USA > New York > Essex County > Bloomingdale > The New York of yesterday; a descriptive narrative of old Bloomingdale, its topographical features, its early families and their genealogies, its old homesteads and country-seats, the Bloomingdale Reformed church, organized in 1805 > Part 20
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40
"Then Pentecostal influence will radiate from beneath these gables, and the Holy Spirit will be domesticated in Bloomingdale."
This address with an account of the dedication and fellowship services was published in 1886, under the title of The History of Eighty Years and has preserved much data which otherwise would have been lost. The Consistory expressed in September of that year the appreciation of the labor of the President and Clerk in preparing that work. Acknowledgment is made to it especially for the history of this edifice. The Church remained open for inspection during the winter. The hope was expressed in the Consistory which had been a movable body heretofore, assembling where it was agreed it should, that it might now have a permanent home. Recently it had met at Mr. Emmons's, at Mr. Wood's, at Mr. Reed's office, and in the lecture room of the 7Ist Street Chapel. The Church Masters reported on the 5th, that this building had been entirely dismantled. The organ had been
267
The Church at harsenville
removed to the chapel of the new church, the chairs, settees, carpets, etc., had been made use of, the chan- deliers put up in the new Sabbath-school room where also had been removed the desk and the organ of the lecture room. Elder Reed was authorized to dis- pose of the building for $1500 cash, provided the purchaser remove it and that the bell be retained. In December, the President announced the receipt of a letter from Rev. S. H. Virgin "accepting the offer of the old church to his congregation for $1500." This was later withdrawn. The Committee on Sunday- school Visitation stated that the school was elegantly housed and thoroughly equipped for active work. Brother Dunlap had been elected Superintendent. The new room was formally opened on November Ist, the pastor presiding. Appropriate addresses were made, and the children of the New York Orphan Asylum welcomed. The first regular session of the school on the 8th found 269 scholars present and 30 teachers. It was thought to be the largest and best school north of 59th Street. The sincere thanks of the Consistory were tendered to Elder Reed, not only as architect, but also for his untiring efforts on behalf of the church.
Contract for the sale of the eight lots between 7Ist and 72d Streets, Eighth and Ninth Avenues, on which the chapel stood, was executed with David L. Phillips on December 8, 1886. Consideration : $130,000. Dea- con William J. Lyon presented a letter on January 6, 1887, stating his reasons for declining another term in office, whereupon it was resolved that the thanks of Consistory be tendered him for his services in the Board, rendered in the hour of need, and assuring him at his retirement of its respect and appreciation.
268
The new Dork of Desterday
Attendance at the Sunday-school for the year 1886 aggregated 9951 pupils. On the roll, 337. The pastor's stipend was raised to $4000, beginning January 1, 1887. On October 6th of this year, Elders Reed and Stout were appointed a committee to prepare and put in position, one on either side of the pulpit in the auditorium, two tablets, one of which shall commemorate the gift of Jacob Harsen of an acre of land, and the other shall perpetuate the memory of the dead exhumed from the cemetery, the remains of Dr. Gunn among them, which were placed at rest in a solid crypt of masonry prepared for them beneath the floor of the audience room. These tablets were put in place prior to the first Sabbath in November, which date marked the second anniversary of the opening services in the church. The pastor delivered an ap- propriate address at the unveiling. Instead of the spot selected as designated above, it seemed more desirable to locate them elsewhere. The monu- mental tablet to the honor of Domine van Aken was inaugurated on the north wall of the lower vestibule.
This epitaph is inscribed on that to Mr. Harsen:
SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
JACOB HARSEN.
ONE OF THE FOUNDERS AND FATHERS OF THIS CHURCH. BORN MARCH 5, 1750. --- -- DIED JULY 24, 1835.
His generous gift of land in the year 1809 furnished, under Divine Providence, the means with which this edifice was erected. And by it, "he being dead, yet speaketh."
Heb. xi., 4.
269
The Church at fharsenville
That to the sacred dead of the parish reads: BENEATH THIS TABLET
IN A CRYPT PREPARED FOR THEM
LIE THE REMAINS OF ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY ONE
PERSONS EXHUMED FROM THE PARISH
CEMETERY WHICH OCCUPIED THE SPACE
NOW COVERED BY THIS AUDITORIUM.
THE DEAD SHALL BE RAISED INCORRUPTIBLE.
I Cor. xv., 52.
