History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1, Part 75

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

USA > New Jersey > Morris County > Morristown > History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1 > Part 75

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).

Resolved. that on all notes of Fifty Dol- lars and upwards due the Parish, on which the interest is in arrear for more than one year, the drawer be requested to pay the in- terest, and in case of neglect to pay the same for the space of thirty days after no- tice, that the Treasurer proceed to collect the whole amount due on said notes.

Trustees met at the office of the Presi- dent on Saturday evening, January 12th, 1839.

Resolved, that notice be given from the pulpit calling a parish meeting for the sale of seats forfeited for non-payment of salary, on Monday, January 21st, at 2 o'clock P. M.

On Monday, Jan'y 21st, at the above hour Trustees met in the Presbyterian Church and sold the following seats, viz .:

No. 23 below for the sum of $20, to Trus-

tees. ≥3 in the Gallery the sum of $5. to Trustees. } 45 below for the sum of $10. to do.

Mr, Moore, one of the Trustees, being ab- sent and having a better knowledge of the true situation of the seats, it was thought best by the President to adjourn to Satur- day afternoon, Feb'y 2d, at 2 o'clock P. M .; thereupon the sale was adjourned.

Morristown, Sept. 2d, 1839. A meeting of the congregation was this day held by particular request of Rev. O. Kirtland.

Peter A. Johnson was appointed chairman and Silas B. Emmell, clerk.

The meeting was opened with prayer. On motion it was resolved :

Ist. That we as a congregation, deeply regret that the Rev. Mr. Kirtland has pre- ferred a request to have us unite with him in desiring of the Presbytery leave to re- sign his pastoral charge, and sincerely hope he may be induced to change his determin- ation.

2nd. Resolved, That the Reverend Mr. Kirtland be requested to take such relaxa- tions from his Pastoral labours, as his own health and the situation of his family may require; and that the pulpit be supplied dur- ing such recess at the expense of the con- gregation.

3rd. Resolved, That Mr. Childs, Mr. Poi- neer, Mr. Stites, Rev. Mr. Chester, & Dr. J. B. Johnes be a committee to communicate to Mr. Kirtland, the vote of the congre- gation. Adjourned.

September 19, 1839. Trustees met at the office of Ira C. Whitehead in pursuance of notice from the President. Present, Messrs. Whitehead, Moore, Mills, Johnes, and Sayre.

Difficulties having arisen between Mr. Benjamin O. Canfield and the Parish, re- specting the payment of salary due on his seat for the year eighteen hundred and thir- ty-six, amounting to $18.75-100 which it is alleged by Mr. Canfield he paid to Mr. Moore the late Treasurer, but which Mr. Moore denies having received ; And the Trustees having examined the Books of ac- count of Mr. Canfield and heard the state- ment of Mr. Elijah E. Taylor touching the premises, were of the opinion (Mr. Moore dissenting) that he has furnished abundant evidence of the payment having been made by him. But Mr. Moore still insisting that

PASTORATE OF THE REV. ORLANDO L. KIRTLAND.

he has not rec'd the same ; with the view of compromising the difficulty, it was unani- mously Resolved, That the Treasurer be in- structed to credit Mr. Canfield with the payment of his salary for the year in dis- pute in full, upon receiving from Mr. Moore the sum of nine dollars thirty-seven and a half cents.

Difficulties having arisen in the settle- ment of the salary due from Mr. Aram Guerin,by reason of his having produced the receipt of Mr. Moore the late Treasurer in full, up to the day mentioned in the said re- ceipt, which rec't it is alleged by Mr. Moore was given by mistake, and that more money was due from Mr. Guerin than was rec'd at the time of the giving of the rec't ; Resolved, with the view of settling the mat- ter, That the receipt be allowed by the Treasurer and a settlement made with Mr. Guerin accordingly.

