USA > New Jersey > Morris County > Morristown > History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1 > Part 22
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132
erous support to the pastor has never reached my ear.
At the meeting to which I have already referred it was also voted that the sexton's salary should be increased to $60 per annum, and that he should be denied the privilege of pasturing cattle of any kind in the grave- yard. On Jan'y 1, 1816, the society through its Trustees sold to certain parties chiefly belonging to the congregation for. the sun of $1,500 all of that part of the parish land called Morristown Green to remain as, a common forever, subject to certain restric- tions and exceptions ; two of which were as far as we are concerned the building of a lecture room and a church ; as the former has been located, the latter is a right which belongs to us and which we may be called upon to excise at some future period.
Permission was also given to the Trustees and others who would assist them to build a lecture room, which was completed in 1819 under the management and supervi- sion of Mr. John Mills, who took much in- terest in the work, and who expended in its completion more than was subscribed ; the balance was afterwards paid him. About the same time the church was thoroughly cleaned and painted at an expense of $817. The Trustees were also requested to employ a chorister at such salary; as can be agreed on, not to exceed $50.
In 1816, a Sabbath school in connection with this church was established. Before this a few active friends met, on Sabbath, to instruct the colored people, which may be considered as the first movement, in this section of planting that institution which God has so much honored, and blessed to both teacher and scholar. This school was first under the superintendance of one, or two devoted ladies assisted by an, efficient corps of teachers, among whom I find the names of Mills, Condit, Johnson, Johnes, Schenck, etc., all ladies. Several of whom are with us unto this day and some have fallen asleep.
Whilst 1820 and '21 were years of compar- ative drought, God again remembered his heritage and appeared. in, a most glorious manner. Yea in a way that he had never done before. The whole congregation was moved in the spring of, 1822 ; the church became crowded to overflowing and benches
156
THE RECORD.
were brought in to accommodate the peo- ple. At one communion nearly 100 were added to the church, from the aged sire to the youth of fourteen ; thirty were baptized, the scene was overwhelming, few re- frained from tears. A Scotch clergyman who was present, said afterwards to the pas- tor, " Ah my brother, I stood it very, very well, until I saw your youthful hand come down on the bald head of that old man and then I could refrain no longer but burst into tears." As the fruits of this revival there were received in 1822-3 over 160. Whilst abundant in labors, serious inroads began at length to be made upon the pas- tor's health. At the age of twelve he had suffered severely from small pox, and from that time never was robust and vigorous ; but in the fall of 1822 he was threatened with a pulmonary complaint, so that he was obliged to go South and spend the winter at Charleston. He returned in the spring much improved, but soon his strength fail- ed. At this juncture a call came to him from the Presbyterian church of Charleston, S.C., and being benefitted by his former sojourn there he felt it a duty to ask for a dissolution of the pastoral relation which was reluctantly granted and a very feeling and touching address was presented to him by the con- gregation. On the 8th of October, 1823, he ceased to be pastor, but his love for his charge did not here end. This was a place dear to his heart, and in his last sickness he came back to place himself under the care of Dr. Johnes, his former physician, and in whom he had special confidence ; but he had only been here a few days when he breathed his last on the 17th of September, 1851.
Under his ministry the church was more highly blessed than under any of its pastors, if we regard the additions that were made to its strength. During his pastorate of nearly nine years, 271 were admitted on pro- fession of their faith and 46 by letter, 317 in all. There were no elders ordained during his ministry, but of those afterwards set apart to that office were five, who joined the church under his ministry.
Besides the improvement and changes in the edifice already referred to, we may mention the introduction of stoves and lamps in 1822. The former innovation was very much resisted by a few as leading to
effeminacy. Their fathers and mothers had faithfully attended the sanctuary without any such comforts, being satisfied with the smell of fire from the foot stoves. One good man affirmed that they had always trusted Providence for keeping warm and should do so still; opposition was slight however and stoves and lamps were soon fixtures in the church, at an expense of $254. Previous to this when the church was lighted, which was but seldom, it was done by candles taken by different members of the congregation. Opposition to stoves was on a par with the repugnance of many to insuring the church, which was deemed a wanton disregard of God's Providence and an act that boded no good. These wood stoves continued till 1835, when they were found insufficient for warming the building ; coal stoves were then substituted and were used until the furnaces were introduced. The lamps remained until 1842, when others were purchased sufficient to give a fine light over the whole church. These were ren- dered useless by the introduction of gas.