The Treasurer's report to January 1, 1888 dis- closed the fact that $57,914.49 had been paid in taxes and assessments. Put this amount with those paid during Domine van Aken's administration together with the $50,000 or more saved to the congregation through his advantageous management and it will be realized how vast a burden had been levied on the Church estate and what a staggering load had to be carried and liquidated. It is not a cause of wonder that the encumbrances seemed too grievous to be borne and that pessimism, at seasons, ran its course through the Consistory.
On the 8th instant it was moved and carried that thereafter the election of members of the Consistory be made by the Church itself and announcement of the change was directed to be made to the congrega- tion. Permission to alter the method was granted by Classis on April 28th, by which, instead of electing in Consistory, "a double number may be nominated by that Body, out of which the members of the Church in full communion may choose three who shall serve." Both methods were recognized by the Constitution. The latter way was a survival-a return to the plan used in Dutch times when a double number of candi- dates was submitted to the Governor General of the
270
The new Dork of Desterday
Province, from whom he selected the officers to serve under him. The annual election was fixed for January at the close of the first weekly chapel service. Candi- dates were then put in nomination.
After a service of fourteen months Deacon Gilder- sleeve tendered his resignation on April 6th. He regretted the emergency that had arisen which com- pelled the termination of the very pleasant and harmonious relations. Dr. E. H. Porter was elected to fill the vacancy. On the evening of Jan. 2d, 1889, the election under the new by-law resulted in the continuation in office of Elder Reed and Deacon Halsey and the selection of E. H. Schuyler as deacons.
At the regular monthly meeting held in the pastor's study on March 7th the chair was resigned to the Rev. Joseph Duryee of Grace Reformed Church at 54th Street and Seventh Avenue. Thereupon Mr. Martyn presented this letter:
To the Consistory of the Bloomingdale Reformed Church.
DEAR BRETHREN :
It is with a heavy heart that I find myself constrained to ask you, and through you, the dear Church which I have begotten in the Gospel, to relieve me of my pastorate- just now, too, when the burden and heat of the day have been borne and the future looks so bright.
I am, as you individually know, on the verge of nervous prostration caused by the intense strain of my more than six years' work among you-work which speaks for itself. If the Church were two years further on I would ask for a vacation of six months. As things are this would not be wise. The Church requires constant and active pastoral supervision; and I need immediate rest. Therefore I place in your hands my resignation as your pastor to take
27I
The Church at harsenville
effect September first next, and I would ask you to join me in an application to Classis, at the approaching regular meeting in April, to dissolve our delightful relation.
I need not add, beloved brethren, that the Bloomingdale Church will ever hold a vital place in my heart and prayers, nor assure you that I cherish for you, individually and collectively, the most devoted and personal affection.
May God bless us every one! Above and beyond all, God bless the Church!
Your loving pastor, CARLOS MARTYN.
BLOOMINGDALE PARSONAGE, NEW YORK,
March 6, 1889.
In response to this communication Elder Reed offered the following resolutions which were unani- mously adopted :
Whereas, the Rev. Carlos Martyn has thought proper to tender his resignation as pastor of the Bloomingdale Reformed Church, therefore be it
Resolved, that it is with unfeigned sorrow and regret that we accept the resignation of our beloved pastor to take effect September next. Coming as it does as the result of overwork in connection with our Church it is doubly pain- ful. We recognize and testify to his faithful labors through the past six years and more in bringing our Church to its present position of usefulness and prominence. We also put on record our affection for him as a man.
Resolved, in view of Mr. Martyn's state of health, that after the first of April next he be relieved from the duties of the pastorate and that the Treasurer be and hereby is directed to pay him the sum of two thousand dollars, being the amount of his salary to September 1 1889, and that the free use of the parsonage be continued to him so long as he may desire until the period when his resignation takes effect.
Resolved that we heartily commend Mr. Martyn as an
272
The new Dork of Desterday
able and instructive preacher, faithful pastor, and earnest and incessant worker.
Resolved that the Clerk be and hereby is instructed to present our pastor with a certified copy of these resolutions with the assurance of our continued love and sympathy.
Elder Reed was then appointed to co-operate with the pastor before Classis.
