LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 
 
 PRINCETON, N. J. 
 
 
 BX 8949 .S3 B36 1876 
 
 Bannard, William. 
 
 An historical discourse 
 
 
 ♦ 
 

 
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, SALEM, N. J. 
 
A N 
 
 HISTORICAL 
 M T^ T Q n r^T T TP c u 1 
 
 -#| DISCOURSE 
 
 DELIVERED IN COMPLIANCE NAHTH A RESOLUTION 
 OK TIlK ■ 
 
 GENERAL ASSEMBLY 
 
 I N y 1 1 K - — - 
 
 First Presbyterian Church 
 
 salem, new jersey, 
 
 JULY i&th, i8/6. 
 
 BY THE PASTOR 
 
 /^EP\ fVM, BdNNARD. D. D. 
 
 SALEM, NEW JERSEY ! 
 
 M.S. WOOD, PRINTER, No. 166 E. BROADWaV. 
 
TO REV. WM. BANNARD, D D. 
 
 Salciii. N. .1.. .July l'.». IKTC. 
 l>K\lt SiH : 
 
 Thi' ••Historical" l>i.-c()iirso prcju-lu'tl by yon on Salduit li. Kit li inst., in 
 i-ouipliancc with the riMiut'st of tlif ffcncral assembly, is such a couipkMc. 
 inipaitial and interesting history of the Presbyterian church of Salem. 
 N. J., from its orjjanizal-lou until the present time, and contains allusions 
 so just and beautiful to uiany t)!" thetleparted dead that we. members of 
 Session, in bi'halt of t lie chui-ch and con<ire,Lrat ion. respectfully re(|uest a 
 copy of tht same for publication. 
 
 V(Uirs Truly. 
 
 in:riiKN hinciiman. 
 c^riNTox (iir.ijox. 
 
 JNO. 1'. MOOHE. 
 WM. 15. K<)liJ-:UTS()X. 
 II. M. la MSKY, 
 
 Membei^s of Session. 
 
 Dk.vu P.vstou: 
 
 NVe listeni'd witli so much pleasure and profit to the Historical Discourse 
 which you delivered on the.lHth of July, tliat we are sure we represent the 
 .ijeiu'ral desire Of the church and conj^regation when Ave request a copy for 
 iiublication. Yours \'erv Respectfully. 
 
 MASK ELL WARE, 
 
 A. W. SHERRON. 
 
 CHAS. W. CASPER. 
 
 JXO. LA AYS ON. 
 
 HEXRY D. HAT>L. 
 
 JXO. C. BELDEK. 
 
 CALEP, WHEELEK. 
 Trustees of the First Presbyterian Church. Salem. X.J. 
 
 To THK TurSTKKS .\M> ElUKKS (M-' THE i 
 
 Pkesi5Vteui.\.n Chvkch. > 
 
 S.VLEM. X'EW JiCKSKV. ) 
 liX.VTLKMEX : 
 
 it gives me pleasure to comply with your united reciuest for a copy of 
 my Historical Discourse for i>ublication. In view of the delicacy and 
 (lifticulty of its ]irei>aiation. it also gives me si>ecial ]>leasure that it meets 
 with your appro\al as •■complete, imjjartial. and att'ording general 
 satisfaction.'" 
 
 Nery sincerely Yours, 
 
 WM. BAXXARD. 
 Salem. X. J.. Jul v •id. is?). 
 

 ^^"iJr 
 
 ^^ 
 
 I NOTB.^ 
 
 Besides access to tlie Records of Session and of tlie 
 Trustees, to printed Sermons and Memoirs of Ilev. 
 Jolin Burtt anil Rev. Daniel Stratton. tlie writer in 
 ]n-eparing tins sketcli acknowledges his special obliga- 
 to mannscript histories of the cliurch prepared h\ 
 Misii Ennna \;uuueter and Mv. .lohnson Iliibhell. 
 
AN 
 I HISTORICAL DISCOURSE I 
 
 t-m-*- 4* 
 
 .0^^ EESBYTERIAXISM in Salem, X. J., and 
 'I T its vicinity, dates back to 1748. ^^when a 
 "' .; deed of trnst was made to the. Deacons 
 
 and Elders of tlu^ reli<>'ions Society of people called 
 Presbyterians, ai^recnible to the Cluirch of Scotland, in 
 Penn's Neck, and to their successors forever, for tlie 
 buildin<>- of a meeting-liouse or chnrcli." 
 
 Thirty years after this date, or hi ITTS, arhurch 
 was organized in Penn's Neck, though tliere liad been 
 preacliing then^ since 177:] by Rev. Sanniel Eakin, 
 
O AX HISTORICAL 
 
 oTeat-o-mndfatlier of our townsman, C. Eakin, Esq. 
 Next to Whitefiold Mr. Eakin was esteemed the 
 most eloquent minister that liad preached in this 
 country. 
 
 In 1797 Rev. Samuel Harris was ordained pastor 
 of the united cono-reo-ations of Penn's Neck and Allo- 
 ways Creek, each of which places is ahout six miles 
 from Salem. In 1803 these churches, according to the 
 minutes of the Presl)ytery of Philadelphia, liad 
 eighty memhers, and Avere ahle, in conjunction, ^o sup- 
 port a pastor. In 1805 they hecame destitute of a 
 regular minister and steadily declined in numhers 
 until the church at Alloways Creek hecome extinct, 
 and the church at Penn's Xeck was dissolved hv 
 Preshytery and its members organized into the 
 church at Salem. 
 
 In 1812 an effort was made to repair the building 
 belonging to St. John's Episcopal Churcli in Salem. 
 It had fallen into ruins, having become a burrow for 
 rabbits and a resting place for swallows — its velvet 
 liangings were torn and faded, and it was unfit for 
 public worship. At a meeting presided o^er by 
 Bishop White and attended by two Episcopal minis- 
 ters, Pev. Messrs. Wilmer and Fowler, it was agreed 
 to raise money and repair the building on the express 
 condition that Presbyterian ministers should preach 
 in it when the pulpit was not occupicnl by an 
 Episco])alian. Tliere was much discussion on this 
 
DlSCUUHSE. / 
 
 ])oint-, and after listoiiing to it Bisliop White said: 
 ''Let tlie <>(Mitl(Mn(ni eoiidurt the husiiiess as they 
 tliiiik ])ro|)(M-. It is a mixed society of people and 
 tliey kiKnv ])rst liow to manage it." 
 
 I'pon this undf^standing- Col. Uo])ert (r. .lolmson 
 and Jndi>-e Thos. Sinnickson contributed four-fil'ths 
 of tlie money expinidcHl for re])airs, while l)rs. Janu s 
 and R. II. Vanmeter, with others, contributed the re- 
 mainder. This arrangement continued in harmonious 
 operation for eiglit ycnu's, or from 1812 to IS'iO. 
 Presbyterian ministers preached as occasion offered, 
 and Episcopalians and Presbyterians worshipped 
 together as Christian brethren. About this time the 
 wardens and vestrymen of St. Jolui's cluirch held a 
 meeting, at whicli it .was Ilesolved : ''That the per- 
 mission of the rector, or in his absence of a majority 
 of the wardens and vestrymen, be required to entitk* 
 a clergyman of this or any other denomination to 
 preacli in the pulpit of said church." "When this 
 action became known to Col. Johnson, he inquired of 
 the rector. Rev. R. F. Cadle, if it was intended to 
 exclude his particular friends. Rev. Messrs. Janvier 
 and Freeman, neighboring Presbyterian ministers, 
 who had occasionally preached in that clmrch. He 
 w^as told that as rector he could not allow sucli 
 ministers to preach in his pulpit. When an appeal 
 was made to the action of 1812 at which it was 
 agreed to allow otlier ministers to preach in it wlien 
 
AN HISTORICAL 
 
 not occupied by an Episcopalian, and also to the fact 
 that this agreement had been carricnl out for eight 
 years, the rector admitted the fact, but pleaded that 
 th(^ agreement was only verbal; that it was contrary 
 to the canons of tlie clnirch wliicli lie liad recently 
 and solemnly promised to sustain; that he could not 
 in conscience allow liis people to listen to erroneous 
 doctrine, which he regarded such ministers as preach- 
 ing; and moreover that the officers of the church 
 concurred with him in tliis position. On a Sabbath 
 ii\ December, 18*20, Col. Johnson, understanding that 
 tlie rertor would be absent and the pulpit therefore 
 unoccupied, invited his friend and guest, llev. Ashbel 
 Green, 1). 1)., President of Princeton C'oUege, to 
 preach in the Episcopal church. On coming to it 
 tliev tound the door locked and the large company 
 that had assembled in the grave-yard were refused 
 admission. It was understood that this exclusion 
 was bv direction of the rector in accordance with tlu^ 
 resolution ol the vestry. As they were thus sum- 
 marily shut out and the arrangement abruptly ended, 
 and as there was no appeal from this decision, the 
 Presbvterians were obliged to make other arrange- 
 ments to (mjoy their worship according to their con- 
 \ictions. They therefore withdrew and held religious 
 meetings for a time in the Academy building and in 
 the Court House. At the suggestion of Col. Johnson 
 i)repnra^ions wore at oncc^ made to (n-ganiz(^ a Presby- 
 
