USA > New Jersey > The early Germans of New Jersey : their history, churches, and genealogies. > Part 11
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 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67
As long as Mr. Scott continued here he and his horse, "Dack," had taken their regular trips to Fox Hill, good- humoredly enough. But, whatever the horse may have thought, his master was convinced that it was desirable for both the churches that they should have separate pastors. Accordingly, just before Mr. Scott left the Valley, at his suggestion, the session resolved " to support a minister for the future the en- tire of his time." The parsonage at Middle Valley had been previously sold, the money divided between the two churches of German Valley and Fox Hill, now Fairmount, and the house now owned by this church bought and enlarged ; and from that time the two churches have had no other connection than that of friendly neighbors.
Mr. Scott was followed by
ROBERT G. VERMILYE,
a man of pleasant, gentlemanly address, a good scholar and an able preacher. While in the Valley he was much esteemed by the people ; but his stay was short-less than three years. During this time eight persons were received into the com- munion of the church on examination and five by certificate. It was in Mr. Vermilye's time (1844) that "the new hymn
-
REV. THEODORE FRELINGHUYSEN CHAMBERS.
123
NEW GERMANTOWN AND GERMAN VALLEY
book (psalms and hymns) was introduced, by vote of session."
After Mr. Vermilye left the Valley, in 1846, he soon received the degree of D.D., became a professor in the East Windsor Theological Seminary, now at Hartford, and continues to hold a high rank among the ministers of the church.
Mr. Vermilye's successor was
JAMES HALL MASON KNOX,
a son of Dr. John Knox, of New York, and a grandson of the famous Dr. John Mason. Mr. Knox graduated at New Bruns- wick Seminary in 1845, and came to the Valley in 1846. He was one of the most popular and efficient pastors that the church ever had. The impression which he made upon the congregation was of a lasting character, and his sayings and doings are frequently quoted at the present day.
He introduced, in 1849, a custom of holding a monthly con- cert of prayer, for missions, in connection with the Lutheran congregation.
Through his influence and efforts a parochial school was started, which, with a little aid from the Board of Education, was carried on for several years, with no little efficiency and success. And not a few of the men and women of the Valley owe a great deal to that school, and to its excellent teacher, Mr. James S. Taylor.
During the five years of Mr. Knox's pastorate twenty-four persons were received into the communion of the church by examination and ten by certificate.
Mr. Knox left the Valley in 1851 to take charge of the Reformed Dutch Church of Easton, Pa. Two years later he accepted a call to the First Presbyterian Church at German- town, Pa., where he continued until the fall of 1869, when he resigned his charge. Like the other ministers who had left the Valley, Mr. Knox soon received the Doctorate, and his name and fame are well known throughout the church.
After Mr. Knox went away,
GARRET VAN ARTSDALEN
came to the charge of the church. He stayed but three years. During this period, nine persons were added to the church by
124
EARLY GERMANS OF NEW JERSEY
certificate and thirty-eight on examination-of these, thirty-six at a single communion occasion.
After a vacancy of about a year,
REV. WILLIAM R. GLENN,
of the First Presbyterian Church of Tamaqua, accepted a call to the German Valley Church. He entered upon his labors here in the autumn of 1856. Mr. Glenn is a good preacher, as all affirm, and his labors here were attended by a fair measure of success. During the eleven years of his pastorate nine per- sons were added to the church by certificate and ninety by examination. This is the largest number received by any one pastor.
The pastoral relation between Mr. Glenn and this church was dissolved by the Presbytery, meeting at Clinton, January 13th, 1868. Mr. Glenn went to Bloomington, Illinois, where he is now laboring with very encouraging prospects.
REV. ISAAC ALSTYN BLAUVELT, D. D.,
the present pastor, was called from Clinton, N. J., in the sum- mer of 1868 ; commenced labor on the Ist of August ; removed to the Valley August 20th ; was installed by the Presbytery of Raritan, October, 1868. Since that time the most noteworthy event has been the remodeling and enlarging of the church. The people had before determined that this work must be done, and little urging from the pastor was needed. Silas Neighbour, Jesse Huffman and I. Alstyne Blauvelt were chosen to act as a Building Committee. Messrs. Graham, Elizabeth, N. J., furnished the designs for the improvements. The work has been done, the ladies have provided the furniture and bell, and the results are before the eyes of the world. This day we enter our new and beautiful house, full of hope for the future.
