History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1, Part 84

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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1872. Nov. 29. On motion it was resolved, that the Session will assume the payment of one-half of the expenses of the Young Men's Reading Room for the current year. Mr. Dalrymple wasappointed committee on the Reading Room.

The Committee on Monthly Concert re- ported in favor of the change of the even- ing for its observance to the last Thursday Evening preceding the First Sabbath of each month, and on motion such change was adopted.

The oversight of the Children's Mission- ary Association was committed to the Com- mittee on Benevolence.

The Committee on the Reading Room re- ported that he had visited the Room and thought favorably of the work being done by its agency.

The Committee on the Christian Union also made a report showing a favorable condition of its finances, and that it had been deemed expedient temporarily to abandon some of the stations heretofore occupied.

1873, Jan. 30. The Committee on the Reading Room stated that he had given an order on the Treasurer for the payment of fifty dollars toward the expenses of the Room, for the current year, which was ap- proved.

The Treasurer was also directed to pay to the pastor thirty dollars for moneys ex- pended for printing hymns, &c., for use of the chapel, and fifty dollars for one-half of the expenses of the meeting of ministers and elders recently held in our Church, to con- sider the subject of systematic benevolence.

1873, Mar. 16. The Pastor stated that the new Board of Trustees recently elected had appointed a committee to confer with the Session, and requested Session to appoint a

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like committee. Messrs. Davis, Dalrymple and Little were appointed such committee.

Mr. H. M. Olmsted, the late Treasurer, having presented his final report of collec- tions since the first of Oct., 1872, and of the disbursements also, showing a balance in his hands, to the credit of the Session fund of $323.75. His report was accepted, and the thanks of the Session presented to him for his efficient services. The above named balance, he was directed to pay to A. B. Hull, Esq., the newly elected Treasurer, to be placed to the credit of the Session fund.

1873, April 2. Resolved, That the Treas- urer be requested to pay out of the con- tingent fund the sum of fifty dollars, to the Treasurer of the Children's Missionary So- ciety of this church, to defray the necessary expenses of said Society.

The following communication was pre- sented by the Clerk :

" Morristown, March 31. 1873.

Theo. Little, Esq., Sec'y of Session, First Pres. Church :

Dear Sir :

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees, Ist Pres. Church, held this evening, the fol- lowing resolution was passed, viz: Re- solved, That Mr. L. Kofler, the chorister and organist, be notified by the Secretary that the Board of Trustees have given up the ap- pointment of chorister and organist to the Session of the Church, and refer him to them for any arrangement, after May Ist, 1873.

Very Respectfully, Yours,

Edward Pierson, Sec'y Board of Trustees."

Which having been read, was ordered to be placed on file, and entered in the min- utes, and thereupon the committee, ap- pointed to confer with the Trustees, was discharged ; and the consideration of the report of the first committee of conference, made on the 30th of January last, was in- definitely postponed, all further action in the matter being rendered unnecessary.

1873, April 4. Mr. Davis was, at the request of the Pastor, appointed a member of the Committee on Church Music, in place of the Pastor.

1873, April 23. Mr. Davis, from the Com- mittee on Church Music, recommended that Professor Kofler, the present chorister and organist, be employed at the same salary as

at present, until the first of October next ; which was adopted, and the committee was authorized to make the contract, and the Secretary was also directed to inform the Board of Trustees of this action of the Session.

1873, May 9. The various committees were called on for report, and made report on different matters committed to them, not, however, requiring any action of Ses- sion thereon.

Messrs. Davis, Stevenson and Little were appointed a committee to supply the pulpit during the Pastor's absence at the General Assembly.

1873, July 6. The Pastor called the atten- tion of Session to the fact, that the build- ing immediately adjoining the Chapel was being fitted up, as alleged, for a hotel ; and that application is about to be made to the Common Council of the town for a license to sell intoxicating liquors therein. After consultation, Session, believing that the licensing of a house for such purpose, so near to the church, would prove a great an- noyance to those attending public worship, and especially those females who may wish to attend our evening week-day prayer meetings without an attendant, and that there is no public necessity for the increase of the number of such houses; Resolved to present to the Common Council a remons- trance against granting such license, and to ask the Trustees to do the same. Also re- solved, That we will, in a body, present such remonstrance at the meeting of the Council to be held on Friday evening next.