DisrouusE. V) 
 
 tcvian clinrcli and erect a lmil(lin<^- for its worsliij). 
 Col. Jolnisoii belonged to an E])is('o])al ianiily, bnt lie 
 liad b(Hni oducatcMl nndor Presbyterian influence* at a 
 school at I'ittso-rove^ and at Princeton ('ollege, a^ 
 which lio was <)-raduat(*d. He associated with hini 
 Dr. Janu^s and Dr. Robert H. Vannieter, l^resby- 
 terians and natives of Pittsgrove township, where 
 their family resided in 17*20. Their lather, Benjamin 
 A^nim(*t(n\ was an Ehhn- in the Pittsgrove Presby- 
 t(M'ian Churcli. Bo^h these brothers arc highly 
 spoken of. The biographer of Dr. James says: "No 
 physician, I believe, ever lived in this county possess- 
 ing a more spotless reputation, nor did there ever die 
 one more sincerely rcgrettc^d. In liis professional 
 and private life he was a blessing and a.n ornament 
 to the community." Dr. R. H. Vannieter was an 
 active and energetic man and staunch Presbyterian, 
 thoroughly devoted to the church, and one who ga\(* 
 to it his time, prayers and moncn" with cordial zeal 
 and affection. 
 
 C'ol. Johnson and these gentlemen entered wi']i 
 enthusiasm into the enterprise of establishing a 
 Presbyterian clnircli in Salem. Their (mergy and 
 liberality were sliown in the fact tliat '5400 w(n-(» 
 collected in one day — a large sum for the times and 
 for the few who were; interested — and in the further 
 fact that the corner stone of the new building was 
 laid March (). 1(S21, about three months after Dr. 
 
10 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 Green was forbidden to preacli in tlie Episcopal (tluirch; 
 wliile the building itself was completed and opened 
 with religious services July 14, of the same year, or 
 in about four months. This building was of brick, 
 80 by 50 feet, with a gallery across the northern end. 
 It was located on w^hat is now East Griffith street, 
 and.on the southern side of the Presbyterian cemetery. 
 Col. Johnson contributed half an acre of ground for 
 its site, which is now part of the cemetery. He also 
 gave Sl'iOO, or nearly one-half of the cost of the build- 
 ing, which w^as $2,443. The remainder was con- 
 tributed by the Vanmeter brothers, ^Messrs. John 
 C'ongleton and Mathias Lambson, various citizens of 
 Salem, both town and county, and others in Cape 
 May County, EHzabethtown, Kingston, Princeton, 
 Philadelphia and elsew4iere. The names of many of 
 the donors have been preserved and they show a wide- 
 spread interest and sympathy in the enterprise. 
 
 Besides half an acre of land and nearly halt the cost 
 of the building, Col. Johnson gave the mahogany 
 pulpit now in use in the Lecture Hoom; Dr. R. H. 
 Vanmeter gave the stove; INIrs. Ruth Vanmeter gave 
 ^he pulpit hangings, and a bookseller in Philadelphia 
 gave the pulpit Bible. 
 
 When the building Avas erected East Griffith street 
 w;is not laid out. It was approached from a road that 
 entered INIarket street between Maskell Ware's house 
 and the Episcopal church. It pointed North, therefore, 
 
nisrouKSK. 11 
 
 niul not South as aftorwanls; wliilc tlio sto( plo was 
 also on tlio Xortli ond. 
 
 Tlio coreiuonios connectod with the layin<>- of tlio 
 cornor-stonc were conducted by Messrs. Freeman, 
 Janvier and Ballantinc. Mr. Janvier made tlie address 
 on tlie occasion, and tlie (^veninj;- ])re\ ious Mr. Fnn - 
 man preached an appropriate sermon in the old Bap- 
 tist meetini>-liouse. At its dedication, July 14, 1821, 
 a sermon was ])rcaclied by Kev. G. AA\ Janvier from 
 II. Chron. v: 1:3, 14. 
 
 In 1831 or 1882 pews with cushions were put into 
 it, the seats having previously been plain benclies with 
 backs. The cost was C662. These pews are now in 
 use in our Lecture Uooni. This work w^as done 
 during the ministry of He v. A. H. Parker. It is said 
 he obser^ed in this church, one Sabbath, a wealthy 
 mahogany merchant of Philadelphia, with Avhom he 
 was acquainted. After the service tliis gentleman 
 cordially gave him his hand, and said: '^Wliat a plain 
 Church you have." "Well," rephed Mr. Parker, 
 "hoAV much mahogany will you give to make up into 
 ])ewsr' This gentleman generously sent almost 
 enough for the alteration of the benclies. ^Ir. Parker 
 also went to Philadelphia and solicited planking, 
 paints, &c., which, with the generous contributions of 
 the congregation, were ample to modify and re-seat 
 the building. 
 
 In 1835, as the congregation increased and the 
 
\'2 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 building became too small, it was again improved and 
 enlarged. Twenty feet wx^re added to the length, 
 making it seventy feet long and giving twenty new 
 pews. The floor w^as raised three feet, and the ground 
 under the front end was dug out four feet, forming a 
 basement Lecture Room, wdiich w^as used for Sabbath 
 school and weekly meetings. Owing, however, to its 
 dampness and its proving a favorite resort for toads, it 
 was not very popular. These improvements cost 
 $3,()0(). The building resembled the letter T, wdth a 
 door each side of the pulpit, which was also at the 
 Southern end. The pews, therefore, looked towards 
 the door, so that on entering the church you fliced the 
 audience. As thus constructed, on(^ Avrites: 'Tt was a 
 curious specimen of architecture; oblong in shape, 
 with a T transept. It would seat three hundred peo- 
 ple and, though quaint, was comfortable and genteel." 
 
 In 1838 an organ w^as placed in it at a cost of four 
 or five hundred dollars, of which Calvin Belden gave 
 one-half There was opposition to an organ at iirst 
 from some of the older members of the church; but it 
 died aw^ay, and especially in view of its necessity, as 
 there were few singers at this time in the congrega- 
 tion. Public worship was held in this old church for 
 the last time the second Sabbath of Oct., 1856; but 
 its bell continued to call the people to worship in the 
 new church until the last Sabbath in December, 1857. 
 This bell, by the way, was sold to the Fenwick lire 
 
DlSrOUHSK. 13 
 
 laii^'inc Co.. and it's not(^s \v(M'(' licard in tlic upnKir and 
 din tli;i<" nslun'cd in ^hc ni()rninL>- ol* tlu^ ( Vntcnnial 
 F(Mirtli (^IMnly. 
 
 I liav(^ ^ivcn what 1 could loam of ^his old l)uildin<^- 
 Locaust^ it was tlio first visiblo symbol of Prosbytc^rian- 
 isni in Saloni, and borauso it is no doubt associated 
 witli ploasiin^ nu ni(n*i(^s in tb(^ minds of many ])n^s(>nt. 
 Its oroction was an ovont of <>'roat importance in do- 
 volopini>- and os^al)lisliini>' a Prosbytorian Church in 
 this connnunity. It was an arduous ont(^rpris(^ at tlio 
 time, and rogavdi^d by many as a rash and hopeless 
 undertakini>". In contrast witli oin* present costly and 
 beautiful building, it marks the progress our church 
 has made in numbers and resources, as Avell as the 
 chanac^ which has occ*urred in the taste and st^h^ of 
 living of the j)eopIe. When it was opened hardly 
 iiftv persons attended its services, and a part of these 
 were the scattered remnants of the Penn's Neck and 
 I.ogtown churchc s. But Avhile these have become 
 extinct, this church, with God's blessing, has prospered 
 and grown to its present position of influence and 
 usefulness. 
 
 The flrst Presbyterian Church in Salem was organ- 
 ized by a connnittee of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, 
 on the 13tli of Nov., 1821, four months after the dedi- 
 cation of the building. This is the record from the 
 minutc^s of Presbytery: "A petition w^as sent to Pres- 
 bvterv from the inhabitants of Salem and Lower 
 
14 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 Penn's Neck, signed by Robert G. Johnson, Elijah 
 Dunn, Samuel Dunn, Janips Vanmeter and Robert H. 
 Vanmeter, to be organized into a Presbyterian church, 
 called the First Presbyterian Church of Salem. Pres- 
 bytery then appointed Hcv. ^Messrs. Freeman, Janvier, 
 Biggs and Ballantine to meet in Salem, Nov. 13, IS'21, 
 at 11 o'clock, for this purpose and to dissolve thc^ old 
 church organization at Penn's Neck." 
 
