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 16
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much his manner as his matter-not so much the words that aronse and .burn' as the . thoughts that breathe.' Our American visitor vividly recognizes that he has a mission to fulfil which is higher and broader than the boundaries of any single creed-a Christianity to teach and preach which overleaps even the nobler selfishness of patriotism, and has as its essence that spirit which compelled the famous preacher to be content with nothing less than the . whole world' as his . parish."
Another paper referring to " a very remarkable and stirring sermon preached by Dr. Bradford at Mans- field Chapel" says: " Ile is rich in illustration, cultured in diction, vigorous in thought, and delivered with impassioned yet dignified eloquence. These sermons stamp the preacher as one of the very strongest of our living preachers."
Rev. Joseph Parker, D.D., the "London Beecher," in his criticism of the men who took part in the Council, says of Dr. Bradford : " Ile is broad in mind, generous in impulse, eloquent in expression- a harmony of the progressive aspects of evangelical truth."
The Manchester Guardian says: " Dr. Bradford is a tower of strength to New England Congre- gationalism. A keen student of Congregational history and polity, his eminence in this department is attested by the fact that he is appointed lecturer for three years at Andover on Congregationalism." (He began the course in 1892 with " English Congregationalism.")
Another writer says : " He is just a trifle theatrical in his style of oratory, but he has to perfection that vigorous gift of driving a point straight home that Mr. Spurgeon's manner illustrates so forcibly. Ile has a storehouse of aneedote, and has a story to fit every moral that he wants to emphasize. His cultered, refined face will not soon be forgotten by those who had the privilege of listening to him. He is a clear thinker-progressive, reverent, constructive, full of taet, sincerity and spiritnal simplicity."
Dr. Bradford's unselfish devotion to his own church and to the Master's cause, and his refusal to entertain the numerous " calls" extended to him by leading churches throughout the country, is thus referred to by a writer in one of the English journals : " His reputation in the United States is not con- fined to his own body. He is a powerful and impressive preacher, and it is through his own desire, strengthened by the affection of an attached congregation, that he remains in a place so little known as Montelair, and not in one of the large centres of population. Several tempting calls have been made to him to settle in one or another of the large eities of the Union. He frequently, in Mr. Beccher's time, occupied the pulpit in the famous Plymouth Church, Brooklyn. About twenty years ago, not long after he began his ministerial career, he, for the sake of his health, exchanged work for six months with a brother pastor stationed on the Pacific Coast. Here Dr. Bradford was so much liked that every effort was made to induce him to stay, and when he answered that this was impossible, as the East had greater claims upon him than the West, he was entreated to accept a testimonial. Ile agreed to this provided he could choose the gift. When told he could have anything he liked, his request was that the church in which he had been laboring temporarily should be cleared from all trace of debt. It was a goodly sum that had to be raised, but it was fully subscribed. The act was characteristic of Dr. Bradford."
The utterances of Dr. Bradford, in his discussion of the great questions which are agitating the world, were extensively quoted and freely commented upon by the English press. The London Independent of July 10, 1891, said : " Rev. Dr. Bradford, whose course through our principal pulpits par- takes somewhat of the nature of a triumphal progress, was last Saturday in Leicester, conducting the anniversary services of Clarendon-Park Chapel. He preached in the morning from the text .The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,' and delivered a wonderful oration on the nature and prospect of the Divine Kingdom. He said no phrase ever more exactly defined the ideal to which the Master opened the way than the words . The realization of righteousness in the life of humanity.' How can wealth and poverty both be filled with the spirit of Christ so that they shall minister one to another? Ilow can the islands and continents be filled with the good news of the Father God and the Saviour Son of God? Silently the Kingdom of Heaven is extending. Its limits are bounded neither by race lines nor continental frontiers. It is a kingdom of spirit in which the individual realizes his privilege in the effacement of himself and in grateful devotion to the service of God in that humanity for which Christ
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died : a Kingdom before which the walls separating nations are falling. the selfishness of patriotism is disappearing, and poverty, viee and sectarian rivalry yielding to the magnetism of love."
Referring to the sermon preached by Dr. Bradford, at New Weigh House, London, the Christian World said, " Dr. Bradford believes in organism rather than mechanism. He refuses to acknowledge that the men of two centuries ago were more under divine guidance than the men of to day. He holds that where the supremacy of the spirit is recognized, men will not be asked if they accept systems of doctrine written by the dead, but whether they have open minds, living hearts, humble wills, ready to be taught and led by God to-day. He prediets the federation of churches, the cessation of denominationa! rivalries, and the realization of a universal brotherhood in its fullest expression as what we are moving towards. These are brave words."
