USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Orange > The First Church, Orange, N. J. : one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, November 24 and 25, 1869 > Part 7
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 | Part 6 | Part 7
10
154
FIRST CHURCH, ORANGE.
1859, preached a most exhaustive and convincing sermon upon " the sin of seeking unto the dead," from the passage in Isaiah, viii : 19: " And when they shall say unto you, seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and that mutter : should not a people seek unto the Lord? for the living to the dead?" There was some diversity of sentiment among his people as to the propriety of discoursing upon such a sub- ject, and some were offended, but the Scripture instruction which it imparted, and the solemn warnings which it contained, settled the wavering · minds and confirmed his people in the soundness of their Christian faith.
About the year 1861 or 1862, a citizen of Orange and a member of his church, purchased a plot of ground within easy distance of the centre of the town, and leveled and graded it for the purposes of a Driving Park. When completed, the propri- etor, for the purpose of inaugurating it with some eclat, arranged his programme by offering pre- miums for the entry of trotting horses, thereby inviting the attendance of the habitues of the race
155
DISCOURSE.
and trotting course. Tickets were issued and notices posted, to render the occasion as popular as possible. The proprietor called upon his min- ister, and gave him a ticket. He looked at it, and said, " Is this a respectable affair ?" " It is," said he, " if you will make it so." IIe did not use his ticket. What his thoughts were on the occasion may be judged by the sequel. The Driving Park, as such, did not prove to be a success, and a · charter was obtained to incorporate the "Essex County Agricultural Society," the fairs and exhi- bitions of the same to be held at the Park. Under this charter " exhibitions " were advertised, in the County and in the New York City papers, for the 4th of July, 1864. The entertainment promised was in fact that of a completely appointed race course, and designed to be so perfect, in fur- nishing the pleasures of the race, as to give the Orange Course a name and a place among others in the neighborhood of the great city. On the third of July, it being the Sabbath, and the day before the exhibition, the pastor, against the advice of one of his warmest friends, came before his people
156
FIRST CHURCH, ORANGE.
with a sermon on horse-racing ; showed the evils of the race, its gambling tendencies, and the injury which it entails upon the morals of the community. He then took up the history of the proposed exhi- bition for the next day ; showed that it had not a single agricultural feature to redeem it; spread over the desk before him the large posters which advertised the race, and warned his fellow Chris- tians and his fellow citizens of the iniquity which was about to be introduced into our midst; and as . a man of God, and the guardian of public morality and virtue, lifted up his standard against its vicious and corrupting influences. He preached the same discourse, by request of the pastor, in the Second Church, in the evening. This bold and unusual measure caused much excitement in the congrega- tion. The posters of the race-course, hung over the sacred desk in the face of the congregation, were considered a desecration of the place and of the sacred associations of the day; and certainly they did look a little out of place ; but God's minister was behind them, and made them the occasion of earnest warning to the people. How
157
DISCOURSE.
far the faithful minister did right in all this, and how large a debt of gratitude the quiet town of Orange owes him, may be estimated by the fact that the writer of this, and others now present, heard the proprietor of that Park say to the minis- ter a year or two afterward, " that sermon of yours killed the whole thing."
Our minister was a decided friend of temper- ance. When the social glass was offered to him, his reply was, " No, I thank you, I am a Rechab- ite." He preached a series of sermons on the wine question, showing the nature of the wines of the Bible, and their uses. The discussion dis- played great and very accurate research, and was, in the estimation of many who heard them, as exhaustive and profound as anything which has been published upon the subject.
