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 17
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On April 6, 1887. plans for church work were adopted, and committees appointed for that purpose. A systematic plan for collections for benevolent purposes was also adopted as follows :
For the Missionary Union, for the Home Mission Society, for Children's Home and Mountain- side Hospital of Montelair, for the Ministers' and Widows' Fund, for the Educational Society, for the New Jersey Baptist State Convention, at stated periods each year.
In May, 1888. a legacy of $200 was received from the estate of Mrs. Amy T. Weaver, which formed the nucleus of a building fund. Additional amounts were received from time to time through the members, and in October, 1889. a lot (80x 145 feet) was purchased on Fullerton Avenue, near Bloom- field Avenue. By the latter part of July, 1890, the total sum of $13,026.43 had been subscribed by 135 persons, and soon after plans were adopted for the erection of a chapel, which should include rooms for a ladies' parlor, library, etc. Mr. Irving Cairns. the first and only President of the Board of Trustees, E. P. Benedict, Frank Il. Tooker and Geo. P. Farmer, were constituted a Building Committee, and Joseph Ireland, an architect, of New York City, was employed to draft the plans. The building was completed and ready for occupaney, and the first services were held March 1, 1891. The total cost of the present building and grounds is about $25,000 ; the estimated cost of completing it, according to plans, is $60,000.
REV. WILLIAM N. HUBBELL.
The pastorate of Rev. William N. Hubbell has been successful from the beginning, and under his ministry the Baptist Church has increased in numbers and influence, and has done its share of the work in the community. As an organizer, Mr. Hubbell has displayed great ability, and has shown himself thoroughly qualified for this, his first undertaking in church work.
Mr. Hubbell hails from the great West, although he is of Puritan stock, both on the paternal and maternal sides. He was born in Keokuk, Iowa, June 8, 1862, and is the son of a successful banker. On the paternal side he is descended from Richard Hubbell. who settled at Pequannock, Conn., about 1647. llis direct line is through Samnel, son of Richard, and Nathan, Gersham and Abijah. The latter lived at Ballston. N. Y., and was a soldier in the War of the Revolution. He had a son. Iliram, who was the father of Charles Hubbell. The latter married Anna M. Sage, of Rochester, N. Y., a descendant of David Sage, of Middletown, Conn .. 1652. through John (1). John (2), Giles and Oren. Deacon Oren Sage, the maternal grandfather of Rev. William N. Hubbell, moved from Ballston Springs to Rochester, where he acquired wealth in the manufacture of boots and shoes. Ile was a man of great benevolence. and it was partly through his efforts that the University of Rochester was established, he being a large contributor to that institution, of brains and money.
William N. Hubbell is the son of Charles and Auna (Sage) Hubbell. When he was nine years of age, he went with his parents to San Diego, Cal., where he received his preparatory education. Ile was graduated at the University of Rochester in 1885. He afterward studied law for a time in Minneapolis, Minn .. and then took up the study of theology, graduating at Crozer Theological Seminary, Chester, Pa., in 1889. He took a post-graduate course at the same institution, completing his studies in 1890. Ile was called to the First Baptist Church of Montelair in June of the same year, and was regularly ordained on June 16th following.
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
Mr. Hubbell's call was made prior to June. He was settled as pastor on June 1, 1890.
Ile married, December 31. 1-91. Mi- Katharine D. Price, daughter of Capt. JJoseph D. Price. who served with distinction in the Civil War nuder Sheridan.
Mr. Hubbell is a close student and a hard worker, and his people are in full sympathy with him and his methods. He is sound in his theological views, and earnest and impressive as a speaker. Ile is gifted with an excellent voice, and possesses a good knowledge of music, which enables him to conduct the singing when occasion requires. While hokling strictly to his own denominational views he is very ready to act with other denomination- in the advancement of religious or benevolent work.
Tml. SUNDAY SCHOOL.
The organization of the Sunday school formed the nuclens of the church organization, and at the first meeting held No- determined to organ with preaching ser- this meeting. Irving perintendent and Secretary. There has in members and inter the school will com- those of other denom- the length of time it The total of officer- present time is. 172: 110; Primary Depart- Superintendent. Irv- Wmn. Il. Farmer: Dodge : Superintend- partment. Mrs H. R
The ¿necess of this ginning is due to the Mr. Irving Cairns. the had a long and one- this work before com- was fully equipped was Superintendent connected with the Church, Jersey City, teen years of age.
tive of Jersey City.
