USA > New York > Orange County > Newburgh > Newburgh; her institutions, industries and leading citizens, historical, descriptive and biographical > Part 26
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He gives himself unsparingly to church duties and faithful minis- tration in all church services. He is zealous in laboring for the ex- tension of that church to which his vows have been given, and to engage in every form of missionary work. He is ever ready to min- ister to those who are in " sickness, sorrow, or any other adversity."
The membership of St. George's Church has largely increased under his pastorate, and so has its financial strength. He has aided in organizing many societies for church work and for purposes of charity.
The organization of St. George's Mission Chapel, now the Church of the Good Shepherd, has been greatly promoted by his earnest labors. There and in the old parish church of St. George's will be found the enduring record of his work.
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH.
This church was organized in 1827, by the Rev. George Mat- thews. The meeting was held at the house of Cæsar Saylor, in Montgomery Street. The society was placed under the care of Father Seymore. Brothers Woodsell (white) and Joseph Cole, exhorters, assisted in the church. The Rev. Jacob Matthews, pastor of the A. M. E. Zion Church, New York, afterward took charge of the society, and sent his son, the Rev. George Matthews, to preach to the people.
In 1832 the Rev. William H. Bishop took charge. Religious services were held from that time at Lewis Beattie's house, in South Water Street. Afterward they moved to the basement of the Catholic Church, in Liberty Street. In 1833 a lot was purchased from John W. Knevels, on which the church building was erected under the pas- torate of the Rev. William H. Bishop. The following persons composed
the Board of Trustees-Peter Schoonmaker, James Moore, Cæsar Say- lor and James Fortune.
From 1834 to 1847 the following ministers had charge of the church-Rev. Messrs. William Serrington, Samuel Serrington, Daniel Vanderveer, George Garnet, Edward Bishop, John Tappan, Richard Norris, James Hall, Henry A. Thompson and John Dungy.
In 1847 the Rev. Joseph P. Thompson (now Bishop Thompson), took charge of the church as Presiding Elder of the District, having under him the Rev. R. T. Eastep.
In 1848 the Rev. J. P. Thompson took full charge by appointment. He had the church incorporated, and paid $50 on the indebtedness of the church to Captain Robinson. The following persons were elected trustees at the time: Lewis Beattie, Stephen Wood, John Saylor, James Livingston, Cæsar Saylor, John King, Stephen Ajon.
In 1850 the Rev. Samuel Giles became the pastor, and continued in that relation till 1851. The Rev. Peter Rose was pastor from 1851 to 1853. The church was rebuilt under his pastorate. He was as- sisted by the Rev. John Washington.
In 1856-57 the Rev. James Livingston was in charge, but died during the term. The Rev. J. C. Spence filled the unexpired term.
In 1858 the Rev. Joseph P. Thompson was again appointed to the charge. He paid off the debt and finished the vestry of the church.
At a watch meeting, held in December, 1860, a number of rioters made an attack upon the church, broke down the door, and com- mitted other depredations. The Rev. Mr. Thompson had the of- fenders arrested, and they paid Stoo to settle the matter.
AFRICAN M. E ZION CHURCH-Washington Street near Liberty Street.
In 1862 the Rev. Jacob Trustee was pastor. The watch meeting was again disturbed and broken up; this time by a band of soldiers.
In 1863 the Rev. William H. Decker was appointed pastor. During this year Dubois B. Alsdorf assisted the pastor in having the church painted. New blinds were put on, stoves bought, the church insured, and the debt paid off.
In 1866 the Rev. Moses Manning was pastor of the church.
In 1867 the Rev. Joseph P. Thompson took charge of the church for a third time. During that year he purchased the organ, which is now in use.
In 1870 the Rev. Jacob Thomas, pastor, enlarged and rebuilt the church at a cost of $2,487.02. It was re-dedicated by Bishop Clinton, assisted by the Rev. Joseph P. Thompson.
In 1871 the Rev. Gabriel Rice, the next pastor, paid $210 on the debt of the church.
In 1873 the Rev. Henry Dumpson was appointed pastor two years.
In 1875 the Rev. Nathaniel Stubbs was pastor. During the year the bond and mortgage on the church of $1,000 was paid, through the efforts of Valentine Robinson and Charles B. Alsdorf (both of whom are now deceased), in commemoration of which a jubilee was held in the church in February of that year.
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In the year 1876 the Rev. William H. Decker was appointed pastor the second time, for three years.
In 1879 the Rev. N. H. Turpin filled the unexpired term of the Rev. M. H. Ross.
In 1880 the Rev. J. A. Evans was appointed for one year.
