USA > New Jersey > Union County > Rahway > Jubilee souvenir of the First Presbyterian Church of Rahway, New Jersey > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
Arrangements .- Rev. G. H. Payson, M. T. Gay, C. R. Oliver, J. C. Waters, W. V. Mckenzie, and W. C. Terrill.
25
THE STORY OF THE JUBILEE.
Decoration .- Mrs. C. R. Oliver, Miss Emma Shotwell, Messrs. Thomas Kidd and George C. Wilkins.
Music .- Messrs. John R. Morss, John Williams, and Joseph Avery.
Entertainment .- Mrs. G. H. Payson, Mrs. Ann Terrill, Mrs. M. T. Gay, Mrs. C. R. Oliver, Mrs. Ira Bull, Mrs. E. C. Carman, Mrs. John Weldon, and the Misses Minnie Williams, Maggie Oliver, Mary Shotwell, and Louise Urm- ston.
Invitation .- Rev. G. H. Payson and John R. Morss.
Jubilee Souvenir .- Rev. G. H. Payson, M. T. Gay, John R. Morss, J. C. Waters.
Many others unofficially but not unwillingly lent helpful service, wherever it was needful.
Thus, with fragrant flowers and sweet songs, with tender recollections and noble inspirations, the old First Church of Rahway marks an epoch in its history, and goes on its way rejoicing. Free from debt, fired with hope, united, har- monious, active, may its glorious past prove the earnest of a far more glorious future, as heart with heart and hand in hand, pastor and people, sorrow and joy, hope and pray, toil and triumph, in the blessed service of the Christ, " Till He Come."
SERMON.
BY THE REV. GEORGE HUBBARD PAYSON, DELIVERED IN THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF RAHWAY, N. J., JUNE 7, 1891.
Theme : "Our Church Past and Present."
Text: "He Thanked God and Took Courage." Acts, xxviii, 15.
THUS Paul on his way to Rome, meeting his brethren at the Appii Forum, gave thanks and took heart, as God led him on.
The twofold sentiment of the text is timely. This anni- versary occasion calls for gratitude and courage. It marks an epoch in the history of our church. One hundred and fifty years of toil and triumph lie behind, untold possibilities before. Friends clasp hands to-day in friendly salutation. Past and present meet together ; memory and hope kiss each other. Gratefully we glance backward, my dearly beloved, bravely we look ahead as God leads us on.
Many memories evoke our gratitude for the past.
I. The origin of this historic church suggests thankful thoughts. It was born in a revival. The Holy Spirit, like a dove, brooded over its cradle. The infant church was baptized with the Holy Ghost. The exact date of its birth is uncertain, since the early church records are lost ; but there is every reason to believe that the church organization was effected before the church building was erected. This was in the winter of 1741 and 1742. Hitherto the residents of Rahway attended the First Presbyterian Church of Eliza-
26
REV. THOMAS LEIPER JANEWAY, D. D., LL. D.
27
SERMON.
beth. Fancy our going so far now ! That church was the mother of all the Presbyterian churches in the township, which included Union County and parts of five adjoining counties. The Rev. Jonathan Dickinson, D. D., was its pastor, and during his pastorate occurred the widespread work of grace which resulted in the organization of this church and the erection of a house of worship one hundred and fifty years ago. That building was historic. It stood on the cemetery grounds near the entrance. Some of you remember it-not many. Its rough-hewn floors and shingled walls echoed the steps and re-echoed the praises of our fore- fathers, while the storm clouds of war gathered ; its weather- stained, cock-crowned spire kept silent guard over their peaceful graves, where the snows of many winters have blown and the flowers of many summers bloomed, as " Time rolls his ceaseless course." For the sturdy character of those devout worshipers in that ancient church we give thanks to-day. Three elements composed that primitive con- gregation : Puritan, Covenanter, and Quaker. They were diverse in character, yet one in their love for freedom and their faith in God. Both liberty and piety are the heritage they bequeathed to us. Plain living and high thinking char- acterized those olden times. For all that was devout and patriotic, brave, unselfish, true, in those men and women, who established this church a century and a half ago, we give thanks to-day. Ours is a noble inheritance.