His grandfather abont 1>30. and assist- of the first railroad built in this country. His mother, a Miss Mary AA. Bowering, was also a native of England. Mr. Cairns was educated in the public schools of Jersey City. After this he was employed for a time in a hardware honse. About 1870, he and his brother bought out and succeeded to the business of 11. T. Gratacap, viz., the manufacture of firemen's equipments, in N. Y. City. They built up a large and successful business. After the death of his brother, Mr. Irving Cairns conducted the business by himself. Hle and his family placed a beautiful memorial window in the North Baptist Church, Jersey City. in memory of his brother. Mr. Cairns moved to Upper Montelair in 1885, where he resided for a few years, and in 1-92 moved to Montelair. He was one of the leaders in the movement to organize a Baptist Church, and was a large contributor to the new church edifice. He was elected
vember 6. 1855, it was ize a Sunday school vices following. At Cairns was elected Su- Wm. H. Ketchum. been a steady increase est, and the growth of pare favorably with inations considering has been established. and teachers at the in the Main School, ment. 40. Officers .- ing Cairns: Secretary. Treasurer, Helen M. ent of Primary De- Kimball.
school from the be- untiring efforts of Superintendent. lle cessful experience in ing to Montelair, and for the work. He of the Sunday school North Baptist when he was but nine- Mr. Cairns is a na- born August 20, 1852. came from England ed in the construction
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
President of the Board of Trustees, and as such had the principal management of the business interests of the church. He had the general supervision of the interior arrangements of the new building. Ile is a man of warm sympathies and greatly beloved by his associates in the Church and his fellow laborers in the Sunday school. Mr. Cairns married. in 1879, Miss Ella V. Cook. daughter of Elisha Cook, of Jersey City.
THE UNITARIAN SOCIETY.
This Society was organized in October, 1868, and had a total membership of 49, as follows : Mr. and Mrs. Geo. HI. Francis and family, 5: Mr. and Mrs. Theodore M. Morgan and family, 5: Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Bovee and family, 6; Mr. and Mrs. JJ. W. Weidemeyer and family, 5: Mr. and Mrs. A. D. Diekinson and family, 4; Mrs. Joseph Nason and family, 3: Mr. Carl Nason, 1; Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Angell and family. 4; Mr. and Mrs. Broadnax. 2: Mr. and Mrs. Charles Parsons and family. 4; Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Parsons. 2: Mr. and Mrs. George Parsons, 2; Mr. and Mrs. C. K. Willmer and family, 5 : Mrs. George Hawes, 1.
For some two years the pulpit was supplied by clergymen of other Unitarian Societies. Services were held in Watchung Hall, immediately east of the Mansion House, either morning or evening services. Dr. John A. Bellows, Russell Bellows, Dr. John Chadwick, Mr. G. W. Curtis and other Unitarians from time to time leading the service.
The Rev. J. B. Ilarrison, now of Franklin Falls. N. II., became the pastor in 1870. and continued until 1873, when Watchung Hall was given up. From that time forward Dr. John A. Bellows con- ducted the religious services of the Society for two years, the services being held in the house of Mrs. Joseph Nason, 121 Gates Avenne. In 1876 Dr. lolin A. Bellows moved to the State of Maine, and there were no further meetings of the Society.
THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
Early in May, 1891, an entirely local and spontaneous movement for the organization of a Young Men's Christian Association in Montelair took form in the written request of abont seventy-five young men, that the ministers of the several churches should call an initial meeting with that end in view. Pursnant to such a call, signed by Rev. A. H. Bradford, D.D .. First Congregational Church : Rev. W. F. Junkin. D. D., LL. D., First Presbyterian Church ; Rev. W. N. Hubbell, First Baptist Church : Rev. Orville Reed. Trinity Presbyterian Church. and Rev. Joseph A. Owen, First Methodist Episcopal Church, a meeting was held in the chapel of the First Presbyterian Church, Monday evening, May 25, 1891, to consider the matter and, if expedient, begin the work of organizing an association.