It being represented by the said Aram Guerin that he gave notice to Mr. Moore the late Treasurer, several years ago, that he did not intend to pay any more salary on his seats in the gallery, and requests that the same be sold. It was

Resolved, That upon Mr. Guerin execut- ing to the Trustees a transfer of his seats in the gallery of the meeting house he be discharged from the payment of all salary due thereon.

Resolved, That the annual Parish meet- ing be held on Friday, the 27th Inst., at three o'clock P. M., in the meeting house, and that the President cause notice thereof to be given.

Morristown, Sept. 27th, 1839. The annual Parish meeting was held this day in the church.

Col. Joseph Cutler in the chair. The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and accepted.

The Treasurer's annual account was then read and accepted, of which the following is an abstract.

Their was due the Parish in Bonds and notes with interest to the 12th inst., con- sidered available, the sum of $2,007.33, Prin- cipal $1,875.58-100 and Interest $131,75 ; potes considered bad $119.41, making $2,176. 24-100. There was due for salary $1,858.26-100, of which sum $1, 116.16 is considered avail- able, $69.27 doubtful and $672.83 a total loss.

Dr.

Jabez Mills Treas. to cash re-

ceived of Loammi Moore late

Treasurer $31.16

For Bonds notes and interest 525.04

Salary 1,125.96

Cr. 1.682.16

Jabez Mills sundry expenses

paid as per account rendered 1,661.58

Balance due Trustees 20.58

1,682.16

Motion was made that S. C. Byram's note be struck from list of notes and delivered to him.

Motion was also made that Trustees take charge of the business relating to the note in the previous motion.

The following gentlemen were then ap- pointed Trustees for the ensuing year, Ira C. Whitehead, Doct. John B. Johnes, Wil- liam Sayre, John W. Poineer, Edward Con- dit, Jabez Mills, Col. Joseph Cutler.

For Chorister, Asher Carter, salary one hundred dollars per annum.

Motion was made that the Trustees ap- point a sexton. For Parish Clerk, J. W. Poineer.

Resolved, That the Trustees employ a surveyor to run out the lands belonging to the church, also sell as much wood as they shall deem proper.

The Trustees were also instructed to set- tle with Mrs. Elizabeth Cobb in reference to the fence inclosing some of the Parish land in front of her house.

The following Resolution was unani- mously adopted, Resolved, That the Treas- urer of the Parish be requested to report to every Annual meeting of the Parish the name of all Persons whose salary shall be in arrear and unpaid for two years next pro- ceeding such annual meeting.

At a Parish meeting, convened in the Presbyterian Church, Morristown May 13, 1840 to consider the existing relation be- tween their Pastor, Rev. O. L. Kirtland, and the Congregation; the meeting was called to order by the appointment of Peter A. John- son, Moderator, and opened with prayer by Rev. Alfred Chester, when the following

TRUSTEES AND PARISH.

preamble and Resolutions were adopted, viz.

Whereas, the congregation of the Presby- terian church is now assembled by a notifi- cation of the President of the Trustees, to take into consideration the existing difficul- ties between the Rev. Mr. Kirtland and a number of disaffected members of the con- gregation : We would hereby express our regret that the peace and harmony of the church should be disturbed in any way ; and whereas a certain paper has been cir- culated through the congregation and has been subscribed by a very large majority of the pew holders, which paper was headed by these expressions, "We the undersigned pew holders in the Presbyterian church in Morristown declare ourselves satisfied with the Rev. Mr. Kirtland as a man, as a chris- tian, and as a pastor, and disapprove of any attempt to effect his removal."

Resolved, Therefore that we view the acts of the disaffected as unjustifiable, that we know of no objection which has been given or can be'given, which will justify the means used to divide the relation between the peo- ple and their pastor.

Resolved, That as a congregation we feel that there is cause to humble ourselves be- fore an omnicient God, to whom we vowed to love, and study the peace and edification of each other, on account of the angry feel- ing and unhappy zeal and the determined resolution manifested by the disaffected to expel our pastor from this church at all hazard.

