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 2 > Part 17
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4th, And whereas that part of said bury- ing ground lying south & east of the ses- sion house is so occupied and filled with graves and grave stones, as to render it difficult for a funeral procession to move through it without great inconvenience; it is recommended that the Trustees cause a con- venient entrance or gateway to be made and maintained at the North & West end of said session house, in such spot as shall corres- pond to the principal avenue or passage through the reservation proposed to be made. And in order more effectually to guard the adjoining Parish grounds from encroachment, it is further advised that the Trustees be directed and enjoined to cause the fence enclosing said grounds forthwith to be put up & always hereafter to be main- tained upon the lines which separate them
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PASTORATE OF THE REV. CHARLES HOOVER.
from lands of individuals. And it is also advised to instruct the Trustees to make immediate measures for the entire removal of all fences, which upon survey and ex- amination shall be found to encroach upon the burying ground, or other Parish lands.
5th. With a view to aid the funds of the congregation hereafter, the Committee would recommend that the Parish take into consideration the propriety and expediency of selling and conveying to individuals the exclusive right of occupying squares in the aforesaid reservation,as private burial places, upon such terms and under such instruc- tions as they may hereafter deem proper. And they would also advise that an avenue or walk be immediately made upon the line between the reserved ground and that part now occupied by graves, for the sake of greater security against interments being made upon the ground so reserved."
Resolved, That the foregoing report be accepted, and that it be spread at length upon the minutes of the Parish, together with the accompanying map or plot. (See map on last page but one of this book of minutes.)
Resolved, That the Trustees be directed to examine the wood upon the Parish lands, and that they be empowered to sell the same, if upon examination they deem it ex- pedient.
Resolved, That the Treasurer be instruct- ed to effect an Insurance upon the Church for the sum of $6.000 and that the insurance be continued from year to year until other- wise ordered by the congregation. It hav- ing been represented to the Congregation, that the ladies of the Fragment Society in Morristown have raised the sum of Two hundred dollars for the purpose of enlarg- ing and otherwise improving the session house, which sum they have now on hand and are ready to pay over whenever the Congregation shall from its own funds con- tribute so much as with the said two hun- dred dollars may be necessary to complete the contemplated improvements, There- fore,
Resolved, That the Trustees be author- ized and empowered to confer with the ladies of the Fragment Society on the subject of such improvement and to appropriate from the funds of the congregation, so much as
with the two hundred dollars already raised for that purpose may be necessary to com- plete the improvement. Provided however that no more than three hundred dollars be appropriated from the funds of the Parish for this purpose.
On motion the meeting then adjourned. N. W. Condict, Clerk.
Morristown. Sept. 22nd, 1834. Trustees met at the house of Loammi Moore. Pre- sent, Ezekiel Whitehead, Wm. Sayre, Jun., Joseph Cutler, Richard W. Stites, Silas Condict and Loammi Moore, who were duly sworn as Trustees. Ezekiel Whitehead was appointed President of the Trustees, Silas Condict and Joseph Cutler were ap- pointed a committee to examine the wood land and determine whether any ought to be sold. Ezekiel Whitehead, Richard W. Stites and Wm. Sayre were appointed a committee to put up the line fence be- tween the burying ground and Peter A. Johnson. Adjourned.
Morristown, December 22nd, 1834. In pursuance of a call from the Trustees, the Parish this day convened to consider the expediency of taking some measures more effectually to warm the church. Ezekiel Whitehead was appointed Moderator.
On motion Messrs. R. W. Stites, Henry King and David Day, Mrs. Jabez Mills, Mrs. Stites, and Mrs. M. E. Condict were consti- tuted a committee to ascertain what funds could be obtained by private subscription towards accomplishing the object for which the meeting was called. Adjourned to Mon- day, January 5th, 1835.
Morristown, January 5th, 1835. Parish met according to adjournment. Ezekiel Whitehead in the chair. On motion it was unanimously Resolved, that the Trustees be instructed to take such measures as may be found necessary to warm the church and make it more comfortable both for minis- ter and people during the inclement season of the year, And if upon examination it shall be judged expedient to remove the stoves now in the church and substitute others for burning coal, that they are here- by invested with discretionary power so to do, and to locate the stoves in such man- ner, as in their opinion shall be most con- ducive to the comfort and convenience of the congregation. Adjourned.
