Reformed Protestant Dutch church in Philadelphia : an historical discourse, Part 2

Author: Taylor, William J. R. (William James Romeyn), 1823-1891
Publication date: 1857
Publisher: Philadelphia : Robb, Pile & M'Elroy, printers
Number of Pages: 86


USA > Pennsylvania > Philadelphia County > Philadelphia > Reformed Protestant Dutch church in Philadelphia : an historical discourse > Part 2


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hundred and sixty-seven persons were added to its communion; of whom, four hundred and eighty-three were received, on profession of their faith in the Lord Jesus; being an average of nine at each communion, or thirty- seven in each year. Besides these, it is well known, that of the crowds who thronged his Church, many were converted through his in- strumentality, who connected themselves with Churches of other denominations. How fully did such facts justify one of the reasons which induced him to leave one of the most con- spicuous pulpits of the land, to take charge of an infant enterprise in a strange city, in which, both the preacher and his denomina- tion had yet to gain a foothold. That reason was this: "To decline their call, might be pernicious to that Church, whereas, my place here, I believe, can be supplied without much inconvenience or difficulty." Surely, God did honour that pious decision. To those of you who sat under his faithful ministry, I need utter no word in its commendation; but I must be allowed here to bear my testimony, that as a pastor, and as a citizen of Phila- delphia, I have almost weekly traced the


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footsteps of that beloved man of God; and that, although more than a quarter of a century has elapsed since he removed from this city, yet his name is fragrant, and his praise is in all the Churches : and, best of all, while he "rests from his labours," his " works do follow him." Dr. Brodhead died June 6th, 1855, at the venerable age of seventy-three years. " Devout men carried him to his burial," and thousands mourned his loss, who yet rejoiced that our beloved father had gone so peacefully and joyfully to his heavenly home.


The immediate successor of Dr. Brodhead in the Crown Street Church, was the Rev. DR. GILBERT R. LIVINGSTON, who began his labours there in November, 1826. Eight


years afterwards, in March, 1834, at the age of forty-seven years, this ardent and labo- rious servant of Christ slept in Jesus. His powerful frame sank under the severity of an excruciating disease, but his sick room and his dying scene were "privileged beyond the common walks of men." One of these occa- sions was described by his elders, as almost like the scene of the Transfiguration. From thence he wrote and sent his last messages to


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his people, and friends, and Sabbath School. And there he left the brightest testimony to his faith in Jesus, and to the supporting grace which bore him through the bitter agonies of that mortal strife. Three hundred and twenty persons were received into the communion of the Church during his ministry, of whom only thirty-two were admitted from other Churches ; the rest (two hundred and eighty-eight,) were the seals of his ministry.


Dr. Livingston was succeeded by the Rev. GEORGE W. BETHUNE, in the year 1834, whose connection with Crown Street Church was dissolved in 1836, in order to his assum- ing the charge of the colony which consti- tuted this, the Third Reformed Dutch Church. The subsequent pastors of the Parent Church have been the Rev. James B. Hardenbergh, D. D., the Rev. C. C. Van Arsdalen, D. D., who deceased in 1856; and the present popu- lar and excellent incumbent, the Rev. Al- phonso A. Willits, who assumed his pastoral relation in 1849.


Dr. Hardenbergh's ministry extended from 1836 to 1840, and was largely blessed, to the salvation of souls, and " the edification of the 3*


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body of Christ." During this brief period, one hundred and thirty-five persons were added to the communion of that Church by profession, and seventy-five by certificate. Dr. Hardenbergh left Philadelphia to assume the charge of the then " Franklin Street Church," in New York city, now known as the "North- west Reformed Dutch Church," located in Twenty-third Street. Under Dr. Van Arsda- len's ministry of eight years, one hundred and twenty-five were added to the Church, and two hundred and fifty-one names have swelled the register since the Rev. Mr. Willits began his labours in 1849. In the mean time many changes have been wrought; the old and spacious edifice in Crown street, has given way to the more elegant structure, at the corner of Spring Garden and Seventh streets. And, although many of the revered, the useful and the good, of the old congrega- tion have passed away, the children have taken the place of the fathers, and the Sab- bath throngs, and the revived prosperity of the Church, attest the vigorous life and the thrifty growth of the good old vine. Long


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may it flourish, a vine of the Lord's own right hand planting.