Resolved, That we sympathize with our pastor on account of his domestic and pub- lic trials, that our affection for him is un- abated, that our confidence in him is un- shaken, that we are contented with him as our pastor, and that we will use all lawful means to sustain him among us, and while

he continues our pastor will endeavor sac- redly to keep the solemn promises made by us at the time of his installation over us.

Parish meeting, convened agreeably to notice given by the Trustees on Sunday Aug. 16, to be held on Saturday Aug. 22, at 3 o'clock P. M., for the purpose of appoint- ing commissioners to attend the meeting of Presbytery to convene in the Presbyterian church in Morristown on Wednesday Au- gust 26, at 2 o'clock P. M.

The meeting was organized by the ap- pointment of Peter A. Johnson, Esq., Mod- erator, and opened with prayer by Rev. A. Chester.

The following resolution was submitted by Rev. A. Chester and adopted : Resolved, That the following persons be appointed by the congregation as their commissioners, to at- tend the Presbytery of Elizabethtown to meet in this place on Wednesday next, viz : Messrs. Francis Child, Doct. John B. Johnes, J. W. Poineer, Jabez Mills, Jonathan Smith, Lewis B. Stiles and Joseph McKee.

The following preamble and resolution was also adopted : Whereas our pastor, the Rev. O. L. Kirtland, has signified his inten- tion to request of Presbytery on the 26th of August instant, to dissolve the pastoral re- lation between himself and this people, ex- pressing at the same time a wish that the congregation would lay no obstacle in the way of his request :

Resolved, That out of respect to the wishes of our pastor, we feel constrained to acquiesce in his request ; still, however, we wish it to be distinctly understood by our pastor, by the Presbytery,and by the World that our feeling, as expressed in a series of resolutions passed at a meeting of the con- gregation on the 13th May last, remain un- changed.

PASTORATE VACANT, FROM SEPT., 1840 TO JAN'Y, 1841.

:0:

MINUTES OF THE SESSION.

[Three meetings only are recorded, Aug. 27, Sept. 6 & 13, and nothing of special in- terest occurred ]

TRUSTEES AND PARISH.

The annual Parish meeting was this day held in the Presbyterian Church Morris- town, in pursuance of notice given by the Trustees, Sept. 29th, 1840 at 2 o'clock P. M.

The meeting was called to order and ap- pointed Rev. Alfred Chester Moderator ; the meeting was opened by prayer by the moderator.

The minutes of the last annual meeting were read and approved.

The Treasurer's report was read and ac- cepted,of which the following is an abstract, to the 12th Sept. 1840.

There was due the parish in Bonds and notes with interest to the 12th September, considered available the sum of $1,773.12-100, there was due for Judgments on the docket of Moses A. Brookfield the sum of $170. 53-100, there was due for salary the sum of $872. The Parish also held seats in the church amounting to the sum of $2,274.16-ICO

Dr.

John W. Poineer Treasurer, to cash

Rec'd of Jabez Mills late Treasurer, $31.75

For notes and interest 197.53

For salary including rent 988.73

$1,218.01

Cr.

J. W. Poinier sundry expenses

paid as per account rendered

$1,022.93

Balance in hands Treasurer 195.08

$1,218.01

The following gentlemen were appointed Trustees for the ensuing year. Messrs. John W. Poinier, Jonathan H. Smith, Lewis B. Stiles, John B. Johnes, Jabez Mills, Francis Child and Ephraim Young.

The following committee were appointed

to take the charge of the singing, Rev. Al- fred Chester, William B. Johnston, Doct. John B. Johnes.

William B. Johnston was appointed Parish clerk.

Resolved, That the session be the com- mittee to supply the pulpit.

