10 received on profession of faith and 12 on certificate; 3 dismissed. In 1893, there were added by letter 12, and 4 on confession ; 3 dismissed and 2 deceased. The total membership at the close of 1893 was 158.
The present officers of the church are: Elders, Philip Doremus, Benjamin Strong, Daniel V. Harrison, Edwin Ferris. E. A. Smith ; Clerk, Benjamin Strong : Treasurer. Edwin Ferris.
71
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
Trustees .- Dr. John J. H. Love, President. D. 11. Baldwin, Secretary, William L. Ludlam. Treasurer. Edwin B. Goodell, William Y. Bogle, Dr. S. C. G. Watkins, Adrian O. Schoonmaker.
Auxiliary Societies .- Ladies Church Home Society, Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. Woman's Home Missionary Society, Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor. Children's Mission Band, Boys' ('lub.
SUNDAY SCHOOL.
The Sunday school was organized immediately after the first Sabbath morning service with a membership of fifty, and Mr. William L. Ludlam was chosen Superintendent, who, with the exception of one year, has continued up to the present time.
The school has steadily increased in numbers and interest under his able management. The report for 1-92 shows a total of 19 teachers, 139 scholars, and an average attendance of 72. Number added to the church from the school, 17. Number of volumes in the library, 250.
Present Officers .- William 12. Ludlam, Superintendent. William Whitney Ames, Secretary and Treasurer. W. Leslie Ludlam, Jr .. Assistant. W. E. Strong. Librarian.
REV. ORVILLE REED.
Trinity Presbyterian Church was fortunate in its selection of Rev. Orville Reed as its first pastor, a man whose training and experience eminently fitted him for the work of building up a new interest in a field of labor where the denomination he represent- ha- held >way for more than a hundred years. Mr. Reed comes of Puritan-Holland-Dutch ancestry. He is the youngest of four brothers. all of whom are minister, of the gospel. His paternal ancestor was probably John Reed, of Norwalk, Conn., who came from England in 1660. He had served in the army of the Commonwealth, and at the restoration of Charles 11. he left England with many other -. He entered the army at the age of sixteen, and had risen to office in which he gained distinction for some heroie service. In 1760 four of his grandchildren, James, Ezra. Elijah and Eliakim settled in Armenia. N. Y .. and became the projectors of this branch of the family.
On his mother's side Rev. Mr. Reed is descended from the Allens of Connecticut, and Abram Jacob Lansing. the founder of Lan-ingburg. Mr. Reed was prepared for college by a private tutor, and entered the Sophomore Class of Sale in 1974 and was graduated in IST. He afterward taught for a year in the High School at Troy, and then entered I'nion Theological Seminary, where he spent two years, and was then sent abroad as tutor in Robert College, Constantinople. This gave him the opportunity to travel and acquaint himself with the customs of the East. He remained abroad three years returning in the autumn of Iss3, and was gradnated in Auburn Seminary in 1884. His first pastoral work was at Springfield. Mas ... where he had charge of two mission chapels connected with the Congregational Church of that place. Later, he became associate pastor of Hope Congregational Church. He continued his labors there until the summer of 1858, when he accepted a call from the Trinity Presbyterian Church, and was soon after installed as its pastor. He was cordially received by the pastors of other denomination- and given a hearty welcome by the counnnnity. He is faithful and earnest as a preacher. and the elmreh has had a steady and healthy growth under his pastorate. He has been in hearty sympathy with and labored earnestly for the several reform and benevolent movements that have been organized from time to time in the community.
Mr. Reed married in 15>4 Caroline Margaret, daughter of Dr T. L. Byington, of Constantinople, missionary to the Bulgarian>. She is a native of Adrianople and was a teacher in the American College for young ladies at Sentari, opposite Constantinople.
GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI.
The movement which led to the establishment of this church was begun in 1889, by the First Presbyterian Church, and was the outcome of a desire on the part of the Presbyterian churches to extend their work into the section of Montclair north of Walnut Street. They recognized the fact that
72
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
all the churches were centred around Bloomfield Avenue, and that the newer seetion was withont a church.
During 1889 a collection was taken up in the First Presbyterian Church every Sabbath evening ; this collection formed a melens of a fund with which to start the new enterprise, and early in 1890 the work was pushed forward. A joint committee of the two churches, consisting of Dr. Junkin and Mr. Wilson W. Smith, of the First Church. Rev. Orville Reed and Mr. Philip Doremus, of Trinity Church, took steps to organize the work. Through the kindness of the officers of the Greenwood Lake Railroad, the waiting room of the Montelair depot was seenred as a temporary place of meeting until such time as a suitable building could be seenred.