 Writing in 1882, Col. Johnson says, the Church 
 was organized with six members, and in the minutes 
 of the first meeting of Session it is recorded that the 
 foUowinsr persons were transferred to this Church by 
 
 ^& 
 
 P^ 
 
 the dissolution of the Church at Penn's Neck: Sarah 
 Lambson, Sarah Kean, Martha Burden, John Congie- 
 ton, Sarah Congieton and Sarah Lumly. If not the 
 original six, they were among the earliest members of 
 the church, as were also Robert H. Vanmeter, Samuel 
 Burden, Robert McMillen and Lydia Mc]\Iillen. 
 
 After a previous election, the following were or- 
 dained as Ruling Elders, viz: Samuel Biu'den, Robert 
 Mc^Iillen and Robert H. Vanmeter. Mr, Burden 
 had been a member of the Penn's Neck church, Messrs. 
 McMiUen and Vanmeter of the Presbyterian church, 
 at Pittsgi'ove. 
 
 Jan. 24, 1822, an election for Trustees resulted in 
 the choice of the following gentlemen, who were duly 
 inducted into office by taking the oath prescribed by 
 the law of the State: James Bartram, Dr. James Van 
 
iiK^tcn-, Dr. iMlwnrd .1. Kc^aslx^y, Joel b'itliiaii, Sanmcl 
 CojUKU-, Saiinu>l Ihiiin. All of tluMii liaxc ])ass("(l 
 invav ('\(*('])t ,)oc\ 1^'itliian, wlio n^sidc^s in Oliio. 
 
 The Pirsbytc^iy funiislied sup])li(>s for tlic ])ul])it 
 until tlic Tall of lcS'2*2; the Tnistcvs tlien cni])l()V('(L 
 with consent of Pn^sbytery, llcv. Moses T. Harris, 
 from Philadelphia, who pc^rfornied ])ast()ral dn^ic^s nntil 
 October, 182'3, or for one year. In November, 18*23, 
 Rev. John Bnrtt was invited to preach, as stated snp- 
 ply for six months. At the end of this time he received 
 the nnanimons call of the congregation to become^ 
 their pastor, and was ordained and installed Jnne 8, 
 1824. Rev. W. M. Engles preached the sermon from 
 II. C'or., V: 20. Rev. Dr. W. Neil recited the pro- 
 ceedings of Presbytery, explained the nature of the 
 ordinance, and offered the ordaining prayer. Rev. 
 E. S. Ely gave the charge to the pastor and the peo- 
 ple. Rev. Messrs. Janvier, Ballantine, Hoff, Jones 
 and Lawrence were present at the service. 
 
 There is preserved this interesting notice, dated 
 Nov. 15, 1824: "The Salem Church has been organ- 
 ized about three years, and has increased from six to 
 thirtv-one members. The number who ofcneralh' at- 
 tend the ministry of Mr. Burtt is about two hundred. 
 The congregation agreed to give Mr. Burtt three hun- 
 dred dollars, and his fire wood, and find him a house 
 to live in. The people are mostly of common circum- 
 stances, and the sum that can be convenicntlv raised 
 
16 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 among- them will not exceed two hundred and fifty 
 dollais. From the attention given to tlie ministry of 
 Mr. Bnrtt, it is cofidently expected by the goodness of 
 DiAine Providence, tliat in a few years the Society will 
 be so fir increased in numbers that they may be able 
 to support tlieir minister without the aid of their 
 bretheren elsewhere. At present t]iey will l)e thank- 
 ful to their C'luistian fric nds for any pecuniarv assist- 
 ance they may f;el disposed to confer upon the infuit 
 churcli at Salem." It is gTatifying to know that this 
 expected increase in numbers and resources came, and 
 that this church has abundantly repaid in her contri- 
 butions to the benevolent work of th^ church, any aid 
 she may have received in her infuicy and feblencss. 
 
 At the congregational meeting, at which ]\Ir. Burtt 
 was chosen pastor, Col. R. G. Johnson was unani- 
 mously elected Ruling Elder. This was March 23, 
 1824. September, 1828, or in about four years from 
 his ordination, Mr. Burtt notified the congregation 
 that he should apply to Presbytery for lea^e to resign 
 his pastoral charge, assigning as his reason, "the pres- 
 ent divided state of the session, which he hoped would 
 be healed under other pastoral administrations." This 
 desire of Mr. Burtt did not meet the vicAvs of the 
 church, and he was led to abandon his purpose for the 
 present. It led, however, to the election of three new 
 Elders, October 29, 1828, viz: Dr. James Vanmeter, 
 David Johnson and Isaiah Wood. 
 
DlSCOlHSK. 17 
 
 In April, 1S:](). Mr. Hurtt aoaiii prcssc^d liis wish 
 to rosio'ii his charge, to wliicli tlio ('()ii<4ro<4ati()ii now 
 ass(nit(Ml, and tlie l^x^sbytory dissohcd tli(^ relation 
 botweon him and the church at its nicotino- .\j)ril 20, 
 1S:^(). ^[r. Burtt ser\(Ml tlu^ church therefore as its 
 pastor six years, and ])revious to his installation, six 
 months as stated supply. At the close of the first 
 year of his labors we lia\e seen the church numbered 
 thirty-one; when he left it there wer(^ tifty-two nu^n- 
 b(n*s, an increase of twenty-one in six years, as rapid 
 a growth under the circumstances as it has mad(^ in 
 any subsequent period of its history. 
 
 Wliil(^ the church met its pecuniary enga^^c^nients 
 with Mr. l^urtt, it was all that it felt abh^ to do for 
 th(^ suy)port of the gospel until DcM-ember, 1(S28, when 
 the Session reconnnendcnl it to adopt the plan of the 
 (ieneral Assembly's Committee on Missions, and to 
 ask each member to c(^ntribute annually at least tifty 
 cents to its objects. This seems to have been the 
 beginning ot the contributions of this church to the 
 Boards of tlie (xeneral Assembly, in which it has 
 ])ersevered, and towards which its liberality has 
 abounded as it has grown in resources and as the 
 Boards haye multiplied. During Mr. P)urtt's ministry 
 a pastor's library, yalued at $50. 00, adapted to his 
 special tastes and wants, was presented to the church 
 by Elias Boudenot, Esq. A Sabbath-school library, 
 valued at $*25.()() was also presented by Miss Ellet, 
 
18 AX HISTORICAL 
 
 of New York. Some of the Looks of the pastor's 
 Uhrary remain, ^yhile those given hy Miss Ellet 
 formed tlie nucleus of the Sahhath-school hhrary, 
 which has heen enhirged and re])lenished from year 
 to year. ^ 
 
 Mr. Burtt was horn in Scotknd, May '2-]. 1779. 
 He early showed a taste for learning- and used e^ery 
 opportunity to improve his mind. AVhen only sixteen 
 he was decoyed into a boat and impressed into the 
 British Navy, where he ser^•ed five years, and at last 
 was relieved troin his painful position by an English 
 officer, who had become interested in him. After his 
 release he came to America, studied theology at 
 Princeton, was licensed to preach by the Presl)ytery 
 of Philadelphia, and in Jinie, 1S21, was ordained 
 pastor of this church. Subsequently he was editor of 
 the Presbyteriax^ later ol the Standard, a religious 
 paper of our church. He received calls as Professor 
 to Washington College, Pa.; to Hanover Theologi- 
 cal Seminary, Ind., and to Oakland College, Miss. 
 He was pastor for some years of the Fifth Presby- 
 terian Church, Cincinnati, and for seventeen years of 
 the Church at Blackwood town. New Jersey. He 
 translated for years the French letters printed in the 
 Presbyterian, and w^as the author of many articles 
 that did not bear his name. Mr. Burtt w^as a ripe 
 scholar, a profound theologian, a laborious and faith- 
 ful minister. He attracted the thoughtful by his 
 
DISCOVK'SK. 19 
 
 ])r(^n('hin^'. and was W(^l! cal'-ulatcd to build up a 
 cliurcli ill its iiifaiicv. 'Vhv rr('sl)yt(Miaii clnircli in 
 Salriii i>-ainrd a d'cidc^d impulse^ IVom liis labors, and 
 sonu^ who wcvr drawn to its worsliij) by its simplicity 
 and n()V(4tv, wrr? l(^d at l(>n<^-tli to nnito with it. 
 I lis liTr abounded in s(di-d(niyiii<>- labors, and whon 
 hil stivn'o^th failcMl ;nul his work sccnu d doiUN he 
 chosr Salem as his rostin<>- place. II( re. ]\v had first 
 l)r Vichrd the gospel; luu'e, numlx^'s hid ])een 1(^1 by 
 him to Christ ; here, some still lingered who ivo-ard(Ml 
 liim as Hieir s])iritual Father; here, his name uas as 
 ointnum^ ])oured forth. 'Die last time lie publicly 
 ()fficiat(Ml in this church was at a Communion service, 
 wlum liis mind seiUKMl "^o la.il a.fter which reason 
 l)e:'ame (entirely dethroned, and (iod at lenoth i>'ave 
 his wearv spirit the rest that rem-dneth for his p.'ople. 
 liis sepulchre is with ns unto this day. The ladies 
 hav(» set his portrait b: fore you to-d-iy to remind you 
 ( f the facr vou liav(^ oft(m looked upon, and of the 
 lips from which yon have heard the word of life. 
 