On summing up the aggregate member- ship, in full communion, of this our Parent Church, I find reported during the forty- three years of its history, the large number, of fifteen hundred and six persons, of whom more than eleven hundred were received from the world. Taken in connection with its several offshoots, the reported arith- metical results of the movement for its for- mation, must reach about three thousand souls in communion. But who can measure those other unseen spiritual and eternal in- fluences which have ceaselessly flowed from this once little beginning of a Christian Church ? Brethren, what lessons do we learn from such simple facts as these, and what celestial voices bid us go forward ? And this Church is but one of myriads, in our own and other Gospel lands, of which we may say, as David did of the heavens and of the firmament : they "declare the glory of God, and show his handy-work. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language


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where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out unto all the earth, and their words unto the end of the world." (Ps. xix. 1-4.) During the ministry of Rev. Dr. Brodhead, another Reformed Dutch Church was organ- ized. The Church was principally composed of English Independents, and was originally known as the Independent Tabernacle. The building was located in Ranstead Court. As a Reformed Dutch Church, it was for a short time under the charge of the Rev. David Parker, who is said to have been an able and eloquent divine. But difficulties arose, which resulted in the separation of pastor and peo- ple, and in the transfer of this Church to the Presbyterian denomination. It took the name, by which it has ever since been known, of the "Seventh Presbyterian Church." As such, it is one of our near neighbours, both geogra- phically and ecclesiastically. Its last pastor, was the Rev. E. P. Rogers, D. D., who has recently left it, to assume the important charge of the North Reformed Dutch Church, in the city of Albany, N. Y.


At a subsequent period, through the agency of Dr. Brodhead, another Church was formed


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from this overflowing congregation, in the then District of Spring Garden ; the building being located on Eighth Street. The first pastor of this Church was the late Rev. BROGUN HOFF, a brother beloved, and a fearless, resolute, sincere, affectionate, earnest, and faithful min- ister of Jesus. Mr. Hoff's ministry in Phila- delphia, extended from October, 1818, till April, 1824, when he accepted a call from the large and important Presbyterian Church at Bridgeton, N. J. Subsequently he returned to the Church of his fathers, and after thirty- eight years of faithful service, in the sixty- second year of his age, he was very suddenly called to close his career, in December, 1856, being at the time of his death, pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church, in Germantown, N. Y. His bereaved family are now wor- shippers with us. To him succeeded the Rev. JACOB C. SEARS, (from 1826 to September, 1833,) who is still an eminent and successful pastor of an important congregation, (Six Mile Run, N. J.,) which he has served for a score and more of years. The Rev. Amzi Babbit, since deceased, followed Dr. Sears; and the Rev. Dr. John Gosman, was the last


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pastor of this Church. Dr. Gosman still sur- vives, one of our aged clergy, but yet pursu- ing his eloquent and distinguished ministerial career. After his departure, the congrega- tion disbanded. The location of the building was unfortunate, and it was ultimately sold to another denomination of Christians.


The Reformed Dutch Church, at Manayunk, was organized in 1829, through the influence of the Rev. Dr. Sears, and a few members of his Church who resided there. For several years this faithful minister gratuitously main- tained the services of this infant Church, preaching there, seven miles distant, in the afternoon, and for his own people in the morn- ing and evening of each Sabbath. A church so sustained in infancy ought to live; and I am happy to add, that after many trials it is now enjoying a greater measure of prosperity than at any previous period of its history. The ministers of this Church have been, Rev. COR- NELIUS VAN CLEEF, who served it as a mis- sionary, Rev. S. A. BUMSTEAD, Rev. R. A. QUIN, Rev. E. G. LITTLE, Rev. CORNELIUS GATES, and Rev. WILLIAM FULTON, the present most useful incumbent.


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A small Church at Roxborough, was for several years connected with that at Mana- yunk, and served by the same pastor; but it has since (in 1854) attached itself to the Pres- byterian denomination.


On the 14th March, 1852, the Rev. JOSEPH F. BERG, D. D., who had for fifteen years been the pastor of the German Reformed Church in Race street, in this city, in a ser- mon (since published) publicly announced his decision to leave that connection and to unite with the Reformed Dutch Church. The oc- casion of this important movement was "the Romanizing tendency" of some of the leading divines, and of the Professors of Theology of the German Reformed Church; and the "practical avowal of sympathy with (these) views, by the Synod" of that denomination .*


A large body of families and communicants uniting with their pastor in this action, they immediately sought the relationship which they now hold. Having assumed the title of the Second Reformed Dutch Church, of Phila-


*See Dr. Berg's "Farewell Words" to the First Ger- man Reformed Church, in Race street.


