The history of Camden county, New Jersey, Part 106

Author: Prowell, George Reeser, 1849-1928
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : Richards
Number of Pages: 1220

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Keturah Rowand, wife of Joseph Rowand, and sister of Isaac Coles, was, with her husband, a member of the Old Causeway Meeting. She was zealous in the cause of religion, and through her influence many were induced to join the church.

Maria Hillman resided near Haddonfield, and although not a conspicuous member, was generally found in her place and ready to assist in every good work.

The grave-yard in the rear of the church brings back many sad recollections. About one-half of the first purchase of land was laid out with two avenues and a range of lots on the right and left of each. The pew-holders had the choice of lots, and such as paid four years in advance for their seats in the church, were given the lot selected without other consideration.

In later years this home of the dead has been much enlarged, and the outlines of the original yard are almost obliterated. The first funeral here, tradition says, was that of Lieutenant Nicholson, of the United States navy, who died in the neigh- borhood, where he was boarding. He is remem- bered as a martinet in dress, and a genial com- panion, but a victim to intemperance which unfitted him for duty. His habits were a great mortifica- tion to his family, and after his burial no friend or relative was ever known to visit his grave. His remains were laid in the northeast corner of the yard, but through long neglect the particular spot has been lost sight of.

The custom of Friends had its influence, and

many of the first graves are without monuments, and hence lost sight of. In the old part may be seen the graves of several of the founders of the church, and among them that of John Sisty, who provided that his remains should be laid within the bounds of the place he loved so much. Here are the plain, unpretending stones, showing where lay those who were active and useful in their gen- eration, and whom their descendants have reason to love.

Something about the baptisms, or, more properly speaking, the immersions, should be written. The first baptism in connection with this church took place on September 13, 1818, and the persons im- mersed were Samuel Lippincott, John S. Wilmot, Clarissa Laconey and Sarah Sleeper. Baptisms occurred on Sabbath morning, and generally at Evans' Mill pond, above the dam, but sometimes below the flood-gates, when the ice was too thick on the pond.

In 1837, after much opposition, the old house was remodeled at a considerable expense; the pulpit was removed, the floor lowered, the railing around the galleries was replaced by panel-work and the old chandelier and side-lights taken away. The wood-stoves were banished and better heating apparatus substituted, and the whole inside of the church handsomely and tastefully painted. The next year a frame addition was built in the rear, in which the business meetings and Sunday-school were held, and, although not very sightly, fur- nished the much-needed space necessary to the increased membership.

Anno Domini 1838 was an eventful year. Feb- ruary 17th the Reverend Timothy Jackson was in- vited to conduct a series of meetings, which ex- tended over twenty-three days and evenings, and ended in some eighty persons being baptized. He was a remarkable man as a sermonizer and ex- horter, and crowds followed him wherever he preached. He was popular among the people and his services were always in demand. This strengthened the church in numbers and increased its zeal, through which its influence was enlarged and much good done.

August 18, 1837, a desirable lot of land on the east was purchased, which gave much more space on that side of the house and nearly doubled the number of lots in the grave-yard.

The most important event of this year was the resignation of John Sisty as pastor. Nothing can better express his feelings relating to this subject than the words written with his own hand. They are as follows.

"Resigned my pastoral charge of the Baptist Church in Had-

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THE BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD.

donfield, September 30th, 1838, But few churches and ministers continue so long in harmony and unbroken friendship. Much im- perfection and unworthiness have marked the tenure of my way, hut by the grace of God we are what we are. J. SISTY."

As the church property increased in extent and value, it was deemed prudent that the membership should become an incorporated body, according to the laws of the State of New Jersey in such cases made and provided, and December 15th, of this year, a resolution to this effect was passed. March 16, 1839, Charles Kain, Daniel Fortiner, James G. Webster, John Osler, John G. Shivers, Thomas Marshall and Thomas Ellis were chosen as trustees, and July 20th following took the obliga- tion of office.

The numbers went on increasing, and as evi- dence of the earnestness and vitality of this body of professing Christians, it is only necessary to notice the several churches that can trace their beginning to those who were attached to the Bap- tist Church in Haddonfield. To name them chronologically, the church at Moorestown was founded in 1837 by members from this. In a short time a house was built and now it has a large num- ber of adherents. In 1839 a few others were dis- missed to establish one at Marlton, which, after some opposition from the Old Causeway Meeting, was organized and has always been prosperous.