Charles II. Johnson, Sr., was elected Chairman, and E. B. Sanford, Secretary. llon. Elkanah Drake, of Newark, Chairman of the Y. M. C. A. State Executive Committee, and David F. More, State Secretary, spoke in explanation and appreciation of associational work. and in incitement toward a local organization, if the way should appear open. The subject was very freely discussed by Dr. Junkin, Mr. Reed. Rev. F. B. Carter, of St. Luke's P. E. Church, Dr. Bradford, Paul Babcock, C. HI. Johnson, Sr., and others. Mr. Babcock in direct opposition, Dr. Junkin and Mr. Carter advising caution, and Dr. Bradford and others strongly encouraging the movement. The result was the appointment of Edward Madison, C. S. Olcott. R. S. Pearce, A. D. French, A. S. Wallace and W. H. Farmer as a committee to name a committee of ten who should thoroughly consider the need and probable field for an association, and report a plan of organization, if organization should seem to be desirable and expedient. These named as a Committee of Ten : A. II. Siegfried, Chairman, E. H. Holmes, Philip Doremus, W. G. Snow. E. B. Sanford, D. F. Merritt, C. I. Reeves, Shepard Rowland. W. II. Keteham and George Wellwood Murray. This comunttee gave most careful thought and investigation to the need for and possibilities of the proposed association, and made an exhaustive report to a second public meeting, June 23. when the work of forming a local organization was fully entered upon, and a constitution and by-laws were adopted. About one hundred members gave their names to the association at this meeting.
The first Board of Directors, after some few changes in its formative state. included A. H.
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
Siegfried. President : A. W. Law, Vice-President : A. D. French, Secretary : Shepard Rowland, Treasurer : C. Il. Johnson, Sr., J. A. Sandford, Wm. Wallace, Geo. W. Melick, E. P. Benediet, George Wellwood Murray, Edward Madison, A. S. Wallace. C. S. Olcott. C. W. English and J. G. Mac Vicar. A Women's Auxiliary Committee of twenty-tive was also formed. with Mrs. J. D. Hegeman, Chairman. During the summer and early autumn of 1-91. the membership grew steadily and encouragingly. and plans and method- were formulated. The Association took a three years' lease on the large and time- honored residence. doubly honored as having for several years housed the useful but now declining Reform Club, at 510 Bloomfield Avenue,-the Association fitly succeeding to the valuable work of the Club. The building was well equipped by the Association with a reading room, game rooms, social room, gymnasium, reception and otlice room. etc .. and was formally but quietly opened for its new usefulness, November 14. On the Sunday evening following, a mass meeting, in the interest of the new Association, was held in the First Congregational Church- the largest religions meeting ever held in the town-at which strong and inspiring addresses were made by Rev. F. N. Rutan, Rev. W. N. Hubbell. Rev. Orville Reed, Dr. Junkin and Dr. Bradford, and a report was read by the President.
Thenceforward the Association has gone quietly but aggressively about its work of seeking, teach- ing. entertaining and evangelizing young men through the efforts, largely, of Christian and moral young men. In April. 1-92. Thomas K. Cree. dr. a graduate of the Springfield. Mass. Secretarial Training School, was appointed General Secretary, and took the leadership in direct practical work. The regular paid membership has varied between 8 ~~ and 415, and the Association has won its place as a gladly recognized local institution, and as one of the most useful and powerful agents for the general good of the community. The spirit and methods of the Association are well set forth in the following, from The Christian Union (now The Outlook) of April 29. 1993:
" Few branches of the Y. M. C. A with which we are acquainted are better organized or doing a more successful work than that of Montelair. Thi- Association does not make the mistake which is so often made of being practically another Church in a community already fully stocked with such institu- tion>. It is rather a complete and capitally equipped club for young men and boys, conducted on Christian principles. furnishing attractive entertainment, physical education, educational classes, literary facilities, and all with so little ostentation of piety, but so much of the genuine article as to be thoroughly popular with great numbers who are seklom found in such places. The religions service, or Young Men's Meet- ing. has a very much wider range than such meeting> usually have. It is held on Sunday afternoons, at an hour when it interfere> with no Church service, and. instead of being an evangelistie meeting, is de. voted to practical talks by Christian men who are experts in various lines of work, and who are gladly heard because they are recognized as those who have a right to speak on the subjects they have in hand. The evangelistic idea is often overdone or unwisely used. The call to personal consecration reiterated so frequently fails to have any influence, when a different method would lead the young men step by step toward that to which they are some times too swiftly hurried. We have not referred to this AAssociation because is has very much that is peenfiar in its methods, but rather because it has a clearer conception of the work which the Y. M. C. A. can best do than most associations with which we are familiar."
The " surface indications" of what can be done by such an association in a comparatively small town are seen in this statistical resume from the annual report of the General Secretary for the year end- ing October 1, 1893 :
" 82 Religions Meetings, aggregate attendance. 3.251 : 98 Educational Classes, aggregate attendance. 756: 4 Practial Talks, aggregate attendance. 155: 25 Social Entertainments, aggregate attendance, 3,668 : 94 Gymnastic Lessons, aggregate attendance. 1.209: 43 Committee Meetings, aggregate attendance. 295 ; 125 Daily Visits to Rooms, aggregate attendance. 45.625.