1873, July 9. The resolution introduced by the Pastor, at the meeting held May 9th, 1873, and laid over for further consideration, was taken up; and, at his suggestion, the following was presented as a substitute, and was unanimously adopted, to-wit :

Resolved, That while Session, after very careful consideration, do not unanimously approve of the plan recently adopted by the congregation for making collections for our home work and benevolence, it does not desire, by any present action or expres- sion of opinion, to interfere with the fair trial of such system ; but, to provide against any misapprehension in the future. Ses- sion would now place on record its declara- tion of the right of exclusive jurisdiction of

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the Church, as distinguished from the Con- gregation, over all matters pertaining to the subject of benevolence.

1873, Sep. 9. The time was occupied mainly in considering the propriety of the present mode of admitting persons to the Church on profession of their faith, but, inasmuch as the matter is now before the General Assembly, no action was thought advisable. It was, however, Resolved; That all persons who may desire to join the Church on profession of their faith shall be requested to meet the Pastor on the Friday a fortnight prior to each communion, or at that time give notice of their intended ap- plication.

1873, Sept. 21. The attention of Session being called to the fact, that an application is now pending before the Common Council for license to keep an Inn, or Tavern, and to sell intoxicating liquors in the house ad- joining the Chapel ; it was Resolved, That the Pastor be requested to call a meeting of the Congregation, on Monday, the 29th of September, inst., to consider what action, if any, it is advisable to take in reference thereto.

The meeting of the Congregation was called, in pursuance of the foregoing reso- lution, and directed that remonstrance, signed by the members of the Congrega- tion, be presented to the Common Conncil against said application ; which was done. The application was laid over until Novem- ber 7th, 1873, and was then withdrawn by the applicant.

1873, Oct I. The report of the Treasurer was presented for the last quarter, showing a balance to the credit of the contingent fund of the Session of $167.53. The Treas- urer was requested to have his report printed and distributed among the Congre- gation. It showed the offerings for benevo- lence, exculsive of Church expenses, to have amounted to $4,384.17 for the first six months.

The Committee on Reading Room made a report, showing the expense of maintain- ing it for the past year to have been $464.49, of which $82.36 is due from this Church; which was on motion ordered to be paid by the Treasurer out of the Session's fund.

Mr. Enoch T. Caskey was added to the Committee on Reading Room.

1874, Jan. 7. Mr. Enoch T. Caskey was added to the Committee on the Sabbath School.

1874, Jan. 28. Session being informed, that a new application was about to be made by N. B. Luse, to keep an Inn, or Tavern, adjoining the Chapel; the Pastor and Elder Dalrymple were appointed to at- tend the Common Council, and renew our remonstrance in behalf of the Church; and it was also resolved, That the Deacons and Trustees be requested to unite in such re- monstrance.

1874, Mar. 4. After consideration, the Pastor was authorized to prepare and pub- lish for the use of the Church, a year book, the expense to be paid out of the contin- gent fund of the Session.

On motion made at the request of the Pastor, the following statement was adopted, and the Clerk directed to present the same to the Annual Meeting of the Parish to be held March 17th, 1874 : " The Session, hav- ing carefully considered the plan of Church support as adopted by the Parish Meeting of March 11, 1873, hereby expresses to the Parish their willingness to concur in the same, so long as it shall be for the best in- terest of the Church ; although, by Presby- terian law and usage, the benevolent funds of the Church are always under the care of the Session. They would call the attention of the Parish to the recommendation of the General Assembly (Minutes of 1873, page 499,) that the Churches remit monthly, or at least quarterly ; and request them so to alter that part of their previous action, con- tained in Section 3 of their resolutions, so that they may read as follows : The Treas- urer shall first pay, on the order of the Trustees, all expenses necessary for our home work, not, however, exceeding the amount designated by the Parish Meeting ; and the balance, excepting four twelfths of the non-designated contributions, he shall remit monthly to the Treasurer of the As- sembly's Committee of Benevolence, to be distributed by him as follows : The especial contributions to be sent to the different Boards designated, and the remainder di- vided among the eight Boards in the pro- portion recommended by the General As- sembly. The four twelfths above stated shall constitute the Sessions fund, to be

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distributed according to our present Church system of benevolence."