Recalling the history of the past, we are constrained to render grateful praise that hitherto the Lord hath helped us ; and, as we go over the story of our Father's loving kindness in the days gone by, we thank God and take courage.
Mr. Blauvelt resigned in 1874 to accept the call to the Pres- byterian Church of Roselle where he is still laboring. He had the degree of D. D. conferred upon him in 1893 by the college
FAIRMOUNT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
125
NEW GERMANTOWN AND GERMAN VALLEY
of New Jersey. Mr. Blauvelt was born at Lamington, N. J., March 31, 1839. He is the son of old Dr. Blauvelt, who was pastor for so many years of the church of Lamington, Somerset Co., N. J., and who was recognized in his day as a man of un- questioned ability and entitled to all the influence and respect which his long and successful ministry had so well earned for him.
Mr. Blauvelt graduated from Princeton College in 1857 and Princeton Seminary in 1860. He was stated supply for four years (1860-4) at Plumstead, Cream Ridge and Plattsburg, N. J .; pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Clinton, N. J., 1864-8. REV. EDWARD PAYSON LINNELL,
followed Mr. Blauvelt in the summer of 1874. He had been supplying the pulpit, while a student in the Seminary. He was born on the 18th of April, 1846, at Granville, Ohio, and was educated both at Denison University at Granville, and at Hamilton College, N. Y. He graduated from Union Seminary, N. Y., in 1874. His memory is connected with a sad bereave- ment at the beginning of his ministry in the loss of his young wife within a few months of their marriage and his own death at a time and under circumstances to make it seem doubly painful. Having resigned from the pastorate of German Val- ley on the 9th of May, 1882, he accepted an appointment to labor in Montana, in connection with the church at Miles City. It was in the midst of his exhausting labors in this extensive field that he was stricken down at the early age of forty years on the 23d of July, 1886. He had been installed as pastor of the Miles City church on the 8th of February, 1885.
A sermon in memorial of him was preached at German Valley Sept. 5th, 1886, by the Rev. J. F. Brewster. Rev. D. B. Hervey, of Granville, Ohio, says of him : "As a preacher and brother I held him in high esteem. As a speaker he attracted attention in the early stages of his college course. His voice possessed an unusual clearness of tone, and this connected with a distinctness of enunciation, which was natural to him, gave a charm to his public address, which engaged every ear. His sermons were always characterized by richness of thought, clearness of illustration and force of statement. * * He
126
EARLY GERMANS OF NEW JERSEY
was devoted body and soul to one purpose, and wholly absorbed in thoughts and plans for its accomplishment. That one por- pose was the salvation of souls and the prosperity of the church."
Mr. Linnell was followed by the
REV. HENRY M. VOORHEES,
who became the pastor here in 1883 and continued to serve this church until June, 1886, when he resigned to accept the call to become the pastor of a Reformed church in New York State. After preaching in that place for several years, finding the climate too severe, at the advice of physicians, he removed to the Reformed Church of High Bridge, N. J. He remained at High Bridge for several years when he removed to California on account of his health and is now living there as the pastor of a Presbyterian church.
REV. THEODORE FRELINGHUYSEN CHAMBERS,
the present pastor, came in the year 1887 and is still rendering service.
tit
CHAPTER XIII.
FAIRMOUNT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
OX HILL was originally the name of the whole region now centering in German Valley. It became the name at a later date of the church now called Fairmount. The history of this church should now follow. We condense the historical dis- course of Rev. W. O. Ruston, D. D., preached August 6th, 1876, at Fairmount. The church of Fox Hill was connected with the church of German Valley until 1843. Previously to this date the same pastors served both churches. The first part of Rev. Mr. Ruston's historical sermon is largely omitted since it treats of the matters already pre- sented in the history of German Valley.
It would seem probable that more than 130 years ago there was an old log church at the foot of the hill, on the farm of Mrs. Kate Sutton, now farmed by Mr. George S. Hoffman. May it not be that it was in this church that Michael Schlatter preached in July, 1747, when he speaks of preaching in the church of Fox Hill? All this is buried in deep obscurity, from which there seems to be no resurrection.
THE SECOND CHURCH BUILDING.
