USA > New Jersey > Hunterdon County > Clinton > The Presbyterian Church of Clinton, New Jersey, a historical sketch, an address delivered on the occasion of the semi-centennial celebration, September 14, 1880 > Part 3
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I find on the communion roll of the Church, from the be- ginning to the present time, the names of about five hundred and forty persons. Of these, two hundred are reported as still connected with this Church. Of the remaining three hundred and forty, a considerable number are serving the Lord in other churches, several are elders, and at least three are ministers of the Gospel. But no doubt the majority of the three hundred and forty have passed away from the Church on earth-as we hope-to join in the service of the Church in heaven.
As we review the history of the Church through the first half century of its life, one cannot but confess that the goodness and mercy of God have indeed abounded. And a principal purpose of this semi-centenary is to set up an Ebenezer, and say, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us !"
But if so much has been accomplished in the past, what may not be hoped for in the future ? At the beginning this Church had a very inferior property ; now there is a beautiful Church edifice and a delightful parsonage-both ornaments to the village. At the beginning there were but ten communicants to do the Lord's work in this Church ; now there are twenty times that number. Twenty times as many Church members, with very much better appli-
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ances for Church work! ought not twenty times as much to be done ? Let the pastor determine to know nothing else but Jesus Christ and Him crucified ; let him constantly proclaim a free salvation through faith in the Saviour's blood ; let the doctrines of grace be taught with unweary- ing faithfulness in the Sabbath-school; let fathers and mothers all be mindful of the sacred trust which has been given them to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord ; let pastor and people all be of one heart and one soul in the service of the Lord ; let all dwell together in harmony and Christian charity, each one a liv- ing witness for Christ ; and let all continue instant in prayer. Then, brethren, a great deal more will be accom- plished in the future than has been in the past. And so, while exhorting you all to consecrate yourselves more fully to the Lord's service, I bid you to expect great things from His love.
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Sunday-School Semi-Centennial.
HISTORY OF THE CLINTON PRESBYTERIAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL, BY N. W. VOORHEES-ADDRESSES BY JOHN T. BIRD AND JOHN HILL.
Last Sunday afternoon, July 4th, the exercises commemo- rative of the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the Sunday-school connected with the Clinton Presbyterian Church were attended by an audience which crowded the auditorium in every part. The Schools of the Methodist and Baptist Churches of the place were present in full num- bers, and people of all denominations had come from near and from a distance on the interesting occasion.
The entertaining programme prepared by Superin- tendent Baker and his efficient co-workers was faithfully carried out, embracing much inspiring Sunday-school music, in which the younger as well as older scholars all partici- pated heartily and well. The recitation of the Ten Com- mandments by the whole School in concert, interspersed with appropriate songs and chants from a choir of young ladies, was admirably executed. Mr. Theo. F. Stiger and Mrs. W. H. Baker furnished music from the new organ provided by the proceeds of the late Sunday-school Festival.
After reading of Scriptures by the Rev. I. N. Vansant, and an impressive prayer by the Rev. W. H. Shermer, most ap- propriate to the occasion, and some singing exercises, the Hon. N. W. Voorhees read a history of the School, which contains so much of general interest to our neighborhood that we give it in full, as follows :
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The spirit of the Gospel is a spirit not merely of benevo- lence, of well wishing, but of active beneficence, of earnest well-doing. Love-love to God, and love to man as a crea- ture of God -- is the impelling motive, the essential charac- teristic of the religion of the Bible. Its conception of Christian character is, "always abounding in the work of the Lord ;" its test of discipleship, "By their fruits shall ye know them ;" its benediction, "Blessed is that servant whom his Master when he cometh shall find so doing." The great Exponent of its principles, the great Exemplar of its teachings, "went about doing good," "leaving us an example that we should follow His steps." It is therefore a natural outgrowth of the spirit of the Gospel, a natural fruit of Bible truth, that modes of doing good should be devised and sought out. And it is not a matter of surprise that Sabbath-schools, designed for instruction in Bible truth and training in moral duties, should be a mode adopted and employed in doing good. Although the Family and the Church are the institutions designed of God for the perpetuation of a knowledge of Himself, the ad- vancement of His glory, and the highest welfare of the race, and although these instrumentalities are specially adapted to accomplish these purposes, yet where the duties devolved on heads of families are inefficiently or negligently discharged, and when the ordinary agencies of the Church fail to reach all the purposes of its institution, then other appliances are naturally sought, and other instrumentalities having in view the same great ends are properly employed.
