USA > New Jersey > Hunterdon County > Amwell > The history of the First English Presbyterian Church in Amwell > Part 10
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Dr. Kirkpatrick considered this fact of so much import- ance, that when starting a new minute book in 1863, he states on the first page, and over his own signature, the fact as I have quoted it from his discourse delivered in 1860. He evidently desired to have the origin of this name preserved, as an interesting fact in the history of the two Churches.
As the origin of the name has either been overlooked or erroneously applied, I further state, as "true to the truth of things," that the people considered themselves as con- stituting at the time of the union but one Church. As evidence, I quote the following from the old congrega- tional and Trustee book, page 84: "At a meeting of the United First Congregation of Amwell, held at the Old
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Presbyterian meeting house, this Second day of February, 1818, agreeably to lawful notice by advertisement, and also publication from the pulpit, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety and necessity of building a new house in place of the Old House and Stone House (local name of the German Church). Said congregation proceeded to the choice of a Clerk and Moderator, when Jeremiah Kershaw was chosen Moderator, and John Kee, Clerk.
A motion was made and seconded-Are we one con- gregation or two congregations united? Carried unani- mously that we are one congregation." "A motion was made and seconded, That we build a new house in place of the Old and Stone Houses. Carried in favor of a new house 42 to 26.
On motion it was then decided to open subscription im- mediately to raise money necessary for building a new house. The meeting then adjourned to the sixteenth in- stant. The congregation met February 16th, and after transacting some unimportant business adjourned sine die. JEREMIAH KERSHAW, Moderator. JOHN KEE, Clerk.
With this adjournment the matter was next taken in hand by the Trustees, but no further steps were taken to build one house which would serve as a place of worship for both the Old House and the Stone House people.
A meeting of the Trustees of the United First Presby- terian Congregation convened at the house of Joseph Kug- ler, February 28th, 1818. A majority of the Trustees be- ing present, it was moved that the funds originating from that branch of the said united congregation, formerly wor- 10
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AMWELL FIRST CHURCH
shipping at the Old House, be appropriated for the use of that branch. And that the funds originating from that branch of the said united congregation formerly worship- ing at the Stone House be appropriated for the use of that branch, to enable them to build a new house of worship in place of the Stone House, and for supporting the Gos- pel at that place as heretofore, in union with the Old House people. On this question the yeas and nays were called, and were as follows:
Yeas-George Dilts, Jacob Case and William Fisher. Nays-Titus Quick, Tunis Quick and Abraham Prall.
There being a tie vote the Trustees adjourned to meet at the same place March the 5th, for the further consid- eration of the matter. On the 5th of March they met ac- cording to adjournment at the house of Joseph Kugler and adjourned to meet the next day at the same place. Though no reason for this adjournment is stated the rec- ords show that March the 4th, notice was given in writ- ing by Tunis Quick and Abraham Prall, to George Dilts, President of the Trustees of the United First Congrega- tion, that they declined acting as Trustees of said cor- poration.
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The remaining Trustees of the United First Congrega- tion of Amwell, met at the home of Joseph Kugler, March 6th, agreeable to adjournment. A majority being present, to wit, George Dilts, Jacob Case, John A. Kendry and William Fisher, they proceeded to business.
"The motion which was before them February 28th, 1818, for appropriating the two funds of the two branches was called for and considered."
"When that part of the motion" (so reads the record)
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"for appropriating the funds originating from the branch worshipping at the Old House was taken up and consid- ered, and the question put, shall said funds be appropri- ated? the vote stood, Yeas-none; Nays-Jacob Case, John A. Kendry, William Fisher and George Dilts. Then that part of the motion appropriating the funds of the Stone House was taken up and considered. It was moved to appropriate these funds to the use of said branch, to enable them to build a new house of worship, in place of the Stone House, and for supporting the gospel at that place as heretofore, in union with those worshipping at the Old House.
Yeas-Jacob Case, John A. Kendry, William Fisher and George Dilts. Nays-None.
Paul Kuhl was, at this meeting of the Trustees ap- pointed manager of the funds in hand and such money as should be raised by subscription and to pay the sums ex- pended in building. At the request of Tunis Quick and Abraham Prall a meeting of the United Congregation was called to meet at the Stone House March 19th, 1818. At this meeting Captain John Schenck was chosen Moderator and John Kee, Clerk.
A motion was made by Jacob Young and seconded, That this United Congregation dissolve their present con- nection in order that each branch may choose Trustees for itself. Carried 34 to 6.
