USA > New Jersey > Middlesex County > Perth Amboy > Presbyterianism in Perth Amboy, New Jersey > Part 3
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In December, 1863, Mr. Wallace announced his resignation, that he might accept a call to Placerville, California. This was accepted on the twenty-first of the same month, presbytery ac- quiesced on the twenty-ninth and on Sunday, January 3, 1863, Mr. Wallace preached his last sermon and declared the pulpit vacant.
Dr. Wallace, (he received his degree from Rutgers College, ) remained in California until 1868. After a short pastorate at Watertown, N. Y., he was called to Mahopac Falls in 1871. Here he remained for ten years. He then received a call to the his- toric Old South Church of Newburyport, Massachusetts, which was his last pastorate and which he resigned in 1888 on account of failing health. One year was passed in Florida and, returning to New England, he died December 22, 1889. He is buried at Westfield, New Jersey. He married Miss Mary Sutherland Bayley of Newbury, Vermont, November 15, 1860, who, with one daughter, survives him, living at Newbury. This pastorate was during the trying years of the Civil War, but the Church was carried successfully through the crisis. Dr. Wallace was a most efficient worker, a sensible, earnest preacher, faithful pastor and in all his relations a Christian gentleman. He was a frequent contributor to religious magazines and journals. In 1887 he was · elected moderator of the Synod of New York.
For six months many candidates had appeared and meetings
33
GROWTH.
of the congregation had been held, but no unanimous action could had. Rev. James A. Little of the Third New York Presbytery was invited to supply the Church for nine months, which he did, but his labors were so successful that only half the time had elapsed when he was elected pastor. The meeting held for this purpose was on March 23, 1865. On April 27 he was installed. Rev. G. S. Plumley of Metuchen presided and preached the ser- mon from Ezra 7: 10,-For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments. Rev. G. C. Lucas of Woodbridge gave the charge to the pastor and Rev. E. H. Reinhart the charge to the people.
James Andrew Little was born in New York City, July 20, 1837; graduated from the College of the City of New York, 1854 and Union Theological Seminary, 1859, having been a resident graduate of the college one year and a teacher in Wooster street public school one year. For two years he supplied pulpits in New York City and vicinity and in July, 1861, he became stated supply of the Church at Canastota, New York, having been ordained by his own pres- bytery. Thence he came to Perth Amboy. His pastorate ended the last Sabbath in May, 1868, and on March 27, 1869, he entered upon his long and successful pastorate at Hoken- dauqua, Pennsylvania, where his bow still abides in strength. No commiunion service has passed without additions to the roll of the Church. He has a united congregation, happy family and is beloved by the people of the Lehigh Valley. He received the degree of doctor of divinity REV. JAMES A. LITTLE, D. D.
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PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
from Lafayette College in 1887. He married November 12, 1868, Miss Sarah J. Cooper of New York City. There have been born to them two sons, James E. of Harrisburg, Pa., and John L. of Allentown, Pa., and three daughters.
During Dr. Little's ministry many were added to the Church. The parsonage was renovated and greatly improved and negotiations were begun at the suggestion of William Hall, who for sixteen years was trustee and for nearly that period Church treasurer, for the sale of the Presbyterian burying ground.
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EXPANSION.
CHAPTER VII.
EXPANSION.
F "OR one year or from the departure of Dr. Little the pulpit was supplied by Rev. John F. Pingry, Ph.D., of Elizabeth, New Jersey. Dr. Pingry was born September 26, 1818, at Newbury- port, Massachusetts. He graduated at Dartmouth College, 1836, was a student in Union Theological Seminary, 1840-1, and was ordained to the ministry, June 28, 1842, at Fishkill, New York, where he was pastor four years.
But his chief work was that of teaching, in which he made marked success. He was principal of academies in Fish- kill, Newark and Elizabeth, in the latter city extending from 1861 to the time of his death, February 16, 1894. However, during these many years he preached as oppor- tunity offered in vacant churches, and when he went from here so blessed was his work that the Church was . united and ready to call a permanent pastor. This call was extended to Rev. Aaron REV. JOHN F. PINGRY, PH. D. Peck at a meeting held July 22, 1869. He began his work in December of that year and was installed January 19, 1870. Rev. Benjamin Cory presided; Rev. H. L. Teller of Plainfield preached the sermon from Pslam 96: 6,-Honor and majesty
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PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. The charge to the pastor was given by Rev. Everard Kempshall, D.D., of Elizabeth, and the charge to the people by Rev. J. F. Pingry, Ph. D.
