History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1, Part 76

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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MINUTES OF THE SESSION.

The Reverend Abrm. Henry Dumont, A. M., was called to become the Pastor of the church and congregation, by a unanimous vote of the parish passed the 30th day of November, 1840.

He commenced his labors Jan'y 1, 1841.

He was instituted to the pastoral office on the 20th Jan'y, 1841, by the Presbytery of Elizabethtown.

The Reverend John F. Clark presided,

proposed the constitutional questions, and gave the Presbyterial charge to the Pastor. The Reverend John C. Hart preached the sermon.

The Reverend Abraham Williamson de- livered the Charge to the Congregation.

[The above is in Mr. Dumont's handwrit- ing, and he appears to have acted as Clerk during his Pastorate.]

Jan. 26, 1841. On tuesday, Jan'y 26th. 1841. The Session held their first meeting ;

PASTORATE OF THE REV. A. H. DUMONT.

under the newly instituted ministry, at which the Pastor and all the members of Session were present, viz :

Reverend A. Henry Dumont, Pastor and moderator,

Peter A. Johnson, Jonathan D. Marvin,

William Enslee, Sylvester R.Whitehead

John R. Freeman, Stephen A. Prudden.

Meeting was opened with prayer by the Pastor.

Mrs. Elizabeth Gustin was received to the communion of this church, by certificate from the Presb. chh. in Hardwick.

The following paper was presented to session by William B. Johnston and John W. Poineer, who pledged themselves for its correctness, to-wit,

" We, the Subscribers, respectfully request of the Session of the Ist Presbyterian Church, Morristown, a dismission from said church, with a recommendation to the second presbyterian Church to be organ- ized in Morristown." [Here follows a list of 146 names ; 62 more were granted letters for the same purpose, June 8th.]

Whereupon it was resolved, unanimously, that the above request be granted, and that ye persons named be dismissed, to be or- ganized into a new church, and when so or- ganized by presbytery their relation to this church will cease.

A portion of the sitting was appropriated to the examination of the church register, for the purpose of rectifying it. A free conversation was had or. the state of church, in regard to its spiritual condition, and in- quiries as to the best mode of improving it. After prayer, by Elder Marvin, adjourned.

June 8, 1841. Resolved that the monthly Concert be held on the evening of the Sab- bath, preceding the first monday in the month.

Aug. 3, 1841. After free and full conversa- tion, on the state of the Parish, it was re- solved unanimously, that the Treasurer of the Session transfer to the trustees of the First Presbyt. Church of Morristown, nine, 9, shares of bank stock in the state bank, at fifty dollars per share, and such other funds in his possession, amounting to- - to aid the parish in the procurement of a parsonage.

Aug. 26, 1841. The following preamble and resolution were adopted : Altho this

Session entertain due veneration for the version of the Psalms by Doctor Isaac Watts, as well as for the Hymns appended to that version, by the same pious author ; and believe them to have been suited to the circumstances of the church, at the time they were written ; but as these cir- cumstances have varied, and demand a var- iety of sacred songs, not to be found in the version of Watts, therefore,

Resolved, that it be recommended to the church and congregation, to substitute for it the collection known as " the Church Psalmody," and that its use commence on the first Sabbath of October next.

Nov. 2, 1841. The report of the committee on the state of religion of presbytery was read and session Resolved, that the Elder Prudden attend presbytery on the 9th inst., and that the church spend the afternoon of the same day in prayer for the Holy Ghost to be poured out on the presbytery. Re- solved, that it be recommended to the church to spend the 25th inst., the day ap- pointed for the visitation of the church, in fasting and praying.

Jan. 4, 1842. The subject of effort for the cause of foreign missions received the prayerful consideration of the Session, and it was resolved, that a sermon be preach- ed, on the next Sabbath, with a view to en- gage the action of the church, and that the congregation be visited during the following week by committees, for the purpose of raising contributions.

Feb. I, 1842. The Moderator reported that the resolution passed at the last meet- ing of session on the subject of missions was carried out, and the result was a con- tribution of $180. to the A. B. C. F. M.

It was resolved, that the morning service on the Sabbath commence at II o'clock.

March 1, 1842. It was resolved that the Lord's Supper be administered on the first Sabbaths in January, April, July and Octo- ber.

