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 8
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 8
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 8
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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 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83
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CITY OF SALEM.
395
1579. Rev. Il. A. Griesemer, the twenty-third and present pastor, was called Jan. 19, 1981.
The Sabbath-school connected with the church was commeneed about 1819, and has generally been well sustained, and has proved an important aid in the work of evangelization. There was a Union school some years before 1819, in which members of the church were active workers. In 1850 an infant class was organized, thus securing the earlier attendance of the children on Sabbath-school instructions. There . centre of the city, on a Iot one hundred by three hun- have also been various auxiliary organizations at dif- ferent times in the history of the church.
July 4, 1869, letters were granted to seventy-two members of this church, of whom thirty-five were males, for the purpose of organizing another church. Subsequently these brethren were recognized as the Memorial Baptist Church, and as sneh their organiza- tion has since been known.
The church and congregation met June 17, 1756, at the meeting-honse at Mill Hollow, and resolved to beeome incorporated under this general law, and duly elected as trustees Thomas Sayer, John Holme, Ben- jamin Holme, Anthony Kvasbey, Samuel Vance, John Briggs, and Howell Smith. July 3, 1750, these trus-
Memorial Baptist .- This church was organized July 7, 1869, with the following constituent meathers, tees were sworn into office, formally effecting the in- . seventy-two in number, dismissed from the First Bap- corporation, under the name of the "Trustees of the ; tist Church of Salem : Anti-Pedo Baptist Society meeting in the town of Salem." This remained the corporate name until Thonits ti. Stow. Hizabeth Casper. Elizabeth2:vs. N. R. Trcen. 1860, when, by an act of the Legislature, it was changed to " First Baptist Church of Salem."
The building of the second house of worship was probably begun in 1786. It was probably first orcu- pied some time during 1789. Previously the church purchased n parsonage property.
The temporatities of the church were thus reported in 1790: " 1. The chief is a plantation of one hun- dred acres, with a good house and out-buildings on it, valued at twenty-five pounds per year. 2. A tene- ment on the meeting-house lot, now let for twelve pounds. 3. The old inceting-house and lot near Quin- ton's Bridge."
After several efforts to retain the property and can- i cel the debt on the second meeting-house, the parson- age was sold between 1791 and 1799. The edifice on Yorke Street was a substantial brick house, with gal- leries on three sides. It was occupied by this church until 1846, and afterwards as a place of worship by the Second Baptist Church. In 1854 it was sold and torn down. The two lot- first purcha-ed on Yorke Street measured about two acres. A purchase in 1791 added over an acre to these ground -.
The town of Salem grew up nearer the creek than was anticipated when the second meeting.house was built, and thus in process of time that house was left mite in the suburbs of the present city.
1844. the builling committee was appointed, and the work on the house was duly commenced. The house was dedicated Dec. 12, 1846, and thenceforth was the appointed place of the meetings of the church. Thus, after ocenpying their second house of worship about fifty-six years, and after nearly five years' considera- tion and labor in reference to another house, the church is found in their third and present meeting- house. This house, located on Broadway, in the very dred feet, is a substantial brick structure, seventy-five by fifty feet, with pulpit recess and front portico. It is surmounted by a tower, containing bell and clock. In ISSI this building wa- improved at a cost of four thousand dollars, and a chapel was built in the rear at an expense of six thousand dollars.
The present membership of this church is about five hundred and twenty-five. The Sunday-school has fifty-three officers and teachers and about two laundred and sixty-five scholars. Its library contains four hundred and sixty-one volumes. The superin- tendent is R. F. Boon.
Ephiaan J. Lloyd.
Mary Butler.
Elizabeth Lloyd
Reuben 1. Frons.
Thomas St. L'oyd.
Mary E. I'rens.
Masguictia L. Lloydi.
Sarah A. Frens.
Jeve F. Il line.
Edinut Smith.
Elian 1:00.L .
Charles Counsellor.
Georgo W. Borite.
Samuel Haherumyer.
l'haries C. l'ierce.
Zılphın Habermayer.
Ellen T. Pierce.
Anua Bell Casper.
