History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1885 pt 1, Part 19

Author: First Presbyterian Church (Morristown, N.J.)
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Morristown, N.J. : "Banner" Steam Print
Number of Pages: 1014


USA > New Jersey > Morris County > Morristown > History of the First Presbyterian Church, Morristown, N.J., 1742-1885 pt 1 > Part 19


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).


Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70


May 3d, 1855, Parish meeting, John F. Voorhees, chairman. Statements were made, and several letters read by the com. of supplies. Resolved, That a parish meet- ing be called for the purpose of making a call for the Rev. W. C. McCurtis, if the way be clear. This was reconsidered, and, after further consultation, rescinded ; whereupon. it was resolved, That it is inexpedient to call a parish meeting for the purpose of set- tling a pastor at this time.


Monday, July 9, 1855, Parish meeting for the purpose of conferring together as to the expediency of making out a call to the Rev. Jacob Curtis : R. W. Stites, chairman ; N. A. C. Seward, secretary. Several letters re- ceived by the com. of supplies, recommend- ing Rev. Mr. Roberts, were read.


Resolved, [Ist,] That it is inexpedient to call a parish meeting at this time to make out a call for a Pastor. [2d,] That the com. of supplies be authorized, at the expense of


the Parish, to send a sub-com. of three or otherwise, to hear such person or persons as they may deem suitable to fill the office of Pastor of this Church.


Wednesday, Sept. 19, 1855, Parish meet- ing, the Rev. John M. Johnson, moderator ; N. A. C. Seward, clerk. Several letters re- ceived by the com. of supplies, recommend- ing the Rev. David Irving, were read.


A call was voted to the Rev. David Irving, at a salary of $1,000, payable quar- terly, with the use of the Parsonage ; to be signed by the Session and Trustees ; and R. W. Stites, David Olyphant and Ste- phen A. Prudden were appointed to prose- cute the call.


Oct. 11, 1855. Annual parish meeting, moderator; N. A. C. Seward, clerk. The following persons were elected Trustees : Theodore Little, J. F. Voorhees, N. A. C. Seward, Silas E. Mills, Charles V. Boss, Amzi Burroughs and Isaac N. White- head.


Oct. 19, 1855, Trustees elected Theodore Little president and N. A. C. Seward treas- urer.


PASTORATE OF REV. DAVID IRVING, D. D., From Nov. 1855 to May 1865.


- :0 :-


MINUTES OF THE SESSION.


Nov. 5, 1855, Rev. David Irving was in- stalled pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Morristown, by the Presbytery of Passaic.


Rev. A. Williamson of Chester presided proposed the constitutional questions and delivered the charge to the Pastor. Rev. Chas. K. Imbrie, of Jersey City preached the


Sermon from 2 Cor. 3: 5, 6. The Rev. E. R. Craven of Newark delivered the charge to the people.


[This note is in the hand-writing of Dr. Irving, who was clerk until 3 June, 1865.]


Nov. 13, 1855, the Session convened in monthly meeting at the Pastor's study and was opened with prayer.


Present-D. Irving, Mod'r; Elders-


I


i


1


..


-


- 1


-


1


1 1


1


- t C


3


5


1


-


-


113


TRUSTEES AND PARISH.


Jonathan Marvin, Ezra Mills, John R. Free- man, Win. Enslee, Ira C. Whitehead, Ste- phen A. Prudden. Elder Mills was ap- pointed to attend the next meeting of Pres- bytery at the 2d Church, Morristown.


Mr. Dennis Sullivan and wife were re- ceived into communion with the Church, from the Hopewell Presbyterian Church, S. C.


The Session, feeling the importance of an addition to their numbers, unanimously re- solved to recommend to the congregation, as candidates for the Eldership, Dr. Rich'd W. Stevenson and David Olyphant.


Further resolved, that their names be read from the pulpit on Sabbath next, and that the congregation be invited to vote thereon on Friday, 30th inst. [No election appears to have been held until 1857.]


Also determined that the hour for com- mencing public services on Sabbath even- ing should be { before 7.


