USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > Perth Amboy > Presbyterianism in Perth Amboy, New Jersey > Part 2
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*Presbyterian Historical Almanac.
15
MANY CHANGES.
The year of Mr. Keys' residence in this city was a dis- couraging time. The session regarded it with sorrow, as we conclude from the following record made in January, 1808:
" There being no business before us, some time was passed in free conversation concerning the low state of religion among us. The remainder of the evening was then spent in humbly im- ploring the Lord of life to regard us in mercy, and if it could be consistent with his sovereign will, to send us also His Holy Spirit as he has done to neighboring churches."
In 1808 Rev. Daniel Hopkins supplied the pulpit. In this year Mrs. Doziah Bloodgood, wife of William Bloodgood, became a member of the church. She was born in 1779 and died the old- est member at the time of her death, and the oldest inhab- itant of the city. From 1829 to 1847 she was a member of the Woodbridge church, but in the latter year her membership was renewed with this organization, making her term of service fifty- three years. In December, 1879, she celebrated her one hun- dredth birthday and at this anniversary there were present her seven living children aged respectively eighty years, seventy- seven, seventy-four, seventy-two, sixty-nine, sixty-six and fifty- nine ; grandchildren, great- grandchildren and two great- great-grandchildren. At this celebration she sang in a clear and distinct voice, "My Days are Gliding Swiftly By." She died February, 1880.
REV. PETER STRYKER.
The first pastor of the church was Rev. Peter Stryker, who was installed November 20, 1809, Rev. Mr. Picton preaching the sermon from I. Corinthians, II: 2 : For I determined not to know any- thing among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified. Rev. A. Roe, D. D., pre-
16
PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
sided and gave the charge to the pastor, and Rev. Mr. Carll the charge to the people. New life and new hopes had come back to the church when suddenly the next year Mr. Stryker was recalled to his former congregations at Belleville and Stone House Plains, the reason given being "the peculiar circum- stances of his present situation." In going, which he did in December, he expressed regret "at leaving a people whose affectionate regards and marked attention have laid me under great obligations ever to esteem and love them."
This brief pastorate cannot be allowed to pass without a more detailed reference to the man who in his short life in this city · left a blessing which continued for many years. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, December 23, 1763, of ancestors who came from Holland in 1652, and who held honorable posi- tions in the community and were devoted members of the Dutch Church. He early became a believer in the Christian religion. Young Peter was a fifer in the army of the Revolution. He was a student at Columbia University; licensed May 8, 1788, and be- came pastor of a church on Staten Island. Here he remained until 1794, when he was called to the Reformed Dutch Church of Belleville; from this church he was called to Perth Amboy, but returning to Belleville in 1810 he remained until 1812, ill health compelling him to resign. He died March 16, 1847. He was a refined, dignified gentleman of the old school, and a strong man in his denomination. Although retired from the active pastorate, he was not idle, but sought avenues for advancing the Redeemer's kingdom. In 1815 he made a missionary tour of eleven months in all kinds of weather to Easton, up the Susquehanna valley, across to Troy and down the Hudson. His son Harmons, grand- son Peter and his great-grandson-in-law, Rev. W. W. Conner, have all preached in the Bellvelle church, Mr. Conner being the present pastor. The grandson, Rev. Peter Stryker, D. D., was for many years a much beloved minister in the Presbyterian de- nomination. He was, however, pastor of the Reformed Dutch church at Asbury Park when he died in 1900.
We can see this pastor of the long ago as with stately mien he entered the door and walked to the winding stairs which led
I7
MANY CHANGES.
to the pulpit. These he ascended and seated himself in the an-
tique . chair. It was a curious place, that pulpit, stuck high up like a tiny box at the east end of the church. Above it was a sounding board, and on top of this was perched a "gilt dove." An hour glass measured the length of the sermon. The pews were box in shape, with backs so high that the children had great difficulty in seeing the preacher. Doors shut in the occu- pants during service. In the winter bricks and soap-stones were heated and placed in the pews in lieu of the modern stove. The geese, a common product of the city, had no regard for the Sabbath, but browsed around for pickings as on other days. Often their cackling, as the noise came through the open doors and windows, so disturbed the congregation that the sex- ton would rush out and drive them away. Dogs re- garded the day with more solemnity, and, seeking their mas- ters through the same open doors, were welcomed to their pews. The communicants were seated at tables extending the length of the aisles, and tokens were deposited by those who participated before the elements were passed.
