USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > History of the Newark Baptist City Mission : from its origin in 1851 to its seventeenth anniversary in 1868 > Part 2
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HISTORY OF THE NEWARK
city of Newark; and the remainder, about four thousand dollars, through the exertions of the pastor, was secured from abroad. This is the only instance in which help has been extended from sister churches out of the city.
Grateful mention should here be made of the Christian liberality of Mr. John M. Davies, whose name has already promi- nently appeared in these pages. Mr. Davies has removed from the city, but he still re- tains the warmest interest in the Mission which he helped to organize. For assist- ance in the erection of the chapel in the North Ward, and the new edifice which the church there now occupies, as well as the substantial aid rendered in the build- ing of the two houses of worship which the South and First Churches occupy, the Baptists of Newark owe a lasting debt of gratitude to Mr. Davies.
Immediately following the dedication of the new chapel, a blessed work of the Spirit began, continuing for more than four
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BAPTIST CITY MISSIO.V.
months, resulting in greatly refreshing the Church, and adding to its number forty- four by baptism.
In 1865-66, thirty-three were added by baptism, and during the latter year only one month passed without witnessing the administration of the ordinance.
The Church commenced the year 1867 with a day of fasting and prayer, which was followed by a very quiet and gracious re- vival. Thirty-five were baptized. Unlike former seasons, the work began and con- tinued among the adults, and quite a num- ber of husbands for whom wives had long been praying, were brought into the fold.
In December of this year, the pastor, after a faithful and laborious ministry of ten years, resigned, in order to accept an ap- pointment of the Board of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, for Kansas and adjoining States.
Not without years of earnest labor, ac- companied by the cheerful sacrifice of time and means, and the earnest prayers and
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NEWARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
united efforts of the Church and the Board, have the results here sketched been at- tained. And who that looks at the attrac- tive chapel of the North Church, occupying as it does one of the most beautiful sites in the city, and takes a survey of the field in which it has been planted, and contem- plates the souls that have been gathered, can doubt that the labor and the money have been wisely expended ?
It should here be added, that the benevo- lent contributions of this Church, since its constitution, have amounted to the sum of $3,950.22. The membership now consists of three hundred and one.
JRAVE
FIFTH BAPTIST CHURCH. REV. D. T. MORRILL, PASTOR.
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NEWARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
THE FIFTH BAPTIST CHURCH.
Constituted March 19, 1855.
THE mission in the Fifth Ward, as has been stated, was commenced simultaneously with that in the North Ward. After the division of the two fields, Rev. D. T. Mor- rill became the missionary for the Fifth Ward.
By request of the South Church, the Church at Rahway, of which Mr. Morrill was a member, invited a council to meet in the South Church, March 23, 1854, to consider the propriety of ordaining him to the work of the Christian ministry. The council met accordingly, and after an examination of Mr. Morrill, proceeded to ordain him by the usual services.
Mr. Morrill, being relieved in April, 1854, from his engagement with the South
3
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HISTORY OF THE NEWARK
Church, entered fully upon his work in the Fifth Ward Mission. During the ensu- ing winter, God was pleased to bless the preached Word, and quite a number of per- sons were converted. It then became ap- parent that a church organization was indis- pensable to the greatest efficiency and suc- cess of the Mission.
At a regular meeting of the Board, held March 5, 1855, after a full discussion, the following resolution was adopted : -
" Resolved, that Rev. Mr. Morrill be instructed to obtain information as regards the material that can be gathered into a church organization, and report at a subsequent meeting."
At a subsequent meeting, held March 19, the missionary reported that fifty-six persons had voluntarily tendered their names as willing to become constituent members of a new church organization, and that these persons had subscribed four hundred and seventy dollars toward the support of the gospel for the first year ; whereupon it was unanimously resolved, that in view of the
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BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
circumstances, the Board recommend that a church be constituted at an early day in the Fifth Ward.
On Monday, March 26, 1855, a council convened in the South Church, in response to letters of invitation. The Articles of Faith and Covenant, adopted by the breth- ren, being satisfactory, the council recom- mended their recognition as a regular Bap- tist church, to be called the Fifth Baptist Church of Newark.1 The public services of recognition were held on the evening of the same day. Of the fifty-six members constituting this Church, about an equal number came from the First and the South churches. The Church proceeded imme- diately to elect their missionary, who, by his faithful services, had endeared himself to them, to fill the office of pastor.
