USA > New Jersey > Monmouth County > Tennent > History of the Old Tennent church : containing : a connected story of the church's life, sketches of its pastors, biographical references to its members, all its earlier record lists, full quotations of its earlier historical records, a complete list of burials in all its graveyards, many of its local traditions, most of its important illustations and maps, an account of the battle of Monmouth, and a large collection of genealogical notes > Part 28
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in the Presence of William Ker -
William MeConchy
The Mark of X Joshua Nichols Noah Gates
1
1 Seal
ROYAL, CHARTER OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES OF MONMOUTH COUNTY.
GRANTED FEB. 21, 1750.
GEORGE THE SECOND by the grace of God of Great Britain, France 1 L. S. and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith &c To all to whom these presents shall come, greeting : Whereas the advancement of true religion and virtue is absolutely necessary for the promotion of the peace, order, and prosperity of the State ; And Whereas it is the duty of all Chris- tian princes and governors by the law of God to do all they can for the encourage- ment thereof ; And Whereas sundry of our loving subjects inhabiting within the County of Monmouth within our Colony of New Jersey in behalf of themselves and others being of the Presbyterian Persuasion by their humble petition presented to our trusty and well beloved Jonathan Belcher, Esq. our Captain General and Gov- ernor in Chief in and over our Province of New Jersey &e Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same &c in Council showing That the petitioners and those of the same persuasion in the same County are very numerous and consist of several churches and congregations that the most advantageous support of religion amongst them necessarily requires that some persons among them should be incorporated as Trustees for the community that they may take grants of lands and chattels, thereby to enable the petitioners to erect and repair public buildings for the worship of God, and school houses and alms houses and for the maintainance of the ministry and poor of their churches and other offices of piety and charity, and that the same Trustees may have power to let and grant the same under a public seal for the uses aforesaid, and that the same Trustees may plead and be impleaded in any suit touching the premises and have perpetual succession : That also the known loyalty of the petitioners and the Presbyterians in general to us their firm affection to our person and government and the Protestant succession in our royal honse gave the petitioners hopes of all reasonable indulgence and favor within the same colony
371
APPENDIX.
where the religions rights of mankind are so happily preserved and where our equal grace and bounty to all our Protestant faithful subjects however differing in opin- ion about lesser matters has hitherto been so sensibly felt and enjoyed, the said petitioners therefore most humbly prayed our grant of an Incorporation to the petitioners by the name of THE TRUSTEES OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF MONMOUTH COUNTY with all such powers capacities and privileges as might be effectnal in law for the purposes aforesaid, and that John Little, Jun., Christo- pher Longstreet, Jonathan Forman, Esq., John Anderson, Esq., James Robinson, John Henderson, Stephen Pangburn, Esq., Robert Imlay, and Tobias Polhemus might be the first Trustees, which petition signed with the names of a large num- ber of our faithful and loving subjects belonging to the Presbyterian churches and inhabiting within the said county, we being willing to grant KNOW YE that we of our especial grace, certain knowledge and mere motion have willed, ordained, constituted, given and granted, and by these presents for us onr heirs and successors do will, ordain, constitute, give and grant, that Jolm Little, Jun., Christopher Longstreet, Jonathan Forman, Esq., John Anderson, Esq., James Robinson. John Henderson, Stephen Pangburn, Esq., Robert Imlay, and Tobias Polhemus from henceforth and their successors forever thereafter shall be and remain one body politic and corporate in re facto and nomine by the name of The Trustees of the Presbyterian Church of Monmouth County and them and their successors by the name of The Trustees of the Presbyterian Church of Monmonth County one body corporate and in re facto and nomine really and fully, we do for us our heirs and successors erect, make, ordain, constitute, declare, and create by these presents and that by that name they shall and may have perpetual succession, and also that they and their successors by the name of The Trustees of the Presbyterian Church of Monmouth County be and forever hereafter shall be persons able in law to pur- chase, take, hold, receive, and enjoy any messuages, houses, buildings, lands, tene- ments, rents, possessions, and other hereditaments and real estate in fee and forever or for term of life or lives or years or in any other manner so as the same exceed not at any one time the yearly value of seven hundred and fifty