History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1, Part 38

Author: First Presbyterian Church in Morristown (N.J.)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Morristown, N.J. : "Banner" Steam Print
Number of Pages: 942

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word was weighed when he spoke. In con- versation his manner was marked by ex- treme gravity. I don't recollect ever see- ing him laugh but what I recollect of him with the greatest pleasure, was the winning charm and kindness of his manner in con- versation, of this I have distinct recollec- tion. It was just that manner which would impress a stranger with the idea, 'this is a man I can trust.' My father had the most exalted idea of him as a gentleman and a friend. I suppose no man ever stood higher in public estimation in Morristown, either socially or as a safe and trusted counselor. I regret that I am unable to give a fuller sketch of this good man."

THE SOUTH STREET SUNDAY SCHOOL LECTURES

The second and third in this course have been delivered; the second on " Church History," March 9th, by Mr. John White- head, and the third on " Christian Doctrine," April 4th, by F. G. Burnham, Esq.

Before the delivery of the third lecture, a kind friend sent the communication which follows this notice. The maternity of the letter is strongly suspected. Praise is pleas- ant even to the most modest, and it could hardly be expected that human nature, es- pecially that of an editor, could resist the temptation to publish so flattering a com- mendation, coming as it does from this sus- pected source.

These lectures are delivered in the church parlor, in the rear of the main building.

The arrangement of the rooms con- nected with the parlor, is admirable and reflects great credit on the ar- chitect and building committee. The com- pactness and convenience which have been obtained is simply wonderful. It can hardly be credited that seven rooms are to be found in the rear of the one used for reg- ular worship. Beside the parlor there are a pastor's study, two rooms for Sabbath school purposes, one for the older scholars and one for the infant classes-a ladies room, kitchen and library. The parlor is admirably adapted for lecture purposes ; its acoustic properties are excellent ; it brings speaker and audience close together and gives a home like feeling and appearance.

This plan of instruction for Sunday schools is again commended.

THE RECORD.

Mr. Editor :

The second lecture of the course on "Sunday reading" was delivered in the Bible class room of the South street Presbyte- rian church, March 7th, by John White- head, Esq.

"Church History" was the subject select- ed for that evening, and a goodly number assembled to partake of the literary feast, for such, indeed, it proved to be. The lec- turer gave a history of the Christian church to the era of the Reformation. The time subsequent to this period was not consider- ed, as well from lack of time, as from the fact that it must be more familiar to the audience.

The history of the church was divided into three periods, Ancient, Medieval and Modern.

The Ancient period included the " Apos- tolic Era," the era of the " Persecuted Church," and the era of the " Church Tri- umphant."

The Medieval period included the time from Gregory the Great, to Gregory VII; from Gregory VII to Boniface VIII; from Boniface VIII to the Reformation. The modern period extends to the present time and is still in progress.

The treatment of the subject indicated deep research on the part of the lecturer and an ability to mould the facts into a form that could be readily grasped. At the close of the lecture a list of books, valua- ble to the student was cited, many of which are to be found on the shelves of the library. B.

TEMPERANCE.

In the last number of the RECORD men- tion was made of several plans proposed for a check to intemperance. Each plan, of course, has its honest advocates. The views and prejudices of these advocates ought to be respected ; but, where the com- mon sentiment of all who favor these differ- ent plans. is in one direction and all are de- sirous of reaching one end, the mutual re- spect due to each other should permit and the common desire for the same great end should induce, a united effort in adopting one of the various plans proposed.

Is it possible to accomplish this union ?

Why not ? What is lacking is union. What will secure undoubted success is one con- mon impulse of all opponents of intempe- rance in one direction.

Take a practical view of the subject. Morristown has nine Christian churches, into which gather statedly a very large ma- jority of the people of that city. If the vote should be taken of the worshippers in these nine churches upon the simple question, temperance or intemperance, there could be no doubt as to the result. In all probability, every man, woman and child would vote for temperance.

But present the question to the same vo- ters in this form ; what practical plan is the best to adopt to stop the further progress of intemperance, and quite another result would be obtained.

This divergence of opinion cannot be avoided, but this can be done: When a question of action is submitted, then Christ- ian men and women can surrender mere opinion and adopt a course of action which involves no surrender of principle, but by a united effort can be made successful.

