y.^.S.?./.; Srom f^e feifirari? of (Ret?, ©.ffen Jg^^^g Q5rott?n, ©. ®. QSequeat^e^ fig ^im to i^c feifirari? of (Princeton C^eofogicaf ^eminarg BX 8935 .H57 1893 A history of the laying of the corner stone of the Jn/LM^ ^ ^^' fJv>i-2^^^*^-wv HISTORY^-;--;-;^ OF THE Laying of the Corner Stone OF The Presbyterian Church, y BRIDQETON, N. J. looth Anniversary, July 26th, 1892. PUBLISHED BY REEVE & FITHIAN, BRIDQETON, N. J. 1893. GEO. W. McCOWAN, PIONEER BOOK AND JOB PRINT, Bridgeton, N. J. -^ \ U W K W A. C O PREFACE. The celebration of the Centenary of Bridgeton Presby- terianism was an event that will never be forgotten. The elaborate preparations made, including ever\^ detail of the programme, reflected credit on the business management of the Centennial Association. But the success was even greater than the mo.st sanguine had dared expect. The daj^ dawned bright and beautiful, but so warm that the mer- cur}^ climbed steadily upward till by noon it touched ninety-eight degrees. Yet Bridgeton' s enthusiasm was nothing daunted by the torrid temperature. Early in the morning the old church yard became the scene of life and activity, and as the day wore on, multitudes sought the historic spot to join in the festivities of the occasion. Al- most every town in South Jersey was represented, arid manj' people from a greater distance came to rene-w old as- sociations and revive sacred traditions. A large platform had been erected under the spreading trees of the churchj-ard, where seats had been provided for the speakers and singers. The auditorium in which the people assembled, was unconsecrated, but not less hal- lowed than Westminster Abbey. Its walls were the open sky, its roof the rustling leaves of intertwined branches; its background the church of the father's, now a centur\- old; and participating with the living as interested spec- tators seemed to be the more than seven thousand sleep- ing ones whose graves lay beneath our feet. 4 Besides papers of local interest, eloquent addresses were made by distinguished visitors.* The music ren- dered by a large and well trained choir was inspiring. The ladies served a sumptuous luncheon at mid-day. In the old church was given a rare exposition of historic curiosities collected by the indefatigable zeal of the Com- mittee on Relics. And so the day passed, everything combining to promote its success, and no accident marring its pleasure. An occasion of such significance, it is felt, should have some permanent memorial. At least the historic results of the day should be gathered up and fittingly preserved. This thought has taken shape in this little volume. In it are collected the principal papers read and a few of the many letters from absent friends. It is believed that while such a book will be of special interest to Bridgeton Presbyterians, it will not be without value to a wider circle of readers. We recall the fact that the earlier periods of our history as a church belong to the town itself not less than to ourselves. Like the branches of a tree, all the churches and institutions of Bridgeton centre about this common stock. This fact has given a peculiar unity and homogeneity to our city. May this continue and develop as the years go by. * These are not all found in this volume because it was deemed necessary to exclude all matter that is not strictly historic. ■pre^byterian ©entennial /\550ciation, OF BRIDGETON, N. J. ORGANIZED, APRIL 21, 1892. OFFICERS. RKV. SYLVESTER W. BEACH, Prescient. REV. HEBERH. BEADLE, » y^,, p,,,Ue>,ts. REV. WM. J. brid(;es, > JAMES J REEVES, Corresponding Secretary. CHARLES B MOORE, Recording Secretary. THOMAS U. HARRIS, Treasurer, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. First Church:— Robert M. Seeley, Henry A. Jordeii, Jonathan Elmer, Alex R. Fithian, Jas. J. Reeves. Second Church:— Judge James R, Hoagland, Eli E. Rogers, Chas. Reeve, David McBride, Thos. U. Harris. West Church:— Charles S. Padgett, Henry W. Elmer, M. D., Daniel Elmer, Wm. B. Nixon, Chas. B. Moore. SUB COMMITTEES. Arrangements: — David McBride, Henry A. Jorden, Jonathan Elmer, Eli E. Rogers, Rev. W. J. Bridges Daniel Elmer, Judge James R. Hoagland. Invitations:— Rev. H. H. Beadle, Rev. W. J. Bridges, Rev. S. W. Beach, James J. Reeves. Programme: — David McBride, Rev. W.J. Bridges, H. A. Jorden. Finance: — EH E. Rogers, Daniel Elmer, Robert M. Seeley. RE-union;— William B. Nixon, Charles Reeve, Alex R. Fithian. Music:— Henry W. Elmer, M. D ,Eli E. Rogers, Rev.S.W. Beach. Printing: — Alex R. Fithian, Charles Reeve, Charles S. Padgett. Relics:— Dr. Jos-ph Sheppard,Dr. Chas. H. Dare, Robt. B. Potter. 6 LADIES' CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE. MISS NANCY P. ELMER, President. MISS EMILY B. FITHIAN, Secretary. MRS. ROBERT N. HUSTED, Treasurer. First Church:— Miss Nancy P. Elmer, Miss Emily B Fithian, Mrs. Francis R. Fithian, Mrs. Henry Graham, Mrs. J. Lewden Robeson, Mrs. Jonathan Elmer, Miss Julia F. Elmer, Mrs. Sylvester W. Beach, Miss Mattie R Janvier, Mrs. Francis B. Minch, JMrs. John M. Laning, Miss Phebe Riley. Second Church:— Mrs. Samuel Allen, Mrs. William Brunyate, Mrs. Benj. F. Harding, Mrs. Charles Reeve, Mrs Samuel P Fithian, Mrs. Thos. W. Williams, Mrs William W. Robbins. Mrs. John Ogden, Mrs. James L Whitaker, Miss Ann R. Fithian, Mrs. David Mc- Bride, Mrs. Robert N. Husted, Miss Carrie Ware West Church: — Mrs. Charles B. Moore, Mrs. William H. H. Elwell, Mrs. Phoebus W. Lyon, Mrs. William E. Riley, Mrs. William A Logue, Mrs. Richard Tren ch- ard, Mrs. Ed. S. Holmes, Mrs. William J Bridges, Miss Julia Frame, Miss Phoebe'Fithiau, Miss Carrie B-.ck, Miss Caroline H. Moore. PROGRA/n/VlE. MORNING SESSION — IN THE OLD CHURCH YARD, BEGIN- NING AT lO o'clock. 1 . PRAYER, Rev. Leonidas E. Coyle. 2. HYMN,—" 'Tis by Thy strength the mountains stand." — Tune, Rainbow. 3. SCRIPTURE READING. 4. THE HISTORY OF "THE CENTENNIAL ASSOCIATION." • Rev. Sylvester W. Beach. 5. ANTHEM. By the Centennial Choir, Mr. Thomas R. Janvier, Director. 6. BRIDGETOWN BEFORE 1792. The laying of the Corner Stone, and the History of the Church until the Dedi- cation of the Building in 1795, Col. Wm. E. Potter. 7. HYMN. — "Lord, what a thoughtless wretch was I." Tune, Greenwich. 8. HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. From the Pastorate of Rev. Wm. Clarkson, M. D., to that of the Rev. John Kennedy, with a sketch of Rev. Jonathan Freeman. Rev. Henr\^ Reeves, Ph. D. 9. ANTHEM, By the Centennial Choir, 10. REV, SAMX, BEACH JONES, D. D. AND HIS TIMES, Rev, Allen H. Brown, 1 1 . HYMN- — "Oh, where are kings and empires now. ' ' Tune, St. Martins. 12. HISTORY OF CHURCH MUSIC AND HYMN- OEOGY IN BRIDGETON, Mrs. Rob't. DuBois. 13. IMPROMPTU REMARKS BY VISITORS. 14. E. M. DOXOEOGY, 15.. BENEDICTION. DINNER was served on the grounds of the West Jersey Academy, opposite the old church. AFTERNOON SESSION — IN THE OLD CHURCH YARD, BE- GINNING AT 2.30 o'clock. 1. HYMN. — "While shepherds watched their flocks hy night," Tune, Sherburne 2. PRAYER. 3. ANTHEM. By the Centennial Choir. 4. HISTORY OF THE SECOND CHURCH AND ITS PASTORS. Rev. Heber H. Beadle. 5. HYMN. — "Why do we mourn departing friends." Tune, China. 9 6. HISTORY OF THE FIRST CHURCH. From the Pastorate of Rev. Ca.spar R. Gregory, D. D. to the prtsent time, Rev. Sylvester W. Beach. 7. ANTHEM. By the Centennial Choir. 8. HISTORY OF THE WEST CHURCH, Rev. William J. Bridges. 9. HISTORY OF THE WEST JERSEY ACADEMY. Prof. Phoebus W. Eyon. 10. HYAIN. — "All hail the power of Jesus' name." Time, Coronation. 11. HISTORY OF PEARL STREET MISSION AND EAST BRIDGETON CHAPEL, Mr. P. Kennedy Reeves. 12. "PROGRESSIVE PRESBYTERIANISM," Mr. Rob't. C. Ogden, Philadelphia. 13. HYMN. — "Lo what a glorious .sight appears to our believing e3'es! Tunc, Northfield. 14. CENTENNIAL ODE, Mr. John Reeves, Philadelphia. 15. IMPROMPTU REMARKS BY VISITORS. 16. BENEDICTION. EVENING SESSION— IN THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. REV. MOSES D. HOGE, D. D., L. L. D., Delivered an Oration on "Presbyterian Principles." The Centennial Choir rendered special music. lO Historical Statement by Rev. Sylvester W. Beach, President of the Rresby terian Centennial Association. Ladies and Cicntlcmeii: — We are here to-day to cele- brate an event of stirring interest to all of us in general, and to Bridgeton Presbyterians in particular. Tiiis day, one hu'.iArel years ago, an assembly was gathered oa this very spot, and with fitting ceremonies the corner stone of a Presbyterian Cliurch was laid. By a common im- pulse we have been moved to celebrate the day. The historjy^ of the movement that culminates in the event of to-day, I am called upon briefly t3 rehearse. The Ses- sion of the First Church at their regular monthly meeting, Feb. 2d, 1892, took the following action, after a thorough discussion of the subject: Resolved, That in the judgment of this Session, the Centennial of Presbyterianism in Bridgeton, which occurs this year, shouUi be suitably observed, and we hereby call upon the Sessions of the other two churches to unite with us, if the matter commends itself to their judgment, in taking steps to arrange for a suitable cele- bration. Resulting from this call, a joint meeting of the three sessions was held, and it was decided to call together the congregations to consider the question. This meeting was held in the First Presbyterian Chapel, April 21, 1892. After a general discussion of the subject, it was unani- mously resolved to hold a Centennial Celebration at some time during the year, and an Executive Committee was appointed to fix upon the date, and go forward in arrang- ing the details of the Celebration. An Executive Com- mittee was constituted. They decided upon July 26th as the date of the Cele- bration, as the time most significant and suitable, it being II the day of the la3-ing of the corner stone of the old Church. Sub-committees on the following subjects were ap- pointed: Arrangements, Invitations, Programme, Finance, Re-union, Music, Printing and Relics; and a Committee of ladies. The Work of the Executive Committee is now practi- cally completed, and they present to you to-day as a re- sult of their labors, the program which is now before you. To all our people the warmest thanks are due for their kindly co-operation throughout, in the w^ork of preparing for this day. We welcome you one and all, to a partici- pation in the festivities of this glad da}'. A note of sad- ness mingles with our gladness, for the surroundings of this place remind us that the past has recorded irretriev- able losses. Especially do we mourn that one, the most interested of all perhaps in the success of this occasion, was summoned from us ere the da}- dawned to which he was looking forward with much rejoicing. I refer to our beloved friend, Dr. J. Barron Potter. But the oc- casion has more of sun-light than shadow. We are fj.ll of thanksgiving for the glorious histor>^ which has given so noble a fame to Bridgeton Presbyterianism. We are also able to rejoice in the present; for we exhibit in our denomination a strong and unshaken line in the battle against the world, the flesh and the devil. We are a united, prosperous and growing Church. We likewise contemplate the future without misgivings. The past makes us sure of the days to come. We w^elcome this day in the confidence that the future has in store for us far greater things than our past history can tell. "Not backward are our faces turned, But onward to our Father's House." 12 Address of Col. W. E. F'otter, on "Bridge Town Before 1792." Mr. Chairvian, Brethren and Friends: — The cere- monies of this day, I am sure, will be of interest to all in presence. For many of us, indeed, this interest is col- ored by sadness, for within the shadow of these sacred walls, and under the over-arching foliage of these vener- able trees, lie the graves of our forefathers; nay, of more than these, the graves of those knit to us by the closest and tenderest ties of kinship and of love. Within the area of this cemetery are buried the mortal remains of nearly four thousand persons, a number thir- teen times as great as the population of this village when the corner-stone of this building was laid. The mystic chords of memory stretch from their graves to almost ever>' heart and hearthstone within the limits of this count}^; and beyond it, wherever the restless foot of ad- venture has led our citizens to wander. These walls are written over, these ancient pews are deeply engraven, by the boyish hands of our kinsmen and friends, now alas, man}- of them, long since dust and ashes. Some of us, mere prattlers by our mothers' sides, have here attended divine service; others have been scholars at the Sunday School; many others of us, from childhood, have been accustomed to come here while the last glories of departing day lingered in the West, and among these monuments stained with the sunset of a hundred years, to meditate upon the brevity of life, the certainty of death. Under these circumstances, and with these tender mem- ories, pressing upon us, that heart must indeed be flint- like which is not this da}' thrilled with profound emotion. It is a solemn and saddening reflection that of all of the 13 8ooo inhabitants of this county of whose birth we have authentic record, Hving when this church was erected, but one survives. Born upon the loth day of May, 1792, the venerable Dr. Enoch Fithian, of Greenwich, still lives; lives in the recollection of a well-spent life; lives in the affections of the W'hole community; lives in sure hope of an early en- trance into life and happiness which will be eternal. May the pra^-ers and songs of praise of this day be wafted to his retired dwelling, and breathe a new bene- diction through his silver hairs. BRIDGETON BEFORE I 792. The historj' of this church is practically coincident in time, with that of the Government of the United States. In 1792, the Revolution had been ended nine years; the \vear>' vexations and unsatisfactory period of the Confed- eracy had passed, and upon its ruins had been laid, broad and deep, and broader and deeper than even its builders knew, the foundations of our present government. The young men who fought the battles of the war had be- come the leading men in every community throughout the country. The matchless financial abilit}' of Hamil- ton, aided by the strong and sure support of Washington, had brought order out of chaos in the finances of the new nation; and the government, like a noble ship, had borne its way through the icy and stormy seas of adversity, and almost of despair, and with favoring breezes was now .sailing in smoother waters. The thrill of a new prosperity began to be felt along all the nerves of commerce and trade. There is evidence tending to show that these influences reached even tlie small and remote hamlet then known as "Bridge Town.'" By an actual enumeration of its inhabitants made in 1792, the population of "Bridge Town" was 300. There were probably not more than fi% dwelling houses in the village. The late Judge Elmer in his counts^ histors- states, that nearl}^ all the dwelling houses in existence in 1800 can be identified, and he enumerates 32 upon the east side of the river and 37 upon the west side, and the total num- ber of 69. That portion of the village west of the river was parcel of the township of Hopewell; and that east of the river was parcel of the township of Deerfield. Cumberland County was set off from the County of Salem by an act of Assembl}' passed January- 19, 1747- 1748. It was named after the Duke of Cumberland, son of King George II, who had recently gained the victory of Cullo- den, and thereby permanently established the House of Hanover upon the throne of Great Britain. The original location of the village was doubtless due to the fact that it was at the head of navigation and the contour of the banks of the river was such as to make it practicable to bridge the stream. For many years, and even within the memory of those now living, the village vv^as called, locally, "The Bridge;" At an earlier period it was known as "Cohansej- Bridge." In 1792 there was little wealth in this community, and no one man of large property, except two or three per- sons who held title to lands, which afterward enriched them or their descendants. Nearly all the families raised, killed, and cured their own pork and beef, and spun their own clothing and bedding, which was afterwards woven either by them- selves or by persons who followed the business. Their fuel was wood cut in the adjacent forests, and their light was furnished by candles made in the family. 15 Water was obtained from wells easily sunk in the porous soil. Tliere was an absence of ver>^ many o:" what are now considered not luxuries tut necessities of life. In many houses there w^ere no glazed windows, but only apertures cut in the walls of the houses and closed by shutters. The journal of a young lady who visited in Bridgeton in 1786 records that she travelled to Phila- delphia in a private carriage, that the journey t3ok two days, and that the party stopped the first night at the Pine Tavern, a well known Inn; and she complains of the scanty bed-clothing, and that the windows were not glazed, and had no shutters, only boards nailed up, and These an inch apart. The highways, the country over, . were horrible. The journey by stage from New York to Boston occupied in good weather six days, and in bad weather nine days. Persons travelling from New York to Philadelphia took leave of their friends as those do who now cross the ocean. Travellers over the same route were often obliged to wait two or three days at the Batter^' in New York, before they ventured to cross to Paulus Hook on the Jersey shore. Bath-rooms, outside of the large cities, at least, had not come into use. The use of anthracite coal for fuel, of illuminating gas, of the telegraph, the telephone, of steam locomotion, of the electric light, of canned fruits and vegetables, of matches, of the numberless arts and devices of modern life, had, of course, not been discovered. The process of vaccination had not been developed, and whole families in Bridgeton as elsewhere, inoculated with the virus of small-pox, were quarantined for weeks, until the period of infection had passed. The use of anaesthetics and of antiseptics was un- known, and the methods of surger}' as of medicine, viewed i6 in the light of the present day, were rude if not barbar- ous. Fever patients were saturated with mercury, until not infrequently their teeth, and sometimes even their tongues fell out, and a cup of cold water, even where the thirst raged most fiercely, was considered fatal. It was a cruel age. Our ancestors brought with them their English traditions. They were familiar with the history of the "Bloody Assizes," during which after the rebellion of Monmouth, the infamous Judge Jeffre3'S, in one circuit, caused to be condemned and executed over 300 persons; they recalled the later rebellions of the pre- tender in 1 7 15 and 1745, and the confiscations and exe- cutions attendant upon them. These memories and the condition of public sentiment in those days, led the Fathers, at the close of the Revolu- tion, to treat the Tories with very great severity. Their property was confiscated; their lives were threatened. Hundreds fled to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, other hundreds to England ; and there lingering out a brief ex- istance, died far away from home and kindred. In South Carolina, upon returning to their homes after the war, many tories were shot upon the spot, without justice and trial. In northern New Jersey they were stripped naked, tarred and feathered, and driven from the State. Even in Bridgeton, a tor^^ who is said to have been one of the guides for Simcoe's column to the infamous massacre at Hancock's Bridge, venturing after the war to visit the inn kept in the house still standing upon the SDuth-west corner of Broad and Giles streets, was so vio- Hr.t'y t'lrstt^ned, t'lat the then sheriff of the county, frther of some still living, was forced, in order to save him from injury, to s^nd him out of the town, Ncthing shows more forcibl}- the improved civilization 17 and Christian sentiment of this day. than at the close of the late war of the Rebellion, which cost not less than a fa milHon lives, and a treasure so vast that the mmd - shrinks from calculating it,no man of the conquered rebels suffered for his treason in body or estate, by the action of the United States. The condition of the jails the country over in .792. .vas almost beyond belief. They were nursenes of the most open and flagrant vice; and a d.stmgu.shed h stor ian has stated that some of them at least, would compare unfavorably with the Black hole of Calcutta. In ,792 the criminal laws of England, like those of , Draco, may be said to have been written in blood Over one hundred crimes, from stealing a pocket handkerchief to high treason were punishable ^"th death; some of them by tortures and indignities worse than death. Our fathers inherited this tendency to severity ir. their cnm- inal laws. In 1787. in our neighboring State o Dela- ware, there were twenty crimes to which the death pen- altv was annexed. n^-u ,. a In Massachussetts there were ten such crimes. The tread nnll was always going. The shears, the brandmg iron, and the lash were never idle for a day. In Philadelphia the wheelbarrow men still went about the streets m gan-s or appeared with huge clogs and chains hung to their necks. In Rhode Island for many offences, a per- petual mark of shame was imprinted upon the culprit. The counterfeiter was punished with the loss of a piece of his ear, and a large letter C was deeply branded m his forehead. In our own State, fortunately for its fame, these degrading punishments did not exist, and but four crimes involved the death penalty. From the boundar>^ of New England southward, the code citiello was in force, and Hamilton, its most distin- guished victim, although in the last writing from his pen p he placed upon record one of the strongest arguments against it, fell upon the heights of Weehawken,, in obedi- ence to its inexorable law^ as by a singular infelicity did his young son r upon the same ground,, one year previous.. It was an age of grave and even stilted manners- This is shown by all contemporaneous history,, and especially by the letters of the period. The address and ending of a letter, even between intimate friends,, in those days were matters of serious import.