pounds sterling per annum beyond and above all charges and reprises the statute of mortmain or any other law to the contrary notwithstanding and also goods, chattles, and all other things of what kind or quality soever : and also that they and their successors by the name of The Trustees of the Presbyterian Church of Monmouth County shall and may give, grant, demise, assign, sell, or otherwise dispose of all or any of the messages, honses, buildings, lands, tenements, rents, possessions, and any other hereditaments and real estate and all their goods, chattles, and other things afore- said as to them shall seem meet at their own will and pleasure : and also that they and their successors by the name of The Trustees of the Presbyterian Church of Monmouth County be and forever thereafter shall be persons able in law and capa- ble to sue and be sued, implead and be impleaded, answer and be answered unto, defend and be defended in all courts and places before ns our heirs and successors and before us and any of the judges and justices, officers and ministers of us our heirs and successors in all and all manner of actions, suits, complaints, pleas, canses, matters, and demands whatsoever and of what kind or nature soever in as full and ample manner and form as any of our other liege subjects of our said province being persons able and capable in law can or may sne and be sued, implead and be im- pleaded, answer and be answered unto, defend and be defended, by any lawful ways and means whatsoever : and also that the said Trustces of the Presbyterian Church of Monmonth County for the time being and their successors shall and may forever hereafter have and use a common seal with such device or devices as they shall think proper for sealing all and singular deeds, grants, conveyances, contracts, bonds, articles of agreement, assignments, powers, authorities and all and singular their affairs and things touching or concerning the said corporation : and by virtue of these our letters patent it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Trustees of the Presbyterian Church of Monmonth County and their successors for the time being as they shall see cause to brake, change, and new make the same seal, or any other common seal or seals when and as often as to them it shall seem convenient
372
HISTORY OF OLD TENNENT.
which Trustees by these presents appointed as aforesaid shall continue and remain the Trustee of the Presbyterian Church of Monmouth County with all the powers and authorities aforesaid until the first Tuesday in October next to come and until other Trustees be duly elected and chosen in their places in such manner as herein after is directed : and we do further of our special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion for us our heirs and successors will, ordain, give and grant that the minister. elders, and deacons of the several particular Presbyterian churches and congregations within the said county of Monmouth may and shall meet and assem- ble together at Freehold in the said county on the first Tuesday in October next after the date of these our letters patent, and afterward at such time and times place and places within the said county as to them or the major part of them and their successors and the major part of their successors shall seem meet and convenient forever hereafter and then and there by plurality of voices of votes ( by ballot , then meet, eleet and choose out of the inhabitants of said county nine Trustees of the said Presbyterian Church of Monmouth County which persons so hereafter to be elected and chosen Trustees as aforesaid shall be declared by indentures under the band and seals of the majority of the electors then present and shall have all the powers and authorities of the above named Trustees given by these our letters patent and all and every such person and persons so to be newly chosen and appointed Trustees as aforesaid shall serve in their respective offices until other tit persons be in the same manner chosen and appointed in their respective rooms : and we do further will and ordain, give and grant that the Trustees of the said Presbyterian Church of Monmouth County and their successors for the time being shall from time to time have power to choose their President ont of the Trustees for the time being who shall have the custody of the publie seal or seals of the said incorporation and all books, charters, deeds, and writings any way relating to the said corporation and shall have power from time to time and at all times hereafter as occasion shall ro- quire to call a meeting of the said Trustees at such place within said county as he shall think most convenient for the execution of all or any of the power hereby given and granted, and in case of sickness, absence or death of the President all the powers by these presents granted to the President shall remain in the eldest or sen- ior Trustee upon record until the recovery or return of the President or until a new President be chosen as aforesaid : and we do further will, ordain, give and grant that all and every aet and order of five of the Trustees ( but not of any lesser num- ber ) consented