2. The line of faithful pastors calls for gratitude. There have been ten, with an average service of fifteen years. The shortest was three years, the longest three-and-forty. We should " count time by heart-throbs, not by figures on a dial," and though a short pastorate may prove signally suc- cessful, yet it is gratifying in these changeful days to recall a union of pastors and people long and lasting. The church
28
JUBILEE SOUVENIR.
from the start was Presbyterian. This is noteworthy, for many of the neighboring churches were originally Congrega- tional or Independent, subsequently adopting the Presby- terian form of government. The church when organized belonged to the Presbytery of New York, which then in- cluded East Jersey and Long Island.
The Rev. Aaron Richards was its first pastor. He was ordained and installed November 15, 1748. Hitherto the pulpit of the newly organized church had been supplied by the Rev. Messrs. Cleverly, Grant, Strong, and Watkins. The first pastorate was the longest. It covered the trying period of the Revolution, which imperiled the existence of the church and the safety of the people, and tested both the patriotism and piety of the pastor. With pardonable pride we point to the monument in our cemetery erected to the memory of Abraham Clark-one of the worshipers in this church, and one of the signers of the Declaration of Inde- pendence, the " Magna Charta " of our freedom. It is im- possible to overestimate the heroic zeal of that first third of our church's history. Nor is it strange that the naturally buoyant spirit of the pastor became depressed and melan- choly in those days that tried men's souls. Why, to success- fully conduct the affairs of the average church in times of peace requires the meekness of Moses, the patience of Job, the courage of John the Baptist, and the independence of Paul.
The pastoral relation between Mr. Richards and the church was dissolved in 1791, having lasted forty-three years. He died May 16, 1793, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, and was buried in the church cemetery, close to the spot where for more than two-score years he had preached the blessed Gospel of the Son of God.
Mr. Richards's pastorate was followed by five years of
29
SERMON.
stated supplies by the Rev. Messrs. Cooly, Cook, and others.
The Rev. Robert Hett Chapman was the second pastor, but after three years of discouraging labor, caused by the disasters of war, the destruction of wealth, and the unfortu- nate effects of the long preceding vacancy, he resigned his charge. Mr. Chapman died in 1833.
After three years vacancy the Rev. Buckley Carll was called to the pulpit, and served the church for twenty-three years, the second longest pastorate. He was fervent, faith- ful, and "passing rich on forty pounds a year." Personally eccentric, physically infirm, controversial, severe, yet zeal- ous and earnest, he raised both the material and spiritual condition of the church to a higher plane. Several revivals took place during his ministry, which extended till 1826. It was succeeded by a controversy, which never helps but always hurts the cause of Christ, which is "righteousness and peace."
The following month the Rev. Alfred Chester was ordained and installed, but continued as pastor less than three years, his pastorate ending in 1829.
The same year the Rev. Thomas L. Janeway became pas- tor of the church and served it faithfully for eleven years. Many important events occurred during his ministry. The hour for the second service was changed from afternoon to evening ; the Society of Friends and the First Methodist Episcopal Church were organized ; and the new church building in which we worship was erected, also the manse adjoining, at a total cost of about $18,000. The new church was dedicated to the worship of God, February 5, 1832. The Rev. Samuel Miller, D. D., of Princeton, preached in the morning, Rev. J. J. Janeway, D. D., of Philadelphia in the afternoon, and the Rev. Dr. McDonnell, of Elizabeth in the evening.
30
JUBILEE SOUVENIR.
Marked as was the material growth during Dr. Janeway's pastorate the spiritual advancement was greater still. Sev- eral gracious revivals attended his ministry. The greatest was in 1834, when 157 united with the church upon a con- fession of their faith, sixty adults being baptized at one ser- vice, while the infidelity and immorality that reigned in the community were largely overthrown. Three hundred and eighty-nine members were added to the church under Dr. Janeway's pastorate, 262 by confession, 127 by certificate ; an average of 35 a year.
November 17, 1840, the pastoral relation was dissolved, Dr. Janeway having accepted a call to the North Presby- terian Church of Philadelphia, where he has since resided and still lives, having received many honors from the church, and waiting for the highest honor from Christ-the crown of glory "that fadeth not away."
He was succeeded the following month by the Rev. Charles K. Imbrie, who had just graduated from Princeton, and who also served the church faithfully for eleven years, when he was called to the First Presbyterian Church of Jersey City. His pastorate was marked with steady growth from year to year, 1842 and 1843 being especially blessed. The causes of missions and systematic beneficence were faithfully furthered under his ministry. One of the most important events in the history of the church occurred dur- ing Dr. Imbrie's pastorate. I refer to the organization of the Second Presbyterian Church of this city. Dr. Pomeroy writes : "One of the most delightful things that can be found in the records of this church is the exhibition of mag- nanimity, Christian brotherhood, and wise policy that is shown in this transaction." The happy and peaceful sepa- ration took place November 9, 1849, when fifty-five members of this church, at their own request, were dismissed by .