I should do injustice to my subject and to the sentiments of those who hear me, if I did not allude to the relation which the pastor and his congregation held with reference to the late war of the rebellion. This pulpit sent forth no uncer- tain sound during the nation's trial. The pastor,
158
FIRST CHURCH, ORANGE.
who had resided at the South and been intimately associated with the people for a series of years, was profoundly impressed with the deep moral turpitude of slavery. IIe regarded it 'as the guilty cause of our civil war. Though never an aboli- tionist, so called, he was too true to every moral . obligation, because obedient to every divine law, not to recognize the moral viper which had struck at the vitals of the nation. Never hesitating to give bold expression to his sentiments, like the patriot Chapman in the days of our fathers' revo- lutionary struggle, he roused the indignation of his people against the enemies of our government ; and, like him, he stimulated the patriotism of the people, leading their devotions as, under discour- agements, they bowed in humiliation before God, and rejoicing with them as, for victories achieved, they raised their songs of thanksgiving.
The doors of this edifice were open during all the war to welcome a community seeking unto the nation's God in sorrow and in rejoicing. Who can forget the inspiring peal of its bell as it rung out the victory at Fort Donaldson, and the spontaneous
159
DISCOURSE.
gathering of a grateful people within these walls to render thanks to Almighty God for His mercies rendered ; and who that was oppressed with doubt and fear during the long, dark Fourth of July, 1863, will cease to remember the first ring of rejoic- ing which sounded forth the success at Gettysburg ? Let it not be understood that the other churches and congregations of the town were not in kindred sympathy. Almost all of them were imbued with patriotic devotion. The loyal sympathies of one of them* found expression in the erection of a flag staff beside the church, surmounted by a cross, beneath which, on every Sabbath day, the nation's flag was unfurled-a beautiful emblem of the purest loyalty-first, THE CROSS ; next, OUR COUNTRY. At the close of the war the session of this church adopted the following minute, and directed that it should be recorded in its book of minutes :
" We deem it due to the ancient church in which it is our privilege to hold office, to place upon its records an expression of our sentiments, and those of this church, relative to the four years' civil war now closed.
First. We record the fact that personally, and as a session, * Grace (Episcopal) Church.
160
FIRST CHURCH, ORANGE.
during all the years of the war, we have been possessed with an unswerving loyalty and devotion to the Government of the United States, a conviction of the justice of its measures, and an abiding faith, under God, in the complete final success of our arms.
Second. We rejoice with thanksgiving to God, that as a result of the war our land is purged from the sin and curse of slavery.
Third. We bow in mourning before God, while we recognise His hand, in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States. We gave him our individual votes; we remembered him at our praying altars ; we loved him as a pure and honest patriot ; we revered him as a wise President, and a far-seeing and cautious statesman ; we hand down his name to the future, as
" One of the few, the immortal names That were not born to die."
Fourth. This church and congregation have cordially sympa- thised with the pastor, who has fully represented their senti- ments in his outspoken and distinct expressions of loyalty, and in his utterances from the pulpit and elsewhere condemning the rebellion; in his prayers for the success of our national arms; and in his recent four weeks' service (in June) as a dele- gate of the Christian Commission among the military camps in and around Washington.
In the result of the war we recognize our high national destiny, and are profoundly sensible of the obligations laid upon the Church to meet the responsibilities of its high mission in this new era of the nation's history."
Adopted September 2, 1865.
161
DISCOURSE.
The results of Mr. Hoyt's ministry indicate its successful character. When he entered upon his charge, the membership of the church was two hundred and fifty-three. There were added during his ministry about two hundred and eighty-three. The numbers brought in were thirty more than the number at the time of his settlement. Those dismissed from the church numbered one hun- dred and thirty-three; fifty-eight died ; three were excommunicated; making one hundred and ninety- four removed from the roll, leaving a net increase to the membership of about eighty. A revival of religion blessed his labors in the winter of 1857-8, the history and incidents of which are noticed in his published history. During his pastorate the church contributed to the cause of religious benev- olence the sum of twenty-six thousand dollars, in addition to the amount annually raised for the purpose of maintaining our own worship.
The official changes which have taken place during his pastorate, are the election of four elders in June, 1856, whose names are noticed in his published history ; and five others in 1864-5.
162
FIRST CHURCH, ORANGE.