The Sabbath-school, viewed in its true light, is such a substitute, such an agency. Its province is, and its aim should be, only to supplement the Family and the Church ; to do what the Family and the Church fail to do. "Train up a child in the way he should go," "Feed my lambs." These are primary duties of the Family and the Church, and it is only because the Family and the Church do not live up to the spirit of these and similar injunctions that the Sabbath-school becomes a necessity.
It was, we believe, in this spirit and with these views, that when this locality became a centre of population and influ-
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ence a Sabbath-school was established .* This was in or about the year 1825 ; so that to-day we are celebrating our semi-centennial anniversary. The School was gathered mainly through the influence of its first Superintendent, Mr. Henry Miller, who resided and carried on business in the house familiarly known as the Gen. Taylor house, now the residence of Mr. Boyd. The School was held in a school-house located near the residence of Mr. Elijah Stout, at that time and for many years previously kept as a public-house, about a mile east of the present town of Clinton. We must remember that the Clinton of to-day had not at that time a local habitation or a name. There were in the present corporate limits of Clinton only a mill, which had been here since the Revolution, and three or four dwellings. A post-office was established here in 1818, under the name of Hunt's Mills.
When the name was changed, in 1828, to Clinton-Judge Hunt and family having removed to Ohio, and the mill- property having come in possession of new owners-there were less than a dozen houses in the compact part of the village. The school-house was built in 1827; the Presby- terian Church in 1830. The Sabbath-school was held in the school-house near Mr. Stout's one year. In 1824 the wheel and chair factory of Gen. Hope, subsequently occupied by Judge Foster, and now by Mr. P. K. Burrill, was built. The Sabbath-school soon after was transferred to and held its sessions in this shop, where they were held for about one year and a half, when, on the completion of the stone
* I am informed by Capt. John H. Low that previously to his attending the Sunday-school in Gen. Hope's shop in 1826 or 1827, where Col. Dunham was his teacher, he for four years attended a Sabbath-school taught by Mrs. Allen, wife of Andrew Allen, at her home at Underwood, about two miles south of Clinton. The School consisted of the children of the neighborhood, about twenty five, who were gathered on Sabbath afternoons at Underwood, and were taught by Mrs. Allen and members of the family. They were Episcopalians in their church connection, and at- tended St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, near Pittstown. This School was continued for about five years, until the removal of the family to Philadelphia. This Sabbath- school at Underwood was organized about 1820, and antedates any organization of the kind in this vicinity.
The earliest Sabbath-school of which I find any traces was at Pittstown, and taught by Miss Margaret Opdyke.
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school-house, located nearly opposite the Presbyterian Church, and built in 1827, its sessions were held in this school-house, which was its headquarters for a number of years. The old stone school-house was closely identified with the intellectual and religious culture of many who have since served their day and generation in various walks of usefulness, and who, by their walk and conversation, have illustrated the teachings and influences there received in the plastic days of youth. The ground on which it stood was the gift of Mr. David Miller, whose identity with the intellectual and religious interests of the locality at that time was very intimate.
The aids to Sabbath-school instruction were then very limited. The superintendent and the teachers were, of necessity, men of one book, but that book was THE BOOK. There were in existence copies of the New England Primer, from which the pupils learned theology from A to Izzard. The compend of religious truth was presented to them in part in this shape :
In Adam's fall We sinned all. Your ways to mend, This Book attend. Time cuts down all,
Both great and small.
Whales in the sea
God's voice obey. Xerxes the Great did die,
And so must you and I.
