USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Newark > Record of the twenty-fifth anniversary of South Park Presbyterian Church, Newark, N.J. : October 27th to the 30th, 1878 > Part 5
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Accordingly another public meeting was held January seventeenth, 1853, likewise in the Mulberry street chapel, and a committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements for such an organization. On the twenty- eighth day of the same month the organization was duly effected, and a certificate of incorporation was the next day filed in the office of the clerk of the county, setting forth that at a meeting of the members of a religious society, or congregation of Christians, held in the Mulberry street chapel, in the South ward of the city of Newark, the same being their usual place of worship, for the purpose of elect- ing trustees, pursuant to the law of the State, and in pursu- ance of an advertisement and notice required by the said law, the following persons were duly elected trustees of said society : Seth W. Magie, Silas Ford, John P. Jackson, Aaron Carter, Jr., Ezra Reeve, Peter G. McDermit, and Asa Whitehead; that they assumed the corporate name of "The Trustees of the South Park Presbyterian Church." And so the church became a corporation in fact and in law.
The trustees immediately appointed a committee, consist- ing of the Rev. William Bradley, Rev. Samuel L. Tuttle, and Messrs. Samuel P. Smith, John P. Jackson and Aaron C. Johnson, on the subject of the organization of the church, and it was finally resolved that the proper proceedings to that effect should take place in the First Presbyterian
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Church, on Sabbath evening, March twentieth, 1853, and that the church should be connected with the Presbytery of Newark. At that time and place the church received its spiritual organization at the hands of Rev. Dr. Stearns, of the First Church, assisted by Dr. Few-Smith, of the Second Church, Dr. Brinsmade, of the Third Church, Dr. Eddy, of the Park Church, and Rev. Mr. William Aikman, of the Sixth Church. The new members rose and renewed their covenant, and immediately thereafter the ruling elders were elected and set apart, the first session being composed of Messrs. S. P. Smith, David Joline, Aaron C. Johnson, Seth W. Magie and Aaron Carter, Jr.
The organization was composed in its spiritual character of members who came from several of the churches of the city. From the First Presbyterian Church there came twenty-nine members; from the Third Church, twenty-one members; from the Sixth Presbyterian Church, four mem- bers ; from the First Reformed Dutch Church, four mem- ยท bers; from the Park Presbyterian Church, two members ; from the First Congregational Church, two members; and one from the Second Presbyterian Church.
They were kindly received by the Newark Presbytery, who took them under their care and commended their enter- prise to the confidence of the Christian community.
Thus placed on its temporal and spiritual foundations, the people of the congregation held their services in the Mul- berry street chapel from March twentieth, 1853, under the ministrations of various clergymen, among whom were the Rev. Mr. Goodenow, the City Missionary, and Dr. Asa D. Smith, Rev. Mr. Bradley, and others.
After the lapse of a few months, and just a little over twenty-five years ago, a call was extended to the Rev. James P. Wilson, D. D., at that time Professor in the Union The- ological Seminary, New York, to accept the pastorate of the church. Happily, as we believe every one would say, for both pastor and people, the call was accepted, and arrange-
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ments were made for the installation of the pastor at as early a period as was practicable, and the time was fixed for the twenty-fifth day of October, 1853.
I find in the Newark Daily Advertiser of Oct. 26th, 1853, the following account of the services :
" Interesting exercises took place in the First Presbyterian Church last evening in connection with the installation of Rev. Dr. Wilson as pastor of the South Park Church. After opening exercises by Rev. Mr. Aikman, the venerable Dr. Fisher, of Orange, delivered a discourse from a text in Second Corinthians : " Who is sufficient for these things." Explaining the context and applying the words to the occa- sion, he discussed, 1st, The nature of the Christian ministry ; 2d, The requisite qualifications for a discharge of its duties, which were stated to be a good, honest and renewed heart, and proper study and knowledge of general subjects, as well as of systems of divinity ; 3d, The duties and difficulties of the ministry, several of which were detailed with appropri- ate reflections, and the standard of ministerial labor properly illustrated.