Sept. 6, 1842. X. [1] presented himself to the session to ask premission to make con- fession of his sin in withholding from some pensioners, whose attorney he had been, part of the allowance made to them by the General Government and appropriating the -

[IOne who had been received into the Church in June pre- vious. ]

MINUTES OF THE SESSION.

same to his own use, without their know- ledge; to express his deep sense of his guilt, of his having made restitution to most and of his intention to make restitution to all whom he had defrauded ; to humble himself before the session and ask their forgiveness and the forgiveness of the church, as he trusted he had humbled himself before God, and sought his forgiveness.

After a free conversation with X, and he had retired, the Session entered on the con- sideration of the case, but as the hour was late, and further time for prayer and reflec- tion necessary for right action in the case, the further consideration of the case was postponed till next monthly meeting.

Sept. 20, 1842. It was ordered, that the treasurer give to the Moderator his check for Twenty-five dollars, towards the expense of lamps in the church, if the same be need- ed.

Oct. 10, 1842. Resolved, unanimously, that X. be required to prepare a written con- fession of his sin, and of his penitence, to be read in presence of the church, at its next regular quarterly meeting, and that the same be submitted to the Session, for their ap- proval.

Dec. 6, 1842. A confession from X. [1], to be made at the next meeting of the com- municants, was approved and ordered to be read, and is as follows : " The undersigned, a member of this church, having fallen into great sin, and thus offended God and his own conscience, and brought reproach upon the name of Christ ; and having, as he trusts, thro' divine grace, been brought to see and repent his sin, and to ask forgive- ness of God, and to make restitution to those whom he had injured, would now publickly make confession to his brethren of yech and, with humility and penitence, ask their forgiveness and their prayers.

Dated Morristown. ¿ Signed X. X."

Dec'r 6th, 1842. read on the 22d to ye church.

Feb. 9, 1843. Resolved, That the Elders and such of the lay brethren of the church as shall be willing to engage in the work, visit all the families belonging to this con- gregation, on wednesday the 15 and thurs- day the 16th instant, and make inquiry into their spiritual state. [In March and June

42 persons were received into the church on confession, and 5 by letter.]

Sept. 4, 1843. After a free conversation on the state of the church, it was unani- mously resolved, That Mr. Ezra Mills be nominated on the next Sabbath for the office of an Elder, and, if no constitutional objections be made, that he be set apart to the eldership on thursday afternoon next, at the regular quarterly church meeting.

Sept. 21, 1843. The hour alloted to this meeting was spent in religious conversation. and was followed by the usual services con- nected with the quarterly meeting of the communicants of the church, connected with which was the election and ordina- tion of Mr. Ezra Mills to the office of ruling Elder. When the session adjourned.

Feb. 6, 1844. Resolved, That the pastor arrange a plan for the orderly and systema- tick contribution to the great benevolent objects of the church, and report to the congregation the plan, and procure the necessary appliances to carry it out, as soon as may be.

Resolved, That the church be invited to Spend a day in special prayer and humilia- tion, in reference to the languid state of the church, preparatory toa thorough visitation of the congregation by the session, and that wednesday the 21 or thursday the 22, be set apart for that purpose. [Noone was receiv- ed on confession during the remainder of this Pastorate.]

March 4, 1844. Resolved, that the ses- sion meet on the 21st instant, to arrange with some other communicants to make by committees a thorough visitation of the church and congregation, to excite a greater measure of prayer and activity in the cause of religion.

Sept. 19. Resolved, that hereafter the ex- penses of pastor and delegates, in attend- ing meetings of presbytery and synod, be defrayed by the session, from their fund.

March 26, 1845. Application was made for the use of the Session [house] as a place of worship for the Baptist society, during the summer while their new house of worship is building. Resolved, That it be granted at such time as there is no service in the church.

June 19, 1845. Adjourned to meet with the members of the church in prayer, this

[x See Minutes of Sept, 6., above}

PASTORATE OF THE REV. A. H. DUMONT.

being the day designated by the General Assembly as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer.

TRUSTEES AND PARISH.

May 3d, 1841. Parish meeting : Peter A. Johnson, moderator; W. B. Johnston ap- peared as stated clerk. The chairman read the following notice :

"Notice is hereby given, that there will be a Parish meeting in this house on Monday the third day of May, at three o'clock in the afternoon, to receive the resignation of the Trustees of this Church.