Let every one who opposes intemperance and really desires to check it, put himself in such a position that he may honestly sub- scribe to this sentiment : My opinion favors one certain plan, but I am willing to do whatever is thought best by the majority provided I am not called upon to surrender a principle.

The Index, published at Brockport, N. Y,, in the interest of the Baptist church there, is welcome. It is a bright paper, fully alive to the duties of a church of Christ and of individual Christians. We tender our congratulations to our brithren at Brock- port on the good work they have accomplished for their church edifice, but more especially for a higher and better work, which seems to have blessed the se- ries of meetings they have been holding.

The next lecture in the course in South street church, in this city, will be delivered by Mr. Andrew F. West, May 2d next, on Christian Duty.

Why, cannot the old First Church imi- tate this excellent example ?

THE RECORD.

HISTORY OF THE-SUNDAY SCHOOL.

On the banner of the Sunday school of the church hanging every Sabbath in the chapel, is the date 1816. It is presumed that this date is intended to denote the year in which the Sunday school was organized. But is this correct ?

Mr. Manning Rutan, in his Sist year, writes from Greenville, Michigan, that he thinks he attended Sunday school, in the gallery of the church, in 1814 or 1815. The superintendent was then a lady, and lived, so says Mr. Rutan, about one hundred yards from the church and carried on the milli- nery business. Two of the teachers were employed by the superintendent in her shop, one of whom was Miss Charity Mc- Carty, who afterwards married a Mr. John- ston and also carried on the millinery busi- ness. This lady superintendent, says Mr. Rutan, afterwards married Col. Cobb, of Parsippany, but he does not remember her name. A friend says she was a widow and her name was Shaw.

Our former pastor, the Rev. Dr. Irving, in his sermon, published in the RECORD, Aug. 1882, says that in 1816 a Sabbath school, in connection with this church was established. Before, a few active friends met on Sabbath to instruct the colored people. This school for colored folk, Dr. Irving supposed was the first movement in this part of the country in the direction of Sunday schools.

Dr. Irving's sermon was preached on Thanksgiving day, 1862. Undoubtedly the preacher made his statement after all pos- sible research. But, if Mr. Rutan be correct, there must have been a Sunday school for white children prior to 1816.

In 1880, the Rev. D. E. Platter prepared a historical manual of the Rockaway church ; in the sketch of the history of the church contained in this manual, it is stated that in 1815, Mrs. Electa Jackson, wife of Col. Joseph Jackson, living at Rockaway, started the first Sunday school in Morris County, in the "old red school house," near the church, at Rockaway. Mr. Platter adds to this the statement, that "Mrs. Jackson and her sister-in-law, Mrs. James Jackson, had pre- viously gathered the neighboring children for religious instruction in their own homes."

All honor to these pious ladies and to the church which supported them.

A correct history of the Sunday school is very desirable. A kind friend, at one time, much interested in the school and occupy- ing an important position in it, has given some interesting facts relative to it. But her acquaintance with the school began at a date subsequent to its early history. What, therefore, is now most needed for the present purpose, are the exact facts con- nected with that early history. Any such facts will be gladly received.

BIOGRAPHICAL

Sketches of the lives of former pastors, ruling elders and prominent men connected with the church, will be published from time to time. The June number of the RE- CORD will probably contain a notice of Hon. Ira C. Whitehead, a former elder. Persons in possession of facts, anecdotes, or circum- stances connected with the lives of any of these persons thus designated, will confer a very great favor by forwarding them to the editor.

Information of any kind in reference to any of the former pastors or elders of the church is particularly requested.

During 'the week ending April 21, large temperance meetings have been held in Washington Hall, under the charge of the Y. M. C. A. These meetings have been ad- dressed by Major Scott, whose labors as a temperance evangelist have been so suc- cessful elsewhere. The clergymen of the town have been present and added their in- fluence to the efforts made to aid struggling humanity in its attempts to cast off the in- cubus of intemperance. Maj. Scott is an el- oquent speaker, well calculated to impress audiences, and knows whereof he speaks.

A large assemblage, notwithstanding the severe storm, gathered on Sunday evening, April 22d, in the First Presbyterian Church, at which Maj. Scott was present and spoke. The meetings have been continued during the week following. Great good is antici- pated from these efforts, and it is hoped that many, who have been in the grasp of the enemy of human souls, may have been re- leased.