In 1841 others of the church, in connection with a few from Marlton, sought to draw around them a congregation at Medford, and, although much effort was made, it was not as successful as those before named. In 1843 preaching by regular appointment was had at Newton, and a house erected, but dissessions crept in and disappoint- ments followed. In 1848, with better success, a few of the members residing near Blackwoodtown established themselves, obtained a house and se- cured stated preaching in that village. A few years after a like effort was made at Tansboro', since re- moved to Berlin, where a respectable congregation always attends.

The Sunday school was organized at the same time as the church, and John Gill, an elder in the Society of Friends, was chosen the first president, again showing the sympathy and kind feeling that existed between these religious denominations. It was always well sustained and brought within its influence and control many who in after-years be- came valuable members of the church.

The Rev. C. C. Park followed Mr. Sisty as pas- tor, with a salary fixed at four hundred dollars. In 1840 the Rev. Charles Wilson took the place of Mr. Park. He was succeeded by the Rev. Marvin Eastwood in 1844, who remained until 1847, when

the Rev. Orion H. Caperon was called. On account of bad health he remained but a short time, when the Rev. William H. Brisbane supplied the church. This last person was an attractive speaker and in- creased the attendance during his short stay. As his pastorate was understood to be limited, he was, in 1848, followed by the Rev. William Hires.

In 1850 the Rev. Samuel B. Willis was settled and remained for about one year, when the Rev. Alfred S. Patton succeeded him. During his ad- ministration the subject of erecting a larger and more commodious building was seriously consid- ered, which movement was bitterly opposed by the older members and many of the congregation. Those in favor of this step argued that thirty years had increased the attendance so much that the old building had not sufficient capacity, and that its architecture and appearance were entirely behind the age.

On the other hand, it was regarded as the bold- est vandalism to tear down the building so much venerated by those who assisted in its erec- tion, and who had for so many years contrib- uted to its support, with which the better days of the church were identified. The progressive ones refused to be convinced, and in the order of time the old house was razed to its foundations and an- other one soon arose in its place.

The old meeting-house was torn down in July, 1852, and the corner-stone of a new church was laid August 12th following, with appropriate ser- vices. Addresses were made by the Rev. John Sisty, Rev. Joseph H. Kennard, Rev. Stephen Remington and the Rev. J. Dowling, D.D. The church was built of brown stone, and was forty- two by sixty-five feet, surmounted by a steeple one hundred and twelve feet high, containing a bell. The lower room was dedicated January 1, 1853, and the auditorium in June following.

As pastors the Rev. Mr. Latham followed Alfred S. Patton in 1855 ; Mr. Meeson in 1856, and the Rev. James E. Wilson in 1857. When he resigned, in 1861, the Rev. Robert F. Young was called to fill his place.

By death and removals the board of trustees has been changed at different times, but now consists of Isaac M. Kay, Joseph F. Kay, Benjamin F. Fowler, George D. Stuart, Joseph S. Garrett, Aaron C. Clement and Isaac P. Lippincott.

With the removal of the old building it is proper that this sketch should end ; but it may be inquired what time and circumstances have done with the constituent members, since they assembled to plant the seed that has yielded such a harvest. John M. Fairlam was excluded in 1821; Maria Hill-

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HISTORY OF CAMDEN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

man was dismissed to another church in 1825; Hannah Clement died in 1834; Isaac Coles took his letter to Camden in 1836; Elizabeth Vander- veer to Philadelphia, in 1838 ; Charles Kain and Sarah, his wife, were dismissed to Marlton in 1839 : Keturah Rowand died in 1842; Aun Kain (after- wards Ann Wilkins) died in Haddonfield in 1864 ; and Samuel Vanhorn, by reason of old age, was prevented from active service, but died in unity with the church.

John Sisty had dissolved his official connection with the church at the time before named, but re- tained his interest in its welfare, and did much in after-years to heal dissensions and preserve brotherly love. He was always a welcome visitor, and received with the greatest respect by the mem- bers. He died in 1863, surviving all save one of his contemporaries in this undertaking. He was generally present at the installations of the new pastors, and charged them as to their solemn and im- portant duties, never forgetting to remark that short, pithy sermons were more popular than long, prosy discourses.

The church that in 1818 began with ten mem- bers, has increased in the sixty-eight years of its existence to three hundred and ninety-one.

The Rev. Robert F. Young served this church until his death, January 5, 1884, after a pastorate of twenty-two years. In May, 1884, Rev. Henry A. Griesemer became pastor of this church, and still remains.

A lot on the Main Street was procured in the spring of 1885, and on the 17th of July, in that year, the corner-stone of a new house of worship was laid with appropriate ceremonies.