We have now grouped together the leading characteristics and acts of the first four pas- tors of this church-Johnes, Richards, Fisher and McDowell. We have seen the blessings that attended their labors and their influ- ence upon this community, during their pastorate of nearly 80 years, but they have finished their earthly course ; first Johnes went up,then Richards, then McDowell and lastly Fisher. Before them and after them came one and another whom they knew here and who constitute their joy and crown of rejoicing ; of the 424 added to the church by Johnes, all have died. Few, very few remain of the ingatherings of Richards and Fisher, and the member that tarry with us of those brought to Christ under McDowell, is rapidly dimin- ishing. A few years more and the last will be gathered of the 974, that pro- fessed their faith in Christ under their united pastorate. Still their influence upon this church and community will never die. May we who remain be not slothful but fol- lowers of them who through faith and pa- tience inherit the promises.
We are now brought with one excep- tion to consider a living ministry and your patience, with the time already expended require that on these I should dwell briefly and a further reason is that some of you are better acquainted with them than I am.
(To be continued.)
157
THE RECORD.
( Continued from page 149.) MEMBERS.
[The third column on this page is the work of the RECORD. Information which will lead to the correction of any mistake, or the filling of any blank, will be thankfully re- ceived .- ED.]
Names.
When Dismissed or Died.
Huldah Byram,
Ezekiel Condict, .
"
Abner Pierson,
Lot Hamilton,
Polly Peck, .
Ruth Smith (widow),
Timothy Tuthill,
Mar. 5,
Joanna Tuthill, (Tim.),
Abraham Ball,
Lydia Hathaway,
Chloe Pierson, (Timothy), .
Eunice Casterline, (Jacob),
Uzal Condict,
Timothy Prudden,
Phebe Wood,
Sarah Peck,
Phebe Freeman.
Rheuma Smith.
Polly Ayers, .
Stephen Charlot,
Rachel Charlot. (Stephen), Mary Johnson,
David Easton,
May
13,
Isaac Headly,
Lydia Baldwin, (Silas),
Eunice Fairchild,
Mary Bollin,
Phebe Alwood, (John), .
Phebe Codnor, (Robt. N.,)
May 13,
Daniel Prudden, .
John Burnet,
Joseph Prudden, .
Elizabeth Pierson,
Sept. 24,
Mary Armstrong,
Martha Aber, (Aaron),
Jonathan Johnson,
Eleazer Byram,
..
Daniel Lindly,
44
May 17, 1815, aet. 52.
Benjamin Coe,
Lewis Mills,
Jan. 26, 1841 to 2nd P.ch. Morristown. Diciplined, April 19, 1815.
Moses Prudden,
Jan. 9,
1798.
Hannah Sutton,
Polly Prudden, (Timo.) Lydia Peck,
Mar. 4,
Theodosia Halsey, (Henry),
John Smith, (from Colwell) Polly Philips,
Mary McCarl, (David),
May 4. 4. July 1, 16 Sept. « (To be continued.)
(Rec'd from church at So, Hanover.) Apr. 23, 1855, aet. 92.
..
Jan. 29, 1816, aet. 40.
Feb. 2nd, 1802, aet. 32. Oct. 29, 1820, aet. 77.
(Married Abram Ball.)
Jan. 27th, 1850, aet. 71.
May 22, 1817 to Ohio. Died June 6, 1857, born Mar. 7, 1778.
When Received. Jan. I, 1797. Died Oct. 18, 1860, born Nov. 19, 1779.
Apr. 22, 1818, aet. 86. Jan. 26, 1841 to 2nd P. ch. Morristown. ..
4 €
158
THE RECORD.
( Continued from page 150.)
BAPTISMS.
1774.
Jan. 2. Isaac Ayres & wf., ch. Sam'l, born Oct. 29, 1773.
9. John Allen & wf., ch. Abigail, born Nov. 13. 1773.
" 16. Silas Howell & wf., ch. David, born Dec. 10, 1773.
23. Jonathan Hathaway & wf., ch. Jonathan, born Dec. 21, 1773.
Feb. 6. Seth Crowel. Jr., & wf., ch. Moses, born Jan. 1, 1774.
