History of Rockland County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 49

Author: Cole, David, 1822-1903, ed. cn; Beers, J. B., & co., New York, pub
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > New York > Rockland County > History of Rockland County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men > Part 49

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Rev. George H. Wallace, a graduate of the Union Theological Seminary, of New York, was installed as pastor, October 3d 1877, and remained with the church three years.

Rev. J. Elwy Lloyd, the present pastor, is a native of Wales. He came to America in 1868, was graduated In 1839 the old stone church was torn down and a new wooden structure was built on the same site. This from Princeton College in 1874, and from Princeton Seminary in 1877. He was installed pastor of the church building, enlarged and greatly improved, is the present at Nyack, June 14th 1881. The ruling elders are: D. D. church.

Demarest, Seth B. Cole, George G. De Witt, Merritt E.

Rev. Jared Dewing continued to supply the two Sawyer, William H. Jersey, and Edmund Hyatt. The churches until 1841, when a request was made to the deacons are Thomas Tasman and John A. Sickles. The church and parsonage are valued at about $25.000. The Sunday school numbers about 160 scholars, and is under the superintendence of E. H. Cole. Presbytery of New York to dissolve the union between the two societies. This request was granted, and the church at Nyack became a separate organization. Rev. Charles M. Oakley was installed as pastor, October 25th The First Reformed ( Dutch) Church .*- For many years after the settlement of Nyack its inhabitants were in- cluded within the bounds of the congregation of the Re- formed Dutch Church of Clarkstown, then known as the Church of New Hempstead. The people were thus com- pelled to traverse a distance of about ten miles, in going and returning, in order to enjoy the services of the sanc- tuary. 1841. He continued with the church for three years, and was followed by Rev. Joseph Penny, D. I)., who was installed November 30th 1843. Dr. Penny's pastorate continued till April 1847, when, at his own request, it was ended. Next came the pastorate of Rev. Isaac S. Davison, who began his labors here October 26th 1847. He is said to have been " an excellent preacher, a faith- ful pastor, a sincere Christian." During his pastorate a parsonage was built and the church was repaired and held at Paramus, Bergen county, N. J., April 30th 1811, improved. .

"In 1848, the church sustained a great loss in the death of Elders John Van Houten and Robert Hart, two of the original and most prominent members of the Ses. sion. Elder Hart is especially mentioned as a man of considerable learning, excellent ability, extensive ac- quaintance with Scripture, and of devoted piety."

The pastorate of Mr. Davison terminated October 19th 1852. His successor, Rev. Joseph Cory, was installed May 31st 1853. Mr. Cory remained in charge of the church for a period of fourteen years. November 25th 1867, Rev. Francis L. Patton was duly installed as pastor of the church. Under the care of this eloquent young man the congregation grew rapidly, and soon became so large as to require a larger house of worship. The building was raised and enlarged, and the basement was fitted up for a Sabbath school and lecture room. Mr. Patton remained with the church for three and one half years. He became pastor of a large church in Brooklyn, afterward accepted a professorship in the Theological Seminary at Chicago, and is now a professor in the The- ological Seminary at Princeton, New Jersey.

The next pastor was Rev. A. M. Wylie, who was in- stalled in May, 1872. During his pastorate he labored assiduously to increase the interest in church work. The parsonage was enlarged at an expense of $4,500, and many additions were made to the membership of the church. September 19th 1876, Mr. Wylie was dismissed from the pastorate at his own request.

After this the church was for some time without a pastor, During this time Sunday services were sustained

At the regular spring session of the Classis of Paramus, a number of families residing in the vicinity of Green- bush, now Blauveltville, belonging to the congregations of Clarkstown and Tappan, presented a petition request- ing the Classis to organize them into a congregation. In order to obtain fuller information concerning the matter, the Classis adjourned to meet at Greenbush on the first Tuesday of June to confer with the Consistories of the churches of Clarkstown and Tappan, and, if practicable, to obtain their consent for the organization of a Reformed Dutch Churchi at Greenbush:

The meeting was held, according to appointment, on June 4th, when the Consistories of the churches of Clarkstown and Tappan reported that at a meeting of the united congregations of those churches, held May 27th 1811, it was decided that the request of the people of Greenbush could not be granted.