"Rev. Mr. Sherwood, of Bloomfield, then put the consti- tutional questions to the pastor-elect and the church. Rev. J. Few-Smith delivered the charge to the pastor, alluding to the peculiarities of his situation over a church formed from old churches, but whose character he was mainly to be the instrument in forming ; alluding, also, to the character and necessities of our population, and defining at length the obligations of ministerial duty. Rev. Dr. Stearns concluded the exercises with an appropriate and interesting charge to the people of the church."
While we are speaking of the formal acts and the dry records of actual proceedings of the good and worthy men who were foremost in setting in motion the machinery from which was evolved this beautiful result, we should iniss the half of the history of the real spirit of the work if we failed to recollect the unwritten and evanescent parts.
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These were the long and prayerful discussions in private households or in small circles, in which, for years before the consummation of their desires, not only these men, but many zealous and high-spirited women also, and children, too, became deeply interested. Many families for a long period held the subject prominently in consideration ; de- liberations, at which lingering attachments for old associa- tions and affectionate regards for former pastors and the churches of their infancy or spiritual birth, were weighed against the inspirations of duty and the laudable desire to provide for the growing emergencies of an expanding and vigorous community. Very remarkable was this practical prescience of the men and women of that age. We must remark that in 1853 the population of the whole city was less than 50,000. The old South ward comprised all of the city south of William and Fair streets and west of the rail- road, and south of the site of the church the population was very sparse. So limited had been the development of this section that Broad street was not yet a paved highway, but stagnated in its primitive alternations of mud and dust. Yet it was foreseen that with the prospects then so auspiciously dawning on the city that a teeming population would soon be located beyond the influence of and remote from access to any Presbyterian or kindred church; and the broad, stern, irrepressible question was, whether this region should be handed over to the sport of chance, or whether, through self- denial, hard labor and well-organized effort, the field for culture and conservative influences should be prepared and every opportunity that man could devise should be afforded to build up a happy and a law-abiding community whose character and good works might eventually reflect credit upon the whole city and State. Right nobly they laid the founda- tions and right nobly did they build ! As has well been said, "Not in any unhappy divisions or animosities, but in the im- pression that it was needed to supply an existing want, and especially to provide for the wants of a rapidly-increasing population," did South Park Church have its origin.
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Conceived in such a spirit-with brave men and women to meet and share the burdens-resolved on personal sacrifi- ces and unlimited efforts to secure their religious home, we may now look back and wonder that any temporary embar- rassments or disheartenings should ever have overtaken them. Such indeed there were-as probably there have been in all human enterprises-but their faith was strong, and their confidence remained unshaken that it was God's work they were engaged in, and that as this, the seed-time, had evidently arrived, the harvest would be sure not to fail.
With what reverence and obedience the charges delivered to pastor and people at the installation exercises have been maintained it might seem boastful in us to speak. Suffice it now to make an extract from a sermon of the pastor, de- livered many years after, which, although he was speaking from his own stand-point, nevertheless exhibits correlative views of the character of the people, and evinces a condition of mutual sympathies and reciprocal action which is the highest proof of mutual love and reciprocal respect. He says this : "I was never with any people or in any place where I felt more willing to live and work ; I have never been with any people more kind, more noble and more cheerful in their voluntary co-operation, nor with any to whom I am more attached ; I have never lived in a more moral community, and never preached to a more considerate and attentive congregation."
Henceforth our history must turn from time to time to the actions of the three different component parts which make up every Presbyterian society in this State, for it presents a three-fold aspect. First, the congregation ; sec- ondly, the church, strictly so-called, composed of those enti- tled to full church privileges, and whose special representa- tives are the pastor and the session; third, and lastly, the trustees or corporation.