Jabez Condict & wf., ch. Ezekiel, born Dec. 20, 1773.
Timo. Mills, Jr. & wf., ch. Jacob, born Aug. 29, 1773.
20. Job. Loree & wf., ch. Josiah, born Dec .. 30, 1773.
Matthias Burnet & wf., ch. Mary, born Dec. 22, 1773.
" 27. Abraham Talmage & wf., ch. Anne, born Jan. 13, 1774.
Mar. 13. David Fairchild & wf., ch., bap. by Mr. Horton, Mabel.
Apr. 29. John Mitchel & wf., ch. Joseph, born Jan. 22, 1774.
May 22. Abraham Canfield & wf., ch. David Sealy, born Feb. 24, 1774.
" " John Milborn & wf., ch. Abigail. born March 10th, 1774.
" Johnathan Ford on wf's acct., ch. Charles, born April 9th, 1774.
" " Thomas Miller & wf., ch. Joseph, born April 5th, 1774.
" " John Pierson on wf's acct., ch. Esther, born Jan. 21st, 1774.
" 29. Gilbard Allen & wf., ch., baptized by Mr. Kennedy, Hannah, born March 31st, 1774.
June 5. Alexander Carmichael & wf., ch. Keturah, born March 28th, 1774.
" " Aaron Pierson & wf.,children, Judith, born Sept. 22d, 1768 ; Ebenezer Howell; born Feb. 10th, 1771 ; Charlotte, born Feb. 20th, 1774.
James Hume & wf., ch. Adam, born March 31st, 1774.
" 19. Silas Ayres & wf., ch. Ebenezer, born May 11th, 1774.
" " Jacob Frase & wf., ch. Phebe, born May 7th, 1774.
June26. Eleazer Lindsley & wf., ch. Micajah. born May 23rd, 1774.
July 9. David Youngs & wf., ch. Elizabeth, born May 18th, 1774.
Sam'l Pierson & wf., ch. Silas, born May 30th, 1774.
" 17. Elias Hedges & wf,,. family, Elias, born Feb. 14th. 1770; Ludlam, born Oct. 4th, 1771 ; David, born Nov. 24th, 1773.
Aug. 14. David Dalglish & wf., ch. Anna, born Dec. 14th, 1771.
" David Gardiner on wf's acct., ch. Mary, born July 9th, 1774.
" 21. Cap. John Lindsley & wf., ch. Eliza- beth, born July 10th, 1774.
" Jedidiah Gregory & wf., ch. Eunice, born July 8th, 1774.
" 28. Henry Gardiner & wf., ch. Abigail born July 8th, 1774.
" Abraham Gibbard & wf., ch. Phebe. born July 18th, 1773.
Sept. I. Deborah Carter, adult.
.. Phebe Cooper,
.6 William Hamilton, adult.
18. Robert Youngs, Jun. on wf's acct., ch. Hannah, born June 2nd, 1773.
4 Jacob Arnold on wf's acct., ch. Samuel, born Aug. 8th, 1774.
" Isaac Morris and wf., children, Jacob, born Jan. 17th, 1769 ; Ben- jamin, born Feb. 20th, 1774.
Ichabod Carmichael & wf., ch. Ste- phen, born July 24th, 1774.
John Prudden & wf., ch. Phebe, born Aug. 15th,. 1774.
Oct. 16. David Phillips on wf's acct., ch. Catharine, born June 19th, 1774.
" 23. Isaac Pierson & wf., ch. Jacob, born Aug. 28th, 1774.
James Eddy on wf's acct., ch. Han- nah, born Sept. 20th, 1774.
" John 'Redman & wf., ch. Barnabas, bỏrn Sept. 25th, 1774.
" 30. Josiah Broadwell & wf., ch. Josiah, born Sept. 14th, 1774.
Nov. 4. David Hoppen, family, Jeremiah, born Aug. 9th, 1764; Stephen,
" Feb. 25th, 1766; Ezekiel,
" Feb. 6th, 1768; Ananias,
" Apr. 6th, 1770 ; Moses, born Oct. 6th, 1773.
( To be continued.)
159
THE RECORD.
( Continued from page 151.) BILL OF MORTALITY.
1793.