- The etiquette of the day, was precise and complicated, and during Washing- ton's administration was a frequent cause of complaint. The grave manners of the period were much enhanced by the dress then worn. Professor McMaster, in his ad- mirable history, thus describes it: "A gentleman of the last century, if he were a man of fashion or of means, wore a three-cornered cocked hat heavily laced. His hair was done up in a cue, and its natural shade obscured by a profusion of powder. His coat was light colored with diminutive cape, marvellously long back and silver buttons engraved with the letters of his name.. His small clothes came scarce to his knees; his stockings were striped; his shoes pointed and adorned with huge buckles; his vest had flapped pockets; his cuffs were loaded with lead. When he bowed to the damsels that passed him, he took half of the sidewalk as he flour- ished his cane and Scraped his foot. Nor does the dress of the lady as she gravely returned his salutation, and courtesied almost to the earth, seem less strange to us. These were the days of gorgeous brocades and taffetas, luxuriously displayed over cumbrous hoops which flat- 19 tened before and behind, stood out for two feel on each side; of tower built hats, adorned with tall feathers; of •calash and nuisk-melon bonnets; of high wooden heels fancifully cut; of gowns without fronts, of fine satin pet- ticoats and of implanted teeth, ' ' The customs of 1792 differed widely in other respects from those of to-day. Neither the civilization or the re- ligion of that period, had evolved the modern doctrine that either the vending or the use, within temperate limits, of intoxicating liquors, constituted a moral crime. Brandy, whiskey-, rum and wines were sold by the meas- ure at eveiy country store as freely as molasses or sugar. The decanter stood upon ever>' sideboard; and the Pres- byterian minister of the day was accustomed to take his dram with his entertainers both before and after service. The inn-keeper was one of the principal persons of the ■community, and often not only a member, but an officer of the church. As there were no public halls, the prin- cipal gatherings of every rural community were held at the village inn; and these were the chief places where the revolutionary' committees in each locality were ac- . customed to assemble. As the means of transportation and accommodation were limited, it was an age of great hospitality. News- papers were few and difficult of access, and strangers and travellers were welcomed, in rural neighborhoods, as bringing something of the news from the outside world. The journal of the young lady above referred to records, that after service in the Court House, where "Parson Grier" preached, "a very large company" sat down to tea at the house of the gentleman where she was visiting, and the wdiole journal shows that this occasion was but a sample of the hospitality of the times. 20 The same hospitable customs which then existed here, although they have generally disappeared in the North, still remain in parts of Virginia, and perhaps in some of the other Soutuern States. Taey are one of the earmarks of rural and sparsely settled* communities. In 1792, imprisonment for debt still existed, and for the debt of a trifling sum, the creditor, by execution, could seize the body of his debtor, and confine him in the county jail, among the most vicious criminals. Public hospitals and asylums for the sick, the infirm, and the insane, were very rare, if indeed they existed at all, and the evidence is abundant that ofttimes the treat- ment of those afflicted persons in almshouses, jails, or by those to whose care they were farmed out, was ex- tremely neglectful and cruel. By the census of 1790, the population of the country was ascertained to be somewhat less than four million. These were scattered along and near the Atlantic sea- coast, from Maine to Georgia. Kentucky was admitted to the Union in 1792, and by that time Pittsburg was a small town. Settlements had been begun in the fertile valleys east of the Alleghanies, and some thousands of people were in motion down the Ohio, or had already ar- rived at the new settlements in Ohio and Kentucky. Save the settlements indicated, and perhaps a few small hamlets at different points on the Mississippi, the area of the United States in 1792 was a vast wilderness, inhab- ited only by various tribes of nomadic savages. Slavery still existed, but the number of slaves in this community was small, aud in our State this system of servitude was always of the mildest and most humane type. No newspaper was regularly published in Bridgeton 21 until some years after the beginning of this century. This was an eminently patriotic community. During the Revolution, at least two full companies were raised in this vicinity, which joined the Continental Army. One of these, commanded by Capt. Richard Howell, was the 5th Company of the 2nd Battalion, First Establish- ment of the New Jersey Continental troops. The other, commanded by Captain Joseph Bloomfield, was the 7th Company of the 3d Battalion, It is a singular fact that each of these officers, after the Revolution, became Gov- ernors of the State. At several times during the w^ar, fully one-half of the militia of this country was in actual service. The Organization of the Congregation and Erection of the Church Building. It was in the age and by a people having the habits, customs, traditions and sentiments which I have thus en- deavored to point out, that the congregation which erected this building was organized. The majority of the Presbyterians of this Count}^ were the descendants of Presbyterians, of English lineage, who about the begin- ning of the 1 8th century emigrated from Connecticut and lyong Island to this county; but there were some influ- ential families of that indomitable Scotch-Irish race, w^hich more than any other has sustained and ad- vanced the cause of Prcsbyterianism in the United States. The New England Presbyterians established what was called the "Cohansey Church," of Fairfield, which at first independent, as were the churches of Connecticut, united with the Presbytery of Philadelphia, in 1708. There is no record of any actual settlement at "Bridge Town' ' at so early a date as this. Indeed there was no a 22 recorded surv^ey of the lands there upon the east side of the river until 1716, when the West Jersey Society re- surveyed and recorded its eleven thousand acre survey; and it was not until 1754 that Alexander Moore, who had acquired title to parcel of these lands, had the plot of a town surveyed. The survey to Ebenezer Miller, which covers the lands upon the west side of the river from Oak street on the north to a considerable distance south of Vine street, was made in 1749. A brick Court House was built in 1759 in the middle of what is now Broad street, opposite where the Sheriff's house now stands. The hamlet grew so slowly, however, that at the outbreak of the Revolution there were probably not more than 150 inhabitants. Both Greenwich and Cohansey at that time were places of much more importance than "Bridge Town." In 1792, the population, as has been stated, was about 300. The majority of the inhabitants, and those of the most influence, were on the west side of the river, and the chief business centres were at the corners of what are now Broad and Franklin, and Broad and Atlantic streets. These facts fixed the location of this church upon the west side. Up to the time of the erection of this build- ing, the Presbyterians of Bridge Town attended church sometimes at Greenwich, sometimes at Cohansey or Fair- field, and at intervals held services in the Court House. In 1770 an unexecuted will of Alexander Moore was discovered on file in the Surrogate's office which pur- ported to bequeath a tract of land situate on the north side of Commerce street above where Pearl street now is, for the sole use of a Presbyterian Meeting House, and a legacy of fifty pounds towards the construction of a build- ing. In 1774 an effort was made to raise by subscription 23 sufficient funds for this purpose, but the mutterings of and the out-break of the Revolutionary War ended this project. The question of the erection of a Presbj'terian Church was again agitated in 1788, and in 1789 several public meetings were held, at which the subject was dis- cussed. Jonathan Elmer offered as a location for a build- ing a tract of land somewhere near the point, now the southwest corner of Oak and Franklin streets. John Fithian, M. D., offered a lot at the south-east corner of Broad and Giles streets. These locations were much opposed bj- the residents upon the east side of the river. Subscriptions, however, were set on foot, and a com- mittee was appointed to manage the business, and agree upon a site. This attempt, however, was unsuccessful. The names of this committee are not known. At length, in 1791, through the influence of Dr. Jona- than Elmer, Col. David Potter and General James Giles, Mark Miller, the son and heir of Ebenezer Miller, who was a Friend, agreed, in consideration of a promise made by his father, to give the lot upon which this building stands, "To be used, occupied, and enjoyed by the in- habitants of Bridgetown forever, for the purposes of a burying ground for all said inhabitants generally, and for erection thereon a house for the pul)lic worship of Ahnighty God." This lot contained about two acres, and comprises the north eastern portion of the present cemetery. Upon receiving the promise of Mark Miller as above stated, Jonathan Elmer and David Potter called a general meeting of the inhabitants of the town, which convened in May, 1791, when the site above mentioned was fixed upon, and Jonathan Elmer and EH Elmer were unani- 24 niotisly chosen to take a deed for the same in trust for the uses above mentioned. Afterwards it was thought proper to add David Potter and James Giles to the num- ber of trustees. It is worthy of note here, that of these trustees, Jona- than Elmer had been a member of the Revolutionary Congress and of that of the Confederation, and was up to March 3, 1791, Senator of the United States; and David Potter, James Giles and Eli Elmer were soldiers of the Revolution. In conformity with his promise, Mark Miller conveyed the land above mentioned, January 11, 1752, and other conveyances have been made from time to time, so that the title to the area of the cemetery, as shown of record, is as follows; The details of the title are here omitted. About ten acres of ground are now comprised within the limits of the cemetery. As soon as the "Donation Ground" was secured, sub- scriptions were opened for the purpose of building a church upon it, and about ^600, (or $1,600) were sub- scribed, materials were purchased, and the contracts made. The work was begun in the spring of 1792. July 26, 1792, "the foundation stone was laid by a number of the gentlemen of the town, with the usual ceremonies, ' ' There is no other evidence of what occurred upon this occasion than this brief record. September 27, 1792, the roof was raised, and in De- cember of the same year, the roof was enclosed and all the subscription money was expended. The rCvSources of the inhabitants of the town applicable to the purpose having been thus exhausted, it became 25 necessar}^ to devise ;;oirie new method for raising money suffi:ie:it to complete the building. At tliatp^rio:!, the use of lotteries in aid of public charitable and religious purposes was quite common, both in England and in the United States, and the minds of those having the busi- ness ill charge, readily turned to this method of relief. Ebenezer Elmer, M. D., afterwards known as General Elmer, was a member of the Assembly in 1793, and it was doubtless through his influence that an act of the Assem- bly was passed as follows: "An act to authorize the subscribers to the building a Presbyterian Church in Bridge Town. in the Count}' of Cumberland, and to authorize the Subscribers to the Building a Presbyterian Church at Middletown Point, in the County of Monmouth, to erect Eotteries for the Pur- poses therein mentioned. Sec I. BE IT ENACTED by the Council and General Assem- bly of this State, and it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That the subscribers to the building the Presbyterian Church at Bridgetown, in the Count}' of Cumberland, be and they hereby are authorized and empowered to raise by way of lottery a sum not exceeding two thousand dollars; and the Subscribers to the Building of the Presbyterian Church at Middletown Point, in the County of Monmouth, any sum not exceeding Fifteen Hun- dred dollars, to be appropriated by them towards building and completing the said Churches. 2. And be it further enacted. That the Subscribers to the build- ing of each of said Churches shall choose by a Majority of Voices, three managers of said Lotteries, who shall be on oaih for the faithful Discharge of their dut}-; which oath any of the Judges or Justices of the Peace, in and' for said counties of Cumberland and IMonmouth, are hereby authorized to administer; and in case of the Death, Removal, or other Disability of any or either of the Mana- gers so to be appointed, others shall and may, in like manner, be chosen to supply the place or places of him or them so disabled. Passed at Trenton, May 22, 1793. Neal & Lawrence's Laws, p. 835. 26 It is a noteworth}^ fact, that within less than five j^ears afterwards, by the act entitled: "An act for Suppressing of lyotteries," passed February 13, 1797, Patterson's Laws 227, all lotteries are declared to be common public nuisances, and the setting up, opening or drawing lot- teries was among other things, made punishable by a penalty of $2,000. The lottery was drawn in 1794. Upon what scheme it was drawn, or who all the managers who conducted it were, is not now known. The sale of the tickets was quite a task. They were widely distributed throughout the country. In a letter written b}^ Col. David Potter to his brother- in-law James Ewing, of Trenton, under date of October 17, 1793, he states, among other things: "I now take the liberty of enclosing fifty-six (tickets) from No. 241 to 296, including both, which I hope you may be able to dis- pose of. "Dr. Ebenezer Elmer has fifty also, which I hope that he can sell to the good men that parsed the law for us. I fear that we shall not be able to draw quite as soon as mentioned in the scheme, but thf" greate'' part are disposed of, and the managers told me 3'esterday that they only waited to hear from South Carolina of the success of those that were sent thereto Mr. H jUinshead, Ram- say and others, which they made no doubt are disposed of." A copy of a letter in the possession of a gentleman in this city shows that several tickets had drawn prizes of $5.00. It states, one man had drawn five five dollar prizes, which were remitted to him, "less 15 per cent re- duction." The minittes of the trustees of the Church, tinder date of January 12, 1795, give the only informa- tion upon this subject, as follows: "Settled the accounts of the managers of the lottery for the Church, and on a final statement of their accounts, and of all monies paid by them in building the church, there appears a bal- ance due to Jonathan Elmer, one of the managers, of 14 dollars 20 cents. 27 The desired amount of money having been thus secured, the work upon the building was resumed, and continued until May 17, 1795, when it was so far finished as to be fit to occup3\ Sundaj^ May 1795, the church was "Solemnly dedi- cated for the public worship of Almighty God, ' ' by the Rev. John Davenport, then pastor of Deerfield Church. Sunda}', Dec. 13th, 1795, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered in this church for the first time, b)' the Rev. William Clarkson. While the new church was in process of erection, divine services appear to have been held regularly in the Court House. The Presbyter>^ of Philadelphia, convened at Bridgetown for the first time, April 16, 1793, and Jonathan Elmer was appointed to attend it, on behalf of the Bridgetown congregation. Previous to this time, however, there were grave doubts in the minds of those interested as to whether the number and the means of the residents of the town would enable them to maintain a house of wor- ship. This feeling of doubt prevailed for some time and an effort was made to unite with the Presbyterian Church of Grssnwich. April 30, 1792, a general meeting of the inhabitants of Bridgetown and its immediate vicinity was held and a plan proposed for a union with the Greenwich Church. A committee was appointed for this purpose, but the plan was not approved by the Greenwich congre- gation, and was therefore abandoned. It was then deemed advisable to commence the regular organization of a separate church and congregation, bj' applying to the Presbyter>- of Philadelphia for recognition. Several meetings were had for the purpose of delibera" tion upon this subject, and October 14, 1792, it was 28 agreed that such appHcation should be made to the Pres- bytery at its next session. Jonathan Elmer was ap- pointed to attend the meeting of Presbytery with an ap- plication as follows: To the Rev'd Presbytery of Philadelphia: (Gentlemen: — The inhabitants of Bridge Town and its vicinity have hitherto experienced great inconvenience in having no House for worship in or near the Town. It is a County Town central in its situation, and contains near 300 inhabitants who are rapidly increasing in number. After re- peated efforts we have now a fair prospect of succeeding in building a church in the town. It is alreadj' nearly enclosed, and will probably be completed the ensuing season. Our nest object is to prepare for the stated preaching of the gos- pel in it. Having a predilection for the Doctrine and Discipline of the Presbyterian Church in America, we wish to become an ac. knowledged member of that Church; We have therefore deemed it the most orderly mode oi procedure to make known our partic- ular case and circumstances to the Rev'd Presbytery within whose bounds we are situated, and to solicit their approbation and assist- ance in the measure. We have appointed the bearer hereof, Jona- than Klmer, Esquire, our Commissioner for that purpose. He will lay before you the application agreed upon by us, and wait for the result of your determination upon the subject We are, Rev'd Gentleman, Yours, &c., Signed by order and in behalf of the meeting, D.wiD Potter. Chairman, Bridge Town, Cumberland County, State of New Jersey. October, the 13th, 1792." The original of this letter is in the possession of the venerable Rev. John Hall, D. D,, of Trenton, Doctor Elmer attended the meeting of Presbytery and accomplished the object of his mission. October 17, 1792, the Presbytery adopted a minute as follows: "Throuj^h Jonathan Elmer, Esquire, Ihe'r Commissioner, appli- cation was niatle by the inhabitants of Rrids^etown and its vicinity, in the Connty of Cnmberland, and in the Stale of New Jersey, to be erected into a distinct congregation. After mature deliberation upon the subject. Presbytery unanimously agrees to grant the prayer of said application, and do hereby constitute and form the above mentioned inhabitants into a Distinct Congregation by the name of the Congregation of Bridge Town. At a meeting of the congregation, Aiigtist 25, 1794, it was unanimously agreed to prosecute a call "as soon as may be for Dr. William Clarkson." It was further agreed that a salary- of /'175 ($365.50) be given him be- tween the two congregations of Bridge Town and Green- wich. It was ftirther agreed that the congregation of Bridge Town give a separate call to Dr. Clarkson for half of his time, and to pay him half the salary' above mentioned, ^87, los od ($182.75), ai:d that he supply the two churches by preaching one sermon every Sab- bath in each of them, through the 3'ear if agreeable to him, and approved of by the Greenwich Congregation, At this meeting also, Jonathan Elmer, David Potter and Ephraim Seeley were appointed as a coiumittee to meet a committee of the Greenwich Church to converse upon the subject of calling and settling Dr. Clarkson in the two congregations. A call was soon after accordingly prepared b}' this con- gregation for one-half of Mr. Clarkson's time; and b}" the Greenwich congregation for one-half. Both calls were presented to him at the Presbyter}^ in Philadelphia, and were by him accepted October 20th, 1794. November 14, 1794, he was ordained in the Greenwich Church, as pastor of the two congregations. The Rev. Samuel Stanhope Smith, D. D., President of Princeton College, preached the sermon upon this occasion. , 30 It should be noted that the Rev. Mr. Clarkson's title of Doctor, was that of medicine, not of divinity. He was a very skillful physician, and at one time possessed a lucrative practice in the city of New York, which he abandoned to enter the ministry. He appears to have served the two congregations faithfully and acceptably for several years, but the congregations of both churches were small and the combined salaries meagre. His financial affairs indeed became so straightened that he was obliged to resort to the practice of medicine in order to eke out a living; but encountering professional opposi- tion from an unexpected source, he resigned his pastor- ate and removed to Savannah, Georgia, and from there to John's Island, South Carolina. At each of these places he was pastor of a Presbyterian Church. He died in 1812. He was described as a "popular and excellent preacher, who read his carefully prepared sermons. His articulation was clear and distinct, and his voice pleasing. He was of medium height and of fine presence." One of his daughters married the late John Crosby, Esq., of New York City, the father of the Rev. Dr. Howard Crosby. Mr. Clarkson informed the congregation at a meeting held Sept. 29, 1801, of his intention to resign his pas- toral charge of the congregations of Bridge Town and Greenwich ; and this intention appears to have been car- ried out at the meeting of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, October 20, 1801. January 7, 1795, David Potter was appointed Treas- urer of the Congregation, and he and Eli Ehner were appointed collectors on the west side of the river, and John Moore White and Jeremiah Buck were appointed collectors upon the east side. Dollars lo each $20 S each 8o 7 each 84 6 each 66 5 each 10 Total, I260 31 May 19, 1795, a committee was appointed to number and rate the pews of the Church, which duty being per- formed and reported, the plan was unanimously agreed to and was as follows: The pews were numbered from the pulpit towards the south end of the church; first on each side, and then in the centre, progressively from No. i to No. 38 inclusive, then rated as follows: Nos. 2 & 1 1 rated at Nos 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 18 & 20 at Nos. 6, 7, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 30 31, 32, 33 at Nos. I. 3, 17, 25, 26, 27, 28, 34, 35, 36, 37 at Nos. 29 & 38 at Parson's Pew No. 20, not rated. The number of the "Parson's Pew" stated as 20, should obviously be 19 as all the other numbers are duly rated. It will be noted that the total revenue of the church from the pew rents is but $77.25 in excess of the pastor's salary. Although the church was opened for public worship May 17, 1795, the plastering appears not to have been completed until 1798; it was not, in fact, ordered to be done until Jul}' 31st of that year. On Saturday next tol- lowing the meeting of Ma}- 19, 1795, tbe pews were sold at public auction. The money which thus accrued was appropriated toward furnishing the church and was paid over to E'i Elmer for that purpose. It appears from this fact and also from the fact that sub.scriptions for the pur- pose of plastering the building were ordered to be taken, that the mone}' raised by lottery was not sufficient to en- tirely complete and furnish it. Tne exact total cost in the premises cannot now be as- certained. 