USA > New Jersey > Union County > History of Union County, New Jersey > Part 42
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PARK AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church was organized March 15, 1876, under the name of the Central Baptist church, with one hundred and twenty-one members. Services were held in the Seventh-day Baptist church until 1879, when the present church edifice was erected, and the name changed to Park Avenue Baptist church. Pastors: Robert Lowry, until February, 1885; Asa R. Dilts, Jr., September, 1885, to April, 1892; J. W. Richardson, November, 1892, to date.
REV. ROBERT LOWRY, D. D.
The Rev. Robert Lowry, D. D., was born in Philadelphia, March 12, 1826. After receiving a common-school education, he was set at work while yet quite young. His religious life began in 1843, in
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which year he was baptized, on profession of faith, by the Rev. George B. Ide, D. D., and received into the First Baptist church. He became at once active in Sunday-school work, especially in connection with missions, gradually developing a gift for conducting religious meetings, and becoming prominent in leading the service of sacred song. Event- ually he attracted the attention of his pastor, who invited him to spend an evening in his study. The pastor expressed the conviction that he
REV. ROBERT LOWRY, D. D.
ought to study for the ministry. The young man confessed that for years this had been his most cherished desire, but that he had never had the courage to express it, nor allow himself to hope that it could be realized. This interview gave sliape to his subsequent life.
In 1848 he entered the university at Lewisburg (now Bucknell University), where he pursued his studies for six years. He became identified with all the forms of activity pertaining to college life. He organized the church choir, and led the singing in the social meetings.
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He taught a private class in the rudiments of music and conducted a Bible class in the Sunday school. He met occasionally with others to hold meetings in the school house, or to sing, or talk, as the spirit moved. On one occasion he held a meeting at McEwensville, Penn- sylvania, which resulted in several conversions and the organization of a church. During the last two years of his student life he preached every Sunday, dividing his time between two churches. In 1854 he was graduated, receiving the highest honors.
In quick succession followed his ordination and his acceptance of a call to the First Baptist church, Westchester, Pennsylvania. Here he found the church with no meeting house, but making arrangements to build. In two years an edifice was completed and filled with worshipers. He took personal charge of the Sunday school and conducted its musical services. He also identified himself with the Teachers' Institute of Chester county, and delivered several lectures. For a time he also edited one of the local journals.
In 1858 he was called to the Bloomingdale (now Central) Baptist church, New York city, and entered on this broader field of work with great enthusiasm. Lots were purchased for a large and commanding church edifice, and the foundation was laid with flattering prospects. The outbreak of the Rebellion brought the enterprise to a sudden stop.
In the spring of 1861 some members of the Hanson Place Baptist church, Brooklyn, in search of a pastor, attended the Bloomingdale church one Sunday, and concluded that its pastor was the man for their congregation if they could get him. Negotiations were opened quietly, but as the pastor was committed to the project of a new church edifice, he would not receive overtures from any source while there was any hope for the new building. When it became evident that the con- templated movement must be abandoned or indefinitely postponed, the Hanson Place people extended a call, and it was accepted. Here he remained for more than eight years. The congregation was small when he went there, and the debt was heavy; the former grew to fill the house, and the latter shrank into insignificance. Hundreds were received into membership, and a colony sent in for missionary purposes developed into the Sixth avenue church. Sunday school interests, public meetings, the Sons of Temperance and denominational boards received a large share of his time and sympathy. The Long Island Baptist Association, now so strong and vigorous, was brought into being chiefly through his instrumentality.
In 1869 the president of his alma mater came to see him, bearing a proposition to enter the university as professor of belles-lettres. It required several months to determine what was the right thing to do. Love for his church and devotion to his alma mater made the question a painful and perplexing one. Finally alma mater triumphed. He accepted the appointment of the trustees, and removed with his family
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to Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. At the same time he accepted a call as pastor of the Baptist church there. He thus became a college preacher. Doing this double service, which taxed his powers to the utmost, he remained six years. Before the expiration of this term it became evident to him that this strain was too much for even his vigorous constitution. In 1875 he retired from this exacting work, the faculty and corporation conferring upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity.