THE RECORD.

OPEN COMMUNION.

The Rector's Assistant quotes, with com- mendation, the following, taken from one of its exchanges, which, the Assistant says, is not edited by a Low Churchman :

" Now as then, she "-the church-" wel- comes to that Sacrament of the Lord's body all baptized and faithful Christ-

ians, whatever they may call them- selves, and whatever opinions they may have added to the simple faith of the Apos- tles Creed which she holds to contain all the essential articles of the Christian faith. Though separate in their organizations from the historical church, such Christian people are by their baptism and by their faith members of the Church Catholic and universal-' the mystical body of Christ, which is the blessed company of all faithful people ;' and hence have the right to ap- proach reverently the table of the Lord."

The sentiment is Catholic and Scriptural, and is in exact conformity with the teach- ings of the Presbyterian church ; the com- munion table, when spread in our church, is not a Presbyterian table, but it is the Lord's table and all who love the Lord Jesus Christ are welcome to sit with us at the feast, let them be called by whatever name they inay.

THANKS

To the Rector's Assistant for its kindly no- tice and fraternal words with reference to what it is pleased to call " The new depar- ture of Presbyterianism." No quarrel can be had with any of its utterances on this subject, even if there were a disposition to do so, because of the true Christian spirit which pervade the whole article.

THANKS, too, to the Hansom Place Quar- terly for its pleasant notice of the RECORD. Is the Quarterly quite sure of its orthogra- phy ? Does it spell its own name aright ? Ought it not to be handsome ?

Among the many good things which ap- pear in the Quarterly, the article headed " How to Encourage your Minister," is spec- ially commendable. It may be read and fol- lowed with profit by members of any con- gregation. The hints there made are prac- tical, considerate, Christian, and ought to be carried out.

VERBAL INSPIRATION.

What is verbal inspiration ? It is the theory that the Bible is a work dictated word for word by the Holy Ghost. Accord- ing to it, the writers of the Scriptures were simple amanuenses, reproducing what was communicated to them with the liberal accuracy of a short-hand re- porter. This doctrine finds favor with a large number of orthodox readers of the Old and New Testament. Neverthe- less, it is an hypothesis which is utterly un- supportable ; even the book itself, in whose behalf it is alleged, contradicting it. Chris- tians who undertake to maintain it, place themselves thereby at a pitiable disadvan- tage in their efforts with infidelity .- Rec- tor's Assistant.

THE WORLD A GAME.

This world a hunting is,

The prey, poor man, the Nimrod fierce is death ;

His speedy greyhounds are

Lust, sickness, envy, care, Strife that ne'er falls amiss

With all those ills which haunt us while we breathe.

Now, if by chance we fly Of these the eager chase, Old age with stealing pace Casts up his nets, and there we panting die. DRUMMOND.

TO .. MORROW.

Our yesterday's to-morrow now is gone, And still a new to-morrow does come on ; We by to-morrows draw up all our store, Till the exhausted well can yield no more To-morrow you will live, you always cry. In what far country does this morrow lie, That 'tis so mighty long 'ere it arrive ? Beyond the Indies does this morrow live ! 'Tis so far fetch'd this morrow, that I fear 'Twill be both very old and very dear. To-morrow I will live, the fool does say : To-day itself's too late ; the wise liv'd yes- terday. COWLEY.

THE RECORD

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MORRISTOWN, N. J. " THIS SHALL BE WRITTEN FOR THE GENERATION TO COME."-Psalms 102 : 18.

VOLUME III.

JUNE, 1883. NUMBER 6.

[Printed with the Approval of the Session. ]

THE RECORD

Will be published monthly at Morristown. N. J. Terms $1.00 per annum, in advance.

Subscriptions may be made at the book- stores of Messrs. Runyon and Emmell, or to Messrs. James R. Voorhees and William D. Johnson, or by letter addressed to the EDITOR OF THE RECORD, Morristown, N. J.

Entered at the Post Office at Morristown. N. J., as second class matter.

BENEVOLENCE.

True benevolence is not always manifest- ed by munificent gifts. Too frequently os- tentation directs the hand which showers gold. The small rills which feed the mighty river are always the sweetest and purest. The simple. humble Christian, whose life is a constant reflection of the goodness which shone in the Master, is surer of a welcome at that Master's coming than the millionaire, who, from display gives his thousands.

