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 4
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Another thing which should be brought forward out of that past, is enthusiasm. Who can ever forget the enthu- siasm of those old days, when the Sunday School, under the management of Abraham Amerman, gathered the mul- titudes, not only on the great anniversary days, but even on ordinary Sunday afternoons. That wonderful singing, and the suppressed excitement of all the exercises, which yet was never for a moment anything but controlled and wise? Who can forget the silvery tones of Secretary of State Frelinghuysen's voice, as often he would ride up to this his Summer church home, or on those great anniversary days, stir the youthful mind and heart to higher and nobler things?
There is nothing so potent in church life and progress as a wise and soulful enthusiasm!
Bring forth then to-day from the past, a bouquet of choicest flowers, set it on these holy altars to beautify the place of God's sanctuary.
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Wise conservatism, and wise enthusiasm, spiritual re- ligion, alone and of itself, sufficient for all the needs of the church in this or any age. Arrange the rich and beautiful forms of spiritual worth, as attractively as were those floral wreaths which made this Zion beautiful in the by-gone days, which were made by hands long since folded in sleep. But chiefest above all, and crowning all, let there rise the pure, white lily of the Saviour's life. Jesus only, sufficient for all life's needs; chiefest among ten thousand, altogether lovely.
Address by the Rev. Theodore I. Beckman.
These flaming plants remind me of the burning bush, and this overhanging face of my beloved pastor tells me that this spot, on which I stand, is holy ground.
The commandment says, "Honor thy Father and thy Mother." If we love and honor God, we must love and honor His bride-the church. I do deeply love my moth- er church, and being one of her ministerial sons, am priv- ileged to-day to honor her with some personal expressions of my high regard, since I esteem this church above all others.
I find myself frequently referring to my old home church as my ideal church, always praising the religious habits of her people; faithful in church attendance and the observ- ance of her ordinances, her doctrinal adherence and high standard of morality which shuts out the haunts of vice from the community, and I trust will never permit any to enter.
I rarely ever address a Sabbath School without com- mending the methods and usefulness of the one I attended in my youth.
In organizing Christian Endeavor Societies, I tell them of the young convert's meetings, where my devotional gifts
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REV. ISAAC SPERLING, Fifth Pastor-1893-
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were developed, and my public Christian activities began. In trying to arouse missionary enthusiasm I speak of what this church does, and strive to impart some of the impres- sions made upon my life in my early days by your expres- sions of interest, and not the least permanent in my mem- ory is the jingling of that old Sabbath School box, as it always gathered for home or foreign missions.
Yes, my heart always clings to my home church, where Dominie Pitcher baptiezd me in infancy; received me into the communion on confession of faith in Christ; helped me prepare for college, and after much careful training gave me to the care of this Classis to study for the Christian ministry.
To-day we all rejoice in the glorious history of our mother church; we have great reason to rejoice because of the help and cheer she has been to us and others, and the growth she has attained for herself.
She has an exceptional history; very few churches of like possibilities have equaled her success, steadily rising in her splendor through half a century, she shines out grandly on this anniversary day. But shall this be the crowning event of her life, as though she had reached the zenith of her light and power? No! If my words can at this time, make but one impression, let it be this, that still greater heights are yet to be reached; never be content to rest on the glory of the past, but continue to add to the attractiveness and strength of our beloved Zion; for the grandeur and usefulness of a church is increased by the development of the spiritual life of her individual members.
We are to go on unto perfection and forsake the old Romanistic aim of living just so as to be permitted to barely enter Heaven's gates. There shall be different degrees in the resurrection as "one star differs from another star in glory," hence we should not be guided by the unworthy words and deeds of other Christians, but look only to the
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best example, "Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith," and continually "press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus," during this life, and be bidden to "come up higher" in the hereafter.
This has been a very pleasant anniversary day. It has brought together many good old friends. Yet the faces of many are missed. It leads us to hope for that happy reunion in the anniversary gathering of our Master's church above, when none of his faithful helpers shall be missed, but where they all shall meet again with most joy- ous greetings to spend eternity in one blissful communion.
The Rev. George W. Scarlet gave an able and forceful address, a copy of which we have failed to secure. He spoke of his early impressions in the Sunday School and acknowledged gratefully the kindness and interest mani- fested towards him by the officers of the church.
At the close of these addresses the choir sang an anthem entitled, "O Sing Unto the Lord."
Congratulations and good wishes by mail from the fol- lowing were extended by the pastor: Rev. William Stockton Cranmer, Somerville, N. J .; Rev. J. A. Mets, Somerville, N. J .; Rev. John F. Mesick, D. D., York, Pa .; Mr. and Mrs. John Veghte and Miss Sarah E. Veghte, Watervliet, N. Y .; Rev. Samuel Streng, East Stroudsburg, Pa.
The pastor also read the following poem written for the occasion, by one who supplied the pulpit previous to the present pastorate:
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Poem by the Rev. J. J. Mets.
For full ten lustrums has the faithful sun Again his splendid course unwearied run, Since first God granted you the special grace To worship in this consecrated place. -
Here in this nook remote from all the strife And din that fill the great world's restless life, Yours and your father's feet have faithfully trod The path of peace in service of your God.
What countless prayers have risen to the Throne Within these walls, whose answers, though not known To those that prayed, may yet in wondrous power On your descendants their rich blessings shower.
Here, too, has risen oft the melody Of soulful voices in rich psalmody, Whose harmonies all else that mortals hear Excel and reach Jehovah's list'ning ear.