The minister having no permanent home, the church in 1808 decided to build a manse. A subscription was made that year, and although the house was occupied the year following the costs continued until 1817. The original cost was $1884, exclusive of the lot which was another donation from Captain Angus. That parsonage had a long drawn out expense account, as is seen in looking over the bills which the trustees paid. Perhaps some of the material which aided in the construction, had much to do with the interminable cost, for the word "spirit"' occurs very often among the charges. Following in quick succession in one account are the items "I quart spirits, 6 1b white lade, I lb putty, I 1b neils." . Workmen were paid one dollar a day. Hard brick were worth fifty shillings a thousand and soft brick twenty-five shillings. It cost "towe shilings pur pose for seder posts," five dollars for "diging seller," one dollar and twenty-five cents for " blowin stone," and twelve shillings for " plasterin hare."
In 1810 a "celler drean under said house" was dug ; the
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PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
next year "one sistern ;" and the year following an "ovan." Then the "seller of the parsonage house" had to be filled up with sand and the "kitchen harth" laid. Six years after its supposed completion it needed a new coat of paint; a fence was built, and in their anxiety for the minister's welfare the trustees had ne- glected the church. This called for attention and money was ex- pended for "conducting the bell rope through sealing of gallery,"
THE PARSONAGE, 1809-1869.
repairing the "steple," painting the building at a cost of two hundred dollars and putting posts into the "burying ground." This house is now 101 Rector street.
Rev. Joshua Young of the Congregational council of Maine supplied the church for six months in the fall and winter of 1814.
19
MANY CHANGES.
The next year Rev. Elias Riggs was re-called on a salary of $300 and the use of the parsonage, but this call he declined. In 1816 Rev. Joseph Bishop Andrews became stated supply. He occupied this relation until June 16, 1819, when he was installed as pastor. At this service Rev. Samuel H. Cox of Mendham preached the sermon from Romans I: 16,-For I am not ashamed of the gos- pel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every- one that believeth ; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Dr. Andrews was born at Southington, Connecticut, March 17, 1775 ; graduated at Yale College, 1797 ; married August 17, 1801, Miss May Bissell of Windsor, who died December 24, 1848. He became a licentiate June 5, 1799, and was ordained pastor in Killingworth, April 12, 1802. In 1811 he removed to New York City, where he established a private school, and organized a Sabbath school in the vicin- ity of Franklin street and Broadway. He also studied medicine, graduating at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, March 11, 1816. This was the year he entered upon work in this church. His pastorate terminated De- cember 19, 1822. He re- mained here for some time, practising medicine, acting as health officer of the port, and in 1829 was president of the Middlesex County Medical REV. J. B. ANDREWS, M. D. Society. He then removed to his old home in Connecti- cut where he resided for many years, representing his town in 1836 in the legislature. His home after that was in New York City; he died April 26, 1853, and is buried in Alpine Cemetery. Dr. Andrews was a linguist and scholar and a man of intense energy and perseverance. He believed in total abstinence at a
20
PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
time when it was unpopular to advocate such a cause ; he spared not in his denunciations against intemperance ; and members were disciplined for their overindulgence in intoxicating liquors. His granddaughter, Mrs.Sarah A. Whitman, resides in New York City. Her father, Dr. Solomon Andrews, was a physician in this city for many years.
The population of Perth Amboy in 1820 was about eight hun- dred, and of this number thirty persons were slaves. From very early days it was desirable that the "province have a constant and sufficient supply of merchantable negroes, at moderate rates, in money or commodities."* Many advertisements were inserted in the papers offering rewards for runaway slaves. Two negroes were burned at the stake in our city for murder, and fears of an uprising were frequent. But from the time above mentioned by an act of the legislature slavery gradually passed away. The stocks opposite the church in the Square, where drunkards, wife- beaters and other offenders were punished, were in use. In the centre of the Square the old market stood, where on Tuesdays and Saturdays the farmer with his produce and his fowls and the butcher with his meats welcomed their customers. This building was divided into two sections running east and west, each fifty feet long and twenty wide, seperated by the walks which now divide Market Square ; and on other days the children as they came out of the old Court House turned it into a gymnasium. Where the Packer House stands was Arnold's City Hotel, a pub- lic house which was erected before the Revolution, and at that period was the chief hostelry of the city. Washington stopped here on his visit to Amboy in 1776, as did Adams, Franklin and Rutledge when they were on their way to meet Lord Howe at the Billop House Conference. The walls of this old building are doing service now as in the years gone by.