Robert 1º. Y. Pier. e.
Auna W. Treen.
Smith Bildet back.
John Q Davis.
Rachel Stanger.
Jeudia Davis.
Mis. 1 .. Lacon.
Nathantel Me Neil.
Mise E. Bacon.
Horatio G. Darts.
Joseph MI. Bacon.
Auna G. Davj -.
Henry F. Bacon.
Anna A. Davis.
W. H. Ballinger.
Henry J. Fredr.
Harriet Ballinger.
Jolını S. Bacon.
William li Freas.
Sarah C. Bacon.
Isnac K. Eniler.
John S. MeCune.
Haggle C. Butl.r.
Mary A. MeCune.
Martha Bilderlack.
Albert Steiner.
l'ichard G. stretch.
Julın R. Stanger.
Ellen F. Stretch.
Jacob Bucher.
Samuel Armstrong.
Emma Bucher
Hannah Armstrong.
Allen( L .. Dosman.
Auna W. Douman.
Thomas s. Walker.
Joseph Griffey .
Sarah S. Walker.
Allgail Grilley.
Ann Wal ::- r.
Enoch C. Milford.
I'mwa J. Walker.
Martha S. Julford.
S. W. Hackett.
Lydia MeNeil.
October 20th the trustees were directed to take a deed of the lat upon which the third meeting-house I was laid Aug. 3, 1970. The lecture-room was dedi- now stands, and a committee of twenty was appointed ented Jan. 1, 1871, and the audience-room upon the completion of the house of worship not long after- to solicit funds for building the house. March 16,
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The corner- stone of the church on East Broadway
Eliza J. M. Habermayer.
Jano Mulforl.
Rachel Primrose.
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Thomas Butler.
396
HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY.
ward. This building is of brick, and cost two thou- sand three hundred dollars. It was repaired in 1881 at an expense of two thousand two hundred dollars. Previous to its completion and opening meetings were held in the court-house.
The pastoral roll of this church is as follows : First preacher, Rev. R. F. Young ; first mini-ter, Rev. II. 11. Rhees, called Ang. 22, 1800, succeeded by Rev. IT. G. Mason. July 3, 1870; Rev. A. C. Williams, March 12, 1876; Rev. C. W. Ray, Feb. 23, ISTO: Rev. C. E. Curdo, Dec. 12, 1230, serving at present.
The first Sunday-school superintendent was Mr. C. C. Pierce. The scholars now number one hundred and sixty-eight, and the library contains four hundred and twenty-four volumes.
First Presbyterian .- In 1812, St. John's Episcopal Church in Salem, which had fallen into ruins, having become a burrow for rabbits and a resting-place for swallow-, was repaired, and from 1812 to 1820, Pres- byterian ministers preached a- occasion offered, and Epi-copalians and Presbyterians worshiped together. In 1920 the Presbyterians were excluded. They therefore withdrew and held religious meetings for a time in the academy building and in the court-house. At the suggestion of Col. Johnson, preparations were at once made to organize a Pre-byterian Church and erect a building for its worship.
Col. Johnson and these gentlemen entered with en- thusiasm into the enterprise of establishing a Pre-by- terian Church in Salem. Their energy and liberality were shown in the fact that four hundred dollars were collected in one day,-a large sum for the times and for the few who were interested,-and in the further fact that the corner-stone of the new builling was laid March 6, 1821, and the building itself was completed and opened with religion, services July 14th of the ' same year. This building was of brick, thirty by fifty feet, with a gallery across the northern end. It was located on what is now Grant Street, and on the southern side of the Presbyterian cemetery. Col. Johnson contributed half an acre of ground for its site, which is now part of the cemetery. He also gave twelve hundred dollars, or nearly one-half of the cost of the building, which was two thousand four hundred and forty-three dollars. The remainder was contributed by the Van Meter brothers, Messrs. John Congleton, and Matthias Lambson, varion> citi- zens of Salem, both town and county, and others.
In 1881 or 1832 pews with cushions were put int. it, the seats having previously been plain bench ... with backs. The cost was six hundred and sixty-ty , dollars. These pews are now in use in the lecture- room1.