REV. CHARLES K. IMBRIE, D. D.
31
SERMON.
the session to constitute the Second Presbyterian Church. Twenty of these original members are living, and are in- vited to celebrate with us our Jubilee on Tuesday next. The Second Church has now had a life and history of its own for more than forty years. The child has outgrown her parent, and to-night Dr. Liggett, the faithful pastor for twenty-six and a half years, brings a daughter's kindly greeting to her venerable mother. May the pleasant rela- tions now existing never cease, is our prayer to-day!
The seventh pastor of this church was the Rev. Samuel S. Sheddan, D. D., who was called within a month after Dr. Imbrie resigned. He was recommended by Dr. Janeway, who also preached the sermon at his installation, while Dr. Imbrie presided at the congregational meeting which ten- dered him the call, and gave the charge to the people at the installation service. Not always, alas ! do churches thus hold in kindly regard and loyal affection their former pas- tors. During Dr. Sheddan's pastorate of twenty-two years 150 were received into the church by confession and 184 by certificate. But it must be remembered, in measuring the growth of the church during the last three pastorates, that the conditions were materially changed from the days of Dr. Janeway and Dr. Imbrie. The field had been narrowed by the organization of the Second Church and other evan- gelical churches here, as well as those in Cranford, Roselle, and Linden ; while the population of Rahway has been nearly stagnant, or slowly decreasing for the last forty years.
During the latter part of Dr. Sheddan's pastorate exten- sive improvements were made, both within and without the church ; the Sabbath schoolroom was remodeled, the iron fence and stone platform erected in front of the building.
Dr. Sheddan's pastorate was dissolved by his death, Oc- tober 18, 1874. This church and community, his brethren
32
JUBILEE SOUVENIR.
in Presbytery and Synod, hold in tender recollection the fragrant memory of his long and faithful service. Many of you were led to Christ by his gentle ministry. Most of this congregation remember well the last sad rite when your beloved pastor lay dead here, where, for nearly a quarter of a century, he had preached the living Christ, who conquered death and brought "life and immortality to light." Dr. Sheddan was buried in the church cemetery, where so many of his people sleep, to wake with him at the dawning of that day that has no night. His portrait hangs in the lec- ture-room, and underneath his kindly face the pastor's fare- well message to his session and people, a model of the grace of simple composition and sincere affection. " He being dead still speaketh."
After several months of supplies the church extended a call to the Rev. J. J. Pomeroy, D. D., who became the eighth pastor of the church. Dr. Imbrie preached the ser- mon at his installation. In the first year of his pastorate a project was started which resulted in the bright and beauti- ful auditorium in which we are gathered-thrice beautiful and bright to-day. The church thus remodeled and adorned was rededicated to the worship of God November 3, 1876, when Dr. Imbrie preached the sermon and Dr. Janeway made the rededication prayer. Dr. Kempshall tendered the greet- ing from the mother church and Dr. Liggett from the daugh- ter church, as we expect them to do again to-night.
Dr. Pomeroy was called to Chambersburg, Pa., and the pastoral relation dissolved April 2, 1884. He died there December 1, 1889.
By a singular coincidence it fell to me, on the first Sab- bath I ever preached in this church, at the close of the evening sermon, to announce his death to this congregation, to whom it came as a great surprise and a painful sorrow.
33
SERMON.
Resolutions were adopted, and a committee appointed to attend his funeral. On the evening of December 8, a memo- rial service was held in this church, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Liggett, who delivered a touching and eloquent eulogy in memory of his life-long friend. Dr. Pomeroy's name is familiar as a household word in this congregation. His sterling manhood commanded the respect of the entire com - munity. His sensitive, sympathetic nature made him a pas- tor dearly beloved, the memory of whose manly face, noble form, and unblemished character is a precious heritage to this people who still feel the touch of his honest hand and the throb of his loyal heart.
His seemingly untimely death, should ever keep us, my beloved brethren, from doing the disloyal act, speaking the unfriendly word, or even cherishing the unloving thought, that would cause us needless pain now, or futile regret by and by.