 In 1880, after the dismission of Mr. Burtt, the con- 
 jrrea'ation in^■ited llev. A. H. Parker, formc^rlv of 
 AVrmoiit. more rec(Mitly of Cape Island, to preach for 
 them until th(^ nu^eting of Presbytery. In April, 1S81, 
 on application of the Session, Presbytery appointed 
 Mr. Parker stated supply for one year. He is spoken 
 of as a gentleman of many amiable cpialities and as a 
 a'ood scholar, thoui>-h not remarkably attractive as a 
 
20 AX HISTORICAL 
 
 public speaker. The church prosp:n*e(l under his 
 care; for at tlu^ close of his year's service there were 
 sixty members reported in full comnumion. It was 
 during Mr. Parker's ministry tliat tlie church received 
 a legacy of nearly $1, ()()() in l)ank stock from Mr. 
 John Congleton, a former Elder in the Penn's Neck 
 church. 
 
 The churph building was also repaired at this time, 
 and the salary of the pastor, which had been raised 
 by subscription, and which had been contributed 
 chiefly by a few individuals, was now raised by an as- 
 sessment on the pews. 
 
 Mr. Parker was succeeded in 1832 by Rev. Amsi 
 Babbit, who continued as stated supply for eighteen 
 months. Mr. Babbit is described as a plain man, not 
 very social in his habits, but a talented speaker. 
 
 After him came Rev. Thomas Amerman, of New 
 York, who remained only Ave months. Mr. Amer- 
 man was a pohshed gentleman of fine attainments, 
 though not an attractive public speaker. These three 
 last named ministers were stated supplies and not 
 settled pastors. 
 
 At a meeting of the congregation, presided over by 
 Rev. J. Kennedy, a unanimous call was extended to 
 Rev. Alexander Heberton, of Kingston, Lucerne 
 County, Pa., to become their pastor. He accepted the 
 call and was installed December 15, 1834. Rev. 
 Mr. Kennedy preached the sermon and put the con- 
 
stitutioiial (lucstioiis. Rv\. (i. \\'. Jjuivicr <^av(' tlic 
 (•liari»(' to tlio ]K^()])1(\ and Mvx. S. l.awnaicc' tlu^ cliar*^;' 
 to tlu* pastor. Mr. HdH'rtoirs ministry continued six 
 velars. I)urin<4 this period tlic clnircli l)uildin<i; was 
 i^nlargod, cariK^tcHl and rc-dcdicatcd. The or<2:an was 
 pnrcliasod and ])lac(Hl in it, which is now in usc^ in this 
 buihling. Tlic monthly concert, the first Monday 
 evening in the month, was established; also, a nuH't- 
 ing for prayer in hehalf of Sahbuth schools, the second 
 Monday evenin": in tlu* month. A Sewins: Society for 
 the beneyolent work of tlu^ church, and a Dorcas 
 Society for the relief of the [K)or, were formed in the* 
 congregation and collections regularly taken u]) for 
 the different boards of the church. Mr. Heberton's 
 salary was $»375 a year. He preached morning and 
 eyening in the church at Salem, and occasionally 
 Sabbath afternoons at Woodstown, Sharptown, Quin- 
 ton's Bridge and Elsinboro. He ordained as Elders, 
 George C. Rumsey, Calyin Belden and John Wether- 
 by. Many will recall Mr. Heberton, who has 
 visited us so recently, as the polished gentleman, the 
 warm friend and efficient pastor. He w^as affable alike 
 to rich and poor. His purse was open to the needy, 
 his sympathies extended to the afflicted, and his house 
 was the scene of generous hospitality. He was de- 
 voted to the interests of the church, both temporal 
 and spiritual, and obtained from his wealthy friends 
 donations for its enlargement and for the purchase of 
 
2'1 AN HISTOKICAL 
 
 the organ. The congTeg-ation g^reatly regretted his 
 reiiio^ ahwhile he also left it with unfeigned reluctaiK'(\ 
 He has since been abundant in labors and highly 
 blessed in them; and if liis lif » is spared until the 
 eominsr October, he will liave hvvw hftv vears in the 
 ministry. 
 
 Mr. Heberton was installed by the Pre sbytery of 
 Philadelphia, but dismissed by th^ Presbytery of West 
 Jersey. This latter body was composed of the 
 churches south of Trenton, and organized Novembej 
 5, 1839. Since this time, it is liardly needful to ob- 
 serve, the Salem church has bec^n in connection with 
 the Presbytery of West Jersey. 
 
 Very soon after Mr. Pleberton left, the S^^ssion in- 
 vited llev. J. T. Helm, of the Presbytery of Nashville, 
 Tenn., to j)reacli to the congregation. Mr. Helm 
 began his labors June 25, 1S4{), and c:)ntinued as 
 stated supply until October 1 , 1 (S4'2. Thc>n a call was 
 regularly made out for his services as pastor, and he 
 was installed by a ('ommittee of Presbytery October 17, 
 1842. Hev. G. W. Janvier presided and gave the 
 charge to the people; llev. J. ^^^ E. Ker preached 
 the sermon, and Pev. Dr. S. B. Jones gave \\\v 
 charge to the pastor. 
 
 Mr. Helm's pastorate continued ncnirly twelve years, 
 inchiding his term as stated supply. During this time 
 many changes occurred. Dr. James Vanmetc^r and 
 Georg(^ C. Humsey, who liad served tlu^ church as 
 
DiscoriJSK. ^2'] 
 
 Eld(Ts, wc^-c callc'd to their nn\;ir(l. ( 'ol. Jolmsoii. 
 the founder and ht lu^laetor of tlie churcli, resio-iuul tlie 
 otHce of Elder ;nid ^\itlldr( \v Iroiu the congregation. 
 Col. Jolnison's withdrawad was orcatly to be ref^retted. 
 From the first he had been tlu^ ardent friend and 
 active supportc^r of the chnrch, which, indexed, grew out 
 of his suggestion and was carried forward for years 
 lar^'clv throujifh his liberality. He welconuul to his 
 hospitality ministers of different nanu^s, and was 
 warmly attached to the friends of religion. He was 
 (dccted Elder in 1824, and served the church fliithfulh 
 in this ofKce for twenty-three years. He withdrew 
 in 1847. Henry freeman was chosen Elder in 1847. 
 and lliomas W. Cattell, Reuben Hinchman and 
 Henry 1>. Ware were elected to this office in 1851. 
 A librarv for the use of the congregation was (estab- 
 lished during Mr. Helm's ministry and chiefly through 
 his efforts, ^diss ir'rudence I. Keasbey beqmnithed 
 '1, ()()() towards the c^rection of a new building that 
 was in contemplation. Dr. James Vanmeter also be- 
 queathed a farm hi in Pittsgrove township, tlu^ income 
 of which is to be perpetually used to sustain the 
 preaching of the gospel. Dr. ^^anmeter's will w^as not 
 witnessed and th(^ legacy could not, therefore, be 
 legally claimed; but his son. Dr. Thomas J. Vanmeter, 
 gave a (IchhI of the property to the church, in accord- 
 ance with his father's wishes. TIk^ Trustees accepted 
 the a'ift with a cordial vote of thanks to Dr. ^^uuneter 
 
•24 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 and his tamily for promptly and voluntarily confirmino' 
 the intended heqiiest of their fluher to the church. 
 
 In 1847. and largely through the faith and zeal of 
 tlie ladies of the congregation, the huilding was pur- 
 chased, which is now occupied as a parsonage. Thc^ 
 cost was $'2,(S()(). Twelve hundred dollars were raised 
 by a general subscription, and six hundred contributed 
 h\ the ladies' sewing society. This sum of $1,8^^^) 
 was paid when the deed was drawn; the balance. 
 $1,000, w^as paid at different times, but the mortgage 
 was cancelled May 4, 185 '2. 
 
