USA > New Jersey > Salem County > History of the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey, with biographical sketches of their prominent citizens, vol. 2 > Part 79
USA > New Jersey > Gloucester County > History of the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey, with biographical sketches of their prominent citizens, vol. 2 > Part 79
USA > New Jersey > Cumberland County > History of the counties of Gloucester, Salem, and Cumberland New Jersey, with biographical sketches of their prominent citizens, vol. 2 > Part 79
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Vineland Library Association .- This association was organized at a meeting held at the office of E. M. Turner, May 24, 1876. Through the instrumentality of a number of gentlemen a library was established and opened May 27, 1876. It occupies a rented room on Landis Avenne near Sixth Street, and has a library of about two thousand volumes. It has been materi- i dent, Benjamin II. Barnes.
ally aided by liberal contributions of money and val- uable books.
Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society .-- This society was organized soon after the first settle- ment of the place. The first officers were : President, J. W. Morton; Vice-President, Timothy Hoyt ; Sec- retary, Hosea Allen ; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Wil- liam Bridges; Treasurer, Mrs. O. D. Graves. The society hell regular meetings for a long time, which were attended with great interest, and it has done mnuch towards preserving for future use many items of in- formation concerning the first settlers of Vineland, their ancestry and former residences, their coming to Vineland, and the experiences of the founding of new homes, the erection of churches, schools, and other public buildings, and the multitudinous array of events which accompany the founding and up- building of a new settlement. The work of an his- torical society is of that kind which is little appre- ciated by the great mass of the community at the time, and only in after-years, when the facts which they placed on record have ceased to be remem- bered by living persons, are the invaluable nature of their records appreciated, and the thanks of posterity are earnestly given to those who have labored in that field. This society is still in existence, but for some years past it has not been actively engaged in its chosen work. It is to be hoped that it may take on a new lease of life, and again arouse the attention of the Vineland people to the importance of preserving the early records of this part of the county. The expe- rience of the writer in preparing this history has im- pressed on him with additional force the great desira- bility of full and accurate data concerning the passing | events of every-day life. The unsatisfactory and in- complete nature of many records, their direct con- tradictions in some cases, and the unreliability of the human mind as a medium of transmitting facts of history for even a short space of time, have been vividly impressed upon him. The officers of this society are : President, Dr. John Ingram ; Secretary, C. B. Campbell; Corresponding Secretary, C. B. Bagster ; Treasurer, T. B. Welch.
Vineland Agricultural and Horticultural So- ciety .- This society was organized in 1863, with T. T. Hoyt, president; W. W. Cone, secretary; and James McMahon, treasurer. The next year a valu- able library was established in connection with the society. The library and the discussions at the weekly meetings bave been of great benefit to the farmers and fruit-growers of the place, many of whom had no agricultural experience before settling at Vineland.
Vineland Gas-Light Company .- This company was chartered March 15, 1870, an organization was effected in August of that year, and the works were built at once. The president of the company is Wil- liam A. House, Esq. ; the secretary and superinten-
70S
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
CIL HOHES.
The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Vine- land was organized April 12, 1863, by Rev. Landon Taylor, from the State of lowa, who had settled in Vinelaud, he having been appointed by Rev. Charles H. Whitacar, presiding elder of Bridgeton District, to take charge of the members of the Methodist Church who lived in. Vineland and vicinity. On that day was formed the first class here, consisting of the following: Jobu H. Haswell, Anna S. Haswell, John Baradet, Hezekiah Davis, Eliza . A. Davis, ' David Landis, Augustus Davis, John Johnson, Jacob Cole, Richard F. Lombard, Betsey Emory, Justin 11. Loomis (local preacher), Maria S. Loomis, Edmund S. Davis, James Chance, James H. Ameden, Pardon Gifford, Amanda M. Gifford, and George W. Hondt- lett. Of these, James Chance and Pardon Gitlord are still living in Vineland. Justin HI. Loomis was the first class-leader.
