USA > New Jersey > Somerset County > South Branch > The fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the Reformed Church of South Branch, N.J., Tuesday, May 29, 1900 > Part 2
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The good dominie was prevailed upon to stay, and for ten years longer he served this church most acceptably. In the Spring of 1879, increasing bodily infirmities made it imperative for him to give up the charge to other hands.
During these twenty-five years there were received into the membership of this church one hundred and fifty- six by certificate and two hundred and forty-nine on confes- sion. The Sunday School work, along with missionary and educational efforts developed to a commendable de- gree.
Soon after Mr. Pitcher came the parsonage was com- pleted for occupancy. Some years later the church under- went renovation. The tie grounds were purchased, and the Hon. F. T. Frelinghuysen who attended services here while living at his Summer home on the Raritan, donated a library to the Sunday School, to which he made repeated additions.
A review of this pastorate was given by him who was about to retire from the pulpit. In concluding, among other things he said: "I have not been forsaken of the Lord in my work. He has owned and blessed it to the end. And the church from which I am about to withdraw as its pastor, is not a dead, but a living church; a tree of the Lord's planting, that has from the first borne fruit and con-
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tinued to grow, and is in a condition of healthy and vigor- ous growth as I resign it to the culture of other hands." He expressed the controlling motive of his ministry and his prayer for what this church might be in the years to come, in these words: "Let the church, the grandest, the most glorious and important enterprise of time, be through all changes the one object and inter- est that shall enlist your first, your deepest and most con- stant thoughts, for which you will ever be ready to make the greatest sacrifices; to which you will give your most willing, hearty and devoted service."
Upon his retirement Father Pitcher took up his resi- dence in the brick house owned by Theodore Amerman. This is the most ancient house in our village, having been built in 1792 by Thomas Talmage, an uncle of DeWitt Tal- mage, the noted preacher. It was in this same house that Dr. Peter Studdiford lived for a time while pastor of the Readington church.
After a brief sojourn here Mr. Pitcher removed to the home of his birth at Upper Red Hook, N. Y. From thence he returned to Greenwich, N. Y., not far from the place of his first settlement; where, in April, 1883, he was released from the weariness and infirmities of the flesh, and departed to be with the Christ who he had so well and nobly repre- sented in this place.
In a memorial sermon his successor, Rev. William E. Davis has characterized him as "a man of many rare ex- cellencies. He was quiet, modest, unassuming, yet hehind this humble garb there was a noble, generous, warm-heart- ed, Christian manhood. True, he was of a retiring disposi- tion, yet he was a man of strong mind and resolute purpose; grateful for every favor, and not unmindful of kindnesses: As a preacher, he had but few equals. His sermons were evidences of careful preparation and ripe scholarship."
During the Summer of 1879 the Rev. William E. Davis was called from Manhasset, L. I., to become pastor of this
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church. He settled here September 21, 1879, and con- tinued for four years to be the active and popular leader of this flock. His conscientious and energetic efforts were appreciated. Every communion season brought additions to the church. Fifty-three were added by certificate and fifty-three on confession. One hundred and six in all. He was sought by larger congregations and finally accepted a call, much to the regret of this people, to become pastor of the Reformed Church of Lebanon. From that time to this he has labored there to the prosperity of that church. The Lord has blessed him and given him good success. In point of time his work as an active pastor, now in connec- tion with the Classis of Raritan is only exceeded by the pastorate of the honored minister at North Branch. Two years ago he succeeded the venerable Dr. Mesick in the office of Stated Clerk. His warm interest in this church's welfare, and his unfailing friendship have been evidenced again and again.
Sometimes it must have been at great personal incon- venience, our brother has driven from his own home to this place, or vicinity, to attend the funeral of a former parish- ioner, or to deliver a lecture for the benefit of this church, or in acceptance of an invitation to be present at a social gathering. He has never been loth to give the kind and cheering word to those who have succeeded him here. Al- ways welcome! Especially do we delight to honor and re- ceive him here to-day, to rejoice with us on this occasion. The pulpit was regularly supplied for a time. Students from the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick fre- quently came and preached with acceptance.
