Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 103

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360

USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y. > Part 103

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cluding business men and their families, young people, and those who had previously given up the habit of at- tending church, besides a multitude of strangers from all parts of the land; and, best of all, a church of morc than thirty-one hundred active members, the largest in the world. Type gives him two Continents for a church, and the English-speaking world for a congre- gation. One hundred papers in Christendom statedly publish his sermons and " Friday-night talks," exclusive of the dailies of the United States. To pulpit labors of this responsibility should be added considerable pas- toral work, constantly recurring lecturing and editorial labors, to fill out the public life of a very busy man. He is the author of Crumbs Swept Up, The Abomina- tions of Modern Society, Around the Tea-table, and many published volumes of sermons. He was also cditor of the Christian At Work, of the Advance, and now edits the Sunday Magazine, contributing likewise to other periodicals.

Personally, Dr. Talmage is unassuming and a man of vivacious temperament, of pleasant address, easy to approach, and a sincere friend

1064

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

Clinton Street Presbyterian Church (formerly First Pres- byterian Church-Old School) .- That portion of the congre- gation of the First Presbyterian Church which seceded in 1838, worshiped in the Court-house for about a year. In 1439 '40, they erected a new church edifice on the corner of Fulton and Pineapple sts. It was a Gothic brick structure, 55 by 65 feet, and cost, including the ground, $-10,000, It was one of the tinest church edifices in the city. In 1850, it was taken down, and the materials used in the construction of the present church, on the corner of Clinton and Reisen sts., which was completed in 1853. The seating capacity is 900.

Rov. Melancthon Williams Jacobs was installed as the Arst Pastor of this congregation in the autumn of 1839, and was dismissed, on account of ill health, Oct. 21, 1851. His labors hore were faithfully prosecuted, in the midst of diffi- eulties which few young ministers have encountered and overcome. During nearly two years after his departure the pastorate was vacant, and the congregation in a very unset- tled and distracted state. The present Pastor, Rev. Henry J. Van Dyke, was installed on the 29th of June, 1853, and within ten years the society expended about $12,000 in the im- provement of the church building, and extinguished their lebt. In 1868, the interior was remodelled, at an expense of about $18,000.

This First Presbyterian Church (Old School) and the South Presbyterian Church (New School), which worshiped at the corner of Clinton and Amity sts., and was for 28 years umder the pastoral care of Rev. Dr. Samuel Spear, in December, 1875, were consolidated. Both churches technically dis- banded, and reorganized under the title of the Clinton Street Presbyterian Church, For eighteen months the congrega- tion worshiped in the two buildings alternately, and then voted to have their permanent home at the corner of ('linton and Remsen sts. Some time after, the building at the corner of Clinton and Amity sts, was sold to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church. The object of the consolidation was to reduce the number of Presbyterian churches on the Heights. Dr. Van Dyke remained Pastor of the consolidated church.

In December, 1882, at the request of the Second Presbyte- rian Church, on Clinton st., near Fulton, another consolida- tion was effected, and the two were united under the title of the New Second Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Dr. Van Dyke and Rev. Arthur Crosby as collegiate Pastors.

The Fourth Presbyterian Church (New School) was or- ganized at Gowanus, by the third Presbytery of New York, in February, 1838. A house of worship was erected soon after, and the Rev. Robert R. Kellogg was installed June 4. 1839, by the Presbytery of Brooklyn. He was dismissed in December following, and the congregation being few, and oppressed with debt, the church was dissolved by the Presby- tery, May 9, 1842, and, subsequently, the building was pur- chased by the Third Dutch Church.

The Fifth Presbyterian Church (New School), which was first organized in Brooklyn, was entirely distinct from the congregation which subsequently existed under the same name. It had its origin in the schism which occurred in the infancy of the Second, or Central, Dutch Church.