During his stay in England, Dr. Bradford visited the village of Austerfield-the birthplace and resi- denee of his American ancestor, Governor William Bradford- which is only two or three miles from Scrooby, where Jolm Bradford became a convert from listening to the preaching of Clyfton, a leading pastor of the Serooby congregation. He found the church at Austerfield " not in a good state of repair, though its Norman doorway is worthy of a visit." There is an ancient font, probably the one in which Bradford was baptized March 19. 15-9.
Dr. Bradford made many friends during his stay in England, but his reputation as a preacher had preceded him. While for many years he confined his labors to his own church in Montelair, his influence was gradually widening and enlarging, and he has been for many years recognized as one of the ablest and most progressive of our American preachers. He received in 1884 his degree of D.1). from Hlamil- ton College, his alma mater. He has been a frequent contributor to our best papers and periodicals. In 1858 a volume of his sermons came from the press of Fords. Howard & Hulbert, under the title " Spirit and Life." which has passed through several editions; also " Old Wine in New Bottles." All his writing is marked by profound spiritual insight, moral earnestness and intellectual strength. At the beginning of 1599 he became connected with the Christian Union, having charge of the department "The Religious World." He does not leave the pulpit or his magnificent church at Montelair in assuming these new duties.
The Independent, of London, in referring to his connection with the Christian Union, says. " The appointment of Dr. Bradford to be collaborateur with Dr. Lyman Abbott is sure to gratify our readers, and may draw the attention of some to the Christian Union who do not know how admirable an organ and leader of religious thought that paper is. Dr. Bradford was known to our metropolitan churches be- fore his visit to the International Council made him free of British Congregationalism. On previous visits he had preached in London and had won the best of all tributes to his worth-an interest in his personality, founded on his qualities as a preacher. When he came as a delegate to the Council, invita- tions to country churches awaited him : he delivered the address to the students at the sessional anniver- sary of Lancashire College, and he has become one of the best known American ministers to this country. It is bare truth to say that affection is as marked as admiration in our feeling towards him. Dr. Brad- ford's position in America is very influential. As a pastor of a suburban church he tells on the life of New York, and his generous popular sympathies have drawn to him the confidence of those among the American churches which are working for the religion- future of the nation. Ile was the correspondent of the New York hul pendent during the sessions of the Council; he has been a frequent contributor to the Boston Congregationalist and the New York Christian Union. It is not for us to say which of these three excellent papers is best. but believing that friendly sympathy in journalism as in other things is better than rivalry, we are glad of his assumption of the editorial chair. We are equally glad that he is not resigning his pa-torate at Montelair. New Jersey. We grudge the withdrawal of such men from the pulpit and the active direction of a church. The strain of a double office is heavy ; but there is no influence which so purifies publie men, and fits them for the higher publie usefulness, as the consciousness of being sustained by the affection and prayer of a congregation, and the wisdom which comes from inti- mate association with earnest Christians of many different types of character."
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The most recent publication of Dr. Bradford is "The Pilgrims in Old England." being a study of English Congregationalism.
As a citizen Dr. Bradford has taken the lead in most of the reform and educational movements which have been started in Montelair. He assisted in organizing the "Citizens' Committee of One Hundred " for the exeention of existing laws and the suppression of publie evils. He was one of the organizers of the Reform Club, the object of which was to make a home or place of resort for reformed men, and keep them out of the way of temptation. This was the nucleus of the Young Men's Christian Association. He started the " Outlook Club," a literary organization for the discussion of topics of eur- rent interest. He was the father of the Children's Home, one of the most promising and useful benevo- lent organizations in the State.
Dr. Bradford suggested the American Institute of Christian Philosophy, was its first Secretary, and on the death of the late President was elected to succeed him, and also became editor of its organ, Christian Thought; he is also editor of the American edition of the Review of the Churches, and is still a member of the Executive Committee. Ile started the Congregational Club of New York and has been one of its Vice-Presidents since its organization. He was one of the corporate members of the American Board of Foreign Missions. In 1892 Dr. Bradford was chosen to preach the annual sermon of the American Missionary Association, which is one of the great Congregational Missionary Societies.