Many of our streets had not the same names that designate them in our day, as for example, Gordon was Gully street; Rec- tor, Cross street; Fayette, South Dock street; Commerce, North Dock street; and State, Back street. The Barracks were used by
* Smith's New Jersey.
-
Old
1 Andrew Bell
2 Brighton House
12 Commercial Bank
5 Abner Woodruff
13 School House
23 Bruens Yharf
1 Episcopal Church
14 Raritan ·
24 Steamboat ·
5 Parsonage
15 dos. Marsh
25 Miss Parker
6 Old
16 Mrs. M. Watson 26 Jos. Marsh Stores
17 Pres. Burial Ground 27 Benj Maurice
8
Parsonage 18 Arnolds City Hotel 28 Hay Press
9 Mrs. John Patrick
19 Phoenix Inn
29 Scales
r
/7
State
Street
Scale
1000 ft.
2
Market
Street
Street
Street
9
12
16
18
20
Street
10
Street
8
15
Smith
fayette
Commerce
Rector
Street
3
6
14
122
29
Street
25 26 27 28
31
30
24
City of Perth Amboy As it was in 1823.
Reproduced from Whitehead's"Contributions to East Jersey History" by S.J. Mason"02"
ARTHUR KULL SOUND
Street
Road to New Brunswick
10 C.M. Kearny
20 Uriah Burdge
30 Marsh's Wharf
31' Patrick's
.W ... REFERENCES 11 Market 21 Baptist Ch. 22 James Parker
MAP of the
Water
Gordon
7
13
High
21
7 Presbyterian Ch.
22
PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
Dr. Solomon Andrews as a manufactory for government locks. The Westminster Home was the residence of Matthias Bruen. reputed to be at that time the wealthiest citizen of the United States. He had long been a member of this congregation and early identified himself with its interests. His home had within its walls many costly paintings and rare pieces of statuary. John Jacob Astor was a frequent guest and on one occasion visited and addressed the Sabbath School. The modes of traveling were primitive compared with our day. A small steamboat conveyed passengers to New York. The schedule time was four hours, leaving here at nine o'clock and arriving at one in the afternoon. The stage coach was used instead of the railroad and trolley car.
23
DIFFERENCES.
CHAPTER IV.
DIFFERENCES.
IT were better no doubt if this chapter could be omitted, but a true history of this church can not be given without at least a cursory glance at the unfortunate state of affairs which existed for almost eight years, causing alienation, the interference of presbytery, the action of the General Assembly and the with- drawal of members to other denominations. Just how these dif- ferences began it is difficult at this period of time to determine, but the presumption is in favor of a statement made by one of the witnesses in court, viz .: The remarks made by the minister who was then pastor against the prevailing sin of intemperance in the congregation. Some of the members had been guilty of intoxication and the reproof was of too personal a character. Misunderstanding grew until the session and trustees were in conflict. The latter sought to direct the congregation and usurped the duties of the elders. Finally two boards of trustees were acting and the case was appealed to presbytery.
Ministers were sent by this body to supply the church but in 1824 the conflict was so bitter that their supplies were not al- lowed to preach in the building. Each board of trustees had locked the doors, and neither would remove their lock lest the opposition might take an undue advantage. Then the case was taken to the Supreme Court of New Jersey. Among the lawyers engaged on the case was the Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen. For one year this state of affairs existed. Services were held at the academy and in private houses ; and each side fought with an energy worthy a better cause. Beside the members of presbytery who were sent on special Sundays, other ministers were engaged for short periods.