. It had been resolved at the meeting of January 28th, 1853, that a building committee of five persons should be
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appointed to act in concert with the trustees. With an idea of immediate transaction of business a common seal was was adopted, and a deed of conveyance from Samuel B. Brown to the church for the consideration of $9,000 was obtained for the lot of land on which the church now stands. But a mortgage of $7,500 was given for part of the consid- eration money.
Plans for a church edifice were soon procured, and Mr. Welsh, the architect who had been selected, was requested to so modify the plans which he presented as to secure the erection at the whole cost not exceeding $27,500. By the thirtieth of July, 1853, less than six months after the incor- poration, contracts for the work were ready. David Hen- derson received the contract for furnishing the stone ; James S. Valentine received the contract for stone-cutting ; Jonas Reeve for the mason-work of the church edifice ; Ezra Reeve for the carpenter-work, and J. W. Rice & Co. for the painting.
The minutes of the trustees reveal the fact which was probably inseparable from the difficulties which would arise from their contracting with so many different parties, and, perhaps, also from imperfect understandings with their architect, that no light labors and no exemption from the burdens and annoyances incident to a task of this mag- nitude were imposed upon them. For six weeks the archi- tect was absent in Europe; disappointment and dissatisfac- tion arose with the delay in the progress of the work. The stone, which was to be furnished from Nova Scotia, came slowly and at irregular intervals ; and the funds which were necessary for the trustees and their friends in the congrega- tion to meet their personal pledges, were not forthcoming with the expected zeal. Quite often the leaders of the en- terprise were called on to pledge their individual credit on their respective bonds or promissory notes to supply the moneys which were expected to be raised from the contribu- tions among the people. In addition to the expenses of the
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structure the trustees undertook a contract for the organ of the church with Messrs. Hall & La Bagh, of New York, and the items of fresco work, the fixtures and the furniture of the church constantly added to the list of expendi- tures and increased the difficulties of providing for them And yet much kindness was manifested from time to time by those not connected with the congregation, and it is evi- dent that a very extended sympathy was prevalent among a large class of the community who felt an interest in the Presbyterian cause, or who were anxious for the proper de- velopment of the southern portion of our city, or who had friends more or less prominent in various departments of the church service. We read, May eighteenth, 1854, that the trustees were informed of the receipt of a valuable com- munion service for the South Park Presbyterian Church, presented by the ladies connected with the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church, and it was resolved that the pastor draft a suitable acknowledgment for this elegant present. We read, May fourth, 1855, that the trustees halted at a larger annual appropriation of $250 for an or- ganist and conductor of music, and yet expressions are found evincing entire approbation of the rendering of this import- ant branch of the service ; the fact being that at an early period of the church's history many accomplished individuals freely tendered their services, and gave a decided character for commendable performance and excellent judgment in the department of church music.
The exercises connected with laying the corner-stone of the church took place on the afternoon of October 29, 1853, in the presence of a large congregation and numerous clergy- men. An introductory prayer was made by Rev. Dr. Stearns, after which a hymn, written for the occasion by Dr. Wilson, was sung by a chorus of twelve students of the Union Theological Seminary, who had come to witness the ceremony out of respect to their former teacher. As it has not been published, let me read a few verses :
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LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF SOUTH PARK CHURCH.
Hymn. L. M. [Original.] J. P. W. .
Great King of glory ! Triune God ! Eternity is Thine abode. The Heaven of Heavens Thy Throne, yet we In human temples worship Thee.
Jehovah ! Father ! Friend Divine ! For Thee we rear this sacred shrine; With pow'r descend and own the place By richest tokens of Thy grace.
Jehovah ! Jesus ! Lamb of God ! Thou who didst shed Thy precious blood,
Be Thou, Oh! Great Physician, nigh, And hear Thy people when they cry.
Jehovah ! Comforter ! In love Send light and mercy from above ; The dead awake-the faint revive, And bid the sinking spirit live.
Here soothe the troubled, anxious breast, And give the heavy-laden rest ; Here may Thine aid, so freely given, Lead weary, wandering feet to Heaven.