" The following reasons were assigned for the refusal: I. That a congregation ought not to be erected in the midst of two organized congregations, to the detriment or loss of either of the others.

2. That if this application should be granted to the people of Greenbush, similar applications may be brought forward from other quarters of the congregations, for or- ganizing them also, and thus ruin the churches of Tap- pan, and New Hempstead, at Clarkstown.

" Signed,

" NICHOLAS LANSING, " WILLIAM SICKLES."

From the second of the reasons here assigned, it seems probable that there was uneasiness in " other quarters of

*Prepared by Rev. William H. Clark, Pastor.

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HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.

the congregation," and that this uneasiness was mani- fested by the people of Nyack. For after endeavoring building, and a meeting was held on June ist, to take steps for the furtherance of that object. At this meeting the following action was taken:

in vain to secure consent for the organization of the church at Greenbush, the Classis enjoined it upon the Consistories of Tappan and Clarkstown "to furnish said people with the preaching of the Word as often as prac. ticable, and that the supplies be rendered at the Acad- emy at Greenbush, and at Nyack equally, and in the En- glish language." The Classis further directed, " that the turns at Greenbush shall not be when there is stated ser. vice at Tappan, nor at Nyack when the stated service is at New Hempstead."

The various ministers of the Classis were appointed to preach in turn at these places.

The appointments for Nyack were as follows: The Rev. Nicholas Lansing for the first Sabbath in July; the Rev. Solomon Froeligh for the second Sabbath in Sep- tember; and the Rev. Samuel Bogart for the third Sab- bath in November.

This arrangement failed to give satisfaction, and at the spring session of the Classis, held at Ramapo, on Tues- day, April 28th 1812, the people of Greenbush again pre- sented a petition, requesting the organization of a church.

This was met by a communication from the combined Consistories of Tappan and Clarkstown, stating that they had instructed their delegates to the Classis " to oppose the request from Greenbush with all their might."

In view of this radical difference of opinion, the Clas- sis determined to refer the matter to the Particular Synod of New York, for decision. This body met in the city of New York, on May 5th, and after careful con- sideration of the case, advised the Classis to endeavor to · prevail upon the Consistories of Tappan and Clarkstown to grant the petitioners from Greenbush and Nyack as many supplies as they wish. And in case of the refusal of said Consistories, the Classis was advised "to proceed to the organization of the people of Greenbush and Ny- ack, and furnish them with supplies."

At a special meeting of the Classis, held July 16th 1812, the matter was again brought up, Mr. Abraham Blauvelt, representing the Greenbush and Nyack peti- tioners, called the attention of the Classis to the action of the Particular Synod of New York. A motion that the petition of these people be granted was offered, but the opposition was so strong that the measure was de- feated. Thus the Classis refused to heed the advice of the Synod, and grant the request of the people of Green. bush and Nyack. In consequence of this refusal, a Pres. byterian church was at once organized at Blauveltville, and a Methodist church at Nyack.

For many years after this there is no record of any attempt to organize a Reformed Dutch church at Nyack.

In the year 1830, some of the members of the church of Clarkstown, residing at Nyack, in consequence of the inconvenience occasioned by their remoteness from the church, began holding religions services at Nyack on the afternoons of the Lord's Day. At first these services were held in the Presbyterian church, and afterwards at private residences, or at the Mansion House.

In the year 1835, it was determined to erect a church

" Whereas, A number of the inhabitants of the village of Nyack, and friends of the Reformed Dutch Church consider it necessary that a Honse of Public Worship be erected in said village for the accommodation of the Re. formed Dutch population and others who may associate with them.