The seceders, with their Pastor, Mr. Tappan, organized as a Congregational body, and subsequently removed to a church which Samuel A. Willoughby built, and ded. May 30, 14:30. At the same time, the church changed its order, com- ing under the care of the Brooklyn Presbytery, as the Fifth Pres. Church. Mr. Tappan left in 1839, and was succeeded by Rev. Absalom Peters, D. D., as supply. After a few. werks, preaching ceased; and the church was disbanded.

The Fifth Presbyterian Church (New School) was an en- tirely distinct organization from the preceding. The Rev.

George Duffield, Jr., was ordained in January, 1841, in the church on the corner of Pearl and Willoughby sts., built in 1837, by S. A. Willoughby, Esq., and occupied by the first- mentioned Fifth Presbyterian Church. Shortly after, a church was formed of twenty members. The building is 70 by 40 feet, and cost $10,000, It is now used as an anction sales-room.

The Sixth Presbyterian Church (New School) was gath- ered, but never legally organized, at the Wallabout, January 26, 1840, by a committee of the Brooklyn Presbytery. Rev. James Knox labored here about three months. After his departure, the church became extinct, although it continued to have a nominal existence for about three years, two of its elders and most of its members giving the Wallabout that church.

The Free Presbyterian Church (New School) was or- ganized March 22, 1841, and the Rev. Russell J. Judd in- stalled Pastor the 1st of May following. He was dismissed in the autumn of 1843 ; and, in the spring of 1844, the Rev. Edward Reed was installed, and served about a year. Sub- sequently, this congregation purchased the edifice erected by the Second Baptist church, on the corner of Tillary and Law- rence sts. In the spring of 1845, the church, having become vacant, unanimously agreed to change their order and be- come Congregational.

The First Presbyterian Church (New School), E. D., org. with fifteen members, under the Presbytery of Brooklyn. May 26, 1842. Shortly afterwards, its members became divided on the subject of abolitionism, which resulted in the (lismission of four male and three female members, who sub- sequently united in the formation of a Congregational so- ciety. At first dependent upon occasional supplies, the con- gregation received an element of permanence, by the instal- lation, June 13, 1843, of Rev. Joseph Rawson Johnson, who had labored with them during the previous November. In Feb., 1844, when their number amounted to eighty-six, a proposition to transfer their relation to the Old School Pres- bytery, of New York, again divided the feelings and opinions of the church; and, finally, three elders and twenty members were, at their own request, dismissed, March 29, 1844, for the purpose of organizing another church, to be placed under the New York Presbytery. In April, 1845, Mr. Johnson was dismissed from his pastoral relations, and was succeeded by the Rev. James W. McLane, who was installed September 2, 1845. During his pastorate, in 1848. a new church edifice was erected on South Fourth, corner of Sixth st., of brick, and with a lecture-room on the rear, two stories high and facing on Sixth st. Dr. McLane died in Feb., 1864, and was succeeded by Rev. Joseph 11. Robinson 1864 to 1865; Rev. Samuel Carlisle, 1866 to Oct .. 1870; Rev. J. Glentworth Butler, D. D., 1871 to May 1, 1873; Rev. S. Millet Ilegeman preached, June 1873, to July, 1874, but was not settled as Pastor ; Rev. William Guthrie Barnes, Der .. 154. till Nov., 1876; Rev. Thomas Crowther, from April 3, 1577, to his death, Oct. 10, 1877 ; Rev. Aaron Peck, from 1875 to Ort. 16, 1881. Rev. H. II. Northrop is the present Pastor.

South Third Street Presbyterian (Old School), cor of Fifth st., orig. in the second secession from the First Church previously mentioned. They first assembled for divine wor ship, on the 7th of April, 1844, in the public school-room o District No. 1. The (Okl School) Presbytery of New York on the 19th of April, org. a church of twenty-seven mem bers, and Rev. N. S. Prime was engaged as stated supph. April 22, 18H, trustees were elected and the congregation incorporated as The Presbyterian Church of Williamsburgh. Rov, Eugene P'. Stevenson was installed as Pastor February 20, 1815; meetings being held in the public school-house, cor

1065

ECCLESIASTICAL ORGANIZATIONS.