The society first worshiped in a barn and in private houses. The first Quarterly Meeting was held Aug. 30, 1863, in a grove near the Landis school-house.
The first board of trustees consisted of John II. JIaswell, Richard F. Lombard. Justin II. Loomis, George W. Hondtlett, and Pardon Gifford.
Measures were inaugurated in the autumn of 1863 for the creetion of a church, and a deed was granted by Charles K. Landis for a lot of land one hundred and fifty fect square. On this lot a house of worship was erected during 1864. It was built of stone, and was temporarily roofed and used till 1866, when the present brick superstructure was erected, and the original auditorium became the basement of the present church. It includes a lecture-room and the necessary class-rooms. The auditorium has a seating capacity of four hundred, and the total cost was twenty-two thousand dollars.
In 1875 commodious sheds were built in the rear of the church for the accommodation of members re- i Grant Avenue and the Boulevard. They were sup- siding at a distance from Vineland.
The debt incurred in the erection of these buildings has been recently discharged, leaving the valuable property without ineumbrance. The present men- bership of the church is three hundred and fifty.
The pastors of the church have been Revs. George Hughes, 1863; George C. Stanger, 1864-65; R. J. Andrews, IS66-67; George H. Neal, 1868; A. K. Street, 1869; William Pittinger, 1870-72; William W. Moffett, 1873-74; J. E. Adams, 1875-76 ; William Pittinger, 1877-79; George K. Morris, 1880; George L. Dobbins, 1881-82; and the present pastor, Philip Kline, 1883.
The present board of trustees consists of Professor S. P. York, Hon. P. P. Baker, Dr. C. R. Wiley, Par- don Gifford, R. C. Souder, John Anderson, and John Errickson.
half miles northwest of North Vineland. Member- of the Willow Grove Church, which is situated in Salem County, a short distance west of the village of Willow Grove, residing in this vicinity, a elass was formed here several years before the building of the meeting-house. The number of Methodists having increased in the vicinity, a meeting was held Sept. 21, 1869, to arrange plans for building a house of worship and organizing a church. A lot was given them by John Nichols, Zacchens Joslin, and Hosea Nichols, and a meeting-house erected, which was dedicated May 8, 1870, with services by Rev. A. K. Street. The building cost about fourteen hundred dollars, and the furniture and other expenses made i a total of about seventeen hundred dollars. It is a small but neat frame building, seating about two hundred persons. A debt of four hundred dollars remaining due the builders, and the financial dis- tress of the succeeding years seriously crippling the church, the building was sold from them about five years ago, and is now owned by Wilson Purves, of Rosenhayn. The church rents it from him, and meet- ings are regularly held. This church has always had the same pastor as the Willow Grove Church, and bas been served by the following : 1869-70, Ezra B. Lake; 1871-73, John P. Connelly; 1874-76, Mat- thew II. Shimp; 1877-79, Albert Matthews; 1880- 81, William Lilley; 1882-83, Joseph G. Edwards. The number of members at this time is twenty-four.
South Vineland Methodist Episcopal Church .-- This church was organized through the efforts of Mrs. Annie Barrows, who started the Sunday-school in her own house. Through her influence a Mrs. Lowber, of Philadelphia, became interested in the enterprise, and she contributed a part of the means to erect, in 1866, a small house for their use, seating about one į hundred and fifty persons, which was called Lowber Chapel. This chapel was situated at the corner of plied with preaching at first by Rev. Mr. Corson, then by Rev. F. S. Chubbuck, and after that by local preachers. In the fall of 1874, this building was de- stroyed by fire. Services the next Sunday were held in the open air, but after that they obtained the use of the school-house. A new church was commenced on a lot situated on Sherman Avenue, near the Boule- vard, and the first service was held therein Feb. 14, 1875. It cost about two thousand dollars, and is a beat frame building, about forty by twenty-four feet in size, and seating about two hundred persons. The church has been served by the following persons, part of them local preachers, since the building of the new house : Josiah Estlen, one year; H. W. Clifford, two years; William Burley, one year ; George Goe, one year; MI. C. Brittain, one year ; M. IT. Shimp, about three months; F. J. Carrell, remainder of the year. After being out of a pastor nearly a year they were, in March last, attached to the Vineland Church, the
Pleasantville Methodist Episcopal Church .--- This church is situated in a country community, about a mile east of Willow Grove and one and a . pastor of which preaches here one Sunday in the
709
TOWNSHIP OF LANDIS AND BOROUGH OF VINELAND.