Resolved, That the Treasurer pay out of any money not appropriated, the sum of five dollars for each Sabbath services of Rev. Mr. Sym and ten dollars to Rev. Mr. Freeman with interest on the same. The Rev. Mr. Sym had rec'd $5 per Sabbath. Tuesday 29 Sept. 1840. After Parish meet- ing the Trustees met at the office of J. Scofield, Esq., and being duly sworn into office by Isaac Bird proceeded to the ap- pointment of officers for the ensuing year.

Doct. John B. Johnes was elected Presi- dent of the board and Mr. Jabez Mills, clerk.

The following committee was appointed : Doct. Johnes & Poinier to attend to the af- fairs of the church. The Trustees then ad- journed to meet at the house of the Presi- dent on Thursday evening the 8 of October.

Thursday evening Oct. 8, 1840. Trustees met at the office of the President, The fol- lowing resolution was unanimously adopt- ed : That the Trustees give notice from the pulpit that a Parish meeting will be held in the church on Tuesday the 27th day of Oc- tober, for the purpose of selling seats forfeit- ed for non payment of salary.

Morristown, Dec. 30, 1840. At a parish meeting of the first Presbyterian Congrega- tion, regularly and duly called, for the pur- pose of taking into consideration the ex- pediency and necessity which exists for dividing this congregation into two separate and distinct congregations upon just and equitable principles.

The meeting was called to order by Wm. B. Johnston who was present as stated clerk, when John B. Johnes was chosen moderator.

The meeting was opened by prayer by the

TRUSTEES AND PARISH.

Rev. A. Chester, and the moderator stated the object of the meeting, by reading the no- tice given from the pulpit on Sabbaths 20th & 27th of this month, which was as follows ; "Notice is hereby given that there will be a Parish meeting in this house on Wednesday the 30th of December inst., at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, to take into consideration the expediency and necessity which now exists for dividing this congregation into two separate and distinct congregations upon just and equitable principles; having in view the division of the funds and property of this congregation between the two con- gregations, and such other business as is necessary to carry the above into effect. By order of the Trustees.

December 19th 1840. John B. Johnes, President."

Resolved, That the following preamble and resolutions be adopted by voting by a Poll. Whereas the first Presbyterian Con- gregation in Morristown has laboured many years under privations and inconveniencies from increased numbers and dispersed resi- dences of the parishioners ; the census num- ber of the Town plot alone, and chiefly Pres- byterian, being no less than sixteen hundred and eighty-two; besides an addition from populous settlements in lines three or four miles long, in some directions, from the house of worship ; such numbers as cannot partake of the pastoral visits,or in such rapid succession as to be no better than a useless form; many sick and bereaved have to lament the loss of pastoral attentions; the number of Bible classes requisite for the convenient attendance of the young of both sexes can- not be successfully instructed ; lectures for week days, when not possibly to be attend- ed by the pastor on account of other duties, create disquietude and crimination ; persons anxious for spiritual conversation must ex- pect hardly ever to find the pastor at home ; with such a mass of duties in opposite di- rections, over such extensive bounds, the minister is no more exempt than others from sickness and bereavements in his own family to distract his time ; and however willing may be his spirit, no minister has the physical ability to perform one half of these duties aright, and yet prepare for every sabbath day two sermons suitable for a congregation of more than ordinary

acuteness and literary taste, acquired by hav- ing sat for many years under ministers the most famed that our country has produced.

The size of the congregation and its num- bers are the occasions of these inconvenien- cies and privations, and no possible way can be devised for equality of privilege, and for bringing the performance of such nu- merous and conflicting duties within the physical ability of one minister, but by form- ing a second Presbyterian congregation out of a portion of the present members.

And whereas some unfortunate differences. but not relating to faith or doctrines, have arisen and exist in the congregation, which in the opinion of this meeting will be best healed and put an end to by a division of the congregation, consented and agreed to at a regular parish meeting called for the special purpose of taking the subject of the said division into consideration,

Therefore Resolved :

Ist. That, in the opinion of this meeting, the faith and doctrines of this church will be better promoted and the benefits of the Gospel more generally diffused and extend- ed, by a division of the present congrega- tion into two distinct and separate congre- gations, to be called the first and second congregations in Morristown.