SOUTH THIRD STREET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

0. hird and Fifth sts. A new church edifice on So. Third nFifth sts. was first occupied on Thanksgiving, December . 15. and dedicated on Sabbath, May 10, 1846. This edifice (brick, 62 by 75 feet, with a projection of 12 by 20 feet or tower and steeple; the land costing $630, and the build- 1g 16.000, together with a parsonage costing $3,800. In the ol wing year, the house adjoining the church, and occu- it as a parsonage house, was built. Mr. Stevenson was ice led by the Rev. John D. Wells, who was ord. October . 49, and is still the Pastor.

] 1852, and several times since, extensive repairs and im- rements have been made in the interior of the church. ri this church have been colonized the Christie St., the "hop Are., and the Ross St. Pres. churches: yet the parent a ost none of its vigor or iufluence. Rev. N. W. Wells has As-istant Pastor siuce 1881.

v. JOHN D. WELLS, D. D., born at Whiteborough, N. Y., 8 ; grad. Union Coll., 1838, and Princeton Theol. Sem., 8 : Trustee of Princeton Theol. Sem., 1878; on Board of Miss., 1861; Vice-Pres. of same, 1871; on Board of Con- r N. Y. State Colonization Soc. ; preached in private chapel f. Lenox. Esq., 1844; Mission Chapel. N. Y. City, 1845-6: ior of Lust Week in the Life of Davis Johnson, Jr., Lle Walter of Nyalusing: sermons and pamphlets ; lo- ad in Brooklyn, Jan., 1850.

The South Brooklyn Presbyterian Church (New School) was org. Sept. 18, 1842, with sev- enty-two members, and the Rev. Samuel T. Spear, Pastor, May 14. 1843. Their first place of vorship was a school-house on Pacific street, which they purchased and occupied till their beautiful edifice, on Clinton, corner of Amity street, was completed in August, 1845. Its dimensions were sixty by one hundred and fif- teen feet, including a lecture-room in the rear, and its whole cost was about $28,000. In 1875, it was consolidated with the first Presbyterian Church (Old School), and the United Society took the name of Clinton Street Presbyterian Church.

The Wallabout Presbyterian Church (Old School, now Franklin Ave .- The Wallabout village, now East Brooklyn is nearly a mile to the eastward of the Navy Yard, the aucient Waale-boght. Prior to the years 1828 and 1830. this territory lay in farms. The Primitive Meth- odists, in 1836; the Episcopalians, in 1837 : and the Presbyterians (New School), and Dutch Re- formed in 1840, attempted to occupy the ground, but all fa led. In 1842, Rev. Jonathan Green- leaf commenced missionary labor here, and in December, 1842, a church was organized under the above name. In January, 1843, it was legally constituted ; and, in February, Mr. Greenleaf became the Pastor. He was succeeded, after his death, April 24.1865, by Rev. Wm. A. Fer- guson, and he, January 1, 1868, by Rev. Samuel P. Halsey. A lot of ground on Franklin, near Myrtle ave., was presented for a church edifice, by Mr. Greenleaf and wife, on condition that no debt should be incurred in the erection of the honse. The building was commenced in March, 1844, and dedicated in March, 1845. The cost was $55,000, exclusive of bell, chimneys, carpets, lamps, fence, etc., which were contributed by individuals. It is now known as the Franklin Avenue Presbyterian Church. Rev. Samuel P. Halsey, Pastor, until June 30, 1883.

Siloam Presbyterian Church (colored), org. July 25th, 1847, under the Presbytery of Brooklyn with about ten mem- bers. The congregation first worshiped in a hall in Fulton st. Then the house of a mission in Prince st. was purchased by the Presbytery, in 1854, for $4,000. In 1868, the house was enlarged, and a basement was built, at an additional cost of $4,000.

Ministry :- Revs. A. N. Freeman, 1852-'60, and 1863-84; Charles H. Thompson, 1860-'3.

The church has been nniformly prosperous, owing to the untiring efforts of the Pastor, Rev. A N. FREEMAN, who was born in New Jersey, 1809; ordained m Portland, Me., 1841; came to Brooklyn, April, 1852.