1874, April 1. The Clerk informed Ses- sion, that the recommendation made at the last meeting had been communicated by him to the Parish Meeting, held on the 17th March last ; and that the recommendation was adopted, and the communication or- dered to be placed on the Parish Records. The Committee on Church Music recom- mended, that Prof. Kofler be employed for one year from this date, at the salary of $600 as compensation for his services as or- ganist and chorister; and the committee were directed to employ him accordingly.

The Committee on Young Men's Reading Room reported, That the Young Men's Christian Association had agreed to take charge of the Reading Room from this date ; which was approved of by the Session. The balance $62.36 due from this Church for the quarter's rent, ending March 31st, was ordered to be paid by the Treasurer out of the contingent fund of the Session.

1874, May 6. The Session also adopted the following minute, in reference to the new Church organization on Morris Plains. The Session, having received word that Presbytery has taken steps toward the or- ganization of a Church at Morris Plains; Re- solved, That, although the Church would regret parting with any of its members, yet as it is clearly the duty of each Christian to add his influence where it will best build up the Kingdom of Christ, we would counsel all members of our Church who live in the vi- cinity of the new organization, that it is their duty to remove their connection from us and join themselves with the new Church. We would add also that we will gladly wel- come all such to worship with us at such times as they have no service in their own Church.

1874, June 3. It was, after consideration, Resolved ; That letters of dismission be granted by vote of Session.

1874, Sept. 9. The Pastor and Elders Davis and Little were appointed a commit- tee to revise the Church Roll.

1874, Sept. 13. The following, presented at the last meeting, and laid over for further consideration, was considered and adopted : Inasmuch as we view the duties of Session in appointing representatives to our Church

courts, and those of Elders in such repre- sentation, as of great and solemn impor- tance to the individual Churches, to all our judicatures, and to the Church at large ; and as we desire to increase the sense of re- sponsibility in our own representatives, and to extend their knowledge of Church affairs, and their interest and participation in all Church business, therefore resolved ; That hereafter, until further action. this Session will be represented as follows: At the regular monthly meeting in September an Elder shall be elected, after special prayer for the Lord's guidance, to act with the Pastor as regular representatives of this Session and Church at all the regular meet- ings of Presbytery and Synod, for one year. Such representative shall, unless prevented by sickness or like imperative necessity, ac- company the Pastor to all regular meetings of Presbytery and Synod, and attend the same throughout their sessions. Upon re- turn therefrom, the Pastor and such repre- sentative shall report to Session, as much in detail as is practicable, the business trans- acted, to the end that all members of Ses- sion may enjoy equal knowledge of and feel an equal interest, in the business of the Church. After each meeting of Pres- bytery or Synod, such regular representa- tive shall present his account for disburse- ments to Session, and the same shall be paid out of the Session's fund. After the adoption of the foregoing, Elder J. Duryea Stevenson was unanimously elected to re- present Session in our Church judicatures, Presbytery and Synod, for the ensuing year.

1874, Sept. 20. The Treasurer was re- quested to pay Rev. Thomas E. Souper $20 from the Session's fund, being our propor- tion of the amount agreed by the Pastors of the town, to be paid to him for distribution of the Bibles in the town, of which action the Clerk was directed to notify the Treas- urer.

1874, Sept. 30. The committee on Church music, through Mr. Stevenson, reported, that, after an examination of a number of Hymn Books, the committee unanimously recommend, if it was deemed desirable to change our Hymn Book, that we adopt the "Hymns and Songs of Praise." The re- commendation was adopted.

1874, Nov. 4. A communication was re-

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PASTORATE OF THE REV. JOHN ABBOTT FRENCH.

ceived, from the Treasurer of Princeton Theological Seminary, stating that the Sem- inary had received from Elder Lebbeus B. Ward a donation of $3,000 to endow a schol- arship in the Seminary, the person enjoy- ing the benefit of it to be appointed from time to time by this Session, if they so de- sire, and also inclosing a copy of Mr. Ward's letter. Session would record their thanks to Mr. Ward, in behalf of the Church, for the privilege conferred on them ; and, to express, in some degree, their appreciation of the generosity of the donor. direct his letter to be recorded in their minutes. It is as follows :

" Morristown, 16 Oct., 1874.

