USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > Piscataway > History of the First Baptist Church of Piscataway : with an account of its bi-centennial celebration, June 20th, 1889, and sketches of pioneer progenitors of Piscataway planters > Part 10
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
LETTER FROM - WARREN RANDOLPR, D.D.
Licentiate and Pastor of the Central Baptist Church, Newport, R. I.
NEWPORT, June 11th, 1889.
To THE PASTOR AND MEMBERS OF THE DEAR OLD MOTHER CHURCH, TO WHOM UNDER GOD I OWE MY SPIRITUAL LIFE AND MY CHRISTIAN INHERITANCE. BELOVED IN THE LORD:
Glad as I am to go upon the mission to which I have been ap- pointed, I should have been specially glad if my departure could have
98
THE PISCATAWAY BAPTIST CHURCH.
been delayed long enough for me to have enjoyed the festivities in which you are to be engaged on the 20th instant. But time and tide- and ocean steamships-wait for no man. Brethren of various names, with whom I have long been associated, have requested me to repre- sent them in the World's Sunday-school Convention, soon to meet in London, and that is the only reason of my absence from the rare oc- casion which will call you together.
A church-life of two hundred years, along what marvels in the world's history has it run parallel ! Coming into existence in the colonial times, this Church when nearly a hundred years old, saw the rise of the American Republic-saw it endure a tremendous strain-but, thank God, did not see it fall. It has seen slavery eliminated from the American Union, and the flag of freedom floating over its two and forty States.
In the last quarter of its history it has seen the greatest progress in Science, Art, Discovery and Invention which mankind have ever known. It has seen the rise also, and has itself been part of the great evangelizing agencies by which our own and other lands are being brought-slowly, to be sure, but most certainly-under the power of the Gospel.
With all the shocks and changes of the passing years it has held firmly to the principles in which it was established. Six generations of men have always found its light gleaming just where the fathers put it. Questions of a new Theology have not disturbed it, for it has always believed " the old is better." Singularly free from apostates and sen- sationalists in the pulpit, it has always had a virtuous and well instructed congregation in the pews. Beginning in 1689 with Thomas Killings- worth and John Drake, its first pastor, the Church has had, in the best sense, a royal line of preachers-men not ambitious of fame and popular applause, but given devoutly to their work. Of the living I may not speak-of the long since dead, I cannot, if I would. But upon the more recent graves of Daniel Dodge and Daniel D. Lewis and Henry V. Jones I would gladly lay laurel leaves to-day.
Father Dodge, to use his own expression, the last time I saw him, " dandled " me on his knee when I was an infant. I saw and heard him preach and pray and sing when I was a child. It comes to me now, as a glimpse of something almost seraphic, as this venerable man of God, with tears coursing down his cheeks, stood at the foot of the pulpit stairs and sung-
" From whence doth this union arise, That hatred is conquered by love ?
It fastens our souls in such ties As distance and time can't remove."
Father Lewis, who baptized me, ah how can we who had such a warm place in his heart, ever forget him ? The doctrines of grace how he gloried in them. And when, so soon after preaching on the Sab- bath, it was announced that he "was not, for God took him," how sweet it was to think that the prayer we used to hear him so often offer was answered in his own experience, and that he was "in an
99
THE PISCATAWAY BAPTIST CHURCH.
actual and habitual readiness for the coming of the Son of Man."
At the mention of the name of Henry V. Jones-who married me and helped to ordain me-who of us does not even yet hear the music of the Gospel, as with soft and silvery voice he proclaimed it ? If none of us ever heard him preach what are commonly called "great sermons," I doubt whether any of us ever heard him preach a poor one. If he never rose to great heights, he always had a most delightful level. His preaching was like the sweet pastures which the good shepherd is continually seeking out, and to which, day by day. he brings his flock. And "he being dead, yet speaketh."
Associated with these leaders of the host were devout and sym- pathizing helpers, without whom the Church could not have been what it has been. The leaders led so grandly, because they had followers who followed faithfully. Few churches have had more complete harmony between pastors and people-" to which the memory of man runneth not to the contrary."
Brethren, what a precious inheritance is yours. "Other .men labored, and ye have entered into their labors." Hold up the banner of The Dear Old Church. May God give you grace to hold it firmly. In its place may it be kept till it is bathed in the light of millennial glory-till the Master, whom for two centuries it has honored, "shall appear the second time without sin unto salvation."