JOHN SCHENCK, Moderator. JOHN KEE, Clerk.
April 24th, 1818. The Trustees of the First English Presbyterian Church of Amwell met at their Church and received from George Dilts, late president of the First
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United Congregation of Amwell, the sum of four thou- sand four hundred and seventy-six dollars and seventv- cents, the funds belonging to the said First English Pres- byterian Church of Amwell. Also the books and papers belonging thereto and receipt given. These funds and books and papers were taken by Titus Quick, as presi- dent of the Trustees of the First Church.
Signed TITUS QUICK, President.
It will be noticed that our Church, here resumes its old name, as First Church of Amwell, which we now for convenience write Amwell First.
The Amwell Churches had been transferred to the Presbytery of Newton at its organization in 1817, in which connection they remained until 1839. When the separation took place between Amwell First, and the Stone House people, the latter assumed the corporate ti- tle of The United First Church of Amwell. This is stated on the authority of the minutes of the Presbytery of Newton. The Trustees of this United First Church went on with their building according to their previous action.
The lot of ground on which their present Church build- ing was erected, was given by Joseph Kugler. He was al- so made a member of the building committee. So says Rev. C. C. Converse.
The whole board of Trustees as given by Mr. Con- verse was Nathan Price, George Dilts, R. M. William- son, Jere Kershaw, Jacob Dilts, Joseph Kugler, William Fisher and Paul Kuhl, Treasurer. The collectors were Joseph Bishop and Elijah Wilson. This Joseph Kugler who gave the lot and at whose house the Trustees held
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se m cla sa to vi pre rel cor Pr 18 an was cite 181 rick him pear the Amy
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frequent meetings, was a great uncle of mine, my father Joseph Kugler having been named for him. He kept the tavern at the time at the Corner. And while I here re- cord his name in connection with the erection of the Church, I would be doing violence to my feelings were I not to add that building a Church and carrying on the liquor business seem to me to be directly opposed to each other, and I am thankful that society, as well as the Church, are now agreed in this opinion.
Both branches of the Old United First endeavored to secure Dr. Kirkpatrick's services as pastor. This speaks more than words to his honor. But the United First claimed that as Amwell First had failed to make the neces- sary arrangements for his support the succession belonged to them by right. And he accepted their call for his ser- vices in connection with Amwell Second, agreeing to preach alternately in their respective Churches. This relation continued until his death May 2nd, 1866. Ac- cordingly, Amwell United First made application to the Presbytery of Newton held at Greenwich October 6th, 1818, to be taken under their care as a district Church, and on the next day the call for Dr. Kirkpatrick's services was presented to him and accepted. The parties were cited to appear at the United First Church November 3rd, 1818, when the pastoral relation between Dr. Kirkpat- rick and Amwell First was dissolved. The salary due him, however, was not paid until six months later, as ap- pears from a receipt given by Dr. Kirkpatrick May Ist, 1819, as follows. Received of Titus Quick, president of the Trustees of the First Presbyterian Congregation of Amwell, the sum of two hundred and twenty-five dol-
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AMWELL FIRST CHURCH
lars for six months salary, due the Ist of November, 1818, together with seven dollars eighty-seven and a half cents, being six months interest on the same-$232.871/2.
J. KIRKPATRICK.
This closes Dr. Kirkpatrick's official connection with our Church. Yet during the long period of his pastorate in the neighboring Churches he was a frequent visitor to this Church, and greatly beloved by our people. So close- ly are these Churches related by location, ties of kindred and intermarriage; and so winning was the fatherly kind- ness of Dr. Kirkpatrick that such mutual regard and es- teem were as natural as they were delightful. A few words about Dr. Kirkpatrick are here in place as an in- tegral part of this history; but inasmuch as a memorial sermon and sketch of himself and ancestors have been published, my statement will be very brief.
Jacob Kirkpatrick, son of Alexander Kirkpatrick and Sarah Carle, his wife, was born August 8th, 1785. His birthplace was in the Valley of the Passaic, about six miles southeast of Basking Ridge, Somerset Co., N. J. His grandfather, David, son of Alexander Kirkpatrick, was born at Watties Dumfries Shore, Scotland, February 17th, 1724, and died at Mine Brook, Somerset Co. This great grandfather, Alexander, moved with his family from Scotland to Belfast, Ireland, after the birth of his son, David, in the latter part of the reign of George I, proba- bly about the year 1725 (Kirkpatrick memorial).