After prayer by Elder Prudden, the Ses- sion adjourned.


Dec. 31, 1855. Revised the roll of Church Members to this date, and found the list to contain 280 names.


Resolved to take 100 copies of the Home and Foreign Record, to be distributed among the members of the Congregation.


Resolved, that the pastor take charge of the monies collected for benevolent objects, and pay the same to the different societies for which the monies were contributed.


Feb. 5, 1.856. After consultation it was agreed to take up four collections annually in the Congregation, by direct personal ap- plication ; as follows : Domestic Missions in February, Bible Society in May, Tract So- ciety and Presbyterian B. Publication in August, and Foreign Missions in Nov'r : other collections in the church, at such times as may seem advisable to the Pastor.


June 28, 1857. Rich'd W. Stevenson and David Olyphant were solemnly set apart to the office of Ruling Elder, to which they had previously been regularly elected, and according to the inode prescribed in our Book, &c.


Nov. 3, 1857. After consultation, it was resolved, In view of the condition of our mission in India, the financial troubles in our own country, and the absence of God's converting grace in the Church, that a day ; organ.


of fasting and prayer be appointed, and be observed by us as a Church, on the 12th inst.


Further resolved, That the time for re- ligious services on the Sabbath, for the en- suing year, continue as at present-morn- ing and evening.


Sept. 5, 1858. It was resolved that after the present communion, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper be administered every two months. [There were six communions a year from early in Dr. Johnes' pastorate until 1817, after which but four.]


March 5, 1859. As some of the members of the Session are incapacitated, by age and bodily infirmities, from engaging in the ac- tive duties of the eldership-it was resolved, to recommend to the Church the election of two additional members to be set apart to this office ; also


Resolved, That the expenses of the dele- gates to Presbytery and Synod be defrayed out of the Sessional Fund.


March 27, 1859. Joel Davis and Theodore Little were solemnly set apart to the office of Ruling Elder, to which they had been previously elected, and according to the mode prescribed in our Book.


Dec. 3, 1859, It was resolved, that as the Choctaw Mission has been cut off by the American Board of Com. of Foreign Mis- sions the monthly concert collections be, ter this time, given to the Presbyterian Board.


June 2, 1860. The resolutions of Synod and Presbytery were laid before Session. respecting " Ministerial Support"; when Dr. Marvin and E. Mills were appointed a committee to inquire into, and report whether the salary now given to the pastor is a competent support.


June 6, 1863. Resolved to employ Rev. Mr. Hopwood, to supply our pulpit for the next two months, if our Pastor continues absent so long.


TRUSTEES AND PARISH.


March 24, 1856. Trustees. Mr. Boss re- ported that he had agreed with Mr. Runyon as chorister ; he is to take charge of choir for one year for $150. and teach a class one evening in a week, proceeds to go to church two quarters in the year, he to commence Feb., 1856. Com. on church authorized to make necessary alterations to renew the


.


114


PASTORATE OF THE REV. DAVID IRVING, D.D.


April, 1856. Trustees appointed Charles | 150., and he to teach a singing school for V. Boss Treasurer of the church for the re- mainder of the parish year, the office being made vacant by the decease of Mr. Seward.


Oct. 10, 1856. Annual parish meeting. Jonathan Thompson, Moderator; and Ed- ward Pierson, Clerk.


The Treasurer reported :


Account of N. A. C. Seward.


Total receipts, $366.51


Total disbursements,


$427.05


t · Balance due,


67.54


$427.05 $427.05


Account of Charles V. Boss.