In 1881 the Rev. J. B. Small was pastor, serving from May to November. Part of 1881 and 1882 the Rev. John V. Givens had pas- toral charge. He raised $200 on the debt of the church.
In 1883 the Rev. John Jones was appointed to the charge. During his time the church was repainted.
In 1884 the Rev. T. W. Johnson was assigned to the church. He paid several insurances and a number of scattering debts, serving three years.
In 1887 the Rev. Alfred Day took charge, keeping up the insur- ance.
In 1888 the Rev. R. H. Stitt was appointed pastor, and com- menced to actively engage himself in building up the condition of the church. His energy and excellent method of working won the hearty co-operation of the church and sister church- es. Having the support of Bishop Thomp- son, an appeal was issued to the public, and after several months of untiring effort the Rev. Mr. Stitt succeeded in cancelling the entire debt of the church-$800, and putting on a new roof. The jubilee was celebrated on the 16th day of March, 1890, that being the fifty-sixth anniversary of the church.
Mr. Stitt was succeeded by the Rev. E. J. Miller, who served till April, 1891. The present pastor is the Rev. W. H. Abbott.
The Rev. Dr. Osbon, father of the present pastor of St. John's M. E. Church, this city, assisted by Cornelius Smith, mer- chant, greatly assisted the Rev. Mr. Ross to build the church during his time. The Rev. Robert Ritchie, father of editor Ritchie, of the Journal, always interested himself in the church during the Rev. Mr. Thompson's absence, and was most highly respected and heloved by all. After the labors of Joseph Cole, who owns the property on the corner of Dubois Street and Broadway, James H. Phillips has been a constant help to the church, preaching and speaking whenever called upon. Charles Estabrook, City Li- brarian, has devoted many years in assist- ing the officials of the church and especially the Sunday school. His work has been the foundation of much good. The church has passed through many troubles. Three times it has been taken from the hands of the Sheriff by Bishop Thompson while others were pastors.
RIGHT REV. JOSEPH P. THOMPSON has resided in this city for many years. The highest honors of his church have been con- ferred upon him, and in his official capacity he has exerted a wonder- ful influence with his people, and done much to elevate their moral and social condition.
Bishop Thompson was born in slavery, at Winchester, Va., December 20, 1818. He ran away from his master while yet a youth, and found a home with a kind-hearted man in Pennsylvania. He was brought up in a good family, under moral and religious influences, and encouraged to improve all the advantages that could be afforded him for his future welfare. He was sent to night school and per- mitted to attend the district school during the Winter months, and thus acquired a common-school education. He was naturally studious, loved books, and early determined to qualify himself for some useful vocation in life.
Although his opportunities were limited, he was ambitious and re- solved to enter a profession or calling where he could help his less-
RIGHT REV. JOSEPH P. THOMPSON.
favored people. It so happened that he had the opportunity to study medicine with a physician residing at Middletown Point, now Matawan, N. J., a study which he has continued through life. But serious thoughts of preferring holy orders to any other profession gave a happy turn to his mind, and he decided in favor of the min- istry.
He read theology under the direction of the late Rev. Dr. Mills, of Anburn, a privilege which he has often mentioned to his friends with an indelible sentiment of gratitude. He was licensed to preach in 1839, and attracted much attention and drew large crowds to hear him. His sermons were delivered with animation and zeal.
In 1853 he was sent by his church to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he preached with acceptance, and found great demand for his med- ical skill. In this he was so successful that he concluded to return to "the States " and take a regular course in a medical college. He succeeded in this resolve, and graduated from the University of Med- icine, in the City of Philadelphia, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine, his diploma bearing date April 1, 1858.
Since then he has devoted his life to the service of his church and people, equally competent to preach the gospel and admin- ister to the sick and dying. By precept and example he has tanght and encouraged his people, and been to them a benefactor and faithful friend. He has served almost all the churches in the Zion connection along the Hudson, and was three times pastor of the Zion Church in this city.
His faithful and efficient services have not been unrewarded, and in July, 1876, he was consecrated to the Bishopric of the A. M. E. Z. Church, in the City of Louisville, Ky. This distinguished mark of confidence and esteem on the part of his denomina- tion, at once commended him to the atten- tion and respect of all other sects and creeds, and he has become one of the most popular and honored men in the ministry. Officials at Washington have frequently conferred with him on public measures, especially on affairs in the South. In 1881 he was invited to England, and, by special request, read a paper before the Ecumenical Conference of Methodist Episcopal Churches convened in London from all parts of the world.