The City Park Chapel, originally org. as the City Park Union Mission Sabbath-school, July, 1848, at a prayer meet- ing held at the residence of Mr. Kellogg, in Willoughby st. Its first officers were: Isaac N. Judson, Superintendent, John T. Davenport, Assistant Superintendent, and Thomas S. Simmons, Secretary and Treasurer. Its first session was held on the third Sabbath in July, 1848. Its rapid increa -( demanded larger accommodations; and, in the spring of 1851. the association was organized which purchased lots on Con- cord. near Gold st., on which was erected the building now occupied by the Children's Home. The first board of trustees of this association was composed of the following gentlemen

1066

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

THE OLD FRANKLIN AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. (See previous page).

viz .: Austin Melvin (Congregationalist), Thomas S. Simmons Methodist), Silas R. Beebe (Baptist), John T. Davenport, Timothy Dauney and Isaac N. Jndson (Presbyterians). Mr. Judson, after six years' service, was succeeded in the super- intendency of the school by Mr. Nathaniel M. Terry, for about six years: followed by Mr. A. A. Smith for a year; and, in May, 1864, by Mr. A. M. Earl; and in May, 1868, by Mr. R. J. Dodge. Then the vicinity began to be occupied by the schools of individual churches, so that the union principle became less effectnal, and those interested in the P. M. U. S. School felt that a church organization would better accom- modate the people of the neighborhood in which the school was located. Accordingly, an organization was effected, composed of persons mostly from the First Presbyterian Church, but was eventually disbanded. the teachers continu- ing to labor in the mission school. In the spring of 1862, the school was transferred to the charge of the First Presbyter- ian Church ( Henry st.), which had furnished a greater part of the teachers, and most of the funds for the mission. In Feb., 1866, a new building was erected by the trustees of the First Presbyterian Church, on lots adjoining the old one, at a cost (including a handsome organ) of nearly $21,000. In January, 1867, the session of the First Church extended a unanimous call to the Rev. Charles Wood, who accepted the call, entering upon his charge in February following, and still continues Pastor. Since that time the enterprise has continned to flourish. More than a hundred members have been added to the First Presbyterian Church, by profession of their faith, through the instrumentality of this chapel.

In 154, the chapel was enlarged by an addition to its an- chtorimn, making its seating enpacity about 100; and it was further improved by the addition of rooms for infant classes, aud alcoves for adult and Bible classes. The cost of these improvements was $6,000. A connuodiousreading-room was fitted up, in 1590, at the expense of Mrs. James Sheklon. In this room, which is comfortably warmed and cheerfully lighted, many young men gather nightly, some of whom

formerly spent their evenings on the street corners, er more demoralizing places.

Rov. CHARLES WOOD, born in Salem, N. J., 1519. gra Lafayette Coll. (Pa.), 1846, and Princeton Theol. Sem., 1s was Vice-Pres. of Alumni Assn., 1878-9: located at F. Hill, Black wood, N. J .; City Park Chapel, B'klyn, 1567 83.

The Lawrence Street Presbyterian Church,-In 1572. 1 Associate Reform Presbytery of New York established mission in Brooklyn, where they soon organized a churc The young organization not having been supplied with ro ular preaching, or a fixed place of worship, was frequent reduced to the verge of dissolution.

In 1858, the church called the Rev. Adam Mcclelland become their Pastor, and moved from their hall in Fro street to an edifice purchased from the Congregational Met odists, cor. Lawrence and Tillary streets.

In 1875, a union was effected with the Fort Greene Presl terian Church, Dr. MeClelland continuing as Pastor of t united congregation. Shortly after the consolidation t united congregation sold the edifice in Lawrence st. to : Casimir's (Catholic) Church.