Aaron Peck was born in Orange, New Jersey, June 7, 1836. His preparatory studies for college were under the supervision of Rev. D. H. Pierson, D. D., of Elizabeth. His college was Princeton, where he graduated in the class of '57. While a student there he made a public confession of his faith in the Roseville Church, near New- ark, at the age of twenty. In 1858 he entered Princeton Seminary, but spent the next three years in Union Semin- ary where he graduated in 1864. He was licensed by the presbytery of Newark, April 19, 1864, and spent three years as district secretary of the American Sunday School REV. AARON PECK. Union, 'and as supply of churches in Cleveland, Ohio, at the expiration of which service he removed to Perth Amboy.
The coming of Mr. Peck infused new life into the congrega- tion and started it upon an era of prosperity. The old building which had stood without many changes for almost seventy years, was remodeled and made more comfortable. The lofty spire gave place to a cupola, and an organ alcove in the rear of the pulpit and a new vestibule at the entrance were built. The other
· changes were the removal of the gallery, elevation of the ceiling, decoration of the walls, replacing of the old windows with stained glass, painting the outside of the church and a furnace taking the place of the stoves. A pipe organ was also bought, new hymn books were introduced and a pul-
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EXPANSION.
pit and chairs donated. The cost of these improvements amounted to ten thousand dollars. To defray these expenses the manse in Rector street was sold for three thousand dollars; the burying ground on State street for one thousand dollars and the remainder subscribed or provided for by bond and mortgage.
At a congregational meeting held on February 22, 1871, the rotary system of electing elders was adopted instead of an active
THE CHURCH AND CHAPEL, 1870.
service for life, and the elders are now chosen for a term of five years. The time of celebrating the Lord's Supper was changed from the first to the second Sunday of January, April, July and October, which is the time now set apart for the celebration
38
PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
of the sacrament. The next important change was in the finan- cial affairs of the Church. At a meeting of the congregation in 1873 it was decided to dispense with pew rentals and depend upon tlie pledged monthly collections. To each family a pew was assigned by the trustees. This plan continued until 1900. Dur- ing the pastorate sixty persons were received into membership; and in an historical sermon preached in July, 1876, which was printed, Mr. Peck gave this interesting statement:
"To-day the Church is better temporally and spiritually than in days gone by. There never has been a time in the his- tory of the Church when there was truly less defection in Christ- ian life than now. Never a time, when, if the memory of those who knew the Church in its childhood and youth be not faulty, the 'congregations were larger, or its benefactions more nun- erous.''
In 1870 the present Board of Education was constituted with Mr. Peck as president, in whice office he served for six years, and the first public school building in our city was erected. the schools using heretofore the City Hall for that purpose.
In the fall of 1874 on account of ill health Mr. Peck re- signed, but this the congregation refused to accept. A six months' vacation was granted, with Rev. S. C. Hay of Wood- stock, Illinois, as a supply. At another time the pulpit was sup- plied by Rev. James G. Patterson, D. D., of New York City. On September 2, 1877, his resignation was again offered and ac- cepted in October. From October 14, 1878, to November 2, 1881, Mr. Peck was pastor of the First Church, Williamsburg, Brook- lyn, New York. In October, 1883, he took up his residence in New York City, where he did efficient work in the missions for the lowly and suffering. He died July 3, 1901. On June 16, 1859, Mr. Peck married Miss Julia Manuing, who with one daughter survives him.
On December 1, 1878, Rev. Norman W. Cary became the stated supply of the Church and continued in this relation until April, 1880. Mr. Cary is a native of New York City. He was a student at Phillips Academy, Andover, Yale College, (class of 1870,) and Princeton Theological Seminary (class of 1873). His license came from the presbytery of Philadelphia,
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EXPANSION.
1872, and the next year by the same presbytery he was ordained. Mr. Cary came to this Church from Bismarck, North Dakota, and after his faithful service here he accepted a call to Still- water, Minnesota. He has been also pastor at Grand Forks, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minnesota; profes- sor at Fargo, North Dakota, Wilson College, Pennsylvania, and the Michigan Military Academy. He is at present secretary of the Wayne Coun- ty Sabbath School Association of Michigan and actuary of the Citizens' Life Insurance Company with a residence in Detroit. Mr. Cary married Miss Hannah S. Craig, July 20, 1885. REV. NORMAN W. CARY.
The next year after he came to the Church a revival-one of the greatest in our history-stirred the city and as a result thirty-one persons united at one communion season.