 In 1847 there was also a reorganization of th(^ 
 Board of Trustees and an (dection of six new members, 
 viz: George C. Eumsey. John Tawson, Dr. Charles 
 Hannah, William J. Shinn, Calvin Belden and Thomas 
 W. Cattell. F. Lambson, who had been elected in 
 1831, constituted witli these the seven Trustees re- 
 (piircMl bv the civil hnv, and under their direction the 
 temporalities of the church were conducted for several 
 vears. The church enjoyed a good degree of pros- 
 peritv under Mr. Helm's ministry. After many trials 
 and reverses it become a united and influential society. 
 Mr. Helm sustained himself partly by teachnig the 
 /Vcademy, and through his labors this cliurch materially 
 promoted the interests of education in this community. 
 His salary was what the Treasurer could collect, never 
 exceeding five hundred dollars a year. Half of the 
 time he paid for a house from his salary, the remain- 
 
DISCOURSE. 25 
 
 fU'i* ol* the time lie occupied the parsonai^e. One 
 speaks of him: -as a man of talent, eminent for 
 scholastic and Biblical learning, sympathizing and de- 
 voted as a pastor, and in view of his feeble health, 
 abundant in labors.'' 
 
 He says in a letter at my request: '-I came to Salem 
 as a young man witli considerable acquisition for my 
 age, but with inexperience and no taking popular 
 gifts. The field Avas difficult and discouraging, but 
 interesting and requiring chiefly and largely the strong 
 virtues, patience, steadf^^istness and hope, even against 
 liope. The town itself was small, population 2008, 
 not i^iowin":. and its life mo vine: in '<^ leaden flow. 
 The congregation was small, not homogeneous, con- 
 taining little w?alth or business enterprise, and under 
 m\ enormous pressure of (Mi^>ide adverse influence. 
 At my arri^ a! i^ was in a \ ery distracted condition, yet 
 it contained some precious material; the tone of 
 Christian life was g-ocxl; an earnest ministry was wel- 
 come. It was my privilege to gain and retain the 
 thorough confidence of my parishioners. They were 
 very dear to my h^nirt. This was the case when I 
 left and I have good reason to believe continued so 
 for years. The brief flicts of my ministry would make 
 a very inconsiderable sum in statistics; yet they fill a 
 large place in my life — a larger still in the memor}* of 
 my heart. Should I Aisit Salem now I should be a 
 stranger to a generation that knew me not — dear, 
 
'^^ Ay HISTORICAL 
 
 kind, faithful prcp:(\ The greater part liave gone to 
 their rest. I, too, fl^el the shadows lengtliening towards 
 the evening. The tasks of Kfe must soon he laid 
 down; 'hut there remaineth a rest.' " 
 
 Mr. Hehn was dismissed April 20, 1(S;V2. The 
 Session, in hehalf of the congregation, expressed their 
 sorrow at the separation, their confidence in his 
 character and respect for his talents, with their best 
 wishes for liis future prosperity and usefulness. Mr. 
 liehn, as is well known, subsequently entered the 
 Episcopal church and ministry, and is now settled in 
 Sing Sing, New York. - 
 
 Af'or giving a unanimous call to llev. Robinson P, 
 IJimn, which he declined, the congregation cordially 
 united upon Rev.J)aniel Stratton, of Newburn, X. G„ 
 at a meeting held June 23, 1852. 
 
 Mr. Stratton was installed October 14, 1852, by 
 the following Committee of Presbytery: Pev G. W. 
 Janvier, who presided and proposed the constitutional 
 questions; Pev. S. K. Kollock, who preached the 
 sermon; Pev. Dr. S. B. Jones, who delivered the charge 
 to the pastor, and Pev. John Burtt, who gave the 
 charge to the people. Mr. Stratton's ministry con- 
 tinued fourteen years and ended with his death, 
 August 24, ' 18(){i He had written his fourteenth 
 anniversary sermon, which he expected to preach on 
 Sabbath, August 12; but it was read after his decease 
 
DISCOUKSE. V< 
 
 by lv( V. J()s(^|)]i W. Hubbard Aui^'Ust '2(), wlio tlic 
 Ibllowiii,^- (lay preacbed liis memorial s(n-moii. 
 
 Mr. Strattoii won to an extraordinary degree tb(* 
 love and confidence* of bis pcoj)le and tbe Respect and 
 admiration cf tbe connn unity. I need not dwell uixon 
 bis life and cbaracter witb wbicb you are famibar. and 
 wbicli bave been set before you on previous occasions. 
 A native of Bridgeton and graduate of tbe College of 
 New Jersey, be studied tbeology at Princeton and also 
 at Union Seminary, ^"'a. He was licensed to preacb 
 by tiie Presbytery of West Hanover, and for fourteen 
 years ^vas pastor of tbe cburcb at Xewburn, N. C, 
 wbere b(* was resp-cted r:nd beloved by bis own clia.rge 
 raid by larg:^ numbers beyond its bounds. Wb: n ^dr. 
 Stratum came ^o Salem tbe cburrb was weak a.nd dis- 
 tracted ; wb(^n b(^ was called away b}' dea^b, a.fc r a 
 pas^ora.te of fouvtec^n y(^ars, be left it enlarged in num- 
 bers and influence, entirely barmonious in fjeling, 
 accustomed to do liberal tilings for Cbristian benevo- 
 lence, alive to its mission and ind)u?d witb bis own 
 beautiful spirit. My. Stra.t'xn Avas a man of rare good 
 sense, synmietrical in cbaracter, biglily bonored as a 
 pastor, i)r'eacber and Presbyter. He w^as alive to every 
 interest of tbe cburcb and tbe country, courteous and 
 dignified, a genial companion, fiitbfnl friend a.nd wise 
 counsellor. Tbougb an invalid, he was diligent in bis 
 work, wbik^ bis peaceful deatb was a fitting sequel to 
 bis bolv life. Presbytery and people, bis family and 
 
28 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 the community mingled their tears in vic^w of his de- 
 parture, while they blessed God for his example and 
 usefulness. 
 
 The present beautiful building was erected during 
 ^Ir. Stratton's ministry. The con«Te«'ation took action 
 in reference to it at a public meeting July 5, 1853, at 
 which they unanimously adopted the following: ''Re- 
 solved, that in view of the inadequate provision now 
 offered by the building in which we statedly worship, 
 <ind in view of the increase of population in this town, 
 we believe it to be expedient.in dependence upon God, 
 to erect a more commodious house of worship for the 
 use of this church and congregation." The fol- 
 lowing were appointed a building comnuttee to carry 
 out this resolution: Thomas W. Cattell, Closes Rich- 
 man, Jr., lleuben Hinchman, Calvin Bclden and 
 Samuel Prior, Jr. The corner stone was laid with 
 appropriate ceremonies July 17, 1854, about one year 
 after this action of the congregation. Rev. Daniel 
 Stratton presided and offered prayer, Rev. J. I. Helm 
 made the address, while Rev. Drs. Kollock and Jones 
 and Rev. Messrs. Allen H. Brown and G. W. Janvier 
 took part in the highly interesting services. Records 
 of the church, religious and city papers, with other 
 documents of interest, were deposited in a case sur- 
 mounted by a white stone slab, in wdiich was cut the 
 date of the founding and building of the church. 
 This was the corner stone. The architect was John 
 
i)is("()rK'SK. 29 
 
 McArtlmr, of Pliila(l('l])lna ; ^lic mason, IJiclianl ('. 
 Ualliii^-iM-, ol* Salciii ; thr liiiildt r. A. \;\u Kirk. (»!' 
 Tn^nton. Its diiiunis'K^iis arc 4S i( (^t w'ulr bv S() fret 
 loiio-; luio-ht of strei)I(% 1S4 Icet; cost, $'i7,()()(). 
 
 It was dedicated October 15, LSoG ; scu'nioii by liev. 
 Dr. Jones; reading- of the scriptures and other (wer- 
 cises by lie v. Dr. Kollock, llev. (j. W. Janvier and 
 John Burtt. former pastor. The Buikhng- (Jonnnittce 
 on finishing their labors reported December 24, l.sr)(). 
 that the cost of the church edifice. lot. slieds, furni- 
 ture, Szc. amounted to $27,047.09. They add: '-a 
 period of about two years and a half ha^■e elapsed 
 since the corner-stone w^as laid. The work has ad- 
 vanced slowly; but circumstances unforeseen and 
 beyond the control of your committee occasioned the 
 (kla}. A kiml Providence has enabled us to com- 
 ])lete tlu^ building without any serious interruption, 
 while the almost unexampled liberality of the congre- 
 gation and friends of tlie church has tended greatly 
 to encourage us and lighten our labor in the prosecu- 
 tion of our enterj)rise. The entire cost has exceeded 
 the original estimate; but we have been prompted to 
 these increased ex])enditures by a pardonable zeal to 
 present to thc^ congregation a handsome and substan- 
 tial edifice in which we and our children may worship 
 the Lord our God." The names of those who gave 
 the largest amounts for this building are Calvin Bel- 
 dt^n and family, Iveuben ITinchman, Rev. Daniel 
 
30 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 Stratton and family, including $1,000 from Miss H. 
 E. Hancock, Mrs. Margaret Eumsey and family, 
 Thomas W. Cattell and family, and Dr. Thomas J. 
 A^anmeter and family. The sums contributed by these 
 donors amounted to $13,773.50. The liberality of the 
 whole congregatioii and of friends in other places was 
 generous and cordial. Entire harmony preyailed. The 
 ladies showed theirt accustomed activity and furnished 
 the church at their own expense from the profits of 
 th3ir sewing society, except the chandelier, the Bible, 
 cushion and conununion table. Thesc^ were g-'fts from 
 other friends. Sabbath-school w-as first held in the 
 new building the second Sabbath of November, 1856, 
 after a recess of two weeks, the only recess it had had 
 in its history of thirty-two years. This was occasioned 
 by the dismantling of the old church of its pews to 
 seat the Lecture lloom of the new church. Tuesday 
 evening, November 11, the first weekly lecture was 
 held in it, and Thanksgiving was observed in it No- 
 \ember 20th. 
 