32 The first sexton was Stephen Miller, a Revolutionary soldier. The first Secretary- of Church and congregation was Jonathan Elmer. In the earlier histor^^ of this Church a "standing committee" supplied the place of the officers now known as trustees. Jonathan Elmer, Ephraim Seeley, John Moore White and Zachariah Law- rence composed the first "Standing Committee." Rul- ing Elders were not elected until 1796, when Nathaniel Harris, Zachariah Lawrence and John Lupton were chosen to that high office. The number of the first com- municants w^as 35. The congregation appears not to have been incorporated until December 4, 1802, when Jeremiah Buck, John Moore White, David Bowen, Samuel Moore Shute and Stephen Miller, having been duly elected trustees at a meeting of the Congregation on November 19th, 1S02, duly executed and filed a certificate of incorporation, in accordance with the statute of this State, in the corpor- ate name of ' 'The Trustees of the Presbyterian Congre. gation of Bridgeton. ' ' When this building was erected, the public, or, as it was called by the old people, the King's Highway, to Greenwich, ran through the middle of the lot, a little south of the Church. This fact probably w^as the reason why the church building faced the south. The road to Roads- town ran through that portion of what is now the ceme- tery to the north-west of the building. The Church therefore stood as it were, upon an island between the two roads. Broad street was afterwards altered by ex- tending it from Lawrence street up to Fourth street, as West avenue was then called. The old King's High- way was altered, so that it ran to the north-west of the building, and a fence was put around the church property in 1802. Subsequently the roads running to the north- west of the church, within the limits of the present cem- etery were abandoned, and the adjacent streets and higli- ways took shape as they now are. Vine street was first opened in 1796, and was then called Back street, Lawrence and Giles streets were not opened in 1792. Broad street was originallj- called Main street, and afterwards Market street, from the fact that a brick market house was erected near the Court House, It was named Broad street in 1838 by a committee ap- pointed to name the streets of the town. Of this com- mittee the venerable Samuel Ward Seeley, now in his 92d year, is the sole survivor. When what is now lyawrence street was opened, a strip off the ea.stern end was given up to form a four rod road, isO that the fence now stands on the first row of graves, and is always taken as the first row by the sexton in his calculations. The bricks of the building are home-made , and were wrought near the Simpkins house, to the west- ward of the Church. They were burned a short distance south of the building. M}^ pleasant, if laborious dut}-, is now done. I have endeavored to state all important facts accessible, touch- ing the organization of this congregation and the erection of this building; and have been careful to state no facts which have not been duly verified. I have endeavored faithfull}' to delineate the modes of thought, the habits, and the customs of our forefathers. I have pointed out how a small, remote and rural com- munity, yet having within its limits some men of ability- and experience, which had just emerged from a tremen- dous war, that strained all its resources, nevertheless, hav- ing aided in forming a new Government, went steadily 34 forward to raise this Christian temple in which to wor- ship God in the faith which it had inherited. Whatever may have been the faults and short-comings of our forefathers, they were those of their age and times; their virtues were their own. They freely shed their blood for religious as well as civil liberty. They founded ' 'A church without a Bishop, a State without a King;" and they transmitted to their descendants that springing courage, that inflexible reso- lution, which, when nearly three-quarters of a centur}"- had elapsed, and these liberties were assailed, led them upon a thousand battle-fields, with unfaltering devotion, to uphold our sinking flag and cause. The church building which these men erected, stands before 3-ou. It is a plain structure, consonant with the thoughts and habits of those who reared it. The cost of its con- struction was freely paid by free men. No loft}^ spire crowns its summit. No chime of bells wrenched by church authority from toiling hands, have from this spot called to early mass, or in the gloaming, tolled forth the Angel us above these blooming fields, and this fair and busy town. No surpliced priest, owing prime allegiance to a foreign chief, and mumbling lyatin prayers, no high altar, no elevated Host, no swinging censers, no perfumed incense, have ever invaded these sacred walls. But for a hundred years, the light which was here kindled, has never been extinguished. For a hundred years the congregation which was here organized, in this building and the one which succeeded it, have followed the pure and simple faith of their Fathers. The seed which was sown here in weakness has been 35 raissi in povvsr; and from the time when this corner stone was laid, until this day, this Church and congrega- tion have been a constant, increasing, living force for good, not in this vicinity only, but in all this section of the State. May it and that great Government whose flag and power protects it, so remain while time shall last: Until that fateful, mighty day, When earthly shadows, doubts, despair, Shall like the morning's mist be swept away By the sweet zephyrs of the heavenly air; When clothed in radiant white, his trump in hand. Whose golden tones shall sound o'er land and sea. The Messenger of God by the great throne shall stand; Earth's night forever lost in Heaven's eternity. Note — In my account of the manners and customs of the people prior to 1792, I have drawn freely upon the admirable history of Professor McMaster. I am also greatly indebted to Mr. Robert B. Potter, for much im- portant data; and to Charles E. Sheppard, Esq., and Mr. George Hampton, for aid in tracing the titles to the several parcels of land which make up the area of the church premises. 36 Historical SIcetehi l>y Rev. Henry Reeves, T^ln. D. — A. Brief Report made for Puljlication at tlie Time. Tiis cereixiDn}' of dedication in Miy 1795, was over, and the little company that with snch bright hopes had gathered to witness it, had retired to their homes, thank- ful that tlisy had carried up the walls, enclosed the build- ing-, and mils the place tolerably fit for worship. But there was much more to be done. The names of the people at this time indicate the close connection between Bridge Town and Greenwich. "God made the country; man the town," wrote Cowper; but let me vary this saying a little for American pur- poses. God made the country, and the country made the town, at least Bridge Town was so made. Our mak- ing up was from Deerfield, Pittsgrove, Fairfield, and last but not least, from Greenwich. To Mr. Freeman we owe the preservation of not a few of these facts concerning the first years of the church, as given in the delightful address to which you have just listened. Others before Mr. Freeman, were either care- less or unfortunate; he was full and accurate, and antici- pating future needs gave a brief sketch of the history of the church before his time, in the first pages of the session book. The new church did good work. Bills were paid, the churchyard had been enlarged and enclosed, the church had been plastered within. The expense of the plaster- ing was $680. This plastering includes the quaint ornaments back ot the pulpit, some of which remain, the wreaths, two heads of unknown worthies, and the eye in the ceiling above, perhaps to remind one of Omniscience. The whole effect 3/ of the finish was solemn and beautiful. A high pulpit, reached by a long, winding stairway, seemed to youthful attendants, of whom the speaker was one, to be suited to an exalted being, such as ministers were thought to be by the younger people. After the church was built, a number of lyombardy poplars were planted around it. There is a steeple frame beneath the roof at the north or pulpit end, but it was thought too weak to support a bell. In April 1802, the Bridgeton church had upon its roll, 50 communicants; in 1803, 63. After Mr. Clarksonwent awaj^ the pulpit was vacant four years until Rev. Jonathan Freeman came. He was joint pastor of Greenwich and Bridgeton. His salary was $666,66. After living in a parsonage between the two places he removed to Bridgeton. Morning and evening on Sundaj' he preached here; and with his good horse "Highlander," he drove to Greenwich to preach in the afternoon. During his pastorate he received 138 members on ex- amination, and II by certificate, solemnized 197 marri- ages and baptized 234 children. These were the j^ears when the great religious Societies of the country were formed: the American Bible Society, The American Board of Foreign Missions, The American Tract Society and others, and under Mr. Freeman's in- fluence aided by Gen. Ebenezer Elmer, this church came into line with the effort to support them. The "Cent Society" was also described by the speaker, the object of which was to raise money to assist poor students in training for the ministry. There were 80 female subscribers who gave a cent weekh'. At this time, in 18 16, the inhabitants numbered only 38 r6oo. It was a village made up of about 240 houses, with plenty of fields enclosed by post and rail fences. Only a dozen buildings stood on the south side of Com- merce street batwsen the bridge and Elmer's grist mill. Mr. Freeman, after he came to live in Bridgeton, preached in the Court House Wednesday evenings. In the winter of 1818 was carried out a novel scheme, as it then appeared, the establishment of the Monthly Con- cert of Prayer for Missions, which was becoming general throughout the country, and in connection with it the placing of a missionary box near the door. Mr. Freeman died of bilious fever, Nov. 17th, 1822, in the 58th year of his age. He was buried in this churchyard, and over his remains the congregation placed a monument where you will read an inscription. In 1816 was organized the "Young Female Religious Tract Society of Bridgetown," the design of which was to circulate religious tracts gratuitously." Elizabeth Elmer was the President, Amelia Freeman, Treasurer, Nancy B. Giles, Secretary. Then followed a personal description of Mr. Freeman. His appearance was represented as such that half the people who saw him for the first time on the street, would, on meeting him, turn around for a second look, their thought being, "there goes an able man." That he was a man of feeling no one doubted; he was a champion of orthodoxy and preached strong discourses, feeding his people with what they called "strong meat;" yet other sermons or parts of sermons, carried with them much tenderness and earnestness of appeal. He was es- pecially gifted in prayer, bearing the hearts of the peo- ple along in the full tide of supplication. Rare indeed this faculty must be regarded, for if Dr. Guthrie is right 39 Avhen he says, "It is harder work to pray than to preach, and for one who can pray well, I can get you a hundred who can preach well a whole hour," it must be admitted that this good pastor was an exception to the common lot. A new roof was put upon the church in 1823. Joint efforts were made by the two congregations to settle a pastor, but they disagreed as to the place of his residence. The Bridgeton committee of conference in- sisted on Bridgeton as the place. Greenwich assented onl}- on the condition that it should pa}' less than one- half the salary. Rev. Mr. Biggs, who had been jointly called, declined the call. To Greenwich, the mother church, I would here, were there time, pay a more extended tribute of appreciation, in view of the hitherto close connection of the churches, and some 5aelding of preferences on the part of Green- wich. To them this separation was at first a trying event. Rev. Brogan Hoff was now called to Bridgeton for his whole time; but to the situation alone were the demands and the final step due. The increase here was manifest, and the requirements of the congregation could not be met by its members without the settlement of a minister for his whole time. Greenwich had helped Bridgeton in the division of the preaching appointments and in the question of the pastoral residence. Dr. Fithian considers that it had done so to its own disadvantage. To-da}- in the spirit of loyalty and grati- tude we acknowledge the debt; the child that had then grown and felt its vital needs is the same that now, with the tenderness of old memories, sends to the mother its affectionate salutations and breathes for her a united, a manifold prayer for life prolonged, and prosperity ever increasing. 40 I:i 1824 Rsv. Brogan Hoffwas called by the Bridge- t )u congregation, acting indepandenty, at a salary of $650. The Session House was built 1826-7. Mr. Hoif's ministry was successful in securing addi- tions to the church. He served nine years as pastor, and at the age of 61 years resigned, and went first to Penn- sylvania and then to New York, where he died at the age of 75. The speaker gave a description of this minister, and entered briefly upon Rev. John Kennedy's pastorate, 1834-1838. He was Scotch-Irish, a man of many good qualities, and a sound preacher, though lacking in some elements of popularity. The speaker closed with an account of the building of the church on North lyaurel street, in Mr. Kennedy's time, and ended with a reference to the good work of both churches, the old and the new, as bright lights in the constellation of Bridgeton's churches, both historic, and testifying by means of results to future generations, of the truthfulness and power of Christianity. 41 Kirst Presley teriaii Church and Rev. Samuel Beach Jones, D. D. The Rev. Samuel Beach Jones began to preach in Bridgeton; October 27th, 1838. The Presbytery of Phil- adelphia received him as a member from the Presbytery of Mississippi in April, i839< and met in Bridgeton on May 9th, and installed him as pa.stor of the First Presby- terian Church. On that occasion the Rev. Joseph H. Jones preached the sermon, on Acts XI: 24. "For he ^vas a good man and full of the Holy Gho.st." The Rev. Henrv A. Boardman proposed the constitutional ques- tions and delivered the charge to the pastor and the Rev- George W. Janvier gave the charge to the people. On Thursdav, May 21st, 1S63, the Presbytery of West Jersey, upon the reqtiest of Doctor Jones dissolved the pastoral relation which had happily existed between him and the First Church of Bridgeton for fully twenty-four vears. During this happy ministry, this church enjoyed a steady and prosperous growth. One evidence of its prosperity was the increase in benevolent coiftribuitons. In 1839 the Session reported to the General Assembly a total ^contribution of $76.62, divided equally between Domestic and Foreign Missions, In Doctor Jones' last report ri863)the congregation had paid to the Benevo- lent Boards of the Church, one thousand two hundred and twenty dollars. During this pastorate, the church building was en- larged at a cost of $6,500. So far as tho addition of church members may indicate the spiritual results of the same period, the following facts and figures are worthy of remembrance: In 1838 the Session had reported to the General As" 42 sembly a roll of 230 communicants. In the first report under Mr. Jones in 1839, the number was reduced to 185. This reduction of forty-five members must have been due, partly to the dismissal of fifteen members to the newly organized Second Church, partly to a sharp revis- ion of the roll. The larges". accessions to the church under Doctor Jones' ministry were in the years 1843, 1854 and 1859. During these three years 113 were added on examination, and 19 on certificate a total of 132. During his entire ministry of 24 years according to the printed minutes from 1840 to 1863 inclusive, 261 were added on examination, and 150 on certificate, total -44^, and after deducting the loss by death and dismissal, the roll in 1863 was 281. To form a just estimate of the growt'.i of the whole Presbyterian Church in Bridgeton durhig almost a quarter of a century, it is fair to combine the reports of the two churches. In 1840, the First Church reported a roll of 185, and the Second Church reported a roll of /30. In 1863 the First Church reported a roll of 281 and the Second Church reported a roll of 1 20. Thus the combined in- crease was from 215 to 401. It is proper also to re- member that the population of Bridgeton increased from about 2,315 in 1838,, to 5,661 in 1865. It has in- creased in 100 years from 300 to 11,424. Samuel Beach Jones, the son of Paul Townsend Jones and of his wdfe Mary LamboU Beach, was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on Nov. 23d, 181 1. His paternal grandfather was the owner of a rice plantation, and for many years was the President of the Bank of South Carolina. His maternal ancestors held a large es- tate in Charleston, and in plantations on James Island. The youthful Sanuiel had a brother Paul T., and a 43 sister Eliza Beach. The latter became the wife of Rev. Hnir3' A. BDardinan, D. D. The children spent their early years in Charleston. For their later education, their mother came with them to New Jersey and Samuel Beach entered the Academy at Morristown. In due time he entered Yale College and was graduated in 1832 in the same class with Rev. Lyman Atwater. He pursued the regular and took an extra course in the Theological Seminary at Princeton. Among his classmates in the Seminary were Professor Stephen Alexander and the Rev. William Brown; John Cameron Lowrie; Samuel Irenaeus Prime, and Robert Street. Mr. Jones was licensed by the Presbytery of New Brunswick at Princeton, February 3d, 1836, and was or- dained at Trenton, October 4th 1837. The Rev. Doctor Rice preached. The Rev. David Comfort presided and proposed the constitutienal questions and made the or- daining prayer and Doctor Alexander gave the charge to the Evangelist, who was dismissed the same day to the Presbytery of Mississippi. For a short time in 1836-37 he was connected, not as the local obituary notices asserted, with the Board of Foreign Missions in Philadelphia, but as Assistant Sec- tary of the Board of Home Missions, which was then located in that city. For one year, 1838, he occupied a. chair as Professor of Theology and of Hebrew in Oak- land College, Mississippi. In June, 1838, he married Sarah Ralston Chester, daughter of Rev. Dr. John Ches- ter, of Albany. He was one of the chief founders of the West Jersey Academy and carried on a lively discussion in reference to it in the West Jersey Pioneer ov^x the signature "Civis." while his opponent Rev. Charles E. Wilson, of the Bap- 44 tist Cluircli, assmned the name "Citizen." Dr. Jones visited the churches to raise money for the Academes which ilourished as long as he was connected with the Presbytery. He received the title of Doctor of Divinity from Prince- ton College in 185 1, and was one of its Trustees from 1 86 1 to 1866. He was also chosen a Director of the Theological Seminary in Princeton in 1847. ' Both these offices he felt in honor constrained to resign when he changed his ecclesiastical relation. If not the most influential in securing the organization of the Presbytery of West Jersey, which was constituted, very soon after his installation, he was thereafter one of its most active and influential members and its stated Clerk from its organization for ten years. Always prompt and punctual in attendance he was an acknowl- edged leader and some facetiously called him the Pope. He was moderator of Presbytery in 1845 and 46. He was chosen unanimously to be Moderator of the Synod of New Jersey at Princeton, October 21st, 1851, and opened the Synod ^^ New Brunswick, October 19th, 1852, with sermon founded on 2 Thess. II, 13, 14. Three times he was commissioned to the General Assembly in 1846, 1852 and 1855. In March 1854 an urgent call was presented to him from the Third Presbyterian Church of Newark. After due deliberation he declined the call and one controllino- reason was the wide opportunity for church extension which he foresaw throughout an extensive region in West Jersey. His z;al in this department of work was unsurpassed, liberal and self-denying. He took no stip- ulated vacation; but found recreation in visiting the feeble churches. I^arge congregations gathered to hear 45 the silver trumpet of the Gospel, when it was annoiinoed that Dr. Jones would preach at Leeds Point, Absecon, Soniers Point, Weymouth Works, Mays Landing, Tucka- hoe, Fislerville and other places. If during the summer, following an apostle's example^ he found it pleasant to go a fishing, it was more self denjnng to be snow bound for more than a week during the winter in the woods of Atlantic count}-. In the troublesome and exciting times of the civil war, a hint from his session that his views upon national affairs were not acceptable, and were injurious to his in- fluence — was followed by a prompt and peremptory resig- nation of his pastoral charge. In the excitement no for- mal vote of the congregation was allowed by him, and therefore to this day, it is uncertain whether the major- ity of the whole congregation would have voted to concur in the dissolution of the pastoral relation. Dr. Jones, however, did not remove his residence from Bridgeton. His subsequent relation to the Presbytery- was not happy, neither did it terminate happily. In 1866 Dr. Jones requested a letter of dismissal to the Presbj-tery of East Hanover. The Presbytery of West Jersey- demurred, postponed action and directed the Stated Clerk to inquire of him whether he intended to remove to a field of labor beyond the jurisdiction of this Presbytery. Dr. Jones replied, "that he was willing enough to answer a simple question, but declined to give reasons, because Presb}-- tery had no right to make his dismissal contingent upon such question, for it was unprecedented and gratuitously insulting to him a member in regular standing," and Dr. Jones informed the Presbytery that he should not renew his request; but regarding it as virtuall}' refused would use the official letter of the Stated Clerk as equivalent to 46 ctli' ordinary- letter of good standing- and with it would- present himself to the body he wished to join. At the first Church of Elizabeth during intervals of S3'nod October i8th 1866, ten ministers and two ruling, elders being, present, Presbpter^' with one dissenting; voice maintained its right and insisted upon having some reason for an application of this kind and considering. Doctor Jones*, course to be disorderly and in violation of his ordination vow, required him to present at the next meeting on November i^t his reasons for desiring a dis- missal to the Presbytery of East Hanover. On April tyth, 1867 at Swedesboro,. Presbytery struck from the roll the name of Doctor Jones. The real motive of the Presbytery's hesitation to grant a dismissal was the apprehension that Doctor Jones, hold- ing a good standing in. the Southern Presbyterian Church, might attempt to establish another Church in Bridgeton;. as some urged him to do,, and it was evident in the ex- cited state of feeling that a word from him as a leader,, would have gathered around him man}- followers. But his- intimate friends.