Your brother in Christ,
WARREN RANDOLPH.
ADDRESS BY
REV. C. J. PAGE.
Pastor of this Church from 1857 to 1867.
Whenever and wherever we meet a Church scripturally organized and "composed of living stones, built up a spiritual house to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ," we feel like congratulating them. The knowledge we have of this people, having served them for years as pastor-meeting them under the varied cir- cumstances in life, in sorrow and in joy-we know they are so organ- ized, and so composed. "Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone. In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God through the spirit." We congratulate you, because you have within yourselves the elements of power and expansion. It will be your own fault, if you do not attain to the perfect stature in Christ Jesus. Two hundred years, and what hath God wrought. Two hundred years ago a vine was brought out of the east, room was prepared for it, and it took deep root, and it filled the lands ; the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars. Under it men, women and children sat, and its fruit was
100
THE PISCATAWAY BAPTIST CHURCH.
sweet to their taste. The boar out of the wood hath not wasted it, nor hath the wild beast of the field devoured it. It is to-day an ever- green like a "tree planted by the rivers of water." Other churches have gone out from it, and the daughters and grand daughters are pre- sent to-day, and gathering round her, call her blessed. In the history so faithfully sketched by Dr. Brown, we see the Itttle one a thousand, and the small one a strong people. I am thinking to-day of the Runyons, Stelles, Dunns, Smiths, Drakes, Walkers, Daytons, Lupardus', Smalleys, Randolphs-all of them were here when I served the Church. Noble men and women, devoted to God, and loyal to the truth, the Aarons and the Hurrs. What wise counsellors I had in Jeremiah Stelle, Daniel Runyon, Alexander Dunn, Henry Smalley, Samuel Smith, and others. Was ever pastor so blessed. They have ceased from labor, and have entered into rest. But we hold them in grateful remembrance. In looking over the audience, I am reminded of the passage, "Instead of the fathers shall be the children." You have come into their places, and have a goodly heritage. See to it that you transmit it unimpaired to those who shall come after you. The fathers of the Church, while so devoted to all its interests, had a vein of quiet humor in them, and loved to perpetrate a joke even if the pastor was laughed at. While I served them a farm was connected with their parsonage, and as I began to stock it, Henry Lupardus in- formed me that Samuel Dayton had a cow which he would sell, and took me up to see it. After an examination I enquired the price, and when told, said, well, I will take her; you may drive her down. Evidently the two had exchanged glances, and Brother Dayton said : Dominie I don't want to take the advantage of you on that cow. I inquired what is the matter with her. Does she kick? No! Does she jump fences ? No ! Give a good lot of milk ? Yes! Make good butter ? None better in the township. Well, said I, what the plague is the matter with her, and he replied : Well, to be honest with you, she has no front teeth in her upper jaw. Well, said I, with uplifted hands, I don't want her. Oh ! how they laughed, and continued their laughter until they saw I was displeased, and then said, why have you lived so long and never knew that no cow has teeth there. It soon spread through the parish, and even now your children sometimes ask me, Dominie, how about that cow ?
" A little nonsense now and then Is relished by the best of men."
During my pastorate the rebellion was inaugurated, the great body of the people would have rejoiced to escape the conflict. They prayed against it, reasoned against it ; but it came, and the boys in blue were equal to the occasion. The Township was required to furnish IIO men. Dreading a draft, I was earnestly requested to take the com- mand of the company, and consented to do so, but afterwards was appointed Chaplain to the Regiment, Joseph C. Letson succeeding to he Captaincy, and William H. Stelle, First Lieutenant. We formed a part of the Twenty-eighth Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. The
IOI
THE PISCATAWAY BAPTIST CHURCH.