The plan of the church was designed hy Isaac Percell, of Philadelphia, and is in the Gothic order of architecture. It is built of stone. The audience-room is large and commodious, with a lecture-room to the rear. The lecture-room was opened for use on the first Sunday in January, 1886, and it is intended to dedicate the audience- room when the outstanding debt is provided for. The entire cost of edifice and grounds is about thirty-two thousand dollars.

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- Relig- ions meetings were held in the open air at Rowand- town about 1797, at which Ezekiel Cooper, a Metho- dist of Philadelphia, preached occasionally. Be- tween the years 1800 and 1810 a Methodist meet- ing-house, about twenty-five by thirty-six feet, was built at Snow Hill by both white and colored people. It was used by them until 1815, wben a separation took place, and the white people huilt a church at Greenland. The first sermon preached

under the auspices of the Methodist Society in Haddonfield was by John P. Curtis in 1850. He is now living in Greenland at an advanced age. The services were held in the Baptist Church at the re- quest of Rev. John Sisty, who was then the pastor of that church. Mr. Curtis was soon after fol- lowed by others who preached in the old Grove School-house. The first Methodist people to reside in the town were Richard Stafford and his wife, who lived on the site of Willard's Drug Store. The ministers on the Burlington Circuit in 1825 were Jacob Gouber and Wesley Wallace. The circuit then extended from Burlington to Cape May.

The Grove School-house was, by resolution at the time it was built, declared to be open for the use of all sects, and even if school was in session and appli- cation was made for preaching, the school should at once be dismissed. About 1825, when the min- ister of the Methodist Society visited Haddonfield, application was made for the school-house in which to hold services. Some parties refused to admit the minister and locked the doors. John Clement ordered the door unlocked, which was finally done.

In 1827 George Wooly, then on the Burlington Circuit, requested John P. Curtis to transact some church business at Snow Hill, he not having au- thority, but as far as permitted, conferred upon John P. Curtis the title of bishop, a name which some of his old associates still cling to. John P. Curtis was a member of a class under John Hood, the first class-leader of Philadelphia. A class was or- ganized in Haddonfield in the year 1830, with the following members : Charles Lippincott and wife, Russell Millard and wife, Sarah A. Lippincott, Richard Stafford, Rachel Stafford, Mary Walker, Elizabeth Matlack, Esther Ann Reeves, Sarah Boker, James Rhoads, Hope Rhoads, Thomas Pit- man, Hampton Williams, Mary Willis, Rebecca Van Dodd, Mary Ann Connell, Sarah Hillman, Keziah Stafford, Anne M. Pitman, John Clark, William England, Priscilla Obes, James Hopkins, Atlantic Kelly, Mary Ann Elbertson, Phoebe Ann Guthrie, Hannah Kendall, Wesley Armstrong, Ann Chew, Sarah Matlack and Atlantic West.

Meetings were held generally in theschool-house until the erection of a church at the east end of the village, in 1835. It was dedicated in August of that year by Rev. R. E. Morrison, then in charge. This house was used until 1857, when it was de- molished, and the present church built on the cor- ner of Grove and Main Streets. The first effort towards the erection of a new church was made at the meeting of the Quarterly Conference, October 30, 1852. A committee was appointed to purchase a lot. They reported on September 8, 1853, that a

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THE BOROUGH OF HADDONFIELD.

brick house, forty-three by sixty-five feet, could be built for four thousand dollars. A committee was appointed to ascertain the best plans and to dispose of the old church property. In 1856 a building com- mittee was appointed ; a lot was purchased on the corner of Grove and Main Streets.

The following is a list of ministers who served on the Burlington Circuit after Haddonfield be- came a station. Haddonfield became a regular preaching-place in 1825, under Jacob Gruber and William Wallace, presiding elders. In that year Riley Barrett, David Duffell, Andrew Jenkins and Isaiah Toy preached in the Grove School-house. Robert Gary, a junior preacher, assisted in the services :

1826. George Wooly.

Robert Gary.

1827. George Wooly.

- Sovereign.

G. A. Rayhold.

1828. Henry Boehm.

1849. James B. Dobbins.

L. M. Prettyman.

1850-51. Levi Herr.

1829. Henry Boehm. 1852-53. A. S. Brice.

W. W. Fulks.

1854. Samuel M. Hudson.

1830. Daniel Parish.

1855-56. J. R. Bryan.

Wm. J. Wilmer.

1857-58. Samuel E. Post,

1859-60. Jacob B. Graw, D.D.