month, and local preachers supply them the other Sundays. The membership i- now about thirty.
Wesleyan Methodist Church .- The Rev. John P. Prouty, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, came to Vineland in 1865. About eight years ago he com- menced preaching to a neglected class of the com- munity. Services were for about two years held in private houses, and then between one and two years | in a shoe-shop. A Mr. Myers contributed one thon- sand dollars towards building a church, and since his death. in 1879, his family have given three hundred dollars more. . The church was erected in the fall of 1879, but was not completed for a year. Mir. Prouty preached to the congregation until it was opened and dedicated, Jan. 23, 1881. The Rev. William Scheuek then came, and is the present pastor.
The church is a pretty little brick building, thirty by fifty feet, and cost fifteen hundred dollars. It is situated on Seventh Street between Elmer and Grape Streets.
First Free Methodist Church .- This church was organized in 1550 by six persons who met at a private house. The first pastor after its organization was the Rev. Elbert E. Adams, who remained one year, leav- ing Sept. 1, 18SI, when Conference met and appointed Rev. William ML. Parry, who remained until the next September. Rev. Jacob E. Logan was then appointed and is the present pastor.
A neat frame meeting-house, twenty-two by thirty- six feet, was completed and dedicated Feb. 26, 1883. The number of members is about twenty. This de- nomination of primitive Methodists is not numerous ! in this region as yet, but it is quite large in the West and rapidly growing in strength and influence.
The church was inclosed in January, 1864, and was occupied by February following. It was the first church built in Vineland. Dr. Knight continued to labor with the congregation. Rev. F. E. R. Chub- First Presbyterian Church .- Very soon after the founding of the new settlement of Vineland, a few buck was called as the first pastor of the parish July 1, 1865. He was succeeded by the Rev. William J. persons connected with Presbyterian and Congrega- Clark, March 29, 1869. The Rev. Mr. Clark left tional Churches began to look very anxiously for the institution of the ordinances of the gospel among them, and the privileges and blessings of the sanc- tuary.
Accordingly, when the Presbyterian Committee on Home Missions sent hither a person to "break ground" on this new field. they were prepared to give him a hearty welcome, and most cordially to co-operate with him in his labors, and to forward all plans for the extension of the gospel.
After the preliminary steps had been taken the church was organized, July 7, 1863, by the Fourth Presbytery of Philadelphia.
At the same time the pastor eleet, lev. Jolin O. Wells, was duly installed over the church, and per- sons who had been previously chosen were ordained and set apart as elders and deacons.
At the outset of the enterprise the attention of the ' halls. brethren was directed to the importance of at once erecting a house of worship, and efforts were com- inenced, which, after many difficulties and discour- agements, were crowned with success.
Religions services were for a time held in a small school-house, but when the church building was barely inclosed it became henceforward the home of the Sabbath gatherings.
On the 6th of June, 1865, less than two years from the organization of the church, the present house, situated on Landis Avenue below Eighth Street, north side, though not entirely completed, was sol- emnly dedicated to the service of God, Rev. E. E. Adams, D.D., of Philadelphia, preaching the dedi- catory sermon. The church was promptly relieved of indebtedness by the contributions of the people and the generous aid of brethren in Philadelphia.
At the present time, with a membership of one hundred and twenty-five, a large and intelligent con- gregation, active and efficient officers, a well-ordered Sunday-school of over three hundred members, and an able, faithful, and beloved påstor, the church en- joys an unusual degree of prosperity.