" That is. for a longer or shorter time, under carefully planned and well-directed moral and re- ligious influence and control. the boys and men-young men chiefly-of our community, were tanght and entertained, and had free use of cosy Reading Rooms, Game Rooms, and a good Library, in 54.989 dis- tinet instances within one year."
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
The executive organization at the time of this writing is A. H. Siegfried, President ; A. W. Law. Vice-President : J. A. Sandford, Secretary ; Wm. Wallace, Treasurer ; Charles H. Johnson, Sr., Edward Madison, A. D. French, George Wellwood Murray, A. S. Wallace, Isaac Denby, Shepard Rowland, J. G. Mae Vicar. Franklin Ferris, A. S. Badgley, with Thomas K. Cree, Ir .. General Secretary.
THE WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
This Society was organized in the autumn of 1883, its objeet being the " suppression of intemper- anee by prayer and earnest personal effort." The first meeting was held on the afternoon of Dec. 6. 1883, in the Chapel of the Congregational Church, about one hundred ladies, representing the Presby- terian, Methodist, Congregational and Episcopal Churches being present. This meeting was in response to an invitation from a committee of ladies from the different churches. Mrs. McLanglin. of Boston, was present and assisted in the organization. One condition of membership was the signing of the total abstinence pledge of the National organization. thereby making this an auxiliary to the W. C. T. U. of New Jersey.
The work of the Society is divided into seven departments, viz., Literature, Juvenile Work. Prison Work, Flower Mission, Parlor Meetings, Helping Hand, and Social Purity.
The work of the first department consists in the distribution of temperance literature.
The work of the second consists in visiting the prisoners of Caldwell Penitentiary once a month on the Sabbath day, and holding religious services : great good has been accomplished in this department.
A day is set apart in Inne of each year, known as Flower Mission Day, at which time bouquets of flowers are brought accompanied with appropriate verses of scripture. These flowers are sent to the Salvation Army in New York, to be distributed among the sIums.
Parlor meetings are held at the different homes for the purpose of encouraging and promoting the cause of temperance.
The Juvenile Work consists in teaching the children the evil effects of alcohol upon the hmnan body. Two schools, known as the Loyal Temperance Legions, are in successful operation.
The work of the Helping Iland is mainly among the colored women.
The Social Purity department is for the purpose of discussing the best methods of teaching children to lead clean, pure and holy lives.
A cold water drinking fountain for " man and beast." placed by this Society on the principal thoroughfare has had a beneficial effect, and has often led the man to follow the example of the beast, and queneh his thirst with nature's beverage rather than by the stimulant prepared by man.
As a method of edneating the publie on the temperance question, some of the ablest speakers in the country have been seenred at different times and have accomplished much good in this direction.
The meetings of the Society are held on the second and fourth Monday of each month, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, in the parlors of the Y. M. C. A.
Each member pays sixty cents a year, one-half of which is devoted to State and County work, and the balance for the special local work of the Society.
The following persons have served as officers of the Society since its organization : Presidents, Mrs. Adia E. Taylor, Mrs. Myra J. Denby, Mrs. HI. M. Sandford, Mrs. M. E. Batchelder, Mrs. Arabella DeLong ; Vice-Presidents of the first organization, Mrs. L. T. Wolfe, Mrs. A. F. Pratt. Mrs. E. F. Merritt, Mrs. Sarah J. Bird ; those who have served since : Mrs. E. L Reeves, Mrs. A. S. Wallace, Mrs. Samuel Wilde, Mrs. E. P. Benediet, Mrs. Samuel Crimp, Mrs. Sarah MeClees, Miss Rebecca Crane, Mrs. R. G. Hutchinson, Mrs. E. Ferris, Mrs. Huntington, Mrs. L. Butler. Mrs. J. Wyman, Mrs. J. M. Burr, Mrs. Ames, Mrs. Ronnsaville, Mrs. John Anderson, Mrs. Delano, Mrs. E. Ferris ; Secretaries, Mrs. M. J. Denby, Mrs. H. Il. White, Mrs. E. A. Pulver. Mrs. E. M. White, Miss Irene D. Grover, Mrs. M. L. Pemroyer. Mrs. S. L. Reeves ; Treasurers, Miss Lizzie Morris, Mrs. II. M. Sandford, Mrs. E. M. Gilbert, Mrs. H. R. Edmonton. Present officers : President, Mrs. Arabella DeLong : Corresponding Secretary. Mrs. H. D. Crane : Recording Secretary, Mrs. S. L. Reeves; Treasurer, Mrs. Il. R. Edmonston.