1 This name has been objected to by many, as not being liter- ally true. But considering the German Church as having prece- dence in point of time, the church is properly named. Another name would perhaps have been chosen ; but at the time of the organization, the church had no local habitation, and had been known as the Fifth Ward Mission.
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HISTORY OF THE NEWARK
The first Lord's day after the organiza- tion and recognition of this new Church, was one full of solemn interest and heavenly joy. Six new-born souls awaited the holy rite that should introduce them into Christ's isible Kingdom. The hearts of all were lifted in praise. After a brief morning service in the hall, the Church repaired to the South Church, where the ordinance of Baptism was administered. In the after- noon the Lord's Supper was celebrated for the first time by this infant body and these new disciples were welcomed by the hand of fellowship.
The great want of the Church now was a suitable place to meet in. It was evident to all that no very great and permanent growth could be expected with their pres- ent accommodations. In the early part of August the subject was earnestly discussed in church-meeting, and a resolution unan- imously passed, that " immediate measures be taken for the erection of a suitable house of worship." A building committee was
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BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
also appointed. In January, 1856, the building committee reported to the Church that Deacon H. M. Baldwin, of the South Church, who from the first had manifested great interest in this Mission enterprise, would give two lots on the corner of Lafay- ette and Prospect Streets, when a house costing not less than ten thousand dollars should have been built and paid for. Mr. Baldwin's proposition was thankfully ac- cepted, and at the next meeting more than three thousand dollars were subscribed by those who were present, to be paid within two years, in eight equal installments.
The Church then, through its Trustees, presented the following memorial to the Board : -
" DEAR BRETHREN .: - In the past we have been ac- customed to look to you for advice and aid. This ad- vice and aid, accompanied by the Divine blessing, has resulted in the formation of a church which God has so increased as imperatively to demand, in our opinion, the speedy erection of a commodious house of wor- ship. A member of your Board, Mr. H. M. Bald- win, has magnanimously promised to deed to the
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HISTORY OF THE NEWARK
Trustees of this Church an eligible site costing two thousand two hundred and fifty dollars, when there shall have been erected and paid for, a house costing not less than ten thousand dollars. Pressed by the necessities of our present disadvantageous location, encouraged by this offer, and prompted by love to the cause of Christ, we resolved to make an effort within ourselves for the accomplishment of this object. And as the result of this, we have upwards of three thou- sand dollars subscribed. Thus situated we come to you for advice and aid. Shall the financial response be, ' Go forward ?' when to go back is impossible, and to stand still imperils the cause? We desire a prompt and prayerful reply. If the remaining amount is subscribed by the other Baptists in this city, relying upon Divine aid, we promise to sustain ourselves thereafter.
" Yours, etc."
[Signed by the Trustees in behalf of the Church.]
To which the Board responded by pledg- ing their hearty sympathy and cooperation. Plans for the church edifice were soon adopted by the building committee of the Church and the committee appointed by the Board.
The corner-stone was laid by the Rev. E. L. Magoon, D. D., September 15, 1856.
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BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
July 5, 1857, the lecture-room was dedi- cated with appropriate services. At once the congregation and Sunday-school began to increase. This was the year of the great financial convulsion, and the year also of the great awakening. In December, the Lord began to visit the church and con- gregation. The former was quickened to work and pray; the latter awakened to a sense of their sins and their need of a Saviour. The revival was of such power as to move through all the holiday festivities without hindrance. As the result of this visitation of the Holy Spirit, one hundred and twenty-three persons were baptized and received into the fellowship of the Church.
The house of worship having been fin- ished and furnished, was dedicated to the worship of God, April 21, 1858. Dr. Dow- ling, Dr. Babcock, and Rev. A. Kingman Nott, preached on that day. A small debt remained on the new house. This debt, like many others of a similar nature, seemed
1
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difficult to pay. The finances of the coun- try were disturbed, and the prospect was not encouraging. The Board was at this time paying four hundred dollars toward the support of the pastor. The Church had pledged the Board that it would ask no further aid as soon as their indebtedness was removed. It was seen that this amount was a large interest on fifteen hundred dol- lars, the sum yet owed.