William H. Dayton was added to the session on October 16, 1864 ; and Edgar P. Starr, Henry N. Beach, David II. McCoy and Andrew Mason, on September 24, 1865. George Lindsley, Charles N. White and IIorton D. Williams, were elected dea- cons June 26, of the same year.
During the last ten years the church has fur- nished members, chiefly from within its own limits, for the foundation of two other church organizations, which are now in successful opera- tion. The mission enterprise instituted by Elder James Greacen in Orange Valley, was in existence when Mr. Hoyt was settled among us. After his settlement a commodious chapel was erected, at an expense of $3,500, on ground donated by a mem- ber of this church, and on November 1st, 1859, was conveyed by him to " The Trustees of the Orange Valley Church," and "to their successors in office for ever." Upon the completion of the chapel, and before a religious society was organized, the Rev. Dr. Ilay, who was then a resident of Orange, was selected as a stated supply to preach the Gospel to those whom he might collect together, the seats being
163
DISCOURSE.
free to all. His success in collecting a congregation was such that, in the spring of 1860, those living in the vicinity of the chapel, and all others desirous to unite in the organization of a church, and who had contributed anything to the enterprise, were invited to assemble for the purpose of effecting an organization. Upon taking a vote, it was found that the majority was in favor of a church after the Presbyterian form of government, and the meeting adjourned with the understanding that the society should be Presbyterian. A large and influential minority favored the Congregational. The merits of the two systems were thereupon made the subject of further discussion, at a meeting called subsequently to reconsider the former vote, but without essentially changing the sentiments of the majority, until it was urged that if the society became Presbyterian, and its workings in the future made it desirable to change to the Congre- gational form, the Presbytery would interpose such difficulties as to render a change almost impossible. This consideration influencing the minds of many in the majority, who were not sufficiently familiar
164
FIRST CHURCH, ORANGE.
with the Presbyterian system to discover its fallacy, led to the perfection of their organization as the First Congregational Church of Orange. Twenty- eight of our members took their letters to the new church. It has been in successful progress since that time. Two years since a large and ornate church edifice was erected on the ridge to the east of the chapel, where the congregation now worship. The Sabbath school and prayer meet- ings of the church have continued to be held in the chapel until two months since, when it was sold to the Romanists. It is now the Roman Catholic Chapel of " Our Lady of the Valley," much to the disappointment of those in this church who gave their sympathies and willing aid to the self-deny- ing efforts of our brother Greacen, and to the grief of those in the vicinity who contributed of their limited means for its erection. Though their con- tributions were relatively small, the Master, who commended the widow's mite, may have regarded them as "more" than those furnished from abun- dant resources.
The Central Presbyterian Church was organ-
-
165
DISCOURSE.
ized in January, 1867, seventeen of our number taking their letters for the purpose. There were many excellent members of both the Presbyterian churches in Orange whose former associations and sympathies had always been with those of the other branch of the Presbyterian church, but who, upon settling in Orange, united with our churches and cordially gave to them their active co-opera- tion. We remember them and their Christian work with us with fraternal affection, and we give them now, as we ever shall, our heartfelt " God bless you " in their work. The rapid increase of our population led them to believe that the time had arrived for another church, and efforts were instituted to that end towards the close of the year 1866. The inception of this measure, which we now recognize as, under God, an abundant suc- cess, became the source of great mental anxiety to our pastor. Not that he was unwilling to see the church enlarge its borders, and put forth new efforts to extend the blessings of its influence, for few ministers have a spirit more liberal and catholic than was possessed and uniformly exhib-
166
FIRST CHURCH, ORANGE.
ited by him; but because he was not so informed of the movement, as to form an estimate of his own hold upon his congregation, and the stability of his relations to it. Naturally reticent and hesitating to confide to others his anxieties, and thereby kept in ignorance of the true animus of the enterprise, he magnified it into one which might mar the welfare of the church which he so much loved. "I don't know," said he to one, " that almost all my elders may not go out from me." It was unknown to any of his friends, or to his church officers, though it is known now, that for three weeks before his death his mind was intensely agitated.