following members of the Church were enrolled : Bro. Brantingham, Boice, Smith, J. N. Stelle, I. R. Stelle, W. H. Stelle, Jeremiah Dunn, and Benjamin Dudling. The first three mentioned are no more. Brothers Brantingham and Boice perished on the field of Fredericks- burgh, while Bro. Smith, wounded in the same battle, fell a victim to that scourge of the soldier-typhoid fever. Of the congregation there went out from us, P. F. Runyon, J. Langstaff, WV. McCrea, W. Merrill, J. C. Letson, S. R. Dayton, Calvin Drake, I. Dayton, W. Davis, R. Conway, A. Hummer and Geo. Stelle. The first four mentioned sealed their devotion to the country with their lives. Calvin Drake, I. R. Stelle, G. Stelle, J. C. Letson, bear honorable scars received in battle. The following who laid down their lives on the altar of their country represented other congregations. Field, Green, Toupet, Ryno, Lane, and Baker. 'Tis sad to contemplate their end. The monument erected to the memory of those who in defence of their country fell, has a purpose, and that purpose gives it character, that purpose enrobes it with dignity and moral grandeur. Its speech will be of patriotism and courage ; of civil and religious liberty ; of free government ; of the moral improvement and elevation of mankind, and of the immortal memory of those who, with heroic devotion have sacrificed their lives for their country. . It will also show that as there were no loyalists or tories among the fathers in the struggle for independence, so among their sons there were no secessionists.
ADDRESS BY
- REV. m. V. MCDUFFIE,
Pastor of the Remsen Avenue Baptist Church of New Brunswick.
BRO. CHAIRMAN, BRETHREN AND SISTERS :
After listening to the very inspiring history of the Stelton Church, the Remsen Avenue Church, which has the honor to be one of the descendants along with the other daughters and grand-daughters pres- ent here to-day, rejoices with thankfulness to God for the peace, harmony and prosperity which characterized this venerable church through the two hundred years of its existence. And it may be that there is on the part of the daughters and grand-daughters present a little pardonable pride. Is it true, sir, that there is as much in the blood of folks as in the blood of horses ? and as much in the blood of churches as in the blood of folks? If so, the members of this large family of churches represented here to-day have great responsibilities to con- sider ; for there is much royal blood in their veins. The mother church has been the acknowledged queen of churches for two hundred years and still retains her position in our affections, and bears her honors gracefully, becomingly, humbly. But what is still more grati-
-
IO2
THE PISCATAWAY BAPTIST CHURCH.
fying and pleasing to the children of the family is the fact that the old mother shows no signs of the infirmities of age. She is still young and vigorous, her eye is not dim neither is her natural force abated. Vir- tue is its own reward as we see in the cheerful and happy spirit and quick discerning mind of those who have acted well their part in life's conflicts. I bring to the church the hearty greetings of the Remsen Avenue Church. This church came out of the First Church of New Brunswick and is therefore a grand-daughter. Since 1872, at which time we set up our banner in the name of God as an independent or- ganization, we have received into our fellowship over 600 members. Letters of dismission have been granted to 119 members to unite with sister churches, others have been dismissed and excluded, while yet others have died. The present membership of the church is 387. Our Sunday School has nearly four hundred members on its roll, and the largest average attendance of any Baptist school in our city. The contributions of the church to objects of benevolence have been liberal and the present condition is more than encouraging, it is even inspir- ing, as the growing condition of the congregation makes it necessary for us to consider plans for the enlargement of our church building or the erection of a new church.
Mention has been made of noble men whose labors under God resulted well for the Stelton Church and the Baptist cause in this sec- tion, the saintly women have also made a record though many of their names have been forgotten and left out of history. For Remsen Ave- nue Church I would say that much of the success of the church under God, has been due to our consecrated women. In fact it was in the heart of one of the mothers in Israel that the conception was first formed of an organization which contributed liberally toward the building of our present house of worship. In 1868, Mrs. Wm. Kent, wife of Deacon Kent of the First Church, suggested the organization of a Ladies' Aid Society for the purpose of raising money to assist in building a new church. When the time came some money was ready for the organization. That society led to the organization of an Aid Society in the new church, which still exists. For many years it had as its efficient secretary Miss Emma Stelle, a daughter of another dea- con of the First Church. The women of our Baptist churches deserve to be remembered in connection with the success of our churches. We hope the venerable church whose bi-centennial we to-day celebrate may have 200 more years of prosperity and peace added to its history.
103
THE PISCATAWAY BAPTIST CHURCH.
POEM BY - -
REV. C. C. SMITR.
Licentiate and Pastor of Baptist Church at Hempstead, L. I.