German Evangelical Pres. Church .- In 1853, Rev. Jol Neander, a German missionary among the Jews 10 No York city, at the request of seven Germans in Brookly commenced a series of religions meetings here at priv houses. And, being authorized by the Board of Ford Missions, in whose service he then was, he org. n church 1853, under the care of the New York Presbytery IA were secured cor. Leonard and Stagg sts. (E. D).), on whi a neat brick building was erected, and dedicated Oct. 14, F at a cost of $9,000, mostly furnished by George Dongl Esq., of Finshing, L. I. It has since been enlarged, aod now called the First German Presbyterian Church.

Ainslie St. Presbyterian Church was organized Out 1854. It has had to date six Pastors: 1854 '56, Rev. C \ lodge: 1857-'58. Rev. Albert Biglow; 1859-66, Rev. J. MeDougal, Jr .: 1866-70, Rev. John Hancock; 1970-2%, R

1067

ECCLESIASTICAL ORGANIZATIONS.

M. Buchanan; 1878, to date, Rev. Jos. G. William- on, Jr.

The congregation, since its organization, has worshiped 1 but one building, a frame structure, enlarged from time ) time, at the corner of Ewen and Ainslie sts. It was rected in 1854. The property consists of five lots, a church lifice and a parsonage. The seating capacity of the church : 500. The present membership is about 600. The Sabbath- chool has 500 scholars and 50 teachers.

The Westminster Presbyterian Church (New School), rg. in a hall on the corner of Court and Sackett sts., Jan. 1, 1856, with 61 members. A frame chapel was first erected n the present site, and dedicated on the third Sabbath of fay, 1856; the enterprise received a strong impetus in 's early work from the able ministry of Rev. Roswell D. Hitchcock, D. D., who supplied the pulpit from the first abbatlı in Feb., 1856, until the first Sabbath of May, 1857. n Oct., 1857, the Rev. Hugh S. Carpenter was installed, ud dismissed May, 1870. In 1858, the present building was ommenced, and with a temporary roof and front, the au- litorium was occupied for divine service the second Sabbath n October of that year. In October, 1867, the new church difice, facing on Clinton street, corner of First place, was inished and dedicated.

Mr. Carpenter was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. J. Clement French, D. D., installed March, 1872, dism. Nov., 876; and he by Rev. James M. Ludlow, D. D., installed Oct., 1877.

Rev. JAMES M. LUDLOW was born at Elizabeth, N. J., 1841; grad. from Princeton Coll. in 1861; and from Princeton Theol. Sem., 1864. In the fall of 1864, he was called to the First Presbyterian Church at Albany. In 1868, he succeeded Dr. Duryea in the Collegiate Reformed Church, New York, dur- ng which time their elegant church was erected. Dr. Lud- low is a scholarly man, earnest and persuasive, stimulating und effective. In 1881, he visited Europe and the Holy Land; he is a contributor to various religious papers and periodicals.

The John Knox Presbyterian Church was commenced on the corner of Fulton avenue and Adelphi street, May 4th, 1856; and a church organized June 12th, by the Presbytery of Nassau, with sixteen members, eight of whom were males. The Rev. Lorenzo Wescott was ordained Pastor, October 16, 1856.

Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church .- May 16th, 1857, a meeting of several gentlemen was held at the house of Mr. Edward A. Lambert, Clinton avenue, to consult in reference to the formation of a Presbyterian church in the 11th Ward, to be under the care of the Presbytery of Brooklyn. A com- inittee was appointed, and on the 16th of June a public meeting was licld in the church on Carlton avenue, occupied by the Park Congregational Society, when it was unanimously re-olved to organize a Presbyterian church, as contemplated in the resolution of May 16th, and arrangements were im- mediately made to purchase and occupy the building in Carlton avenue, near DeKalb; the Park Congregational Church (worshiping there) having resolved to disband.

Trustees were elected, and the congregation organized under the corporate name of "The Park Presbyterian Church." On the 29th of June, a constitution was adopted, and a petition was presented to the Presbytery of Brooklyn to organize said church.