1831. John Walker. Jefferson Lewis. 1861-62. Aaron E. Ballard.

1832. John Walker.

1863. Albert Atwood.

1833. E. Page

1864-65. Benjamiu F. Woolston.

David Bartine.

1866. Charles R. Hartranft.

1834. William Gammel.

1867-68. Robert S. Harris.

1835. John P. Curtis.

1869-70-71. William S. Zane.

M. German.

1872-73-74. J. Stiles.

1836. E. Stout. Levi Herr.

C. Jacquett. 1875-76. Jamee G. Crate.

1838. James Long.

1877-78. Charles H. Whitecar.

J. B. Mckeever.

1879-80-81. James H. Mickel.

1839. James Long.

1882-83-84. Daniel B. Harrie.

W. A. Brooks.

1885-86. William Pittinger.

1843-44. George A. Raybold.

In 1839 the Haddonfield Circuit was formed and included several churches, the aggregate member- ship of which then was five hundred and fifty-two whites and seventy-two colored persons.

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- According to the journal of the convention of the Protestant Epis- copal Church in New Jersey for 1842, the Rev. An- drew Bell Patterson, rector of Trinity Church, Moorestown, N. J., began holding services and preaching in Haddonfield September 5, 1841. These services were held in a building locally known as the Grove School-house, which is now used for school purposes for colored children.

On Monday, April 4th, Bishop Doane visited Haddonfield and preached in the evening in the Baptist meeting-house. It was his intention to lay the corner-stone of the church building, but he was prevented by a severe rain-storm. A lot had been purchased, and on March 28, 1842, was conveyed by John Clement to Joseph Fewsmith and Chas.

D. Hendry, M.D., trustees for the congregation. On April 11th the corner-stone was laid with appro- priate services by Rev. Andrew Bell Patterson, the rector in charge. The building was consecrated by Bishop Doane, September 29, 1842, being the "Festival of St. Michael and all the Angels." The following is the charter :

" HADDONFIELD, April 20th, 1843.

" To all whom these Presents may Concern.

" We whose names and ceals are hereto affixed do certify, That the congregation of Grace Church, in Haddonfield, in the County of Gloucester, and State of New Jersey, which is a Society worship- ing according to the customs and usages of the Protestant Episcopal Church, desiring to form themselves into a Body Corporate, accord- Ing to the act of the Legislature of the State of New Jersey in such case made and provided, met in Grace Church aforesaid on the sev- enteenth day of April, in the year of Our Lord, oue thousand eight hundred and forty-three, pursuant to ten days' previous notice given as the intention of eaid Congregation to form themselves into a body corporate by an advertisement set up in open view on the outer door of said Grace Church, it being the place where said congregation usually assemble for Divine service, which notice designated the day when, and the place where. they designed to meet for that purpose. There being no Rector or Minister present, Doctor Charles D. Hen- dry, Esq., one of the Church Vestry, presided, and Benjamin M. Roberts, the Secretary, recorded the proceedings.

"The Congregation then proceeded, by a vote of the majority of those present, to designate the corporate name or title hy which the said Church shall be known, and which is, The Rector, Ward- ene and Vestrynien of Grace Church in Haddonfield.

" The Congregation then chose two Wardens and seven Vestry- men, and also by a majority of voices, fixed and determined on the Second Tuesday of March annually as the day on which new elec- tions of officers of said Church shall take place.

"In the testimony whereof, and in order that these proceedings may be recorded, we, the Church Wardens aud Secretary aforesaid, have hereunto cet our hands and seals, this Twentieth day of April, in the year of Our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty- three.

" CHARLES D. HENDRY, [L.S.]

" THOMAS ASHBURNER, [L.S.]

" JOSIAH E. COLES, [L.8.]

" JOHN WHITE, [L.S.]

"J. B. FENNIMORE, [T.s.]

" BENJAMIN M. ROBERTS, [L.S.] " Secretary,

" GEORGE LEE, [L.s.]

" WILLIAM STARN, [L.8 ]

"J. FEW SMITH. [L.s.]"

The church was admitted to the convention in 1843.

The Rev. Andrew Bell Patterson continued to hold services in Haddonfield until he resigned his parish in Moorestown. He was succeeded at the latter place in 1846 by the Rev. Thomas L. Frank- lin, who also officiated at Haddonfield. In 1848 Rev. Franklin was succeeded by Rev. X. P. La Baugh, who remained in charge until 1850. In the autumn of this year the Rev. I. M. Bartlett, rector of the Church of the Ascension, at Gloucester, be- came responsible for the services. In 1854 he was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel Hallowell, and for the first time in its history the church became inde- pendent of other parishes for ministerial services.