In July, 1880, Rev. David Stevenson, D. D., was chosen pas- tor. Dr. Stevenson was born in Newry, County Down, Ireland, in 1820 and came to this country when quite young, residing at Cambridge, New York, where he united with the church. He spent two years at Princeton College in the class of '47 and was a student in Princeton Seminary. He was licensed by the pres- bytery of Elizabethtown April 18, 1850, and ordained an evangel- ist by the presbytery of Indianapolis, June 11, 1851. He resided in Indiana until 1877, being pastor of the following churches in that state: Knightstown, 1851-2; Third, Indianapolis, 1852-60; Union, 1862-3; Eighth, Indianapolis, 1871-2. He was librarian of the state for two vears and in 1864 published "Indiana's Roll of Honor and Patriotic Dead." He removed to Branchville, N. J., where he was pastor from January 1, 1878, until 1880, when he
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PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
accepted the call to the church at Perth Amboy. Dr. Stevenson was installed October 15, 1880, Rev. E. Kempshall, D. D., pre- sided and gave the charge"to the people, Rev. J. G. Mason, D. D., the charge to the pas- tor and Rev. John Ewing preached the sermon. His pastorate of this Church con- tinued for four years, or until October, 1884, and these years are lovingly remembered by all who were in connection with the Church at that time. He was a perfect gentleman and manly man through and through, ever charactized by true courtesy. His grasp of gospel truth was very clear REV. DAVID STEVENSON, D. D. and his method of putting it enegetic, masterful and eloquent. His direct and earnest style and persuasive tone, brought him into close sympathy with his hearers and made his preaching highly effective, and the result was seen in the conver- sion of many souls.
The churches which Dr. Stevenson afterward served were, the First, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, from 1884 to 1886 and Gloucester, N. J., from 1889 to July, 1895, when he was honora- bly retired from the active work of the ministry. He was much beloved by his brother ministers and was conscientious in the discharge of his duties as a presbyter. As a commissioner he rep- resented his presbyteries in the general assemblies of Charleston, 1852; New Orleans, 1858; Indianapolis, 1859 and Saratoga Springs, 1890. He died October 25, 1901. He was twice mar- ried,-September 15, 1851, in Indianapolis to Miss Mary P. Alvord who died in 1868; and in Perth Amboy, December 6, 1887, to Miss Adele Manning. Dr. Stevenson returned to this city in 1899 and was most useful in teaching the children in our
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EXPANSION.
Sabbath school and instrumental in enlarging the chapel at Bonhamtown. During his pastorate he was superintendent of schools and did much to advance the standard of teaching.
Many candidates appeared for the vacant pulpit but it was not until June 22, 1886, that a final decision was reached, which was a most fortunate one for the Church in a call made to Rev. James H. Owens, who was at the time pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church of Bushnell, Illinois. He was installed Thurs- day evening, August 12, the sermon being preached by Rev. B. S. Everitt of Jamesburg. Rev. J. A. Liggett, D. D., gave the charge to the pastor and Rev. J. G. Mason, D. D., the charge to the people.
This pastorate was greatly blessed in the large additions to the membership, two hundred and twenty six persons having been received in eight years. The old Sunday school room which had done service for nearly half-a-century gave place to the pres- ent chapel which was erected in 1891. The year following an addition was made to the chapel, a new furnace bought, water motor attached to the organ, roof repaired, church painted, opera chairs instead of the pews placed in the church, the wall re-decorated and new carpet laid, the whole cost be- ing $4,000. A manse was built on High street in 1887. The Christian Endeavor So- ciety was organized, the For- eign Missionary Society brought to life again and mis- sion work inaugurated at First and Washington streets. In 1892 Rev. Wilbur F. Chap- man, D. D., conducted Evan- gelistic services with re- sults of great value to the Church. REV. JAMES H. OWENS.
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THE MANSE, 1887-1901.
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EXPANSION.
Mr. Owens' ill health compelled him to go South in the winter of 1892-3, the Church readily giving him a vacation; the pulpit was supplied by Rev. E. A. Holdridge. To the regret of the congregation he accepted a call to the East Side Church of Paterson, N. J., in 1894 and the relations which had existed so pleasantly were dissolved in February of that year. Mr. Owens was born at Hyde Park, N. Y., and at thirteen years of age united with the First Reformed (Dutch) Church of Yonkers, N. Y. He graduated at Rutgers College and New Brunswick Theological Seminary, was ordained by the classis of Passaic and settled at Fair- field, N.J., from which church he was called to Bushnell. He mar- ried Miss Letitia Van Nuis of Jamesburg. The church was sup- plied after Mr. Owens' retirement and until the election of a pastor by Rev. W. A. Rice, D. D., Secretary of the American Tract Society. . On May 3, 1894, Rev. George B. Van Dyke of Watertown, New York, was called to the pastorate, and installed July 17. Rev. J. A. Blauvelt, D.D., presided and preached the sermon. Rev. George 'Swain, D.D., gave the charge to the pastor and Rev. James H. Owens the charge to the people. Mr. Van Dyke was born at Bloomsbury, New Jersey, but his parents soon after moved to Cranbury, where his father, Rev. Joseph S. Van Dyke, was pastor of the Sec- ond church. He graduated from Princeton College, 1888, and after teaching a year en- tered Princeton Seminary, graduating in 1892. He was ordained by the presbytery of Monmouth, May 12, and on June I, took charge of the work in Hope chapel, Water- town, a mission of the First church, where he remained until his removal to this city.