All over the land, in our churches, are to be found those silent witnesses of the true Christian life. They do what they can and leave the rest with their God. Women, whose names are never heard, go about on their mission, heavenly missions, of good. They feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, comfort the widow and pro- tect the fatherless. They found no hos- pitals, endow no colleges, make no great gifts of money, but they do what they can. From loving, willing hearts go out deeds of kindness and mercy. Their reward is not in the world's adulations ; they seek no such reward. Their reward is found in the praises of conscience, in the sweet assur- ance that Christ, whose great heart went

out in such paths of mercy, will at some time own and bless.

In our church are to be found some such souls and they deserve something more than a passing notice. Among some of the associations where these true workers for Christ and humanity are to be found exert- ing a blessed influence, is the Young Ladies' Missionary Society, which was organized October, 4, 1882. They are few in number and are probably not known or recognized as very important factors in our church work, and probably they are not. But they are doing what they can, and that was the high praise which the Master gave while here on earth to another worker.

This association has met together twenty- seven times since its organization ; the average attendance has been eleven. They only make garments, so did Dorcas ; but when that woman died, she was worthy of a mention in the sacred record, which has sent her name down the ages ; and when she lay prepared for her burial, the widows for whom she made garments, with tears, showed the coats which she had made.

Silently and patiently this little associa- tion has been doing its work. Until Jan- uary 24th last, the finished garments were taken to the house of one of the ladies and distributed among the poor of our church. But now, with strengthened hands and purpose, these young ladies essay to enlarge the bounds of the field of their labors ; so, after providing in a measure, at least, for the wants of our own poor, they began work for the " Home of the Friend- less" in New York. Nor content with this enlargement they propose now to work for Dr. Snowden's family, and have actually undertaken to clothe the three youngest children of that devoted missionary.

Listen to what this association has done

THE RECORD.

since its organization, October 4, 1882. Eighty garments have been finished, nearly one-half of which has been donated to the poor of our church. They are not disposed to intermit their labors, but are going on now to finish more garments. All this has been accomplished with only thirty-seven members.

But something else remains to be said about this young missionary society. They look after their own hearts and minds as well as caring for the material good of others.

At their meetings they discuss important subjects, have vocal and instrumental mu- sic and repeat quotations from the Bible and good authors. Neither do they forget their duty to the great head of the church, for prayer is always made as a preparation for their exercises. Finances do not form a strong part of their association but their treasury is in a healthy situation ; they have a small balance to its credit.

This charming state of affairs ought not to be disturbed by naming names. The RECORD would like to speak out and tell who are the master spirits in the society, but it forbears. This, however, must be said, that while perhaps it would be invi- dious to point out one name more deserving of praise than others, still it is quite true that to one young lady more than any one else, very much is due for the success of the Young Ladies' Missionary Society of the First Presbyterian Church. The RE- CORD says God speed to the Association.

WHAT'S IN A NAME.

Some authors who have given great at- tention to the subject, insist that every patronymic had its origin in an attempt at the descriptive. That is to say, that every family name originated in some peculiarity of the person to whom it was first given. Every Bible name is of this character, ex- cept, perhaps, that the characteristics in- tended to be described, relate rather to ex- ternal circumstances surrounding the indi- vidual named, than to the intrinsic attri- butes of the one bearing the name. Thus, all names into which enter the syllables, ja, je, ah, el., denote some connection with Deity. The Jews were very apt to give to their children some name, into which en-

tered some part of the name jehovah-the sacred word, by which in their holiest ser- vice, they denoted God.

Our German ancestors, with a grim hu- mor, when naming their serfs, descended far below the standard adopted by the pious Hebrews in naming their sons and daugh- ters. The patronymics, used by the people of the Teutonic race, denote other charac- teristics than are to be found connected with Divinity. Such names as Wolf, Fox, Bear, Lion, Cow, Sheep, Pumpkin Head, are to be found in the names of German families.

The Bible society is to meet at the First Presbyterian Church in Morristown, in this month of June, and an address is promised from the Rev. Dr. Schaf. Dr. Schaf is a representative of German thought and learning, one of the ablest men of the cen- tury and one of the most cultivated. His name Schaf is the German for Sheep.