During the last fifteen years he has been engaged in his duties as a Bishop, a posi- tion of great importance and responsibility. Mrs. Thompson, the partner of his youth, is still spared to him. She is a most estimable woman, deeply interested in her husband's life-work, and for many years past the treasurer of the missionary funds of their church. They have one daughter, the wife of Professor D. B. Alsdorf, residing in this city.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The first organization of a Baptist church in the village of New- burgh was in the year 1821. This society maintained a feeble exist- ence until some time in the year 1828, when it dissolved. The pres- ent church was formally reorganized by a council convened in the brick meeting-house of the Methodist Society, December 24, 1834. The constituent membership numbered thirteen. The early years were those of struggle and discouragement, but they were bravely met and safely passed. The growth that followed these has been sure if not swift, until the church now has a membership of 430. It raises annually for church expenses and regular denominational be- nevolence about $6,500.
After its reorganization in 1834 the congregation held services in a building in Liberty Street, called the McIntosh house, and after- wards it occupied the old Methodist church in Liberty Street, corner
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of Gidney Avenue, which building was purchased by the society. It was sold in 1842 for $925, and the society worshipped in Washington Hall. In 1849 the erection of an edifice was commenced at the corner of Montgomery and Fourth Streets. It was opened for public worship in the Spring of 1850. It was occupied till 1860, when it was sold to the United Presbyterian Church.
The present home in South Street was dedicated August 15, 1860. The structure is of brick and contains an audience room with a seat- ing capacity of 600. Beneath this are the rooms used for the Sabbath school and social gatherings. The tower and spire are 175 feet high. The cost of the property has been about $30,000, and it is free of debt.
The pastors since 1860 have been the Rev. Isaac Westcott, the Rev. G. W. Lasher, the Rev. Lyman Wright, the Rev. E. W. Bliss, the Rev. John Q. Adams, and the present pastor, Rev. Arthur Jones.
..
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH-South Street near Grand Street.
The officers of the church are : Deacons-Solomon Watts, James T. Lawson, Thomas Coldwell, Lewis M. Smith, Edgar C. Barnes, and Frederick W. Parsons; Church Clerk-Albert W. Mapes; Board of Trustees-James T. Lawson, Lewis M. Smith, Edgar C. Barnes, John W. Matthews, Edward C. Ross, Charles T. Goodrich and Charles J. Lawson; Treasurer-Charles J. Lawson; Clerk of Board of Trustees-Edward C. Ross; Superintendent of Sabbath school- Charles J. Lawson ; Secretary-Frank H. Embler ; Treasurer- Frederick W. Parsons.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MISSION.
The Mission of the First Baptist Church began with a Sunday school and weekly prayer meeting, held in a vacant store on the south side of Broadway west of William Street. The first session was in June, 1881. Great success attended the effort, and in December, 1883, the commodious brick chapel corner of William and Ann
Streets was completed at a cost of about $8,000, and dedicated free of debt; Steele Harrison, mason; George Moshier, carpenter. The constant growth of the Sunday school made enlargement necessary,
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MISSION-Corner of William and Ann Streets.
and in the Fall of 1889 the extension for the primary class was com- pleted at a cost of $2,200. The average attendance of the school is now over 300. In addition to the Sunday school session, a morning and evening Sunday service and two week-night prayer meetings are sustained. Mr. Warren O. Barnes was the missioner in charge of the work, commencing in the Fall of 1881, and was succeeded in August, 1888 by the Rev. W. E. Webster, who resigned in July, 1889. The next was Edward A. Tuck, who resigned in July, 1891. The pres- ent officers are: Missioner in charge, Rev. M. G. Coker; Committee- the Rev. Arthur Jones, James T. Lawson, Thomas Coldwell, Lewis M. Smith, Edgar C. Barnes, Lewis Burhans, Frederick W. Par- sons, Charles H. Peirson, Charles J. Lawson; Superintendent of Sun- day school-Edgar C. Barnes; Assistant Superintendent-Lewis Bur- hans; Secretary-Gotleib Muhleman; Treasurer-Frank M Johnston.
REV. ARTHUR JONES was born in South Trenton, Oneida County, N. Y., March 20, 1850. He was graduated from Hamilton College, Clinton, N. Y., in 1873. For five months he was on the staff of the Troy Times. He then entered Ham- ilton Theological Seminary, from which he was grad- uated in 1875. While in the sem- inary he, for one year, filled the place of Dr. Lewis, professor of Belles- lettres, while that gentleman made a tour around the world. In the Summer of 1875 he was settled as pas- tor of the Baptist Church at Water- ford, N. Y., where he continued till March, 1879, when he became pas- tor of the First PHOT D. WHIDDIT.