Total receipts,


$789.06


Total disbursements,


$801.48


Balance due,


12.42


$801.48 $801.48


There is due the church, de- ducting doubtful,


$217.20


The church owes, $912.45


Resolved, In view of the fact that the revenue derived from the assessments of the pews, and from all other sources is about $300 short of the necessary annual ex- penses, said deficiency having been, for years past, made up by sales of lots in the grave yard, which sales have now ceased, and a debt of more than $600 having ac- crued for the last two years : [Ist,] That, the Trustees be instructed to lay an assess- ment of 12} pr. ct., instead of 10 per ct. as at present, on the valuation of all the pews in the church, and, in addition to this, the legal interest of 6 pr. ct. on the present value, as fixed by the Trustees, of all pews owned by the church and rented to indi- viduals ; [2d,] That the resolution, passed some years since, making the seats in the gallery free, be rescinded ; [3d,] That John F. Voorhees, Charles V. Boss, Silas E. Mills, Isaac N. Whitehead, H. C. Pitney, W. C. Caskey and Ed'd Pierson be elected Trustees for the ensuing year ; [4th,] That S. Mulford's salary be increased to $150 a year.


Oct. 18, 1856. Trustees. John F. Voor- hees was elected President ; and Charles V. Boss, Treasurer.


Jan'y 23, 1857. Trustees. Resolved, That Mr. John R. Runyon be employed as choris- ter for ensuing year, commencing Feb. -, on.the same terms as last year, viz :


the benefit of the church, his salary to be paid quarterly if possible, if not, at the end of the year.


March 6, 1857. Parish meeting. Edward Mills, Chairman; Edward Pierson, Secre- tary. The object of calling the meeting was stated to be the condition of the church and lecture room. Plans for the remodel- ling of the building were presented. After consultation, Resolved [Ist.] That it is ex- pedient to take measures at once for the re- pairing of the church and rebuilding of the session house, in accordance with the plans presented ; [2d, ] That the congregation con- sent to the removal of the church building under the direction of the Trustees; [3d,] That the Trustees of this church confer with the Trustees of the second church to devise means for the fencing of the grave yard: [4th] That Messrs. Olyphant, Little and Axtell be a committee to get estimates of the repairs, rebuilding and removing of the buildings, and report at a future meet- ing.


March 24, 1857. Adjourned Parish meet- ing. The committee appointed at the last meeting made their report, which was ac- cepted, and the committee continued to raise the necessary funds by subscrip- tion ; Resolved [Ist,] That no subscription be binding until the sum of four thousand is subscribed ; [2d,] That the congregation deem it expedient to remove the church. and that the committee confer with families having friends buried in that part of the yard, which the church would cover if re- moved, and obtain their consent if possible.


Oct. 22, 1857. Annual parish meeting. Peter B. Shafer, Chairman ; Edward Pier- son, Clerk.


The Treasurer reported :


Total receipts for the past year,


$1,682.14


Total disbursements,


$1.560.67


Balance,


121,47


$1,682.14 $1,682.14


There is due the church on Pews, &c.,


$434.99


Bills payable,


$646.81


Ballance due the estate


of Rev. J. H. Townley, 250.00


Deduct doubtful debt $100, leaves a deficiency of $561.83


-


115


TRUSTEES AND PARISH.


The following persons were elected Trus- tees : John F. Voorhees. John R. Runyon. Henry C. Pitney, Charles V. Boss, Jacob Crane, W. C. Caskey, Edward Pierson. lease by the late Mrs. Cobb, which is now enclosed by Fence in front of her late resi- dence. [5th.] That a new fence be built around the back part of the grave yard. [6th.] That no repairs be made on the church building, but that the congregation use it as long as it is tenable and then re- place it bv a new building. (Ordered to lie on the table.) [7th,] That the Trustees pre- That the Trustees prepare a statement of | pare a report of the Finances of the church, also a report of the proceedings of this meet- ing to be read from the pulpit.


Resolved, [Ist.] That the Session be re- quested to change the time of the Sabbath evening service to Sabbath afternoon, pro- vided the change in their opinion will not affect the interests of the church. [2d.] the finances of the church, also the condi- tion of the church Building, to be read from the pulpit, and to call a meeting of the con- gregation to devise means to pay the church debt and for necessary repairs to the church.


Dec. 15, 1857, Trustees Caskey. Crane and Voorhees were appointed a committee to confer with the session, with reference to changing the evening service to afternoon, on acct. of the increased expense, and the deficiency of revenue, and to change it if in there opinion it would be right to do so.


