The Record of the First Presbyterian Church of Morristown, N.J. : v. 1-5 Jan. 1880-Dec. 1885, pt 1, Part 38

Author: First Presbyterian Church (Morristown, N.J.); Green, R. S. (Rufus Smith), 1848-1925
Publication date: 1976
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 826


USA > New Jersey > Morris County > Morristown > The Record of the First Presbyterian Church of Morristown, N.J. : v. 1-5 Jan. 1880-Dec. 1885, pt 1 > Part 38


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bad been left by the action of Mr. Collins, all combined to make the task of the new pastor a laborious and responsible one. But his wisdom and good, sound sense en- abled him successfully to meet all the exi- gencies of the situation. He was untiring in the performance of all ministerial duties, but did not lose his interest in literature and scientific pursuits. His attainments in mental culture had been so great that in 1794 he received the degree of Bachelor of ¡Arts from Yale College, and in 1801 the trustees of Princeton college conferred on him the honorary title of Master of Arts. In 1805 he became Moderator of the Gen- eral Assembly of the Presbyterian church, a very great honor, when it is remembered that he was then but thirty-seven years of age.


While at Morristown three distinct and powerful revivals of religion marked his ministry. The first occurred in 1799, the second in 1803 and 1804, and the third in 1808. At the first more than a hundred were added to the church. Mr. Rich- ards seemed to have regarded the last of these seasons with the most favor. In 1828 he wrote to Mr. Barnes, who was then pastor of the church, in which he referred to these three revivals, but spoke of the third " as the most precious."


In April, 1809, he received a call from the First Presbyterian Church at Newark, which he accepted, removing to his new field of labor in May of the same year. This action does not seem to have been the result of any dissatisfaction, either with pastor or people. There was mutual love between them. Mr. Richards never spoke, nor wrote of his peo- ple at Morristown, but in the very warmest and most affectionate terms. Just before his death he wrote to a member of the church here in these words : " Never was a minister more happy with his peo- ple than I with mine during the fifteen years I spent among you. With you I was willing to live and with you I expected to die." These sentiments he more than once re- peated .. ... But his expenses were increased, a growing family involved greater outlay, the health of Mrs. Richards was precarious, and he required additional salary. The people did not feel able to meet the additional bur- then, and had declined to vote any increase


of salary, although, in anticipation of the proposed change of pastorate, they after- wards offered to do so. The refusal of the congregation, at first, to increase the salary, made no change whatever in the hearts of either people or pastor towards each other. Before it was known that the call from the Newark church had been accepted a me- morial, signed by seventy-one ladies of the congregation, was presented to their pastor which closed with these words : " Whether you leave us or remain with us, you may rest assured of our prayers for a blessing on your labors, and our best wishes for the happiness and prosperity of yourself and family."


This memorial fully showed the feeling of love with which their pastor was regarded.


The difficulties attending the discharge of his duties at Newark were of a different character from those which met him at Morristown, but they were of no ordinary kind. The Newark church contained with- in its membership some of the best minds in the State. Dr. Griffin, whom Mr. Rich- ards succeeded, was one of the foremost men in the church. He was eloquent and accomplished and had been most successful. The membership, during his ministry, had doubled ; when he entered the pulpit he found two hundred communicants ; when he left, after eight year's service, it had in- creased to five hundred. All this Mr. Rich- ards knew and fully appreciated. But he trusted in a mightier power than could be afforded by man.


In 1811, the second Presbyterian church was organized in Newark, the new congre- gation being mainly gathered from that to which Mr. Richards ministered. To this new organization Mr. Richards gave not only his full consent, but aided it with ad- vice and counsel. An event happening in the subsequent history of this new church, evinced the wisdom and true Christian spirit of Mr. Richards. After an absence of six years from Newark, a call was extended to Dr. Griffin to become the pastor of this Second church. This call became the sub- ject of correspondence between the two clergymen, and in all kindness and broth- erly love these two men, differing so mate- rially from each other, labored side by side in the two congregations for several years.