Feb. 15. Experience Pierson,* consumption, aet. 48.
Mar. 12. Rolfe, son of widow Hannah Ayres, Colic, aet. 12.
.. 18. Samuel Minton, consumption, aet. 37~
Apr. 2. Nathan. son of Joseph Guering, scarlet-fever, aet. 6.
3. Thomas Kinney, Esq., gout in his breast, aet. 62.
May 7. Moses Lindsley,* consumption, aet. 59.
" 10. Cyrus Maxson, son of Stout Benja- min, scarlet-fever, aet. 3.
" 12. Sarah, servant of Alex. Carmichael, Esq., consumption, aet 14.
" 17. Cornelia, daughter of Abraham T. Schenck, scarlet fever, aet. 5.
June. 4. Abigail, widow of John Johnson,* sudden, aet. 85.
" 11. Joanna, daughter of Abraham T. Schenck, scarlet fever, aet. 2.
" 15. Doctor Abraham Howell, consump- tion, aet. 22.
" 16. Child of James Stiles, sudden.
July 1. Hannah, daughter of Capt. Ezra Brown, consumption, aet. 15.
" 12. Daniel, son of Nathaniel Mathers, putrid fever, aet. II.
" 17. Hannah, widow of Phinehas Ayres, consumption, aet. 45.
" 22. Abigail, widow of Thomas Troup, dropsy, aet. 60.
" 27. Child of Thomas Jenkins, fits.
31. Marcia, daughter of Silas Condict, Jun., scarlet fever.
Aug. 4. Child of Vincent Guering.
" 22. Abby, daughter of Jacob Conger, consumption, aet. 6.
" 29. Sarah, widow of Daniel Freeman, dysentery, aet. 71.
Sept.10. Sarah Tuthill, daughter of Rodol- phus Kent, scarlet fever, aet. 6. " An illegitimate child.
16 13. Stephen Pierson, decay, aet. 57.
15. David Douglas, *. consumption, aet. 48.
Oct. 1. William, son of Stephen Charlotte, decay, aet. 2.
Cato, servant of Peter Prudden, billious fever, aet. 19.
Oct. 16. Charles, son of Joshua Munson, fever, aet. 4.
Nov. 2. Child of Jonathan Dickerson, fits.
3. Eleazer, son of James Miller; con- sumption, aet. 35.
" 16. Nathaniel Peck, son of Stephen Turner, scald, aet. 7.
$6 28. Margaret, wife of Thomas Cody, dropsy, aet. 22.
Dec. 9. Robert Arnold, lingering decay, aet. 73.
' 31. Servant child of Doct. Abraham Canfield, aet. I.
1794.
Jan. 3. A child of Anthony Cazatt.
.6 9. Silas Armstrong, a hurt and fever, act. 23.
- 27. Ephraim Youngs,* drowned, aet. 44.
Feb. 4. Mattaniah Lyon,* decay, aet. 69.
Io. Cyrus, son of Samuel Mills, Jun., third day ague.
15. Joseph, son of James Swift, dropsy, aet. 13.
17. Hannah Pierson, consumption, aet. 65.
Mar. 3. Jane, widow of John Hodges, old age, aet. 90.
Apr. 12. A child of Caleb Russell, Esq.
25. George Badgley, colic, 68.
.. " A Child of Isaac Noe,t aet. 2.
May 11. A child of Zebulon Sutten,t aet. 2.
24. Mary, wife of John Bryan, con- sumption, aet. 27.
June 1. Richard Crooks, drowned, aet. 32.
' A child of James Stiles, fits.
7. Isaac Ayres,* consumption, aet. 51.
13. Eliza Ann, daughter of Daniel Pierson, dysentery, aet. I.
July 5. Widow of Thomas Coe,fever, aet. 69. " Jane, servant of Alexander Carmi- chael, Esq., consumption, aet. 8.
9. Benjamin, son of Benjamin Pierson. dysentery.
29. Peggy, daughter of Jep, a black man, dysentery, aet. 6.
Aug.12. A child of Henry Badgley, dysen- tery.
" 19. Silas, son of James Ford, dysentery, aet. 4.
" 22. Jane, widow of Samuel Rolfe, old age, aet. 83. (To be continued.)
160
THE RECORD.