and agreed to at such meeting of the Trustees as aforesaid shall be good, valid, and effectual to all intents and purposes as if the whole number of the said Trustees had consented and agreed thereto : and we do further will and ordain that all the acts of the said Trustees or any five of them shall from time to time be fairly entered into a book or books to be kept for that purpose by the President of the Trustees for the time being which book or books together with the seal or seals of the said corporation and all charters. deeds, and writings whatsoever any way belonging to the said corporation shall be delivered over by the former President to the President of the said Trustees newly elected for the time being as such President shall hereafter from time to time successively be chosen : And we do further will, ordain, give, and grant that if at any time hereafter the number of the Trustees shall be diminished in the intervals of their election by the death or absence of any of the said Trustees that then it shall and may be lawful for any one minister and two elders of any particular Presbyterian church within the said county to call a meeting of the ministers, elders, and deacons of the several particular churches and congregations within the said county giving notice of the time thereof by writing under their hand to the ministers of the said several churches at least seven days. before the time of such meeting which meeting shall be held at Freehold within the said county who may then and there by plurality of voices or votes then meet, elect, and choose out of the inhabitants of the said county so many Trustees for the said Presbyterian Church of Monmouth County as shall make up the number of nine Trustees living and inhabiting within the said county which person so to be elected and chosen shall be declared by indentures under the hands and seals of the majority of the electors then present to be chosen and elected in the place and room
373
APPENDIX.
of such of the said Trustees as are then dead or absent, and all and every such per- son or persons so newly chosen and appointed as aforesaid shall have all the powers and authorities of the above named Trustees given by these our letters patent and shall serve in their respective offiees until other fit persons be chosen and appointed in their respective rooms : and we do further of our especial grace, certain know- ledge. and mere motion for us our heirs and successors by these presents give and grant unto the said Trustees of the Presbyterian Church of Monmouth County and their successors forever that they and their snecessors all and singular the rights, privileges, powers and capacities and authorities herein before mentioned or in- tended to be hereby granted shall and may forever hereafter have, hold, enjoy, and use without the impediment of us our heirs and successors or any of the justices, sheriffs, escheators, coroners, bailiffs, or other offieers or ministers whatsoever of us our heirs or successors and that these our letters being entered upon record in our Secretary's office of New Jersey and the record and the enrollment and either of them and all and everything therein contained from time to time and at all times hereafter be and shall be firm. valid, good, sufficient, and effeetual in law towards and against us our heirs and successors according to the true intent and meaning hereof and in and through all things shall be construed. taken. and expounded most beningly and in favor and for the most and greatest advantage, profit, and benefit of the Trustees of the said Presbyterian Church of the said County of Mon- month and their successors forever as well in all courts or elsewhere not withstand- ing any defeet. default, or imperfection may be found therein or any other cause or things whatsoever. IN TESTIMONY whereof we have caused these our letters to be made patent and the great seal of our said province to be hereunto affixed and the same to be entered of record in our Secretary's office in our said province of New Jersey in one of the books of records there remaining. Witness our trusty and well beloved Jonathan Belcher, Esq., our Captain General and Governor in chief of our said province of New Jersey Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same &c by and with the advice and consent of our Council of our said province at Bur- lington the twenty-first day of February in the twenty-third year of om reign.
J. BELCHER.
I have perused and considered the within draught of the charter of incorporation and approve the same finding nothing therein contained but what is consistent with the honor and interest of the Crown.
JOS. WARRELL, Att. Gen.
The within charter is recorded in the Secretary's office at Perth Amboy in Book C No. 2 of Commissions, Charters d'e pages 190 to 195 inclusive. Examined by THOS. BARTOW, Secretary. N. B. the above Charter was written on 2 sheets of Royal paper sealed together & the Governour signed each sheet as he said least the said sheets should be broken asunder.
TITLE FOR A PEW IN OLD TENNENT.
[A sample, accurately copied from a paper in the Historical Record Collections of the Church.]