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delphia, they received from the surviving Trustees, the funds, amounting to about $5000, which had for years been accumula- ting from the net proceeds of the sale of the defunct Spring Garden Church. Going out from their ancient Church, for conscience' sake, and almost like Abraham, not knowing whither, the God of the Patriarch has richly blessed them. Their large and stately house of worship (located in Seventh Street, above Brown,) is well filled with a prosperous con- gregation ; and pastor and people are exert- ing a commanding influence for the cause of Christ. It is a pleasure to add, that during the past few weeks they have, by a liberal subscription, swept off the remnant of their debt, amounting to $13,000; thus setting an example of successful, persevering and self- denying effort, which many of our churches are but too slow to follow.


Peculiar difficulties have hitherto prevented the rapid growth of the Reformed Dutch Church, in Philadelphia. We need not dwell upon these. At present she occupies a higher vantage ground than at any previous period of her existence, and she possesses resources


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which ought to make her a most useful Church. What other branches may shoot out from these different vines, we know not. But we do know that growth is the law of the king- doms of nature and of grace. When growth stops, decay begins. Self-preservation, there- fore, must compel every church to extend its influences on every side-to "lengthen the cords and strengthen the stakes," and to break out on the right hand and on the left, in deeds of holy activity for the Master's sake. Stand still, we dare not, at our peril. Forward then, forward ! every Christian, and every Church, until "the kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ." In love to other brethren, and for the salvation of souls, let us occupy the field in which Providence has placed us. There is room and work enough for all, in making aggressions upon the kingdom of darkness. We have no time nor strength to waste upon sectarian disputes, while souls are perishing for lack of knowledge, and while God, by His Providence and grace, is more loudly than ever bidding us, "Go forward !"


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HISTORY OF THE THIRD REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH.


HAVING thus briefly sketched the history of. other efforts to establish and spread the prin- ciples of the Church of our fathers, and of our adoption, in this city, I turn to that of our own beloved organization, with feelings of peculiar interest. It is very satisfactory to find that the records of this Church have pre- served the facts and circumstances of its early history, with a minuteness which must be most pleasant to those who were actors in the scenes, and equally interesting to those of us. who came afterwards. From these I shall quote what is appropriate, and add from other sources what is necessary to fill up the narra- tive.


" Some time in the year of our Lord, 1835, it occurred to the minds of one or two of the members of the Reformed Dutch Church in Crown street, at that time under the pastoral charge of Rev. George W. Bethune, that a favorable opportunity presented itself of es- tablishing another Church in a more central part of the city, and thus of enlarging the


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bounds of our beloved denomination. On consultation with others of their associates in the congregation, the plan was highly approved of. Mr. Bethune declared himself not only convinced of the propriety of the measure, but willing to assume the charge of the enter- prise, or retain the charge of the original Church, as Providence should direct to be best. Nothing decided, however, was done until after a meeting at the house of Frederick Gaul, Esq., in the month of June. A sub- scription was opened, which, with the liberal promises of a thousand dollars from the Hon. Stephen Van Renssellaer, of Albany, and a thousand dollars from Andrew D. Cash, Esq., of the Episcopal Church, (promises fully re- deemed,) was as follows: [Here follow the names of the contributors. ] The total amount subscribed was $16,150, in sums ranging from $2000 to $400, from eighteen individuals.


" Many causes operated to delay the prose- cution of the enterprise, such as the difficulty of procuring a lot, and some lingering doubts of the success of the undertaking, until, on the seventeenth of December, 1835, at a meet- ing held at the house of Mr. Bethune, it was


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solemnly, and with prayer for God's help, re- solved instantly to commence the building of a house for God, on the lot at the corner of Tenth and Filbert streets. The corner-stone was laid, with appropriate services, 'on the third day of May, 1836.'"'