While at Newark he was elected trustee


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of the College of New Jersey, and in 1812 in the very organization of the Theological Seminary at Princeton he was appointed a director. The position of trustee of the college he held until he removed from the State. In 1815 he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from two colleges, Union and Yale. This was an honor which at the time it was conferred, was a certain evidence of moral and professional worth.


He remained in Newark fifteen years and during that period received many tokens of the respect and confidence with which he was regarded by the church, in addition to those already mentioned. He was for several years secretary of the Educational Society, and took a very deep interest in the American Bible Society, which, in fact, was largely indebted to him for its organi- zation. Several revivals occurred during his ministry in Newark, and the addition of five hundred members to his church marked the faithfulness and fervor of his efforts for the salvation of sinners.


In 1819, Auburn Theological Seminary was organized, and Dr. Richards, as he must now be called, was regarded by its friends and founders as the proper person to fill one of its professorial chairs. One of them was tendered to him very early in the his- tory of the seminary, but was declined. In 1823, however, after a unanimous re-election, he accepted the appointment, and remov- ing there in October of that year, on Octo- ber 29, 1823, his fifty-sixth birthday, he was duly inaugurated professor of Christian theology.


From this date to the time of his death he was engaged in the performance of his duties as professor. While connected with the Seminary, he took a prominent part in all of its various interests, aiding it ma- terially, not only in his Professor's Chair by the tuition afforded to hundreds of students, but by his efforts in various parts of the country to place the seminary in such position with reference to finances, that there should be no fear for its future. In whatever he undertook, for the advan- tage of the institution, he was eminently successful. Before his death the seminary was placed in such a position that its use- fulness in the church was assured beyond a question, .


Dr. Richards was not at the head of the Seminary, but his sound judgment, his wise. action, and his commanding talents secured him a pre-eminent position in the Faculty. Dr. Richards died at Auburn, Aug. 2nd, 1843, twenty years after his inauguration and in the 76th year of his age. His death was ac- knowledged as a public calamity by the citizens of Auburn, and by the church, Resolutions passed in different parts of the country and by many public bodies, fully attested the estimation in which this emi- nent clergyman was held by all classes.


The personal appearance of Dr. Richards was striking and commanded universal re- spect. In social lite he was simple, digni- fied, but courteous withal. Not a stain was ever cast upon his irreproachable character as a man, a citizen, or minister of the Gos- pel. Ilis name is a household word in the families of the church at Morristown. His/ former parishioners have perpetuated it by giving it to their children. One of the youngest ruling elders of the church to-day bears it, and doubtless it will be borne by many in future generations.


The debt of gratitude our church owes him is great. He found it divided, despon- dent ; he left it strong, united, aggressive, He vivified it by his teachings, edified it by his Christian doctrine, increased its mem- bership, and leading it by his example, in- cited it to every good work.


The memory of James Richards will ever abide with us, cherished as one of our dear- est possessions.


INTEMPERANCE.


The problem connected with this subject is one which must be met by all patriots and Christian philanthopists. No citizen can avoid individual responsibility either by inattention or refusal to act. How shall the problem be solved ? Of course all think- ing men agree that intemperance is an evil and should be repressed. But how shall it be done? No question involves more difficulty than this. Perhaps one part of the difficulty arises from the want of courage. The number of those who are engaged in the business of selling liquors is small as com- pared with the rest of the community. An- other part of the difficulty arises from the want of union among the friends of tempe-


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rance, Plans for the remedy of the evil of Intemperance are too numerous and the proposers of these plans are too strenuous In promoting their pet schemes to admit of that hearty co-operation always necessary for the success of any important measure. If any one plan could be adopted with unanimity and prosecuted with courage there is enough Christian sentiment and Christian ability in the land to accomplish all that is needed in this contest with evil. But indecision on the part of many and dis- union everywhere have paralyzed effort and prevented success.


statutes now in force prove unavailing, then pass other acts ; but until this be done do not change the present status. And still another plan is proposed .- Throw open the traffic to all; abolish the license system : but impose a very heavy tax on the seller ; oblige those who sell liquor to place their saloons in public places where they will be open to all, and be strictly under the surveillance of the po- lice. And still another says: Trust alone to the teachings of the church; this is a great moral evil not to be reached by laws, but only by an enlightened Christian senti- ment which the church of Christ can alone inculcate.