" For and in consideration of the sum of Eleven Pounds Ten Shillings New York Currency to me in hand paid by Major James Creige of the County of Monmouth, I give unto the said James Creige full Right and Title of a Pew in the Presbyterian Meeting-house in Freehold in the County of Monmouth aforesd., which said Pew I purchas'd of the Trustees by Orders of my Mother, for her use. and my own. Witness my hand at New Brunswick this 4th Day of October in the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight hundred & four. 1-04.
Witness:
John Throekmorton, Jr. "
Lewis Forman.
374
HISTORY OF OLD TENNENT.
AN ACROSTIC.
Composed, and now humbly dedicated unto the Congregation of the first Presbyterian Church of the township of Freehold, in remembrance of their former Pastor, the REV. WILLIAM TENNANT, By one of the Oldest Members of that Church.
When all our hopes of life were fled,
In the dark mansions of the dead;
Light yet through faith to us arise,
Look, he is gone above the skies. In praising God with Saints above,
All full of joy and sincere love;
Mourn now no more for our dear friend,
Turn here and view his happy end:
Ever while liere, belov'd was he,
Never more faithful man could be;
Noble in life, to death resign'd
And died a friend to all mankind;
Never forget his righteous ways,
Turn now to God, and add your praise.
SERMON TEXTS.
[Exact copy from note book of Rev John Woodhull see page 182.]
Memorandom of Texts preached from by me J. W. in Freehold 1778.
July 1 Haggai 2-7 And I will shake all Nations & ye Desire of all etc-
2. Psams 119, 57, Thou art my portion O Lord -
3. II Cor: 13, 5, Examine yrselves whether ye be in the faith etc.
1779-
February 1 Rom : 8-1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them etc.
5. John 11-6-I am the way --
6. I Thesalo-1, 3 For this is ye will of God even ye sanctification preach at Capt Hankersons in ye evening-
7. April 18. Aets 10. 29-33, I ask you therefore for what intent ye have . sent for me ete -- The first sermon after I came as their minister.
8. 25 Zecharh 9-9 Rejoice greatly O Daughter of Zion etc -- preparation for ye sacmt.
9. May 2d Luke 22-20. This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood -- on Sacr'int occa'on.
10. 6th Isaiah 21-11, 12 The burden of Dama watchman wt of ye Night etc on Continental fast-
11. 9th 1 Thes: 5, 6 let us not sleep as do others & P. M: Long, 1-16 Awake ( North wind etc.
16, at Mr Smith's (: Haggai 2-7 I will shake ete & } Cor: 9. 24. So run yt ve may obtain --
12.
375
APPENDIX.
: 23. 13. Luke 13, 21 Strive to enter in etc-
30.
15 Isai: 45-22-look unto me & be sav'd etc --- & P. M. I Peter 2-7 to ye yt believe he is precious.
18.
ser June 5thı 1 Peter 4-7 yo end of all things is at ete a funeral ser. for John Beard son of Zebulon-
20. 6th John 1, 11- he came unto his own ete & P. M. Prov. 8, 36 he yt sinneth against me wrongeth his own sonl
22. 13. 2 Chron. 35-21-25 And Jude & Jerusalem Mourned for Josiah etc -- at John Hendrickson's funeral who w' killed in battle -- & P. M. John 3-7 Ye must be born again.
23. 19. James 4. 14, for wt is your life, it is even a vapour etc -- at Mr Inglish's funeral-
25. Rev : 25: Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen etc. & P. M= 20. 1feb. 11. 1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, etc.
27. 27. Luke 10. 11-42 One thing is needful -- & P. M. 2 Cor. 11. 2 1 have es- poused yo to one husband yt I might present yo to X
29. July 4th John 16. 9 of sin because they believe not on me -- Two sermons-
31.
11. Song 5-2. first clause, I sleep but my heart waketh
33. 18. Song 5. 2 : 3 Yis ye voice of my Beloved yt knocketh saying etc -- & P. M. P'sm. 14. 1. The Fool hath said in his heart there is no God-
34.
22. Isa: 1. 19, 20, If ye be willing & obedient ye shall eat the good of ye land but if ye refuse and Rebel etc -- at a Synodical fast ----
36.