 This building was spoken of in the papers at the 
 time, "as beautiful and worthy of the taste of the 
 architect and liberality ot the people, as furnished 
 throuo-hout and an ornament to the town. It was 
 regarded as a noteworthy fact that a church of one 
 hundred members a.nd eighty families had contributed 
 $17,000, while there had been from the beginning of 
 the enterprise an increase in the nimibers that attend- 
 
i)i:,rouKsE. 
 
 31 
 
 rd pul.lic worsliip. Tlu^ (Icnruid for \)c\\s wa^ sucli 
 jis to surprise tlir most s'ir.<j;-uiiit\ and a uvw intt^ros^ 
 was o-ivon to ovory r ^igions s[ rvic,(\ The liis'ory ol" 
 tliis ontorprisc, it is a.dded, sliows it i:^ a wise libc^rality 
 to erert substantial houses of worship; for it advancers 
 tlie temporal and spiritual prosperity of tlie peo])le." 
 The sumof $L52().5() wasrceeived as premiums on tin' 
 sale of pews, and tlie 'l^'ustees felt able to raise the 
 pastor's salary from |()()(), whidi he received at his 
 settlement, to $1,()()(), together with the free use of 
 the parsonage. ^ 
 
 After Mr. Stratton's death no candidates were heard 
 for three months, fiom respect to his memory; Rev. 
 Robert J. Burtt supplied the pulpit. Several months 
 later, or December 28, 1866, the congregation elected 
 Rev. F. W. 1-rauns. (f the Presbytery of Baltimore, 
 as their pastor, at a salary ol -11,500 a \c'di\ wdth the 
 use of the ])arsonnge. 
 
 Mr. P>rauns- first sermon on coming to Salem was 
 from the t( xt, '^Vrt tliou hc^ that should come, or look 
 Ave for another!" The congregation were so w^ell 
 satisfied with it they concludod it was he that 
 should come, and it was needless to look for another. 
 Mr. Brauns was installed April 25, 1867. Rev. Wil- 
 liam Cornell presided. Rev. Dr. William C. Cattell 
 preached the sermon. Rev. E. P. Shields gave the 
 
32 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 charge to tlie pastor, and "Rev. Dr. C. E. Gregory the 
 charge to the people. 
 
 Mr. Braims was a patient student, a ripe scholar, a 
 decided Calvinist, and an earnest preacher of marked 
 ability. He won the respect and confidence^ of the 
 congregation and greatly to their regret, after a minis- 
 try of sixteen months, accepted a call to the Seventh 
 Presbyterian church, Cincinnati. Mr. Brauns' health 
 afterwards failed, and for some years he has had no 
 regular charge of a church, and has only preached 
 occasionally. 
 
 November 15, 1866, John Lawson, William B. 
 Robertson, William Patterson and Maskell Ware were 
 (dected Trustees; Vice, Dr. Charles Hannah, Calvin 
 l^elden and John Lawson, deceased, and AA'illiam J. 
 Shinn removed from the bounds of the congregation. 
 
 In 1867 the ladies, with the consent of the Trus- 
 tees and aided by a committee^ of gentlemen, repaired 
 and enlarged the parsonage at an expense of f '2,o()0, 
 
 Th(^ church was without a pastor for six months 
 after Mr. Brauns left. During this time the pulpit 
 was supplied under direction of the session. Differ- 
 ent candidates w^ere heard, and on January 25, 1869^ 
 the congregation unanimously called Kev. William 
 Bannard, D, D,, of the Presbytery ol Albany, N. Y.. 
 He was installed by a Committee of Presbytery April 
 27, 1869, Rev. H, H. Beadle preached the se^mon^ 
 
DISrOUKSK. J^3 
 
 l^cv. John S. Stewnrd <^<iv(^ the (•har<i:(' to the ])ast()r. 
 and Ucy. Kolxn-t .1. l;urtt the charge to the people. 
 His ministry lias thus far extended over seven years, 
 and its incidents are familiar to you. Peace and pro- 
 gress have attended it. The church deht ol 'S(^, ()()() 
 lias been paid as a memorial oft'ering. The church 
 ])uilding has been improved and repaired at a further 
 <*ost of •$'4,()()(), while a goodly number have been added 
 to its membership, and its ])rosperity has at least 
 (quailed that of any previous period of its history. 
 
 It will be seen from this brief outline that the 
 growth of this church has been gradual but constant. 
 The field for its labors at the beginning was limited. 
 Few Presbyterians were found in the community. 
 The population of the place was small, not exceeding 
 six hundred; for it had only one hundred voters. 
 Other denominations had the giound and were 
 thoroughly established. It encountered prejudice and 
 opposition, and only by patient and persistent effort 
 grew in numbers and resources. Its teachings were 
 assailed, its necessity disputed and its riglit to (^xist 
 called in quest4on. But it has vindicated the wisdom 
 of its establishment by its steady progress, and has 
 proved by its fruits that it is a vine of the Lord's 
 planting. Its ministers have held forth a pure gospel, 
 and its members have illustrated in thvir upright 
 lives and active charities its saving power. It is not 
 too much to claim that Salem is the better every way 
 
:34 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 for the presence in it of the Presbyterian church. Its 
 tasteful and commodious edifice is an ornament to the 
 city, while the culture of its people, their enterprise 
 in business, their public spirit and readiness for every 
 good work have added to its social attractions and 
 material prosperity. It has brought into the King- 
 dom of Christ numbers who might never have been 
 reached by other influences. It has raised up those 
 who have become active workers for education and 
 religion. One of its former members is President of a 
 CoUege, another is Professor — both of them are preach- 
 ers of the gospel; while three others are settled 
 pastors. Several of its young women became wives 
 of ministers. Its young men are found in prominent 
 cities and other places doing, let us hope, faithful 
 service for God and man. Many rise up and fall it 
 blessed as the channel through which divine grace has 
 brought peace to their sin-burdened hearts, As its 
 beautiful spire, rising above surroundnig objects, at- 
 tracts attention from all directions, so its influence has 
 gone out in many ways; while its works of love have 
 made it as a city set on a hill that cannot be hid. 
 
 Since its organization in 1821, with six members, 
 554 have been added, an average of about ten per 
 year. 
 
 From 1822 to 1830, a period of nine years, includ- 
 ing Mr. Burtt's ministry, fifty-nine were received to 
 the church, an average of six and five-ninths a year. 
 
DlSrOUKSK. %') 
 
 From 1880 to \H:],i, umlrr supplies, t\v(Mity-('i;^lit 
 were received, an av(Taj2:e of sevc^n a. year. From 
 1835 to 1 840, under ^Ir. Heberton, the additions were 
 sixty, an averaj^^e of ten a year. From 18-40 to 1852. 
 or during Mr. Helm's ministry, ninety were received, 
 an average of seven and a half a year. From 1852 to 
 1 S66^ under Mr. Stratton's ministry of fourteen years, 
 one hundred and fifty-one were recei^ed, an average 
 of nearly eleven a year. From 1866 to 1869, includ- 
 ing Mr. Brauns' ministry of sixteen months, forty-four 
 were recei^ ed, an average of fourteen a year. From 
 1869 to 1876, or during seven years of the present 
 pastorate, one hundred and twenty-two have been re- 
 ceiv(^d, an average of nearly eighteen a year. 
 