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Morristown, February 2Ist, 1835. The Trustees met this day at the session house, agreeably to notice previously given. Pre- sent, Ezekiel Whitehead, Edward Condict, Silas Condict, Joseph Cutler, Wm. Sayre, Loammi Moore, and R. W. Stites, to con- sider the propriety of enlarging the session house. After deliberation upon the sub- ject, it was Resolved, That it is expedient to add to said building, fourteen feet, and that a committee be appointed to superin- tend the same. Whereupon Joseph Cutler, Richard W. . Stites, William Sayre and Loammi Moore were appointed said com- mittee. Adjourned.
Morristown, September 25th, 1835. The annual meeting of the Parish was held this day, agreeably to notice previously given.
Doctor Lewis Condict was appointed Moderator, and N. W. Condict, Clerk of the Parish for the ensuing year.
The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The report of the Treasurer was rendered and accepted, show- ing a balance in his hands in favor of the Parish of $52.11}.
The following gentlemen who were Trustees for the last year, were again cho- sen to serve for the ensuing year, viz ; Ezekiel Whitehead, Silas Condict, William Sayre, Jun., Loammi Moore, Richard W. Stites, Joseph Cutler, and Edward Condict.
Resolved, That the Treasurer pay to the Chorister the sum of $50.00. Moses Cherry was reappointed Sexton at the usual salary of $62 00.
Resolved, That the Trustees be directed to examine the wood standing on the Parish lands, and that thay have power to sell the same if they deem it expedient to do so.
Resolved, That the Trustees be invested with power to sell to such persons as may wish to purchase lots in the burying ground of this church for the purpose of family in- terments.
Resolved, That the Trustees be directed to examine the church to ascertain whether there are not leaks that require to be stop- ped,and whether the house does not need to be painted, and they cause such repairs to be made as in their judgment shall seem nec- essary.
Resolved, That in future the Clerk re- cord in the book of minutes so much of the
Treasurer's report as shall present at a view the state of the funds of the Parish and that the annual report from the Treasurer be filed by him among the papers of the congregation.
On motion the meeting then adjourned. Abstract of report rendered September 25th, 1835, by L. Moore, Treasurer.
There remained due the Parish Septem- ber 12th, 1835 on Bonds and notes with in- terest, $2,728.52}, viz : $2,422.02} being prin- cipal and $306.50 interest. There remains due the Parish for Salary $1,680.75 as of the 12th September, $850.09} arrears of years past. N. W. Condict, Parish Clerk.
Morristown, March Ist, 1836. A meet- ing of the Parish convened this day in con- formity to a notice from the Trustees.
The following letter from the Rev. Char- les Hoover was communicated to the con- gregation :
"To the Presbyterian Congregation of Morristown assembled in Parish meeting. Dear brethern and friends,
You are already generally appraised of my desire to resign my present pastoral charge. The meeting now convened has been called at my request to act in relation to the proposed resignation. And my earn- est request and hope is that you will accede to my wishes, that the subject may go be- fore the Presbytery without embarrassment.
Our relation as pastor and people has subsisted between four and five years. A spirit of harmony and kindness has pre- vailed among us, and sweetened the con- nection. The word of God, tho' dispensed in weakness, has been heard by you with exemplary attention. My hands have often been strengthened by the prayers of the faithful, and my heart made glad by the success of the truth in the salvation of souls. And wherever my future lot may be cast in the providence of God, I do not expect to find a congregation more disposed to receive the word with weekness, or more capable of re- ceiving it with discrimination.
My interest in and affection for you has constantly deepened, as I have gone among you breaking the bread of life, and min- gling in your social and domestic joys and sorrows. We have mourned together in the same scenes of affliction, and have wept at the same graves. We have rejoiced to-
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PASTORATE OF THE REV. CHARLES HOOVER.
gether at the resurrection of sinners from spiritual death, and in the brightening graces of the pious, while the spirit of grace breathed its influence upon us. Of one hundred and seventy persons added to the church during our connection, a large pro- portion were brought in as the result of special refreshings from heaven. Here I could wish, if the will of God were so, to stay and labor ; and in a field of labor so ample and inviting I could not but be happy.