The pictorial illustrations for the children of that day consisted of a few rough wood-cuts in the New England Primer. One of these was accompanied with the following explanation : "Mr. John Rodgers, minister of the Gospel, in London, was the first martyr in Queen Mary's reign, and was burnt at Smithfield, February 14th, 1554." His wife was represented as accompanying him to the place of exe- cution. An attendant of the school while at Gen. Hope's shop informs me that he used to try to satisfy himself by counting, how many children John Rodgers had. The statement with the picture was, " his wife, with nine small
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children, and one at her breast, followed him to the stake." And although that former pupil has been called on, while serving for a series of years as a Judge, to interpret and give judicial decisions on contracts and wills and statutes, yet his youthful difficulty still remains, and to this day he has not been able satisfactorily to determine the question, How many children had John Rodgers ?
About this time Mr. Henry Miller removed to New York, and was succeeded in business, agricultural and mercantile, by his father, Mr. David Miller, who removed from German Valley to the house vacated by his son. It is probable that he succeeded his son as Superintendent of the Sabbath- school, in which position he acted for a number of years. Mr. David Miller became a member of the Presbyterian Church, being received on certificate, April 28th, 1833. In the session records of this Church I find the following minute : "David Miller and Adam Stiger, who had both sustained the office of ruling elder in other Churches, being unanimously elected, were set apart to the discharge of the duties of this office in this Church on the 7th of June, 1835." Mr. Miller removed from Clinton probably in 1839, as the date of taking his certificate of Church mem- bership to the First Reformed Dutch Church in Paterson, N. J., is April 28th, 1839. Mr. David Miller was the father of William W. Miller, a most brilliant member of the New Jersey Bar, but whose sun went down while it was yet day, cut off in the midst of his days; and also of Hon. Jacob W. Miller, an eminent member of the New Jersey Bar, and who for twelve years-from 1841 to 1853-graced a seat in the Senate of the United States.
Mr. David Miller was succeeded as Superintendent by Mr. Adam Stiger, his fellow elder. I have been unable to learn the period for which he served, or that any one held this position after him, previous to its being filled by Col. A. Whitfield Dunham. Mr. Stiger was long identified with the Church and Sabbath-school, and the fidelity with which he discharged every duty, especially every duty that he regarded as a religious duty, is a guarantee to us that as a Superintendent he was attentive and faithful.
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On the organization of the Presbyterian Church, in which enterprise he took an active and self-sacrificing part, Col. Dunham was one of the original members, and in 1843 was elected and ordained a ruling elder. He served as Superin- tendent of the Sabbath-school until May, 1861, having ever been, in the discharge of the duties incident to his position, earnest and faithful and self-sacrificing. The School was ever dear to him, and after ceasing to be its Superintendent he continued his active connection with it as a teacher so long as health permitted. Until his taking charge as Su- perintendent I do not find any records throwing any light on the history of the School, although they may have been kept ; but from the time of his becoming Superintendent we have a complete record of all matters of interest per- taining to the School. Col. Dunham died August 28th, 1863. (The record referred to was found since address was prepared, in 1875.) During the entire thirty-seven years, from the time he became a Sabbath-school teacher in Gen. Hope's shop, until summoned by his Master -- "Come up higher"-in his affection for the Church, and the Sabbath-school as a part of the Church, he had illus- trated the spirit of God's ancient people, and the eloquent strains of the sweet singer of Israel expressed the feelings of his heart :
" If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.
"If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy."-Ps. cxxxvii., 5, 6.
In May, 1861, Mr. Morris S. Stiger became Superin- tendent, and so continued until the time of his death-De- v cember 5th, 1867. The interest of Mr. Stiger in the School, and his efficiency as a Superintendent, are matters of general knowledge, and need not be detailed by me. But I may state a single fact. In his very full record of attendance, etc., the significant fact appears, that year after year, while Superintendent, he was not absent from the sessions of the School a single Sabbath. And even when there was an oc- casional absence, the absence is accounted for by the brief statement : "Superintendent sick." I will be excused for
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quoting a brief but appreciative minute from the records of the Church :
" The session would record with sorrow the death of Morris S. Stiger. He died December 5th, 1867. Had he lived one day longer, he would have completed his fifty-eighth year.