Trinity Episcopal Church .- Trinity Church and parish was organized Ang. 8, 1863, by the election of W. J. Spencer and Oliver D. Graves as wardens, and Benjamin B. Brown, Justin HI. Loomis, John W. Day, William Hilton, Arad Wakelee, William (). H. Gwyneth, and H. J. Barnes as vestrymen. The corner-stone of the church was laid on the lot se- lected for the church, on the south side of Elmer Street, west of the Boulevard, on the 4th day of No- vember, 1863, Dr. Franklin L. Knight, of Bridgeton, officiating.
in the fall of 1872. During his pastorate, on Sunday afternoon, July 16, 1871, a most terrific storm struck Vineland and caused great destruction of property. The steeple of the Episcopal Church was blown over and fell on the roof of the building, which was frame, demolishing the entire structure. The Rev. Merritt II. Wellman became pastor Dec. 23, 1873, and ceased Aug. 5, 1877. Rev. W. A. W. Maylin came in Sep- tember, 1578, and left in the fall of 1880.
The Rev. John L. Egbert became rector Oct. 11, 1881.
The present stone church was erected at the corner of Wood and Eighth Streets, at a cost of twelve thou- sand dollars. It was opened by Bishop John Scar- borough April 18, 1882, and will be consecrated free of debt next January. Since the destruction of the original church, meetings have been held in public
The number of communicants is one hundred and thirty.
South Vincland Episcopal Church .- On Feb. 9, 1 1868, a Sunday-school was organized at South Vine-
710
HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
land in an unoccupied building. February 14th, fol- ; bership of the church, one hundred and thirty ; value of property, thirty-five thousand dollars.
lowing. a society was formed to raise funds to erect a church builling. Chapel services were held in the railroad depot at South Vineland, in the autumn of that year, by the Rev. Mr. Chubbuck. There were about thirty members when the society was organ- ized. Mr. Landis gave a lot on East Boulevard near the depot, where the church now is. Ground was broken for the building Jan. 11, 1870. The corner- stone was laid April 18, 1870, Rev. W. J. Clark, the pastor of Trinity Church, Vineland, officiating.
The church as erected is frame, Gothic style, fifty by twenty-two feet, and cost two thousand dollars. The pastors of Trinity Church, Vineland, have been the pastors of this church since its organization.
First Baptist Church.1-This church was organ- ized May 23, 1865, with thirty-three members. The , has since been carried on by her with great success. Rev. J. M. Challis, having served as missionary and secured the organization of the church through his labors, was retained as supply until a pastor could be secured. The meetings were held in Union and Reed's Halls.
Rev. Lyman Chase was the first pastor, commenc- ing July 1, 1866. During his pastorate lots were pur- chased on Wood and Seventh Streets, and were after- ward exchanged for the present location, on the south side of Landis Avenue, between Eighth and East Avenue. He resigned June 1. 1807.
Rev. J. Henry Brittain commenced his pastorate Ang. 1, 1867, and was ordained to the ministry Sept. 26, 1867. The corner-stone of the church edifice was laid June 18, ISUS, the whole to cost thirty-two thou- sand dollars. He resigned Nov. 1, 1870.
Rev. N. B. Randall commenced Dee. 15, 1870. The church was very deeply in debt, but, through the ex- Rev. J. L. Beaman began his work July S, 1872, ertions of the pastor, not only the floating debt but ; and was installed as pastor by a council of churches the remainder of the building debt (amounting in all to about 87000) was paid off. The membership of the church was also fully doubled. He resigned Oct. 1, 1876.
Rev. Thomas W. Conway commenced Feb. 1, 1877 ; resigned Jan. 30, 1878.
Rev. Charles A. Mott commenced Aug. 1, 1878. Daring his pastorate troubles, that had arisen during Mr. Conway's pastorate, culminated in the with- drawal of certain members, who formed themselves into an organization and continued separate until 1881. He re-igned Der. 11, 1879.