Among them was a thoughtful young man devoted to his studies, who was destined to become the fourth pastor of this church.
At a meeting of the consistory held on February II, 1884, John A. Saums, then chairman and clerk of the con- sistory, was appointed as a committee to confer with Mr.
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Joel Loucks, a member of the senior class in the Seminary, with a view to extend to him a call to become pastor as soon as practicable after his graduation. The conference was favorable, and in July or August, 1884, Mr. Loucks was ordained and installed in the pastoral office, to follow the men who had received many seals to their ministry.
He recognized the high standard that had been main- tained in this pulpit and in pastoral work before he came. It was far from an easy matter for a young man fresh from the Seminary, without experience in the ministry, to meet the expectations and requirements of a place so long occu- pied by men previously prepared in other fields of labor. But the Lord had bestowed upon him gifts which were to be blessed to the great and lasting good of this church. His mental attainments, his piety and orthodoxy com- manded profound respect.
From his parishioners and the church records have been gathered impressions that must lead one to increas- ing respect and friendship for this faithful preacher of the gospel. For nearly eight years he ministered here in the name of Christ, when, on account of failing health he was obliged to seek relief from the pressure of active pulpit work. Under his care one hundred and seventeen were re- ceived into the membership of the church, forty-nine of whom came on confession of faith.
Prior to the close of this pastorate the young people were well started in their prayer meeting and work of Christian Endeavor. The interior of the church received an entire renovation, and a little fund was started by the la- dies, ably seconded by the pastor's good wife, which in later years has grown and prompted the efforts which have so lately introduced this new and comfortable furniture. Kind wishes for the best blessings on this people have con- tinued to stir the heart of Mr. Loucks in his enforced re- tirement from active service in the pulpit. He now re-
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sides at the home of his youth in Northern New York State. We regret that he cannot be here to-day.
On November 15, 1893, a call was made upon the Rev. Garret Wyckoff, then pastor of the Reformed Church of Metuchen, N. J. But he did not see his way clear to ac- cept, More than a year elapsed, therefore, between the end of the fourth pastorate and the beginning of the fifth. On June 29, 1893, the present pastor was ordained and in- stalled. Since then forty-nine have been received by cer- tificate and fifty-two on confession into the membership of this church. In all, one hundred and one.
It was a blessed season in the Spring of '97, when the Holy Spirit moved mightily in our midst, and twenty-four came out at one time and declared their allegiance to Christ and His church. May they all be kept by the power of God, and be sanctified to the glory of His name. We have no inclination to paint the picture of our relations in imaginary colors, and to be carried by a false elation above the reality of our experiences. For nearly seven years we have dwelt together in peace and labored together in harmony and friendship. These have been happy years of united service in the Master's vineyard. And while you and I have not accomplished all that we hoped and prayed that we might, God has honored and blessed us beyond our de- serts. There have been many tokens of His care and fa- vor. We have been safe and of service to God, only as we have walked with and learned of the great Teacher. And as we have come to know more of the power of His love and the strength of His life, we have found the needed help and been heartened to grasp duty and meet responsibility. God knows how long we shall keep company here. Let us trust Him in this as well as in all of the affairs of life. In view of what He has done for us we should be thankful and take courage for the days to come.
The ministry has claimed the talents of not less than
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five sons of this church. And not less than six of her daughters have been claimed by ministers.
For nearly twenty-five years the office of sexton has been filled by John S. Harden, who has merited every thought, word and deed appreciative of his services. Among the testimonies of love for this church is recorded the leg- acy of $100 by Mrs. Mary Van Camp.
The last annual report recently submitted by our treas- urer showed a balance in hand of over $116. We are not in financial straits. At no time during the past seven years have we been in a more prosperous state financially.