Mr. James Hague, of the South Church, suggested to his pastor the following plan by which this debt could be removed, and the Church enabled to fulfill her pledge of self-support; namely, the Board to borrow the money, and get responsible persons to give bona fide notes with interest payable in two years.1 Through the earnest efforts of Dr. Fish and Dr. Levy, the notes were procured; and though Mr. Hague died before the notes became due, and the amount borrowed was returned, yet the plan he devised secured the end.
1 The money was borrowed from Dr. Rogers, of Paterson.
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BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
On the evening of January 3, 1860, Mr. Wilson, President of the Board, paid over the fifteen hundred dollars, thus removing all claims against the Church, while Mr. H. M. Baldwin, according to his pledge, gave them the deed of the lot on which the build- ing had been erected. The Church unan- imously passed a vote of thanks to these brethren, and then employed the remainder of the evening in prayer and thanksgiving to God for his gracious aid in the work of building a house for his glory.
The Church from this time has been self- sustaining - giving to the treasury of the Board instead of receiving from it. Through the blessing of God, and the generous co- operation of the City Mission Board, this result was reached in less than five years from the time the little band was organ- ized.
The contributions of this Church since its organization, for benevolent objects, have amounted to the sum of $3,003.50. The membership now consists of three hundred and ninety-seven.
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NEWARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
· It will be also a matter of interest to state that during the past year, 1867-68, a very neat and commodious parsonage has been erected, adding greatly to the comfort and happiness of the pastor, a result which was much facilitated by the generosity of brethren who are members of sister churches.
In concluding this sketch we are moved to indorse the remark of the pastor, Rev. Mr. Morrill, that if the City Mission Board had done nothing more than to plant this one Church in all the years of its existence, it would have done a noble work. But this is only one, the second born, of the Mission Church sisterhood.
SEDAN. E
FAIRMOUNT BAPTIST CHURCH. REV. W. D. SEIGFRIED, PASTOR.
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NEWARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
FAIRMOUNT BAPTIST CHURCH.
Constituted June 29, 1860.
IN the year 1859, the building, corner of Bank and Wickliff Streets, formerly used by another denomination, known as Fair- mount Chapel, was reported to the Board as being unoccupied. Its location, the rap- idly growing neighborhood, and the pros- pect of successfully establishing a mission there, were the subjects of thoughtful and prayerful consideration by the Board. The result was the opening of the place for wor- ship, the organization of a Sunday-school, and finally the purchase of the property at a cost of over three thousand dollars.
For the first few months the pastors of the several Baptist churches preached alter- nately each Sabbath afternoon. The Sun- day-school was under the efficient superin-
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HISTORY OF THE NEWARK
tendency of Mr. D. C. Whitman, of the South Church, and grew rapidly in num- bers and usefulness. In August, 1859, Rev. C. W. Clark was invited to preach in the chapel. This service resulted, soon after, in his call by the Board to assume the care of the Mission. On the 6th of October, Mr. Clark entered upon his labors. During the course of the winter the Mission enjoyed a quiet but refreshing revival. Twelve per- sons professed conversion, and the laborers in the vineyard were greatly encouraged.
January 19, 1860, the missionary was or- dained to the work of the ministry, by a council called for that purpose by the South Church.
In April, thirty-eight persons signed a memorial to be presented to the Board, ex- pressive of their views of the importance of a church organization, and seeking the ad- vice of the Board. After mature delibera- tion, it was voted to approve of such a pro- cedure. A council was called, and met in the chapel June 29. Twelve churches sent
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BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
delegates. After religious services, a care- ful examination of the Articles of Faith, the prospects of the new Church, and remarks from several members of the Board, the council unanimously resolved to recognize the body as a regular Baptist Church under the name of the Fairmount Baptist Church. The services of recognition were held in the evening in the First Church. Rev. T. R. Howlett preached the sermon.
The new Church called to the pastorate Mr. Clark, who continued his relations with the Board, as their missionary.
