USA > New Jersey > Morris County > Morristown > History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1885 pt 1 > Part 13
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The following resolution offered by Mr. I. C. Whitehead was passed, "That the Treasurer be instructed to pay to Mrs. Elizabeth Russel twelve dollars, being the sum paid by her for clearing out the brush and shubbery from the grave yard. And that it shall be the duty of the Sexton under the direction of the Trustees, to pre- vent the further spread of bushes and shrubbery by clearing out and cutting them away every spring and fall season."
The following resolution was then adopt- ed, "Resolved, That the Trustees of the congregation be required to ascertain the line between the church property and Mrs. Elizabeth Cobb, so that if the parish own her door yard, she be required to sign a
lease for it, as the parish may loose the ground by her claiming by right of posses. sion."
The resolution offered by Mr. Z. Conklin at the last annual parish meeting," that the treasurer be required to make up to the Rev. Messrs. Sym and Freeman a sum equal to ten dollars pr. sabbath, for each and every sabbath they supplied the pul- pit during our vacancy," was recinded.
Mr. P. A. Johnson presented a written request that the parish would appoint a committee to adjust and settle the difference between himself and the parish, in reference to their united line and the fence thereon, whereupon it was resolved that the whole business be referred to the Trustees.
Morristown, Sept. 18, 1838. Trustees met at the office of Ira C. Whitehead, and after being duly sworn into office proceed- ed to the appointment of officers for the en- suing year.
Ira C. Whitehead, Esq., was elected Presi- dent of the board and J. W. Poineer, Clerk.
Resolved, That hereafter in the appoint- ment of Committees, the President appoint two of the board unless otherwise directed. The President appointed Messrs. Moore and Poineer the committee to attend to the af- fairs of the house of worship and the Lec- ture Room, to have all necessary repairs and improvements done.
On motion, Messrs. Condict, Johnes, Sayre and Poineer were appointed a com- mittee to act on the memorial of Peter A. Johnson, presented at the Annual Parish Meeting; and also the resolution in relation to the Parish land within the enclosure of Mrs. Elizabeth Cobb.
Messrs. Moore and Whitehead were ap- pointed a committee to examine the wood land belonging to the parish and sell as much as they may think necessary.
Resolved, That the clerk of the Board procure a book in which to enter the min- utes of the proceedings of the Trustees ; the Board adjourned to meet at this place on Saturday next at 5 o'clock P. M.
Saturday, Sept. 22, 1838. Trustees met according to adjournment. Present, Messrs. Whitehead, Condict, Johnes, Sayre, Mills, Moore and Poineer.
Resolved, That the Trustees now pro- ceed to the election of Treasurer, by Ballot,
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for the ensuing year ; whereupon counting the votes, Mr. Jabez Mills had four votes and Wm. B. Johnston two votes, and there- upon Mr. Mills was declared duly elected Treasurer for the ensuing year.
The Trustees finding upon the record of the Parish book a resolution, that the Trea- surer should give Bonds for the faithful performance of his duties; Mr. Mills having tendered to the Trustees a Bond, agreeably to the above resolution, with Ira C. White- head and I. W. Poineer as his securities, it was Resolved, that the same be accepted and left in the hands of the President of the Board for safe keeping.
Resolved, that Loammi Moore the late Treasurer be requested to deliver over to Mr. Jabez Mills all the Bonds, Notes, Obli- gations, and securities for money in his lands belonging to the congregation, and also all the Books, deeds, and other papers in his hands as late Treasurer.
Resolved, that Jabez Mills be requested to deliver to Mr. Moore a copy of the above resolution.
October 22, 1838. Trustees met accord- ing to request of President. Present, Messrs. Whitehead, Mills, Sayre, and Poineer.
Resolved, that the Treasurer proceed to collect all notes due the Parish of Fifty Dollars and under ; and those notes which the drawers cannot conveniently pay the same, that they be requested to give their notes payable at the Bank.
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 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.
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TRUSTEES AND PARISH.
'e the ›sses.
nklin t the the sum each pul- tten it a nce nce on, ole ees nd ed- n- si- k. t- it 1.
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76
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
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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.
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.
Their was due the Parish in Bonds and 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 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 ; notes 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. Rev. Alfred Chester, when the following
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TRUSTEES AND PARISH.
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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 majori y 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
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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.
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1.16 1.04 1.96 - .16 58 58 - 16 e d e e
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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 $2,274.16-100 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
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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 justand 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 serinons 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 tor 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.
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PASTORATE VACANT.
And to facilitate the mode of payment, it is | Joseph McKee, Charlotte Johnes, Charlotte 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 Van Fleet, Mary E. Lindsley, Mary Taylor, Harriet Pierson, Sarah Canfield, John Havi- land, John Paul, Jarzel Turner, David I. 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,
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.]
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