In 1835, as the congregation increased, it was again improved and enlarged ; twenty feet were added to the length, making it seventy feet long, and giving room for twenty new pews. The floor was raised three feet, and the ground under the front end was dug out four feet, forming a basement lecture-room, which was used for Sabbath-school and weekly meetings. These improve- ments cost three thousand dollars.
In 1838 an organ was placed in it at a cost of four or five hundred dollars, of which Calvin Belden gave one-half. Publie worship was hell in this old church for the last time the second Sabbath of October, 1856, but its bell continued to call the people to worship in the new church until the last Sabbath in Deceni- ber, 1857. This bell was sold to the Fenwick Fire Company.
The first Presbyterian Church in Salem was organi- ized by a committee of the Presbytery of Philadel- phia, on the 13th of November, 1821, four months after the dedication of the building.
The church was organized with six members, and the following persons were transferred to this church by the ilisolution of the church at Penn's Neck : Sarah Lamb-on, Sarah Kean, Martha Burden, John Congleton, Sarah Congleton, and Sarah Lmmoly. Robert H. Van Meter, Samel Barden, Robert Mc- Millen, and Lydia Me Millen were among the earliest. The following were ordained as ruling elders, viz. : Samuel Burden, Robert MeMillen, and Robert II. Van Meter.
Jan. 24, 1822, an election for trustees resulted in the choice of James Bartram, Dr. James Van Meter, Dr. Edward J. Keasbey, Joel Fithian, Samuel Copher. Samnel Dunn.
The Pre-bytery furnished supplies for the pulpit until the fall of 1822. The trustees then employed Rev. Moses T. Harris, from Philadelphia, who per- formed pastoral duties until October, 1823. In No- vember, 1823, Rev. John Burtt was invited to preach as stated supply for six months. At the end of this time he received the unanimous call of the congrega- tion to become their pastor, and was ordained and installed June $, 1824. The congregation agreed to and find him a house to live in.
Besides half an acre of land and nearly half the ! give Mr. Burtt three hundred dollars and his fire-wood, cost of the building, Col. Johnson gave the mahogany pulpit now in use in the lecture- room; Dr. R. 11. During Mr. Burtt's ministry a pastor's library, valued at fifty dollars, adapted to his special taste- and wants, was presented to the church by Elias Boudinot, Esq. A Sabbath-school library, valued at twenty-five dollars, was also presented by Miss Ellei, of New York. Some of the books of the paz. tor's library remain, while those given by Miss Ellet formed the nucleus of the Sabbath-school library. Van Meter gave the stove, Mrs. Ruth Van Meter gave , the pulpit hangings, and a bookseller in Philadelphia gave the pulpit Bible. When the building was erected Grant Street was not laid out. It was approached from a road that entered Market Street between Mats- kell Ware's house and the Episcopal Church. It pointed north therefore, and not south as afterward, while the steeple was also on the north end.
In 1830, after the dismissal of Mr. Bertt, Rev. A.
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CITY OF SALEM.
Il. Parker became stated supply for one year. It was during Mr. Parker's ministry the church received a legacy of nearly one thousand dollars in bank stock from Mr. John Congleton. The church building was also repaired at this time.
Mr. Parker was succeeded in 1832 by Rev. Amsi Babbit, who continued as stated supply for eighteen months. After him came Rev. Thomas Amerman, of New York, who remained only five months. These three last-named ministers were stated supplies and not settled pastors.
Rev. Alexander Heberton, of Kingston, Luzerne Co., l'a., was installed as pastor Dec. 15, 1834. MIr. Heberton's ministry continued six years. During this period the church building was enlarged, car- peted, rededicated, and an organ was purchased and placed in it. Mir. Heberton's salary was three hun- dred and seventy-five dollars a year.
Very soon after Mr. Heberton left, the Session in- vited Rev. J. I. Helm to preach to the congregation. Mr. Helm began his labors June 25, 1$40, and con- tinued as stated supply until Oct. 1, 1842. Then a call was regularly made out for his services as pastor, and he was installed Oct. 17. 1842.