But the state of my health, as affected by the rigor of winter in this place, and the ex- posure unavoidable in the parochial ser- vices necessary in this large and extended congregation, has been such as to render it clearly a duty to myself, to my family, and the congregation to remove. I have arriv- ed at this conclusion, after long and anxi- ous deliberation, and after availing myself of the opinion of competent medical advi- sers. To this result I have been reluctantly conducted, not only on my own account, but because of the inconveniences and evils to which so large a congregation must be exposed during a vacancy. But my own path seems clear; and while I cast myself upon the will of a wise and holy Providence, I shall commit my beloved people to the care of the great Shepherd of Isreal, and shall unite with you in praying that you may soon re- ceive from his hand a man after his own heart, to publish the gospel to you and to your children, and walk before you in the path to heaven.
I am dear brethern
Most effectionately yours
Morristown, Gospel. In the bonds of the March Ist, 1836. (Signed) C. Hoover."
The forgoing letter having been read the following resolutions, as expressing the sense of the meeting, were unanimously adopted.
Ist. Resolved, That as a congregation, cordially attached to our beloved pastor, the Rev. Charles Hoover, we deeply sympa- thize with him in his declining health,
which induces him to ask a dismission from his present charge, as announced to us in his letter just now read.
2nd. Resolved, That during the whole course of his useful ministry among us, such has been his devotion to the cause of religion, his zeal for the truth, his fidelity and love to the souls of his people, as to pro- duce a deep and abiding attachment to him, which we desire to cherish and perpetuate.
3rd. Resolved, That since Mr. Hoover is of opinion that under existing circum- stances it is necessary to the restoration of his health, that his pastoral connection with this congregation be dissolved, we deem it our duty to acquiesce, tendering to him our cordial thanks for his untiring zeal and faithfulness in all his ministerial inter- course, together with our ardent wishes and warmest prayers for his continued use- fulness in the church on earth, until, sum- moned by the great Head of the church above, he shall enter upon its high rewards.
4th. Resolved, That the President of the Board of Trustees and Elder Peter A. John- son of the church session be a committee to call on the Rev. Mr. Hoover and present him a copy of the above resolutions, signed by the moderator of this meeting and the clerk of the parish.
5th. Resolved, That said committee be further instructed to invite Mr. Hoover, so long as circumstances may admit, to supply the pulpit and to perform such other min- isterial functions as he may feel himself able and willing to discharge.
6th. Resolved, That the congregation cordially approve and adopt the recom- mendation, contained in a resolution passed by the session of this church at a late meet- ing, viz :
" Resolved, That session respectfully rec- ommend to the congregation that while they agree to our pastor's resignation, they will, as an act of justice, and as an expres- sion of esteem and respect toward him for his faithful services, continue his salary to the expiration of the present half year.
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PASTORATE VACANT, FROM MARCH, 1836, TO MARCH, 1837.
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MINUTES OF THE SESSION.
March 30, 1836. Dr. J. D. Marvin was chosen Clerk of Session. Dr. Johnes re- signed his office as treasurer, and Stephen A. Prudden was chosen in his stead.
April 7, 1836, Resolved, that a meeting of the Church for special prayer, be held in the Session House, at half past 2 P. M. on Thursday next.