About 120 or 125 years ago it was determined to build a new house for the service of the living God. Ground was obtained for this church on the hill known as Fox Hill, then called Foxenburgh-the site of the present church. The name Foxen- burgh was derived from the original owner of the hill-a man
I28
EARLY GERMANS OF NEW JERSEY
named Fox. It seems that this Fox was a very enterprising farmer, introducing a new and superior variety of wheat into the country. The people took such a fancy to this brand that they would come to Fox's place from a great distance around to buy wheat. Hence it began to be said they were going to Foxenburgh-and this name has clung to it ever since. It may be interesting to note that this Fox lived on the farm now owned by Mr. J. Van Dervoort Welsh, in an old log house in the hollow below the house now occupied by Mr. Jacob Helde- brant.
The land on which the church stands was given to the con- gregation by James Parker, the non-resident owner of a vast tract of country in this neighborhood, and from whom the place was called Parkersville.
On this spot a church was finally erected and dedicated to God Almighty. The exact date of the building of this church can not now be determined, and we can only approximate thereto. It must have been built before 1760, as by the testi- mony of old persons, now dead, it was standing at that date.
The old church must have been a curious affair froin all that is said abeut it. Those who worshipped in it in their younger days and there are many yet living-describe it as a wooden structure, shingled, not only on the roof, but on the sides also-it was a shingle church. Inside it was neither lathed nor plastered, but boarded up. The floor was formed of two-inch plank, not nailed, but pinned down. The seats were the plainest and most substantial that could be made, consisting simply of a board properly supported, and another board nailed up perfectly straight for a back. The house was lighted by two rows of windows, and the shutters consisted of plain boards with long iron bands to secure them in position. Galleries surrounded the church, while the pulpit was not placed at the end, as is customary, but on one side. This pulpit was hung up, as one who in youth often worshipped there has aptly described it, "like a swallow's nest," and a large sounding- board held up by a rod of iron formed a fitting cover for the "Dominie." The women used to bring their little foot-stoves with them, and stopping at some friend's house near the church
129
FAIRMOUNT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
would light a charcoal fire, and so keep their feet warm during service.
The building of
A NEW CHURCH
was determined on, and finally, in 1816, the edifice was erected. This church was built on the site of the present one, though it was smaller in dimensions ; galleries were on three sides.
It was a stone church, like the present one, and, no doubt, was a fine church for the day in which it was built. This building cost $2,850.
In the following year, 1817, the church was incorporated according to law, and a board of trustees elected under the corporate name of "The President and Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church in Parker's Village, on Fox Hill." Henry Miller was President. The church was now fully organized and ready for work.
Mr. Castner did a good work in bringing about a better observance of the Sabbath. Mr. Castner was succeeded by
REV. JOHN C. VAN DERVOORT.
Mr. Van Dervoort had not as yet completed his education, but was still studying in the seminary at New Brunswick.
The Presbytery at first complained against his course as irregular and unpresbyterian, but it finally ordained and in- stalled him. He preac ed at German Valley and Fox Hill, giving two Sundays at he former place and one at the latter. Although not what would be called an able man, Mr. Van Dervoort was a most excellent pastor, reaching by his tender, earnest appeals the sinner s heart. He did not confine his labors to the Sabbath, but during the week, at the log farm- houses, or wherever he could gather a few together, he would preach the glorious gospel of Christ. Thus it was that from house to house he proclaimed Jesus Christ and him crucified. One incident will exhibit his characteristic zeal and earnest- ness, and will show how he would exhort the people till they were greatly moved. On one occasion he took for his text Prov. 29: 1, "He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."
130
EARL GERMANS OF NEW JERSEY
In the course of his remarks he said : "I have prayed with you, I have urged you, I have warned you, I have done every- thing to show you the danger, and I have pointed out the remedy. What more can I do ? This I will do : I will implore you here on my knees no longer to harden your necks"-and falling on his knees in the pulpit, he continued his sermon in the attitude of prayer, producing a most powerful impression. After a very successful ministry, he left here in 1827 to take charge of the church of Basking Ridge.
In 1828
REV. MANCIUS SMEDE HUTTON
entered upon his duties as pastor of the two churches of Ger- man Valley and Fox Hill. At this time the elders of the church were Morris Crater, John C. Salter, George A. Vescelius and Philip Crater.