- at least, well knew, and as the sequel proved that Doctor Jones had too noble and lofty a sense of honor,, as a gentleman and a Christian to divide or tO' do anything to weaken this church for the upbuilding of which he had spent the strength of his life. The Free Christian Commonii'ealth of Eouisville, Ken- tucky, of November 9th, 1866, copied ixo\^'(h& Baltimore Sun an account of the organization of the Presbytery of Chesapeake, when Rev, S. B. Jones, D. D. was chosen Mod-ratar and R-v. J. A. L^fevre State! Clerk for the ensuing six months. The same paper May i6th 1867 contained a sermon preached at the opening of the Pres- b^ tery of Patapsco at its meeting in Baltimore, April 47 lyth. 1867 by the Moderator, S. B. Jones, D. D., piiV lished by order of Presbytery. The theme was "Christ's kingdomnotof this world," and the text John XVIII; 30. Doctor Jones sesms not to have been anibitioiis to Avrite for the press. Besides the above mentioned ser- mon his discourse at the inauguration of the Tlev. \Vm. Henry Green as Professor of Biblical and Oriental L,iter- ature in the Theological Seminary at Princeton vSept. :30th was published. His address at the temperance meeting in Bridgeton July 5th, was published in the WEST Jersey PloxEER July 14th, 1852, We find a pamphlet on the responsibilities and duties of teachers, or a charge to the Rev, Henry Snyder on his inauguration as principal of the West Jersey Academy •delivered on Thursday, May i8th, 1854. He also wrote a history of the First Presbyterian Church •of Bridgeton, but the manuscript cannot be found. After the return of peace to our own distracted couu' try, overtures w^ere presented from churches and from colleges for the services of Doctor Jones, but he preferred to spend his advancing years in the quiet retirement of "his old home, yet not in idleness. He never refused an invitation to preach when he was invited by the different denominations of christians, and he was always accept^ able. i_^ ,.. c From 1870 to 1875 a period' of years he regularly sup- plied the pulpit of the Fairfield Church at Fairton on Sabbaths, and during the week. A keen eyed stickler for ecclesiastical law might have discovered an informah ity, if not irregularity, but the Presbyters- was not dis=- posed to reopen old issues. Doctor Jones was admonished by failing health to dis- A /Silo 48 continue his labors at Fairton, and after six repeated ap- oplectic attacks he fell asleep March 19th, 1883. The funeral services, attended by a large number of sorrowful friends at his residence and at the West Church, were very brief and without ostentation. Of his. family three children died in infancy. His wife and five children survive,him. The widow died at Orange, N. J., March 20th, 1891. One son, a noble and brave soldier of the Union army, subsequently died in conse- quence of thlre^ wounds received in battle. A large por- tion of Doctor Jones valuable library of three thousand volumes was given after his death to the Theological Seminary at Columbia, vSouth Carolina. Feeling our own inability to do justice to the delinea- tion of his character and lest personal friendship should seem to warp the judgment, let us accept the testimony of other competent witnesses, and quote first from the Cen- tennial Discourse delivered July 1876, in the First Church, of Bridgeton, by the Rev. J. Allen Maxwell, then pastor of this church. After referring to Doctor Jones' successful efforts in 1845, to liquidate a heavy debt, of which the books of the trustees made honorable mention, Mr. Maxwell said: "Though it might seem inappropriate to eulogize one, who is a resident of our city, I cannot refrain from pay- ing a tribute to him, who for so long a time held the foremost position in the ministry of the southern portion of the State; one who b^^ his learning; his talent, his em- inent qualities of leadership; by his social manners and his devout piety, wielded in this congregation a powerful influence for great good; nor paused there; but wielded in all this section for many years an influence on the thought and opinion of the commonwealth that was rare 49 as it was beneficial. Many who sit before nie, fsaid Pas- tor Maxwell,) and many more of other chnrches, as well as scores who have gone to their reward above, received from him the wisest teachings in the glorious tenets ot our religion and especially as these are set forth in the standards of the Presbyterian Church. The local papers of Bridgeton at the time of his de- cease paid worth}' tribute to the menior\- of Doctor Jones. One writer in XXiq iVeic Jeisey Patriot of March 23, 1S83, said: "Doctor Jones was doubtless the most learned and eloquent minister ever stationed in this city. He was of a commanding presence, possessed a fine voice, and was a beautiful reader. None ever heard him read and explain his scripture lesson before preaching, without being im- pressed with his most effective and instructive manner of so doing. Another witness, evidently a Bridgetonian, wrote from Philadelphia to the Chronicle. "The announcement of the death of Rev. Dr. S. B. Jones, in the last issue of the Chronicle, awakened memories of earl}' days. The Doc- tor, when in his prime, was a man of decided character and predominant influence. A Southerner by birth, but educated in the North, he was warmly attached to the South and her domestic and social institutions. His per- sonal presence was commanding, his manners courtly and prepossessing. Always dignified, especially in the discharge of official duty he inspired humble souls with something like reverence. A prominent gentleman of my acquaintance, once said to me that when he was a boy, he used to lookup to Dr. Jones as something almo.st divine. He was gifted with remarkable fluency in con- versation, in which he always took a leading part, by the force of his character and the tacit consent of his in- 50 terlocutor. He seemed to recognize by sight, almost everybody in the county and possessed a surprising memory for names and local history. In the social circle and by the wayside, he often indulged in ready wit. He was born for leadership, and in almost any Presbytery would have exercised a controlling influence. He was a sound and judicious expositor of holy writ, very clear in his deductions, magnificent in delivery. He read h^^mns with suavity and tenderness, which could hardly fail to impress the imagination and heart of the susceptible. I shall never forget the deep pathos, with which he was wont to render Watt's version of the gad Psalm, be- ginning "Sweet is the work ni}^ God my King." He was fond of sacred biography and made the lives of saints and sinners of the Bible yield practical and profitable lessons for daily conduct. He had fine musical taste, and no voice joined more heartily than his in the praises of the congregation. The present prosperity of the ven- erable First Church, I think, is largely due to his labors and influence extending through a quarter of a centur3^ The Session of the First Presbyterian Church adopted the following minute on March 22, 18S3: The Session of the First Presbyterian Church, Bridge- ton, having heard with unfeigned sorrow of the death of the former pasto'r of this church, the Rev. Samuel Beach Jones, D. D., desire, by a record in their minutes, to bear testimony to his noble Christian character, his excellent qualities of heart and mind, the untold 'and inestimable influence for good exerted by his preaching and his ex- ample in the church and in the communit}-; his progres- sive educational and missionary spirit, and his fealty to the great doctrines as well as the Boards of the church. They desire further to express their deep sympathy with, and sorrow for his afflicted family, to whom it is directed that a copy of this minute be sent. 51 History of Church Music and Hymnolo^y in Kriclgeton, hv Mrs. Robert DuBois, Read by James J. Reeves. There are comparatively few facts known regarding church music in Bridgeton as it was one hundred years ago. Records kept by the trustees say: "'On the 19th dly of May 1795, Jacob Shull, Joshua Reeves, Clarence Alulford and Ephriam Riley, wxre appointed clerks." These were also called Precentors, and sometimes Chor- isters, a misnomer, as there can be no chorister without a choir. In December of the same year it reads thus: "At a congregational meeting it was agreed unani- mously that Jacob Shull should be employed as clerk of the church music for the ensuing year; that he be allowed a compensation of $32 a year, to be paid half yearly out of the sum arising irom the rents of the pews and seats in the church if sufficient after paying Dr. Clarkson's salary, if not, the deficiency to be provided by the con- gregation, subject to the reduction of one dollar for every default in attending public worship, (vSunday or week day) and officiating, either himself or some other suitable person for him, when unable to attend himself." "In January 1797, at a congregational meeting held in Bridgeton, Joshua Reeves, Clarence Mulford and Ephriam Riley were appointed clerks." "In 1798, Jacob Shull, Ephraim Riley, Clarence Mul- ford and Jabez Smith, were appointed clerks for three following years." "Januars- 1801, Lot Fithian, Jabez Smith and Richard Mulford were appointed clerks. Lot Fithian was Chair- man of the Music Committee. These same were con- tinued for the two following years." January ist, 1803, Richard Mulford, Lot Fithian and 52 Ephraim Riley, were chosen clerks. Their motto must have been "In Union there is Strength," as they had only, at one period in 1796, considered one clerk suffici ent to lead the singing of the church. Our venerable friend, Dr. Enoch Fithian, whose age corresponds with that of this church, says that his earliest recollections are of two leaders, who alwaj's appeared in their military suits at church — these were Gen. Rose and Col. McCalla. This must have been about the year 181 2, John Ware is also named as one of the early leaders. These always arose and stood before the pulpit below stairs, announced the tune and gave the pitch from a small instrument called a tuning fork. This is the only instrument ever used in the old venerated church for de- votional purposes, if we except, it might be, in 1861, when services were held there while the new bri.ck church was being enlarged. The officers, in the old church days were by no means scrupulous about the intrcduction of "Fourth of July" celebrations, and the accompanying brass bands, drums and "jingle-jacks" into the church, such privilege being accorded, and the following entr}^ is read from their books. "The committee having in charge preparations for the Fourth of Jul}^ to be held in the old church would include in their announcements, the following: The singers of Bridgeton are respectfull}' requested to take the singers seats in the galler)-." These gatherings in this old time-honored church, are remem- bered by many here to-day. They continued from 1830 to 1840. Going back to the year 18 18, it was then noised about that there was a piano in Bridgeton. It was the prop- erty of one Mr. Clark, who lived on Laurel Hill, formerly from Fairton, N, J. This caused great excitement 53 among the young people, and consternation in the minds of some older ones, as ' 'it drew the attention of the young, especiall}' of the young men, from their daily avocations and the sterner duties of life. ' ' Some of the fathers and mothers regarded it as an emissary- of evil and talked of the expediency of advising it removed. The second in town was owned by Mr. Samuel Seeley, who lived in the brick house east of the First Church parsonage. There was one about the same time brought from Phila- delphia by Miss Eliza Murphy, a teacher of music, who remained here a short time. Some can remember the lessons she taught them, both vocal and instrumental. It was long after this, before there were more than a half dozen pianos in Bridgetown. It was in 1830 that a new departure occurred in the music of the old church. It was the introduction of mixed voices into the square front seats of the gallery, when Mr. and Mrs. Francis G. Brewster, Mr. and Mrs. John Heilig, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Ogden, and others, leaving the restraints of the high backed seats below, and the ever watchful eyes of mothers and mothers-in-law% who would sometimes say to them, "don't sing so loud," betook themselves to the gallery and made those walls resound wnth sweet strains of old "Winter," "Bray," "Majesty," and "New Durham." This was a self-ap- pointed choir, ruled by its own laws; it is said there was no special leader. They were divided among the three square seats, while the stove-pipe ran through the centre of the middle pew directly over their heads. Mrs. Brewster and Mr. Jonathan Ogden, now of Brooklyn, are with us here to-daj', and vouch for the truth of this statement. It was reserved for Mr. Joseph Reeves to organize the 54 first regular choir, (it is thought the first in South Jersey,) about the year 1835, one year before the dedica- tion of the new church, at which time, Mr. Rural Shaw came from Baltimore and taught singing in connection with the church. This gave the first impetus to a more decided style of music. The methods used laid a foundation for a more modern style of singing. Church music made rapid .strides, the different parts be- ing more fully introduced. Mr. Shaw was the author of several valuable books, one, "The Seraph" was much used thereafter in the church. His time was limited to six wrecks, for wdiich he was paid $150. Classes met every night in the week, except Sundays; it being thought of sufficient importance to give up the usual evening services for this unusual privilege, before un- known!. It was a novel event for Bridgeton, parents and children participated. Juvenile classes met afternoons in the Session House, and among these were children of six and seven years. Fathers and mothers encouraged them to strive for the highest honor, which was to arise from their seats and sing alone, a tune "by note," with- out mistake. All unnecessary business was laid aside, and much time given to study. Fathers w^ere known to write the staff and copy music at the desk, the counter, the work bench, and by the side of the whirling nail machines. These w^ere the grandfathers of some of our present singers. Children from this time sang lustily, through the house and everywdiere. Some plied the needle wnth note books on their laps; it lent a charm to the singing of the Sunday School; we were having no public anniversaries then, else it would have compared favorably with those of the present day. At that time the hymns of the church book were sung as when they 55 used to worship in the old Court House; children com- mitted the hymns to memory then, and who can estimate t"ii valii? to thoss children, of ths wjrk of storing- in their minds so many of the good old Psalms and hymns, while yet they were impressable; the few books they had then were dearly prized and well read. Their library books were such as "Life of Henry Martyn;" "History of the Jews;" and "Memoirs of Mrs. Judson," and were enjo3-ed equally by mother and child. Think of those mothers with the plain brown hymn books, with no index of names to tell who were the authors of the hymns they mo.st dearly prized. Their intelligent minds sought to know such things, and one feels like dropping a tear, as an old time-w^orn book re- veals on many a page, the names of authors written in pencil, still visible, as they learned that Mrs. Brown wrote the hymn "I love to steal awhile away From every cumbering care." And that Mrs. McCarter sang from the depths of her heart that plaintive song "Saviour hast thou fled forever. From this tempest riven heart?" And that Mrs. Gray was the author of that sweet dirge, "Hark! to the solemn bell, Mournfully pealing;" Say not, they w^ere too solemn in their tastes and feel- ings. Who knows wdiat comfort it brought to their sotils to know that other mothers had experienced like conflicts watli themselves; and close by, the name of Watts, appears in pencil over the inspiring hymn "Begin my soul some Heavenly theme," showing the}' did not always tarry in the valley of de- spondency, but hied themselves to the mountain of cheer- ful song. 56 It was in 1824, that a well remembered book called "Village H3-mns," was published by Dr. Nettleton, the revivalist. This was used in the Prayer meetings when some of us were very 5'oung. It contained some curious and unique hymns. We will quote a verse of one. "Oh, how the resurrection light Will clarify believers sight, How joyful will the saints arise And rub the dust from off their eyes." Our mothers loved and were satisfied with the old psalms and hymns, the}' were taught the children in the every-day schools. The widow of one of the old ' 'Clerks, ' ' Mrs. Thomas Woodrtiff, taught a school for small chil- dren in a house on the very spot where the new brick church stands. Children of seven j-ears were called upon to repeat such hymns as "Father, whate'er of earthly bliss Thy sovereign will denies;" In one mind, at least, that hymn never fails to call up the face and form of "old Mrs. Betsy Woodruff," Much of the modern hymnology touches only the emotions; the old reaches to both heart and intellect. The more modern h3'mns of Ra^' Palmer, which all love to sing, are peerless, such as "Come, Jesus, Redeemer, abide thou with me; — " and "My faith looks up to thee Thou Lamb of Calvary. " But there can be no better than the h^mms of Newton, Steele, Wesley and Cowper, timid, morbid, prince of poets, — Cowper — How sublimel}- he sings "God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform;" And how touchingly the solemn hymn, "There is a fountain filled with blood." 57 But it seems presumptuous to touch on this subject, or to draw comparisons. The fountain of Hymnology is too broad to span and too deep to fathom. Returning to 1837, the year when the first choir was established. It was about this time when the first in- struuent, a bass viol, was intro'luced and played by Mr. Charles Cutter, of New England. He was assistant to Mr. Henry Freeman, Principal of the Bank Street Acad- emy. When Mr. Reeves asked permission to use it in the choir, the Trustees replied: "If you want it you must have it, but the less said about it the better. You will have to do it on the sly;" so sacrilegious did it seem to them to take a fiddle into the church. On the morning of its admission the choir sang before the church, "Blest be the tie that binds." All objection was withdrawn — the viol conquered. A similar instrument was used for several j-ears after this, played by a much esteemed Elder; now gone to his rest, Mr. Nathaniel Fish. Among the first singers of soprano were Mrs. Jane Sheppard I^ee, Mrs. Elizabeth Fithian Dowdney and Mrs. Jane Barber Parvin, now of Philadelphia. The earliest alto singers were the late Miss Hannah Elmer and Miss Sarah B. Potter, afterwards Mrs. William G. Nixon. The first melodeon was introduced in 1850. The first to pla}' this was Miss Marj' H. Elmer, afterward Mrs. Judge John T. Nixon, of Trenton. The second was Miss Martha P. Reeves, now Mrs. George W. Bush of Wilmington, Del. The third was Miss Sarah Fithian of East Commerce street. In 1862 a pipe organ was bought, In 1873 it was sold and a "Grand Hook and Hasting's" organ was built, at 58 a cost of $3,500. Mr. James Smith of Philadelphia, was first organist. He was succeeded by Mr. William Wright, whose father was a Baptist minister at Roadstown. Mr. Wright was very youthful, of grave and earnest manner, with strong denominational proclivities, yet, in the three years intercourse with our equally strong Presbyterian- ism, there was never a ripple to disturb friendly feeling. His was a character to admire, ever faithful, coming through sunshine or storm, in carriage or on horseback Saturday nights to rehearsals, and back, to return early on the Sabbath morning. The salary was not large, and the organists in the early days were the guests of the choristers, who gladl}^ pay this little tribute to his worth. He was loa^," pastor of a church in Connecticut, and died but a few weeks ago. Mr. Wright's successors were Prof. Agthe, Mr. William I. Howell, Mrs. Sarah DuBois Brewer, Mrs. Bessie Reeves Fithian, Miss Mary F. Reeves, and Mr. Preston Miller, who now most effi- ciently fills the position. In all these years there have been but three leaders of this choir. Mr. Joseph Reeves, the originator, most faithfully conducted it for twenty-seven j-ears. Many can testify to his works of faith and labors of love. His record as chorister and Elder, is on High. He threw his mantle upon the shoulders of Mr. Robert DuBois, in the year 1861 , which duty he continued to perform for twenty years. It may be said that to him, both church and town owe much for progress in music. His was a zeal which water could not quench, nor floods drown; having a musical force in his own house, no storm, however severe, could prevent him with his family from the duties of his choir; no expense was ever grudged, no sacrifice too great to make; no choice selection too good to give to 59 the straggling few who might come to church on a rainy- day. His motto was, "Those who come through storm, deserve the bjst music and shall have it." Mr. James J. Reeves assisted Mr. DuBois in the leadership for a short period, when he felt called to other responsibilities. In 1881, Mr. DuBois resigned in favor of Mr. Thomas R. Janvier, who is now the popular leader, and standing upon this platform, leading the music upon this immortal occasion, speaks for himself. It seems suitable here that mention shall be made of Mr. Lorenzo Pierce, who for twenty-five years, with but little compensation, faithfully served as organ blower. In the more primitive days, it was he, who stood smiling, ever ready with the horse which was to carry the organ- ist to his country home. He has been recently super- seded by the new water motor. Thus far our reference has been mainlj^ of the First Church. The Second has kept pace with it. It has the honor of having the first organ in Bridgeton. It was, of course, small compared with their present organ. Their choir has sustained its good reputution for singing, and has had some fine organists; such as their Hardy, their Roney, their Biglow, and their Mears, and lastly their Lang. The Third Church has a superior organ, over which several worthy of mention have presided. Chief of whom. Rev. Mr. L- E. Coyle deserves more than a pass- ing notice, for clear insight, delicacy of finish and most artistic performance, faithful as an advisor and instruc- tor, ever ready to help towards the elevation of a fine musical standard in our growing city. His place can scarcely be filled. Miss Maud Cheshire is at present the faithful and able organist in this church. These three churches have worked together for the best 6o interest of music in various social and benevolent enter- prises, and united as the}'- are in all essential points, we would to-day, in this great Centennial gathering, hal- lowed by all its precious suiToundings, clasp hands and sing "Blest be the tie that binds." There have been other aids to music in this town: Musical Conventions were organized in 1855 and con- tinued for twent}^ years, ditring which time our town en- joyed the advantage of much of the best talent in the country. The first session w^as held in Sheppard's build- ing, meetings continued for three days and were con- ducted by the favorite singer and composer, Oeorge H. Root. H2 was followed by Prof. Bradbury, who brought out the beautiful "Cantata of Esther the Queen." He was the author of some of our sweetest tunes, one of them, "Olive's Brow," is most dear to many hearts. It is likely that none made a more profound impres- sion upon his class than the esteemed and lamented Dr. Hastings. Many here to-day can recall his venerable face and earnest christian words as he labored to instil in the minds of his pupils the importance of rightly in- terpreting the words of a hymn, and of adapting it to song. Many of his beautiful hymns can be found in the index of our Hymnals. Prof. Agthe established the first classical singing society in Bridgeton, about twenty-five or thirty years ago, "The Choral Union." The public mind was not yet prepared for the advent of so high a class of music, and the society had a difficult work before them. At that time "Schiller's Song of the Bell," was taken up, diflBcult selections were studied; the class plodded on, giving occasional public rehearsals, but were often much 6i disheartened to read criticisms in papers say, "the sing- ing was far above the heads of the people who would much rather her.r a simple Scotch ballad than listen to the opera of Martha or the Oratorios of Creation or of Messiah." For many years after this, there was no societ)^ for the study of the higher class of music, until Mr, Aaron Taylor of Philadelphia, came to teach at Ivy Hall, and established the well known Musical Union, which was later carried on to greater attainments by Mr. Thomas R. Janvier. It ma}' be well to note some of the connecting links in the chain of this brief and imperfect history. The law of lisred t}^ is sound in this as in all things else. Observe the prominent singers and plaj^ers of instruments in this town. Trace the descendents of those who have been leaders or "Clerks" in the church music in this com- munity, during the last centur>\ You will find them among the leading singers of to-da}-. The tuneful mant'.es of the fathers and mothers have fallen upon the children unto the third and fourth generations. Ju!