By order of the Trustees.

John B. Johnes, Pres. of the Trustees."

The following paper was then read from the Trustees .: "We the Subscribers, Trus- tees of the first Presbyterian Church at Morristown, having understood that our continuance in office may prevent an amica- ble adjustment of the unchristian like dis- pute, which now exists in the congregation relative to part of the property of said church, and for the purpose of removing all obstacles on our part in the way of a friend- ly settlement between the parties, do here- by most cheerfully resign our respective of- fices as Trustees of said church, trusting that this act on our part may be the means of restoring that peace and harmony which ought always to exist in a community of Christians.

Morristown, May 3, 1841. John B. Johnes, F. Child, J. W. Poinier, Jabez Mills, Jonathan H. Smith, Lewis B. Stiles, Ephraim Young."

Their resignations were accepted unani- mously.

The following preamble and resolutions were next passed unanimously.

Whereas, John B. Johnes, Lewis B. Stiles, Jonathan H. Smith, Francis Child, Jabez Mills, and Ephraim Young and John W. Poinier, elected Trustees of the first church and congregation in Morristown, at the annual parish meeting in September, 1840, having resigned their trust, as by a writing subscribed by them individually, and read to this meeting, will appear :

Resolved, as the sense of this meeting, that a committee of five persons, members of this congregation be appointed, as tem- .

whose duty it shall be to take charge forth- with of the Temporal concerns and property thereof, until Trustees shall be legally chosen to act in their stead.

· Resolved, That said committee as tempo- rary agents be,and they hereby are, instruct- ed to settle all the accounts of the board of Trustees now tendering their resigna- tions, and to demand and receive from them all monies, bonds, notes, deeds, books, pro- perty and papers of every description, which of right belong to this congregation, and to give such receipt for the same as may be proper.

Resolved, That said committee consist of the following persons, Lewis Condict, Ira C. Whitehead, William Sayre, Jun., Abraham Tappen and J. F. Voorhees, and that they be, and hereby are, empowered to call a parish meeting at such time as they shall deem proper, for the purpose of electing Trustees according to law and for the trans- action of such other business as shall be necessary ; and that said committee then make report to said meeting of their pro- ceedings, together with a full statement of all receipts and disbursements made by the late Trustees from their election to the day of settlement, together with a statement shewing the condition of the funds of the congregation on that day.

The resignation of W. B. Johnston as . stated clerk was tendered and accepted unanimously. Adjourned.

17th May, 1841. Parish meeting : Peter A. Johnson, chairman; and Dr. Silas L. Condict, secretary. Dr. Lewis Condict, chairman of the temporary agents appoint- ed at the Parish meeting held on the 3d day of May instant, made the following re- port :

"The subscribers, appointed at the last meeting of the Parish, as temporary agents, to receive from the former Trustees, who have lately resigned, the Books, papers and property in their hands belonging to this society, present to this meeting the follow- ing report :

That, in conformity with instructions, we obtained an interview with said Trustees, stating our readiness to receive at their hands, and to receipt for, all property, pa- pers, books, &c., which they could surren- porary agents on behalf of said congregation, ! der, and also to arrange and settle with them

TRUSTEES AND PARISH.

their acct., as Trustees, of receipts and dis- bursements.

We soon learned from them, that, upon a surrender of said property and papers, they expected and desired a discontinuance of the suit before the Chancellor for an injunction ; which we conceived could not be done with propriety, unless our seceding brethren would relinquish all claim to the property of the church under certain resolutions passed by them on or about the 30th De- cember last.

It was intimated by said Trustees to us, that this church was competent to receive or repeal said resolutions, and that, in their judgment ind belief, the 2nd church would not interfere to prevent it in any manner whatever.

It was understood that said Trustees pre- ferred that a surrender should be made to Trustees duly appointed by the First Church, from whom they could hope to re- ceive some satisfactory assurance of the discontinuance of said suit.

Finding the attempt abortive, the inter- view closed without any settlement, and we have to report, that all the deeds, mort- gages, Bonds, notes, Books, monies, and papers belonging to this congregation, re- main in the possession of persons not Trus- tees, who have withdrawn from us since December last and belonging to and wor- shiping with another society.