The mission work in the Washington street district was
·
REV. GEORGE B. VAN DYKE.
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PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
transferred to a building on Smith street. Mr. Van Dyke promoted the sabbath school work and was instrumental in opening a Sun- day school at Keasbey which is now in a flourishing condition. The mission at Washington and First streets was removed to Smith street, near Prospect, where the services were largely at- tended, but in 1898, it was combined with the church school. On February 9, 1898, the congregation accepted Mr. Van Dyke's res- ignation that he in turn might accept a call to the church at Ham- monton, N. J. In December, 1899, he removed to Lowville, N. Y. He was married September 14, 1899, to Miss Mary E., · daughter of Rev. George Swain, D. D., of Allentown, N. J. After Mr. Van Dyke's removal the church was supplied for a year by Rev. Henry Ketcham, of Westfield, N. J.
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ARISE AND BUILD.
CHAPTER VIII.
ARISE AND BUILD.
7 HE twentieth century found the village of Perth Amboy with its seven hundred people expanded into a city of twenty thousand inhabitants. The tiny seed planted one hundred years ago, had grown into a great tree. The great grandchildren of the founders of this organization greeted the new century with the same faith and confidence that inspired their parents in the misty past. The needs of the growing population demanded a building larger and better suited to modern church work; and the voice of Nehemiah was heard .- The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore, we his servants will arise and build.
On January 10, 1900, a meeting of the congregation was held to consider the whole question of building and at its close a com- mittee, consisting of the elders and trustees, was appointed as a ways and means committee to determine what action could be best taken that would increase the accommodations of the church. Charles D. Snedeker was appointed chairman and Wilbur LaRoe, secretary. In March at another meeting of the congregation, it was decided to erect a new building, and in pursuance of this deci- sion this committee was authorized to purchase the lot at the south- east corner of Market Square for $4,500, which was done. The different societies and members of the church entered heartily into this movement, secured a sufficient amount of money to make the first payment on the lot, and committees were appointed at later meetings to secure subscriptions to the amount of $10,000 at least for a new church, and invite designs from architects. A. F.Leicht's plans were adopted, and contracts were made for the construction of a building to cost $20,225. The building committee was chosen consisting of John H. Gregory, Edward W. Barnes, Jolın J.
Errata-For 1900, read 1901.
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PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
Deitche and C. D. Snedeker, president of the Board of Trustees. The parsonage and the old church were sold, the latter now being used for dwelling houses on Catalpa avenue ; an ad- ditional lot on the southwest corner of Market and Rector streets
4
CHAPEL, ERECTED 1891.
was bought for $1,500, the church then coming into possession of the entire property bounded by the Market Square, Market and Rector streets.
Ground was broken for the new church on Tuesday, Novem- ber 20. Preliminary exercises were held in the old building, with prayer by Rev. H. G. Mendenhall, and an address by Rev. J. H.
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ARISE AND BUILD.
Owens. The congregation then gathered on the vacant lot where our new sanctuary stands and the first shovelful of earth was lifted by the pastor, followed by Rev. J. H. Owens. Then follow- ing in order were the three members of the church who had been in connection with the organization for fifty years and longer, Elder C. C. Pierson, Mrs. Frances W. Coutts (represented by Miss M. C. Hight) and Mrs. Ellen Sneath (represented by Mrs. Herbert Dayton), Edward W. Barnes for the Sunday School, Charles D. Snedeker for the trustees, Adrian Lyon for the session, Miss A. E. VanNuis for the Foreign Missionary Society, Mrs. A. C. Mount for the Home Missionary Society, Mrs. S. C. Compton for the Ladies' Mite Society, Mrs. E. W. Barnes for the Ladies' Auxiliary, William W. Henry for the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, Miss Ella Ram- say for the Junior Endeavor Society, John A. Danner for the Westminster Cadets, Mrs. James Chalmers for the Choir and C. Lee Straub for the ushers.