25. Gen. 6-3. My Spt shall not allwaies Strive with Man -- 2 Sermons.
38. Ist of August. Matt: 5-20 Except your Righteousness exceed ye right of Scribes and Pha. etc. & P. M. 1 Cor'n 9. 24. So run that ye may obtain --
40. Aug't Sth Matt. 11. 28. Come unto me all ye that Labour & are heavy Laden & I will give yo rest --- & 8 P. M. Isai 55. 6- Seek ye the Lord while he may me found-
42. 15th Song. Chap. 1. 4- Draw me, we will run after thee: the King hath brought me into his Chambers: we will be glad etc & P. M. Pam. 119, 54 Thy Statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.
22.
44. A Song-5-V. 16-this is my Beloved & this is my Friend -- and P. M. Gen; 17. 18 O that Ishmael might live before thee ---
46.
29. Isai. 32. 2 A man shall be as a hideing place from the wind, & as a Covert from the Tempest as rivers of water in a dry place etc ----- Two Sermons --
47. 28. Rev. 14. 13-Blessed are ye dead yt die in ye Lord --- Preached at Saml lippengers Funeral.
49. Sept 5, Matt. 5, 34. Swear not at all -- 2 Sermons.
51. 12. I Pet. 1-15. he ye holy in all manner of Conversation. & P. M. Song 5: 16 he is altogether lovely.
53. 19. 1 John 3. 2. Now are we ye Sons of God etc -- & P. M. John 3. 18. he yt beleiveth not is condemned allready --
55. 26, Zephania 1. 12. I will Search Jerusalem with Candle -- & P. M. 1 Cor 11. 28. Let a man examine himself & so let him eat of yt Bread & drink of that Cup.
56. October 2. Luke 12-40. Be ye therefore also ready -- at Mr. Claytons Funeral.
57 3. Rom. 5, 8. God Commendeth his Love to us in yt while we were enemies X Died for us -- Sacram't ---
376
HISTORY OF OLD TENNENT.
58.
5. Psalms 39-12. I am a Stranger before thee & a Sojourner as all my fathers was -- at Miss Johnstons funeral-
60. 10, Oct. Heb, 12, 1. Wherefore seeing we also are surrounded with etc --- 2 Sermons
Strive to enter in at the Strait gate-Funeral of Capt Covenhoven's Child-
$1. 6:2. 16. Cor Examine yr own selves etc -at Mr. Smiths- - 63. 17. This is ye will of God even your Sanctification -- at Mr. Smith's- - on ye Parable of ye importuuate Widow
61.
65. 31.
Job. The eyes of the Lord are upon the waies of Man and he seeth all his goings-
66. Now'br 7. 2 Corn 5. 17. If any man be in X he is a new ercature ete
17 . 14. 2 Corn. 5. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for X as tho God did beseech yo by us we pray yo in X stead etc.
11. Jonah 1. 1-6 But ye Lord Sent etc.
69. Prov. 22-6th Train up a Child etc.
2. Strive to enter in ye Strit etc. at ye Fun'l of Mrs. Austin near Spots- Wood
70. 71. December 5-John 3. 3 Verily, verily I say unto yo etc- -- on a very stormy Day had but 16 hearers -
9. Judges 5-2 & 3 Praise ye the Lord for ye avenging of Israel, ete --- on a Continental Thanksgiving-
73
12. Gen. 5-24. And Enoch walked with God & he w not for God took him.
74. 19. Matt: 11. 12. The Kingdom of heaven Suffereth Violence & ye Violent take it by force
26. Isai. 9. 6. for unto us a Child is born, unto us a Child is given
75. 177- 76. 77. 1. The time past my Suffice for wherein we have wrote ye will ete.
Jan'y-Ist Jos' Choose ye this Day whom yo will serve ete. To young People
78. 9. Rev. 2. Behold I stand at ye door & knock if any man ete --
79. 16. Isai 18. 22. There is no peace for the wicked saith ye Lord --
Isai 40-1 Comfort ye Comfort ye my people saith ye Lord ete.