REV. ARTHUR JONES.
NEWBURGH.
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Baptist Church at Newburgh. Mr. Jones married in 1874 Maria Moore, second daughter of Michael Moore, of Trenton Falls, N. Y.
AMERICAN REFORMED CHURCH.
In October, 1834, Rev. William Cruickshank was sent to New- burgh to found a Dutch church, and in five months had succeeded so far that it was deemed wise by the Classis of Orange to organize one. The beginnings were feeble and the prospects not flattering. There were at that time seven churches in a population of 5,000. The meeting for organization was held in the Associate Reformed Church, corner of Grand and First Streets, of which Dr. McCarrell was then pastor, on Tuesday, February 24, 1835, at 11 a. m. The male applicants to the Classis for the organization assembled at Io a. m., at the house of John W. Knevels, in William Street between Ann and Washington, and elected Isaac Belknap, Thomas G. Stansbor- ough, Isaac A. Knevels and John W. Knevels, elders; and Cornelius Bogardus, Thomas Jessup, Daniel Corwin and Albert Wells, deacons.
At the subsequent meeting at the church the Rev. Mr. Vanderveer, of New Hurley, preached the sermon, the Rev. R. P. Lee, of Mont- gomery, performed the ordination service, and the Rev. Mr. Van Vechten, of Blooming Grove, addressed the people. Twenty-six per-
was followed by an address by the Rev. Thomas DeWitt, D. D .; the service concluded with prayer and the benediction by the Rev. Sey- mour Landon, of the M. E. Church. Service was held in the basement Sabbath, November 13, 1837, and on the 7th of December following the church was dedicated, the officiating clergy being the Rev. William Cruickshank, the pastor; the Rev. Dr. DeWitt, the Rev. R. P. Lee, the Rev. William S. Heyer and the Rev. F. H. Vanderveer. The proceeds of the first sale of pews were about $3,000.
The church edifice is of Grecian architecture, is built of stone, stuccoed, and was originally 50x80 feet, with a portico of 20 feet, making a total depth of 100 feet. The first cost, including lot, etc., was about $20,000. Mr. Warren, of New York, was the architect, Gerard & Halsey, masons; A. Whitemarsh, carpenter. The church was surmounted by a massive dome, which was afterwards removed.
The parsonage was built in 1851, at a cost of $3,277, and was after- ward enlarged at a cost of $5,000. The church was enlarged in the Fall and Winter of 1867-68, by an addition of 20 feet and the tran- sept, giving an andience room of 100 feet in depth and 82 in width at the transept. The improvements were from plans by J. E. Harney, architect, and cost about $22,000. The church was reopened for ser- vice April 19, 1868.
The health of Rev. Mr. Cruickshank, the founder of the church, failed, and he resigned December 28, 1837. There were forty mem-
MON-LO:
AMERICAN REFORMED CHURCH-Corner of Grand and Third Streets.
sons were received into communion. Ten thousand dollars was soon subscribed for a church edifice ($9,000 of which was raised by Mr. Cruickshank in New York City), and the beautiful site at the corner of Grand and Third Streets purchased. Contracts were awarded in September.
The consistory having invited Rev. William Cruickshank to be- come the pastor; he accepted, and was installed October 22, 1835. The service was held in the Academy, then occupied by the church for regular worship. After the installation the congregation moved in procession to the foundation walls of the church in the following order: 1. The Building Committee. 2. The Consistory, 3. The officiating clergy. 4. The clergy at large. 5. Congregation. 6. The citizens in general. The corner-stone was then laid. The Rev. William Cruickshank read a history of the organization of the church, and a list of the contents of the corner-stone; the Rev. William S. Heyer offered prayer; the box was set in the stone by Elder Isaac Belknap, who made some feeling remarks; the Rev. Dr. Broadhead delivered an address standing on the top of the stone buttress, and
bers at that time. The Rev. Isaac M. Fisher was then for a few months the pastor, and in October he too resigned because of failing health. The material prosperity of the church became seriously af- fected by the general financial depression of 1837-38, and in April, 1839, the property was sold and purchased by Daniel Farrington, on behalf of the creditors, for $10,053. An arrangement was soon after made by which Matthew V. B. Fowler became the purchaser in trust for the church. May 17, 1839, the Rev. F. H. Vanderveer became the pastor and served the church till 1842. September 13, 1842, Rev. A. B. Van Zandt was installed, and served for seven years, and the church prospered greatly under his ministry. There were 135 members in 1849. Then for nearly a year the church was without a pastor, but on January 27, 1850, the Rev. Malcolm A. McLaren was called and served till February, 1859, and the Rev. G. H. Mandeville succeed- ed him. In May, 1859, the congregation resumed possession of the property, after it had been held in trust for them by Mr. Fowler for twenty years. During Mr. Mandeville's ministry of ten years the membership increased from 166 to 297. It was during the closing
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years of his pastorate that the church was enlarged and made as we see it to-day. The Rev. W. H. Gleason became the pastor in May. 1870, and during his term the parsonage was enlarged, the debt of $20,000 reduced to $5,000, and the membership increased from 297 to 504.