You have listened patiently to this imperfect outline of our history. The want of material does not hasten a con- clusion. The living Christ has performed here many miracles of grace. This has been the gate of Heaven to a large company of the great host of God. Precious links bind us to the realities of the life and service in the upper sanctuary. Time speeds on, our season for usefulness here and preparation for eternal praise is shortening. When we pass on, be it ours to leave to those who shall come af- ter us, an inspiration and encouragement in this church with which they shall be identified.
At the close of the sermon, the choir sang an anthem entitled: "O, How Amiable are Thy Dwellings." An address was then delivered by the Rev. William E. Davis, of Lebanon, pastor of the church from 1879 to 1883.
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REV. WILLIAM PITCHER, Second Pastor-1854-1879.
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Address by the Rev. William E. Davis.
Men grow old but churches grow young. It is six- teen years ago that I entered upon my present pastorate in the church of Lebanon. I am that many years older, but if you could see my church as it is to-day, with its modern pews, rich upholstering, new carpets, steam heat, freshly decorated walls and sweet voiced organ, you would almost think that my church, which now I serve, was fifty years younger than when I began my present pastorate. It is twenty years ago that I was called to be the pastor of the South Branch church. As I look about me to-day, on this fiftieth anniversary occasion, and see this church so beauti- fully robed in her modern dress, and her membership en- thused with the youthfulness of a living gospel, it is diffi- cult to believe that we are gathered together to-day to cele- brate the fiftieth birthday of this beloved church. Men may, men do, men must grow old, but the church of Jesus Christ must ever remain young. Generations pass away, but the church of the living God endures. And all this is according to a divine law. The church of God does not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. Men are only as instruments in the hand of the great Master builder to fulfill some little, short- lived task, but the kingdom of Christ is to endure through- out all generations. Men are workmen, builders, erecting the temple of God, and at nightfall they cease from labor and go to their rest, and with the morning other hands take up the work, and the building is carried forward to comple- tion. That venerable pastor, so much loved by this people, who labored with them for twenty-five years, has ceased his labors and gone to his rest and his reward, but his mantle has gracefully fallen upon his honored son, and he, with oth- ers, have taken up the work our fathers began, and so will it be when our work is ended.
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The church will not grow old. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ cannot lose her youth, for she deals with the truth. Like Him who said, "I am the truth," she lives forever. The mission of truth is everlasting. Kingdoms and empires fall and pass away, but the church of Jesus Christ will stand forever. For it is written: "The gates of hell shall not prevail against her." The mission of truth reaches through all time, and must touch all conditions of life, and overcome all oppositions. For Christ said: "Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no. wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled."
The church of Christ is the earthly expression of Christ's own life. And that life cannot die. The story of the cross can never grow old. Like Christ, it is endowed with eternal youth. The years of the church's existence may multiply until we count her life by centuries, and yet she will be clothed in all the freshness and beauty of immor- tal youth. There never comes to the church of Christ old age. No Winter when her life is barren. No frosts to kill her fruitfulness. No infirmities to cripple her powers. She will bring forth fruit even in old age. As long as Chrust can say, "I am the life," so long the church shall be the life of the world.
I am here to-day bringing to this pastor and to this people the heartiest congratulations that my heart can offer. I can say to this pastor, "The lines have fallen to you in pleasant places, you have a goodly heritage." I rejoice with you that you have been permitted to see, and been instru- mental in bringing to pass these new and needed improve- ments that make more beautiful and efficient this church of Jesus Christ. I congratulate this people that they have so worthy a pastor, and that they are permitted to-day to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of this church under such delightful circumstances, and in so appropriate a way. I take it that this venerated church, which presents to all eyes such beauty, is but expressive of the inward grace of
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this church that shall make more beautiful the life of this community.