-0. 31. 30. James 1. 22. But he ye doers of ye Word etc.
funr'l Mrs. McKnight.
-2. Feb'ry 6. Eze'l. 33-11. As I live saith ye Lord I have no pleasure etc. fun'l Mr. Walton.
-4. -5. 13. John 1-13 Which were born not of blood nor of ye will of ye flesh etc. -6. Hag-2. 7. I shake all Nat. ete at Mr. Dyes ---
=6. :20. I Cor: 3. 16 & 17. wt. know ye not yt ye are ye Temples of God etc.
-7. :27. Jerem'h 2. 19. Thine own wickedness shall correct thee & thy backslid- ings etc.
March 5. Psm. 119-59. I thought on my waies ete
~9. 1:2. Pam 119-171. I longed for thy salvation, O Lord thy Law is my delight-
91. 19. Ephessans 6: v. 10-15 on ye Christian Warfare- --
92. 26. John 16-8. And w'n he is come he will reprove ye wid of Sin ete.
93.
April 2 Psm 119-96- I have seen an end of all perfection but thy Com't is exceed -- g broad.
94. 9th Ephesi's 2, 8. By grace ye are saved thio grace & y't not of yr selves etc
377
APPENDIX.
95. 16. Phillip 2. 12-13- Work out your own salva'n with fear & trembling for it God yt worketh in yr etc.
97. 23.
Hosea 4. 17. Ephraim is joined to Idols let him alone-
98. 26. Jeremi'h 3-23. Truly in vain is Sall'om looked for from yo hils and multitude of Mountains -Truly Sal'n is in ye Lord our God --- Cont'I Fast
99. 30. Ileb. 1. 14. Are they not all Ministring Spirits etc.
100. May 2. Heb. 12. 1. Let us run with patience ye race ete -at Bedminster.
101.
7. Zach. 13. 7. Awake O Sword etc.
102. 14. Rev. 22. 17. And ye Spirit & ye Bride say come etc. Sacramental. Haggai 2. 7. I will shake etc at Bordon Town-
103. 21.
104. 27.
Zach. 9, 9. rejoice greatly O Daughter of Zion etc. at Mr. Smiths.
105.
28. Rom. 8, 1. there is therefore now no Condemnation etc --- at Mr. Smith's. Inne 4 Luke 15. on ye Parrible of ye Prodigal- & P. M. Lnke 12. 20 Thon fool this Night thy Soul etc.
107. 109. June 11. Luke 15. Par'ble of ye prodig'l & P. M. Rom. 7, 4. Ye also are dead to the Law.
111. June 1×. Lnke 15-Par'ble of ye Prodi'l & P. M. Rom. 8-if God be for us who can be against us -
112. June 20, Week Day at Mr. Thos Thomson's Rom. 1. 8-there is therefore now no Condemnation etc.
114. June 25-Luke 15-Par'bl of ye Prod. & P. M. Psm. 119. 114. Thon art my hiding Place & Shield I hope in thy word.
July 2. Matt. 6. 9. Our Father w' art in heaven -- & P. M. Psm. 49. 8. The redemtion of ye soul is precious & ceaseth forever.
116. 118. 9. Matt. 6. Hallowed be thy name & P. M. Behold now is ye accepted time behold now is ye Day of Salvation.
119. 10. Be ye also ready -funeral of hannah Pipenger.
121. 16. Matt. Thy Kingdom come-& P. M. Matt. 25, 45-ye Righteous into life Eternal-
123. 23.
Matt. thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven -- & P. M. Ephess'n 5-14, Awake thou yt sleepest-
Matt. 6. Give us this Day our daly Bread. & P. M. Psm. 119. 2. Blessed are they yt keep his Testimonies, that seek him with ye whole heart-
125. 30. August. 127. 7. Matt. 6. 12-AAnd forgive us our debts as we forgive our etc. & P. M. Psm. 119. 63 I am a Companion of them that fear thee & of them yt keep thy precepts-
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