In September, 1894, Dr. Bradford again went to London in response to an invitation from the officers of Westminster Chapel. This church is situated near Buckingham Gate, on James Street, midway between the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace. The church building is the largest Congre- gational Building in the world. The church had been without a settled pastor for a long time, and many of the congregation having heard Dr. Bradford on a previous occasion were anxious to hear him again. Dr. Bradford met with a hearty reception and supplied the pulpit for some weeks, and before leaving received a unanimous call from the Church.
On his return home, when it became known that he had received a call from Westminster Chapel. London, his own congregation, as well as the citizens of Montelair of all denominations, were united in their efforts to indnee him to remain in his present position.
At the regular meeting of the Congregational Club of New York City, held on Monday evening. October 16, 1893, the following resolution was unanimously adopted :
" Resolved, That it is the sense of this Congregational Club of New York and vicinity, that the im- portant work and influence of the Church, which Rev. Dr. Bradford has served so successfully through so many years, and the varied interests of truth with which he is so helpfully and influentially connected. require his continued presence in this country, and make it his duty to decline the flattering call to the pastorate of Westminster Chapel. in London, England."
After a careful consideration of the matter Dr. Bradford declined the call, and decided to remain with the first and only church with which he had ever been connected, and whose interests are interwoven with every fibre of his nature.
Rev. John L. Scudder, referring to his action, says : " We learn with pleasure that Rev. Amory II. Bradford. D.D) .. of Montelair, has declined the call to Westminster Chapel. London. the largest Con- gregational Church in that great metropolis. The call was a great compliment to his ability as preacher and a scholar, and demonstrates that he has not only an international reputation, but is the most popular American preacher abroad. We congratulate the Church in Montelair upon the determination of Mr. Bradford to remain in this country, and continue his unique ministry in the State of New Jersey. We believe his usefulness would not be enhanced by a departure for Europe. Thongh settled in Mont- elair, his parish extends far beyond the limits of his own State. Through his books, contributions to magazines, public addresses, and editorship of the Outlook, Ins field extends from Sandy Hook to the Golden Gate. Ile has shown his wisdom in remaining in the United States, where he is universally
Amony N. Bradford.
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beloved. America eannot spare him. for he is our best representative of the . Forward Movement' in this country. The great problems of the race are to be worked out upon this continent where there are no time-honored restrictions, and where changes in practice and in law follow on the heels of public opinion. This nation is to set the fashions for the world, and we want the best men right here on American soil. where their influence will tell the most. London is a great place, but America is greater : and here we trust the good doctor will live and die."
PILGRIM MISSION.
This Mission was organized in 1989, under peculiar circumstances. Neighborhood prayer meetings were being held in various localities by a band of Christian workers. One of these was held on Bloom- field Avenue. in close proximity to a liquor saloon frequented by Louis Heckman, a plain, uneducated workingman. He was induced to attend these meetings, was converted, and soon after began the work of organizing a Mission. Dr. Bradford became interested in his work, and through his aid he was ena- bled to seenre a building on Washington Street. Dr. Bradford becoming personally responsible for the rent. The Methodists and other denominations assisted in furnishing the room suitable for hokling meetings. Mr. Heckman made slow progress at first, but after one or two conversions, others came out of curiosity. The meetings at first were held only on Thursday evenings, but as the attendance and interest increased. services were held on Sunday evening», and it soon became necessary to build on an addition. This was done through individual sub-criptions raised by Mr. Heckman. With the increased facilities he opened, in 1-91, a Sunday school, beginning with 23 children and I teachers. Other Christian workers became interested in the movement, and Mr. James G. Beach, of Bloomfield, presented the Mission with a lot of ground on Bloomfield Avenne, and Mr. Heckman's efforts to raise money to ereet a Chapel met with a generous response from liberal and enterprising citizens, Mr. W. W. Egbert donating $1,000 and Mr. Stephen Carey $500; others gave various sums, ranging from $200 down to $5, the sum total amounting to $4,000.
A building was erected 32 x 64 feet, with a seating capacity of 500. All the furniture, consisting of 400 chairs and a fine Brussels carpet, were donated by Mrs. George Innis. A fine organ was presented by the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor connected with the Congregational Church, and a $100 piano was given by the King's Danghters, a noble band of young ladies worthy of the name they bear.