It was hoped that the conclusion of the morning ser- vice would be under the direction of the Rev. Joel Loucks, of McKinley, N. Y., pastor of the church from 1884 to 1892. But owing to illness he was obliged to give up the idea of coming. However, through his kindness we are permitted to incorporate something of what he intended to say had he been present.
Address by Rev. Joel boucks.
As an ex-pastor it is very pleasant to celebrate with you the fiftieth anniversary of this church.
I am profoundly thankful that, during a ministry of nearly eight years, I was able to do something towards mak- ing a history that culminates so grandly to-day. As a church and people, let me sincerely congratulate you on so suc- cessfully reaching the fiftieth mile post of your earthly jour- ney; perhaps a better word would be march. For it can truthfully be said that the Christian church in this world is not so much a body of people taking a pleasant trip through a delightful section of country-in green pastures and be- side still waters-as that, armored and in military order, in- tent on meeting the foe, and determined to overcome, going forward. 3 Of this vast Christian army, world-wide in pro- portions and maneuverings, you for fifty consecutive years have been a company. Have you fought well? Have you stood loyally by your colors, and with faces ever to the foe? And have you triumphed? To these inquiries let the fe- licitations brought you to-day give answer.
You may not have enlarged your borders very materi- ally during the past fifty years. You occupy substantially the same territory you did a half century ago, you have not
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been able to enlarge except by encroaching on neighboring congregations of the same name and faith. But if you have not expanded laterally, it is safe to say you have per- pendicularly. In large cities, where land is scarce and val- uable, buildings are erected many stories high. There is
plenty of room skyward. So in the period at its close to- day you have builded for Heaven, and it may be far more grandly than you think. That is to say in your own pre- scribed limits as a congregation you have modestly done the work of the church. And to be loyal to that church, to do those things that make for character and Heaven, to seek the salvation of souls and to mitigate the evils and sufferings to which the flesh and society are heir, is expan- sion of a most worthy sort. In march and battle there are
always casualties. Very few, if any, of the Israelites, who with Moses set out from Egypt, reached the Promised Land. Substantially a whole generation passed away in
those forty years' wandering. Your fifty years of battling have not been an exception to the rule. There are those who have fallen by the way to whom we do well to pay becoming tribute to-day. Some of these were founders of this church and would have rejoiced to see this day. During my pastorate it was my sad duty to lay several of these to rest, and since then others have followed till now nearly a whole generation of those worthy men and women have passed away. This is the sad side of to-day's story to find its way to our thoughts and hearts. But our mis- sion to-day is rather a joyous one. We are here rather to rejoice with you that God in His goodness gave them a place in the ranks, and permitted them, some for so many years, to serve with honor, and you to succeed them in that service. We are here devoutly to give thanks that, during a long and worthy history, your united efforts were accept- ed and blessed in the building up and maintaining of the walls of Zion. Looking back over the past fifty years, as you do to-day, there is enough readily to come to view to
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lead to a hearty compliance with the injunction: "Rejoice, and again I say unto you rejoice." Do you ask for a suit- able motto for this day's exercises? How would these words from the great Apostle do? "Not as though I had. already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am ap- prehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press to the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Not that we are to lose sight of the past with its blessed memories and helpful experiences, but the rather, thankful for the good that lies in it, and enthused by that good to press on to no- bler deeds and greater achievements. There is much more right in this line that can be said to help fill your cup of joy to-day. When we think of the fifty years of continuous gospel preaching in this place, of the many who have been. safely gathered in the fold of the great Shepherd, of the young converted to God and sent out in the world to lives of usefulness in a variety of occupations, of the sorrows that have been assuaged, and the burdens that have been lifted, of the impetus to reform work in society and State, to which you have contributed, and the lives of virtue and god- liness which have been lived and which are an example to coming generations, there is reason enough why this occa- sion should be one of greatest delight. There are, how- ever, a few particulars to which we may briefly allude.