The strict Prohibitionist proposes simple Prohibition. Refuse to license saloon and tavern ; stop the traffic in liquor at once These various plans show the divergence of opinion on this most important subject. This evil is to be treated like all others in some practical method. Which method is the proper one is the question now before the Christian public and must be met. and entirely ; make the sale of ardent spir- its a crime ; even destroy the very manu- facture of alcohol, says the Radical. As a means to this end he proposes to carry this great moral question into politics, submit all candidates to strict inquiry as to their sentiments, and vote only for those who EASTER favor his peculiar views, or else to nominate Sunday, March 25, 1883, was celebrated in most Christian churches as an anniversary of the day on which the Resurrection of the Savior took place. In many churches there were service of song and praise and gorgeous ritual. Flowers, rich and rare, decked pulpit and chancel ; while, with cer- emonies, grand and imposing, pious priest and devout worshipper marked their ap- preciation of the occasion. only those who are pledged to the support of his plan. Another would introduce the growth and culture of the vine, manufac- ture cheap wines and present beverages comparatively innoxious, for common use, at such price that those who require them can easily procure the apparently needed stimu- lants. A third says, control, regulate the traffic, throw around it such safeguards that it may be deprived of its terrific power to The Resurrection of Christ was a grand event and worthy of our highest reverence. Without it the Christian system would be worthless and our hope of salvation vain. But there is no historical proof that the day, or even any day in the period, usually se- lected to commemorate the event, is an anniversary of the one on which it actually occurred, nor is there any his- torical evidence that the very early Chris- tians ever celebrated any day in remem- brance of the Resurrection. On the contrary, such testimony as may be gained from history is against the assumption that there was any such custom. In fact, some writers derive Easter from a festival, cele- brated in the month of April by the Teu- tonic race, in honor of Eostre or Ostara, the Goddess of Spring. Easter, as a name, brutalize men ; keep it within such bounds that its ability to destroy soul and body may be lessened. Still another says the laws now in force are sufficient for every purpose ; put them in operation, bring to bear upon the retailer of liquor, and all en- gaged in the traffic, every lawful means which the laws afford, to repress the evil ; make saloon and tavern keeper amenable to every provision which is to be found in the Statute Book; there is enough there for all needed purposes ; if the law cannot be enforced, then educate public opinion up to the point where the community will de- mand, imperatively, that the law shall have full force. Still another says, let the exper- iment of putting the present laws in force be fully tested before any other plan be at- tempted. If, after a fair trial be had, the undoubtedly, is taken from the title of this


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Divinity. Bede gives this derivation of the word and says that April was called the Eostre-monath. The French give to the fes- tival the name of Pasque ; the Greek church call it Pascha ; and several branches of the Latin church know it by a similar appella- tion. . Neither of these names is derived directly, either from the Greek or Latin language, but from the Hebrew in its Ara- maic form, where it was used to denote the Passover. A difference of opinion arose very early in the Christian church on this subject among the learned Fathers ; some insisting that the word was derived from the Greek verb, Paschein, to suffer. while others asserted that it was from the Hebrew. The knowledge of this latter tongue among the Anti-Nicene Fathers, was very limited. The controversy is now at an end by the as- sent of all scholars to the Hebrew deriva- tion.