 These figures show steady and increasing grow tli. 
 The additions have been few each year, but no year 
 has passed without them. Three hundred and sixt} 
 liave been added by examination, and two hundred by 
 letter; the larger portion, tlu^refore, have been received 
 on profession. 'I'here have been three* seasons ol' 
 special religious interest, followed by larger ingather- 
 ings than usual. The first in 1858, in the earlier 
 part of Mr. Stratton's ministry, when twenty-seven 
 were admitted to the church — twenty-one on examina- 
 ti(m. The second in 1866, in the last year of liis 
 ministry, when the church welcomed thirty-one to her 
 fellowship — twenty-nine on examination. And again 
 in 1869. during the present pastorate, when thirty- 
 
36 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 five were received — thirty on examination, the hirg-est 
 numher admitted in any one year of the churches 
 history. These additions greatly encouraged hoth 
 ministers and people, while their influence remains 
 unto this day. They are also a standing encourage- 
 ment and call to work and pray for even larger bless- 
 ings in the adding of g-reater numbers to our 
 Communion. 
 
 If we compare five hundred and sixty, the total 
 number that have been in communion with the 
 church up to April 1876, with the two hundred and 
 two we then reported as our membership, we see the 
 church has lost by death, dismissal and removab three 
 hundred and fifty-eight members. As an illustration 
 of its losses and changes, it may be noticed that in 1870 
 we reported one hundred andeighty in communion. This 
 year, or in 1876, we report two hundred and two, 
 though there have been received in the mean time 
 one himdred and twenty-two. The church has lost 
 therefore the past seven years by death and removal, 
 one hundred members. 
 
 These figures show that the additions to it have bepn 
 more numerous in its later than earlier years and prove, 
 therefore that its growth, though slow, is increasing; we 
 may hope, too, that as in nature the tree of slow 
 growth is most valuable and enduring, this church 
 
will continue to flourisli with incrcnising yoars and 
 bear richer fruit as it i^^ains in members. 
 
 The constant drain on it arises in part IVom its lo- 
 cation in this city wlu^re so littk^ employment is found 
 for our enterprising- youth, who find it needful there- 
 fore, to leave their homes and seek business in other 
 places. This state of things results in the forming of 
 few new families in thc^ congregation. The young 
 men who go from home, generally marry away from 
 home, while the young ladies marry out of the con- 
 gregation and go to otlier places or other churches. 
 
 The past year has given us fresh evidence of this 
 tendency; for of some ten marriages in the congregation 
 within the year, not one new family has been added to 
 it, but almost all who have married have gone from it. 
 
 These facts, however, should not discourage, but in- 
 cite us to constant effort to make good these losses by 
 gathering in those who are connected with no re- 
 ligious society. 
 
 The pecuniary liberality of this church is one of its 
 marked features, and no doubt, one cause of its pros- 
 perity. For "the liberal soul shal be made fat" 
 
 From the first it has been self-sustaining, and though 
 it could pay but a small salery to its pastor, it was 
 large for the number of its members, and compared 
 favorably with salaries at that time. It has also giv- 
 en freely to general objects of benevolence and to all 
 the Boards of the General Assembly. It has thus 
 
38 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 shown its loyalty to the church and confidence in its 
 wisdom as well as its interest in the Avork of spreading' 
 the o:ospel through the world. Up to 1835 no record 
 was kept of the contributions of the church. From 
 that year we have its annual report to Presbytery, 
 In six years under Mr. Herberton its contributions to 
 benevolence were $899.55. The next twelve years 
 imder Mr. Helm they amounted to about $2,800. 00, 
 which sum does not include $2,000 paid for the par- 
 sona^re In fourteen vears under Mr. Stratton the con- 
 gregation gave for benevolence $5,966; for its own ex- 
 pense including salary, care of chiu'ch and a new build- 
 ing $50,992; congregational expenses were not reported 
 until 1852. We cannot estimate them, therefore, pre- 
 vious to that date. They could hardly, however, have 
 ])een less than f 500 a year or 69,000 for eighteen 
 years. 
 
 The next three years, including the sixteen montlis 
 of Mr. Brauns' ministry, th-re was given for benevolence^ 
 $2,187; for congregational expenses H 1.909. Dur- 
 ing the past seven years $6,988 hav(^ been given tor 
 benevolence, and $28,185 for the uses of the congrega- 
 tion. This includes $6,000. the amount of the debt 
 on the church, and -^4,000 paid for repairs and im- 
 provements. The church has, therefore, given during 
 this last period nearly $ 1,000 a ye<«rfor benevolence, 
 and over $4,000 a year for its own debts and uses. This 
 is not a bad showins: for a membership of less than 
 
DISCOURSE. 39 
 
 two hundred on the average, while it also ilhistrates 
 the progress of the ehureh in the grace of giving, as it 
 has advanced in other resp?cts during this time. Its 
 gifts, tlierefore, since* 1S:]5, or for a period of forty- 
 one years, amount to v 1 8,835 for henevolence; and to 
 'ii 101,084 for congrgational purposes, making a total 
 of -^ 120,919; nor does this large amount include all 
 •that the people liae given; for many sums are not re- 
 ported to the officers of the church and have not there- 
 fore been put upon its records. Presbyterianism in 
 Salem must, however, have vitality when it freely 
 gives this large sum to sustain its own doctrine and 
 worship, and to extend the gospel to others. 
 
 The Sahhath School has been an important element 
 in the succ:^ss and growth of this church. It has af- 
 forded a field for christian effort and attracted to itseli' 
 the active and zealous members of the church. It 
 has secured the love of the children and youth, at- 
 tached them to its doctrines and order, trained them 
 for its services and led many of them into its commu- 
 nion. It has been blessed from the first with devoted 
 superintendents and teachers, while the ministers have 
 rightly regardc^d it as a prominent and promising de- 
 partment of their labors. 
 
 The beginning of Sabbath Schools in Salem is 
 veiled in obscurity. Dr. iNIurphy who carefully exam- 
 ined the subject a few years ago, concludes that 
 the first Sabbath School in this citv was a First- 
 
40 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 day School established m 1813, and contmiied until 
 the year 1818. It was held in the school house on 
 Margaret's Lane, afterwards South, now Walnut 
 street. This school was under the care of Friends, 
 and was intended for secular rather than religious 
 instruction. It was held on First-day to accom- 
 modate all who wished to attend, and especially for 
 those who thought they had no other time to avail 
 themselves of its opportunities. There are those liv- 
 ing who remember this school, some who were schol- 
 ars in it and who recollect seeing old men and women 
 there learning to read. The second Sabbath School 
 in Salem is supposed to have been the Union School, 
 estabhshed in 1819, and held in the Academy building. 
 It embraced all the children of Salem that attended 
 Sabbath School and was sustained with regularity and 
 interest. It had upwards of sixty scholars and was 
 not disbanded until denominational schools were 
 organized. It was carried on chieflv bv the ladies, in 
 co-operation with their pastors, among whom may be 
 mentioned, Mrs. Yorke, Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Van Me- 
 ter, Mrs, Rumsey, Mrs. Clement and Miss. Dick. The 
 Presbvterian Sabbath School was probably organized 
 in 1824, soon after the settlement of Mr. Burtt, when 
 the different denominations organized schools of their 
 own and the Union School was disbanded. A cata- 
 logue of books belonging to the 'SSabbath School Asso- 
 ciation of the First Presbyterian Church, Salem," and 
 
1)1 SCOT' USE. 41 
 
 ])riiit(Hl 1)y Snmiu^l l^rior 'm 1S:]7. stat(^s it was oro-ni- 
 v/.vd in 18*24. About tliis time Mr. Burtt purcliasf d 
 for the use of the teacliers a copy of J(^wis}i Auticjui- 
 ties, and Miss Ellet sent twcMity-tive dollars wortli 
 of books for a Library. Library l)ooks, therefore, 
 wf^re early introduced and they liavc^ been sup])li(Ml to 
 the school throu<>-h all its subsequent history. There 
 is before nie a catalogue of books in manuscri])t, dated 
 1827. with ])y--aws f)r the re.>-ula^ion of the library 
 and signed ^lary Van ^Nleter, secretary; 11. Van Me- 
 ter, superintendent. These, no doubt, wTrc' the first 
 books used in the school and numbered two hundred 
 and eighteen volumes. The present library contains six 
 hundred and ninety-seven vobnnes. The catechisms of 
 our church have been diligently taught in the scliool and 
 the aim has been to instruct the children in its doc- 
 trines, as well as to bring them to a saving knowledge 
 of Jesus Christ. Mrs. liuth Van ^Iet(^r was tlie first 
 superintendent and held the office until the election of 
 Calvin Belden. ^Ir. Belden resigned in 1 856 aft( r serv- 
 ing the long period of nearly thirty years. Henry B. 
 Ware was his successor, who held the office for nine- 
 teen years, or until his lamented death in July l.ST."). 
 The present superintendent is W. N. Bannard, elected 
 October 1875. The school has on its roll two hundnul 
 scholars and teachers, of which its hifant class under 
 Jno. P. Moore, numbers sixty-five. The school Ix^gan 
 early to contribute to the missionary work and during 
 
42 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 the pas^ seven years its gifts have amounted to $1395.- 
 97. During the same time the congregation have 
 given v5()() for its current expenses, and in this way, 
 as well as hy the efficient labors of its officers and 
 teachers, have sliown their unabated interest in it. 
 