On Mr. Martyn's retirement he assumed the pas- torate of the First Reformed Church (1890) Newark, N. J. In 1892 he was called to the Sixth Presbyterian Church, Chicago. Returning to the East he became connected with a publishing house in New York which failed disastrously (1902) and involved him in financial loss and great tribulation. In 1905 Mr. Martyn re- ceived a call to the Presbyterian Church at Noroton, Conn., a suburban residence for New Yorkers, where he is now laboring with much acceptance and success. Many of his literary works have had wide vogue- his Life of Wendell Phillips, for instance, and his Sour Saints and Sweet Sinners. Among his other works are the following: Martin Luther, The Pilgrim Fathers, The Dutch Reformation, The Puritans, The Huguenots,-all historical. In biography he edited the series of "Illustrious Americans " published by Funk and Wagnalls Co., to which he contributed the lives of Phillips above mentioned, of John B. Gough, and of William E. Dodge, Sr. He is also the author of a volume entitled Christian Citizenship and of many magazine and newspaper articles and has been the recipient of honorary titles and degrees.
On the completion of the new building the architect advised that the contemplated spire be deferred until the walls had thoroughly settled and danger from rock blasting on nearby property be past. On March I,
Maisac Peters
Portrait and signature of Rev. Madison C. Peters, D.D.
273
The Church at harsenville
1888 the Church Masters were deputized to examine the plans that had been filed for the building of the 22d Regiment Armory on the block just to the south, in order to ascertain what effect the excavation for the foundation would have. It was not until March 28th of the following year that arrangement to erect the spire according to the original plans was made. Con- tract was entered into with Fordyce & Himpler in November for the sum of $10,000 and work was com- menced on June 6th and finished on August 8, 1890.
At a meeting held on June 17th the Committee on Pulpit Supply recommended calling the Rev. Madison C. Peters of Philadelphia as
The Sirtb Minister
to take effect from and after the first of September next at the salary of $4000 per annum and free use of the parsonage. From April Ist the pulpit had been occupied by different clergymen. This letter was received under date of the 22d from the pastor-elect, viz:
MY DEAR BRETHEN: Your favor of the 20th inst., informing me of my election to the pastorate of the Bloom- ingdale Reformed Church has been received and prayerfully considered. I sincerely love my people here and parting would be one of the sorest experiences in my life. I have been with them five years and have almost grown up with them. I have decided, however, to accept your call for one reason only, because of your larger field of useful- ness. If my resignation will be accepted here and Pres- bytery dissolves my present relations I will be yours in service from September Ist.
I thank you for the unanimous call and all that it implies, x8
274
The new Dork of Desterday
I will try to prove myself worthy of your confidence and I ask your prayers for God's blessing and guidance. Yours in Christian Bonds,
MADISON C. PETERS.
A native of Lehigh County, Penn., where he was born Nov. 6, 1859, of German ancestry, the new pastor at the early age of fourteen had been obliged to leave the public school in order to take up the battle of life. He became a teacher and at fifteen entered Muhlenburg College, at Allentown and later Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster. He graduated at twenty-one from the Theological Department of Heidelberg Uni- versity at Tiffin, Ohio, having worked his way through these institutions by teaching and lecturing, a circum- stance which reflects the more credit on his manhood and courage. His public ministry began at Mulberry, Indiana, in the Reformed Church where he preached both in English and German. He removed to Terre Haute thereafter as stated supply but in a short time accepted a call to the Presbyterian Church at Ottawa, Ill. It is stated that here he was so successful that the edifice was inadequate to accommodate the number of people who came to hear him and that during the summer he was obliged to preach out of doors. At the age of twenty-four, Mr. Peters became pastor of the old First Presbyterian Church on Buttonwood Street, Philadelphia, one of the historic churches of the Quaker City where he remained for five years. His reputation for earnestness and eloquence had preceded him, and the call to Bloomingdale was perfected on October 10th. His choice was not only that of the Consistory but of the whole congregation. Seldom does a pastor commence his work under brighter prospects; no
275
The Church at harsenville
strifes nor bickerings to heal, but all, with one accord, gave him a hearty welcome. Elder Stout resigned his office on October 3d. It was laid on the table. The parsonage had been put in thorough order at an ex- pense of over $800. At the beginning of the new pastorate the Sunday-school was divided into two sessions. That in the afternoon was attended ex- clusively by the inmates of the Orphan Asylum. Both schools were reported to be in flourishing condition. Daniel Howell was elected to succeed Elder Stout on January 8, 1890, and J. H. Lant, Elder Dunlap. An amendment to the by-laws was carried in April providing for an increase of the Consistory to eight mem- bers. An assessment for paving 68th Street, confirmed May, 1888, was paid in June. A new feature was introduced in October by adding to the musical exer- cises at the morning service singing by the orphan children. The innovation was well received and ap- parently highly appreciated.