Mr. Helm's pastorate continued nearly twelve years, including his term as stated supply. During this time a library for the use of the congregation was established, chiefly through his efforts. Miss I'rudence 1. Kea-bey bequeathed one thousand dollars towards the erection of a new building that was in contemplation. Dr. James Van Meter also bequeathed a farm in Pittsgrove township. the income of which is to be perpetually used to sustain the preaching of the gospel. Dr. Van Meter's will was not witnessed, and the legacy could not, therefore, be legally claimed ; but his son, Dr. Thomas J. Van Meter, gave a deed of the property to the church, in accord- anee with his father's wishes.
In 1847, and largely through the efforts of the ladies of the congregation, the building was pur- chased which is now occupied as a parsonage. The cost was two thousand eight hundred dollars. Twelve hundred dollars were raised by a general subscription, and six hundred dollars contributed by the ladies' .ewing society. This sum of eighteen hundred dol- lars was paid when the deed was drawn ; the balance, one thousand dollars, was paid at different times, but the mortgage was canceled May 4, 1:52.
Mr. Helm was dismissed April 20, 1852. Rev. Daniel Stratton, of Newberne, N. C., was called at a meeting held June 23, 1852, and was installed Ort. 14, 1552. llis ministry continued fourteen years, and ended with his death, Aug. 24, 1866.
The prezent beautiful building was erected during Mr. Stratton's ministry. The corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies July 17, 1851. Records of the church, religious and city papers, with other documents of interest were deposited in a case, sur- mounted by a white stone slab, in which was cut
the date of the founding and building of the church. This was the corner -- tone. The architect was John MeArthur, of Philadelphia; the mason, Richard C. Ballinger, of Salem; the builder, A. Vau Kirk, of Trenton. Its dimensions are forty-eight. feet wide by eighty-six feet long; height of steeple, one hundred and eighty-four feet; cost, twenty-seven thousand dollars. It was dedicated Oct. 15, 1856. The names of those who gave the largest amounts for this build- ing are Calvin Belden and family, Reuben Hinch- man, Rev. Daniel Stratton and family (including one thousand dollars from Miss JI. E. Hancock). MIrs. Margaret Rumsey and family, Thomas W. Cattell and family, and Dr. Thomas J. Van Meter and family. The sums contributed by these donors amounted to $13,773.50. Sabbath-school was first held in the new building the second Sabbath of November, 1856. November 11th the first weekly lecture was held in it, and Thanksgiving was observed in it November 20th. Dec. 28, 1806, the congregation elected Rev. F. W. Brauus, of the Presbytery of Baltimore, as their pastor, at a salary of fifteen hundred dollars a year, with the use of the parsonage. Mr. Brauns was in- stalled April 25, 1867, and after a ministry of sixteen months accepted a rall to the Seventh Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati.
In 1867 the ladies, with the consent of the trustees, and aided by a committee of gentlemen, repaired and enlarged the parsonage, at an expense of two thou- sand five hundred dollars.
The church was without a pastor for six months after Mr. Brauns lett. During this time the pulpit was supplied under direction of the Session. Jan. 25. 1860, the congregation unanimously called Rev. Wil- liam Bannard, D.D., of the Presbytery of Albany, N. Y. He was installed April 27, 1869. llis min- istry has thus far extended over thirteen years. The church building has been improved and repaired at a further cost of four thousand dollars, while a goodly number have been added to its membership, and its prosperity has at least cqualed that of any previous period of. its history.
The Sabbath-school has been an important clement in the success and growth of this church. The pres- ent library contains four hundred volumes. Mrs. Ruth Van Meter, the first superintendent, held the office until the election of Calvin Belden, who re- signed in 1856, and was succeeded by Henry B. Ware, who died in July, 1675. W. N. Bannard was elected · in October, 1875, and served until Aug. 3, 1879. The present superintendent, Richard Kelty, was elected Dec. 28, 1579. The school has on its roll one hun- dred and twenty-three scholars and teachers, of which its infant class number- fifty.