}' 26, 1892. 62 Second F'resl^j'terian. CliurcH. — Paper Pre" pared by the Rev. H. H. Readle. Previous to the year 1836, the First Church of Bridge- ton, under the leadership of Godly men, the fragrance cf whose good deeds scents the air and naakes it sweet as the breath of a blossoming clover field, even now in the day of their no less worthy grandchildren, held the land almost in its own grasp. There were only two churches in the town beside, and these as )'et but feeble. The noble work of the First Church was so well done, that a crowd of worshipers had gathered into its walls; its pews were occupied and there was little or no room for further growth. At this time God moved the hearts of a few, to set on foot the project of organizing a second church, and of erecting another building for its use, in order to make place for growth, and opportunity. to work for the Master. With this in view many talks were had, and as a promise of what was to come and of the interest which was had in the movement, $616.02 were raised to carry out the good work. But so persistent and outspoken was the opposition by the many to this movement, who feared its effect in weakening the mother church, that it was de- cided wise to drop the matter for a while, until the way should seem a little more clear and not quite so beset with obstacles. Even the Presbyter}^ of West Jersey, refused to organ- ize a new church and threw the petition of those request- ing it out of court, on the ground that there was no need in Bridge ton for two churches; and that a second would only serve to paralj-ze the first instead of stimulating it; and that it would necessitate the waste of funds which ought to be put to better use. SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 63 The money which had been given for the enterprise, with the consent of the donors, was turned over to the Trustees of the Presbyterian Church in Millville, to aid them in the establishment of Presbyterianism in that place. So great, however, was the need of more church room, and so evident was the fact, that the effort could not sleep long; and after a few months, the work that had been seemingly abandoned, was again undertaken with the most earnest determination, that as it seemed to be God's work, it must go on, and no opposition should be allowed to stand in the way of its accomplishment. In order to make a more definite move and to inaugu- rate the work, through the courtesy of the officials of the Methodist Episcopal Church, then on the corner of Washington and Bank .streets, the little frame building was hired for part of the day, and Sabbath afternoon ser* vices were at once begun. The first service was held on the 25th of August 1838, and the first sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Davis of the Fairmount Church, Philadelphia. From this date services were regularly held Sabbath afternoons in that place, until the completion of what was sometimes called the Stone Church in November 1840, more than two years after. House to house, prayer meetings were held during the week, and a large open wagon was used to pick up and carry to and fro, those who lived at too great a distance for ea.sy walking, or who were unable to attend except b}' these means. A meeting of those in favor of organizing a new church was called for Sept. 22, 1838, of which the following are the minutes: 64 "A meeting of persons friendly to organizing a second Presby- terian Church in Bridgeton, was held in the old M. E. Church, on Saturday evening Sept. 22, 1838. Abijah Harris was chosen Chair- man and F. G. Brewster, Secretary. The object of the meeting being stated by the Rev. Mr. Jno. Grant, of Philadelphia, it was unanimously resolved, That, after months of serious consideration, taking all the cir- cumstances into view, having weighed the matter in our own minds; we are fully persuaded that the interest of the Redeemer's Kingdom, (by the blessing of God) may be greatly promoted by the establishment of a second Presbyterian Church in this town, to be under the care ot the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia. Resolved, That a petition be drawn up immediately and signers obtained for the purpose above mentioned. Also that D. P. Strat- ton, Josiah Fithian and F. G. Brewster, be a committee to circulate said petition and present it to the Third Presbytery of Philadelphia, and have power to transact any other business relative to the es- lablishment of the said contemplated church. The most friendly and christian spirit pervaded the meeting which was dismissed by singing the following verse, and prayer by Rev. Mr. Grant. 'Lo what an entertaining sight These friendly brethren prove, Whose cheerful hearts in bands unite Of harmony and love.' ABIJAH HARRIS, Chairman. F. G. Brewster, Secretary." Thirty-one names were signed to this petition, and as the Old School Presbyter}- of West Jersey had rejected the application for a second organization and declined to father it or foster it or have anything to do with it, ap- plication was made to the New School Third Presbytery of Philadelphia. A matter not of choice but necessity. This Presbytery at its meeting at Columbus, in this State, Oct. 2, 1838, took the following action. Resolved, That the prayer of the applicants be granted and that Rev. Messrs. Scott and Patton be a committee to organize them in- to a church, if the way be clear. 65 On Thursday the nth of Oct., was held a special ser- vice of self consecration and of prayer for help and guid- ance, and for special blessing on the new enterprise, which seemed almost too great for such a feeble handful to carr>^ on. And on Sunday after (the 14th) the committee from Presbytery visited Bridgeton and organized the Second Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton, with seventeen members, of whom only one remains to this day. Many of these seventeen were received not by letter but on satisfactory evidence of their being in good and regular standing of evangelical churches; for so bitter was the feeling that the sessions of the church to which they belonged in the Presbytery of West Jersey, Old School, refused to grant them letters to this New School Church. It may be interesting to know the reasons which in- fluence:! these good msn of those days to refuse to recog- nize this church. The following is a minute of a meeting of session at which such action was taken, and the reason is given therefor. "Jan. 16, 1S39, Session met agreeably to appointment atthe resi- dence of Mr. Uriah Woodruff. Members present, Messrs. Enoch H. Moore, Dan. Simpkins, and Uriah D. Woodruff. Rev. Berj. Tyler Jr., of Greenwich, presided by request of Session. Applica- tions were laid before the session for dismission on certificates to the Second Presbyterian Church for the following persons, viz. : Mrs. Rachel Miller, Hannah Harris, Anna Maria Crane, Ruth Brewster, Margaret Lummis and Miss Phebe Fithian. "After mature deliberation the Session came to the following conclusion. That whereas certain persons, viz., F. G. Brewster and others, did apply to the Session of this church on the 29th of Sep- tember, last to be dismissed on certificate. Certifying, moreover, that it was their purpose to be regularly organized as a Presbyterian Church, and whereas said applicants upon their request being 66 granted did apply to and were organized a church by a body which we do not acknowledge as forming anj- part of the Presby- terian Church in the United States, and said body not being recog- nized by the General Assembly of said church, and whereas, the petition of said applicants, viz.. Rachel Miller, Hannah Harris, Anna Maria Crane, Ruth Brewster, Margaret L/ummis and Phebe Fithian, does specify their intention to connect themselves with that church, so organized and known by the name of the Second Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton. Therefore resolved, that certifi- cates of their regular standing as niembeis of this church, be granted to said applicants. Declaring however, that this Session do not acknowledge said church with w'hich they are about to unite, as forming anv part of the Presbyterian Church in these United Stales. And further resolved that a copy of the above preamble and resolutions be presented to said applicants with their certificates. Signed, BENJ. TYLER, JR.> Moderator of Session. CsKTiFiCATS. W^ hereby certify that Rachel Miller, Hannah Harris, Ruth Brewster, Anna Maria Crane, Margaret Lummis and Phebe H. Fithian, are members of the Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton, in regular standing, and are hereby dismissed at their own request to unite with a certain body called a Second Presby- terian Church, which body, however, this Session pursuant to the above resolutions, do not acknowledge as forming any part of the Presbyterian Church. Signed, ENOCH MOORE, DAN. SIMPKINS, URIAH D. WOODRUFF. January i6, 1839 Israel Miller and F. G. Brewster were elected Elders of the new church. Mr. Miller subsequently removed his connection to Greenwich, and died in 1891. This organization service which meant so much to those who took part in it, and so much to the present congregation of the Second Church who succeed to their inheritance, was closed with the hymn "Blest be the tie that binds," 67 and with a prayer for God's blessing upon the people and the enterprise that started with such assured pros- pects of years of labor and trouble before its final success. A meeting of the congregation, probably the first, was held November 3, 1838, of which General Ebenezer Elmer, was Chairman. The only business apparently , was the choice of a site for the new church and the elec- tion of a Trustee. It was almost unanimously (only three dissenting) decided to build on the east side of the river or "creek," as it is called in the minutes. D. P. Stratton and Abijah Harris were elected Trus- tees and instructed to go out with a subscription paper and raise money. A good beginning of their duties, and a service which has very largely fallen out of fashion m these days. They were also to select a suitable location for the church building and report. May II, 1839, six months after, a meeting of the male members was held to hear the report of these Trustees. $4,020.50 had been subscribed. A large sum for those days, and for so feeble a band. A lot also on North Pearl street had been off"ered to the church by Daniel P. Stratton as a gift, which was most thankfully accepted. Additional Trustees were elected, and the Board when fully constituted consisted of Samuel Harris, Francis G. Brewster, Johii Mahan, D. P. Stratton and Adrian Odgen. Each one of whom subscribed to the following oath. J . do swear, that I will support the constitution of the United States. So help me God. ^ Signed, J do sincerely profess and swear that I do and will bear true faith and allegiance to the government established 111 this State under authority of the people. So help me God. ^ Signed, " 6B, ^,i,j X, • , do solemnly SA-ear that I will faithfally ex- ecute the trust reposed in me as Trustee of the Second Presby- terian Church of Bridgelon, according to the best of my ability and understanding. So help me God. Signed, ' After subscribing to such oaths as these, the county. State and church ought surely to have each been able to count upon the hearty support and service of these Trus- tees, that they would be ready on the instant to raise money for the last or arms for the firs': in case of need. On the 17th of August, 1839, the corner stone was laid with the usual ceremonies by Rev. Mr. Campbell, of Philadelphia, assisted by Rev. Mr. Porter of Fairfield. A Sunday School was of cotirse started at once, and was opened under the Superintendency of Elder Brewster, with five teachers and seventeen scholars in a little room on the North side of Commerce street, and just East of the bridge. Here the accommodation soon became too small, and the school was moved to the upper story of a blacksmith shop on Latirel street, next door to the First Church, where it remained until the first Sabbath in May 1840, when it made its final change into the lecture room of the, as yet, unfinished church, where, amid the dirt and confusion of the incomplete work overhead, the school met and grew. Happy to be at last in its own house. November 18, 1839, Rev. James Stratton, son of Daniel P. Stratton, was invited to fill the pulpit for six months, which he did most acceptably to the little clnirch and with great profit to it. At this time the church suffered from a severe blow in the death of Mr. Daniel P. Stratton, who was the life of the movement. It seemed a sad providence. Mr. Stratton frequently said that if he could live to walk the floor of 69 the new church, he would be content, but he was denied that praj-er. While not a member of the church himself, Mr. Stratton had in the ministry a brother, Rev. David Stratton, for many years the beloved pastor of the church in Salem, N. J.; two sons, William and James, and two grandsons, William and Wallace; all formerly settled as pastors in the South. On the 15th of July 1840, Rev. J. L,. Bartlett, was called to the pastorate, and that he might be free from all worldl}^ care and avocations was promised a salary of $300. He held the call for a year and over, while making up his mind as to accepting it. He finally declined it, but in the meanwhile occupied the pulpit and went with the little congregation into its long delayed, but at last com^ pleted building on the 6th of November, 1840, when the church was dedicated. Rev. John Grant, a staunch friend, preaching the sermon. Mr. Bartlett was a man very much beloved and an unusually good preacher, and it w^as unfortunate that his health would not allow him to remain in the North. He died April 24, 1887, at Sumter, S. C. Mrs. Bartlett is .still living, eighty-two years of age; somewhat of an invalid, with a clear mind and unfailing memory. On the igtli of July 1841, a congregational meeting was held, at which time it w^as resolved to attempt to paj' off the church debt, which amounted to $1,620.27, and at the same time to raise the salary of the minister, Mr. Bartlett, to $400, and' to give the sexton $30 for his services. On the 26th of January thenextyear, (1842) a call was given to Rev. William A. Mandell, which was accepted jo by him. He remained ten and a half years, preaching his last sermon as pastor of the church, September 29, 1844. Mr. Man dell, after leaving Bridgeton, acted as City Missionar>^ in Philadelphia for one year, went to Hins- dale, New Hampshire, to Stowe, Massachusetts; was settled in South Dartmour for ten years; then went to Lunenburgh, Massachusetts; to Cambridge, of the same State, where he now resides, eighty-one years of age, having celebrated his golden wedding. At the beginning of this pastorate, July 30, 1842, Mr. John Mahan was elected Elder. He was ordained and installed by Rev. Ethan Osborn, but lived only eighteen months to bear the office. At this time also, a revival of religion swept the church, and under the earnest preaching of Mr. Mandell, fifty- nine (59) were turned from their sins to Christ and united with the church, more than doubling the membership. After the departure of Mr. Mandell, the Rev. J. H. VanDyke came to supply the pulpit for six months, and was called to the pastorate April 5, 1845, at a salary of $400. The call was accepted and he was installed June 17- 1845. The next year in April, he resigned on account of ill health. His resignation, however, was not accepted, and a committee was appointed to confer with him and induce him if possible to change his purpose and remain with the church. This committee reported that the state of Mr, Van- Dyke's health was such that he could remain only on condition of a six month's or a year's vacation and the continuation of his salary, but that he knew that the church ought not, and could not accept the conditions. 71 On the 13th of April, 1846, the pastorate was therefore dissolved. For a year and a half the pulpit was then vacant. Rev. J. ly. Bartlett, of South Carolina, being stated supply for much of the time, however. In October 1847, Mr. VanDyke was again called and installed for the second time in November of that same year. During the following two years, he, finding his views changed, determined to leave the New School branch of the church and unite with the Old. And with that purpose in view, asked Presbytery to dissolve the relation existing between himself and the Second Church, which request was granted; and the dissolution took place July 9th, 1850. The congregation then, after much talking over the matter in private, met to consider whether it would not be a wise thing for them to sever their relation also, with the New School body and unite with the Presbytery of West Jersey. Those who had befriended and stood by the church in its weakness, were consulted; but natur- ally, not very much council, such as the church wanted, was given. However, after much deliberation, on Sep- tember 4th, 1850, it was resolved to unite with the Pres- bytery of West Jersey, Old School. And in the mean- while Mr. VanDj^ke was requested to supply the pulpit for six months. As a result of this change from New School to Old, Elder Brewster, feeling that he could not conscientiously retain his place as an officer of the church, resigned from the Eldership, April 3, 1852. However, he never with- drew from the church itself, or from his earnest active work and interest in, and for it. Another more pleasant result from this change of the 72 church relation was the coming of a band of ver>' much needed, and very welcome helpers from the overflowing First Church. Some of them remain to this day, and the children's children of others have taken the places of their grandparents. The list is as follows, and there are in it the names of four Elders of the church and the wife of a fifth; Alphonso Woodruff, Mrs. Sarah Woodruff, Robert Barber, Mrs. Emily Barber, Lewis McBride, Mrs. Rebecca B. McBride, Samuel Applegit, Mrs. Jane Apple- git, Mrs. Phebe Fithian, Miss Ruth James, Miss Rebecca McBride, Alexander Stratton, Alexander Kirkpatrick, Ephraim Buck. On the twenty-fourth of March of that year, Robert Barber and Alphonso Woodruff were elected Elders, and ordained April fourth. April 25, 1852, Mr. VanDyke finished his ministry with this church; and February 24, 1853, Mr. William E. Baker, of Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, was called by a unanimous vote. He accepted the call, and was ordained and installed May 18, 1853. The sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Graham, of Woodbury. Charge to pastor, b}^ Rev. George Janvier, of Daretown. Charge to people, by Rev. Daniel Stratton, of Salem. During his pastorate, his uncle, Dr. Daniel Baker, began revival meetings with much success, resulting in more than eighty conversions; though not half of them united with the Second Church; the rest uniting with other churches in the town. Mr. Baker's short ministry left an indelible impress for good. He was most heartily beloved, and under him the church began to look toward the future with greater hope than ever before. Mr. Baker is residing at present in Roswell, Georgia, 73 after serving the First Presbyterian Church of Staunton, Virginia, for twenty-five years. July 8, 1856, Rev. P. B. Heroy was called. He accepted, but remained with the church less than a year. The pulpit being declared vacant by the Presbytery May 10, 1857. Mr. Heroy is no longer in the Church militant on earth, having some years ago passed to his rest. The next month, June third. Rev. Joseph Hubbard was called, and was installed August fifth. Rev. Daniel Stratton preached the sermon. The charge to the pastor was given by Rev. Thos. W. Cattell. Charge to the people by Rev. S. J. Baird, wdiile Rev. S. K. Kollock, presided. May 30, 1858, Jesse D. Claypole was elected Elder, and so ssrved the church until his dismission to the Arch Street Church, Philadelphia, in 1863. He afterward took an active interest in the organization of the West Presbyterian Church of this cit)^ and was an Polder of it until his death. May 27, i860, Lewis McBride, Joel Fithian and Samuel Applegit were elected Elders. Of these Mr. Applegit resigned March 18, 1885, and both he and Mr. McBride have passed away. During Mr. Hubbard's pastorate and by his efforts the present parsonage was bought at an expense of about $4,000. Mr. Hubbard resigned to Presbyter}^ April 19, 1S65, in order to take charge of the church at Cape May. From there he went to Dayton, New Jersey, and is now pastor at Mechanicsville, Iowa. Mr. Heber H. Beadle, the present pastor of the church, was ordained and installed June 20, 1866. Rev. Clias. 