When we stand and behold from some eminence high, The forest and meadow and streamlet and sky ; When we see far away in the distances dim, And nature is voicing her joy in a hymn; We may seem to have gathered in beautiful view,
As in a fair picture the old and the new, In which the rich blending of sunshine and shade, Of the old and the new, the picture hath made : -
And so from the mount of this year of our Lord, The scenes in our thought fair pictures afford :
We look far away o'er the landscape of years, The years of the past full of joys and of tears ; We look all around, and we look on before, And we look far beyond, to the years evermore ; And we gather in vision a picture so rare, That it seems to the eye surpassingly fair : The past in the distance is brought to our sight, And it blends with the present as shadow with light ; And the vision so rare of the time yet to be, Melts away into thoughts of the bright crystal sea.
'Twas two centuries ago when a small Christian band, Unfurled here their banner, and here took their stand ; Here built they their fortress and stood for defence, Of the truth as they held it in old Baptist sense ; So they laid the foundations right strong and secure ; They intended that fortress to stand and endure. Since then, generations have followed each other, And father, and mother, and sister, and brother, Have lived out their day, and fallen on sleep : Their vigils, the angels, o'er their ashes doth keep ; In the great Judgment-day what they sowed they shall reap. From that small beginning, two centuries span, Not far from the banks of the old Raritan, Those six earnest souls have increased by the score ;- Full many are safe on the heavenly shore. 'Twas the fruitful seed that produces its kind, When the seed that we sow in the harvest we find: So out of the grain of this harvest-field, God's reapers have gathered a bountiful yield: Himself watched the planting of that tiny seed ; Himself planned the work, and He blessed the deed.
It was not then as now, -sometimes courting disaster,- That they searched all the country around for a pastor ; But one of the six, whom they knew would they take ; Their chosen was with them and they called Brother Drake. For fifty long years he guarded the flock, And like Moses of old who once smote the rock, Though he saw not a burning bush yet unconsumed, God's favor and kindness his pathway illumed. It was not then the fashion for some leading brother, To drive off the Pastor, then pray for another ;
104
THE PISCATAWAY BAPTIST CHURCH.
But earnestly seeking to learn the good way, They welcomed their Pastor's half century stay. And so with the flock, where his first works were blended, He lived and he worked, till his labors were ended. 'Twas prophetic of good for a plant very new, And destined to flourish two centuries through, To enjoy many years, to nurture and tend, This Spiritual Gardener, the good Lord did send ; And now, this old tree, that hath lasted so long, Is laden with fruit, and is thrifty and strong.
Next came Brother Stelle, of Huguenot birth ; A Magistrate, Preacher, and Pastor, of worth ; And in place of the father, when his work was done, Abundant in labors, came Isaac the son. And the next Reune Runyon who thought it no harm, While he tended the flock, to have also a farm. Then, the good James McLaughlin, so earnest and grave, By the word of the truth, sought the people to save. After him Daniel Dodge ; that his work was much blest, The souls won to Christ will quite surely attest. Then came Daniel Lewis, a man true and plain ; And one who took snuff, had a white headed cane ; Whose laugh was contagious, whose house was in town ; The good people went for him, and they took him down ; A reaper of harvest he gathered the sheaves, And he gained the reward the good servant receives. Then came Henry V. Jones, to Welshmen akin, Who loved the pure gospel, and the people loved him : His work was a blessing ; his word was in love ; His memory is fragrant ; his reward is above.
After him, Christian Page, one quite rotund and strong. And a man of the people who still battles the wrong ; And many a soul to the gospel attent, Gave heed to the word, and was brought to repent. In the line of succession came scholarly Brown ; A competent preacher for country or town ; Expounding the word and preaching good news, While the echo of pulpit, came back from the pews. These two undershepherds,-and glad that they may, ~~ Are enjoying with us Bi-centennial day. And still there's another, who yet in his zeal, Recommends the Physician who only can heal ; A man of the Lord, who is going about, The pure sweet gospel preaching in season and out ; And to-day he rejoices that of Pastors eleven, He now shepherds a flock that is so much like Heaven. Among all these good names we have Drake, Stelle and Runyon ; There's Mclaughlin, and Dodge, but never a Bunyan ; And there's Lewis, and Page, and there's Brown, Sarles, and Jones ;- These are all pleasing names of euphonious tones ; Names all, you'll observe of moment and pith ; But among them all there's not even a Smith,
But the names ! so familiar in dear old Piscataway ! And while you perchance muse o'er them and chat away,
105
THE PISCATAWAY BAPTIST CHURCH.