The property of this church may be summed up as follows: A house of worship, which cost originally twenty-zeven thousand dollars, and has been refitted at considerable expense; a parsonage worth six thou- sand dollars; a farm in Pitt-grove valued at ten
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HISTORY OF SALEM COUNTY.
thousand dollars, yielding an annual income of five Jethro Johnson, and Sylvester Hutchinson a- preach- hundred dollars; and a fine cemetery on Grant Street. The officers of the church have been as follows : Elders, Samuel Burden, Robert McMillan, Robert 11. Van Meter, Robert G. Johnson, James Van Meter, David Johnson, Isaiah Woud, George C. Rumsey, Calvin Belden, John Wetherby, Henry Freeman, Thomas W. Cattell, Moses Richman, Henry B. Ware, Reuben Binchman, John P. Moore, Quinton Gibbon, Henry M. Rumsey, William B. Robertson, Thomas B. Jones, William Richman, Benjamin R. Kelty ; Trustees, James Bertram, James Van Meter, Edward J. Neasbey, Joel Fithian, Samuel Copper, Matthias Lambsun, Samuel Duun, Thomas F. Lambson, George C. Rumsey, John Lawson, Charles Hannah, William J. Shinn, Calvin Belden, Thomas W. Cattell, Thomas J. Van Meter (declined), Reuben Hinchman, George B. Robertson, John Lawson, William Patterson, Wil- liam B. Robertson, Maskell Ware, D. Wolcott Belden, John V. Craven, Albert W. Sherron, Henry M. Rum- sey, John P. Moore, Charles W. Ca-per. Caleb Wheeler, John C. Belden, Henry D. Hall, George Hires, Clifford M. Sherron, B. F. Wood.
First Methodist Episcopal .- Methodisin was in- troduced in Salem about 1774, when Daniel Ruff visited the town and preached in the court-house.
The Methodist Episcopal Church in Salem was founded about 1784. The men chiefly engaged in the work were Henry Stubbins Firth, John McClas- key, Cornelius Mulford, Hugh Smith, Benjamin Sb- bott, Isaac Vanneman, John Murphy, and Levi Gar- rison.
In 1784 the first hon-e of worship of this church was built, largely by the liberality of Henry Stubbins Firth, on Margaret's Lane, now Walnut Street. The Methodists asked assistance from members of other religious denominations, among thein persons belong- ing to the Society of Friends. The matter was dis- cussed in the Friend-' Quarterly Meeting, some Friends objecting to contribute, believing that they ! following is a literal copy, which will be found quaintly
could do so only in violation of the testimony that the society always held against aiding "a hireling tion. It is written on what was once evidently the fly-leaf of an old account-book, and on the back are the words, "To whout may find it":
ministry." It was stated in the meeting that the preachers of the " new sect," as the Methodists were called, received only a passing support for their ser- vices; and after a general expression of opinion it was decided by the society that such members as felt , E. Church in Margarets Lane. free to contribute might do so unreservedly. After . the church was completed and dedicated, Benjamin Abbot was baptized therein; for, although he had then been preaching twelve years, in consequence of the ministry not having been ordained he had not been baptized.
Up to this time Salem had been a preaching station on the West Jersey Cirenit. In 1788 the Salem Cir- : enit was formedl. Rev. James (). Cromwell was ap- pointed presiding elder, and Joseph Cromwell, Na- Salem as the minister.
thaniel B. Mills, and John Cooper were appointed to the circuit. In 1733, Salem Circuit had Simon Pile,
ers. This was in all probability a "six weeks' cir- enit," embracing all West Jersey below Burlington. During this year there was a powerful work of regen- eration ou the cirenit, which increased its eliss and church membership from six hundred and eighty to nine hundred and thirty-three, the latter number being reported in 1790. During that year the circuit was divided and Bethel Circuit was formed, Joseph Cromwell and William Dougherty riding the now smaller Salem Circuit. Judging from the returns in the minutes of the Annual Conference, there was not much done for the succeeding five years. In 179; Salem Circuit returned four hundred and seventy-six members. Rev. John McClaskey was presiding clder; the preachers were Robert MeCoy and Peter Vannest. In 1797, William MeLenahan and Benjamin Fisler rode Salem Circuit, which reported a membership of four hundred and fifty-two. The preachers of Salem Circuit in 1799 were Richard Swain and We-ley Budd. The latter was denominated "a masterly preacher." Ile was a man of a enltivated mind, quick discernment, and an extensive knowledge of human nature, but, unhappily, he is said to have afterwards made a shipwreck of his character, happi- ness, and hope. In 1800, Richard Swain and R. Lyon were appointed to the Salem Circuit.