74 Wood, moderated the service. Rev. Charles McMullen preached the sermon. Rev. Edward P. Shields, gave the charge to the people, and Rev. Elias R. Beadle, D. D. IvE. D., of the Second Presbyterian Church, Phila- delphia gave the charge to the pastor, his son. Mr. Beadle was the son of a missionary, and born in Smyrna, Asia Minor. He graduated at Yale University n the class of 1862, went to Geneva, studied under Dr. Merele D'Aubigue, for two years; then to the College of the Free Church of Hdinburg, where he received his license to preach. The work was begun by him under many discourage- ments, but matters brightened with the years, and the little edifice for the first time began to be too small, and it was found necessary to enlarge in order to accommo- date the growth. In the winter of 68-6g, $8,000 were expended in the enlargement of the building. The outside stairway at the entrance, very awkward and exposed to all the rains, was taken down and a new and much more con- venient and sighth^ entrance was built in its place. A new door was cut into the Sabbath School room, and the old doors closed. The church was lengthened out in the rear. The choir was placed on an elevated platform behind the pulpit and an Estey pedel organ was used to lead the voices in place of the old melodeon. The original instrument is still doing most beautiful service in one of our homes, training the children's voices for church work. The first service in the enlarged building was on May 2, 1869, and was both a Thanksgiving and a Communion service, entered into with hearts full of praise. Thirty- three united with the church that morning on confession 75 of their faith and seven by letter. On March 2, 1878, thirtj-'Seven united on confession of faith and seven by letter. Again on March 4, 1883, thirty-five confessed their faith in Christ and five brought letters from other churches. On March 2, 1888, thirty-six united with the church on confession of faith, and the next year seventy- eight, the largest number in the history of the church. These additions with the usual additions at intervening Communion seasons, soon filled the enlarged building and again the church was troubled for room. The best that could be done for the time, was done. The gallery was cushioned, and $5,000 was expended in that and other improvements, (in 1883.) The church was painted and frescoed, a pipe organ with water motor was built in at an expense of $2,700. ($500 more were ex- pended on this organ in 1892, in adding new pipes.) On the 30th of October 1885, Thos. U. Harris and Benjamin F. Harding were elected Elders; and in Sep- tember 1 89 1, Judge Alphonso Woodruff, for nearly forty years Elder of the church, was taken away by death at the age of eighty-two years. In the winter of 1891, the lecture room was re-seated and the old benches which had held their place in all their sturdy strength and ungainliness, were banished to make room for something more modern and comfortable. In the report to the General Assembly for 1891, there were 464 members of the Church; 373 in the Sunday Schools, and $1,314 were given for benevolent purposes. Here ends the story of the Second Church for the present. It now is growing quietly and steadily. There is the u.sual narrative of additions, and dismissals to other churches on earth and to the great church in the New Jerusalem above. 76 There are the usual sorrows and songs that come to ever}- church life, the usual efforts and partial success or failure. There are above all, the boundless blessings that have come from a Heavenly Father's bounty, which have been continued from year to year, and have made us always glad; and for these we give hearty thanks and pray for a long continuance. 77 History of tlie First Church, from the Pfas- torate of Rev. C. R. Gregory, D. D., to the Present Time, by Rev. Sylvester \V. Beach. This paper will not occupy much time. It deals largely with the recent past, and the facts are familiar to us all. The period is a short one, covering mainly but three pastorates of less than a quarter century in extent. An earnest and most worthy Methodist lately declared to the writer, that the proposed extension of the pastoral tenure in the Methodist Episcopal church would never be popular or practicable among the people of that de- nomination. The system of itineracy, he said, had the obvious advantage of giving a rapid succession of pastor ates, an advantage due to the fact that each minister has gifts and graces peculiar to himself, while none com- bines perfect excellence of all kinds. One is a good pastor, another is a good preacher; one reaches the cultured, an- other the common classes; one buildsup the finances, an- other the spirituality of the church. Any one man must bring forth an imperfect product. All together may reach a composite result approximating the ideal. Thus one pastor complements another till all sides of the walls of Zion are established. Methodists, he declared, want com- posite pastors, and these can be had only in many pastors. Without entering into the merits of this growing question now agitating a sister denomination, we may confidently say that the First church, Bridgeton, has been ser\'ed by a a succession of pastors who have strikingly supplemented each other in the gifts and graces of the pastoral office. For example, Dr. Casper R. Gregory, called to follow that Nestor of Bridgeton Presbyterianism, Dr. Samuel Beach Jones, proved the latter' s fitting counterpart. Dr. Jones 78 was distinguished for his dignity, Dr. Gregorj' for his approachableness; Dr. Jones for his orator^^ Dr. Gregory for his colloquialism; Dr. Jones for his indoctrination, Dr. Gregory, for his persuasion; Dr. Jones, for his diplo- macy. Dr. Gregory, for his naivete. It was a hard task to follow Dr. Jones, "for what can the man do that conieth after the King?" But Dr. Gregor>' was adapted for that particular work, so far as any man could have been. He became pastor May 12, 1S64. He was a native of Philadelphia, educated at the University of Pennsylvania and Princeton Seminary. He was jus^ forty years of age when he came to Bridgeton; but he was already a man of much experience, first as teacher, then as foreign missionary among the Choctaw Indians, later on pastor for ten years of the Presbyterian church at Oneida, N. Y. His pastorate here continued for over nine years. His ministry w^as specially blessed in awakening the unconverted. The year after he became pastor the church received fifty additions. In the first two years the accessions reached one hundred and thirty, x\lfred Holmes, John T. Pierce and James J. Reeves were installed elders during his pastorate; Robert M. Seele}', Edwin M. Ware, Dr. William Elmer, Jr., John U. Laning, Charles S. Fithian and Wm. E. Potter were elected trustees. The parsonage was purchased for him at a cost of $5,500. The most important event of Dr. Gregory's pastorate was the organization of the West Church in 1869. The First Church congregation being so increased that there was no longer room for growth, and the interests of Presbyterianism seeming to demand a church upon the west side of the Cohansey, one hundred and thirteen members of the First Church took letters of dismission, March 15, 1869, and on the next day, they. 79 together with four members from the Second Church, were organized into the West Presbyterian church. In 1873, through the persistent efforts of Dr. Gregory, who was a devoted lover of music, a grand Hook & Hastings organ was bought for the First Church at a cost of $3,500. The First Church choir long before, under the leadership first of Joseph Reeves, and then of Robert DuBois, had obtained an enviable reputation, and was now well equipped for the fine work that it has con- tinued until the present to perform under the able lead- ership of Thomas R. Janvier. In 1873 Dr. Gregory was called to Lincoln University-, to fill the chair of Sacred Rhetoric. There he labored zealously and most success- fully until his death, which occurred Februar}^ 26th, 1882. His end was lull of faith and hope. His body lies here in the Pastor's lot beside three other pastors who preached the Gospel to the same beloved church. After Dr. Gregory- 's resignation an interim of exactly seven months followed. The Rev. J. Allen Maxwell, D. D., was installed May 7, 1874. Two pastoral terms preceded that of Bridgeton in hi>^ ministr}-. The first was in South Orange, N. J., which continued for ten years; the other at Hazelton, Pa. His birthplace was New York City, December 29th, 1833. He graduated at the University of New York and Union Theological Seminary. Dr. Maxwell is well remembered by nearh* all who are now before me. He was a minister of the Word, of singular gifts. His sermons were laboriously wrought out, and delivered with an unaffected simplicity that gave the impression of great reserved powers; and yet he did not lack an unction indicated in voice and manner. He was a scholar of no mean attainments, and had found 8o an opportunity to go afield in his reading and research beyond what is possible to most busy pastors. While not compromising the dignity of his ministerial office, he closely identified himself with the public interests of the community, and was zealous in promoting every move- ment of municipal and moral reform. His talents were not unfrequently employed in the preparation and delivery of public lectures, and in writing for the local and religious press. In a word, he was indefatigable in his labors, and most versatile in his gifts and accomplish- ments. Above all, his gentle and sweet disposition, and his pure heart filled with the spirit of God, are remem- bered. During Dr. Maxwell's pastorate, the church was re- furnished and beautified at a cost of nearly $3,000; the parsonage was also greatly improved. W. Harrison Woodruff was elected to the Board of Trustees. Isaac leaning, Edgar J. Riley and Theophilus Trenchard were installed as Elders. From Bridgeton, Dr. Maxwell removed to Titusville, Pennsylvania, February, 188 1. After a happy pa.storate there of six years, he was called to Danbury, Connecticut, where he was a greatly beloved pastor, when summoned by the Angel of Death, on Thanksgiving morning, 1890. The Rev. Augustus Brodhead, D. D., who took up the work which Dr. Maxwell's hands dropped, only three months after the latter' s removal, was the son of Hon. H. and Eliza Ross Brodhead, of Milford, Pennsylvania. He was born Maj^ 13, 1831. His collegiate course was pur- sued at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. , and he studied Theology at Princeton. He was ordained as an evange- list for foreign mission work by the Presbytery of Hud.son, May 4, 1858. He sailed for India that fall. At Mynpu- rie and Fatehgarh thirteen years were spent in preach- ing, teaching, ministering to the native churches, and organizing evangelistic efforts. He was then transferred to Allabahad, where he took up the laborious work of teaching theology, writing text books on Church History- and other subjects. At length a succession of severe attacks of illness mide it evident to his medical advisers and the members of the mission, that his constitution would not much longer be able to bear the strain of the Indian climate. Very reluctant!}^ he yielded to the necessity, and in 1878 resigned the service of the mission and returned to America, where after several temporary engagements, he accepted a call to Bridgeton, as we have said, just three months after the resignation of Dr. Max- well. As a linguist, oriental scholar, missionar^^ pastor and typical Christian man. Dr. Brodhead wielded a great in- fluence wherever his name was known. He was at the time of his death, member for this Presbyter}^ of that most important of Synod's enterprises, the Sy nodical Home Missions; and his journeys to their distant meetings while in rapidly failing health, bore witness to the fervency of his love for the church at home, as he had given the best of his life to the church in India. Citj- Missions in Bridgeton also knew him for a true helper. Almost the last public act of his life, when he was too ill to walk to and from the place of meeting, was to assist at the dedi- cation of the new East Side Chapel. His last com- munion with the church was in March, 1887. Soon after he was obliged to let go his work, hoping to gain relief and rest at Clifton Springs. Finding no help there, he went to Toronto, hoping a more northern atmosphere might mitigate his sufferings. But his work was over; 82 for "after some weeks of patient 3^et hopeful suffering, with a clear trust in God and a hearty resignation to His will, he slept through the night and awoke in Heaven." The date of his death was August 29th, and his body being removed to Bridgeton, his funeral took place in the First Church, September 2nd. It was during the pastorate of Dr. Brodhead that our present handsome chapel was built at a cost of $9,000. The corner stone was laid by Dr. Brodhead, August 8, 1883, and the building was completed in March, 1884. The committee in charge of the work were: R. M. Seeley, C. E. Mulford, C. R. Corey, Theodore E. Edwards and P. K. Reeves. During this pastorate there was only one change in the Board of Trustees. Mr. Francis B. Minch, the present President and Treasurer, being elected in place of Jona- than Elmer, resigned The present pastor was installed December 19, 1S87. Since that time Howard W. Fithian and Charles F. Dare have been elected to the Board of Trustees, and P. Ken- nedy Reeves and J. Ogden Burt ordained and installed as Elders. The debt on the chapel has been entirely' paid and one hundred and ninety-eight members have been added to the church. 83 History of the West Church by ReV. William J. Bridges. The West Church, the third of the Presbyterian Churches of Bridgeton, feels an intense affection for the old Broad street Church, and naturally enough, for it was its grandmother. We reckon three generations to the century, then, the mother church, was the one wor- shipping here, from 1792 to 1825 or 30, the daughter the First Church, as located on Laurel street, and the grand- daughter the West Church, born in March 1868. Of course, there will be those who will say, nay, verily! but the West is the daughter, the old church has never had but one set of children, and they were the Second and the West. But we make the assertion, by way of con- cession to the First Church, none of whose members, and certainly none of whose lady members, wish to be written down to-day, as in the shadow of a hundred years of age. We think it better to look upon the First Church as a matron in middle life, walking by the side of this fair daughter of twenty-two. You can't call a girl of that age old; we don't want to call any one who poses as her mother old, and the grandmother idea seems to be .suggestive of peace all around. It is only history repeating itself, domestic history we mean; to say the child was born at grandmother's house, for the West Church first saw the light in this venerable building. Here in March, 1868, the first congregational meeting was held, looking toward its establishment. A Building Committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs. Jesse D. Claypoole, Dr. John B. Bowen, Wm. G. Nixon, James J. Reeves, David P. Elmer, Uriah D. Woodruff, Dr. William Elmer, Jr., and Edwin M. Ware, good men these, who builded better than they knew. In April, 84 1868, the West Church Sabbath School began in this building, and continued here, until its own chapel was ready for use. Here is an illustration for our Irving avenue brethren, of a Sabbath School preceding a church. The masonr>' work on the chapel, began on the nth of August, 1868. In February, 1869, there was a move- ment to\Yards the organization of a church. In March of the same year, the church was organized by Presby- tery with a membership of one hundred and seventeen, one hundred and thirteen of whom came from the First Church, and four from the Second. It is comparatively easy to understand how the First Church in the large- ness of its heart, was ready to give the one hundred and thirteen, but how any one ever got away those four members from Brother Beadle, no history explains, and he himself, seems to have gone away from us to-day, on purpose that he might avoid explaining. On March 16, 1869, the first Session consisting of Messrs. Jesse D. Claypoole, A. Smith Woodruff, and Dr. William Elmer, Jr., having been elected, was duly ordained and installed. One of these, Mr. A. Smith Woodruff is j^et in office, and attentive to his duties. They were all good workers, and their work abides. Church and Sabbath School services, were held by the West Chureh congregation, in this building, and Friday night Prayer Meeting in Sheppard's Hall, until the chapel was opened and dedicated. The dedication occurred on Sabbath July 4th, 1869, and this patriotic date, with its direct reference to countr}^, prompts us to stop for a moment, and recall some of those things which our progenitors had to think about on week days, as the work of the church went on, and which it may be, if the sermon was not lively, they thought about on Svmday. 85 From the inception of the church unto the dedication, Vice-President Andrew Johnson who had become Presi- dent, through the assassination of Abraham Lincohi, was filling that oiftce, for his last year ending March 4th, i86g. In the month of March, 1868, when the church was first thought of, President Johnson was impeached by the House of Representatives, for high crimes and misde- meanors, because of a controversy which arose between him and Congress, respecting the terms on which the late Confederate States should be reconstructed or restored to their original relations to the Federal Union. He was acquitted in May. On the 25th of December 1869, at the time when the first festival was held in the West Chapel, the President of the United States, issued a proclamation of general amnesty, announcing that the authority of the Federal government had been re-established in all the seceding States, and granting pardon to all who had taken part in the so-called rebellion. On the 4th of March, i86g, or four months previous to the dedication of the chapel, Ulysses S. Grant, and Schuyler Colfax were inaugurated President and Vice-President of the United States. So you see our fathers and brethren had much to think of during the week as well as on Sunday. Moreover the years of the beginning of the West Church, were the 3^ears just following the war, and when one remembers the bitter animosities, the sufferings and losses it entailed, it always seems to us .a happy coincidence, that this dale, Jul}^ 4th, 1869, God's day and our country's natal day, were thus blended with the day of occupation and of dedication of our church to invite us from war's alarms to "The rest that remaineth for the people of God," to point to a yet better country than America, to place the emblem of the cross above that of the stars and stripes, and to win us to grander liberty than American citizens as such enjoy, even to be free in Christ. The corner stone of the larger church building was laid Saturday July 3rd, 1869, the day before the dedication of the chapel. It was a hot afternoon, yet a good number of persons assembled at the south-east corner of the church building; they stood under the maple trees, umbrellas in hand. The ministers sat upon an impro- vised platform, over which was placed as an awning, the national standard. The ministers in all ages of the world seem to have matters very lovely; seats are often found for them while the laymen must stand, and this has sometimes provoked the evilly disposed among the brethren to sit on the ministry. The Revs Messrs. McNeil, Beadle, Jones, Stratton, Gregory, Harris, Moffitt and Heydenreich, were among those present. The exer- cises commenced with an appropriate prayer by Mr. Beadle, after which Mr. McNeil read the hymn of dedi- cation which had been composed for the occasion, and which was sung under the leadership of Mr. Robert Young. Rev. C. R. Gregory read a selected chapter from the Scriptures; and then Dr. Wm. Elmer, Jr., gave a history of the church from the beginning. Nearly all that has been said in this sketch to-day, all that was good, came from this address. Then Mr. Franklin F. Westcott spoke of the religious and political connections of the day, said that a town without a church would be a town filled with evil; said, and it was well said too, t lat the chief business of the church was not to teach men how to die, but how to live. The destiny of the country is bound up with that of the church, the wounds that hurt the church make the State bleed as well. Then 87 Rev. Mr. Gregory' deposited in the cornerstone a num- ber of articles which are specified in the record, and the stone was fixed in place. Rev. Dr. Moffitt then spoke, "What was meant by these ceremonies," he said, "was not the consecration of a spot of earth, to make t holier than before, or fit for God to dwell in, but that it was simply their purpose that that house should be set apart for his worship; and as Christ had said, that 'where two or three are gathered together, there he is,' so they con- fidently believed, that those who should hereafter worship there would enjoy that blessing, not because of their act, but because of God's promise." The Rev. Mr. Harris then prayed, and the Rev Wallace Stratton pro- nounced the benediction. For seven years after the dedication of the chapel, the church building was enclosed, and ready for interior finish, but not occupied. We suppose this was owing to a disposition not to incur debt, and happy is that people, in or out of the church who live by this silver rule. "Mr. Speaker," said the eccentric Randolph of Roanoke, "I have discovered the philosopher's stone; it consists of four short words of homely English, and is 'pay as you go.' " The dedication services of th- church took p'.ace Thursday, April nth, 1878, at three o'clock in the after- noon. The pastor, Mr. Coyle, the Revs. Messrs. Fergu- son, Beadle and Maxwell