Rev. James Walden commenced March 1, 1850, and terminated his services June 24, 1883. The ditlicul- ties existing between the church and the seceding | 1879, a " Manual," embracing the " Articles of Faith"
members were adjusted, and the latter returned. Repairs and improvements (amounting to nearly two thousand dollars) were placed on the edifice, and all debts were wiped out.
Rev. Edward S. Towne, of Plainville, Conn., com- menced as pastor Nov. 1, 1883. Present active mein-
South Vineland Baptist Church .- This church was constituted June 20, 1871, with twenty-two mem- hers, and with Rev. P. R. Russell as their first pastor. They bought a small meeting-house, which had first been erected as a chapel for Union meetings. Mr. Russell remained their pastor nearly four years, and was succeeded by Rev. William W. Meach, Feb. 1, 1875, who has remained their pastor until the present time. They are now repairing and painting their meeting-house. The present membership is forty- eight.
A mission Sunday-school was established by Mrs. Meach, in October, 1874, at Magnolia school-house, two and a half miles northeast of the church, and
Church of the Pilgrims (Congregational) .- On March 25, 1871, at the residence of Moses C. Crocker, was held the first meeting to consider the organization of a Trinitarian Congregational Church in Vineland, N. J.
April 16, 1871, the first public services of the Con- : gregational Church of the Pilgrims in Vineland were held in Temperance Hall, the Rev. Edward Howes, of Philadelphia, conducting the worship.
On April 20, 1871, the Sunday-school in connection with the church was organized.
On May 21, 1871, under the leadership of the Rev. Burdett Hart, of Philadelphia, the Church of the Pilgrims was fully organized, consisting of twenty- four men bers.
Rev. Burdett Hart continued his services as acting pastor about one year.
Sept. 18, 1872. During his pastorate the present house of worship at the corner of Elmer and Seventh Streets was erected. It is a neat, well-finished frame building. Mr. Beaman was dismissed by council June 17, 1874.
Rev. J. B. Sharp was acting pastor from Aug. 2, 1874, to October, 1873, after which, until April, 1876, Rev. M. H. Williams, of Philadelphia, supplied the pulpit.
On April 16, 1876, Rev. F. B. Pullan, a licentiate of the New Haven East Association, commenced his service with the church, and was ordained and in- stalled as pastor by a council Sept. 6, 1876. At a inceting of the church, regularly convened, Jan. 16. and the "Constitution" of the church, was unani- mously adopted. Rev. Mr. Pullan was dismissed by council May 20, 1879.
Rev. Charles S. Walker was the third pastor of the church, being installed by council Dec. 10, 1879, and dismissed by council May 21, 1881. There have been no pastors after Mr. Walker, the pulpit being : filled by supplies. In the spring of 1883, Rev. Au-
3 By Mr. S. r. Itsmillion, clerk of the church.
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711
TOWNSHIP OF LANDIS AND BOROUGH OF VINELAND.
gustus Seward commenced his labors as supply, and still continues as such.
First Christian Unitarian Church.1-On the 26th of November, 1865, the heads of half'a dozen Unitarian families, who had moved from New England to Vine- land, met at the house of William H. Earle, and con- sidered the matter of establishing a Liberal Christian Church in the town of their adoption. On the 18th of December a constitution and basis of organization for such church was adopted. On the last day of December the Sunday school was formed, and met in the old academy building. April 5, 1866, the in- fant church met for worship in Mechanics' Hall, when a Unitarian minister for the first time preached a sermon in South Jersey. Rev. Oscar Clute, the first pastor of the church, was called to his position Nov. 10, 1877. Feb. 20, 1878, the stone church edifice, corner of Elmer and Sixth Streets, was dedicated, and at the same time Rev. Mr. Clute was ordained to the ministry. Mr. Clute continued in the pastorate till Dec. 18, 1872. The church was without a settled pastor from that time till September, 1874. when Rev. J. B. Harrison became pastor, and sustained that re- lation till December, 1877. IFis successor was Rev. N. A. Haskell, who was pastor of the church for a year from June 2, 1578. Rev. Charles H. Tindell commenced his pastorate Sept. 14, 1879, and severed his connection with the church in March, 1881. The present pastor is Rev. N. A. Haskell, who was called to his position the 6th of April, 1883.