During the course of that year, and espe- cially in the winter of 1860-61, the Church received the most evident tokens of the Divine favor. The number of meetings was increased. The gospel became the power of God. Forty-eight were added by bap- tism, and twenty-five by letter.
In April, 1861, the Rebellion broke out, and the nation was called to arms. The sudden stoppage of almost all business so embarassed the Board, which had been
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HISTORY OF THE NEWARK
appropriating to this Church six hundred dollars annually, as well as sustaining the other missions, that it was compelled to re- duce the donation. By many it was feared that the pastor could not be sustained. But a system of personal weekly subscriptions was devised and immediately carried into effect. The pastor informed the Church that he would remain with them at all events and share their sacrifices. So won- derfully was the Church prospered under these scriptural efforts, that for the first time in its history it was enabled to pay the pastor's salary regularly upon the first day of each month.
The Board on several occasions assisted the Church in enlarging the chapel, and in otherwise adding to the comfort and effi- ciency of the congregation. But the Church felt an increasing necessity for better ac- commodations. Various plans were pro- posed, and as speedily abandoned, because the denomination had already all that it could sustain, - the North Church having
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just commenced its long delayed work upon its new house of worship.
May 30, 1864, the following resolution was adopted : -
" Resolved, That this Board recommend to the Fair- mount Church to make an immediate effort towards the erection of a new house of worship."
A committee was also appointed to co- operate with a similar committee to be ap- pointed by the Fairmount Church, to select and purchase a site for the proposed house. After a careful survey of the field, a location was finally selected on Bank Street, above Wickliffe, containing seventy-five feet front by one hundred feet deep. Measures were immediately taken to erect thereon a house of worship. Eight thousand dollars were at once subscribed by the several churches for that object. This amount was soon greatly increased, and the joint committees pro- ceeded with the building. The corner-stone was laid September 12, 1866, by the Hon. T. B. Peddie, of the First Church, Mayor of the city; the address was made by Dr.
4
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Dowling, of New York, and the various in- teresting services were participated in by the pastors of the several Baptist churches.
Sunday, May 19, 1867, the lecture-room was opened for public worship. Dr. H. C. Fish, Dr. E. M. Levy, and Rev. C. E. Wil- son, Jr., preached on this memorable day.
In October of the same year, the pastor, Rev. C. W. Clark, who had so earnestly and faithfully labored for the interests of the Church, resigned the charge and accepted a call from the Church at Red Bank, N. J.
In July, the Church extended a call to Rev. W. D. Seigfried, who accepted the invitation, and entered upon his duties September 9, 1868. The edifice being en- tirely finished, was dedicated to the wor- ship of God on the sixteenth of September. The contributions for benevolent objects since the organization of the Church, have been $931. The membership at the pres- ent time is one hundred and sixty.
DRAKE
MOUNT PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH. REV. C. E. WILSON, JR., PASTOR.
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NEWARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
MOUNT PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH.
Constituted November, 1867.
AT a meeting of the Board, held Novem- ber 27, 1865, an informal discussion was held on the prospects of the Eighth Ward as a field for missionary labor. This part of the city presented many attractions as a location. Broad Street - one of the finest avenues in the country -runs through it in a northerly direction. It is also on the direct road to Mount Pleasant Cemetery, the banks of the Passaic River, to Woodside and Belleville. The population was increas- ing, and improvements of the most sub- stantial and attractive character were being constantly projected.
Other denominations had long been re- ported as designing to occupy the field, but as yet no signs of a movement were apparent.
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Under these circumstances, the Board felt it to be their duty to make an effort to pro- vide opportunities for religious worship for this destitute part of the city.
Mr. W. S. Hedenberg, the treasurer of the Board, had given much attention to the subject, but could find no place suitable for holding a Sabbath-school, or other religious services.
The Board listened with much interest to the statements made at this meeting by Mr. Hedenberg, and finally decided to appoint a committee, with power to purchase a lot on which to erect a mission chapel.
The committee reported January 29, 1866, that they had purchased a lot, seventy- three feet front on Broad Street, nearly op- posite Governeur Street, and two hundred feet deep. Immediate measures were taken to build the chapel. In November, 1866, the chapel was finished and opened with appropriate services. The Sabbath-school was partially organized, November 19, 1866, and fully so December 3, 1866, by appoint-
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BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
ing Mr. D. C. Whitman, superintendent. There were in attendance at this time, fifty- four scholars and fourteen teachers.