2nd. That means be adopted, as soon as conveniently may be, for forming and organ- izing the second Presbyterian congregation of such members of this congregation as are desirous of becoming members thereof.

3rd. That, to enable the said' second pres- byterian congregation to erect a house of worship within the limits of this parish, and for the purpose of an amicable distribution of the property of this congregation between the two congregations, that the Trustees of this congregation assign, transfer and pay to, as Trustees in Trust for that portion of this congregation as shall become members of the said second Presbyterian Congregation, Three Thousand dollars of the funds, money, and property of this congregation, to be ap- propriated and applied in erecting a house of worship and for the uses and purposes of the said second congregation.

And that the burying ground of this con- gregation shall, on the said division taking place, become and remain the common pro- perty of the two congregations.

PASTORATE VACANT.

And to facilitate the mode of payment, it is understood that part of the aforesaid Three Thousand dollars shall be paid by tran- ferring to the Trustees, of the said second congregation of the Presbyterian church, the wood lands now owned by this congre- gation, being about sixty acres more or less, to be valued at fifteen hundred dollars ; and the remaining fifteen hundred dollars to be paid with available bonds and notes.

4th. That whatever expenses may have accrued to the Trustees of this congregation, or which may accrue to them in carrying into effect the above resolutions either by way of council fees or costs of suits in law or equity, shall be defrayed out of the cor- porate funds of this congregation.

5th. That this meeting do vote on these resolutions by a Poll or list of the names of all the Parishioners (voting whether Yea or Nay), and that the moderator deliver the said poll (certified under his hand and that of the clerk) to the president of the Trustees, to be preserved among the documents of the congregation.

The congregation proceeded to vote by poll, when the following persons voted in favor of the preamble and resolutions, Yea;

Timothy Tuttle, Timothy Pierson, Elipha- let Osborn, Lewis Mills, John McIntyre, Edwin Ford, William S. Cook, William K. King, Josiah Gregorv, Henry Axtell, Fred- erick Smith, Lewis B. Stiles, Enoch Ketch- um, Amzi Carey, Silas C. Clark, James Rodgers, Isaac L. Cook, John McDowell, John L. Johnson, Jabez Mills. Enoch Roff, Benjamin H. Lindsley, Victor Fleury, Ed- ward Pierson, Charles Johnson, Mary Owen, Stephen Crowell, Sammel Bailey, William L. Crowell, James F. Elmer, Francis E. Young, Alfred W. Canfield, Mahlon John- son, Stephen M. Young, James Scofield, Benjamin F. Young, John McNiellie, Abra- ham Ball, Ephraim Young, Charles E. Sco- field, John Johnson, David Day, Edward T. Lyon, Jacob R. Wooley, Simeon Cory, Mary VanFleet, Mary E. Lindsley, Mary Taylor, Harriet Pierson, Sarah Canfield, John Havi- land, John Paul, Jarzel Turner, David 1. Guerin, Abraham Arnold, David L. Scofield, Francis Child, George K. Pattison, Dorothy McNiellie, Margaret McNiellie, Dorothy McNiellie, Jun., Lewis Dickerson, Jane Paul, Ezekiel Day, Elias Jaggers, Mary Paul,

Joseph McKee, Charlotte Johnes, Charlotte Arden, Glorianne Muir, William Bishop, Widow Tucker, Elizabeth Russel, Eliza Burnet, Elizabeth Conklin, William Shelly, Samuel Pierson, Mary Doland, Martha Drake, Antonio Luna, William M. Lindsley, Alfred Chester, Thomas Lyon, John W. Poinier, Silas Lindsley, Zenas S. Gould, Joseph M. Lindsley, Jonathan H. Smith, John B. Johnes, Jesse Muir, Charles Marsh, James P. Young. [92.]

And the following person voted Nay : Silas Johnson.