24
PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
Among the ministers were Rev. Michael Osborne for six months, 1823-4, who was then called to the pastorate of the Metuchen church ; Mr. Jeptha Harrison, a licentiate of the pres- bytery of Newark; Mr. Henry G. Ludlow, a student at Princeton Seminary ; Rev. Abner C. Morse, for six months in 1826, and Rev. Nathaniel A. Wilson, 1828-31. Mr. Wilson's influence was most marked and in his residence of two years and a half he did much to bring order out of chaos. He was born at Elizabeth and united with the First Church at fourteen years of age; grad- uated at Princeton college, 1823, and Princeton Seminary, 1826. He was licensed October 5 and ordained in this church April 29, 1828. Rev. William Gray preached the sermon from Proverbs II: 30,-The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he that winneth souls is wise. Rev. David Magie, D. D., presided and gave the charge to the minister. Mr. Wilson's health failing, he removed to Philadelphia in 1831, where he became pastor of the Fairmount Church, but he died that year. He was followed by Rev. Peter H. Shaw, who came from the presbytery of New York. Rev. David R. Gillmer of the Congregational church sup- plied in 1834.
The members of the church felt very deeply their position before God and in this city, and the session met once a month "for the purpose of imploring the Great Head of the Church and the influences of His grace to heal the division, to quicken and enliven both ourselves and the members." The state of piety was very low. Many members absented themselves from the services. A committee of session waited on the absentees and tried to reconcile the differences. Revs. John McDowell, D. D., and David Magie, D. D., of Elizabeth were sent by presbytery to seek ways by which harmony might be restored. A special day of prayer both in private and this church was appointed, but it was not until the summer of 1830 that peace came. A compro- mise was reached between the parties in which both agreed to cease their contentions, unite in the election of a new board of trustees and the support of the church. The law suit was with- drawn, both parties uniting in paying the costs, and the election of trustees took place harmoniously and unanimously.
25
DIFFERENCES.
For twelve years ministers came and went and for four years the church sought to restore its energies after the discussion which almost destroyed it. It is a surprise it did not die altogether, but the prayers of the few who took no part in the controversy brought the healing and harmony.
26
PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
CHAPTER V.
A LONG PASTORATE.
7 HE sky was now brightening and better days had come. The man for the occasion was the Rev. Benjamin Cory. A congregational meeting was held on March 30, 1835, and a call made for Mr. Cory's services. It was signed by James Harriott, Charles Ford and Samuel R. Ford, elders, and John Young, Benjamin Maurice, David Crowell, George Hampton, William J. Ford and Edwin Ford, trustees ; Rev. Shepard K. Kollock mod- erating the meeting. The salary promised was three hundred dollars per anum "and as much more as can be raised by the congregation together with the use of the parsonage." Benjamin Cory was born near Westfield, New Jersey, February 24, 1807. In early youth he accepted a position in a store in Eliza- beth and during a revival in the First Presbyterian Church was converted and soon after entered Princeton College, from which he graduated in 1832. He was licensed 1834 and ordained · and installed pastor of this church, May 6, 1835. Rev. H. W. Hunt of Metuchen preached the sermon, Rev. Lewis Bond of Plainfield pre- sided and gave the charge to the pastor and Rev. Thomas L. Janeway of Rahway, the
REV. BENJAMIN CORY.
·
27
A LONG PASTORATE.
charge to the people. Mr. Cory had a twin brother named Joseph and these young men graduated from college in the same class, studied theology together, were li- censed at the same time and ordained at the same session of pres- bytery.
Quietly and patiently was the work carried on, and each year showed an increase in membership and income. The roll had on it in 1835 only twenty-six active members, but when this ministry closed there were · one hundred additional members. Two blessed revivals aided in this result, the first in 1837 when twenty-one persons united and the other in 1855 when forty- seven members were received. This ingathering was brought about largely through the earnest prayers of the session which had for its members Samuel G. Woodbridge, Daniel Selover, Cornelius Selover and C. C. Pierson. Without even the knowl- edge of the pastor meetings were held at the close of Sunday services to pray for a revival. Soon there was heard "the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees" and Mr. Cory was urged to call a public meeting in the lecture room for prayer. The little room was thronged ; then other meetings followed with different pastors to help in the preaching and the result was seen in many conversions.
The salary was increased in 1840 to $400 and in 1855 to $600. The most marked change was in the addition of the Sun- day School or session room which was built in 1850 on the lot north of the church. This was used until ten years ago when it was sold to the Swedish Congregational church as a place of worship. It is located on Gordon street near State. The com- munion tables were discarded and elements distributed as is now the custom.
In the interior of the building the "gilt dove" came down with its perch, and a pulpit of modern style was built with a sofa instead of chairs for the minister's comfort. Stoves took the place of the heated bricks. One was bought and another bor- rowed. So much comfort was derived from the experiment that in 1838 two large wood stoves were purchased and placed in the northwest and southeast corners. One pipe ran the entire length
THE CHURCH AND SESSION ROOM, 1850-1869.