" Resolved, that we do hereby promise and agree to pay the sums of money, or work the days of labor, or both, set opposite our respective names, for the building of said house."

Among those who were most active and earnest in the effort to build the church was Peter Smith, Esq. He donated a valuable plot of ground, being that on which the church now stands, for the erection of the house of worship; being moved thereto, as he says in the deed conveying the property, " in consideration of the affection he hath for the Reformed Dutch Church, and also for the better encouragement of said Church."

At a meeting held June 20th, Tunis Smith, John Ly- decker, Abram A. Tallman, and Cornelius F. Smith were appointed Trustees to receive and hold the property, and these gentlemen, with Peter Smith, were also constituted a committee to superintend the erection of the church building. A sufficient amount having been pledged to warrant the commencement of the work, ground was at once broken and the foundation laid.

The corner stone was laid by the Rev. John Knox, D. D., one of the pastors of the Collegiate Church in New York city.

The building committee made a contract with Mr. Thomas Burd to do all the carpenter's work upon the edifice for $1,550, and the structure was completed with. in a year from the time of its commencement.

In June 1836, the church was dedicated to the service of the Triune God, the Rev. Dr. Knox preaching the sermon and conducting the services of dedication.

There was as yet no attempt to organize an independent church at Nyack, and for nearly two years the enterprise was carried on as a branch of the church of Clarkstown.

The Rev. Alexander H. Warner was at this time the pastor of that church, and he preached regularly in Nyack on the afternoon of each Lord's Day.

In January 1837, Mr. Warner resigned his charge at Clarkstown and became pastor of the First Reformed Church of Hackensack, N. J.

In April 1837, the Rev. Peter J. Quick became pastor of the church of Clarkstown, and he continued the ser. vices at Nyack which had been instituted under his pre- decessor.

In 1838 the congregation at Nyack became strong enough to support a minister, and at a meeting held at the house of Simon Van Antwerp on February 9th of that year, it was resolved to make application to the Classis for the organization of a church. Abram A. Tallnan, Henry House, and Cornelius T. Smith were ap-

217

the church of Clarkstown, and also to present to the Classis the petition for organization. The Consistory of the church of Clarkstown seem to have been nien of more liberal ideas than their predecessors of twenty-five years previous, for at a meeting held in March 1838, " upon mature deliberation, they unanimously agreed that it would tend to the advancement of the Dutch Church to have a congregation organized in the village of Nyack."

The Classis of Paramus, at a meeting held April roth, jamin Van Zandt, who at that time was the pastor of the Reformed church at Kinderhook, Columbia county, New York.

granted the request of the people of Nyack, and ap. pointed a committee, consisting of the Revs. W. Eltinge, Isaac D. Cole, and Peter J. Quick, to carry their action into effect. These clergymen visited Nyack, April 24th 1838, organized the church, and ordained the following persons as officers:

Elders .- Tunis Smith, Peter Smith, Abram A. Tall- man.

Deacons .- Henry House, Cornelius C. Blauvelt, Ed- ward Felter.

In September, the church called the Rev. Philip M. Brett to be its pastor. He was ordained to the ministry and installed as pastor of the church on Wednesday, September 12th. The sermon on the occasion was preached by the Rev. Philip Milledoler, D. D., the grand- father of Mr. Brett, and the president of Rutgers Col- lege.

The ministry of Mr. Brett continued till August, 1842, when a bronchial affection compelled him to resign his charge, and seek a residence in a milder climate. He removed to St. Thomas, one of the West India Islands, and became pastor of the Reformed Dutch church there. In 1846, he returned to the United States, and took charge of the Mount Pleasant Reformed Church, a new enterprise in Fiftieth street, New York city. In 1851, he became pastor of the Reformed church, in Tompkins- ville, Staten Island, where he remained until his death, in 1860.