New Jerusalem Church .- Services were held by Dr. E. R. Tuller, in Merchant' Hall, in 1570. In the winter of 1872-73 the congregation erected the present church, and in February, 1873, it was dedi- cated. Rev. Mlr. Tuller was ordained and installed pastor in December, 1872, and officiated until June, 1876. From ill health he resigned, when the Rev. J. P. Stuart took his place and remained two years. For about two years they were without a pastor, but the Sunday-school was kept up all the time. The Rev. Mr. Tuller then commenced preaching to them ocea- sionally, when in the spring of 1882 he began to preach regularly, which he continued to do ever since. This is the only Swedenborgian Church in South Jersey, and it is in a very flourishing condition. It numbers one hundred members.
Church of the Sacred Heart .- Many years since mass was first celebrated at Vineland in a room over the railroad depot, and afterward from time to time in private houses. A mission was established here, and was under the ministrations of the priests at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene, at Millville. About 1875 the present church edifice was erected. It is a stone structure, with a seating capacity of three hun- dred. This was a mission till 1883, when it became a separate parish, and was placed under the charge of the Fathers of the Sacred Heart.
CEMETERIES.
Siloam Cemetery Association was organized in 1864, and the cemetery was located on fifteen acres of ground situated on Valley Avenue, between P'ark Avenue and Oak Road. It is beautifully laid out, and contains a large number of handsome monu- ments.
Oak Hill Cemetery Association was incorporated in 1870. A lot of ten acres on Malaga Road, west of the town, covered with a natural growth of timber, was purchased, and has been handsomely laid out, leaving many of the trees standing.
SECHET SOCIETIL'S.
Vineland Lodge, No. 69, A. F. and A. M., meets every other Monday evening at Masonic Hall, Brown's building. This lodge was instituted Feb. 11, 1805. witlr a membership of about twenty-five, which has increased to seventy-five. The following is a list of the Past Worthy Masters and present officers :
C. Miles, J. D. Bentley, Walter H. Davis, F. A. Newcombe, James W. Mills, Thomas B. Steele, W. 11. Loppy, J. Cunningham, A. K. Hobart, James Lough- ran, E. D. Schoofield, Isaac D. Eilenburg.
Present officers : T. L. Whitney, W. M .; W. T. Holmes, S. W .; D. W. Allen, J. W. ; H. T. Manley, Treas.
Eureka Chapter, No. 18, H. R. A. M., meets every other Wednesday at Masonic Hall, Brown's building. This chapter was instituted in the year 1867, and has a present membership of fifty. It is fairly pro-perons and continues to grow. The fol- lowing is a list of the P. M. E. H. P. and present officers :
W. A. Warriner, Harvey M. Hill, Charles H. Ly- ford, W. B. Prince, Oliver D. Graves, Thomas B. Steele, John II. Cunningham.
Present officers : D. W. Allen, M. E. H. P. ; O. D. Graves, E. K .; S. W. Odell, E. S .; J. C. Parsous, Treas.
Odd-Fellows .-- The Odd-Fellows' fraternity have prosperous organizations in the borough of Vineland. Their hall, corner Sixth and Landis Avenue, is large, and is fitted up handsomely.
Hobah Lodge, No. 122, I. O. O. F., was instituted in 1867. The charter members were N. Henry Ste- vens, Dr. C. R. Wiley, Henry Mee-e, R. B. Palmer, Eugene Wiley, H. C. Perry, D. W. Price.
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