( Continued from page 152.) TRUSTEES' BOOK.
At a meeting of the congregation of the first presbyterian Church of Morris-Town for the purpose of determining whether they should give Mr. James Richards a call to become the pasture of this parrish, or to invite him to preach here a longer time upon tryal, and also for the purpose of en- tering into some resolution respecting the compleating the new meeting house, and for other purposes held July 21st, 1794.
After singing a psalm and prayer by Dea- con Alling, the congregation appointed as moderator Deacon Alling ; Tobias Bodinot & Mahlon Dickerson, Clerk.
It being moved a pole should be taken in voting for Mr. Richards, a pole was accord- ingly taken by which it was agreed that a call should be preferred to him to become the pasture of this parish, one hundred and forty-two votes being taken for the call and two for inviting him to preach here a longer time upon tryal. Voted that presbytery be requested to write to the congregation of Sagg harbour on Long Island to solicit them to relinquish a part of the time which Mr. Richards is engaged to them, in order that he may return the sooner to this place.
Voted that the sum of four hundred and forty dollars a year be paid to Mr. Richards in regular quarterly payments, that he have the use of the Parsonage, belonging to this Parish (except a small part planted with a nursery of mulberry trees before Col. De- Hart's door) and to be found fire wood so soon as he shall keep house, while he shall continue to do the duty of a preacher of this congregation.
Voted that Mr. Richards be supported in this congregation by a tax to be raised by an obligation for that purpose in the words following, viz :
Whereas on the 21st day of July, 1794, at a Parish meeting of the first presbyterian Church and congregation in Morris-Town duly noticed for that purpose, it was voted that a call be prefered to Mr. James Rich- ards to take on him the pastoral charge of the said Church and congregation, and that as a compensation during the time, that he continue to do the duties of his office as a minister or pasture to the said congregation he shall be paid at the rate of four hundred
and forty dollars per annum in quarterly payments, with the use of the parsonage lands near the meeting house, excepting the small lot that contains the nursery of mul- berry trees, and it being also voted that the said sallary should be raised and levied by the parishioners by way of tax as the law directs the state taxes to be raised. except- ing that four assistants or supervisors an- nually chosen to assist the assessor whose duty it shall be to make such abatements on the tax of individuals as to them shall seem just and equitable in consideration of their being in debt or any particular mis- fortune or embarrasment of circumstances.
Therefore we the subscribers sensible of the general utility and importance to our- selves and posterity of supporting the Gos- pel and being desirous that unanimity may subsist, and that the burden of such sup- port may be borne as equitable as possible and hoping jointly to participate in the blessings and advantages of the gospel ministry, do hereby bind ourselves to pay the sums that shall be assessed and levied upon us annually to the said Mr. James Richards or to such person or persons as shall be appointed to collect the same, to commence from the time Mr. Richards shall return to supply the said congre- gation, and to be paid quarter yearly during the time he shall continue to do the duties of a minister to them, and we continue members of the said congre- gation, or until this mode of payment shall be revoked or altered by a majority of the said parishioners, provided that any sub- scribers may within three months after the expiration of any year erase his name by applying to the Clerk of the Trustees, whose duty it shall be to keep this obligation. In witness whereof we have hereunto sub- scribed our names this 22d day of July, 1794. (To be continued.)
NOTE FROM A MS. OF THE REV. JOSEPH F. TUTTLE, D.D .- Rev. Baker Johnson some years ago conversed with a Mr. Ship. man (father of lawyer S. of Belvidere) whose father aided in building the first house in Morristown, somewhere on the stream. It was in 1727 as Mr. J. thinks Mr. S. stated. This was the same year that Hackett put up the first house in Hackettstown.
THE RECORD
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MORRISTOWN, N. J. " THIS SHALL BE WRITTEN FOR THE GENERATION TO COME."-Psalms 102 : 18.
VOL. II.
SEPTEMBER, 1881. . NO. 9.
(Printed with the approval of Session.)
THE RECORD
Will be printed and published monthly at Morristown, N. J. Terms, 50 cents per an- num in advance ; 75 cents after June.
Subscriptions will be received at the book-stores of Messrs. Runyon and Emmell, or through the mail. All communications should be addressed to the
EDITOR OF THE RECORD,
Lock box 44. Morristown, N. J.