Socrates, the Greek church historian, who continued the history of Eusebius, writing in the 5th century, uses this language with reference to this festival. "The Savior and His Apostles have enjoined us, by no law, to keep this feast, nor in the New Testa- ment are we threatened with any penalty, punishment, or curse for the neglect of it, as the Mosaic law does the Jews. * *


The Apostles had no thought of appoint- ing festival days, but of promoting a life of blamelessness and piety, and it seems to me that the feast of Easter has been introduced into the Church from some old usage, just as many other customs have been establish- ed."


These quotations are taken from Book V., chapter 22d of the history of Socrates, where he enters quite largely into his own views respecting the celebration of Easter.


Discussions arose, certainly as early as the 3d century, as to the proper time of Easter feasts. These discussions soon de- generated into controversies, which were characterized by great vehemence and acri- mony, and assumed such importance that Constantine, the Great, in A. D. 325 sub- mitted this vexed question, as well as some doctrinal disputes, which had divided the church, to the great council, known as the Nicene.


It certainly is a fair argument against the idea that the Easter festival is derived from


Eostre or Ostara, the Teutonic Goddess ; to say that if Socrates be right, and the holy day had an existence in the Christian church at the period about which he wrote; since the German had not then embraced Christianity, it is more probable that the Easter festival originated from the Jewish observance of the Passover. This conclu- sion is also confirmed by the Hebraic origin of the word. It may be added in this con- nection that the word Pascha is to be found in the Septuagint translation of Exodus, 12. 27, where it denotes the Passover. This translation was probably made 300 years B. C. It must not be forgotten that the Res- urrection actually took place at the time of the Passover.


Let all this be as it may, no Christian, who loves his Savior, should hesitate to celebrate the Resurrection of that Savior an event so full to him of hope and promise, even if there be doubt as to the day. Days and times are of no account. Events, such as the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, mark eras in the history of man which are not bounded by time, or divisions of time, but extend over Eternity.


Father ! in thy mercy, spare !


. On the children of thy care, Worthy only of thy frown, Look in tender pity down ! Miserere, Domine !


All the pleasures of the past, Dead-Sea apples, in our grasp ; Subject, by our passions base, To the hidings of thy face, Miserere, Domine !


All our idols, made of clay, Ever crumble, day by day ; One by one, they all depart, Soothe each sorrow-stricken heart ! Miserere, Domine !


Joy, to every human soul ! Earth, rejoice from pole to pole ! Herald angels, on the wing, Tell us of our risen king. Christ, the Lord, is risen to-day !


Weary mortal ! Sin-sick heart ! Jesus bids your fears depart. Only keep your armor bright ; He will make your burden light. Christ, the Lord, is risen to-day !


Cast your idols all away ! Lean on Him from day to day. Mountain high your sins have seemed ; Now, by precious blood redeemed ! Christ, the Lord, is risen to-day !


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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MORRISTOWN, N. J. " THIS SHALL BE WRITTEN FOR THE GENERATION TO COME."-Psalmns 102 : 18.


VOLUME III. MAY, 1883. NUMBER 5.


[Printed with the Approval of the Session. ]


THE RECORD


Will be published monthly at Morristown. N. J. Terms $1.00 per annum, in advance: Subscriptions may be made at the book- Mores of Messrs. Runyon and Emmell, or to Messrs. James R. Voorhees and William D. Johnson, or by letter addressed to the EDITOR OF THE RECORD, Morristown, N. J. Entered at the Post Office at Morristown. N. J., as second class matter.


MEMORANDA


OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, MORRISTOWN, N. J., For the Year ending 31 March, 1883.


MEMBERSHIP.


Number of Communicants, 387


Added during year by Baptism, 4


" Confirmation, 6


on Examination, IO


" " Certificate, =


Adult Baptisms, 4. . Infant Baptisms, 3


SUNDAY SCHOOL.


Number of Officers, 9 Number rec'd, into church, 6.