It will be seen that the Board wisely pur- chased sufficient ground on which to erect an edifice such as this beautiful and grow- ing portion of the city would, at a very early period, assuredly demand. The chapel might then be removed to the rear of the lot and used entirely for the Sunday-school and weekly services of a social character.
On the second Sabbath in February, 1867, Rev. C. E. Wilson, Jr., who had pre- viously been pastor of the Baptist Church at Seaville, N. J., entered the field as mis- sionary of the Board, preaching morning and evening. A formal welcome was ex- tended to him on the afternoon of that day, in which the pastors of the various Baptist churches, with the pastor of the neighbor- ing Methodist Church, participated.
The formation of the Church occurred in November, 1867, with thirty-one constituent members. Several conversions were soon
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NEWARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
after reported, and the Church and their faithful young pastor received early tokens of the Divine favor. Other denominations were provoked to zeal and good works ; several chapels were soon erected in the immediate neighborhood, and thus the com- munity was provided with the preaching of " the glorious gospel of the blessed God," and the children with instruction from lov- ing and self-denying Sunday-school teachers.
DRAKE
THE PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCHII. REV. SAMUEL BAXTER, MISSIONARY.
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NEWARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
THE PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH.
Constituted, March 8, 1868.
IN the spring of 1860 a few members of the Fifth Church canvassed the Tenth Ward for the purpose of gathering into their Sun- day-school the children who were destitute of religious education. These earnest Chris- tians were much affected by the moral waste which they witnessed in this portion of the city. Their compassion for the neglected and the perishing, induced them to devise means for their recovery. They accord- ingly hired a small room in a private house, and opened a school in the afternoon of Sunday, May 27, 1860. At the first session there were present eight scholars. The school having been dismissed, the teachers remained for prayer. The hour for which the room was engaged having expired, they
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adjourned to the street, and there, under the shade of a tree, proceeded to elect their officers.
The school increasing in numbers, addi- tional room in the same house was engaged. Other helpers, principally from the South Church, came in and offered their services.
At the monthly meeting in July, this new mission enterprise was reported to the Board. In accordance with the request of the Mission, it was voted that the Board ap- prove the action of the brethren in establish- ing the school, and also of their collecting money to sustain it : and that it might be under the supervision of the Board, it was voted that the pastors of the South and Fifth churches, and one member from each of said churches, be a committee to counsel and superintend the Mission.
The school continued to increase in num- bers and usefulness to such a degree, that its influence was apparent even in the per- sonal cleanliness of the scholars, and the good order of the neighborhood. Sabbath-
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breaking and other forms of ungodliness were greatly diminished, and occasionally souls were converted.
The miserable accommodations, however, much impeded the working of the Mission, and limited the sphere of its usefulness. But with a zeal that could not be quenched, and a perseverance that must always command success, the Mission continued pressing its claims upon the denomination. At length Mr. H. M. Baldwin, of the South Church, purchased the house in which the school was held, and the adjoining grounds. Mr. Baldwin proceeded to give such a portion of this property to the Board as might be required to build thereon a chapel for the use of the Mission, besides subscribing lib- erally towards the building.
At a meeting held May 30, 1864, the Board recommended that all the churches make a collection the next Sabbath in behalf of this Mission. The churches, without ex- ception, responded to this request, and lib- eral contributions were made on that day.
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Necessary measures were at once taken to erect a neat and substantial chapel. A building committee was appointed by the Board, and the work was prosecuted with so much energy that the building was com- pleted and opened for divine service early in July, 1864.
The following services were now held in the new chapel : preaching at 10} A. M. by the German missionary, Sunday-school of the Tenth Ward Mission at 23 P. M., and a prayer-meeting at 73 P. M., besides several weekly meetings.
Mr. Samuel Baxter, having labored with acceptance and usefulness in the Mission in expounding the Scriptures, exhorting the people, and in visiting from house to house, was licensed by the South Church, of which he was a. member, to preach.
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