29
A LONG PASTORATE.
of the building, and one Sabbath morning during the delivery of the sermon the wire holding it in place broke, and down came pipe, soot and sparks of fire upon the heads of the worshipers. Consternation soon gave place to laughter at the ridiculous ap- pearance of those who received the full benefit of the baptism. The sermon was not resumed.
The box pews were displaced with new ones of more modern design. The choir occupied the gallery over the entrance and there soon came an evolution in the musical instruments used, with the tuning fork no longer holding first place. It dis- appeared before a bass viol played by Dr. L. D. Morse and the flute by Edward Crowell. The next change was to a melodeon so small that James Crowell, its possessor, carried it to and from his home every Sunday. The congregation finally was rich enough to purchase its own reed organ, with James Crowell as organist. But its introduction brought about unlooked-for complications, for no interludes or preludes could be played without offending some of the officers. The choir in 1859 was composed of Dr. Morse, Edward Crowell, Robert Freeman, David F. Wait, Thompson Wait and Misses Anna See, Jennie Dunham, S. M. Freeman, Sarah Crowell, Amelia Crowell and Rachel Hull.
It was a very serious offence in those far away years for members of the church to engage in the "ungodly sin of danc- ing," and offenders were waited upon by the elders and "urged to refrain." The principal amusement of the winter was the donation party at the parsonage when young and old gathered with edible gifts which they helped to sample, but left enough for the minister and his family for a few days thereafter. Money was also contributed. The Sunday School gave "exhibitions" in the City Hall. Until the lecture room was built the prayer meetings were held in private houses. Sunday service was held morning and afternoon, but on the first Sunday evening of each month a missionary concert was given. A Bible class was taught during the week by Mr. Cory.
On Sabbath, June 17, 1860, Mr. Cory resigned, but the con- gregation did not act upon it, and then only with reluctance, tin- til September 24. His next pastorate was the First Church of
30
PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
Plainfield, where he remained five years and then removed to Elizabeth, where he resided until he died, March 18, 1888, in the eighty-second year of his age. For fifty-three years he was a member of this presbytery. Despite his advancing age and conse- quent weakness, he gave earnest and useful public service to the last of life. He was married November 18, 1835, to Miss Mary Crane, who died November, 1901. Two children survive-Mrs. Dr. F. W. Seward, of Goshen, New York. and Mrs. I. C. Kiggins, of Elizabeth.
31
GROWTH.
CHAPTER VI.
GROWTH.
6 THE Church had grown in strength and usefulness and was not long vacant. A congregational meeting was held Octo- ber 11, 1860, for the election of a pastor, and Rev. Charles Clark Wallace of Tremont, New York, was unanimously chosen. He was received by Presbytery October 29, and installed on the even- ing of that day. Rev. Benjamin Cory presided. Rev. V. LeRoy Lockwood of Rahway preached the sermon from the text, Isaiah 60: 1,-Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Rev. Edward B. Edgar of Westfield charged the pastor and Rev. Gardiner S. Plumley of Metuchen the people.
Mr. Wallace was born in New York City, June 3, 1832. He prepared for college at Cornelius Institute, entered New York University in 1849, taking the full course, and graduated at Union Seminary, 1856. In June of that year he was ordained and installed by the presbytery of New York as pastor at Tre- mont where he had done mis- sionary work during his semin- ary course. There he remained until coming to Perth Amboy.
The first act of this new pas- torate was to arouse enthusiasm
-
REV. CHAS. C. WALLACE, D. D.
32
PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
in missions. " The first Monday evening of each month was set apart as a season for engaging in the concert of prayer for mis- sions," the time that is now used for that purpose. Regular Sabbathıs were designated for taking collections for benevolent objects, and the offering on communion Sabbath was appropriated for the poor and the expenses of the session. Inspired by Mr. Wallace's fraternal feeling union services were held with the Bap- tist and Methodist Churches in observing the week of prayer, which is now the custom. A precious revival stirred the Church in 1862, twenty-two persons uniting at one time. A Church manual was published in this year, giving a history of the Church with the list of members of the congregation. The evening Sabbath service was begun and the afternoon service discontinued.
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