"He was a member of this Church for more than thirty-five years; a ruling elder for nearly nine years; and for more than six years he was the Superintendent of the Sunday-school.
"In his daily life a consistent Christian, liberal in his contributions, and faithful in his efforts for the cause of Christ.
"He was a man who tried to do his duty."
Mr. Eli Bosenbury succeeded Mr. Stiger as Superin- tendent, serving until May, 1869. He was succeeded suc- cessively by Mr. Peter Van Pelt, Rev. John Ewing and Mr. N. D. Stiger-the former each serving one year, and Mr. Stiger two years. At the annual election for officers, held May, 1873, Mr. Wm. H. Baker was elected as Super- intendent, and still holds the position.
Because I have sketched the characters of the superin- tendents of the School and given them prominence, it is not to be inferred that I have been unmindful of their efficient co- laborers. Every Sabbath-school implies scholars of differ- ent ages and dispositions and attainments, sympathizing parents and friends, and teachers warm-hearted and self- sacrificing and zealous; and these this Sabbath-school has ever had. Because Moses and Aaron and Caleb and Joshua are prominent in the history of the journeyings in the wilderness as leaders of God's people, it must not be for- gotten that the sons of Merari had their special and assigned and necessary work, though this was but to take charge of " the boards of the tabernacle and the bars thereof," and even "their pins and their cords." Even this humble ser- vice was recognized as a necessary service in the work of the tabernacle of the congregation .- Numbers iv., 29, 33.
An account of Sabbath-school work in Clinton would be incomplete without a cordial recognition of the efficient schools connected with the M. E. Church, organized in 1840, and the Baptist Sunday-school, organized in 1871. To the three schools, in oneness of aim and unity of effort
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and feeling and harmony of action, we may apply the senti- ment of the classic poet,
Facies non omnibus una Nec diversa tamen, qualis debet esse sororum ;
which will bear the rendering :
" They are not one, and yet not two, But look alike, as sisters do."
In this history of the School for fifty years-if such it may be called-a preparation of which for the exercises of this day was assigned me, many topics of remark have been suggested to my own mind, and which might be dwelt upon with profit. These fifty years of Sabbath- school work imply very much more than I have even glanced at, and probably many other topics of reflection have suggested themselves to those who have given me their attention, and I purposely omit their discussion.
The Sabbath-school work and its influence are, in the exercises of the day, entrusted to others who have kindly consented to be with us, and I will no longer detain you from the feast of fat things in reserve for you, but will close with a single remark. The last lesson of the series of the International lesson papers, to which the Sabbath-schools of the Christian world have for months past been uniformly giving their attention, contained as its golden text the words of Samuel, "Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart ; for consider how great things He hath done for you." As an incentive to greater and more faithful effort in the Sabbath-school work, as a means of awakening grateful feeling for past blessings, as an ever- sufficient rule of duty bearing with it the pledge of the divine approval and blessing, I would simply call the attention of my fellow laborers in the Sunday-school work to the parting words of the aged Prophet, himself an illus- tration of the effects of parental consecration and faithful training : "Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart ; for consider how great things He hath done for you."
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After Judge Voorhees' interesting historical sketch, and more good singing by the School, the Hon. John T. Bird, of Flemington, was called upon, and responded in a short but most edifying address. He alluded feelingly to his own association, in this Sabbath-school, not many years ago. with men and women now gone to their rich reward ; and the memories of them, and the thoughts of meeting here their younger associates and successors, on an occasion like this, had drawn him hither against his first intention when invited. The speaker pleasantly but very impressively gave good counsel to the teachers as well as the scholars before him, and excited interest among those not engaged in the work.
The grand old anthem, " America," in which the whole congregation seemed to join, was followed by an address from the Hon. John Hill, of Morris County. It was just such as was expected from this experienced and conspicu- ous worker in the cause of Sunday-schools-a practical and instructive presentation of facts appropriate to the occasion, interesting to the whole audience, and encouraging to the teachers and scholars before him.