March, 1858, Trustee C. V. Boss resigned the office of Treasurer, and Edward Pier- son was appointed in his place.


Oct. 2, 1858, Trustees. Resolved, That Mr. Crane be directed to put up two new stoves for the sum of Forty dollars.


Oct. 20, 1858. Annual Parish meeting : Thomas A. Hartwell, Chairman; Edward Pierson, Clerk.


The Trustees reported :


Total receipts for the past year, $1,625.74


Total disbursements, $1,610.11


Balance,


15.63


$1,625.74 $1,625.74


Bills payable,


$652.37


Assets,


$165.63


The following persons were elected Trus- tees : John F. Voorhees, John R. Runyon. Henry C. Pitney, Wm. C. Caskey. Jacob Crane, Theo. Little, Edward Pierson.


Resolved, [Ist.] That the present indebt- edness of the Parish be paid by voluntary subscription. [2d,] That the estimated de- fciency in the Revenue of the church to meet the annual expenses be raised by an- qual voluntary subscription. [3d,] That the Trustees be appointed a committee to carry cut the above resolutions. [4th.] That the Trustees be instructed to take immediate Possession of the ground now held under


November 4. 1858, Parish meeting : David Olyphant, Chairman : Edward Pierson, Sec. The resolution, No. 6, which was ordered to lie on the table at the last meeting, was taken up, and, after remarks by several members, it was Resolved, [1st,] That the sum of $2,500 be raised for the purpose of repairing the church building, fencing the grave yard and for the payment of the church debt, no subscription to be binding unless the whole amount be subscribed ; [2d] That the sum of $350 be raised to meet the deficiency between annual receipts and expenditure ; [3d.] That J. F. Voorhees, Theo. Little, D. Rockwell, D. Olyphant and Silas D. Cory, be a committee to carry out the above resolutions ; [4th.] That H. M. Olmsted be appointed Trustee in the place of Henry C. Pitney (resigned).


Nov. 10, 1858. Trustees. The minutes of the meetings of the previous year were amended, to read, That,some time during the year, John R. Runyon was appointed chorister for one year. from February 1, 1858, at a salary of one hundred and fifty dollars. Edward Pierson was appointed Treasurer.


1858, Dec. Trustees. The subscription for repairs being completed, the Building Com. was requested to meet and decide up- on plans, &c.


1859. Jan. 3. Trustees. It being under- stood that Jan. would be a convenient time to have the annual meeting at the Pastor's. Messrs. Voorhees, Little, Runyon and Caskey were appointed com. to make ar- rangements for it.


1859, Feb. Trustees. Resolved, That John H. Warner be employed as organist for one year from March, at a salary of one hundred and thirty-five dollars.


1859, June 6. Trustees. Resolved, [Ist, That the building com. be requested to get


.


V


116


PASTORATE OF THE REV. DAVID IRVING, D.D.


estimates for putting gas pipes in the church and report to Trustees on Monday even- ing next : [2d,] That the president no- tify the Fire Association to remove their building from the church property within three months from said notice, according to the terms of the lease, and that the associa- tion be called upon to pay the arrears of rent due for use of said ground ; [3d,] That the President give notice to the executors of the estate of Mrs. Eliz. Cobb, dec'd, to re- move the door yard fence inclosing land owned by the church and heretofore occu- pied by her in pursuance of lease granted to her by the Trustees.


1859, Sept. 5. Trustees. Resolved, That the Building Committee be instructed to have furnaces put in the church.


Sept. Trustees. The building com. was instructed to have Gas Pipes put in the parsonage at the expense of the church.


October 31, 1859. Annual Parish meeting. John R. Church, Chairman ; Edward Pier- son, Clerk.