After the resignation of Mr. Brett, the church of Ny- ack sought another pastor without delay. At a meeting of the Consistory, held August 31st 1842, it was resolved to call the Rev. Charles S. Hageman, who had just com- pleted his theological studies at Princeton, New Jersey. Mr. Hageman accepted the call, and was ordained to the ministry, and installed as pastor of the church, Septem- ber 28th 1842.

Under his ministry the church was greatly prospered. The congregation increased till it became necessary to enlarge the church building. This was resolved upon at a meeting of the Consistory, held February 20th 1850.

The edifice was rebuilt, a new front being added, and the building enlarged laterally, affording two additional rows of pews. The work was completed during the year, and the new edifice was dedicated January 7th 1851. The Rev. George W. Bethune D.D., pastor of the Reformed church on the Heights, Brooklyn, preached a most im- in Chicago.

pressive sermon on the occasion, from Psalms, XXVII, 4.

In November, 1852, Mr. Hageman resigned his charge,

Dr. Hageman remained in Poughkeepsie till 1870, when he removed to Freehold, New Jersey, and became the pastor of the Second Reformed Church. Resigning this charge in 1878, he returned to Nyack, where he now (1884) resides.

In January, 1853, a call was extended to the Rev. Ben-

Mr. Van Zandt accepted the call, and was installed as pastor of the church on the evening of Tuesday, April 19th 1853. In June, 1856, he resigned his pastoral charge, and becanie president of the Rockland Institute, a seminary for young ladies, at Nyack. He remained here for two years, after which he again engaged in min- isterial labor.

In 1862, he became pastor of the Reformed Church of Canajoharie, New York. He received the degree of Doctor of Divinity, from Union College, in 1866.

In 1869, he became pastor of the Reformed Church of Leeds, New York, remaining there till 1878, when he re- moved to Catskill, New York, where he now resides.

After the resignation of Mr. Van Zandt, the church of Nyack remained without a pastor for nine months. Calls were presented to the Rev. G. H. Mandeville, of Flush- ing, Long Island, and the Rev. Cornelius Van Cleef, of New Hackensack, New York, but neither of these cler- gymen was willing to leave the church where he was then settled.

In January 1857, the Rev. Daniel Lord was invited to become pastor of the church.

Mr. Lord had been pastor of the Reformed Church of Piermont from 1847 till 1850, but at this time was settled in Henderson, Herkimer county, New York.

He accepted the call, and was installed as pastor on the evening of Wednesday, March 11th 1857.

The deep religious interest which prevailed throughout the land was felt at Nyack, and on April oth, the first communion season after the installation of Mr. Lord, twenty-nine persons were received to the communion of the church on confession of their faith, and seven by cer- tificate.

In February 1860, Mr. Lord, having received an ur- gent call to return to his former charge in Henderson, requested to be released from the pastorate. His request was granted, and he terminated his labors in Nyack, May ist. Returning to Henderson, he labored there till 1864, when he removed to Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he became pastor of the South Congregational Church. In 1869, he removed to Chicago, Illinois, and was settled over the Calvary Presbyterian Church. He resigned this charge in 1873, and engaged in the practice of medicine

In 1878, he returned to Henderson, and for the third time assumed the charge of the church in that place. He

ORANGETOWN-CHURCHES OF NYACK.

pointed a committee to consult with the Consistory of and removed to Poughkeepsie, having received a call to the Second Reformed Church of that city. In 1862, he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from his alma mater, Rutgers College.

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HISTORY OF ROCKLAND COUNTY.

still resides there, and continues the practice of medicine nation were first held in Nyack in 1806, in the old school in connection with his ministerial labors.

On April 21st 1860, a call was presented to the Rev. Uriah Marvin, then residing in Brooklyn, New York, to become pastor of the church. Mr. Marvin accepted this call, and was installed as pastor on the evening of June 19th. He continued his labors in Nyack for more than ten years, resigning his pastorate September 16th 1870. Shortly afterward he removed to Troy, New York, where he has since resided.