The Sunday school connected with this Mission is now in a flourishing condition with nearly 200 seholars, 5 officers, and 14 teachers. Mr. Heckman is still filling the position of Superintendent.
Auxiliary societies have been organized, which have done effective work. Among these are the Christian Endeavor Society, the Yoke Fellows Band and the King's Sons. Of the latter society all are young converts of this Mission.
Mr. Heckman, who founded this Mission with the assistance of Dr. Bradford, is a native of Montelair, of humble parentage, and his educational advantages were very limited. Since he began his evangelistie labors, however. he has been a close student, and though still a layman, has done most of the pastoral work connected with the Mission. He has received great assistance in his work from Dr. Bradford. who gave him the use of his library, and became his steadfast friend and supporter in his mission work.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
With the rapid inerease of population there has doubtless been for many years past a sufficient number of Baptists to have organized a church, had the attempt been made. It was not, however, until the autumn of 1885 that systematic efforts were begun in this direction. At that time a few enterpris-
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ing Baptists met together, and after a free discussion of the matter, decided to have a thorough canvas made of the township for the purpose of aseertaining the number of resident Baptists. Accordingly Rev. Ilenry Bromley, an aged Baptist of large experience in mission work, a resident of Brooklyn. N. Y., was employed for this purpose. As the result of his efforts he found 58 members of Baptist elmrehes and a number of others who were in sympathy with the movement and gave assurance of their co-operation.
On Nov. 6, 1885, during the progress of these efforts. a neighborhood prayer meeting was held at which there were present thirteen. A second meeting was held Friday evening. November 13. at which there were present 10 young people and 30 adults, Rev. Henry Bromley of Brooklyn, N. Y., and Rev. E. D. Simonds, then pastor of the Bloomfield Baptist Church. It was deeided to begin operations at once, and to organize a Sunday school, to be followed by preaching service, and to hold a prayer
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH."
meeting every Friday evening. Rev. E. D. Simonds agreed to supply the preaching service for a period of three months. The Sunday school was duly organized, Irving Cairns being elected Superintendent and Wm. H. Ketchum, Secretary. and Sunday school and preaching serviees were held regularly at Montelair Hall until Jan. 6. 1886, when steps were taken to effeet a permanent organization by the election of Rev. E. D. Simonds as Chairman, and Irving Cairns as Clerk.
A committee, consisting of Geo. P. Farmer, E. P. Benedict and Irving Cairns, who had previously been appointed to obtain a list of suel persons as were willing to unite in the organization of a churel. reported that they had secured a list of thirty-eight names by letters from other churches, and five by experience-a total of forty-three .- and recommended the adoption of the following resolution :
" Believing it to be the will of God, as taught in His word, and indieated in His providenee, and
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trusting in His divine guidance. blessing and presence, we. and all whose letters and names have been placed in the hands of the clerk of this meeting, do hereby form ourselves into a regular Baptist Church by the adoption of the New Hampshire Confession of Faith and Church Covenant."
Edwin P. Benedict, First Baptist Church, Hackensack, N. J. Mrs. Louise M. Benedict, First Baptist Church, Hacken- sack, N. J.
Alonzo Crawford, First Baptist Church, Hackensack, N. J. Mrs. Harriet A. Crawford, First Baptist Church, Hacken- sack, N. J.
Irving Cairns. North Baptist Church, Jersey City. Mrs. Ella V. Cairns, North Baptist Church, Jersey City. William Cairns, North Baptist Church, Jersey City. Mrs. Mary A. Cairns, North Baptist Church, Jersey City. Thos. V. Carpenter, First Baptist Church, Newark, N. J. Mrs. M. E. Carpenter, First Baptist Church, Newark, N. J. Franklin N. Class, Central Baptist Church, N. Y. City. Mrs. Mary E. Class, Central Baptist Church, N. Y. City. Mrs. E. Crossman, First Baptist Church, Newark, N. J. Otis Corbit, Baptist Church of the Epiphany. V. V. City. Mrs. Amelia P. Corbit, Baptist Church of the Epiphany, V. V. City.
G. M. DeWitt, Baptist Church of Port Jervis, N. Y.
Miss Helen M. Dodge, First Baptist Church of N. Y.
Mrs. Minnie Dudgeon, Park Baptist Church, Port Rich- mond, S. 1.