 The Ladies in this, as in other churches, have been 
 a* power for good. Their attendance at its services 
 and co-operation with its pastors have greatly encour- 
 aged them. Their behoving prayers and active efforts 
 have proved a perpetual benediction. Their faith 
 and zeal have risen with its emergencies, and if others 
 have filtered they have never grown weary in denials 
 and offerings for its sake. They have stimulated others 
 to meet its wants when they have been beyond the com- 
 pass of their own resources. In the Sabbath School 
 and weekly meetings, in the Choir, in their sewing 
 and benevolent society, in the purchase and repair 
 of the parsonage, in the furnishing and improvements of 
 the church, they have helped to carry its burdens and 
 share its work; they have sympathised in its reverses 
 and rejoiced in its success. It confirms this estimate 
 of the value of their services to state that within the 
 last ten years they have contributed by their individ- 
 ual exertions $6,500 to the uses and needs of the 
 church. 
 
 The church owns at present the following property: 
 First, This edifice which originally cost $27,049 
 
DISCOURSE. 43 
 
 •and lias rocoiitly h[\m freed from debt and refitted at 
 u further cost of $1 ().()()(). Tlien^ is no ehureli edifice 
 in this city superior to it, hardly any in this part of 
 the state. If spared from fire and other disaster it 
 will stand for i^-enerations a monument of tin* taste 
 and liberality ot this people and of their desire to rear 
 for themselves and children a fittins: house for God's 
 worship. And now that it is free from debt, and, ex- 
 cept the basement and a new organ, in complete order, 
 we may woll thank God for it, while we congratulate 
 ourscdves in its possession. 
 
 Second, There is the parsonage whose first cost 
 in 1847 was 6*2,800, and whose repairs and enlarge- 
 ment in 1866, through the efforts of the ladies, 
 C'ost 62,500; other improvements have been made 
 on it at different times to the value of at least $700, 
 so that its entire cost to the congregation has been 
 •56.000. This building is also a desirable acquisi- 
 tion to the congregation. Pleasantly located on one 
 of the finest streets of the city, ample in size, sup- 
 pli(Yl with what is needful for the comfort of a family, 
 convenient to the church and neat in its appearance, 
 it is a suitable residence for your pastor and a s^-and- 
 ing proof of your care and affection for him. 
 
 Third, There is the farm in Pittsgrove to^Miship. 
 bequeathed to the church by Ur. James ^^an Meter, 
 
44 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 and now valued at 61 (),()()(). I'nder the skilled man- 
 agement of the trustees this farm is in excellent 
 condition. Good huildings have heen erected on it; 
 it is well fenced, laid out in fields of suitable size 
 and brought up to a high state of fertility. It yeilds 
 to the treasury of the church annuallv about $'500. 
 
 Fourth, The church owns, also, the cemetery in 
 East Griffith street, consisting of about one acre. 
 The original half acre was the gift of Col. Johnson 
 by a deed dated February 12, 18*22, for the site of the 
 old church building; the remainder was the gift of 
 his daughter, Mrs. Annie G. Hubbell and her son 
 Johnson Hubbell by a deed dated December 13,1865. 
 This is God's acre, a spot doubly consecrated, first 
 to the erection of a buikUng for his worship and 
 again as the resting place of the bodies of his 
 saints. It has been carefully laid out with suita- 
 ble walks and trees; a vault has been construct- 
 ed at an expense of $211.41; monuments begin to 
 dot its surface and already it has gathered within it 
 a larger number than usually tread these courts. Its in- 
 terments have been three hundred and seventy-eight. 
 There connect themselves with it endearing, though 
 painful associations. Many of those you have loved 
 and honored there await the voice of the Son of Man 
 on the morning of the resurrection. The bodies of two 
 
DISCOURSE. 45 
 
 of the ministers of this church, the only two that 
 have departed this Hfe, rest within its peaceful en- 
 closure. Many liere expect to join them there in 
 God's good tim(\ As it grows in beauty by the 
 growth of its shrubbery and improvements it must also 
 grow in interest from the number it continually wel- 
 comes from life's strifes and cares to its own repose 
 and refuge. 
 
 ••Xor pain, nor grief, nor anxious fear 
 Invades these bounds ; no mortal woes 
 
 Can reach the peaceful sleeper there. 
 While angels watch the soft repose." 
 
 This church has been favored in its officers. Be- 
 sides the original three, Messrs. Van Meter, Burden 
 and jNIcMillen, the following have served it as Rul- 
 ing Elders, viz.: Eobert G. Johnson, James ^^an Me- 
 ter, David Johnson, Isaiah Wood, George C. Rumsey, 
 Calvin Belden, John Wetherby, Henry Freeman, 
 XJiomas W. Cattell, Moses llichman, Henry B. Ware, 
 Reuben Hinchman, John P. Moore, Quinton Gibbon, 
 Henry M. Rumsey, Wm. B. Robertson — the last five 
 constitute the present session. Seven trustees wTre 
 
46 AN HISTORICAL • 
 
 elected in 1822, viz.: James Bertram, James Van Me- 
 ter, Edward J. Keasbey, Joel Fithian, Samuel Copner, 
 Mathias Lambson and Samuel Dunn. Tbe following 
 liave since then been elected, viz.: Thomas F. Lamb- 
 son, Geo. C. Rumsey, John Lawson, Charles Hannah, 
 Wm. J. Shinn, Calvin Belden, Thomas W. Cattell, 
 Thomas J. Van Meter, [declined] Reuben Hinchman, 
 George B. Robertson, John Lawson, Wm. Patterson, 
 Wm. B. Robertson, ]\Iaskell AVare, D. Wolcott Bel- 
 den. John V. Craven, Albert W. Sherron, Henry M. 
 Rumsey, John P. Moore, Charles W. Casper, Caleb 
 Wheeler, John C. Belden, Henry D. Hall. 
 
 The present board are Maskell Ware, John Law- 
 son, Albert W. Sherron, Caleb Wheeler, Henry D. 
 Hall, John C. Belden and Charles W. Casper. 
 
 As we read this list of Elders and Trustees we are 
 struck with the numbers that have been called to 
 their final home — some of them so recently that their 
 loss is keenly felt as a fresh sorrow. Lideed next Sab- 
 bath is the anniversary of the death of that one of 
 them with whom I have been most intimately asso- 
 ciated in the care and work of the church. I should 
 do injustice to my feelings, and to the proprieties of 
 this occasion, if I did not remind you briefly of the 
 great loss to us all in the death of Henry B. Ware. 
 
DISCOURSE. 4< 
 
 How miicli wo have missed liis counsels, his sym- 
 piitliv, and his ])rayers th(^ j)ast year, llow corchnlly, 
 liad his hfe and stren^tli heen spared, woukl he; liavc 
 engaged in these services, commemorative of the 
 church he so ardently loved and for whieli he so faith- 
 fidly lahored. Ihit his work here is done, and, with 
 others, he has gone to his reward ; while for him and 
 for them, we are persuaded, '-it is far better." I wish 
 there was timc^ to give a particular account of the 
 character and labors of each of tlu^ deceased officers 
 of this church. They are kno^^ n to you, however, 
 better than to me. They live in your memory and 
 affection. Each had his own trials and execdlencies, 
 as eaeh did his own peculiar work. I can only say 
 the ehurcli prizes their services in her behalf She 
 has preserved in her records the expression of her re- 
 gret for their loss and her high sense of their virtues. 
 They cheerfully gave to her their prayers and efforts. 
 They deliglited in her success and spared neither 
 themselves nor their means to promote her interests. 
 We might well spread Howers on their graves as 
 we recall to day their names and recite their zealous, 
 unselfish and self-denying attachment to this church, 
 and to the cause of religion in this city. As we remind 
 ourselves of their virtues let it be our purpose to fol- 
 low their example. For there remains to both officers 
 and members of this church a wide field of christian 
 activity. The price of its prosperity in the future, as 
 
48 AN HISTORICAL 
 
 in the past, is unceasing diligence and fidelity in its 
 work. 
 
 Let us be encouraged then bv this brief history to aive 
 ourselves with fresh hope and ardor to whatever will 
 increase its numbers and widen and perpetuate its 
 intiuence. Before another fifty-five years have passed 
 away most of us will be numbered with the dead. 
 Shall we not then with God's help so conduct our- 
 selves, that those who follow us will esteem it a priv- 
 ilege to commemorate our course, as we to-day bless 
 the memory of the Fathers and praise God for their 
 life and labors 1 
 
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