Notice was given in the local and New York papers that religious services after the Presbyte- rian order would be held in Central Hall on Sab- bath morning, December 16, and every Sabbath thereafter. Sickness in our minister's family had led him early in the week to arrange an exchange with the Rev. Dr. Poor, of Newark, for the Sab- bath. On the evening of Saturday, after dark, he received a message from the doctor that he was
167
1
DISCOURSE.
confined to his bed by sickness, and would be unable to preach for him. It may be readily imagined that this announcement sadly disap- pointed him. A break was to occur on the mor- row among his people ; he knew not the extent of it, nor its consequences ; and now, on the eve of this crisis Sabbath, he was left without any prepara- tion for the services of the day. Having selected from the material he had on hand, a discourse from the text, " Will ye also go away?" he left his house to visit one of his elders, with whom he remained until after ten o'clock. This elder bears testimony to his nervous state of mind, and the exaggerated view which possessed him in regard to the condition of his church. IIe returned late to his house, quieted somewhat by the conversa- tion of the evening, and retired to bed, when he was soon after stricken with apoplexy, which so speedily terminated his life.
The Sabbath morning opened with a driving, blinding snow storm. At the hour of worship, his people who assembled at the church, and those who, for the first time, passed its open doors to worship under other auspices, met to hear the
168
FIRST CHURCH, ORANGE.
startling announcement that the pastor was dying. The occasion was profoundly impressive. The hand of God was manifest, though we could not read His purposes. As the dreary, storm-shrouded hours of the Sabbath wore away, the mortal part of the pastor wore out with them, and in the evening twilight the bell tolled the requiem of his spirit translated from the storms of earth to the brightness and the rest of heaven.
Do we adequately estimate the keen sensibilities which possess the heart of a church pastor ? I notice a coincidence very significant, if not illus- trative. When Mr. White died, (he was attacked with apoplexy, and died in twenty minutes), the last of his intelligent acts was the reading, in the daily paper, a notice of the meeting of Presbytery for the installation of his successor; and so the last intelligent conversation of pastor Hoyt related to the going out of those to whom he had preached and for whom he had prayed, to receive the minis- trations of another.
Ilis remains were borne to their resting place in Rosedale Cemetery, followed by his stricken people, and by his associates in the ministry from
169
DISCOURSE.
this and other neighboring towns. The beautiful apostrophe of his accomplished co-presbyter,* as the mortal part of our pastor was lowered into the sepulchre, forms a fitting close to my discourse on this occasion :
" Farewell, precious remains of our departed friend and brother ! farewell, till we meet you again at the glorious resurrection of the just.
" He was a brother beloved, a minister able and devoted, a Christian marked with a true simplicity and godly sincerity; and fearful to us as was the shock of our sudden bereavement, it was well for him. Sad, weary and anxious, with burdened heart and bursting brain, he laid himself down upon his bed. In the unconsciousness of slumber, all heaven's glory flashed upon him through its opening gates, and he went up-
' Not slain, but caught up as it were,
To meet his Saviour in the air.'
' And O how bright Were the realms of light, Bursting at once upon the sight.'
"Farewell, dear sainted spirit! Thou hast fought
- * Rev. Dr. Stearns.
11
170
FIRST CHURCH, ORANGE.
a good fight. Thou hast finished thy course. Thou hast kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for thee a crown of righteousness.
"' And I heard a voice from Heaven,' says an apostle, 'saying unto me, write 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth.' 'Yea,' saith the spirit, 'that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.''
SUPPLEMENT.
The church and congregation so suddenly and so unexpectedly bereaved, were taught a lesson which still abides. It was humbly accepted by them. In their subsequent efforts for the welfare of the church, and in the selection of another pastor, they have relied upon the smiles and the guidance of Him who in His divine sovereignty "putteth down one and setteth up another," doubting not the wisdom of His purposes.