The Treasurer reported :


Total receipts for the year,


$2,295.27


Total disbursements,


$2,271.43


Balance, 23.84


$2,295.27 $2,295.27


There is due the Parish, $239.70


Estimated expenses the coming


year, $1,905.00


Estimated receipts, $ 1,500.00


Resolved, [Ist,] That the Trustees be in - structed to lay an assessment of 16 pr. cent. instead of 12} pr. cent., as at present, on the valuation of all the Pews in the church, and in addition to this the interest on the Pews belonging to the church, and that the monthly collections be continued; [2d,] That J. F. Voorhees, Theo. Little, J. R. Runyon, J. Crane, W. C. Caskey, Lewis D. Bunn and Edward Pierson, be elected Trus- tees.


1859, Dec. 16. Trustees. Resolved, [Ist, ] That the congregation be requested to make a donation visit to the Pastor ; and Messrs. Little, Caskey and Voorhees were appointed to make the arrangements for it ; [2d,] That the President be instructed to carry out a former resolution of the Trustees, and also of the Parish meeting of 1858, with reference to the removal of Mrs.


E. Cobb's door yard fence from the church grounds : [3d,] That the , President notity the Fire Department to remove the Engine House from the church ground ; and that the Treasurer collect froin the Fire Depart- ment the amount due for rent of ground ; [4th,] That the Building Com. cover the ceiling in the church with boards to protect it from injury ; [5th,] That the sexton be employed to collect the salary quarterly. for two pr. cent. on the amount collected. [6th, ] That a pipe for conveying Aqueduct water be carried to the church ; [7th, ] That a claim against John F. Voorhees of $45., for a lot in the grave yard, be considered paid in consideration of his balancing an account against the church for supplying the Parsonage with Aqueduct-water from the time of its erection until Oct. 1, 1858, amounting to about $150.


1860, January 12. Trustees. All present to consider an application by the family of David Day, who had just deceased, to have his remains intered by side of his wife in the old part of the burying ground in the rear of the church. After much conversation and comparison of views, and strong ex- pression of desire to meet the desire of the family, the Trustees felt that they had no power over the matter, having been in- structed positively to permit no more inter- ment in that part of the ground, by the congregation assembled in annual Parish meeting. After expressing these views to the family, and without taking any vote upon it, the application was withdrawn.


Mr. Pierson reported that the sexton was unwilling to collect the salary upon the terms offered, therefore, resolved. That the Treasurer be employed to collect it on same terms.


1860, Sept. 6. Trustees. Resolved, [Ist,] That the avenue in the grave yard be opened and put in good order ; [2d,] That the pews belonging to the church be offered for sale. at half the valuation, by putting a list on the church door.


Sept. 26. Trustees. Resolved, to ap- propriate $100, pr. an., as salary for the organist.


September ?28th, ]:1860, Annual Parish meeting. Dr. Lewis Condict, Moderator : Edward Pierson, Parish Clerk.


The Treasurer reported :


117


TRUSTEES AND PARISH.


Total receipts for year, Total disbursements,


$1,899.17


$1,893.97


Balance,


5.20


$1,899.17 $1,899.17


Due for lot sold in grave yard, $ 18.00


Due on Pew rents, $255.84


The com. on church repairs reported the amount rec'd to date, $7,350.76. The whole amount paid to date, $7,436.07, leaving a de- ficiency of $85.31.


Resolved, [Ist,] That the committee on Church Repairs be continued, with the ad- dition of John R. Runyon ; and that they be authorized to raise sufficient to pay off the deficiency, and for the purpose of en- closing the church grounds with a suitable fence to protect the property. [2d,] That J. F. Voorhees, Theodore Little, J. R. Runyon, Jacob Crane, W. C. Caskey, Lewis D. Bunn and Edward Pierson be appointed Trustees for the ensuing year.


1861, June 22, Trustees. An application for the use of the church for the 4th July celebration was refused. Mr. Bunn, appointed to raise money to liquidate the debt remaining unpaid for church improve- ments, about $200, reported that he had got subscribed the sum of $62 ; whereupon, re- solved, That the Treasurer borrow the money for the amount still due and liquidate the debt.


1861, Oct. 16, Trustees. The Treasurer reported that * refuses to pay any rent * on the Pew occupied by his family and, it having been ascertained that Pew had been sold for salary and bought by the Trustees March 28, 1857, it was resolved, that the pew be rented to other parties from this date, and the family notified to leave it.