In September, 1876, the Rev. J. Halsted Carroll became the pastor, serving five years, and during his term there were added to the church 173. In April, 1882, the Rev. H. V. S. Myers was called, and in May was installed. He resigned in January, 1891. and was succeeded by the Rev. R. H. Beattie.
On Sabbath, November 5, 1882, the entire debt of $9,000, with interest for one year, was pledged when the Rev. F. B. Savage, of Union Church, made the effort to lift the debt. In December, 1883, the last payment on the debt was made.
The church has a membership of about 400; number in Sabbath school, 200; Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor. 70. Benevolent agencies connected with the church: Ladies' Missionary Society, Ladies' Aid Society, Sabbath School Missionary Society. The members of the Consistory are as follows: Elders-Linus Ostrander, Uriah Traphagen, Jacob Chatfield and David L. Whit- beck. Deacons-Ambrose Bradley Edward T. Bogardus, Andrus Dewitt and Gilbert Calyer.
REV. HENRY VAN SCHOONHOVEN MYERS, D. D., was born in the City of New York, May 27, 1842. He was prepared for college at the Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, and entered the Uni- versity of the City of New York in September 1860. In March, 1863, he entered the sophomore class of Williams College and graduated,
M.N.C.
REV. H. V. S. MYERS, D. D.
receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts in August, 1865. In the Summer of 1868 he received the further degree of Master of Arts from the same institution. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred by the University of the City of New York. Dr. Myers began his ministerial service in the Spring of 1870 as assistant minister in the. Prospect Hill Reformed Church of New York City. In January, 1871, he became pastor of the Reformed Church of Upper Red Hook,
Dutchess County. Thence in October, 1874, he was called to the South Reformed Church of Brooklyn, where he officiated for seven and a half years. In May, 1882, he became the pastor of the Ameri- catı Reformed Church of Newburgh, and continued its pastor until January, 1891. He is now the pastor of the Union Reformed Church in Sixth Avenue, New York City.
REV. ROBERT H. BEATTIE, pastor of the American Reformed Church, is the youngest son of the late Rev. R. H. Beattie, D. D., of New Hurley, Ulster County. His early education up to the time of his entering college was carried on at home under his father's imme- diate supervision, and in the Autumn of 1881 he was regularly matricu- lated in the fresh- man class at Princeton.
Upon his grad- uation in 1885 he was chosen as in- structor in the Syrian Protestant College at Beirut, Syria, where he taught four years, and during the lat- ter two years held the position of principal of the preparatory de- partment in that institution.
During his resi- dence in the East, Mr. Beattie travel- led widely in Pal- estine and Syria, besides making tours in Egypt, REV. ROBERT H. BEATTIE. Greece, aud other parts of the Levant. In the Summer of 1889 he returned to the United States and entered upon his theological course at Princeton, where, owing to previous study in Arabic and Hebrew, he was en- abled to complete the usual three-year course in two years. During the second year, he also occupied the position of tutor in Latin in Princeton College.
At his graduation from Princeton Theological Seminary in May, 1891, he was awarded the Alumni Fellowshipin New Testament Liter- ature, which gives the privilege of one year's study in any approved university.
On June 24, 1891, the services were held ordaining Mr. Beattie to the gospel ministry, and installing him pastor of the American Re- formed Church.
ST. PATRICK'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The first documentary evidence of the existence of Catholics in Newburgh is found in a letter written by Bishop Connolly, of New York, in the year 1818. It is dated the 24th of January of that year, and addressed to Rev. Mr. Langdill, in care of Mr. McIntyre, of New- burch. From other sources, however, it is learned that for several years previously, certainly as early as 1816, divine service was held from time to time in Newburgh by visiting clergymen from New York. A certain Rev. Mr. Mckenna is said to have occasionally cel- ebrated mass and administered the sacraments about that period, and he was the first priest to do so of whom tradition speaks. He was followed in 1817 by a Rev. Dr. French. The small gathering of Catholics who then lived in Newburgh was accustomed to assemble
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