Agreeably to the rules a double number of names were nominated in January, 1891, to fill vacancies. From those submitted Charles Wessell was elected Elder and Runyon Pyatt and Dr. Richard J. Secor Deacons. Deacon Mastin was chosen to fill the place of Elder Reed, whose term would expire February Ist, and Dr. Secor that of Dr. Halsey. Thus the Consistory was completed according to the requirements of the by-laws passed in April. The new members were ordained January 25th.
Many applications for admission to the Sunday- school by the children of poor families in the neigh- borhood, many of whom were devoid of religious instruction, had been rejected because of the over- crowded condition of the rooms. It was thought that
276
The new Dork of Desterday
the first duty of the Church was to these children. In order to gain the necessary space a committee was delegated in January to request the Orphan Asylum to withdraw their children, they being the recipients of excellent religious training and having a chapel where- in a Sunday-school could be held. They were invited to continue in attendance on the church services. This, however, was discontinued in February, when the management of the Asylum transferred them to the Rutgers Presbyterian Church at Broadway and 73d Street (Rev. Dr. Robert Russell Booth, pastor). The number of scholars in the school continued to show a marked increase at each monthly report. In December the attendance was 250, and 75 at the Mission. The Consistory met in the Pastor's study regularly.
On January 13, 1892, at the annual meeting for the selection of officers, Dr. Howell was re-elected Elder and Edward P. Cone to fill the place of Elder Lant. They were ordained the 3Ist. Wessell resigned in April. In December, a resolution providing for the appointment of an Advisory Board of nine pewholders was carried, whose duties should be to co-operate with the Consistory in the management of the temporal affairs of the church, to be selected at the regular meeting in January of each year. They should attend the regular meetings of the Consistory and be subject to the rules and regulations of the same. The by-laws were amended in accordance therewith. Section 2 of Article 3 provided that the joint Board shall be known as the Board of Officers of the Church and that the term "The Consistory" shall designate the legal representatives of the corporation, per se, as heretofore. Thereupon such Advisory Board was duly elected from
277
The Church at harsenville
the names put in nomination, and was composed of the following gentlemen, viz .:
B. Frank Hooper 130 W. 74th St.
Louis Bauer
143 W. 69th יי
Parker R. Whitcomb
16I W. 72d
Richard W. Akin
I27 W. 69th
D. W. Comstock
122 W. 90th
Wm. James Goulding Hotel San Remo.
J. Castree Williams
60 W. 82nd St.
James G. Portrous
180 W. 74th "
Henry Daily, Jr. 131 W. 72d
William A. Moore was selected as Elder to fill the vacancy, and installed Jan. 29, 1893. A series of lectures and entertainments was given during this year under the supervision of the Entertainment Committee, and was attended with gratifying success. The spring session of the Particular Synod was held in May in the church edifice.
James Graham Portrous, a member of the church and of the Advisory Board, departed this life Nov. 5, 1893 and on December 7th it was resolved that "the Board of Officers loses a valued and respected member, one whose sympathies and efforts were continuously and conscientiously exercised on behalf of the Church and its work. Resolved that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes and a copy be sent to the fam- ily of our deceased brother, together with an ex- pression of our deep sympathy with them in their sore bereavement." The pastor, Mr. Peters, had now served as minister for four years, and to signalize this event a letter from him of date February 1, 1894, was received reviewing the work accomplished and pre- dicting greater usefulness in the future to the members and the neighborhood. Over two hundred persons had accepted Christ, the roll of the Sabbath-school had
2 78
The new Dork of Desterday
increased to some five hundred and fifty children, and the attendance on divine service had crowded the auditorium. The steady increase in freewill offerings was noticeable, the poor had been ministered to in the kindest and most unobtrusive manner, and the church activities had progressed in a satisfactory manner. He returned thanks to the Consistory and the members of the Advisory Board for their kindly counsel and constant co-operation.
The Rev. Samuel H. Seem was engaged in Novem- ber, 1894, to assist in Sunday-school and general pastoral work. Individual communion cups were in- troduced in April, 1895. The President and Clerk executed a document on November 8th granting per- mission to the Metropolitan R. R. Co. to build their railway in front of the church edifice. In April, 1897, a stand was erected for the enjoyment of the members from which to review the parade in honor of the dedica- tion of the mausoleum of General Grant in Riverside Park. Another member of the Advisory Board, Mr. R. W. Akin, died, and on November 8th a letter of sym- pathy was addressed to his daughter, Miss Catherine Akin. A resolution was passed February 3, 1898, in opposition to the construction of an elevated railroad on the Boulevard. An echo of the impending war with Spain and the possible calling out of the National Guard was heard at the session of the Board in April, 1898. The pastor, who was Chaplain of the 9th Regiment, and did service with that command, was granted on the 24th a leave of absence of four months, with pay, on the understanding that he should furnish a pulpit supply.