The celebration closed with another well-rendered song and. benediction by the Rev. Mr. Vansant .- The Clinton Democrat, July 9th, 1875.
A Pleasant Semi-Centennial.
New York Evangelist, Oct. 7, 1880.
The Presbyterian Church of Clinton, N. J., to which we referred last week, celebrated its fiftieth anniversary on Tuesday, Sept. 14th. The day proved to be propitious, being neither too warm nor too cool, so that the physical comfort of the audience added to their enjoyment of the interesting exercises. The interior of the church has lately been thoroughly renovated-painted, frescoed, cushioned, car- peted and furnished - all in the neatest and most substantial manner. New hymn-books, Dr. Robinson's "Spiritual Songs," also accompany the other improve- ments. The appearance of the interior is very pleasing. The few floral decorations on this occasion were in good taste, especially the basket used by the Missionary Sewing Society for nearly fifty years, which, filled with flowers, occupied the beautiful communion table. On each side of the recess back of the pulpit were the significant numbers 1830-1880. A goodly audience was assembled, comprising many former members of the Church. After an anthem by the well-trained choir, devotional services were conducted by neighboring ministers of various denominations, and then came the historical sermon by Rev. I. A. Blauvelt, of Roselle, the predecessor of the present efficient pastor at Clinton. Mr. Blauvelt had gathered many interesting facts in regard to the origin and progress of the village and the Church, which he wove together in a happy manner, com- bining, along with an excellent spiritual tone, humor and pathos in the delineation of the character of departed saints, in such a way as held, amid alternate smiles and tears, the undivided attention of the audience throughout the entire discourse. It was a model historical sermon.
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In the evening services were again held which were of a more informal character. Efforts had been made to have all the "sons of the Church" present; but of these the Rev. R. E. Field, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and the Rev. P. B. Van Syckel, of Princeton, were unable to attend. This Church, however, has had the privilege of training up several active laymen who have gone forth and become useful elders in city churches. Some of these were present and addressed the meeting. The speakers, in their order, were Elder D. M. Stiger, of Jersey City ; Rev. Samuel Parry, of Pluckemin ; Col. A. D. Hope, of Roselle ; Rev. James N. Ramsey, of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; Hon. Henry Dusenbery, of Jersey City, and Rev. A. M. Jelly, D.D., President of New Windsor College, Maryland, a friend of the pastor, and the only one of the speakers who is not a son of this Church. Music and some remarks by the pastor were interspersed with the addresses, and a hearty vote of thanks was offered to Mr. Blauvelt for his morning's discourse, with a request for a copy for publica- tion. The sermon will soon be printed along with the history of the Sabbath-school, which was prepared by Hon. N. W. Voorhees, a member of the session, for the semi- centennial anniversary of the Sabbath-school, which was observed some five years ago. It seemed to be the opinion of all, that they had never spent a more enjoyable day. Many of the youth of the Church will remember to old age, and tell to their children's children, the story of the cele- bration of the fiftieth anniversary. It ought to be added that the tasteful and convenient parsonage of this Church has also been thoroughly and neatly repainted. The trus- tees evidently do not believe in letting their property go to ruin for lack of timely attention.
The active and useful pastor of this Church for twelve years, the Rev. John Ewing, deserves great credit, along with his helpful session and willing people, for the present prosperous condition of the congregation, and the success of this anniversary. They are well cultivating the seed sown by a line of faithful predecessors. The Church has at present two hundred communicants, and its prosperity
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may furnish encouragement to pastors who are faithfully and patiently sowing the good seed of the kingdom in new and struggling churches. "In due season we shall reap if we faint not." "Your labor is not in vain in the Lord." Such anniversaries cannot but do good in cementing the unity of a church, fostering an interest in it, and provoking it to love and good works. "Pray for the peace of Jerusa- lem : they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companion's sakes I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord thy God, I will seek thy good." J.P.
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