1845-46. Z. Gaskill. 1847. B. Weed.

1848. Robert Given.

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HISTORY OF CAMDEN COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.

During Rev. Hallowell's rectorship an addition was made to the church building, rendered neces- sary by the increase of membership. Mr. Hallo- well resigned the parish in December, 1865, and was succeeded in March, 1866, by the present rec- tor, the Rev. Gustavus M. Murray.

In September, 1871, ground was broken for the erection of a rectory on the lot immediately ad- joining the church. The building was finished and occupied by the rector and his family on March 3, 1872, and again, in 1885, the interior of the church was thoroughly repaired and needed alterations made in harmony with distinctive features of church worship. For a number of years it has been evident that the work of the parish required better accommodations; to this end efforts are being made looking to the accumulation of funds for the erection of a new and substantial stone church, with the necessary accommodations for Sunday- school and parish work.

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of Haddonfield was organized on the 21st day of November, 1871, with twenty-one members, of whom six have died, ten removed to other places and five are still active members of the church. The first gathering for religious worship among the Presbyterians of the village was held in midsummer of 1871, in the Town Hall, when the Rev. F. D. Harris (now of Camden, who has been from the first a nurse to the infant church) preached for the few who as- sembled.

Loyalty to Presbyterianism and perhaps a wise foresight, which caught a glimpse of the growth of the town, held the little handful of faithful men and women together under the leadership of Mr. Harris, and in October of the same year a petition was sent to the Presbytery of West Jersey praying for the organization of a church. Rev. V. D. Reed, D.D., Rev. L. C. Baker and F. M. Harris and Elders Reinboth and Fewsmith were the com- mittee appointed by the Presbytery, in compliance with the petition, to constitute the church. The young church continued to hold services for a time in the Town Hall, and then in a room which is now a part of the store of B. F. Fowler.

In April, 1873, the lot of ground on which the church now stands was purchased, and in June the work of digging for the foundation was begun. In the spring of 1874 the congregation gathered in the chapel for the first time and rejoiced in the possession of a home. Under the care of the Rev. Edwin D. Newberry, the first pastor, the congrega- tion grew rapidly stronger and gained many friends and wider influence. But dissensions arose between pastor and people, which continued

for three years, until at last, in 1879, it was checked, the cause removed and the young church walked forth to regain her strength.

The first elders elected and ordained over the church were Joseph B. Tatem, who died March 1, 1881, and David Roe, still acting in that office.

The Rev. Julius E. Werner was called to the church in December, 1880, and was installed in the month of May following. The main audience- room of the church was completed and dedicated in August, 1882, and the church has been steadily gaining in numbers and influence under the pres- ent administration. It has at the present time a membership of eighty-five, and in point of contri- butions to benevolent societies and objects bears a good reputation. The Sabbath-school connected with the church at present has about one hundred and forty members enrolled as regular attendants, while liberal contributions and frequent public exercises show the sincerity and diligence of scholars and teachers.

ST. JOHN'S MILITARY ACADEMY AND ST. AGNES' HALL .- St. John's Academy was estab- lished in Camden, in 1866, by the Revs. Theophi- lus M. and William M. Reilly, clergymen of the Episcopal Church. In 1870 a tract of land con- taining one hundred and ten acres, lying near and adjoining the town of Haddonfield, was purchased. This place was part of the Francis Collins tract, surveyed to him in 1682, on which he erected a mansion-house, and named the place Mountwell. The greater part of the tract, including the man- sion-house, in 1716 came to Joseph Collins, his son, by whom the old house was built. This building upon the purchase by the Messrs. Reilly was fitted for school purposes, and used until it was destroyed by fire, in 1872. The present build- ing, containing one hundred and seventy-five rooms, was soon after erected, at a cost of twenty. thousand dollars. The character of the academy was changed, and it became a military school. The military department is under the charge of Captain Wilder, formerly of West Point, and con- tains about sixty cadets. The buildings were de- stroyed by fire October 30, 1886. .

St. Agnes' Hall was established in 1878, and at present has fifteen pupils. The students of both schools are under the direction of Mrs. William M. Reilly, with a corps of competent assistants.

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The history of Camden county, New Jersey, Part 106

Author: Prowell, George Reeser, 1849-1928 Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Philadelphia : Richards Number of Pages: 1220

Author: Prowell, George Reeser, 1849-1928
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : Richards
Number of Pages: 1220