First, the past fifty years has been marked by a becom- ing church loyalty and appreciation of the means of grace. This always impressed me in my connection with this church, and I have no doubt it has other pastors also. To you this church with its ministrations, has been "all and in all," and to provide for it both materially and spiritually, has been your happy privilege. I speak of this among other- things for the reason that in many places in our own denom-
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ination this is not the case. I know of places where the church is sustained largely for the reason that it would not be quite decent to do otherwise, and where the people never "call" a minister but "hire" him. It is to your credit to have it said that during a period of fifty years you have had just five pastors, or an average of ten years to a pastor- ate, and although not as good a showing as some churches in Somerset county can make in this particular, yet is much better than that of one church of which I know, where the pastor in his farewell address, among other things said this: "I have been among you now seven years, which is an un- usually long pastorate for this church." Secondly, the past half century has been characterized by a noticeable unity of sentiment and action. In all essentials to church life and work you have acted as one man. Not that there has not been at times differences of opinion; it would be strange in a thinking community if this had not been; but once a decision reached by the official body the ranks closed up and the march went on. A cardinal principle with you all along has been: "United we stand, divided we fall." In all these years you have been favored with good leader- ship among yourselves. There are always those who seem born to lead and to smooth over rough places, you have had your share of these, and the effect has been most help- ful.
Finally, the period just closed has borne witness to your loyalty to the Scriptures and sound doctrines as con- tained in the doctrinal standards of our church. But this is as was to be expected; for you could not well have done otherwise after twenty-five years of such indoctrinating as you received from the lips of the revered Mr. Pitcher, an indoctrinating to find its way to succeeding generations and to lay the foundation for an abiding conservative theology. This church cannot feel too thankful, that, early in its his- tory, it had for so long a period so able an expounder of the pure Word of God.
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The morning service was concluded by singing hymn 692, which was announced by the Rev. Titus E. Davis, of Bound Brook, who pronounced the benediction.
Upon invitation the hospitality of the church was en- joyed on the premises of Mr. and Mrs Charles S. Phillips, who generously permitted the use of their place and ably as- sisted in the entertainment.
It has been estimated that at least five hundred and fifty people took dinner. Many happy greetings were ex- changed. Old friendships were renewed and the social interval passed by very pleasantly and rapidly.
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Afternoon Service.
This service commenced at half past two o'clock. The church was filled almost to overflowing. The anthem, "Praise unto the Father," was sung, and the Rev. A. Mc- William, of Somerville, led in prayer.
Prayer by the Rev. . McWilliam.
Our Father in Heaven, we adore Thee as our creator, preserver and benefactor, as our covenant God in Christ, our father's God, and we trust in Thee. We thank Thee for the tokens of Thy love, in the many blessings Thou art bestowing upon us. We thank Thee for this bright and beautiful day, and for the interesting occasion which has brought us together. We have come to honor, to praise, and bless Thy name. We thank Thee that Thou hast in- stituted a church in the earth, and established the ministry of reconciliation. We thank Thee, O Lord, that Thou didst incline the hearts of a few good people to establish a church in this place; that Thou didst direct the fathers in neighboring churches to favor their desire and encourage them with their wisdom and help. We thank Thee for the favor which Thou hast shown to this people, and to their descendants till the present time. And we thank Thee for what our eyes behold this day in the number who have come here to join with this people in praising Thee for Thy goodness to them. We thank Thee for what our ears have heard from Thy servant, as he has recounted the mercies received. We thank Thee for the faithful men that have ministered here, and been instrumental in gathering souls into the kingdom of Christ. We thank Thee for Thy goodness to the present pastor, in casting his lot among
REV. WILLIAM E. DAVIS, Third Pastor - 1879 - 1883.
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this people, and hast given to him, as well as to his prede- cessors seals of his ministry, and our prayer is that Thou wilt continue to bless him in his work; bless the people, and make them a blessing to those who shall follow them, that here there may always be found a seed that shall love and serve the Lord. For Christ's sake, amen.
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