Mr. Hutton met with notable success in his ministrations, and at one time there was a very powerful revival in the church. The result of this special outpouring of God's Spirit was the addition of more than forty members to the church, and throughout his pastorate many were continually added.
Dominie Hutton left here to accept a call to the South Dutch Church of New York. Never has there been a pastor so greatly beloved as he.
During the year 1835
JAMES SCOTT
was installed pastor of the two churches that had so long been united together.
During Mr. Scott's ministry thirty-eight were united to the church-twenty-six on profession of faith.
On the 26th of March, 1843, Joseph Magee and John J. Crater were ordained elders by Mr. Scott, though he had already been dismissed by Presbytery to accept a call to the Dutch Church of Newark.
The following resolutions were passed at the congregational meeting which accepted the resignation of Mr. Scott, February 14th, 1843 :
RESOLVED, Ist, That the congregation of Fox Hill shall acquiesce in the decision of Presbytery. At the same time they
REV. JOHN R. WILLOX
REV. NATHANIEL B. KLINK.
-
131
FAIRMOUNT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
wish Presbytery to understand that nothing but what appears to be the movement of Providence could lead them to consent to the separation of a union so blessed to them, and one so universally acceptable.
RESOLVED, 2d, That in accordance with the recommendation of our pastor, Mr. Scott, if Presbytery dissolve the relationship this congregation take measures to support the gospel the whole of a minister's time for the future."
The church of Fox Hill now called as its first pastor the
REV. I. S. DAVISON.
The effect of the change showed itself in a large ingathering of souls into the church. During his stay forty-seven persons were admitted to church membership, thirty-eight of them being on profession of their faith.
In March, 1846, two new elders were elected-namely, Fred- erick P. Hoffman and George H. Lindebaury, who still remain with us-the only members of the session as constituted at that time now living.
Mr. Davison sought and obtained a dissolution of the pas- toral relation in the spring of 1847. He still lives, being a teacher in the city of Brooklyn, N. Y. It is a very pleasing thought that all the pastors of this church, since its indepen- dent existence, except one (who died on the field), still live to do the Master's work.
Mr. Davison was succeeded after a short interval by
REV. CHARLES M. OAKLEY.
Mr. Oakley last autumn revisited his former charge. It was with great pleasure that the older members of the church once more welcomed their former pastor after twenty-five years' absence. He is a man of evident piety, having a spirit almost childlike in its simplicity and faithfulness. He eminently illustrates the childlike character of the Christian. Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. One such example of living Christianity is worth a hundred sermons.
Eleven persons joined the church under his ministration, two of whom were by certificate from other churches.
132
EARLY GERMANS OF NEW JERSEY
Mr. Oakley is still [1876] preaching the everlasting gospel of peace-supplying at the present time the pulpit of the Pres- byterian Church at Amagansett, Long Island ..
CHARLES WOOD
became pastor in 1851, and remained here till 1855. The total membership was eighty-one, which seems to be about the average. Nineteen entered the church on profession, and eleven by certificate, making thirty in all, showing a good degree of success. Two new elders were added, Conrad Rarick in 1851, and Philip Philhower in 1853.
The most important event of Mr. Wood's ministry was the building of the present church. The old church began to be in such a dilapidated condition that a change was needed. The contract was made and the building commenced on the site of the old structure. The present church is considerably larger than the old one, though it has but one gallery, while the other had three. The whole cost of building and furnish- ing the church was $3,800, and at its dedication only $450 re- mained as a debt on the church. The dedication took place July 25th, 1852, the sermon being preached by Dr. M. S. Hut- ton, the former pastor.
Before the dedication of the church it was determined to have a bell in the tower. The effort was made and the bell was obtained. It was a great day when the bell was hung, and the people turned out far and near to lend a helping hand. Fox Hill in this respect was in advance of the neighboring churches, having its bell before German Valley, New German- town or Lamington. The first bell in the neighborhood was owned by the Congregational Church of Chester. This was many years ago. The first time this bell was rung, the people crowded from all around to hear, and some even went from Fox Hill for that purpose, and these may remember the min- ister's coming to the door and saying that, as the bell was about to ring, they must hold their horses, lest they should run away; and so every man stood by his horse's head while the sexton rang the bell. These are past days, and with the past has gone much of the simplicity and naïveté that characterized it.