When Time and Death shall cease to be, And Heaven breaks forth in harmony, Let myriads swell that shining throng Who here have learned th' eternal song.
An address was then delivered by the pastor, Rev. Dr. Wilson. After alluding to the interesting nature of the occasion, he spoke of the peculiar constitution of the Pres- byterian Church, and commended this institution to the favor of the community. The remainder of the exercises were to consist of remarks on depositing a tin box in the corner- stone, by Rev. Mr. Tuttle; laying the stone, and remarks by Dr. Eddy ; a prayer, by Dr. Scott; a doxology, and a benediction by Rev. Mr. Bradley.
The contents of the box were as follows: A Bible, the Confession of Faith and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States; documents relating to the congregation, its history, names of officers and members ; copies of the New York Evangelist, Christian Observer, New York Observer, Journal of Commerce, and the daily
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papers of this city ; a letter to future openers, coins, a sketch of the history of Newark, a test of its institutions, and a directory.
When completed sufficiently for dedication services, the structure, though quite unfinished externally, called forth general commendation from an intelligent and critical public. It was acknowledged that its site was the very best that could be selected. In style of architecture, a sense of relief was felt at the emancipation from the prevalent routine of Gothic taste which almost universally had governed in eccle- siastical edifices. The front elevation was of the Grecian- Ionic character. The interior was richly ornamented with moldings and paneling, even more so than at present, some of the ornaments having since been removed. The lower range of columns supporting the gallery are Doric, and those above of the modern Ionic order. The whole was deemed very interesting as a development of the resources of classical architecture to modern wants and usages. For comfort, convenience and cheerful effect, it was a great advance upon the stiff, cold and repelling specimens of building which Presbyterian and some other denominations had been in the habit of favoring, either from a real or affected dislike to anything artistic or esthetically beautiful in or about their houses of worship. The cost and expenses were large- much greater than was originally intended ; but as has been well remarked, our fathers " erected a house that does honor to their taste and sound judgment and wise, liberal fore- cast," and at that time " for beauty, convenience and com- fort it was, perhaps, unsurpassed in the State."
The bidding for the pews is related to have been quite spirited, $20,000 having been realized from the sale of fifty seats, the prices varying from $150 to $700, and one brought a premium of $300 over its assessed value.
At a later period we read that a citizen (William Rankin, Esq.,) contributed largely for the purchase of a church bell, and many other individual donations and manifestations of
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personal interest are here and there interspersed in the minutes of the trustees and session and the books of sub- scriptions to the church funds.
When the time appointed for the dedication of the new edifice arrived, viz., February fifteenth, 1855, public services were held in the afternoon and evening, the first sermon being preached by the Rev. Dr. Wilson, the second by the Rev. Dr. Stearns, while assistance was rendered by Dr. Eddy, Dr. Poor and Drs. Robert and William Aikman. The work, however, was not entirely finished until the Fall of 1855. November twenty-fourth of that year it appears the building had approached completion sufficiently to insure the loan of $12,000 from the Newark Savings Institution. The old mortgage to Mr. Brown had been cancelled, and a new mortgage was authorized to secure seven bonds of $1,000 each, and two of $500 each were taken by various members of the congregation to aid in the work, most of which were afterwards given back to the church as subscrip- tions in behalf of the cause. But the difficulty in raising sufficient contributions among the people at large seems still to have been felt, and extra meetings of the whole member- ship of the congregation were called for from January, 1856, on, and in November of the same year the trustees resolved that unless some efficient measures could be devised to raise money, common honesty required that the work then being done should be stopped and that no further engagements should be made.