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And here how oft has come the mighty force Divine of grace, that instant changed the course Of some neglectful life and made it move Henceforth exulting in redeeming love.
How oft, too, the faithful herald's voice Has here made wearied, burdened souls rejoice To know that all of human sin and shame Was borne by Him of the all-glorious name.
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In this to-day your thankful hearts exult; For this you render to high Heaven the cult Of grateful souls, while you sincerely own, As source of all here done, your God alone.
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FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES
In all the coming years that yet remain, Still richer harvests may your labors gain; May from that sacred desk the voice ne'er cease That shall proclaim the coming Prince of Peace.
Till He shall come with endless sway to reign, And lift from earth fore'er its curse and stain; Then may your eyes with fearless rapture see The matchless splendors of His majesty!
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SOUTH BRANCH REFORMED CHURCH.
letter from Dr. Mesick.
236 East Market street, York, Pa. Friday, May 18th, 1900.
Rev. Isaac Sperling.
My Dear Brother-Thanks for your remembrance of me, and your invitation to the fiftieth anniversary of the Reformed Church of South Branch on the 29th inst. The distance forbids my presence, but I shall be with you in spirit. I am surprised at the age of your church, it al- ways seemed to me more recent. May the Great Head of the church be with you, and bestow a blessing so great that there will not be room to receive it.
Yours fraternally,
JOHN F. MESICK.
letter from Mr. Veghte .*
May 24th, 1900.
Rev. Isaac Sperling.
Dear Sir-Your letter of invitation from the consistory to attend the semi-centennial celebration of our church, is received. 3 I am very sorry I am obliged to decline accept- ing it.
I am the only surviving member of the first con- sistory, and should enjoy being with you all, but lack of strength forbids it. On the 26th of this month I shall celebrate my eighty-fifth birthday. It has saddened me to hear from time to time, that the number of my old friends at South Branch, was gradually growing less, and before many years we all shall have passed beyond,-I hope to the better world,-where there shall be no more parting. I am always pleased to hear good news from my home church, and wish it greater prosperity. I shall be with you in the spirit on the 29th. Yours truly, JOHN VEGHTE,
1231 Nineteenth street, Watervliet, N. Y.
*Mr. Veghte died in September, 1900.
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Letter from Miss Veghte.
May 25, 1900.
Rev. Isaac Sperling.
Dear Sir-My mother, Mrs. John Veghte, and I send greetings to the South Branch church on the anniversary of its fiftieth birthday, and regret our inability to be pres- ent at its celebration.
The memory of those quiet, peaceful Sabbaths, when all met to worship within its walls, is precious to us, and on them we love to linger. We hope there will be a grand rallying around the old church, and that God will bless it with a great ingathering of precious souls.
Yours sincerely, SARAH E. VEGHTE.
124I Nineteenth street, Watervliet, N. Y.
Letter from Rev. Samuel Streng .*
East Stroudsburg, Pa., May 25, 1900.
Dear Domine-As one of the sons-in-law of the church I voice my congratulations and best wishes to you all in the language of the 133d Psalm, which please read to your people.
The happy harmony herein described has been, mark- edly, the experience of this church during the years past, and I hope it may be increasingly so in the years to come. Your friend,
SAMUEL STRENG.
*Died October 3rd, 1900.
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SOUTH BRANCH REFORMED CHURCH.
It seemed most fitting that the closing words of this de- lightful celebration should be spoken by one representing the highest judicatory of our denomination, not only, but one who, with his people, stands as a near neighbor, and among the best and kindest of friends to the South Branch church. The Rev. William H. DeHart, D. D., Stated Clerk of General Synod and pastor of the Third Reformed Church of Raritan.
Address by the Rev. William It. De Hart, D. D.
You, as a church, have reason for our congratulations to-day, and heartily do we give them. The years which have made up the half century have been successful years. Your condition at present is a strong one. With a beau- tiful and comfortable building; with pastor and people united and working in harmony, your lot is certainly a happy one.
But the past has gone. The half century's work is finished. You cannot recall any of the days or oppor- tunities and make their record more glorious. The pres- ent is passing. This glad day will soon be finished. The future is before you. With the experience of the years gone by and with the enthusiasm kindled by the exercises of this anniversary, make the future as fruitful, even more fruitful, of results than the past.
Allow me to impress upon you a single thought. You are to strive after a deeper spiritual life for yourselves; you are to do what you can to win souls for the Master right here; but bear in mind that you are to come to your comfortable house of worship, and use all the religious ad- vantages you possess, not for yourselves only. You are a part of the great host of God's people. To you, as to the rest of the followers of Christ, comes His command: "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every crea-
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ture." Never more forcibly than now does this command come to every Christian. The world is open to the preach-
ing of the gospel. Laborers in large numbers are already in the field. Thousands more are either ready or prepar- ing for the work. The call comes from them: "Send us." Missions have met with great success. They are meet- ing with great success now. The man must be blind or bereft of reason who can deny their power among the na- tions. God is working wondrously among the peoples. Great things are to be accomplished for the Lord and His kingdom during the coming century. You have done
well in the past. Do not become weary in well doing. While striving for the spiritual welfare of yourselves and those around you, do not fail to keep in touch with the great army of the Lord as it moves forward to conquer the world for our Great Captain.
At the conclusion of Dr. DeHart's address, the con- gregation arose and united in singing hymn 770, and the Rev. William E. Davis, of Lebanon, pronounced the bene- diction.
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