On November 3, 1898, at a regular business meeting of the Officers held in the parsonage, Dr. Peters ten-
2 79
The Church at harsenville
dered his resignation in an informal manner, and on November 29th it was laid on the table and a committee, consisting of J. Edward Mastin, Chairman, and Elder Daily and Deacon Pyatt, appointed to confer with him, that the severance of the relation of pastor and people be prevented if possible. As a result of this method of procedure, the pastor withdrew his res- ignation and the committee was discharged. The church life proceeded along the usual lines for another year, when Dr. Peters again submitted his resignation. This communication was enclosed:
To MY DEAR PEOPLE:
I have sent to the Consistory my resignation as Pastor of the Bloomingdale Church and have requested them to unite with me in asking the New York Classis to dissolve our pleasant relationship as Pastor and People. My sole reason for resigning this position of power and influence is that, after many years of honest and prayerful investi- gation, I have come to the deliberate conclusion that the Bible-the Protestant's only rule of faith-teaches baptism for believers only.
I am a minisiter of the Reformed Church, and while I am thus connected I shall not give my reasons for this change of conviction. I love the Reformed Church. It is the Church of my Fathers. I admire its breadth and depth. Those who have attended my ministry through all these years will bear me witness that I have always been a loyal son and I had fondly hoped that I could serve my denomi- nation in this Church with my riper years, as I gave it the ardor of my youth. But I must be true to myself; practise only what I believe and preach what I can practise. To you, my dear people, whose kindly counsel, unwavering loyalty, and generous support in every good work have made my labors both pleasant and successful, I give my heartiest thanks.
280
The new Dork of Desterday
My congregation is composed of not less than eleven different denominations of Protestants, while in addition to these hundreds of Jews and Catholics have constantly attended my ministry. I thank God to-day that He has permitted me to bring His Message to such various minds and hearts as have usually gathered within these walls. All except eleven persons came into this Church during my ministry of nearly eleven years. I have, therefore, and always shall have, a peculiar love for and an undying interest in the Bloomingdale Church.
For your love, I give you my love, and for your prayers, my prayers.
Your pastor and friend, MADISON C. PETERS.
January 27, 1900.
This letter was presented at the meeting held Feb- ruary Ist, and the following resolution was thereupon offered by Elder Mastin and seconded by General Mindil and Mr. Dillenbeck, and was carried, viz .:
The present relations between Dr. Peters and every member of this Board have been of such a cordial char- acter that our duty to-night is neither enviable nor pleasant. In presenting his resignation on doctrinal grounds the Doctor leaves us no alternative but to accept it. Yet we cannot do so except with reluctance when we remember our many pleasant associations, his many agreeable and instructive discourses and the familiar relations estab- lished between Pastor and People. The Doctor has ex- pressed a wish that he should be relieved immediately. I therefore move that his resignation be accepted, to take effect on the first day of March, 1900, as suggested in his letter of resignation.
Dr. Peters was sincere in his conscientious convic- tions, and on leaving his charge entered the Baptist
28I
The Church at harsenville
fold. As a minister of this denomination he preached in Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Large audiences were attracted at these services, especially in Philadelphia, where every Sunday evening the Park Theatre was filled to hear his discourses. In 1905 he accepted a call to the Church of the Epiphany at Madison Avenue and 64th Street, N. Y. City. Here he continued for but a space, when his desire for a larger freedom of speech and a greater opportunity towards the betterment of the masses led him to resign in December, 1906, to inaugurate a non-sectarian move- ment in the Majestic Theatre in an effort to reach the vast army of the unchurched. In this sphere of public usefulness, he has met with unqualified success and, as his sermons are widely syndicated, he reaches a much wider circle than if he had maintained his connection with any single church congregation. His reputation as a writer is world-wide. He is the author of forty books. Perhaps the best known is Justice to the Jews, which has run through many editions and been translated into many European tongues. The Jews in America and The Jew as a Patriot have also come from his facile pen. Other works of Dr. Peters are entitled The Great Hereafter, Sanc- tified Spice, Empty Pews, Will the Coming Man Marry ? The Man Who Wins, and The Panacea for Poverty.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.