From the Report of the Committee respect- ing this transaction, I quote these interesting statements, which will doubtless revive many tender recollections :- "After the corner-stone had been adjusted, the Rev. Mr. Bethune read the Psalm 'Before Jehovah's awful Throne,' which was sung, with good effect, by the company, to the tune of ' Old Hundred.' The Hon. Stephen Van Renssellaer, of Albany, then descended into the opening at the North- east end of the lot, and taking the mallet, he struck the stone three times, saying, 'I lay this corner-stone in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost-one God.' The Rev. Dr. Ludlow, Provost of the University of Pennsylvania, delivered an ad- dress. We listened with delight to the strain of Christian eloquence which distinguished the remarks. No root of bitterness mingled in the delightful offering. So much love to man-


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kind pervaded the address, that every Chris- tian present, whatever may have been the shades of difference in his creed, must have felt that it was good to be there. The Rev. Mr. Bethune stated the reasons which moved the persons active in the erection of this Church. No spirit of rivalry moved them ; they came away in peace, and left their friends and former co-worshippers in the communion of the kindest feelings."


In the corner-stone were deposited a Bible, copies of the books of the Church, of the news- papers of the day, and a scroll containing an account of the enterprise, with the names of the contributors, officers, building-committee, architect, contractors, &c. On that scroll is written this testimony :- The enterprise has been commenced "by Elisha Wells, Andrew Adams, Elizabeth Spohn, George W. Morris, Geo. W. Bethune, John Garrison, Frederick Gaul, Peter Hertzog, Peter Fritz, J. L. Stell- wagon, Geo. W. Mentz, Michael Reed, James Peters, Wm. G. Mentz, A. W. Adams, Wm. Rovoudt, Joseph Shantz, Henry H. Reed, and Michael Koons, of the Crown street con- gregation, not in the spirit of schism, nor in 4*


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discontent, but with the hope of extending the unity of our beloved Church and the kingdom of Christ, which is built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner- stone. 'Oh ! Lord do good in thy good plea- sure unto Zion. Build Thou the walls of Jerusalem.' (Psalm li. 18.)


""' The Lord is our memorial.' (Hosea, xii. 5.)-Amen."


And now, brethren and friends, after the lapse of more than twenty-one years, since the inception of this enterprise, we can, I trust, repeat those closing words, "The Lord is our memorial," and we can bear witness that the principles thus avowed on earth and sealed in heaven, have always marked the history of this Church and congregation. True to our own Church relationship, no sectarian bigotry, no stormy agitation, no conflict among our- selves or with brethren, have ever marred our ministry or membership. Our Divine Lord and Master has set his own approving seal upon the enterprise which then and thus took its origin, and began to swell the eternal influences of our common faith. Ever let


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us hold fast "the unity of the Spirit, which is the bond of perfectness." Let us do our own proper work. God will bless us, and HE will be our most glorious memorial, now and for- ever more.


On Sabbath, June 25th, 1837, this edifice was solemnly dedicated to the worship of the Triune God, after the forms of the Reformed Dutch Church, in North America, by the Rev. George W. Bethune, who preached a sermon from Psalm xxvii. 4. Rev. Dr. Lud- low followed in the afternoon, and the Rev. James B. Hardenburgh, pastor of the Crown street Church, in the evening.


The Rev. Mr. Bethune having previously resigned his former charge, assumed, at the request of the congregation, the charge of the pulpit until time should be given for his formal institution to the pastoral office over them.


Up to this time, the enterprise had been carried on "by the contributors" alone. The Church itself was not formed until August 26th, 1837, when it was regularly organized by a committee of the Classis of Philadel- phia, consisting of Rev. Dr. Ludlow, and Messrs. Bethune and Hardenburgh, under


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the style and title of "The Third Reformed Du ch Church, of Philadelphia." Twelve fa- milies and thirty-seven communicants, formed the nucleus of this organization. In April, 1838, it is reported to Classis as having fifty- five families and sixty-four communicants. The first pastor, Rev. Geo. W. Bethune, was unanimously called, September 25th, 1837, and his installation took place October 29th, succeeding.


From that time to the present, the worship of God has been regularly maintained in this place, under the blessing of God. The min- istry of Rev. Dr. Bethune terminated August. 31st, 1849. Of the commanding and sancti- fied eloquence which has given him a place among the most distinguished pulpit orators of our country, of his abundant labours, and of his eminent usefulness, I need say nothing to those who enjoyed that faithful ministry of more than twelve years, in this house of God, and who rejoice with me, that although re- moved to another field, he is still an honoured and successful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with his spirit," and crown him with much


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greater blessings, both in this world and in that which is to come.