: " Teachers, . 47 Am't given to our Boards,$340


= " Scholars, : 348


4 " other objects,280


Total Membership, 404 Total contributions, $620


Average Attendance, 250 Number of Books in Li- brary, 540


BENEFICENCE .- THE HOME FIELD. HOME MISSIONS :


Annual Collection, . $134.96


:


= for Church Exten-


sion Com. of Synod, 63.28


Woman's Home Mission Soc. Boxes, 400.00 Individual gifts, officially acknowledged,336.50 Children's Mis. Society, various objects, 115.00 Stevenson Band, 11,00


- $1,060.74


EDUCATION OF CANDIDATES FOR MINISTRY. Annual Collection, . 50.45


Appropriated from Session Fund, for Ger- man Sem, at Bloomfield, 50.00 Children's Mis. Soc. for Lincoln Univ., 75.00 Stevenson Band, for Sitka School, 25.00


-


200.000)


PUBLICATION, or PRESBYTERIAN COLPORTAGE : Annual Collection, 58.00


58.00


CHURCH ERECTION :


Annual Collection,


81.45


Appropriated from Session Fund, for Lakewood Church, 50.00 Appro'd from Session Fund, for Building Fund of Synod's Com., 50.00


RELIEF OF AGED AND INVALID MINISTERS : Annual Collection, 76.45


Special 35.00


MISSIONS TO FREEDMEN :


111.45


Annual Collection,


73.00


Individual gifts, officially acknowledged, 55,00


SUSTENTATION OF FEEBLE CHURCHES :


128.00


Annual Collection, 45-59


MISCELLANEOUS :


Annual Collection for Bible Society, 59.14 Contributions to Tract Society, 230.00


" Chn's Home, Parsip-


pany,


774.00


Woman's Home Mis. Soc., for sufferers


by Cyclone in Iowa,


300.00


Chn's Mis. Soc.for Seaman's Friend Soc.,50,00


1,413.14


Total for " The Home Field,"


$3,198.82


THE FOREIGN LAND.


FOREIGN MISSIONS :


Annual Collection, $743.71


Zenana Society, 350,00


Individual gifts, officially acknowl-


Children's Mis. Soc., for work in


France,


.


50.00


. Do: do.


do.


do. Gould Home, 150.00


Do. do.


do. do. Foreign Board, 200.00


Total for "The Foreign Field,"


"The Home Field,"


1:553.74


3,198,82


Total beneficence, 4.752.53


CONGREGATIONAL EXPENSES.


Assessment for Presbytery and General Assembly, 39.50 CONGREGATIONAL :


Current expenses of Church,


6,766,84


.. " Sunday school, 200.00


Care of Poor by Deacons,


133.04


Miscellaneous (mainly for additions


to Chapel),


1,147.77


8,247.65


Total contributions,


$3.059.68


.


-


¥81.45


45-59


- - edged, 80.00


ОНООЗА ЭНТ.


34


THE RECORD.


PASTORAL.


From ist May, 1882, to 31 March, 1883.


Sermons preached, 84


Prayer Meetings addressed, . 39


Special Addresses, 18


Meetings with Catechism Class, 16


Missionary Sermons and Addresses, 7


Preparatory Lectures, 6


Communion Services, 6


Marriages solemnized, 5


Funeral Services, 19


Calls made, 523


No. of Families on list of Congregation 245


SOME EVENTS OF THE YEAR.


1882.


May 11. Pastor installed : the Rev. Dr. A. Erdman pre- siding, assisted by Dr. T. F. White and Dr. R. Aikman ; sermon by the Rev. T. B. McLeod, charge to Pastor by the Rev. J. H. Mellvaine, and charge to people by Dr. H. F. Hickok.


= 13. Fair in Lyceum for addition to Chapel and Gould Home.


" 28. Union service in evening, at the South Street Church, for Torbert Post, G. A. R.


June 1. Anniversary of Sunday School, with address by Mr. Ralph Wells.