After an interval of six months the church extended a call to the Rev. William Alfred Gay, who became its ninth pastor, and sustained the reputation of this historic pulpit by his gifted eloquence and varied talents. Mr. Gay re- signed this charge in August, 1888, to accept a call to the First Presbyterian Church of Corry, Pa., after a pastorate of four years.
A year and a half of supplies followed.
In October, 1889, a call was tendered to the Rev. George Hubbard Payson, of Newtown, Long Island, who accepted the call and began his ministry here with the beginning of the New Year, January 1, 1890. Of the duration and results of this pastoral union, some future historian will write. Our lives, beloved, our thoughts and words and acts, will color that record, contributing to its final success or failure, and causing sorrow or joy as the years go by.
34
JUBILEE SOUVENIR.
When Moses died Joshua took his place. When Elijah was translated his mantle fell on Elisha. So the unbroken line of pastors of this flock attests its faithful care by the Great Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. As we call that roll to-day, six of whose names are starred, and think of their faithful service, we "thank God and take courage."
3. But it is easier to preach than to practice. The pew as well as the pulpit measures the power and influence of the church. The people share with the pastors the responsibility of success or failure. Moses could not have stemmed the tide of battle and saved Israel, had not Aaron and Hur held up his hands. Paul could not have successfully conducted the affairs of the churches without Silas and Barnabas, his fellow-laborers, Tryphena and Triphosa also, "those women who helped him in the Lord."
For the Christian virtues developed in the people by the preaching of the word and the renewing of the Holy Ghost, we give thanks to-day.
The life of this church has been manifested in various forms of organized activity, which call for grateful men- tion. The boards of elders, deacons, and trustees, have been composed of men faithful and true. The Sabbath School has played a noble part in the church's work.
Missions have called forth interest and zeal in three active societies which should have ten-fold increase in this missionary age. The Ladies' Sewing Society has done a work whose success should keep the needle flying in time to come.
The Ladies' Association deserves unstinted praise for what it has accomplished in canceling the debt of the church, and other useful measures. Yet it should not rest on its laurels, but seek for wider fields and pastures new.
And now, when the division of labor calls for so much
35
SERMON.
specific work, we have the earnest, zealous Society of Chris- tian Endeavor and the faithful Daughters of the King.
For every act of charity and self-denial which this church has wrought through its various organizations, we give thanks to-day.
But, after all, it is the individual character that the Church of Christ is building. For the Christian manhood, strong and sterling, for the Christian womanhood, pure and patient, for all the graces of the Divine character here reflected in human lives, we praise God with one ac- cord.
1956007
Oh, it is the unwritten history that tells the true life and power of the church ! What temptations have been man- fully resisted, what sorrows patiently endured, what duties faithfully/performed as the years went by !
How many sins have been conquered, how many strifes have been subdued, how many souls saved, as the fruits of the Spirit-love, joy, peace-have ripened at the touch of God !
It is, my brother men, the purity of your lives that measures the power of this church.
4. I am reminded by the figures on the dial-plate of time, that it is not only one hundred and fifty years since our church was organized, but that it is sixty years since this church building was erected, and it calls for grateful mention to-day.
To most of this congregation the present church edifice is the only one they can remember. Here many of you were baptized, here you confessed Christ before men ; here you have had the noblest thoughts and impulses of your lives ; here you have drawn close to God ; here you have felt the touch of his spirit, here received the baptism of his grace, here experienced the inspiration of his love.
36
JUBILEE SOUVENIR.
In these pews you have felt most tenderly the burden of grief, as the preacher has touched the chords that sung responsively in your heavy-laden souls. Here you have felt most graciously the thrill of joy, as your heart has answered the call of duty and the voice of Jesus.
Here envy and resentment have been hushed, as Christ has rebuked the thought of evil. Here selfishness and bigotry have been crushed, as the Gospel of Christ has ennobled your souls and enlarged your vision.
The most precious memories are here evoked, as you re- call the faces and forms of those who sat with you and sang praise to God in his courts below-and are now safe above, singing the "new song" before the throne, in the "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
Oh, friends ! earth's aisles are thinning, but heaven's arches are filling. Those who once thronged these sacred scenes are thrilled with a far holier service now.
We give thanks to-day for the sainted dead. Forever precious to your souls, beloved are the associations of this house of God. Oh, if these walls could talk, what stories would they tell of sorrow and joy which make up this pro- found mystery we call life. If this desk could speak, what lessons would it teach-not only of this life with its sorrow and sin, but of that life where every problem will be solved, every mystery disclosed, sin forgiven, and sorrow forgotten, forever more.