Gen. P. Farmer, First Baptist Church of Bloomfield. N. J. Mrs. H. E. Farmer, First Baptist Church of Bloomfield, N. J. Miss Annie E. Farmer, First Baptist Church of Bloom- field, N. J.
Mrs. Mary A. Hoyt, Strong Place Baptist Church. Brook- lyn, N. Y.
C. Wesley Jacobus, First Baptist Church, Newark, N. J. Louis A. Koehler. First Baptist Church, Newark, N. J. Mrs. Cornelia Kochler, First Baptist Church, Newark, N. J. William 11. Ketchum, North Orange Baptist Church. Mrs. Lonisa P. Kinnan, Schooley's Mountain Baptist Church. Miss Julia A. Phelps, Baptist Church of the Epiphany, .V. V. City.
Mrs. Mary F. Muir, Park Baptist Church, Port Richmond, S. 1.
William A. May, First Baptist Church, Newark, N. J.
W. 11. A. Maynard, Herkimer Street Baptist Church, Brook- lyn. N. V.
Chas. S. Salmon, Baptist Church, Schooley's Mountain, N. J. W. H. Smith, Strong Place Baptist Church, Brooklyn, N. V. Mrs. Adelia G. Taylor, First Baptist Church, Bloomfield, N. J. Amy T. Weaver, First Baptist Church, Bloomfield, N. J.
Theodore C. V'an Arsdale, First Baptist Church, Bloom- field, N. J.
Mrs. Louisa C. Van Arsdale, First Baptist Church, Bloom- field, N. J. Miss May Van Arsdale, First Baptist Church, Bloomfield, N. J Miss Jane E. Dodge, by experience.
Mrs. Mary M. Taylor, by experience.
Mrs. Dora T. Munn, by experience.
Miss Sarah A. Hooe, by experience.
Mrs. Margaret Tyson, by experience.
The report of the Committee was adopted, and the name of the organization decided upon was the " Montelair Baptist Church." The name was changed. August 20, 1890, to " The First Baptist Church. Montelair, N. .. "
Geo. P. Farmer was elected Deacon for three years. Thomas V. Carpenter two years, and E. P. Benediet one year. William A. May was elected Church Clerk, and E. P. Benediet, Treasurer.
A Board of Trustees was organized January 22, 1896, consisting of Alonzo Crawford and E. P. Benedict, who were elected for three years ; Franklin N. Class and Irving Cairus for two years, and William Il. Ketchum for one year. The first covenant meeting of the Church was held March 12, 1886, and the first communion service Sunday, March 14, Iss6.
The first letter to the North New Jersey Baptist Association was written under date of June 6, 1856, to the Association in session at Sehooley's Mountain, at which time the Church was recognized and admitted a member of the Association.
The first regular installed pastor of the Church was Rev. Geo. F. Warren, formerly of the Fair- mount Church, Newark, N. J. His pastorate began on January 18, 1857, and continued for two years. lle was succeeded by the Rev. William N. Hubbell, who began his labors JJune 1, 1890, and was ordained at a council assembled at Montelair, June 16, 1590, on the call of the Montclair Baptist Church, con- sisting of $9 members, representing 35 churches. The ordination services took place on the evening of June 16, at the Trinity Presbyterian Church of Montelair.
Mr. Hubbell has labored faithfully and systematically to build up the Church, and his labors have been eminently successful. A total of 257 were added to the Church up to January 1, 1594. Of this number 75 were received by baptism and 167 by letter, and 15 on experience. The total number of deaths up to this period were 14. Only 3 names have been dropped from the Church roll. Erasure, 8. Dismissed by letter 38. Present membership, 194.
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A number of auxiliary societies have been organized which have accomplished much good in their way. A Woman's Foreign Mission Society. a Woman's llome Mission Cirele, a Ladies' Guild, of which Mrs. F. M. Soule is President : Young People's Society, Wm. H. Farmer, President. A Mission Band organized in 1887, is now known as the Willing Workers.
On June 10, 1890, a series of weekly services in the Swedish tongue was begun under the direction of the Rev. A. F. Bargendahl, of Brooklyn. N. Y. Great good has been accomplished by these efforts. and a class of people have been brought together and instructed in their own tongue that it would have been difficult to reach in any other manner. In April, 1892, this was recognized as the Baptist Swedish Mission of Montclair, and on Tuesday evening of each week services are held in the Swedish tongue by Rev. Olaf Heddeen, of Brooklyn.
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