My Dear Sir,

While absent from home, I received some days since your favor of the 2nd inst., and am much obliged for the information given me in relation to the wants, as well as the rules and regulations, which govern your Seminary. I shall have the pleasure to send by the same inail, by which this goes to Princeton, my check on Importers and Trader's Bank of New York, payable to the order of Mr. Olmsted, Treas., for the sum of say three thousand dollars ($3,000), for the endowment of a scholarship in your insti- tution, with the request that the incum- bent may be appointed by the Session of The First Presbyterian Church of this place, in case they desire at any time to make a nomination, and give due notice of the fact as to time, &c. &c., otherwise the place to be filled by appointment of the faculty.

I am very Respectfully Yours,

Doc't Charles Hodge, L. B. WARD. Pres. &c., Theological Seminary, Princ- ton, N. J.

Mr. Stevenson made a very detailed re- port of the proceedings at the meetings of Presbytery and Synod recently held, and which he attended as a delegate.

1874, Nov. 18. Mr. F. G. Burnham pre- sented to the consideration of Session the need of the new Church, recently organized at Morris Plains, particularly in reference to the proposed erection of a Church build- ing, and requested aid for the same, from this Church. After hearing Mr. Burnham's statement, the matter was considered by Ses- sion, and finally laid over for further consid- eration at our next monthly meeting. The

Pastors of the town, having determined to continue the Union Services on the day ap- pointed for Thanksgiving; and, as the ser- vices are to be held in our own Church, it was resolved, that as heretofore, the col- lection shall be for the poor of the town, and not for those of our own Church.

1874, Dec. 2d. Elders Little, Caskey, Dalrymple and VanDoren were appointed a committee, to act with Mr. F. G. Burn- ham, in soliciting subscriptions from the members of the Congregation, towards the erection of a Church at Morris Plains.

1875, Jan. 6. A letter dismissing Elder David Olyphant to First Presbyterian Church of New York was granted, and Session adopted in reference to it the fol- lowing minute : Being requested to give a letter of dismissal to our beloved brother and co-elder, David Olyphant, we can but express, and we desire to put on record, our sense of his Christian zeal, faithfulness and liberality to this Church, during his long re- sidence with us. We trust and believe that the promised blessing of God will follow him in the new Church relations to which he is providentially called.

Elder VanDoren was added to the com. mittee on strangers.

1875, Feb. 5th. Session having received notice that the sum of $594.45 had been received from the estate of the late Abel Minard, dec .; and that the same was given by the testator with a request that it should " be appropriated by or under the direc- tion" of the Pastor, in clothing such per- sons as may desire to attend "the church and Sabbath School," but through poverty are unable to obtain suitable "clothing for that purpose ;" and being also informed by the Treasurer, that the said amount had been deposited by him in the Morris Coun- ty Savings Bank, it was Resolved: That the said fund be placed under the control of the Pastor, and be subject to his draft for the purpose mentioned by the Testator.

1875, March 3d. An appeal to the Churches, signed by the committee of ben- evolence of the Presbytery, in reference to the present necessities of the Boards of the Church, was laid before Session ; and, after consideration, the Pastor was requested to. present the matter to the Church, on the second Sabbath of March ; and it was Re-

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solved, that the collection to be taken up on the succeeding Sabbath be appropriated entirely to the Church Boards. The com- mittee on music recommended Mr. James R. Voorhees as organists, for the year com- mencing April Ist, at a salary of $200 per year, and he was duly elected, in accordance with said recommendation. It was also re- solved, that in case no provision shall have been made for a Chorister after April Ist, the music committee be directed to take charge of the music until the vacancy is filled.

1875, Mar. 31. The Treasurer was re- quested to furnish Session, at its next meet- ing, with a list of the names of all persons who have pledged any sum towards the ex- penses of our home work for the current year. A communication was received from the Board of Trustees, informing the Ses- sion of their organization, which was di- rected to be filed; and the Clerk was di- rected to acknowledge its receipt, and notify the Trustees of the election of James R. Voorhees as Organist.