In the year, 1799, Jacob Kirkpatrick and Samuel L. Southard commenced the study of Latin in the School of Robert Finley, then pastor of the Church at Basking Ridge. They were soon joined in their class by Philip
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Lindsley and Theodore Frelinghuysen. These four con- stituted the first class in the Academy. They entered the Junior Class in the College of New Jersey in 1802. The president of the college at this time was the Rev. Samuel Stanhope Smith, D. D., LL.D .. John Maclean, M. D., was Vice-President. Besides these, there were only two tutors. The College had been burned the previous spring, and rebuilt during the summer. The walls were not yet sufficiently dry for occupancy when they entered and the students were obliged to room for a time with private families in the town. The class graduated in 1804. On graduation young Kirkpatrick entered his name as a stu- dent of law in the office of George C. Maxwell, Esq., of Flemington, at the same time teaching in the Academy at Somerville, N. J.
In the year 1807 he visited his home at Basking Ridge. There was a revival of religion in the Church at the time his former preceptor, Dr. Findley still being the pastor. Under the influence of this awakening and the influences of the Spirit, young Kirkpatrick's views and feelings be- came so changed, on the subject of religion, and his own duty, that he relinquished the study of law which he had pursued for three years and devoted himself to the work of the Gospel ministry. This was certainly no easy task to a man with Kirkpatrick's gifts from the temporal view of the subject. But he heard the call of the Master, and he obeyed. In order to prepare himself for the ministry he went to Freehold and became a student of Theology under Rev. John Woodhull, D. D. He remained here for two years. On the 13th of December, 1909, he was united in holy wedlock with Mary Sutfin with whose
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father John Sutfin, who resided near the Old Tenant Church, he took lodgings, while pursuing his studies for the ministry. This united couple were blessed with a large family of children, and they were spared to each other to celebrate their golden wedding and to look into the years beyond. The licensure of Mr. Kirkpatrick and the steps which led to his settlement over the Amwell Churches, have already been stated.
How this venerable man of God, like Paul, was in la- bors more abundant during his long pastorate of nearly fifty-six years, is known throughout the Church. During this period, extending from 1810 to the time of his death May 2nd, 1866, he preached more than 10,000 times, at- tended 900 funerals and married 705 couples. When he came to this charge, he informs us in his semi-centennial discourse, there were but 94 communicants in the whole charge. He also remarks that the first five years of his ministry appeared to produce but little fruit. During the first year the cloud seemed to be gathering over our politi- cal horizon, which burst upon us "in the declaration of War with Great Britain in 1812." The public mind was absorbed with the events of the day up to the Treaty of Peace at Ghent in 1815. During this period the public ear was open to news of Perry's victory on the Lake, or the saying of Lawrence "Don't give up the ship," in the attack on Baltimore or the "Burning of the Capitol at Washington." This state of things was followed with the period of revivals and the large and rapid increase in the membership of the Churches, receiving forty, sixty and over a hundred in a single year. In all, there were ten seasons of refreshing during his long and honored pastor-
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ate. Statistics furnished by Rev. William J. Wright, pastor of Amwell United First, and Rev. John Burrows, pastor of Amwell Second at the time of the publication of the memorial volume, show that six hundred and twen- ty-one were received into these Churches on profession during his ministry.
It will be interesting to follow these numbers with statistics covering nearly the entire period of Dr. Kirkpat- rick's connection with our Church.
I am indebted to Mr. Armstrong, stated clerk of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, for these statistics, and it will be remembered they embrace the whole charge. They are as follows:
18II. Total communicants at last report. II2 Died 2, added 15, total now. 125 Adults baptized 9, infants 16.
1812. Died I, removed I, added II, total. I34
Adults baptized 3, infants 13.
1813. Died 4, removed 2, added I, total. 129
Infants baptized 13.
1814. No report.
1815. Died I, added 4, total. I32
Adults baptized 3, infants IO.
1816. Died 3, removed 2, added 6, total. 133
Adults baptized 3, infants II.