The next pastor of this Church was the late Rev. HENRY G. LIVINGSTON, (a son of the late Rev. Dr. Gilbert R. Livingston, of the Crown street Church,) who was installed November 18th, 1849, and resigned his charge in June, 1854. In January 27th, 1855, some of us followed him to his early grave, in the thirty-fifth year of his age. Short as his ministry was in this Church, it was long enough to endear him to many hearts ; and to develope those traits of a noble and sanctified character, both personal and ministerial, which, with his acknowledged talents and culture, will ever be synonymous with his beloved name. He came here, and he laboured under trying circumstances, and not a few discouragements, especially those which sprang from a constitution sapped by insidious disease, and much nearer than any of his friends supposed, to the 'narrow house.' You will remember how the sad news of his death palled upon our ears, and with what solemnity that event has sealed his ministry among you. "The Lord is his memorial."


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After a vacancy of a few months, your present pastor was called in October, and in- stalled on the first Sabbath evening in Decem- ber, 1854 : the services on that occasion being rendered by Rev. Dr. Berg, who preached the sermon, and by Rev. Mr. Willets and Rev. Mr. Bumstead, who conducted the other exercises. Thus far the blessing of the great Head of the Church has cemented our happy union, as pastor and people, and we will " thank God and take courage."


Up to this time, the total number of persons added to our communion has been four hun- dred and seventeen, of whom two hundred and three were admitted on confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and two hundred and fourteen by certificate from other churches, of almost all evangelical denominations of Christians. Deducting the deaths and dis- missions, the names of about three hundred are still on the register, as in regular com- munion. Of these, however, a number are not now residents in this city. Some, by rea- son of old age and feeble health, are not per- mitted to meet with us. A few attend other churches more convenient to their dwellings,


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in distant parts of the city, who have not taken dismissions from us. The actual num- ber of resident communicants is now about two hundred and fifty.


The ordinance of holy baptism, has been administered to two hundred and six persons, of whom fifty-six were adults, who thus made their public profession of faith. Of marriages by the pastors of this Church, one hundred and eight are recorded. It is to be regretted, that hitherto no general register of deaths has been kept with our other records-an omission, which, from this time forth will be remedied.


The principal Sabbath-school was begun September 10th, 1837; subsequently, an in- fant department was added, and a school for colored persons was organized in 1839, which, for several years, was in a flourishing state. It is to be regretted, that this agency for good, in connection with this Church, no longer exists. The other schools have al- ways been, as they should be, under the care of the Consistory, as well as of the Sabbath- school Association of the Church. For it is an essential principle of our theology, and


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of our Presbyterian system, to look after, and to nurture the children and youth. And just as this principle is carried out, or ne- glected, the Churches will increase, or lose their power. A full return to primitive faith and practice, in the good old methods of family and pastoral instruction, joined with the approved advantages of modern expe- rience in the training of youth, will do more to promote the interests of the young, and through them, of the Church and the world, than all the machinery which wit can invent and speculative people can use, for attracting audiences and building up Churches. Our hope, brethren and friends, is in the young. If we do not train them, and secure their at- tachment to the Church of our love, rely upon it, that others will. I think that the history of our own Sabbath-schools will fully sustain these assertions. Let us throw our- selves into them, and surround and fill them with influences which shall make them more than ever feeders to the Church, the sources of large supply to her membership, and of active usefulness in all the departments of congregational interest. If we do this, we


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know that, as water from a living spring, under the Divine blessing, it shall stream with bounty and benefits to our Churches, our country, and the world.


Among the first records of the Consistory, after the organization, I find two Resolutions, which indicate the place which has always been given to the spirit and calls of Christian liberality. Those Resolutions declare the ex- pediency of forming an Education and a Mis- sionary Society. Nor was this all ; for by the same action, the Consistory pledged them- selves to the entire support of a Beneficiary, who should be educated for the Gospel minis- try ; and also to aid in the support of Rev. Mr. Nevius and wife, missionaries on the island of Borneo, among the Dyaks. These societies subserved their purpose for a limited period, and then the stream of contributions flowed through other channels, both for de- nominational and general objects of Christian charity and usefulness. Reference is made to this subject in no boastful spirit, but with gratitude to God, aye, and with sorrow that we have done no more. Yet it did strike me as a pleasant and promising thing, that at the




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