In this issue of the RECORD is a sketch of the life of Judge Whitehead.

One legend, as to the manner in which the family name he bears originated, is this.

In the 12th century, Henry 2d of England attempted the conquest of Ireland, in which. attempt he was partially successful. He found the people of the Island divided into septs or clans; each member of the clan bearing the same patronymic. Between these clans there existed strong animosities which led to constant civil war. The Eng- lish were desirous of breaking up the terri- ble custom of war between the tribes, and adopted various means to accomplish their end.

One of their plans was the baptism of wild Irishmen, as they were captured, with a new name, different from the one by which they were known. These names, as may well be imagined, were generally descriptive. In the south part of Ireland, where this law mostly obtained, are to be found many of these descriptive names.

So, goes the story, a wild Irishman with a remarkable head of white hair, one day was brought to the font, and was baptized Whitehead. The story may not be accepted by all the members of that respectable family whose names appear so frequently, on the records of the church, and it may not be true, but it illustrates, very forcibly, how family names may arise,

THE RECORD.

HON. IRA CONDICT WHITEHEAD.

Judge Whitehead was directly connected with the interests of the church for nearly the whole of his life time. He was baptized in early childhood and thus according to the opinions of the great body of Presbyte- rians of that day, became entitled, on his arrival at maturer years, to the privileges of church ordinances. From his infancy to his death he was a constant attendant at the meetings on Sabbath and other days, and when, at a later time, wisdom and ex- perience were added to his natural and other acquired qualities of mind and heart, he be- came trustee and ruling elder. His inter- est in the church was so great, his affection for its ordinances so manifest, and the part which he took in promoting its highest ad- vantage, so prominent that it seems emi- nently proper that some sketch should be given of his life and character in the pages of the RECORD.

He was born in Morristown, April 8, 1798, and was descended by both parents from old Morris county families. One of the names. he bore denoted his maternal ances- try. He came from the same stock which has given to New Jersey such men as Silas Condict of Revolutionary fame ; Lewis Condict who was a representative in Con- gress for so many years from Morris county ; John Condict of Essex county, who represented his part of the State also in the national Councils for so long a time, and which has given. to the church such exemplary men of God as Ira Condict, D.D., for whom Judge Whitehead was named, and Jonathan B. Condict, D.D., who died after many years service, a professor of Auburn Theological Seminary.

His father's family were numbered, for several generations, among the yeomanry of the country.

From the ranks of this part of the com- munity have ever come the sturdy, honest, intelligent thinkers, the strong men, the patriotic and honest statesmen, who count no sacrifice a loss, when the country de- mands.

Judge Whitehead's father was Ezekiel Whitehead, a sturdy, independent man, who feared nothing but sin and the anger of his God. His mother was Mary, the second

child of Jabez Condict, who was the cousin of Silas Condict, of Revolutionary times. The strong bias of religious element, which entered into the life and character of Judge Whitehead, was found in his ancestry.

Philip Condict, his maternal great-grand- father, was a ruling elder in the First Pres- byterian Church, and his grand-father, Jabez Condict and his wife, were life long members, ardent in their piety and most exemplary in their Christian devotion.

At the time of his birth his father's family lived upon the farm, at present owned and occupied by Mr. F. B. Betts, near Morris- town.

Ezekiel Whitehead had five children, of whom Judge Whitehead was the third. The second, a son, Sylvester R., still sur- viving at the ripe old age of 88, lives at the homestead at Washington Valley, occupied by his father for so many years prior to his death.

Judge Whitehead when a youth manifest- ed a taste for letters, and was destined by his parents to a professional life. He was prepared for college at the old academy, then standing where the present Library is erected. Mr. James Johnson, a name well known in the educational annals of Morris- town as an able and most successful teacher, was his instructor and prepared him for college. He entered Princeton College November 9, 1814, in his seventeenth year, being admitted to the Junior Class. Very soon after entering college, Nov. 29, 1814, he became a member of the Nassau Bible So- ciety. His connection with this society continued so long as he was a student in college.

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History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1, Part 38

Author: First Presbyterian Church in Morristown (N.J.) Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Morristown, N.J. : "Banner" Steam Print Number of Pages: 942

Author: First Presbyterian Church in Morristown (N.J.)
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Morristown, N.J. : "Banner" Steam Print
Number of Pages: 942