1875, June 2. The matter of Church music being under consideration, and Mr. Steven- son having, by request of Session and as a member of the Committee on Music, filled the position of Chorister since the Ist of April last to the entire acceptance of the Session, and, as we believe, to the acceptance of the congregation, it was Resolved ; That he be elected as Chorister, and that the Trustees be notified of his election, and be requested to pay him the usual compensa- tion of $400 per year, from April Ist. 1875.

1875, July 10. The declination by Mr. Stevenson of the position of Chorister to which he had been elected by Session in his absence, and which was also laid over at the meeting of June 23d, was taken up and at his urgent request was accepted. The fol- lowing, presented by Mr. Stevenson, was also passed : Inasmuch as the Sabbath School desires that the Organ in the Chapel be exchanged for a Piano ; Resolved ; That Session consent to the change of instru- nent, provided the Trustees see their way :lear to effect it; and that the Committee on Music be authorized to act with the Trustees in the matter.

1875. July 31. Mr. Stevenson offered the allowing resolution. Resolved ; That a

committee of three be appointed to consider the advisability of changing our mode of electing Elders, so as to conform the same to the amendment of our Form of Govern- ment adopted by the last General Assembly, and to report at our September meeting : and, if they think such change advisable, to present at our next meeting,some plan for carrying the same into effect. Messrs. Stevenson, Davis and Little were appointed such committee.

1875, Sept. 8. Mr. Stevenson made the following report : The committee are unani- mous in recommending, That the mode of electing Elders heretofore practised in this Church should be changed, so as to conform to the amendment of our Form of Government, adopted by the last General Assembly; but in the absence of any action by the Session in favor of such change, and determining whether (if made) it shall apply to the existing Session, or only to such additions as may be made in future, the committee would be unwill- ing to recommend any plan for carrying such plan into effect.

1875, Sept. 29. The Committee on Church Music recommended, that Mr. Wm. Runyon should be elected as Chorister for six months, from October Ist next, at a salary of $400 per year ; and he was thereupon elected.

1875, Dec. 8. The report of the commit- tee in reference to the change in the mode of electing Elders, laid over from time to time, was called up and adopted. It was therefore Resolved; That the proposed change be submitted to a meeting of the members of the Church, to be held in the Church on the 22d day of December, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. 2d. That, if the Church shall adopt the change, Session will at that time resign their office as Elders, and request the Church to elect an entire new Session. 3d. That, in such case, Ses- sion will recommend that twelve Elders be elected and that on their election they divide themselves into three classes, of four members each, of which one class shall hold office three years, one class two years and the other one year, and that thereafter three Elders be elected each year. The Pastor was directed to call such meeting of the

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Church, by reading the proceeding of the Session, for two successive Sabbaths.

1875, Dec. 22. A meeting of the members of the Church, called in pursuance of the resolution of Session at its last meeting, was held in the Church. The Pastor took the chair as Moderator of the meeting. In the absence of the Clerk of Session, Mr. H. M. Dalrymple was appointed Clerk. The meet- ing was opened by prayer by Rev. Mr. Souper. After reading of the Scriptures by the Pastor, he stated the object of the meeting, and invoked the special presence and blessing of God. The Clerk of Session appearing. was requested to assume his du- ties as Clerk of the meeting, and did so. After some conversation, Mr. Wm. E. Church, for the purpose as stated of draw- ing out a definite expression of the views of the meeting, moved; That hereafter the members of the Session of this Church be elected for a term of years. After discussion as to relative merits of the plan hitherto pursued and the one suggested by the resolution, the question was taken by ballot and resulted in a vote of thirty opposed to the resolu- tion and nineteen in favor of it. The meet- ing then adjourned, with prayer by the Pastor.

1876, Mar. 29. The Trustees, through Elder Stevenson, presented a communica- tion, notifying Session of their organization, and that they had appropriated the usual amounts for payment of the Pastor, Chor- ister and Organist, &c. The Committee on Music made a report recommending the employment of Mr. Wm. Runyon as Chor- ister for one year, from the Ist day of April next, at a salary of $400. ; and James R. Voorhees as Organist, at a salary of $200. ; which recommendation was adopted.

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History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1882 pt 1, Part 84

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