Without delay an effort was initiated to raise a
171
SUPPLEMENT.
fund for the benefit of the surviving family of the deceased pastor, which amounted to Five Thousand Dollars; One Thousand of which were cordially contributed by those who were leaving the con- gregation, for the formation of the new church. A mural tablet to the memory of Mr. Hoyt, was erected in the church, according to a resolution adopted at the annual parish meeting, held in the month of April succeeding his death. At the
anniversary exercises it was also announced that an order had been given for the erection of a suitable monument over his remains in Rosedale Cemetery.
The Central Presbyterian Church, the corporate title of the new organization, was formed on the 20th of January, 1867. To the original number (seventeen) who received letters of dismission, none have since been added from this church. Their loss to our church was estimated less by their number than by the esteem in which they were held, and by the influence they had exerted through their earnest christian co-operation, and by their material aid in promoting the interests of the congregation. The Rev. Edward D. Yeomans, D. D., was called to the pastorate, from Rochester,
172
FIRST CHURCH, ORANGE.
N. Y., and was installed on the 2d of July in the same year. A few months after his settle- ment, his health failed him, and on the 26th of August, 1868, he was suddenly removed by death. The church soon united in a call to the Rev. Alfred Yeomans, of Bellefont, Pa., a brother of the deceased pastor, who accepted the call, and was installed on the 9th of February, 1869. The con- gregation thereafter purchased a manse and lot adjoining, at a cost of $20,000, and have erected a chapel at a cost of $15,000, where they now worship -the chapel forming an integral part of a plan for a complete church edifice to be hereafter erected. The present membership is about one hundred. The most cordial christian relations have character- ized the intercourse of the two churches, cemented as they now are by the re-union of the two branches of the Presbyterian Church, now substantially accomplished.
The Rev. Eldridge Mix, a native of Atwater, Ohio, was installed as successor of the late Mr. Hoyt, on the 7th of October, 1867. His preliminary studies were prosecuted first at Western Reserve College, and subsequently at Williams College,
173
SUPPLEMENT.
where he graduated in 1854. He pursued his theo- logical studies two years in Union Seminary, N. Y., and one year in Andover, where he graduated in 1860. He was soon after associated with the Rev. T. S. Hastings, D. D., in the pastorate of the 42d street and Carmine street Presbyterian Churches, in New York. The arrest of commercial enterprise, consequent upon the outbreak of the civil war, led to the abandonment of the church organization in Carmine street, thu's releasing him from the service of those churches. He was thereupon called to the First Congregational Church in Burlington, Ver- mont, which he served as its pastor, for five years, and until he was called, by a very harmonious vote, to the pastorate of this church.
The present membership of the church is three hundred and fifty-seven.
The officers are as follows :
PASTOR : ELDRIDGE MIX.
RULING ELDERS :
JONATHAN S. WILLIAMS,
WILLIAM H. DAYTON, EDGAR P. STARR,
SMITH WILLIAMS,
CHARLES R. DAY,
HENRY N. BEACH,
STEPHEN WICKES, DAVID H. McCOY,
IRA HARRISON,
ANDREW MASON.
174
FIRST CHURCH, ORANGE.
DEACONS :
GEORGE LINDSLEY, CHARLES N. WHITE, HORTON D. WILLIAMS.
TRUSTEES :
HENRY A. HOWE, Pres., GEORGE LINDSLEY,
FRANCIS BACON, Sec., JOSEPH W. STICKLER,
STEPHEN T. SMITH, Treas., OLIVER S. CARTER,
JAMES H. HEROY.
The SUNDAY SCHOOL numbers-scholars, 356 ; officers and teachers, 32. Total, 388. EDGAR P. STARR, Superintendent.
The contributions to benevolent objects, during the last two years, exclusive of the current ex- penses of the church, have been as follows : 1867, $2,887 75 ; 1868, $3,554 00 ; Total, $6,441 75.
Gustav Albrecht, BOOKBINDER, NEWARK, N. J.
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.