The standing committees reported as fol- lows :


Miss Cory to January last, and $8 to Mr Tory ; for tuning the organ $33, and for blowing $15.


Oct. 18, 1861, Annual Parish meeting : Samuel C. Burnet, chairman ; Edward Pier- son, Parish Clerk. The Treasurer reported : Total receipts for the past year, $1,964.19


44 disbursements, $1,933.83


Balance, 30.36


$1,964.19 $1.964.19


There is due the church, $411.00


The church owes, $221.00


Committee on church improvements re- ported as follows :


To Bal. due Treasurer, pr. last re- port, $85.31


Paid bills during the year, 27.61


112.92


By amt. col. from subscription and articles sold, 61.00


Due the Treas., 51.92


1861, Oct. 18, To interest, 5.08


Balance due Tres., 57.00


There is still due on subscription, $47.25. Property on hand valued at $57.00.


[Abstract of] Report of the Treasurer of the board of Trustees : "The Trustees would congratulate the Parish upon the wisdom manifested in ordering, two years ago, a sufficient assessment upon the Pews to meet the expenses of the Church, which has enabled the Trustees to pay the de- mands made upon them for the ordinary ex- pense of supporting the Gospel, without the previous embarrassment of a debt which had to be raised by private subscription. The revenue is barely sufficient for the ex- penses, these cannot be paid quarterly when persons permit their assessments to accumulate from a half to two years or more. The sum of about $8 is a small one to col- lect from so large a congregation monthly. and those Trustees who have been in the habit of taking these collections, remark, that the money is mainly collected from a few persons, while many of the congregation ignore them entirely.


Mr. Little reported the Parsonage prem- ises in good repair, at an expense not over $5. Mr. Crane reported a new window in N. East of church, repair to weather boards to keep out storms, some repair to Furnace pipe, and a new stove in Lecture room ; whole expense about $50. Mr. Pierson re- ported Lots in Grave yard sold and paid for The Trustees would also congratulate the congregation on the wise measure, adopted by Parish meeting 2 years ago, and the lib- erality with which they provided the means, $142 ; two lots not yet paid for ; and had expended in opening, Grading, and clearing walks and Grounds the sum of $76.13. Mr. Runyon reported that $25 had been paid to l to put all the church property in complete


a: t.


e


t


118


PASTORATE OF THE REV. DAVID IRVING, D.D.


repair, by which they were enabled to put our church in such convenient and neat, not to say beautiful condition, that while retain- ing the prestige of being the oldest and most venerable building in this part of the State, it is also the most beautiful, and one that we can look upon with a just pride and satisfaction ; and in consequence of which we have been enabled to hold the position of the first church, not only by reason of age, but also in appearance and comfort. The result has been, that during the past year almost every seat on the first floor of the church has been taken and some in the gallery.


The Burying ground has also been put into such a condition, that instead of being a disgrace to us it has been made a pleasant retreat.


The Parsonage was also put in good con- dition. To add to the comfort of our min- ister, it needs the addition of a small barn. which would enable him to keep a horse and ców.


When the Parish can afford it, we need an extensive alteration of our Lecture room, with a separate room for the Sunday school, the present location of which, in the church gallery, is unpleasant and uncomfortable.


The grounds also about the church should be enclosed, which was contemplated in the general repairs, but defered for want of funds.


During the last year about $75. have been expended in laying out new avenues in the grave yard, and bringing into market a number of lots which could not before be used.


When the Treason which has been so long brewing in the Southern part of our once United country, culminated in open rebel- lion, and the beloved emblem of our nation- ality had been shot down at Fort Sumter, and when the patriotism of our people was appropriately displaying itself in the raising of the stars and stripes throughout the Loyal States, the Trustees thought they would be sustained by the congregation in inviting the citizens to displaythe flag of our liberties on the highest pinacle of our sacred temple. It was accordingly displayed from our steeple for several weeks. The Trustees believe that the temple, where Washington and many of the heroes of the




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.