This building is sacred to the most precious memories. This place is hallowed with the most blessed hopes. This sanctuary is consecrated to the noblest act in which man can engage. May these walls never be desecrated by unholy thoughts, or unworthy scenes.
Here let God be worshiped in the "beauty of holiness."
Here let truth be preached in the divineness of its power.
37
SERMON.
Here "may grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied unto you abundantly." Here may weary worshipers draw near to God in prayer and praise.
Here may the unholy feel the burden of sin unconfessed and unforgiven. Here may the penitent find pardon and peace through faith in Jesus. Here may the widowed and orphaned receive comfort and strength, as their desolate hearts respond to the word of Christ, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Here may the Christless and churchless be gathered and the Christ be honored, as his word is preached and his sacraments administered in the years to come. " If I for- get thee, oh Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cun- ning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth ; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy."
5. But you are waiting for me to mention one cause for gratitude which gives great happiness to-day to every member of this congregation.
A cloud has hung over this church for years. Thank God that cloud is lifted ! We rejoice to-day because our church is free from debt, and we honor the self-denying toil which has realized this devoutly longed-for consummation.
Whoever has contributed to this result deserves a por- tion of the credit due to all. We would not discriminate. But those who have toiled most patiently in the darkness of the bondage, rejoice most heartily in the light of liberty. I desire in a single word to pay the just tribute of praise to the prayerful, patient, persevering efforts of the women of this church in their heroic struggle, which to-day is crowned with victory ; while we cannot forget that the glory of their achievement is shared by the men, whose generous gifts
38
JUBILEE SOUVENIR.
came in free and full response to their pathetic and per- sistent appeals, and by all who helped to lift this burden that lay so long upon the church and so heavily upon your hearts.
Not for years has this church stood on such a sound financial basis as it stands to-day-and please God shall stand for aye.
May the cloud of debt never again darken the horizon of our vision, may our song of thanksgiving never, never, cease.
Let us rise right here and make these arches ring with our joyful hallelujahs, while we sing as we have never sung be- fore, " Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
[The congregation rose and sang the long-meter Doxology and then resumed their seats, and the pastor his sermon.]
6. My task is not yet done. Fervently I trust that the spiritual condition of the Church affords no less ground than the material for gratitude to God.
Unity and harmony prevail. The services of the Church are fully and faithfully attended. Fifty persons have been added to our communion in the past eighteen months.
Believers have been quickened to duty by the power of the Spirit. The forces of the Church are organized for efficient work. Pastor and people are now acquainted and at one ; united by ties of confidence and affection which I trust, silly, senseless, sentimental gossip can never weaken, but which time and God's grace shall ever strengthen.
May we joy and sorrow, toil and triumph together, in the blessed service of our Divine Master, sowing seeds of kind- ness now, and reaping what we sow "in the sweet by and by."
The first influence of this Jubilee ought to inspire us to nobler character and grander service. The memories of this hour should blossom into blessed hopes and bring forth
39
SERMON.
the fruit of better lives ; else the past history, so noble and ennobling, will prove our shame and not our glory. Let us " thank God and take courage."
II. This occasion calls not only for gratitude for the past, but for courage as we stand face to face with present duty. We have taken a long look backward this morning ; now we have time for a brief forward glance.
I. With brave hearts let us confidently expect the speedy growth of this community. The outlook is brighter to-day than for years before. The tide of improvement is slowly rising, the hum of industry is surely increasing, the pulse of public spirit is sensibly quickening, and the tone of the town is gradually advancing. Ancient rookeries are being pulled down, or must soon tumble down. Modern build- ings will take their place ; rickety fences will be removed, and uneven sidewalks relaid. "The crooked paths will be made straight and the rough places plain." The river will be bridged somewhere between Central Avenue and Saint George's, the population will increase, the industries will multiply, while Upper Rahway, surpassing the lower but newer part of the town in every natural advantage, will be connected by electric cars with the business center, or by steam directly with the great metropolis. " The wilderness shall blossom like the rose." Old fogyism is doomed. Let him die, "with none so poor to do him reverence," and out of the ashes of his grave may a new and better life break for our city, beautiful, but behind the times. Let her name be no longer " Bellamy," looking backward, but " excelsior," as we move forward, upward, to a better and higher life.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.