1817. Which was the last report to the Presby- tery of New Brunswick-Removed I, added 5, total I37 Infants baptized 9.
This gives us the interesting statement that in six years 72 infants were baptized, while in the whole charge only
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42 members were added both by certificate and on profes- sion, which is three less than were added in this single Church with its greatly limited territory and numbers, during the first six years of my pastorate here, while we received in addition thirty-two by certificate. But soon after this the blessing came under Dr. Kirkpatrick's pas- torate in precious fulness, which through ten seasons of revival resulted in the ingathering of six hundred and twenty-one (621) for the whole pastorate. In addition to the abundant labors of Dr. Kirkpatrick in his extended charge, he rendered most valued assistance to a large num- ber of Churches and clergymen in different parts of the State, and also in Pennsylvania and New York. He was always a welcome preacher in these Churches, and con- tributed in this way largely to their growth. He was also an ardent friend and able advocate of the cause of Tem- perance. I remember him both as an evangelist, and as a lecturer on Temperance in the days of my boyhood in the old Kingwood Church. At these services his earnest pathos and tearful pleading made impressions that are lasting and beneficent.
Dr. Kirkpatrick was likewise largely instrumental in the organization of the Hunterdon Co. Bible Society, and always until his death, deeply interested and active mem- ber of the same.
This Society was organized October 16th, 1816, at the Old Stone Church of Amwell, then under his pastoral care. At its organization General John Beatty, of Tren- ton, a descendant, if not a member of this Church (Am- well First) being a son of Rev. Charles Beatty, and grandson of Gov. Reading, was made temporary chair-
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man. Hon. Samuel L. Southard was chosen President. General John Beatty, First Vice President. Dr. Jacob Kirkpatrick, Second Vice-President. Rev. J. F. Clark, our next pastor, Third Vice-President. Rev. Joseph Boggs, Fourth Vice-President. Peter I. Clark, Corres- ponding Secretary. Joseph Bishop, Recording Secretary, and John Q. Blackwell, Treasurer.
Perhaps no work in which Dr. Kirkpatrick ever en- gaged, will, in the end, prove to be so grand and far- reaching for the saving of men, as the part he took in connection with the Bible Society. But his labors are ended and he has long been at rest and his works do fol- low him.
Let us pause a moment by the grave of this venerable man. I think the sublimest act of his life, was, when, having nearly completed his studies for the practice of the law, in which honor and wealth awaited him, he turned aside, at the call of the Master, and gave himself to the Gospel ministry. Here equal if not more intense toil and hardship confronted him, with poverty, instead of riches as the sure result, although the honor that is his, could not have been greater in any other calling. But when once convinced that he was called to this service, he yield- ed himself with joyful obedience to preach the everlasting Gospel of Christ.
In this work he was faithful to the end. The burden of his soul was to persuade men to believe in Jesus Christ. To this he gave his time and his strength, and for this he used all the powers of his being. He preached to the con- science of his hearers. He pressed upon them the require- ments of the law. He held up before them the matchless
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love of our gracious Saviour. He yearned for their sal- vation and would plead with sinners with the truest, tenderest emotion. When they yielded, he was happy.
This was his joy and crown of rejoicing. I requested Dr. Samuel M. Osmond for many years a colleague, to give me his impressions of Dr. Kirkpatrick as a man, and a preacher of the Gospel. He wrote me, "It is now more than forty years since I was the colleague of Dr. Kirk- patrick. You will see in the Memorial Volume, pp. 65- 71, my views and impressions of him as they were penned many years ago. I can now only say that these impres- sions remain unchanged, unless it be that the favorable es- timate which I then sought to convey has been more and more confirmed and intensified with my wider experience and my observation of other men, ministers especially, with whom I have had occasion to compare him or invol- untarily to measure his rare excellence, goodness, purity of life, devotedness to his work, generosity, and nobility of character." I am confident that this estimate of the blessed man of God who gave his long life to the service of his Redeemer and ours, in these Amwell Churches, will receive from all who knew him and especially from those who listened to his earnest and tender appeals, a very hearty concurrence, Servant of God, Well done. We loved thee when living, and we love thy memory still.