During the year 1870, the church was again repaired and enlarged. To do this it was necessary to purchase additional ground. The premises adjoining the church had for several years been occupied as a residence by the pastor. This property was purchased, and thus the space necessary for the proposed alteration obtained. The edifice was enlarged by an addition of eighteen feet in the rear, and the work was completed in the spring of 187 1.

The Rev. Henry V. Voorhees was called to the pastor- ate in November 1870. He accepted the call and en- tered upon his labors in January 1871, though his instal- lation did not occur till the spring session of the Classis of Paramus, which was held in Nyack, April 21st.

The ministry of Mr. Voorhees continued till April Ist 1878, when he resigned his pastorate and removed to North Branch, Somerset county, New Jersey. In April 1881, he removed to Princess Anne, Maryland, where he has since resided as pastor of the Presbyterian church.

In September 1878, the Rev. W. A. McCorkle, D. D., of the Presbyterian church, was engaged as a stated sup- ply. He ministered to the church in this capacity till April 1881, when he removed to Ypsilanti, Michigan, and became the pastor of the Presbyterian church in that place.

On May 31st 1881, a call was extended to the Rev. William H. Clark, who at that time was the pastor of the Broadway Reformed Church, of Paterson, New Jersey. Mr. Clark accepted the call, and was installed as pastor on the evening of Thursday, June 30th; the Rev. George S. Bishop; D. D., the pastor of the Reformed Church of Orange, New Jersey, preaching the sermon on the occa- sion.

The relation then formed, which still continues, has proved most happy, and is attended with great prosper- ity, both temporal and spiritual.

Such, in outline, is the history of the First Reformed Church of Nyack. Although its organization was post- poned for a quarter of a century by the short sighted policy of those who should have been most prompt and earnest in seeking the establishment of a new church of their own order, and, notwithstanding the vicissitudes which it has witnessed, it has been brought in safety through all perplexities and perils. Its growth has been healthy and constant. At the present tinie it is stronger than at any previous period in its history. It is thor- oughly harmonious, and has bright prospects for con- tinued prosperity and usefulness.

Nyack Baptist Church. The services of this denomi-

house and were conducted by Elder Daniel Steers, at that time pastor of the Baptist church at Middletown. After Elder Steers death little was done in the church until 1838. In that year a consultation was held by Elders Williams of Hempstead, Torbit of Piermont, and Griffiths of Middletown, and it was resolved by them that a Baptist church be established at Nyack. For about two years after this, meetings were held in a building which stood where Union Hall was afterwards built. The work was abandoned because it was feared that the establish- ment of a church here would injure the one already estab- lished at Piermont. For some time afterwards only oc- casional meetings were held in private houses.

On Monday evening, December 19th 1853, a meeting was held at the residence of Williain Miller, for the pur- pose of considering the propriety of organizing a Baptist church in Nyack. The meeting was presided over by Rev. Joseph W. Griffiths, and resolutions were passed favoring the organization of the First Baptist Church of Nyack. Thursday February 2d 1854, the church was duly constituted with 13 members, viz .; Rev. Joseph W. Griffiths, Jeremiah Youmans, Abraham Ackerman, Wil. liam Miller, William Emeny, Jolın V. Burr, Maria Acker- inan, Susan Skidmore, Jane M. Emeny, Rachel Miller, Sophia Smith, Phebe Skidmore, and Sarah C. Burr.

The church continued to meet in Union Hall for about three years, Elder Griffiths officiating in the morning and Elder Martin in the afternoon. In December 1854, the church called Elder Martin as its resident pastor. In {854 also, a lot on Broadway was purchased of Smith Tallman, for $350. In course of time a church edifice, costing about $3,000, was built. This building was ded- icated August 19 1857. The first deacons were William Miller, Jeremiah Youmans, Abraham P. Campbell, and William Emeny, and the first regular board of trustees consisted of Jeremiah Youmans, Abraham P. Campbell, and John V. Burr. The pastorate of Elder Martin con- tinued until October Ist 1857. While here he baptized 11 persons and received by letter, 20.