In the same year he took up his abode in Plainfield, New Jersey, intending, after a season of recuperation and private study, to resume the pastoral work. He had not been there long before a movement was made to organize a church in a new and growing part of the city. This movement was made contingent on Dr. Lowry's accepting the leadership. This he was reluctant to do, but ultimately he yielded his preferences, and threw himself into the enterprise with all his energy. It was successful from the start. From a weak and impecunious body, it gradually became strong and prosperous, finding favor with the people, and building for itself a beautiful and commodious structure known as the Park Avenue Baptist church. After nine years of service Dr. Lowry retired from the pastorate. A strong effort was made to retain him, but he deemed it wise to abide by his decision.
Dr. Lowry has alway felt a certain discomfort in being better known as a hymn-writer and musical composer than a preacher. From earliest boyhood he was a singer, with a natural gift for composing music. Many years before he knew anything of the science of music he constructed musical scores which publishers were glad to put into print. Discovering that music was an art as well as an instinct, he gave himself to a thorough study of harmony. By a mere accident his name became associated with sacred song, and he has never been able to break away from the association. But he regards the preaching of the gospel as his highest work, and everything else is subordinated to that. He has edited books for churches, choirs and Sunday schools, the sale of one of them exceeding more than a million copies. His compositions are to be found in most of the popular hymnals, and some of his songs have been translated into several languages. For many years he has issued cantatas for Christmas and Easter. Sometimes he has arranged an entire musical service for his choir to use on special occasions. The musical flow in him is perennial. It is as easy for him to clothe his thoughts in music as in speech. The embarrassment of defective hearing, which limits him in conversation, has no effect upon him in creating musical form.
Dr. Lowry has been honored among his brethren in New Jersey. Twice he was elected moderator of the East New Jersey Baptist Association, an unusual proceeding at the time. For several years he was president of the New Jersey Baptist Sunday-school Convention. He was also for a time connected with the New Jersey Baptist
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Education Society. He has preached frequently, by invitation, ill churches of different denominations. He is a member of the Ministers' Association of Plainfield.
Dr. Lowry has traveled through Canada, the New England states, the western states and the Colorado Canyon, the southern states and Mexico. Twice he has made the tour of Europe. At the Robert Raikes centennial, in 1880, he attended the meeting of delegates in London, in which speeches were made by representative men from all parts of the world. Near the close of the meeting the chairman, a member of parliament, rose and said : "I am told that Dr. Lowry, the author of ' Shall We Gather at the River?' is present ; we should be glad to hear fromn him." The effect was startling. As Dr. Lowry came forward and stood on the platform, the whole audience broke forth in applause. Persons rose to their feet and waved their handker- chiefs. For some minutes it was impossible to say a word. Not more than a dozen Americans in the room had ever seen the man, but they gave spontaneous tribute to the song-writer whose name had been a household word to them for many years. .
Dr. Lowry is a distinguished member of the Phi Kappa Psi frater- nity. For over forty years he has had a place in its councils. For two years he was its president. On several occasions he has read the poem or made an address before his fellow Greeks. He always attends the symposium of his chapter, and he is a member of the New York Phi Kappa Psi Club of alumni. He has recently compiled a Phi Kappa Psi song book, in male score, and this is used in all the chapters. He receives from all parts of the country poems, whose authors ask for criticism and correction, and the autograph collector frequently puts in an appearance by mail.
Dr. Lowry resides quietly in his own house in Plainfield, enjoying his library, which is crowded and overcrowded with the accumulations of a lifetime. Works on harmony and hymnology abound. Thousands of volumes cover the shelves,-some of them rare and precious. In the midst of his books stands his organ; piles of musical manuscripts are around him. He maintains his vigor even while passing through the seventies. His latest achievement is the conquest of the bicycle.
TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH
was organized March 29, 1880, with fifty-five members. The church edifice was erected in 1861, by the Union Baptist Society, greatly improved and enlarged in 1872, by the Central Reformed (Dutch) church, whose property it had become, and thoroughly refurnished and refitted in 1882, by the congregation of Trinity Reformed church, whose consistory had purchased it in June, 1880. Present membership : number of families, two hundred and forty ; total in communion, five hundred and twenty-one ; enrollments in Sunday school, four hundred ;
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Y. P. S. C. E., one hundred and forty-five ; Junior Y. P. S. C. E., sixty- five. Pastors : A. V. V. Raymond, now president of Union College, Schenectady, until February, 1887 ; Cornelius Schenck, June, 1887, to date.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This society was organized September 30, 1879. It held services in the Seventh-day Baptist church for two years. An attractive building was erected on Seventh street in 1883. Present membership, two hundred and fifty. William Manchee was the first pastor. C. L. Goodrich, the present pastor, took charge of the church in May, 1884.
CHURCH OF HEAVENLY REST.
This Episcopal church parish was organized in February, 1879, by Charles S. Lewis. Services were at first held at his house. The present building was consecrated April 12, 1883. The dedication services were conducted by Bishop Scarboro, and he stated that this was the second church in his bishopric started free of incumbrance. Rectors : N. H. Burnham, J. P. Taylor, D. D., and W. W. Page, D. D. It is at present without a rector, but is in charge of Charles N. Lewis, lay reader.
ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH.
About thirteen years ago the late Bishop O'Farrell directed Father Bogard, of Bound Brook, to gather together the Catholics of North Plainfield, and, if possible, to establish a mission. Mass was at first celebrated in a hall on Somerset street, then in the old public school, until the present church edifice was dedicated, March, 1883. Pastors : Father O'Hanlon, five years, from April, 1882 ; Nicholas Freeman, two years, being succeeded by Father McKeman ; William H. Miller, April, 1894, to date.
CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR.
Under the leadership of Henry E. Bowen union services were established at Netherwood, in March, 1880. A neat chapel was built and dedicated July 3, 1881. In 1886 the chapel and services were passed over to Grace Church, and the work was organized as a parish mission in June of that year. August 13, 1887, this mission was organized as the Church of Our Saviour. Pastor since September, 1888, S. P. Simpson. Present membership, ninety.
ALL SOULS' CHURCH.
The first Unitarian service in Plainfield was held in the Seventh- day Baptist church, in May, 1889, the sermon being preached by Robert Collyer, of New York. The society was organized about the same time, and held services at 17 East Front street, and at a house of Job Male, on Scond Place, until the present edifice was built, in 1892.
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The dedication sermon was preached by M. J. Savage, of Boston. Previous to December, 1889, the services were conducted by D. W. Warehouse, of New York, and other clergymen of the vicinity. William P. Wilder took charge of the work for twenty-five Sundays, until his retirement, March, 1890, which was soon followed by his death at the age of eighty-two. Hobart Clarke, the present pastor, was installed June 13, 1890, the sermon being preached by Edward Everett Hale, of Boston. The land upon which the church stands was the gift of Job Male. About fifty families are represented in the present membership.
ST. PETER'S LUTHERAN CHURCH
was organized January 4, 1892. Its house of worhip is a neat structure, with a seating capacity for three hundred. It was dedicated November 5, 1893. Present membership, fifty-three. The services are conducted in German. Edward Kiouka has been pastor from the organization of the church. A Danish Lutheran Mission has been established, which holds services in this building once each month.
GRACE CHURCH, METHODIST EPISCOPAL.
This church, which is located in North Plainfield, was organized in March, 1893. The house of worship had been erected the previous year, and was dedicated February 12, 1892. H. K. Carroll, D. D., of the New York Independent, was pastor for one year. Present membership, one hundred and sixty-two. Pastor, since April, 1893, Herbert F. Randolph.
CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER.
This is a new parish of Episcopalians, organized March 12, 1894, with a membership of sixty. The society was incorporated June 27, 1894. The rector is Rev. Jocelyn Johnstone. They expect to build soon.
THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
The Plainfield association was organized in 1867. The present finely equipped and commodious building was erected in 1894. It contains, for the use of the association, a large assembly hall, rivaling in beauty any in this section of the country, a reception room, secretary's office, coat room, reading room, library, members' parlor, three class rooms, two rooms for the boys' department, committee room, amusement room, and, in a wing of the main building, a gymnasium, with locker room, plunge and other baths, bowling alleys, etc., while in the basement is a wheel room. The work of the association is carried on through the following departments : social, physical, educational, spiritual and junior, each of which is thoroughly equipped,
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and doing effective work for the elevation of the young men and boys of Plainfield.
EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES.
Plainfield has the honor of being the home of the free public-school system of New Jersey. Dr. Charles H. Stillman was the efficient pioneer of this work. In the face of much opposition he secured initiatory legislation and an appropriation of four hundred dollars, and founded a free public school in the town of Plainfield, Angust 16, 1847. The school system of Plainfield receives the pupil in the kindergarten and graduates him from the high school, fitted for any college. Under the supervision of Henry M. Maxson, A. M., an able corps of teachers furnish unsurpassed opportunities for well rounded and thorough school culture. While the standard is kept high, examinations hold a place of subordinate importance, and every effort is made to remove all cause for nervousness and worry on the part of the pupil. The schools occupy fine buildings, which are kept in excellent order, and the sanitary conditions, within and without, receive constant and careful attention. The high school has the reputation of being one of the best in the state and is widely known beyond its borders, its graduates being admitted on certificate by such colleges as accept certificates, and passing with credit at others. By a law of the state, books and supplies are furnished free to pupils.
Independent of the public-school system of Plainfield is that of North Plainfield, but, under the direction of Professor C. E. Boss, it is equally efficient. The building on Somerset street is modern and fully equipped.
MR. LEAL'S SCHOOL.
This is a private school, which has for a dozen successive years been sending boys to college. Its teaching force, in proportion to the number of pupils, is large, its policy generous, and its atmosphere stimulating. It has aided much in building up a college sentiment in our city. The fact that such a school has flourished in Plainfield, where the public-school system has reached so high a degree of efficiency, is a sufficient evidence of the quality of its work.
THE PLAINFIELD SEMINARY.
Miss Kenyon's school for girls was established in 1855, and is the oldest private school in the town. For more than twenty-five years it has been under the direction of its present principal. The seminary stands in the centre of large grounds, and is shaded by fine old trees. The building, with its dignified proportions and solid brick walls, is an interesting example of the architecture of the Italian Renaissance. The study hall is large and airy, affording abundant room for daily gymnastic exercise and marching. The school consists of a primary
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and academic department. The teachers are earnest, and especially prepared to give instruction in the several branches under their charge. In addition to mathematics, history, science, literature, philosophy, Latin, French and German, the curriculum includes drawing, music, dancing, sewing and vocal and physical culture. A practical and critical knowledge of the English language is emphasized. French is taught daily by a resident native instructor. A well equipped labora- tory furnishes opportunity for individual experimental work in natural science. The seminary is not a boarding school, but each year two or three girls find a pleasant home in the family of the principal. The aim of the school is to give girls, without injury to their health, an education which shall make them intelligent women. A delicate girl working in small classes under careful supervision may here succeed in obtaining such an education, an impossibility under less favorable circumstances. A college-preparatory department has recently been added. Last year the school sent one pupil to Bryn Mawr and one to Cornell University, and has, at present, students preparing for Vassar, Smith, Bryn Mawr and Radcliffe.
MISS SCRIBNER AND MISS NEWTON'S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.
Upon La Grande avenue, at the corner of Washington street, is the very desirably situated school for girls conducted by Miss Scribner and Miss Newton. The building, which was erected for the purpose, is commodious and well equipped. The class rooms are sunny and well ventilated. The school is divided into four departments: Kin- dergarten, primary, intermediate and academic. The curriculum is as complete as could be desired. Diplomas are granted graduates of the Latin, scientific or literary courses. Students are admitted to the scientific department of Wellesley College on the certificate of this school, without further examination.