The first meeting was held at the depot on Sabbath afternoon, June 22d. 1890, and the services were conducted by Rev. William F. Junkin, D.D., of the First Presbyterian, and Rev. Orville Reed, of the Trinity Presbyterian Church.
On the following Sabbath, June 29th, Mr. Henry A. Strohmnever was elected Superintendent, and Mr. Raymond S. Pearce, Secretary. There were present forty-one scholars and eighteen teachers. The school eontinned to meet in the depot until Dee., 1890.
A choice building lot on the corner of Chestnut and Forest Streets was presented to the Society by Mr. Alfred J. Crane, and on this a chapel was erected. which was formally dedicated on Sunday. Jan. 19, 1891. Dr. . Funkin preached the dedicatory sermon, and Rev. Orville Reed made the dedication praver.
Architecturally the chapel is a thorough success, effective in its ontlines, and symmetrical in its proportions : the interior presents an artistic appearance, and is well arranged with a view to comfort and convenience. The pulpit is of carved oak, and is an elegant piece of work ; it is a memorial of Mr. Iliram Littell, who was for many years an honored ruling elder in the First Presbyterian Church.
The church has been financially self-sustaining since the autman of 1891, and in October of that year, Rev. F. N. Rutan was engaged to preach. On Feb. 15, 1892, it became a separate and distinet organization, under the name of Grace Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Rutan was called to be its regular pastor. March 1. 1892. The total membership at this time was 67, and the following were the first officers elected : Elders .- HI. F. Torrey. C. A. Cook. F. P. Zeiger. G. S. Iellerson. Deacons .-- H. 1. Strohmeyer. T. J. Selever, William Clubb. Trustees .- F. P. Zieger, N. D. Wyman. A. J. Crane. G. M. Johnstone. Trustees .- F. P. Zieger, N. D. Wyman, A. J. Crane, G. M. Johnstone. I. Campbell.
The present officers are : Elderx .- 1I. T. Torrey, C. A. Cook. H. A. Strohmeyer. G. S. JJellison. Deacons .- T. J. Selever. William Clubb, N. H. Cook. Trustees .- N. D. Wyman, Alfred J. Crane. G. M. Johnstone, R. Smith, James H. Renshaw.
The total number enrolled in the Sabbath school is 250, of which there are officers. 4, teachers, 21, and seholars, 225.
METHODISM AND THE MONTCLAIR M. E. CHURCH.
Although the birth of Methodism in Bloomfield and West Bloomfield can only be traced baek some eighty odd years, there is little doubt but that the "eirenit rider."-whose eirenit often extended over a territory from fifty to one hundred miles .- held at different times meetings in this locality, and that the seed thus scattered by the wayside, in due course of time, bore fruit which formed the nucleus of the first Methodist church within the limits of the present township.
Most of the facts in connection with the history of this organization are embodied in an historical sketch delivered by Rev. . I. T. Boswell, in 1879, before a large assemblage, " in the last service held in the old building." He says :
MONTCLAIR METHODISM.
" Abont 1804 this region formed a small part of Haverstraw circuit, and was under the charge of Rev. Barney Matthias. The circuit was of great extent, and the preacher rode from place to place. preaching in school-houses, in private houses, and frequently in barns. The population was small and
73
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
scattered. and the preacher enjoyed hard work and small pay. It was the day when sacrifices were made, the precion- fruits of which we are now reaping. At the quarterly meeting held at the barn of Martiny Hogencamp's, near the pond in Clarkstown. Rockland County. N. Y .. on Saturday. the 1st of November. 1805, there is an account of moneys received from the different classes. The amount received was 835.24. and the faithful preacher received as his salary for a quarter of the year. 827.68, with which he mounted his horse and rode on his way rejoicing.
"In 1811 the cirenit was divided and this region became a part of Bergen cirenit. and was under the charge of two preachers, whose names alone survive. This cirenit was wide in extent, and the two preachers were not in the least danger of dying for lack of something to do. It included such places as Orange, then called Orange Furnace (or factory). Haverstraw and Nyack, in Rockland County. N. Y., and Fort Lee. Paterson and Newark. N. J. The first mention which we have of Bloom- field is in the year 1817. In August of the preceding year-1816-Bergen eirenit held a quarterly conference. Newark paid in at this conference for the support of the two preachers. $7.62: Paterson. 81 : Haverstraw, 86.874 : and Bloomfield now makes its first appearance with $4.16 in its hand. The entire amount raised was 892.51, of which nearly one-third was raised by public collection. Bergen circuit formed a part of the East Jersey District, which district included such places as Trenton, Stroudsburg. Paterson and Staten Island. It was attached to the Philadelphia conference, which in those days included New Jersey. Delaware, Maryland and a large part of Pennsylvania."