A list of the supporters of Mr. Kirkpatrick at the commencement of his pastorate over this United Con- gregation is here given. It is headed: Half year salary due May Ist, 1810:
William Bellis, Sen., Jacob Sutfin, Sen.,
Cornelius Wyckoff, Jonathan Hill,
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John Finley, Sally Schenck,
Dr. John Brown, James Rowlin (Rowland ?) Daniel Carrol,
Jacob Young, Wid. Wm. Mary Schenck, Abraham R. Sutfin, Isaiah Stout,
Garret Schenck,
Richard Williamson, John Smith,
Peter Young, Sen., Jacob Case, Esq., William P. Young,
Peter Dilts, Andrew Bearder,
William W. Young,
Henry Young,
John P. Young,
Abraham Williamson,
Jacob Kershaw,
John P. Quick,
Jacob Case,
William Young Weaver,
Isaac Hill, Isaac Prall,
Enos Lanning,
Jeremiah Kershaw,
Joseph Higgins,
Tunis Quick, Jr.,
Abraham Gulick, William Prall,
Paul Kuhl, Sen.,
John Schenck, Captn. Leonard Cool,
John Skillman,
John Young, John Key,
Derrick D. Sutfin,
Morcah Probasco, David Bishop, Titus Quick,
Doctor Craven,
Joseph Craven,
Jacob Sedam,
George Dilts, Jacob Dilts, Widow John R. Schenck,
Peter Risler, Esq.,
Leonard Cool, Sen.,
Ralph G. Schenck,
Henry Williamson, Christopher Kuhl,
Jonathan Hoagland, Mathias Housel, Peter Prall,
Jacob J. Johnson,
Polly Van Hise, Jacob Fisher, Abraham Prall,
Nathaniel Wilson,
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Jacob Schenck, William G. Schenck, William Fisher,
Isaac Taylor, Nathan Price, Tunis Quick, Sen.
Jacob Young, Sen.,
Jacob J. A. Young,
John J. A. Young,
Collectors- George Dilt's list. $38.69
Lewis Chamberlin,
Jacob Case's
38.28
Widow Rebecca Schenck,
Wm. Fisher's 30.71
Peter H. Young, Paul Kuhl, Jr., $107.68
The subscriptions in the above run very low, caused doubtless in part by the large amount of funds held by the Church. These are Semi-annual subscriptions. The largest one is by David Bishop $3.00. The smallest is .33 of which there are several. Prevailing amount runs from $1.17 to $1.75 with five above $2.00 besides David Bishop's. There are 80 in all.
To complete the list as time went on, November, 1810, add John Kee and Jeremiah Geary. In 1812, Amos Hartley; November, 1812, Widow of Nathaniel Wilson ; 1813, James Sutphin, Polly Williamson and Elizabeth Young. Collectors for 1813 were Captain John Schenck, salary $3.13, also David Schenck, Titus Quick. 1814 collectors, Jacob Case, George Dilts, William Fisher and add Widow Henry Williamson. 1815, we have Dr. John Kendry. November, 1815, is the last time the Church has the subscription of David Bishop. February 5th, 1816, Trustees met at the house of Joseph Kugler and settled with the executors of David Bishop, deceased, late President, and received all the books belonging to the
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First United Congregations of Amwell, and also received from the executors $1,424.25, being the balance due said United Congregation (Old Book, p. 73).
PERIOD III. THE MODERN PERIOD, 1820-1900.
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PERIOD III.
THE SEVENTH PASTOR, THE REV. JOHN FLAVEL CLARK, 1820-1836.
As stated heretofore at a meeting of the United First Church March 19th, 1818, at the Stone House, it was decided to dissolve the connection existing between the German Church and the First Church, in order that each branch might elect Trustees for itself. We have no record of the trustees chosen, as the result of this motion. It is only stated that the Trustees of the First English Presbyterian Church of Amwell met at their meeting house April 24th, 1818, and that Titus Quick, President of the Trustees, received from George Dilts, late Presi- dent of the United Church, the money and books belong- ing to the First Church. Also that John P. Quick, Thomas Wilson and Tunis Quick were collectors of the salary to pay Mr. Kirkpatrick, who continued to serve the First Church as pastor, as heretofore until November. This implies that these three persons, together with Titus Quick, were four of said Trustees.
The congregation of the First Church met October 12th, 1818, with Jacob Young as President and John Kee as Clerk, in order to make arrangements to meet the Presbytery of Newton in conformity with their citation. The meeting then adjourned to meet October 26th. The following commissioners were then appointed to attend the meeting of the Presbytery of Newton the first Tues- day of November next, viz .: Tunis Quick, Enos Lanning, Abraham R. Sutphin, Jacob J. Young and John Kee.
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The commissioners were instructed to use their endeavors to perpetuate the connection with the Second Church of Amwell in support of a minister of the gospel. This was an adjourned meeting of Presbytery and was held No- vember 3d at what was then the United First Church, which was the corporate title assumed by that Church after it severed its connection with Amwell First. As you know, the effort to continue the connection with the Second Church for the support of a pastor did not suc- ceed. Amwell First was thus left alone and without a pastor.
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