Dr. John B. Johnes and Jonathan Thomp- son resigned their seats in the Session, and offered their reasons in writing, which the session voted to receive and record ; which are as follows :
Whereas, the form of Government, adopt- ed by the Presbyterian Church, provides that Elders and Deacons, when their official services become unacceptable to a majority of the congregation to which they belong (see Form of Government, Chap. 13, Sect. 6), may cease to act ; Therefore we, the un- dersigned, do hereby vacate our seats in the Session of this church, from and after the adjournment of this meeting. And, where- as it becomes our duty, in such cases, to assign our reasons, that the Session may record the same on their minutes (see Sec- tion 7th of the above Chap.), Therefore we offer the following, (viz.) Ist. We are fully convinced that decided Unitarianism exists in the bosom of the Church, unblush- ingly expressed and zealously defended. 2d. We are persuaded that the church as a body will not sustain its session in the ex- ercise of that salutary discipline, which we believe the word of God and the form of our church government, in such cases, require. In support of this opinion, we state the facts that complaints have been raised on all sides, against our proceedings ; That witnesses have neglected and refused to J. D. Marvin resigned his office as clerk of Session and Lewis Mills was elected in his stead. obey the citations of the Session; and we are led by past experience to believe, that should we attempt to exercise towards them July 31, 1836. Resolved, that Mr. Arms, the discipline of the church (See Chap. 4 of of Madison be invited to moderate the Par-
Actual Process, Section to), we should not be sustained, either by the Church or a majority of the Session. 3rd. We state as our third reason, the fact, that after labour- ing for eight months to discipline one, who. in our presence, ridiculed the idea of a vicarious atonement for sin ; and openly de- clared, in the face of Session. "Jesus Christ cannot be God; if he is, he tells stories;" and when (agreeably to the advice of Presby- tery) we were about to take the testimony in the case, our Brethern of Session (who, for the most part, had been absent during the process of the business), came forward, and by their vote nullified all our proceed- ings, and restored the accused without a trial. [See Minute of March 12, 1836, which is the only reference to the case previously recorded.] 4th. We believe that our ser- vices, especially in the exercise of disci- pline, are unacceptable to the church. And now, Brethren, while we claim to have acted conscienciously ourselves, we cheer- fully concede the same to you. And while we have endeavored to assist you in the government of the church, we have acted under the fixed persuasion that the per- manent peace of the church is most success- fully consulted, when her internal purity is most carefully guarded. Think not, Dear Brethren, that we are induced to take this step by any feelings of resentment towards you or the church. So far are we from this, that we most sincerely desire and pray that the direction and blessing of the great Head of the Church may guide your deliber- ations, and prosper your exertions for the advancement of his Kingdom in our midst. John B. Johnes, Jonathan Thompson. Elders of the Pres- byterian Church of Morristown.
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ish meeting, for making a call upon the Rev'd James W. Adams to become Pastor of this Congregation, on Monday the Ist August, at 4 o'clock P. M.
Aug. 25, 1836. Voted, that the Treasurer be, and he is hereby, directed to purchase one additional share of stock in the State Bank of Morris, and pay for it out of the monies on hand.
Sept. 4, 1836. Rev'd Mr. Adams from Syracuse, State of N. Y., administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
Dec. 4, 1836. The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered by Rev'd Orlando L. Kirtland.
PARISH AND TRUSTEES.
Morristown, June 28th, 1836. A meeting of the Parish convened this day in compli- ance with a call from the Trustees, when the following communication from a joint Committee of the Trustees, the session and committee of supply was read.
" The session of the church, the Trustees and Committee of supply, having been in- vited to consult together respecting the va- cancy of the pulpit and what measures might be most expedient in relation to a pastor, have deliberated on the subject, and after a full and free interchange of opinion, submit the following remarks to the con- gregation for their serious consideration.