The cornerstone of the new building was laid Saturday, April 12, 1902, with the following order of service : Hymn, Christ is our Corner Stone ; Scripture Reading, Rev. R. White ; Prayer, Rev. A. W. Sproull, D. D .; Hymn by the Junior Endeavor Society ; Addresses by Hon. Charles Keen Seaman, Mayor ; Rev. S. Trevena Jackson, Pastor Simpson M. E. Church ; Rev. Percy R. Ferris, Pastor Baptist Church ; Rev. Andrew Hanson, Pastor Danish M. E. Church ; Hymn, Blest be the tie that binds ; Ad- dress, Rev. Henry Elliott Mott, D. D., Moderator Elizabeth Presbytery ; Reading List of Articles Deposited in the Corner Stone, Hon. Adrian Lyon; Laying the Stone, by Rev. H. G. Mendenhall, D. D .; Hymn, O Lord of hosts, whose glory fills ; Benediction, Rev. J. M. McNulty, D. D. A silver trowel used in laying the corner stone was presented by Architect Leicht to the Church. The list of articles placed in the box is as follows :
Bible, roll of Church, Sabbath school and officers, of- ficers of the Church, Women's Foreign Missionary So- ciety, Women's Home Missionary Society, Ladies' Mite Society, Ladies' Auxiliary, C. E. Society, Junior C. E. Society, Westminster Cadets, Men's League ; topic cards of C.
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PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
E. and Junior C. E .; program Women's Foreign Missionary So- ciety for 1901-2 ; copies daily Chronicle and Republican of April II ; photographs of the old church and chapel, two inside and one outside ; account of breaking ground for new church in Chronicle of November 20; sermon on President Mckinley by tlie pastor ; annual Church report for 1902; program of corner stone laying ; Presbyterian hand book for 1902 ; history of Pres- byterian Church of Perth Amboy by Rev. Aaron Peck, 1876 ; first record of the Church organization ; coins of 1901 and 1902 ; Presbyterian papers, Banner, Presbyterian, Herald and Presbyter, Interior, Evangelist and Observer; New York Times, Herald, Tribune, Sun; Shorter Catechism; Presbyterian publications, As- sembly Herald, Women's Work for Women, Home Mission Month- ly, Session Helps; Middlesex Sunday School Association minutes.
The church was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies on Sunday, January 25, 1903, the centennial anniversary exercises continuing during the week.
The church is constructed on the lines of the old English Gothic style, with a stately tower on one corner and two small towers, one on each side of the building, with large gables fronting on Market street and the Park. The entrance to the main auditorium is through all three towers. The build- ing is 78 feet wide and about 115 feet long on the outside, and is constructed of Stockton Peach Blossom granite, from the Stock- ton quarries, located in the western part of New Jersey.
The main auditorium is a perfect circle, 64 feet in diameter, with seating capacity of 520 persons. The pulpit platform and organ loft are circular and beautifully paneled. On the same floor are located pastor's study, ladies' parlors, and choir rooms with all the necessary conveniences. The ceiling of the auditorium is constructed of an open truss and paneled in hard wood, with ventilator in the centre. This church is one of the most modern and comfortable meeting houses in the State of New Jersey. It is lighted throughout with electricity, and has a perfect steam heating plant located in the cellar, which will be sufficient to make the churchi comfortable in the coldest weather, and is well ventilated for warm weather. Above the main vestibule in the large tower is located a room for tlie 111eet- ings of the board of trustees.
4
INTERIOR OF CHURCH, 1869-1891.
INTERIOR OF CHURCH, 1891-1901.
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PRESBYTERIANISM IN PERTH AMBOY.
THE CHURCH AND CHAPEL, 1891-1901.
EDUCATION.
The history of Presbyterianism in Perth Amboy can not be closed without recalling the fact that in the matter of education our church and ministry have had much to do. The first pastors were also principals of academies, and their positions were taken, as the city grew, by others who were members of the congregation. Rev. Job Halsey, D. D., in 1836, established a Ladies' Seminary in the building at the northwest corner of Market and Water
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ARISE AND BUILD.
streets, and in 1846, Rev. Luther Halsey was associated with him. Students from distant places in our land and the West Indies made this school very popular. In 1869 the Raritan Fe- male Seminary was opened in the building at the southwest cor- ner of Water and Market streets by Misses Marianne and Jennie F. Manning, assisted later by Miss Adele Manning. This was also prosperous and continued for twenty-seven years. An academy for boys was opened in 1835, by Mr. Stephen G. Woodbridge, and this was in successful operation for nearly thirty years.
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