The following protest was presented by Mr. I. C. Whitehead :

Protest of Minority.

Whereas at a Parish meeting of the first Presbyterian church and congregation in Morristown, holden this day ; a part of the said congregation, claiming to be a majority thereof, adopted resolutions to divide the funds and property of the said church and congregation, and appropriate a portion thereot to another society to be formed, as is alleged, into a second Presbyterian Church :

Now, we the subscribers in behalf of our- selves and others who adhere to the old church and desire to remain as the chris- tian community composing " The first Pres- byterian Church and Congregation in Mor- ristown," do protest against any division of the said funds and property for the follow- ing reasons :

First, Because persons claimed to vote, and did vote in favour of such division,who were not interested in the church property, who owned no seat or pew in the house, and consequently were not qualified to vote upon any question touching the disposition of the funds or property of the parish.

Second, Because there is no necessity for another presbyterian church in this place, there being more than sufficient room in the present house of worship for the accommo- dation of all the Presbyterian denomination in the place.

Third, Because we and others who adhere to the old church have done no act tending to a division of the church,and have request- ed and do now cordially invite our seceding brethern to remain with us and worship in the house built by our fathers for all their children.

MINUTES OF THE SESSION.

Fourth, Because we believe any disposi- tion or application of the parish funds and property other than for purposes connected with the first Presbyterian Church and con- gregation in Morristown, even by a majority of the qualified voters, to be unlawful and in violation of the right of those persons who desire to remain in the old church.

Morristown, December 30th, 1840." Signatures to Protest :

Lewis Condict. Z. W. Conklin, Loammi Moore. John F. Voorhees, Abraham Tappen, William J. Lewis, Lewis Phoenix, Silas L. Condict, Samuel C. Burnet. Silas C. Cutler, Ira C. Whitehead, Edward Condict. Stephen A. Pruden, William Sayre, Jun. Adjourn- ed.

Nov. 23, 1840. [Minutes not recorded till 2 June, 1841.] Parish meeting : P. A. John- son, Chairman; and A. B. Brittin, Secretary. On motion of Dr. S. C. Cutler, the follow- ing resolutions were passed separately and unanimously : [Ist,] That the best interests of this Church and congregation call for the speedy settlement of a faithful and able pastor, and that, from the character of the Rev. A. H. Dumont, we have good reason to confide in his piety, fidelity and talents as a tried and efficient minister of the gos- pel. [2d,] That we do cordially invite and request the said Abraham H. Dumont to become our pastor, and to commence his

pastoral labours with us as early as practi- cable. [3d,] That the chairman of this meet- ing be, and he is hereby, instructed and re- quested to take the necessary measures to prepare a regular call to said Abraham H. Dumont, to be laid before the parish for further deliberation and final decision on Monday next, the 30th inst.

Nov. 30, 1840. [Minutes not recorded till 2 June, 1841.] Parish meeting : The Rev. Joseph Ogden, moderator ; and A. B. Brit- tin, clerk, pro tem. Resolved unanimously: [Ist,] That a call be presented to Rev. A. H. Dumont, of Newport, Rhode Island, to become the pastor of this church and con- gregation, at a salary of $1,200 per annum, payable half yearly. [2d,] That John B. Johnes, Pres. of the Trustees, and Peter A. Johnson, Jonathan D. Marvin, John R. Freeman and Stephen A. Prudden, of the Session, be authorized to subscribe the call on behalf of the congregation. [3d,] That Peter A. Johnson and Richard W. Stites present the call to the Rev. Mr. Dumont at Newport, assuring him that it is the earnest desire of this Church that he accept the same and that he will commence his pastoral duties with as little delay as practicable. [4th.] That the parish treas. pay all reason- able expenses incurred by Peter A. Johnson and Richard W. Stites, out of any monies belonging to the Parish.

PASTORATE OF THE REV. A. H. DUMONT, FROM JAN., 1841, TO JULY, 1845.

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.

History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1, Part 75

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