As preliminary to the settlement of a pastor, the first question is, what sum is to be appropriated to his support. In regard to the salary paid to our late pastor, we are unanimously of opinion, that it would now be quite insufficient for the maintenance of a minister. The items of house rent and fuel, with the keeping of a horse and cow, will at present prices absorb more than one third of the sum paid our late pastor, and these items include not more than one fourth of the expenses of any economical family. We think it cannot be the desire of any liberal and enlightened Christian society to inquire what is the smallest pos- sible sum upon which a Clergyman and his family can live. The point to be ascertain- ed is,what sum will enable him to support his family comfortably and without embarrass- ment, according to the condition and cir- cumstances in which providence has placed him, And whatever sum falls short of this
must be deemed inadequate. In deciding what this sum shall be, it must not be for- gotten that a minister's house and minis- ter's table must accommodate not only his own wife and children, but that his hospi- tality must be extended very frequently to his friends and occassionally to his parish- ioners. His sons and daughters must be educated and fitted for usefulness in life ; and he cannot feel better satisfied than other men, if he finds at the year's end his means exhausted and nothing reserved to meet the calls of old age, nor to respond to the numerous charities which the Christian spirit of the day is urging forward. The laborer is worthy of his hire; and the mind of a Christian minister devoted to the good of his flock, should be at ease in re- gard to his worldly affairs. Whilst he min- isters to them in spiritual things, his peo- ple should provide amply for him and those confided to him in temporal things. "A divided house must fall ;" if the study be neglected during the week, the pulpit must fail to instruct and teach on the Sabbath, By degrees the people become dissatisfied, the Pastor discontented, and a separation is the consequence. There is no definite sum which can be considered a standard salary for a clergyman's support. It is a matter of compact, to be graduated by the ability and liberality of the congregation and the character and wants of the minis- ter. We take it for granted that this con- gregation desire and expect in their minis- ter a man of warm and zealous piety, well instructed in theology and literature, with sound talents and sufficient industry to en- able him to discharge with acceptance all the varied duties of a minister of the gos- pel. Such is the demand at this day for such men not only in the pulpit, but in our Seminaries and Colleges, as well as in our various missionary stations and charitable agencies, that their services will command salaries commensurate nearly with salaries paid in civil life. To obtain a Pastor of a respectable grade of talents we must first determine to allow him a reasonable and liberal support. Tho' on this point the minds of men may vary, we have endeavor- ed to look at it deliberately and with a strong desire to promote the harmony and welfare of this church, and we have come to
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this conclusion almost unanimously ; that at the present prices of all the necessaries of life, it is expedient and necessary to raise the salary of our Pastor to the sum of $1,200 per year.
If the congregation adopt this recom- mendation, of course it will be necessary to increase the rents upon the seats. The pre- sent assessment of 7} per cent upon the first valuation, after deducting bad debts and other casualties, produces a revenue of about seven hundred dollars. This sum with about $120, which is about the inter- est accruing from the funds on hand, is all the means to be relied on for the payment of the salary.
The insufficiency of the assessment to de- fray current expenses has compelled the Trustees for many years to apply a portion of the principal annually to meet their en- gagements with the minister. In this way the funds have been reduced from about $6,000 to about $2,000, and the whole must be soon exhausted, unless the deficiency be supplied by other means. It will be wise in us to meet this contingency at once, and save the remnant of this small fund rather than permit it all to vanish.
This can done only by laying at once such an assessment as shall support the minister and keep the house in repair. And so numerous is this congregation, that if we should double the pew rents, our contribu- tions for the stated ministrations of the gospel would still be less than is paid by many of our neighbours. We believe that the parishioners of New Vernon, Bottlehill, Whippany and of many other Churches pay treble the sumn in pew rents, that are paid be the parishioners of this congregation.
And if this congregation shall be so blessed of Providence as to obtain a Pastor of eminent talents, well qualified for all the duties of his sacred office, we have no doubt that the vacant seats will soon be filled and the tax become less burdensome.
Such are the views and opinions your Session, Trustees, and committee of supply entertain upon these points, which are so intimately connected with the peace and welfare of the congregation. With our united prayers, we commend its interests to the great Head of the Church, trusting and confiding in him to preserve us in
peace, in harmony and in the bonds of Christian fellowship and brotherly love.
By order of the joint committee of Ses- sion, Trustees, and Committee of Supply.
(Signed) Ezekiel Whitehead,
June 28th, 1836. President Board of Trustees.
The above communication having been read, after much deliberation it was,
Resolved unanimously, that this Parish meeting approve of the address from the joint committee of the Session, the Trus- tees, and the Committee of Supply, which has just been read, and that we cordially adopt the sentiments therein expressed.
Resolved, That the salary hereafter to be paid to the Pastor of this congregation be $1,200 per annum. and that the Trustees be instructed to increase the present rate of assessment from time to time at their dis- cretion, not exceeding in the whole
percent. upon the original valuation of the seats. Adjourned.
Morristown, August Ist 1836. A meeting of the congregation was this day held to consider the expediency of presenting a call to the Rev. James W. Adams of Syra- cuse, New York. Rev. Clifford Arms of Madison being moderator of the Meeting.
After much deliberation it was on motion,
Resolved, with but two dissentient votes, [John Smith and Charles Ford,] that a call be made out to the Rev. J. W. Adams of Syracuse, New York, and that the congre- gation tender to him a salary of $1,200 per annum.
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