About this time the Salem station was largely in- creased in membership. Among the new converts were three brothers, Jacob, William, and Maskell Mulford, who came to Salem from Greenwich, Cum- berland Co., where their parents were members of the Presbyterian Church, From this date the congrega- tion increased steadily and quite rapidly, and in time the old frame building on Walnut Street was not large enough to accommodate them, and in 1826 they concluded to creet a brick edifice, which was com- pleted and dedicated in 1638. The attention of the writer has been drawn to a document, of which the interesting and historically valuable in this connec-
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" SALYM, February 21st, 1834.
" We the under algn was the carpenters that Quished the Methodlist
" Charles W. Rubberts the Arch. Joel C. Emley master-work man the boss built the Palpit.
" Hev. Jefferson Lewis the elation minister ? Emloy & Swith the under In Salem at the finishing of the Church. > takers.
[ Charles Sharp } help to ( John II. Kelly'S finishe Horacha Lawrence 1 " - Painter 5
David E. Williams began the church in March, 1836. Rev. Abraham Owen was then stationed at
It was in 1826 that Salom berame a regular station At that time one hundred and fire member, were re-
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CITY OF SALEM.
ported. Rev. John Ledman was the first pastor. His minh Murphy, Patrick Guno, Richard Crean, Jere- stevesvor have been Revs. Thomas Ware. 1-27; John miah Riordan. David and Elmand Hays, Martin, James, and Thomas MeGrath, James Ryan, Thomas aud Michael Murphy, John Foley, Walter and Patrick O'Brien, Wiliam O'Brien, Patrick Row, James Det :- ning, Michael Hogan, Patrick Littleton, Jeremiah and Daniel Sullivan, Christian Mc.Aleer, Patrick Carroll, Patrick, John, Michael, and Thomas Coffee, Samuel Donahue, Matthias and Peter Medice, Peter Callahan, Richard Smith, Michacl Maher, John Hoffman, John Cummiskey, John MeBride, and other members of most of the families to which these per- sons belonged. Pots, 1828; Abraham Daen, 1895 ; Jefferson Lewis. 1:37-39 ; Thomas McCarroll, 1:39-49; George F. Brown, 1842, 1513; D. W. Bartinc, 1543-45; S. Y. Monroe, 1845-17; James JI. Dandy. 1817-19; Jaules 0. Rogers, 1819-51; Jefferson Lewis, 1851-53; W. E. Perry, 1853-55; George Hughes, 1855-57; Samuel Vansant, 1857-50; John W. Hitchman, 1859-61; R. V. Lawrence, 1801-63; J. B. Graw, 1863-65; 11. M. Brown, 1865-68; P. Cline, 1863-70; W. W. Chris- tine, 1870-72; J. W. Hickman, 1672-75; Willis Reeves, 1575-78: William E. Boyle, 1878-79; B. C. Lippin- cott, 1879-8]; and G. HI. Neal, the present pastor, since 1881.
In 1852 the church numbered about four hundred members, the Sunday-school three hundred and fifty scholars and thirty-six officers and teachers. The Sunday-school library contained four hundred and seventy-five volume -.
Broadway Methodist .- The lot upon which this church was built was purchased in 1856, the church edifice commenced in ISSS, and finished the succeed- ing year. It is a handsome and substantial brick structure. On Feb. 22, 1859, it was organized by one hundred and fourteen persons, members of the Walnut Street Methodist Episcopal Church, Dow called the First Methodist Episcopal Church.
The first minister until the following March, under the presiding elder, was Rev. George W. Finlaw. The first from Conference was Rev. W. II. Jeffrys, who remained two years. His successors, with their re- spective terms of service, have been as follows :
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