Deeming it to be our duty we have in pursuance of the power vested in us, called a Parish meeting to elect a Parish Clerk and seven Trustees, and to take order re- specting certain resolutions passed by per- sons claiming to be a majority of a parish meeting held in the church, 30 December last. May 17, 1841. By order and in behalf of the committee,

Lewis Condict, chairman." The report was accepted.

It being made to appear, to the satisfac- tion of this meeting, that notice of the time and place of meeting had been duly read from the pulpit for two successive Sab- baths, and that ten days notice of the time and place of assembling had been given by an advertisement set up in open view on the front door of the house of worship, more than ten days previous thereto, sign- ed by Lewis Condict for and in behalf of

the committee of temporary agents afore- said ; It was, on motion, resolved, that this meeting now proceed to the election of Trustees. Whereupon the following per- sons being nominated were unanimously elected, viz : Richard W. Stites, Edward Condict, Zebulon W. Concklin, Silas D. Cory, William Sayre, Jun., John F. Voor- hees and Jonathan Thompson.

Resolved, on motion of Dr. Condict, that the old rule, providing that only two of the members of the Board of Trustees go out each year, be revived.

The meeting then proceeded to the elec- tion of a parish Clerk, and thereupon Ira C. Whitehead being nominated was unan- imously elected.

The following Preamble and resolutions being read were unanimously adopted :

Whereas this parish has been informed by the committee, appointed to receive the books, deeds, Bonds, notes, papers, and other property belonging to this congrega- tion from the hands of the late Trustees, who resigned their Trusteeship on monday the 3rd of May Inst., that the said Trustees declined the delivery of said Books, Deeds, &c., to said committee, preferring to sur- render them to the Trustees whenever they should be elected ;

Resolved, therefore, as the sense of this parish, that said committee be, and they are hereby, discharged from the further ful- filment of duties assigned them as tempo- rary agents, and that the trustees elected this day, viz : R. W. Stites, Edward Con- dict, Z. W. Concklin, S. D. Cory, Wm. Sayre, Jun., John F. Voorhees, and Jona- than Thompson be, and they are hereby, instructed to take measures forthwith, to ask and receive from John B. Johnes, the late President, and from his associates, in the manner prescribed by law, all such bonds, notes, mortgages, monies, deeds, Books, papers and property, of every kind, which may have come into the care and keeping of said John B. Johnes and his as- sociates while acting as trustees of the par- ish, taking a correct inventory thereof, to be recorded by the clerk of the trustees this day elected and in such manner as they may direct.

Resolved, That the trustees be requested to take efficient and proper measures, at

PASTORATE OF THE REV. A. H. DUMONT.

their discretion, to place the monies due and owing to the parish in such condition as may enable them to pay promptly all just and lawful demands now due and which may become due from the parish.

Resolved, That in the firm persuasion of the evils which must inevitably result from our attempt to carry into effect any or all of the resolutions, adopted by that portion of this parish claiming to be the majority at the Parish meeting held in the church on the 30th December last, we deem it to be our solemn duty to revoke and amend the same.

Resolved, Therefore, as the sense of this meeting, that all the resolutions adopted by that portion of the Parish claiming to be a . majority at the parish meeting assembled in the church on the 30th December, 1840, which had for their object the division of this church and congregation, and the for- mation of a zd Presbyterian Church and congregation, with the division of the funds and lands of this church and congregation, be and the same are hereby repealed.

Resolved, That the trustees this day elected be instructed to communicate to our brethren, who propose to secede, so much of the proceedings of this meeting as they may deen to be proper.

The following resolutions were read and unanimously adopted, and the Moderator, Peter A. Johnson, Esq., Jacob Mann and Silas Miller, were appointed a committee to present the same to our seceding brethren, now convened at the Morris Academy for the purpose of organizing a 2nd Presbyter- ian Church and congregation.

Resolved, As the sense of this Parish, that the resolutions adopted and passed by the meeting held in the Presbyterian Church on the 30th December last, declaring it to be expedient and proper to form a second Presbyterian Church in this place, were premature and unnecessary, it being now åscertained that this church and congrega- tion, at the time of passing said resolutions, consisted of a less number of members by some hundreds than when under the pasto- ral charge of Dr. Richards, or any of his successors for many years ; that there is in the present church ample room, and to spare, for all Presbyterians now living with- in the bounds of this society, and, judging |

from past experience we believe there will be room sufficient in it for many years to come, for the comfortable accommodation of all who may desire to worship as presby- terians; That we honestly deprecate and deplore the consequences of a division as tending to enfeeble the efforts and cripple the energies of the church in sustaining the various humane and benevolent institutions of our day, as well as in the support of an able and efficient ministry at home.