took part in the other services, and the Rev. Mr. Colfelt of Philadelphia, preached the sermon. By this dedication, the work was renewedly offered to the Lord, and with enlarged facilities, it was taken up with increased heartiness. In the sweet May morn, and the golden summer, mid the gleanings of autumn and winter's cold, Christ was set forth, not the Christ of envy or contention, but the Christ of love and truth. The people were responsive, the membership increased, and there were added unto the L/ord as we believe, those whom he will count as his own in the daj' when he shall make up his jewels. The West Church has had three pastors, the Rev. ly. E. Coyle, Rev. W. H. Belden, and the speaker. Mr. Coyle was ordained and installed Thursday evening, April 28, 1870; he served the church for thirteen years, resigning his charge, April 1 8th, 1883. One cannot speak as freel)' of the living as these other speakers have of those out of hearing, but the more we know of Mr. Coyle's work, and of his character, the more of an exalted opinion do we have of both. The congregation was pastorless for eight months, a critical time to any church; happy that Session and congregation who can the quickest secure a new pastor. The Rev. Wm. H. Belden was installed Mondaj'- evening, February 4th, 1884. His pastorate extended over six years and two months, he resigning the pulpit April i, 1890. A zealous, capable, true-hearted missionary spirit; one can only understand the trial that has come to him, by remembering that "whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." Having thus disposed of his predecessors, the present pastor might chronologically speak of himself; this modesty utterly forbids, save to say, that the beginning and the end of Presbyterianism in Bridgeton, is confined to his famil)', for not one century ago, but two, the Rev. Thomas Bridge, or Bridges, settled in these parts as a Presbyterian minister. He came with a paterrt or deed for a thousand acres of land about North Bridgeton. What any minister would want with so much Jersey land, we know not, may be he put the sand into his sermons, and wh}^ he came at all, history does not tell us. We do not harbor the suspicion that King William of Orange, would offer the good man that sum just to be rid of him. When we first came to Bridgeton, we were of course, pleased to know that one of the family had already been here, and at so early a date, to look after the interests of Presbyterianism, and this led us ambitiously to hope, that this place had been called after him, or that Bridgeton had received its name from the Bridges family; but the Potter family who make history, about Bridgeton, have compelled us to relinquish this pleasing thought. We are glad, though, that if they would name so pretty a town as this after a wooden bridge, there is no imputation that the original Rev. Thomas Bridges, whom they would not name it after, was a wooden man. As to increase of members, like its sister churches, there have been times of gain to the West Church, times when it seemed to stand still, and times of going back- ward; but throughout the years of gain, healthful gain, and as the years have gone on, nothing has been pleas- anter than the admission of the young from the Sabbath School, the nursery of the church, into the church; christians from the Sabbath School must always be the best. The proportion of young people in the church, is more than one-third that of the whole number, and their influence is felt in all departments of church work. Par- ticularly in the Christian Endeavor Society, now nearly four years old, do the young people find a sphere for their activity. This society does wonders for them; it keeps them at work, it leads them to an active part in the public service, keeps them united. In disposing of its history in this brief way, the pastor has nothing but good to say of the Christian Endeavor Society. 90 The ladies, what would church or pastor do without them, have alwaj's taken an exceedingly active part in the Home and Foreign Missionary work of the church. Meetings for each cause are held at intervals of three weeks during the year. Boxes of useful articles are con- stantly being sent to ministers who need. These are far more than ordinarily valuable, and the amount of money raised by the societies is unusuall}- large; besides this the members are constantly informing themselves of tlie missionary state of the world, and making the knowledge gained, the subject of interesting communication. Gladly are they hearing and acting upon the Saviour's last com- mand, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. ' ' This church is easily among the first in the Presbytery in the absolute amount raised per member for such pur- poses. It is thus listening to the saying, "Freely ye have received, freely give." As for Elders and Trustees, no pastor ever had better. From the nature of the case, the real history of a church cannot be written on earth but will be in the skies; it must be assigned to eternity, rather than to time; here matters are mutable, there fixed; here thej^ must be attempted by those, who, in the nature of the case, cannot know all the facts, but in the coming clearer light we shall see as we are seen, and know as we are known. If it should appear, at that time, that this church displayed anything of love for the Master, what joy ! If any prayer there put up led any one to say, "I must have this pardon or I die," how hearts will thrill! If the kindly word of invitation arrested any wandering footstep, blissful day. But if these pastors meet there any con- siderable number of those unto whom they have spoken, 91 surely to each of them their heaven will be three heavens, in the land of the King. And that God, who satisfies with food the appetite of the hungry, and who makes us to love, and who finds for us a mate, has not bidden the pastor's heart to long for souls in vain. The time may seem long, the work dull, the response trifling, but in countless ways we think not of, the seed sown will be upspringing, the sunshine of God will invigorate, the dew of his grace bless. And this will be, not because of our faithfulness, but because of the faithfulness of God. And even about us, we have the earnest of this. Here sleep those, who worshipped with us, who mingled their prayers with ours. They witnessed a good profession, and in the last and crucial hour of their lives, they did not give up their Christ, but clung to him to the end. These said, that the Gospel which they heard proclaimed was a perfect one; they might have heard the Gospel better preached elsewhere, but they did not hear a better Gospel. These said, that Jesus was as ready to save here, as elsewhere, the Holy Spirit as ready to bless. May men everywhere believe in the need of the great salvation, and in the efficiency of the church as blessed of Him, to lead thereto, and when the history of this church is finally written, may it prove to have been useful. 92 History of the West Jersey Academy, by Prof. Phoebus W. I^yon. The ancient Greeks represent \"enus as rising from the sea a full-grown, perfect woman, ready to enter upon the work of life; they fancy Minerva as springing, full-armed, from the brain of Jove, and in her suddenl}- acquired m turit}' ready to direct in counsel or in w^ar; thej' tell us that Cadmus sowed the dragon's teeth, and forth with sprung up panoplied soldiers, ready to fight. But God has not so made the world. That which is good has come through growth, and growth is gradual. First the blade, then the ear and after that the full-corn in the ear. Throes and anguish precede birth, and the birth is of a child, helpless in itself and needful of care, and nursing and direction, and making heavy and constant demands on the time and the toil, the patience and the pocket o^ those interested in its welfare, through years of childhood and of vouth, ere its maturity shall come and it is able to stand alone. Such is the history of all enterprises in this world, such, as we have heard to-day, has been the historj^ of thsse Presbyterian churches of Bridgeton, and such, through four decades, has been the history of the West Jersey Academy. The Presbyterians, the Congregationalists and the Quakers, who were the first English speaking settlers in The Jerseys, began their schools when they began their churches. In 1676 it is at a Jersey town-meeting that it was resolved that: "The town doth consent that the town's men should perfect the "bargain with the schoolmaster for this year upon condition that "he will come and do his faithful honest and true endeavor to 1^ .^ .l 93 "teach the chihlreti or servants of those who have subscribed, the "readhigand writing of English, and also of arithmetic if they "desire it, as much as they are capable to learn and he capable to "teach them within the compass of this year, nowise hindering but "that he may make what bargain he please with those as have not "subscribed." And a few years later the town meeting recordb say (Sept. 28th, 1714-) "Ordered by vote that ye old floor in ye meeting-house should be made use of for ye making a floor in ye school house in ye middle of ye town." It was in keeping with these precedents and of the constant interest in the education of her children shown by the church from that early day to our own, that Dr. SamuelBeachJoneson the i6th of April, 1850, presented to the West Jersey Presbytery a paper looking to the establishment of a high grade Academy within its bounds and to be permanently under its fostering care and super- vision. This paper was a very able and convincing one, and the Presbytery in a series of resolutions adopted its recommendations and elected the first Board of Trustees. This Board consisted of: Rev. Dr. S. Beach Jones, David P. Elmer, Dr. Enoch Fithian, Calvin Belden, Henr>' B. Lupton, Moses Richman, Jr., John T. Nixon, Dr. Jacob W. Ludlam, Charles E. Elmer, Enoch Edmonds, William G. Nixon, Geo. S. Woodhull, Dr. J. Barron Potter, Dr. R.. Rush Bateman, Dr. Ephraim Buck, Dr. Wm. B. Ewing, Lewis McBride, Eewis Mul- ford. Dr. William Elmer, Dr. Joseph Fithian. On the nth of the following July, (1850) this Board of Trustees met in the Presbyterian Session House in this city and after much deliberation, not forgetting prayer for divine guidance and blessing, issued a circular and subscription blank, a copy of which is hereto appended. 94 Circular From the Executive Committee of the Board of THE Presbyterian Academy of West Jersey. Action of the Presbytery . At the last stated meeting of the Presbytery of West Jersey, it was determined by that body to establish a classical and scientific Academy of a high order, and to locate it in Bridgeton. The unanimity with which both of these decisions were made, indicated the pervading sense of the import- ance of such an institution, and the eligibility of the place selected as its site. Reasons for this action. Within the six counties over which the Presbytery is spread, there now exists no Academy of the grade an A character wliich we need. Most of our youth, who seek a liljeral education, are compelled to prosecute their more advanced studies out of our bounds and remote fiom our supervision; some who desire such an education are compelled to forego it. because of the expense attendant on its prosecution at a distance The academies occasionally established bj' private enterprise have always proved short lived; and thus the steady advance of educa- tion in its higher departments is impeded. Advantages of such an Institution. — An Academy under the supervision and the control of the Presb5'tery will be likely to prove as permanent as the body which founds it. It promises to give to religious culture the place which it properly claims in everv stage of education. It will educate our youth near their homes; and its very proximity to most of our congregations and neighborhoods will induce a larger number of West Jerseymen to seek a liberal education; aud thus serve to raise West Jersey to something like an equality with other portions of our State and country. It places both teachers and the course of study pursued under the .supervision of educated and responsible men It fur- nishes a reasonable prospect of greater facilities for the acquisition of the higher branches of academical education, than we can well expect elsewhere; inasmuch as the more extensive patronage attorded by our own and other regions will enable us to employ teachers accomplished for their vocation. It will afford to our young men a good school in which to train themselves for the employment of teaching. The place selected. The selection of Bridgeton as the seat of an Academy was made in view of its central position, as to most of 95 our congregations; its business relations to most of the towns in West Jersey, and its accessibility to them by public conveyances; and also in the prospect of a liberal subscription towards the Insti- tution from the residents of that place. The Board of Trustees and its acti-m. A Board of Twenty Trustees, selected from different congregations belonging to the Presbytery, was duly appointed in April last. At a recent meet- ing of the Board, an Executive Committee, consisting of the under- signed, was appointed to make an estimate of the probable cost oi a suitable lot and buildings for the contemplated Academy, and to take immediate measures for the securing of funds for said objects. At the same time the Board appointed committees in each congre. gation, to solicit contributions in their respective neighborhoods; and the iindersigned were directed to address to them a communi- cation on this subject. We therefore report to you, that we now have it in our power to secure, if adequate funds be provided, the most eligible site for a school known to us in this region of country. It is a lot within the precincts of Bridgeton, comprising about ten acres of the highest ground in our town, and constituting a whole square, wthout any liability to be encroached upon by buildings; and withal, as airy and healthful as it is beautiful. We propose to erect near the centre and upon the highest point in this lot, a building adapted to a Boarding School, which is indispensable to the realization of the design of the Presbytery. To purchase the site and erect the buildings it is estimated that at least Ten Thousand Dollars will be required. We \ ropose that the subscriptions be made on the condition that at least Eight Thousand Dollars shall be subscribed before any part thereof shall be payable. We would in the name of the Trustees respectfully and earnestly request your aid in this important undertaking; believing, as we do, that with due diligence the work may be accomplished, and that it pro:nises inestimable benefits, religious and intellectual, to this portion of West Jersey. It is exceedingly desirable that sub- scriptions be secured as promptly as possible, so that an early report may be made to the Board of Trustees, which now awaits the result of your and our labours. Be pleased, therefore, to apprize us, at as early a date as practi- 96 cable, of your success, by addressing Wm. G. Nixon, the Chairman of the Executive Committee, SAMUEL BEACH JONES, WIIvLIAiVI ELMER, WILLIAM G. NIXON, LEWIS McBRIDE, HENRY B. LUPTON, DAVID P. ELMER, EPHRAIM BUCK, Executive Committee. We, the undersigned, hereby agree to contribute the sums affixed to our names, towards the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars to be raised for the erection of an Academy under the supervision of the Presbytery of West Jersey; one-half to be paid when the subscrip- tions shall amount to Eight Thousand Dollars; and the remainder in six months from that time. Dr. William Elmer headed the subscription with his name for one thousand dollars, and others followed with liberality according to and beyond their means. But two years slipped away before stifficient money had been subscribed to permit of further progress and when on April 30th, 1852, a second meeting of the Board was held, it was found that the total subscription only amotinted to $8,416; three- fourths of which was from Bridgeton, about $1,600 from other congregations in West Jersey, and between five and six hundred dollars from friends of the enterprise in Philadelphia and New York. Outside of Bridgeton, Pittsgrove was the banner town in giving, and in the very full and very valuable memorandum kept by the long time friend of the Academy, Dr. J. Barron Potter, whose recent death we all mourn to-day, the following list may be found which shows how faithfully the work was done: 3 subscriptions, $125.00; i ten dollar note, $10.00; 8 cards, $35.00; 13 one dollar notes, $13.00; 4 half dollars, $2,00; 4 dimes, .40; 36 quarters, 97 $9.oo; 13 half-dimes, .65; 2 gold dollars, $2.00; 56 three- cent pieces, $1.78; 12 levies, $1.50; 24 pennies, .24;8 fips, .50. In all; 159 contributions amounting to $200.57. Meanwhile an act of incorporation had been .secured (Feb. 19, 1852,) and the lot, since known as Academy Hill, provisionally purchased at a cost of $1,625.50. On the 26th of April of that same year, the whole of the Executive Committee with some other friends of the enterprise met on the hill and agreed upon and staked out the site for the building, and all these succeeding years have vindicated theii selection, for a more perfectly located school is not to be found, dare we say, in the.se United States. On the 9th of August, 1852, the corner-stone was laid with much ceremony, with the following program: Invocation Rev. G. W. Janvier. Pittsgrove. Reading of Scripture, "Except the Lord build the house, etc. Dr. Jones. Singing, 127 Psalm.— (Tune "Uxbridge.") „ , ._ ., Praver Dr. KoUock, of Greenwich. \ddresses, Dr. C. VanRensalaer, of Philadelphia; Dr. Wm. B. Ewing, of Greenwich Statement of Financial Condition and Collection. Laying of Corner stone, ^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^^^ ^^ Woodburt Singing "All hnil the power of Jesus Name," ^^^^^^^^^ Benediction, ^ ■ And thus the child was born! Ah, but there was infancy yet before the child could talk, and "through the slippery paths of youth" with changes all too frequent of nurse and governess, the child was to be conducted unto man's estate. I may not take time to-day to tell of these eventful years. At .some other time, perhaps by some other and better qualified pen, this history should be written and preser\'ed. How full of interest and of incident would such a history be! How we sigh with one of the early Princi- pals as we hear his plaint, "The experience of the past year has convinced me that the office involves too much oppressive labor for me to fill properly." How we smile when we read that the Board resolved, "That, in order to prevent many inconveniences which often arise in boarding schools, from the introduction of foreign bedding and to maintain that degree of cleanliness and order, which we trust may characterize this institution, henceforth the bed and bed- ding shall be furnished by the Principal and none other intro- duced." And how, when this expedient failed, the Principal — poor man — not being able to furnish the amount of bed- ding required, it was resolved that "Different churches of the Presbytery be requested to furni-h each a room " Many of the churches responded right loyally to this request, and barring a little incongruity of style and vari- ation of color the rooms thus provided for were well equipped. And some of the thoughtful dames, — may their daughters be worthy of their mothers! — intent on helping the souls as well as the bodies of the dear boys, deftly sewed scripture texts in with the hems of the bedding, and as John or Tom or Enoch, woke in the morning wondering what he was to get for breakfast, he could read on the edge of his sheet, "Be content with such things as you have," or, ere he threw his pillow at Ed., who was similarly armed, he was encouraged by the motto on the case to "Fight the good fight of faith." On motion, too, it was resolved, "That — all damages done to the school building, furniture or other property of the Academy, shall be paid by the person or persons committing the same when known and if unknown, that it shall be the duty of the Principal to assess the said damage upon all the scholars in the Academy at the time of the offense." 99 1„ accordance with this we find in .861, that a tax amounting to $4.50 -as levied on all the --»be- oj the school. Again, we find a committee on reseat.ng he school-roon? repotting that they had P™«e 'g upon the Board to devise '^o- -^>-.