In the year 1813. a young man named Michael O-born was apprenticed to W. Crane, a joint proprietor with israel Crane and others in the cotton spinning mills located near the present site of the vacant Wheeler mill just off from Bloomfield Avenue, where the D .. L. & W. R. R. crosses it. He became acquainted with another young man named Gorline Doreins : and, both anxious to do good. they resolved to organize a Sunday school. Several of the parents objected as they thought that the day school was sufficient. The school was, however, opened with eight scholars, and met in the school-house which
stood where the Presbyterian Church of Bloomfield now stands. This antedates the Sunday school of the First Presbyterian Church of Newark, which claims to be the oldest Sunday school in New Jersey.] The school grew rapidly. The school attached to the church which was then located in Wall Street, New York City, of which young Osborn was a member, made a donation of books and tracts. In a short time Osborn left the place to receive an education and finally entered the ministry. Doremus left the school and soon after this he withdrew from the Presbyterian Church and connected himself with the Metlunlist Society. "The Society, which was feeble, met in a small stone church which was erected about 1>18, and stood on the Paterson Road near Bay Lane. It was torn down in 1853 and a portion of its materials used in building the present Bloomfield Church. Meetings were held not only here but in the upper part of Garrabrant's wagon manufactory, and in the old house at the corner of Old Road and Bay Lane. On one occasion a young man stood up to preach a sermon. He was timid. for it was his trial sermon, and by it he was to be judged whether he was a suitable person to enter the ministry. He preferred to stand in front of the the pulpit and not in it. He was of delicate form and his voice was weak: but he gave the message of God to the people and he was licensed to preach. A great mission was before him, for in 1544 he was elected a Bishop of the Church, and for thirty-three years Bishop Edmund S. Janes did grand and faithful work and. dying. left behind him the reputation of being the most effective Bishop which the Methodist Episcopal Church in America has ever had."
The Methodist Episcopal Church at Montelair was an outgrowth from that at Bloomfield, as the Bloomfield Church was from that of Belleville. The three churches were on one wide circuit. and churches at Belleville. Bloomfield. Montclair and Orange were organized in order. The early Bloomfield Church worshiped for some years in the house of Mrs. Naomi Cockfair, north of the Morris neighbor- hood. previous to the erection of the stone church above Bay Lane. Meetings were held in the western part of the town about 1517, at Joel Crane's house across the turnpike from where Leist's hotel now stands. " Wood meetings" were also held south of the Joel Crane house at about the same time. In 1827 James Wilde and family came from Saddleworth, Lancashire, England, and established a woolen factory
744
HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
in the Israel Crane mill. During the early years Rev. Isaac Winner, who supplied the circuit, organized a church in Orange, in which Henry Wikdle, of West Bloomfield, was a trustee. The Wildes were originally Church of England people, but the second Mrs. Wilde had become a Wesleyan in England. The carlier portion of the Wilde family-especially John, who was a son of James by his first wife-gave assistance in the organization of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, but the latter portion supported the Methodist organization. The strength, therefore, in the town was transferred to the vicinity of the factories. The Washington School-house was erected in the immediate vicinity by James Wilde, the elder. The first sermon in it was preached by the Rev. John Kennedy. Few of the children could attend the school as they nearly all worked in the mills, so a Sunday school was organized with Mr. Radcliffe as Superin- tendent. Two sessions were held and the room was full of scholars. There was also preaching service every Sunday afternoon. Reading and writing were taught, as well as the Bible and catechism, and parents and children alike attended. When the day school was established secular instruction was omitted in the Sunday school. Here the school met until the erection of the present church building in 1836 (now occupied by the colored M. E. Church, on Bloomfield Avenue), when the school was transferred to the gallery of the church.
" On February 20th, 1828, at a meeting of the male members. the following persons were duly elected Trustees (the first Trustees of the congregation): John Moore, Gorline Doremus, Josiah W. Crane, Michael Cockefair and James Wilde. Gorline Doremus was probably the most useful member the church has ever had. For forty-three years he was closely identified with its interests, and his name constantly appears on the records of the church. For a portion of that long period he was Treasurer, class leader, and Sunday-school teacher, and his house was always open to a Methodist preacher. He died March 21st. 1873, at the age of SI years, and on his tombstone are engraved these words : . llis record is on high.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.