How they come like old friends e'en to ask recognition ! And passing before you how they seem like a vision ! The Randolphs, and Daytons, the Drakes, and the Stelles ; The Runyons and Letsons, and memory tells, Of the Smiths and the Smalleys, the Hummers and Dunns ; Of Mannings and Martins, and such other ones, As Dunham and Dunbar and Benward and France, And perhaps you might lengthen the long list perchance, With Lupardus and Sutton and Conway and Mundy- How many in meeting there were of a Sunday ! 'Twas a sight, aye indeed ! on a fine Sunday morn, To behold the full carriages rounding " Cape Horn !" From the way to New Durham and the old Friendship road,- Perhaps they'd have six or more in a load ;- From Piscataway-town and the turnpike abode, All wending their way to the house of God. And what if the red mud adhered to the wheels, Detaining them often quite late from their meals ? It still mattered not, they would be in their pew ; They must hear what the Lord would have them to do.
These knights of the soil have been men of true worth, Men of sense and religion, yet not without mirth ; Nor averse yet to eating, a good turkey dinner : And the saint would enjoy it as well as the sinner : In the Summer they'd toil in the sweat of their face ; In the Winter they'd visit and talk of their place ; And if with the husband, wife and children went too, It was thought quite the proper thing for them to do, 'Twas a neighborly way that they had with each other, When neighbor to neighbor seemed almost a brother. And the young people too, not averse to be friends, With the mutual ease which youth kindly lends, Would sometimes continue the friendship begun, Till it budded and blossomed so under the sun, That the only thing proper there was to be done. Was for two molton hearts to blend into one. , And so generations have passed with the years ; Have passed with their trials, their joys, and their fears ; These men of the soil have planted their fields, And have gathered the harvests good husbandry yields ; They have patiently waited for sunshine and rain ; They have watched the returns of the seasons again : In the hard working time they have toiled with their might, And have laid themselves down to the sweet rest of night : They have nurtured their children with parental care ; They have reared men and women of excellence rare : So on through the years son succeeded the sire, Fulfilling in measure parental desire ; And the children have reaped what the parents have sown, In houses and substance and high moral tone.
And on these rural homes, what sweet rich benedictions, Have descended in joy, as well as afflictions ! In the joy of the bridal ; in joy at the birth ; In the joy of childhood's sweet innocent mirth ; In the happy contentment of family love ; At the altar of prayer as they looked up above :
106
THE PISCATAWAY BAPTIST CHURCH.
Alas ! out from these homes where once they sojourned, . Have gone the beloved and have not returned ! How the walls of these houses full many a story. Could relate of the saints thence gone home to glory ; Of the Christian content and the soul full of peace, As the Lord in His kindness gave to them release ; As they plumed their wings, and in triumph took flight, How they left in their track a pathway of light ; As though they would lure up the heavenly way, Those lingering yet in mortality's clay.
And what of the heroes, our own " boys in blue," Who died for the Union, for me and for you ? Go and read on yon shaft, the fair names we engrave, And think of the country our boys helped to save : Let the names there inscribed be inscribed on our hearts ; Let their memory be cherished, till memory departs.
'Tis a goodly assembly we are seeing to-night, Of the children of those who have stood for the right ; Who are noble successors of men true as steel ; Men with heads that could think and with hearts that could feel. All hail to the youths and the maidens, a band, Who are serving the Lord with heart tongue and hand ! And we give them a welcome, and Christian salute ; They have come the great army of God to recruit : As the veterans fall one by one in the race, It is well they are here thus to fill up the place.
And oh maidens ! forget not, if roses in pairs, Like those worn by your mothers when bright youth was theirs, Bloom now on YOUR cheeks as if kissed by the dew ! Oh forget not your mothers have shared theirs with you ! If instead of the dimples once seen on her face, The deep lines of care have now taken their place ; Remember how Nature doth kindly transmute, The blossoms of Summer into Autumn's ripe fruit : If the dimples, sweet blossoms, were fair to behold, Changed now into fruit, they are apples of gold.
And oh boys, of such princes, such fathers as thine ! If in you all their manhood and virtues combine; Oh remember that fathers live life o'er again, In the lives of their sons as they grow to be men : As their own strength declines in yours they'll be strong ; And your virtues and manhood to them will belong.
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.