PLAINFIELD MANUAL TRAINING AND GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
This school was opened in 1893 in the school rooms of the Friends' meeting house, on East Front street. It is conducted by John Dalziel, for many years a well known engraver. The mornings are devoted to grammar-school work; the afternoons to manual training. The indus- trial-art department is a valuable feature of the school. It is open to both boys and young ladies. A specialty is made of individual work rather than class instruction. The value of manual training is too well appreciated to need emphasis here. A boy taking the full course in this school is sure of a liberal education, and one that will fit him for a useful life.
PLAINFIELD LATIN SCHOOL.
For a number of years this was a flourishing school for boys, con- ducted by the late E. N. Harned, and known as the Harned Academy.
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Shortly before his death Mr. Harned built large additions to the build- ing, making it in every way a model boarding school. An effort is now being inade to get a military detail for the school, and it is hoped that the result of this effort will be a military academy for Plainfield.
P. LUDWIG CONDE, CONCERT VIOLINIST AND TEACHER.
The violin studio of Mr. Conde is located at 117 West Fifth street. Mr. Condé is a native of Reipoldskirchen, near Bingen on the Rhine, Germany. He began the study of the violin at the age of eight years, under the instruction of Bernhard Yung, a well known pupil of Louis Spohr. At his violin studio the principal methods taught at the leading conservatories of Europe are in use. Mr. Condé also accepts engagements for concerts and receptions.
In addition to the foregoing there are a number of kindergartens and small private schools.
PLAINFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY.
This library made a modest start in 1881, but it was not until 1886 that the present building was erected, at the instance of A. C. Baldwin. Job Male offered the land and building if the citizens of Plainfield would raise twenty thousand dollars for books and pictures. This was done, and to-day the library contains upward of thirteen thousand volumes, circulates yearly about twenty-six thousand books, and is consulted daily by students and readers from all parts of the city. The Babcock Scientific Library is a recent bequest, the sum of ten thou- sand dollars having been left for this purpose by the late George H. Babcock, besides a handsome annuity for its maintenance, which will give Plainfield one of the finest scientific libraries in the state. The art gallery does credit to the artistic tastes and demands of the citizens of this really cultured city. Miss E. L. Adams is the popular librarian.
MUHLENBERG HOSPITAL.
This hospital was suggested by the late Dr. Charles H. Hart, and was incorporated in 1877. The land was the gift of the late Job Male, and the building was erected in 1880. The hospital is wholly unsecta- rian, and a woman's auxiliary board assists in the management, which is very efficient. A new operating room has just been built, which greatly increases the institution's power for good. It is assisted by an annual collection from the churches.
OPERA HOUSE.
Stillman Music Hall was built by a joint stock company of leading citizens upon land donated by Dr. Charles H. Stillman. The house was opened by Theodore Thomas, and the occasion was a brilliant society event. The board of directors endeavor to secure a high grade of
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entertainments from the metropolis and elsewhere. This is especially necessary, as the proximity of New York and the natural culture of the people make Plainfield audiences particularly critical.
HOTELS.
Surmounting the heights of Netherwood rises the massive brick hostelry known to pleasure-seekers far and wide as the Netherwood Hotel. It is the most imposing structure between New York and Philadelphia. It is built entirely of brick with tiled floors, is surrounded by broad piazzas, and furnished with elevator and all modern improve- ments, including private baths, electric lights and the purest of artesian water. In connection with the house is a commodious stable and livery. From the hotel office there is direct telegraph and telephone connection with New York. The hotel is three minutes' walk from Netherwood station, and but forty-five minutes from the foot of Liberty street, New York, over the Central Railroad of New Jersey, noted for its granite road- bed, its freedom from dust, the absence of any tunnels, and the fact that more than half the trip to Netherwood is over water, or skirting the shores of New York bay. The spacious parlors, with daily concerts and dancing, the cool verandas and delightful drives, account in part for the popularity of this summer home, but, after all, much is due to the owner and proprietor, Frank E. Miller. His care for the comfort and pleasure of the children, as well as the older guests, is especially noticeable.
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