But still the work went on. The spirit of the people, however heavily they might be taxed, was still equal to the emergency. And yet it is not without a shadow of sadness that we see here and there in the minutes of the trustees their sincere expressions of responsibility, and, now and then, despondency, in view of the debt that rested upon the church and its strain upon the resources of the people. The pew rents were fixed on the first of January, 1858, at ten per centum per annum of their appraised value, the former
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rate having been seven per cent., and subsequently (Decem- ber thirty-first, 1864,) the rate was raised to fifteen per cent. But no considerations of this kind even with their large con- tributions to other objects, which will hereafter be noticed, dampened the enthusiasm of the people. Their mission work at the Mulberry Street Chapel was a cherished object of their attentions, and, November twenty-eighth, 1856, the session record that, " at the earnest desire and suggestion of the pastor, an effort was made to increase the number of the Sunday School pupils under the care of the church. With a view to this a meeting was called of those who were will- ing to engage in the work of exploration, and the whole of the southern part of the city from Walnut street was laid off into districts, and thoroughly explored. Every house and family were visited, and any child that did not attend a Sunday School was solicited to be sent. The result was an addition of nearly one hundred to the school; the whole work was thoroughly done, and new zeal imparted to the enterprise." They also recorded that at the Chestnut Street Railroad Depot a flourishing school, composed of children of poor and destitute and profligate parents, and of children of no parents, the refuse of a city population, was maintained under the most active and efficient management, with an average attendance of about one hundred scholars. At that time the church instructed more than four hundred children and engaged about seventy teachers. Nor did the suffering poor fail of obtaining consideration. During the panic of 1857 especial attention was aroused in the month of November in anticipation of a Winter of destitution, and it was agreed that particular attention should be paid to the poor, not only in but around our own church, while at the same time co-operating with the benevolent in their efforts at large through the entire community.
During the great revival of 1858 the church largely shared in the work of the time, and it was remarkable that the spirit of the teachings which had commanded respect
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and approbation from the pulpit of this church was closely in harmony with the striking lessons that characterized the remarkable movement of that year. It was noted by the session that the financial revulsion in the time of 1857 had prepared the minds of men to consider that the idols they usually worshipped were insufficient to secure for them any abiding satisfaction. As to the means employed there were no so-called evangelists or revivalists abroad to strike the curi- osity or force the attention of the people. It was remarkable that business men of every calling and profession, with their sound and practical ideas of right, of justice, and of duty to God and man, were instrumental in calling the attention of thousands of their fellow-men to their most important inter- ests. Another feature in the work was the Christian union or fellowship of denominations, the cementing of the great bond of common brotherhood had always been recognized as a desirable end to be attained, and it would be difficult to find any community where a more cordial indorsement has been given to the motto promulgated by the Evangelical Alliance, namely, " In essentials, unity ; in non-essentials, liberty ; in all things, charity."
It would naturally be expected the next year was bright in the calendar of generous effort and contribution ; it seemed the time had come when every effort should be made to pay off the original debt of the church corporation, which now amounted to $19,500. A meeting was held in December, 1858, and subscriptions immediately taken amounting in all to $11,000, and with continued effort through the month of March following, assurances were given that the church would be relieved of debt, and at the same time $650 was contributed for the High Street Church and $450 for the Central Church, to enable them to liquidate similar indebt- edness. The effort was a noble, and, in a large degree, a successful one; but time revealed the fallacy of depending too much on mere promises to pay. We find that three years later a committee was appointed at the annual meeting
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of the congregation held December thirty-first, 1862, for the purpose of examining and investigating the financial matters of the church, and particularly to ascertain the exact costs of the church edifice and all things pertaining thereto, and for the further purpose of ascertaining the exact debt of the church and the amount subscribed to pay it off. In a very valuable report the committee state that they made a thorough investigation of the accounts and books of the treasurer, and also of the vouchers, and that the church and lot cost in the aggregate the sum of $54,107.78. The cost of the lot was $9,000; the cost of the church, including the marble pulpit, the organ, the stained glass, and all extra work, besides the architect's fees, was within a very small amount of $44,000, the remainder of the ac- count of the aggregate of the cost being for items of interest and moneys borrowed, insurance and other incidentals. The money to pay this came from the following sources :
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