The Presbytery, on the 9th of July, met in the church, Carlton avenue, and duly constituted the church-16 males and 32 females being received from various churches. Messrs. N. W. Burtis, Josiah Widnell, and Harrison Teller, M. D., were chosen Elders, and John Rhodes and Ralph Hunt, Deacons.

Soon after the organization, the church engaged the ser- viccs of the Rev. Roswell D. Hitchcock. D. D., who continued to occupy the pulpit until January, 1859. In the spring of 1858, the congregation had so increased that it was found necessary to enlarge the accommodations, by extending the building toward DeKalb avenue, thus furnishing seats for some 750. On the termination of the services of Rev. Pro- fessor Hitchcock, the Rev. Lyman Whiting, of Portsmouth, N. II., occupied the pulpit until August, 1859.

On the 7th of February, 1860, the Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler was unanimously elected Pastor, and, having accepted the call, entered upon the duties of Pastor on the 8th of April, and was installed by the Presbytery of Brooklyn, on Tues- day evening, April 24tli.

In the spring of 1861, a new church edifice was commenced on the corner of Lafayette avenue and Oxford street, and was completed in March, 1862. The building is of Belleville free-stone, and in th , Romanesque style; it is one hundred and forty-six feet in length, and eighty-six in width. The height of the spire is one hundred and ninety-five feet. The auditorium contains three hundred and four pews, and will accommodate 1,800 persons; with seats in the aisles it holds 2,300. Above the lecturc- room and Pastor's study are spacious Sabbath-school rooms, ninety feet in length. The whole cost of the ground and of the cdifice did not exceed $60,000.

After the completion of the new cdifice, the name of the church organization was changed to that of the " Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church." Its present membership numbers 1,575.

" Olivet Mission " has a chapel on Bergen street, near Sixth avenue, and a flourishing Sabbath-school. "Cumber- land Street Mission," long connected with this church, has been organized into the Fort Greene Presbyterian Church, under the pastoral charge of Rev. Dr. McClelland. Over one hundred members of the Lafayette Avenue Church were dismissed to form this organization, and "Calvary Chapel " was presented to theni for their use.

The chapel crccted as a memorial of the revival of 1866, in Warren street, near Fifth avenue, and opened in November of that year, was organized into a church by the Presby- tery of Brooklyn in 1867, as the Memorial Presbyterian Church.

In the summer of 1881, a house near the church was pur- chased and taken down; and on its site, church parlors were erected. Over these, and over the lecture-room, a Sun- day-school room was added, 100 by 53 feet, with a seating capacity of 1,000. This was opened on Christmas, 1881. The cost of these improvements was $35,000.

Rev. THEODORE L. CUYLER, D. D., born in Aurora. N. Y., 1822; grad. Princeton Coll., 1841; Princeton Theol. Seni., 1846; located in Burlington, N. J .; Trenton, N. J .; New York city; came to B'klyn, April, 1860; author of Empty Crib, Thought Hives, Pointed Papers, Nile to Norway, Cedar . Christian, Stray Arrows, Heart Life, etc .; also of published sermons; is widely known as a powerful worker in cause of temperance, and of Sunday-schools.

The Cumberland Street Chapel (near Myrtle avenue) was established in connection with Lafayette avenue Presbyterian Church, and was afterward erected into the Fort Greene Presbyterian Church.

The Genevan Presbyterian Church (Okl School), Gates avenue, corner of Hunter strcet, was org. by the Presbytery of Nassau, June 12, 1856, under the name of the Greene Ave- nue Presbyterian Church, and so continued until June, A. D. 1864, when its place of worship was removed from Greene avenue, corner of Clermont avenue, to its present place, where

1068

HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

LAFAYETTE AVENUE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

1069

ECCLESIASTICAL ORGANIZATIONS.

le church edifice was completed and dedicated, June 19, 364, and at the request of the church, and by order of the esbytery, the title was changed to the name of the Genevan resbyterian Church of Gates avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y.

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Civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the County of Kings and the City of Brooklyn, N. Y., Part 103

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909. Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : Munsell Number of Pages: 1360

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909.
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : Munsell
Number of Pages: 1360