" 13. Delegates present at Anniversary of Bible Soc., Boonton.


". 15. First use of appointment cards for prayer service. Sept. 22. Steeple struck by lightning, damage slight.


" 29. Adoption of new blanks for dismissal and recom- mendation of members.


Oct. 3. Delegates present at County Sunday School Conven- tion.


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" 13. Anniversary of the Children's Missionary Society, in Church ; followed by sociable in Chapel.


" 15. Union service in evening, at South Street Church, addressed by Rev. Dr. R. Aikman, on Growth of the Church in South Jersey.


" 16. Death of Rev. Gavin Langmuir, at Florence, Italy : Pastor from July, 1866, to Sept. 1868.


" 22. Union service in evening, at First Church, addressed by the Rev. Dr. H. H. Jessup, " Bearing of recent Egyptian war on missions to Mahome- tans."


Nov 12. Infant Class occupied its new room, for first time.


" 12. Union service in evening at South Street Church, for Y. M. C. A.


" 30. Union Thanksgiving service at Baptist Church, sermon by Rev. Mr. Pannell.


Dec. 8. Fair and supper in Chapel, for furnishing addition. " 24. Christmas service of School held Sunday evening. " 29. Christmas festival of Sunday School. 1883.


Jan. 8-13. Week of Prayer ; Union meetings held in South St. Church, at II A. M. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, and at 7:30 P. M. on Tuesday and Friday.


" 13. The Record resumed publication under editorial charge of Mr. John Whitehead.


" 16. Afternoon and evening meeting in chapel, with ad- dresses on Home Missions, at invitation of . Stevenson Band, by Mrs. Walker and the Rev. Dr. T. Hill.


" 21. Union service, at Methodist Church, addressed by the Rev. I. W. Brinkerhof, for Howard Mission.


Feb. 4. First use of order of evening service arranged on old Presbyterian models.


" 16. Supper of Zenana Society, in chapel,


Feb. 19. "Temperance Voters' League," organized by dele gates from all parts of the county, in Chapel Mar. 11. Eleventh consecutive stormy Sunday.


" 13. Annual Parish Meeting : Mr. A. B. Hull declinel re-election as Treasurer, after ten years of vice.


HON. GEORGE K. DRAKE.


Col. Jacob Drake, the father of George K. Drake, was born at Piscataway, Middle- sex county, April 21, 1732, and while yet a young man removed to Morris county, lo- cating at Drakesville, then an unbroken wilderness. His nearest neighbor was Gen Woodhull, who had made a settlement six miles distant in the direction of Chester, Indians were all about him. Here he built the hotel property, now owned by Jeremiah Baker and here he spent the most of his life. He was a very active and energetic man, of fine physique, six feet in height and very erect in his carriage, exceedingly neat in his person and habits, punctilious in meeting his engagements, generous and hospitable. In illustration of his character, it is said, he would discharge a workman who would strike a blow after the signal had sounded for dinner, and that when in his last sickness he noticed from the window some unsightly weeds growing by a fence, he sent word to his man "Jimmy" to cut them down at once. When told that Jimmy was away but that the work would be at- tended to in a few minutes, he replied, "I may be dead in a few minutes." When the difficulties between Great Britain and her colonies became serious, Capt. Jacob Drake, as he was then called, became at once one of the leaders in. the popular movement. At the meeting of the Freeholders of Morris county, Jan. 9, 1775, presided over by Gen. Winds, and which approved " the associa- tion" of the Continental Congress, he was made one of the committee of correspond- ence. On Monday, May 1, 1775, the Free- holders of the county elected him one of the nine delegates who were "vested with the power of legislation" and directed " to raise men, money and arms for the common defence." These delegates in convention, Aug. 12, directed another election Sept. 21, for the choice of delegates to meet at Tren- ton, October 3, and Col. Drake was one of the five so chosen. Again in May, 1776, an-




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