Resolved, That in the firm belief and persuasion of these truths, we deem it to be our duty earnestly and solemnly to enter this our protest against the contemplated di- vision of the church as detrimental to its best interests, and tending equally to the break- ing down of all concerned therein, as well the majority as the minority ; and that in a sincere desire to bury forever all unkind feelings, and in the hope of restoring har- mony and the spirit of brotherly love, we do hereby cordially invite our brethren, who propose to secede from the house of their and our fathers, to return and mingle their prayers and praises with ours at one com- mon altar, confessing our numerous offences against him and against each other, implor- ing his pardoning mercy and forgiveness through the atoning merits of our Saviour.

The moderator here left the chair and, in company with the other members of the committee (Messrs. Mann and Miller), at- tended at the Morris Academy and presented to our seceding brothers there assembled a copy of the foregoing resolutions. Mr. Z. W. Concklin was appointed Chairman of the meeting during the absence of Mr. Johnson.

Mr. Asher Carter was elected chorister.

Resolved, That the Moderator present to Mr. Carter the thanks of this meeting for the interest he has manifested in our church, and especially for his kindness in officiating as our chorister since the settlement of our respected Pastor, Rev. Mr. Dumont.

The committee appointed to wait on our seceding brethren, assembled at the Morris Academy, returned and by their Chairman, P. A. Johnson, Esq., reported, that they had performed the duty assigned them; that they found the meeting organized ; and that their chairman informed them that they had a communication in writing from their

TRUSTEES AND PARISH.

brethren of the First Church. A commit- tee was thereupon raised to examine the communication and report whether it was proper to be read. The committee, after examining the resolutions, reported that they should be read ; and they were read accordingly. Our committee further re- ported, that, after the resolutions were read to the meeting, a motion was made and car- ried by our brethren at the Academy, that the resolutions be returned to this meeting.

Resolved, That the Trustees elected at this meeting meet this evening, and after- ward on their own adjournment. Adjourned.

March 9, 1841. [There is good reason to believe that this date is incorrect. The Trustees named in the minute were not elect- ed till May 17th; this, with other facts, would make the date of the meeting some time in May.] At a meeting of the Trustees, held at the house of R. W. Stites, this day ; present ; Jonathan Thompson, Jno. F. Voorhees, Zebulon Conklin, Silas Cory and R. W. Stites ; officers were appointed, to- wit : R. W. Stites president of the board, Jno. F. Voorhees treasurer. It was resol- ved, That the president be requested to ob- tain, from the late Trustees, all the books, papers, bonds, notes, monies and other evi- dences of property in their hands belonging to the Ist Church ; also to obtain a state- ment from the late treasurer's acct.

June 1, 1841. Committee of Trustees, consisting of Messrs. Conklin, Voorhees and Stites, met at R. W. Stites to receive the church papers from Messrs. Jno. B. Johnes and Jno. W. Poinier, two of late Trustees, and, according to an understanding which had gradually taken place from two previous meetings at same place, between these gen- tleman and the majority of present Trustees of Ist Church, they delivered over the Bonds, notes and other evidences of proper- ty, with the exception of two notes amount- ing with interest to $23., retained by Mr. Poinier to cover so much of legal costs made by them in the church case.

July 7, 1841. Parish meeting, Dr. Lewis Condict was appointed chairman, and John R. Freeman, Jun., Secretary. .

Mr. Stites, Pres. of the board of Trustees, furnished to meeting a statement in writing of the Bonds, notes, &c., belonging to the

congregation which the Trustees had rec'd from the old Board.

Resolved, [Ist.] That the funds of the Parish be applied to the building or pur- chasing of a parsonage and improving the interior of the church edifice; [2d,] That the pews and seats be altered, by lowering the height and sloping the backs ; [3d,] That the session be requested to take into con- sideration the propriety of transfering the funds of the church in their hands to the Trustees of the congregation, to aid in the above mentioned improvements.

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History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1, Part 76

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