The Rev. Thomas T. Devan became pastor December 2d 1857, and remained till June 1862, during which time he received by baptism 36, and by letter 25. The first death of a member of this church was that of Dr. Whip- ple, which occurred in December 1859.

From November 30th 1862, to May 1864, Rev. B. H. Benton occupied the pulpit. He was followed, March 18th 1865, by Rev. Frederick Greaves, who remained un- til April 1867. Next came the short pastorate of Rev. James W. Fraser, from October 13th 1867 till March 1868. Rev. R. T. Middleditch became pastor in August 1868, and remained till July 1869.

In October 1869, Rev. Frederick Greaves again be- came pastor. During his stay here, the church enjoyed great prosperity and many new members were added. The first baptism in the church building occurred March 6th 1870, six persons being baptized at that time. Mr. Greaves resigned in April 1873.

Rev. N. B. Thompson became pastor, May 28th 1873,

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ORANGETOWN -CHURCHES OF NYACK.

and remained until June 1875. After this the church was without a pastor for one year, when Rev. J. K. Wil- son accepted a call. He remained till February 1878. The pastorate of Rev. J. G. Shrive began in 1878, and ended one year later.

October Ist 1879, Rev. J. H. Gunning commenced his labors as pastor of the church. Under the able efforts of this earnest and eloquent speaker a decided change in the condition of the church occurred. A great revival took place and continued for more than two years, many new members being received. Attendance at the church services rapidly increased in numbers, and the little church was soon inadequate for the accommodation of the congregation. In 188t it was rebuilt at a cost of about $10,000. The present edifice-a handsome brick structure-was dedicated January 12th 1882. The pas- torate of Mr. Gunning closed December 28th 1883, when he resigned, and accepted a call to the Harvard Street Church, Boston.

A short time after the resignation of Mr. Gunning the church extended a unanimous call to Rev. J. L. Camp- bell, of Cheltenham, Ontario. Mr. Campbell accepted the call, and became pastor of the church, March Ist 1884.

The present membership of the church is nearly 300. The Board of Trustees is as follows: George F. Morse, President; Charles Theis, Secretary; William H. Bald- win, Henry Kessler, and George Caywood.

The Sunday school connected with the church was in existence previous to 1853. The first superintendent was John V. Burr. In September 1878, George F. Morse was chosen as superintendent, and continues to hold that position. The school is in a very prosperous condition under his superintendence, and numbers about 250 scholars.

Grace Church (Protestant Episcopal), Nyack .- Epis- copal services were first held in Nyack in Union Hall, early in 1859, by Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, of Piermont. The establishment of an Episcopal church was effected through the efforts of Rev. Franklin Babbitt. He came here from Tarrytown with a determination to make this place the field of his labors, and began the work of build- ing up a congregation. In October, 1861, he began to hold regular services in the school room of Professor Rutherford's Academy, now Rockland College. A neat chapel with a seating capacity for 200 was soon com- pleted, and was first occupied in February, 1862. Through the earnest and well directed labors of the rector thie con- gregation steadily grew in numbers and strength till the little chapel was too small for its accommodation. August 25th 1869, Bishop Potter laid the corner stone of the new church edifice. The building was consecrated by Bishop Potter, May 30th 1882. It was designed by the rector but it is still incomplete. When finished it will be by far the handsomest church edifice in Nyack. It is of stone and of the early French style of architecture. The church property is valued at $50,000, and consists of two build- ings and six and one-half lots. The church has no debt. Mr. Babbitt began work here in 1861 with a congrega-

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History of Rockland County, New York : with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Part 49

Author: Cole, David, 1822-1903, ed. cn; Beers, J. B., & co., New York, pub Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Cole, David, 1822-1903, ed. cn; Beers, J. B., & co., New York, pub
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York : J. B. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 993