133
FAIRMOUNT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IN NATHANIEL B. KLINK
the church again found a leader. Mr. Klink was a man of con- siderable ability, and during the four years of his pastorate there was quite a revival-fifteen joining the church at one time. During his ministry the church received twenty-six new members.
In 1856 Morris Rarick and Peter H. Hoffman were elected elders, neither of whom now act.
Mr. Klink will be remembered not only as a preacher, but also as a farmer. He was well trained in the farmer's life, and on the little parsonage lot he would raise grain that all the farmers envied. His spring pigs would weigh in October 250 or 275 pounds, and he had pork to sell. His chickens were wonderful ; and he would sell eggs all the year round. He kept two cows, and the butter made under the supervision of Mrs. Klink was most excellent. Thus Mr. Klink was a leader, not only in the pulpit, but out of it in the daily toil of a farmer's life.
After an interval of over a year,
REV. JOHN R. WILLOX
was chosen pastor, and this choice being confirmed by Presby- tery, he was installed in 1861. As Mr. Willox was so well known to those present, it will not be necessary to enter on any very extended narrative of his pastorate. He remained longer in charge than any minister since the days of Caspar Wack. Twelve years he labored among you, and it was not till the Master called that he laid down the charge which you had given him.
Mr. Willox was born in October, 1810. near Aberdeen, Scot- land. He came to this country and taught school for a time in the Valley. Becoming dissatisfied with Presbyterian doctrine, he left that church and joined the Lutheran, studying in the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. His first charge was at Friesburg, Salem Co., N. J., and finally he removed to Riegelsville, Pa., where he was very successful in his labors, 160 being united to the church during his ministry there. In 1861, having become convinced that the Westminster
134
EARLY GERMANS OF NEW JERSEY
statement of doctrine contains "that system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures," he sought a return to the Presbyterian fold. Hence he accepted the call to the Presbyterian Church of Fox Hill. During his long pastorate of twelve years, 54 persons joined the church on profession, and 5 by certificate, making a total of 59. He baptized 64 infants, and married no less than 93 couples.
In the year 1869 the church name was changed by an Act of the Legislature to the " First Presbyterian Church of Fair- mount," and no longer can it be called Fox Hill-that is a thing of the past.
In this year Philip P. Hoffman and John Rinehart were added to the board of elders.
In 1870 a fair was held, the second made by this church. This fair was very successful, so that your committee were enabled to refit the church and repair the parsonage.
But the faithful pastor was never permitted to worship in the church as renewed. On the 23d of February, 1873, his spirit went home to its reward. Let me quote a few words from the funeral discourse of Rev. I. A. Blauvelt : " During his last illness, in speaking of his religious life, he said that he had often felt doubts of his final acceptance with God. Since he had been sick, however, and expecting to die, he had fresh disclosures of the love and mercy of God ; 'and now,' said he,
I have a full assurance of hope-not that wild, enthusiastic assurance of which some speak, but it is an assurance like that spoken of by the Erskines and the Alexanders-an assurance which rests upon the complete atonement of Jesus Christ.' And then he went on to say that he took no comfort in looking over his past life ; that had been sinful. His hope all rested on Jesus Christ, whose blood cleanseth from all sin. And he con- tinued to speak in this way through his entire sickness. He very often repeated the hymn,
' Rock of ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in thee.'
The expressions of entire self-distrust and helpless reliance on Jesus Christ which this hymn contains seemed exactly adapted
1. IV. TITUS E. DAVIS.
REV. WILL. OTIS RUSTON, D. D.
I35
FAIRMOUNT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
to his views and feelings. When he had come face to face with death, he was made to feel that Jesus Christ was all."
So died John R. Willox. He has gone to his rest, and is waiting for those to whom he so long ministered to join him in glory. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth ; yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labors ; and their works do follow them."
On the 20th day of September, 1873,
REV. FRANK P. TOMPKINS
was elected pastor. His stay was short, and marked by no event of general interest, and on July 26th, 1874, the pulpit was again declared vacant.
During the next year the church was distracted by a mul- tiplicity of candidates, and it was not till September Ist, 1875, that they were able to unite. At that time a call was made out for your present pastor,
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.