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
THE COLORED POPULATION AND THEIR CHURCHES.
The influx of the colored people in Montelair began abont 1870 (the total colored population of the township at that time being 36%, and was the result of an effort to solve the servant question. A prominent citizen of Montelair brought from London County. Va., two or three servants on trial. They proved satisfactory, and others, learning that better wages could be obtained at the North, soon followed, and the colored population of Montelair now number about 1,600, most of whom were born in servitude ; and, as was the custom, took the names of their masters. All became free under the proclamation of President Lincoln. As a class they are quiet. industrious and well behaved. They retain many of their old time customs, but readily adapt themselves to the new condition of affairs. The larger proportion of them are house servants. yet some have already acquired considerable property. They are a church-going people, and are active in advancing the cause of religion, and have made rapid progress in their Church societies.
UNION BAPTIST CHURCH-COLORED.
The preliminary movements that led to the organization of this Church began in July, 1886, in a series of meetings held from house to house, the first one being held at the residence of Lney Weaver. These meeting, were continued through the year with increasing numbers and intere-t. The organization was completed and the name of the Union Baptist Church adopted in the early part of 1857, regular meetings having already been held with occasional preaching services at Watchung Hall. The Church record- show that :
" At the call of the Union Baptist Church, of Moutclair, N. J .. a Conneil convened at its house of worship, Wednesday, January 12. 1-87. to consider the propriety of recognizing it as a regular Baptist Church, and also the propriety of ordaining to the work of the ministry, Rev. J. A. Harris, pastor elect. Rev. 1. O. Greenville was chosen Moderator, and Rev. Henry B. Waring. Clerk. The Council was composed of the following delegates :
" First Church. Caldwell, Rev. Jabez Marshall and Daniel B. Lewis: First Church, Roselle. Rev. L. O. Grenille and Renben Smith ; Fifth Church, Newark, Rev. Henry B. Waring and Edward Hedden ; Roseville Church, Newark, Rev. Albert Stillman ; South Church. Newark. Rev. S. E. Verson, P.D .: First Church, Bloomfield. Rey. E. D. Simms."
Services were held at Watchung Hall until 1590, and afterward at Morris Hall. A lot was pur- chased in 1559 on Bloomfield Avenne, which was sold later at an advance, and another lot purchased on Portland Place, 50 by 126 feet, and a frame building erected thereon, 45 by 110 feet, with a seating capacity of about 500. It is neatly furnished, provided with every convenience, and fitted up with one of the finest organs in this locality. The total cost of the whole property was abont $20,000. It con- tains an audience room, a Sunday-school room. a lecture room, and three small reading rooms.
Rev. J. A. Harris remained until May 1, 1859, and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Adkins, from North Carolina, who remained about two months. A call was then extended to Rev. Win. Perry, who began his pastorate July 26. 15-9. The total membership was then about 46, and under his pastorate it has since increased to 356. He has baptized nearly 200; the rest were received by letter. When Mr. Perry's pastorate began in 1ss9, the total amount of real property owned by members of his church and congregation did not exceed 84,000; they now own, according to his statement, about $110,000.
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
Though the members are mostly persons in moderate circumstances they give liberally of their means, and the amount raised in one year to pay for the services of an evangelist, and for other benevolent purposes, was $800.
REV. WILLIAM PERRY, the pastor of this Church, was born in Chatham County, N. C., October 22, 1860, three years before the Act of Emancipation. His parents were the property of a Mr. Perry, and, as was the enstom, took the name of their master. Soon after the close of the war William was sent to private school, his parents being ambitions to give him an edneation. In 1879 he attended Way- land Seminary, in Washington, D. C., and during this period became assistant pastor of the Mount Ver- non Baptist Church (colored). He remained abont two years, and then conducted mission meetings for another year at Garfield City. He labored some time as an evangelist with great success, and subse- quently had charge of the Bright Hope Baptist Church, at Princeton, N. J., where, after remaining two years, he came to Montelair. His work among his people here has been marked with great success. He has shown great ability as an organizer, and is earnest and effective as a preacher. He has the faculty of inspiring confidence among his people, and they trust him implicitly, and recognize him as their leader. He is an indefatigable worker, both in and out of the Church, and is seconded in all his efforts by his faithful followers. lle has shown himself a good financier, and an able business manager, having con- ducted all the operations in connection with the purchase of the church property, and the erection and fur- nishing of the church. He has a comfortable home of his own, acquired by his industry, economy and good management.
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