Vol. I. complete, 75 cents.
Entered at the Post Office at Morristown, N. J., as second class matter.
( Continued from page 156.)
HISTORICAL SERMON-No. 2.
By REV. DAVID IRVING, D.D.
Hitherto there has been a short period between the removal of one pastor and the calling of another, but from the time of Mr. McDowell's dismissal to the settlement of his successor was a period of 14 months. Mr. Barnes, receiving a call Nov. 29. 1824, was ordained and installed Feb. 8, 1825, by the Presbytery of Elizabethtown, then but recently organized, being a part of the old Presbytery of Jersey. In the interval Rev. W. J. Hamilton's services had been sought by the congregation, who were anxious to "hire" him for two years, which he declined and soon after he became the successor of Dr. Richards, of Newark. Then the Rev. Darius' O. Griswold was called which call he accepted and afterwards declined. But the church was not wholly vacant it being supplied by Prof. Bush for several months and who was the means of introducing the Rev.Albert Barnes to the congregation. This was Mr. B.'s first charge, and to his Master's work here he consecrated all his powers. His sermons were close, pungent, discrimi- by a series of sermons in which he appealed nating and pointed, making no compromises
with sin and fearlessly uttered. There was a practicalness about many of them that met the inquiries of the timid and doubting whose cases he would gather up in their interviews with him, con over in his study, and from the pulpit, the minister's throne, would he utter truths suited to their individual wants. He would also lay bare the hypocrisy and sins of many, who indi- vidually felt that he was the man of whom the preacher was speaking. One of the self-convicted ones came to him with the inquiry who had been speaking to him about her,and then indignantly repelling the charge by saying, "she would not have cared if they had told the truth."
The greatest commotion was excited in the early part of his ministry by his decided and unflinching course on Temperance. That great work was beginning to occupy the thoughts of many. Here he found drinking customs in vogue, and distilleries dotted all over the parish. Few places needed reforming more, said Dr. Fisher in a Fast Day sermon preached in 1812. "In the guilt of this loathsome vice intemperance, this congregation is deeply involved for such is its awful prevalence in some of our borders that if the destroying angel were to pass over, for the purpose of separating the infected from the sound we have reason to fear that very few would, escape," and then in a foot note says this is peculiarly appli- cable to a distant limb of the congregation. Mr. Barnes found with the limits of his pas- toral charge 19 places where ardent spirits were made and 20 where they were sold. To arrest the evils that are ever associated with this vice and remove if possible the curse from the community he early called the attention of his people to the subject to their reason, conscience and religion, and
162
THE RECORD.
.
sought to lead them to an abandonment of | that it now possesses. In 1826 the Metho- social drinking usages, and of the places dist church was organized which soon ad- vanced with great rapidity and has made its impress upon a large portion of this com- munity. Its first edifice was built in 1827, and the present structure in 1841. (In the great revival of 1827-8 over 200 joined the society on probation.) According to last report it has 310 members, 40 probationers and a property worth $16,000. Besides this two other churches of this connection have sprung up at Green Village and New Ver- non with a joint membership of 80 and 33 probationers. where intoxicating drinks were manufac- tured and sold. Some engaged in the traffic were first indignant at his interference and radical measures, and after listening to his discourse, determined never again to be present to listen to another, but at the time for the delivery of the next sermon they were in their places anxious to hear what he would say, and at last so convinced were they of the injury that they were doing to the morals of the place and the happiness of families that soon 17 of the dis- tilleries were closed, and not long after his departure the fires of the other two went out. One has, however, lately been com- menced in a neighborhood that suffered formerly very much from intemperance, but it is not under my pastoral charge, still I hope that it will soon be converted into something more meet for man's wants and those of the community.
Here also was commenced that system of early rising and literary labor, resulting in good to the church and pecuniary benefit to the author, and that has been kept up with but little intermission ever since. Sabbath Schools demanded not only a new kind of literature, but of comments upon the Word of God. To meet the want with reference to the latter Mr. Barnes com- menced the preparation of a commentary on the Gospels which at once became popu- lar, and which has been followed by several others upon different portions of the Word of God. These studies were a great aid to his pulpit ministrations, and were regarded by him as a side work, occupying his time · from 4 till 9 A. M. These publications are all of a popular cast.
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.