*° P'''' "'f^^'f ", 'i Another Principal very suggestively remarks tha ••some of the Directors have been pleased to eompUment mygarden, which shows the result of carefu^ cu Unr and vet my labors in the garden were mostly for reerea ton and from love of the work. With eqtial or greater love of teaching and with far greater l^bor^ -« and thought bestowed upon my school, I ought to have far higher compliment and far greater encouragement. But we n^st not linger over these tempting made ts. Nine different Principals-Smythe, Stevenson Thomp fo^^, Gosman, Whitely, Diefendorf, Vaughan, Shern.an Allen and Lyon,-have through these years been m sue «sslo„ at the h^ad of the school. Through storm and thron.'h sunshine, among rocks and over smooth seas 1 ey have guided the eraft, and to-day she s, 11 sa.ls on stunch in timber, stronger in crew, and wtth as large a passenger list as at any time in all the past. ' Vhel, on July 4th, t776. the patriotic cni.ens of Ph 1- adelphia, heard that the Declaration, th^t has .nee become so famous, had been signed, they rang th ir bd and shouted out their joy. At the same tune a courier started from the opposite shore and earned along the ^ews and the .shontTill he reached the JO-S 1--" "he Cohansey. And then the farmers from *e country round rejoiced and shouted and rang aloud their belk Bu with more judgment than the Quakers of the city of B^l:* Love, tlfey did not spoil it for future use and roo that same bell still hangs above yonder Academy, and daily calls the boys with its patriotic tongue. Thus we look back to the past, thus we consider the present and thus with the fullest confidence in the God who has helped through that past and is helping in this present, we look toward the future and take courage. lOI Historj' of Pearl Street Missioii and East Bridgeton Chapel, by F*. Kennedy Reeves. At the close of the war of the Rebellion, philanthropists had an opportunity to remove their field of operations from the battle ground and the hospital to places nearer home. In the early months of 1866, the attention of good people of Bridgeton was called to the numbers of children spending the Sabbath in wandering through the streets, playing on the wharves or lounging on the bridges. Some ladies looked into the dwelling places of these children, and found that while not houseless, many were practically homeless. Their domiciles were repul- sive. One mother of five boys stated she didn't care where her boys went Sundays, so they were out of her sight; she usually put them out of doors Sunday morning and they went where they pleased. Another actually told her visitor she washed her boy was dead; and only the fear of the law kept her from killing him. Is it any wonder such words and sights made the hearts of Godly, motherly women ache for the boys w^hose young lives were being blasted by such influences ? As Mrs. M. S. Fithian passed the corner of Commerce and I^aurel streets one Sabbath morning, twenty-six years ago, she encountered a crowd of barefooted rag-a- muffins fighting and swearing as usual, but who paused to listen to her invitation to come to the Session House on Pearl street, later in the day. They accepted the invitation and kept the appointment and finally consented to regularly attend a Sabbath School if one could be organized expressly for them. Interest in the waifs increased; money was contributed, and a lot on South Pearl street purchased for $500. A building was erected ro: ' W. Hathaway, a teacher at West Jersey Academy gave a portion of his time to '.he work. Since September, 1891, there has been no stated supply. Sabbath School is held every Sabbath afternoon, and meetings are held Sunday evenings, and once during the week, the Sunday morning preaching service being dis- pensed with. George J. Mayhew succeeded Charles H. Pierson as Superintendent of the Sunday School, and at present Mr. Albert Richmond acts in that capacity. The faithful few who regularly attend Sabbath School and evening meetings have been built up in their christian life and attest to the value of the work, which only requires permanent pastoral supervision to show still greater results. You have seen in the souvenir programme, illustra- tions of the Pearl Street Mission and East Bridgeton Chapel, but to complete the picture galler}- of our Pres- byterian out-posts, we should have a view of the old canning factory out on Irving avenue, nearly two miles from here. A Sunday School was organized there the first Sabbath of this month with twentj^-five members. East Sabbath, the most oppressive of the year, there were fifty present. The occupation of the factory is only temporary, and other quarters should be secured before cold weather. Twenty-seven members of our churches, in good and regular standing, have signed a petition to Presbj-tery to organize them into a church to be located at this point, and nearl}- $2,000 has been subscribed toward a building. When the arrangements for this day's celebration were being made, it was suggested that we erect a monument in this burial ground as a permanent memorial of this Centennial anniversary. If we are to have a permanent memorial, how much better than a cold piece of sculpt- ured marble, with its suggestions of death, would be a Centennial Memorial Church, from which would go forth continually, the Gospel message, showing multi- tudes the way to Eternal I^ife. '^P'Vtfgrr'essfve P'resby terianisni," by IMr. Ko-Erf- C. OgclerXy Ptviladelplaia. May a layman discuss it? Your invitation conveys the answer, A laynaan may discuss it, and of course you can only expect in this paper a plain layman's notions on what constitutes Progressive Presbyterianism.. The various branches of the Christian Church were born in great historic crises in the long past. This age does not produce sects. The Presbyterian Church was evolved from historic conditions which do not now exist,, and few af us are members of this time-honored Church from any original convictions^ we were simply born Pres- byterians. Occasioi^ally there is an exception. My father was born a Baptist and became a Presbyterian by conviction, I owe a part of ray Presbj'terianism to some who came into the church by marriage. Famil}^ influences have put the vast majority of us into the Presbyterian Church, In this age, heredity almost invariably controls the attachments of the various Christians to their sects. Sectarian convictions are, therefore, subsequent and secondarj'. These conditions demand that denominational bias should be controlled by the broadest Christian charity. The prayer of Jesus, "That the}' may all be one: even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that Thou has sent Me;" and the teaching of St. Paul whose thought of the Chvirch is that of a whole family in heaven and earth, combine in giving unit}' as the ideal of Christianity. All denominationalism, therefore, is in conflict with the ideal, and until we have absolute divine authority I09 that our Church coutaius the complete, perfect aud exchi- sive doctriue and government ordained by Jesus Christ, can we regard our Church as other than one means among man}- for the salvation of men. That we have such divine authorit}- is not claimed or asserted. The recognition of this fact underlies all consideration of progress. If we look at our Christianity through our Presbj'terianism we merely support an ecclesiastical order and guard a system of dogma which is not claimed as essential to the salvation of men and is not demanded by the revealed word of God, To sustain these positions may be success, it is not progress. That this language is not too strong is evident from the fact that our church, in its actions looking toward revision, does not regard the Confession as essential, and that it also admits the freedom of salvation through or- ganizations that hold little in common with us save the recognition of Jesus of Nazareth as the Divine Saviour of men. If, however, we look at our Presbyterianism through our Christianity the case is reversed. The point of view is vital. The accidents of life make us Presbyterian, but only personal experience can make us Christians. Our denomination ma}^ make us merel}^ religious. There are vast masses of useless religion under many Christian names and forms, creeds and professions in the world. Christ personally known can make us godly. True Christianity and nothing else is godliness and, therefore, Presbyterianism is only in condition to be progressive when it is vitalized, transfigured, inspired, uplifted by the loving spirit of devotion to mankind, the simple and spiritual ethics, the grand courage, the abounding jo}^ the divine charity of the Master that she claims as leader and to whom she professes allegiance. no Ottr constant aim must be to test our personal lives and the current histor}^ of our church by the simple standards of the New Testament as we find them in the text. This every honest soul and average mind can do without reference to histor\' or systems of man's device. We all know what the Master says; we become frightfull}^ confused when we undertake to find out what somebody says he says. Much present trouble comes from allowing the latter to confuse the former. The Christ test is the only true test. This being so, Progressive Presbyterianism will seek to divest itself of every weight. It has outgrown many things. The age of its peculiar protest is past and its history' is secure. Presbyterians ought to study the his- tory of their church. Large familiarity with the nar- rower period, when light and knowledge were less abundant and many things now non-essential were vital, will broaden the mind and perfect the judgment. We hear much in these days about the study of Com- parative Religion and the little light that filters through to the layman's narrow sphere from such great discussion, starts questions as to the Saviour's meaning in the remark "I have other sheep not of this fold." The deep research called for by such study is beyond most of us, but there is one study of comparative religion, that, if Christians, we must make, and it is the comparison be- tween the religion of Jesus and his Apostles and the religion of our Presbyterian Church. All study of the history of our Church, all testing of its present position, all forecast of its future progress must be from that point of view. It is one of the glories, shall I not say the greatest glory of our organization, that it holds freedom of conscience as a God-given right to man upon which no Ill human dictum may be laid. Therefore the duty of try- ing the Spirits, finding the basis of beHef, judging of Church poHty is one which no Presbyterian Christian can honestly escape. Nor should he desire to escape it. What one of us is there holding so low and small a standard of the self- respect involved in freedom of conscience and salvation through Jesus Christ as to willinglj' abdicate the princi- ples of private judgment.'* Opinions held upon the dictum of other men, however great, are like second-hand clothes made for another. They are a misfit. Opinions so derived are not opinions, they are but the prejudices that underlie bigotry. Our Presbyterianism rings true at one point at least. It makes a man a man — recognizes the touch of the divine mind. As a matter of fact it should destroy all sympathy' with such sentiments as are expres.sed in the words "Would he devote that sacred head For such a worm as I." That dear sacred head was not devoted to worms, but to grand moral beings made in the image of God and pos- sessing a part of the divine nature. Oh, ye theologians who explain so much, tell me the mystery of myself! I stand in awe and wonder as the scientific seeker for truth tells me of the star dust and of the wonders of the universe, and my mind reels with the thoughts of immensity. I stagger at the idea of eternity, to contemplate it too long would dethrone ni}- reason; I hear the testimony of the rocks as the slight echoes of geology reach my unscientific ear, and turning from it all, look upon myself and my fellow-beings with larger awe, greater wonder and deeper emotion, for we have 112 moral natures, the power of doing right and wrong. To create us God has given us a part of himself. As Presbyterians we need to realize that grandest of all thoughts. It has come into our church sj^stem pure, lustrous, radiant from the mind of God. When realized, it brings us into the divine harmony, and possesses the power of transfiguration, the same in essence and differ- ent onl}^ in degree from that which Peter and James and John witnessed when Moses and Elias talked with Jesus upon the mount. The last analysis of every thing in religion is personal. Given this personal uplifting, possible to every individual, as taught and emphasized by the genius of our Church, and we will be completely progressive. But as we look at the principles of our Christianity and our denomination, and compare them with facts, we turn sadly away and sigh and fold our hands, and moan over the degeneracy of the times. The ideal seems a long, long way off; and it will stay a long way off if we sit with Elijah under the Juniper tree, or sing in the minor key to the vibration of Jeremiah's harp under the willows. It was in the New Dispensation that Jesus said to His disciples under the shadozv of the cross, "Your joy no man taketh from you." Of Jesus it was said that for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross. A nat'on looks to the past for its Golden Age, but the Golden Age of Christianity is always in the future. Jesus lived and wrought upon an ideal. So must we. You say all this is romantic. Yes, as the world goes it is romantic, as all beauty and perfection are romantic. But it is practical as well. Whither will it lead? That makes no difference. We must follow no matter where it leads. 1 1." Why is this question of Progressive Presbyterianisni before us? Simply because we know that our Presby- terianisni is somewhat lacking in true progress. We discuss it and try to find some light that will teach us how to make it better. History repeats itself. The situation shows our ideal obscured by the traditions of the Elders; we find the tithing of the mint, and the anise and the cummin to the neglect of the weightier matters; we find doctrinal loads; grievous to bear, fa.stened upon the shoulders of men. We find .some churches bound together by social and financial, rather than by .spiritual ties, the right to a place in vx'hich to listen to the Good News of Christ sold for a price, and many localities in which the poor have not the Gospel preached unto them. We find political methods frequently prevailing in the make up of the Church representation, and the raging bitterness of party strife often u.surping the place and the power of the spirit of love. Historj^ repeats itself. Like the soldiers of the Com- monwealth, we must be iconocla.stic; many an image must be shattered before our ideal can be put upon the upgrade toward realization. Like the Westminister As.sembly, we must be constructive, replacing that which we destroy with something better. Remember, please, this is a layman's talk, addressed particularly to laymen. What shall we plain, average working men do? A few practical suggestions are all that I will venture to present. Then I am done. It is, I think, very needful that we have a clear con- ception of our Church. What is it to each one of us? In reply I would venture to intimate that it simply exists for the saving of men; to bring souls to the Saviour; to 114 be a means of grace for the upbuilding of Christians; to promote true faith in Jesus Christ, and, by the exercise of such graces of charity, sympathy, purity and benevo- lence as he enjoins, hasten the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. Therefore, all creed, doctrine and organization, all the offices pertaining to the sacred ministry, all the spiritual and material administration are subordinate to and created for that one grand, supreme object. You say this is a trite platitude. Granted. But realize it and all things will fall into their true places, values of related things will appear, prejudices will no longer pose as principles, pride of power, vanity of opinion, and the whole cluster of personal belongings that seem so vital now will be lost in the Christ idea. I cannot see anything at stake in the existing divisions. The controversy is largely personal. The honest love of truth is too real from one extreme of the line to the other to endanger anything vital. The killing letter has possession of too man}', and has led to vast intolerance. But through it all the Divine Word says it is the Spirit that maketh alive. It becomes a la}anan to be modest, but I cannot help thinking of the great picture by Hoff- man in the Gallery of Dresden, in which the boy Christ is reasoning with the Doctors of the Law. Let history repeat itself The Doctors of the Law have still some- thing to learn from the same Christ. And I often think that many of these same Doctors of the Daw might learn profitable lessons in our vSunday Schools. The plain people of our Church see clearly many thirrgs that obstruct our progress. Most prominent is the contradiction between our polity and our doctrine. We claim libert}^ for the individual conscience. By that 115 liberty we cultivate sincere fellowship with other com- munions and make the conditions of Church membership so extremely simple that our Church is the most broadly catholic of all the evangelical bodies. Over against this liberty and catholicity we have a system of doctrine which holds several statements that nobody believes, and much more that by common consent has no relation to the salvation of men. To the majority it confuses the thought of God and practically obscures the Christ. We are sometimes told that we cannot be expected to understand it, but that it is perfectly clear as a scientific system to the theologian who has given a life time to its study. But every Elder and Deacon is expected to accept it, and they in common with the vast majority of the clerg>^ must satisfy conscience by a private interpre- tation of the system. The criticism is made that Presbyterians fail to assert the catholicity of their Church. But progress in that direction is barred and will be until scientific theology is put with other sciences in the schools of learning and our Church has a simple working, practical creed ample for Christianity. The Rev. Dr. Patton has asserted in my hearing — I quote his exact words, "Presbyterianism does not so much ask what men believe as what they are. ' ' And he is right as to the tnie genius of our beloved Church. If this be not true, what is to become of us? We laymen know nothing of criticism — higher, lower, or medium. We cannot defend the authority of our Bible on critical grounds; daily work consumes our lives. Are we to take our pill of theology made by doctors of divinity as we take the pill made by the doctor of medicine, knowing ii6 nothing' of its contents? Are we to accept the Bible as divinel}" inspired because other men say it is? Such blind following" is not in harmony with our boasted liberty. Let us be thankful that we are not left to such dire extremity, to such an unmanly basis for our beliefs. We have within easj' reach the far higher and better testimony of experience, Use our Bible, find its won- derful fitness to human need, its perfect solution of all questions ethical, spiritual, social, and we each have experimental testimony that no man can either impart or destroy. Put our doctrinal statements in harmony with the best spiritual experience of the Church and we will be in a condition for progress. Only thus can our Church be truly catholic. Only thus can we command self-respect and stand squarely honest with the world. There are several minor points deserving momentary consideration, in which progress is obstructed by existing conditions. Prominent among them is our internal intolerance. Less tolerant to holders of divergent views within than to other Christians holding wider divergence without is too much the prevailing temper. I dismiss this subject with mere mention leaving the ungracious task of citing the abundant existing proof of the statement to such as may choose to seek it in the official acts, general discus- sion and current literature of our Church. Progressive Presbyterianism demands thoughtful atten- tion to the question of forms of worship. Many among us re bitterly opposed to ritual and yet .are rigid ritual- ists, in stubborn devotion to existing form. The Presby- terian Church originally liturgical now needs an optional liturg}^ varied, rich enough to meet any requirements of 117 worship. Not binding by law, but yet having the sanc- tion of law. Cognate to this question is that of the Hymn Book. Our Church has never had a proper authorized Hymnal. Fortunes have been made by editors and publishers who have been wise enough to supply our church's deficiency at this point. The worship of the Presbyterian Church needs to meet the best christian culture of the. age. To assist in this truly devotional music is required, neither the bald leadership of a precentor nor the poor reflection of the operatic stage, but the rich, beautiful and worthy music of the church, both ancient and modern. Asso- ciated with proper music should be such poetrj' as best expresses the heart-life of Christianit}'. From the Hymn Book that is to be, doggerel, however pious, and all rhjmie that is merely euphonious, should be excluded. From cover to cover it should be honest and free from editorial vandalism. Strange ethics prevail in much hymn book making. Men will look up to heaven rever- ently repeating ' 'Thou shait not bear false witness against thj' neighbor" and with no twinge of conscience will straightway proceed to garble a neighbor's hymn. Progress is wanted here. Thus we have rapidly glanced over a few of the obstacles that oppose the progress of Prcsbj^terianism. We have given some little attention to detail, but our thought has been directed more to the Spirit than to the letter of progress. Give us the true Spirit and our sanctified wills and strong right arms will find or will hew the path that leads at last to the light. The true ideal of progress finds inspiration from the attainments of the past, but leaves the dead past to bury its dead. Other men's successes are no more potent to save than ofher men's failures; each man, each age, each organism must work out its own destiny. Under this- inevitatrle law the work of the Presbyterian Church must be done. The age is one of readjustment. Science is revealing mysteries and bringing forward facts that are making sad havoc with many nations of truth. That religion only is worthy of the name that welcomes all ascertained truth from whatever source it may come, and however it may shatter preconceived ideas. That faith only is worthy, that sees God everywhere, and believes that natural, equally with moral law, is the product of the divine thought. Science has wrung reluctant admis- sion from religion to things proven. On the doctrinal side our Church is slow to find the right and follow it. On the practical side we have been equally slow. With the most skillful putting of statistics it cannot be shown that the influences of our Church have kept abreast of the growth of population. We are tardy in our adaption to changed conditions. The materialistic standard is too much the Church standard; we are apt to be at ease in Zion. Let our critical sense be satisfied with service and sermon, and conscience lulled to sweet repose by moderate gifts to benevolence, and we trans- late our Gospel into pious bric-a-brac and think we are to be saved by taste. Happily there is opposed to this a deep feeling of un- rest. Men are questioning as to duty and duties. And while ecclesiastical authority is weakened in its hold there is a vast amount, more perhaps than ever before, of honest and earnest thinking about the problems of life and their solution. And this makes the great opportunity for the Church. The problems of humanity are the problems of Christi- 119 .•anity, for only Christ has given the sohition. The last decade of this century is to decide the relation of the Church to the world. The solemn question is what will the Presbyterian Church do in this crisis— for it is indeed a crisis? That's your question and mine. Our system of organization is in a general way admir- able, needing only a larger executive power, for all sorts of practical work. Our standard of Christian character is high, within our ranks is large intelligence, the im- pulse of the martyr spirit that seeks to find the line of duty and follow it to the end still lingers, the croaking fears that our Bible is discredited are groundless, these forces, and others like them are at our command. American Presbyterianism halts to-day only for Christian Apostolic intelligent leadership. The question of its progress is merely a question of courageous fidelity to Christ and to Him alone. I think I see the clouds breaking. The great heart of the Church is true, and wearying of strife is saying let ■us have peace, honorable peace, the plain truth of Christ is broad enough to hold all honest extremes of Christian scholarship, even though its statements be narrowed to the simplest requirements of salvation. It is true of the church as of the home. "It is the heart and not the brain That to the highest doth attain, And he that followeth love's behest Far exceedeth all the rest " A century hence another group will gather here, if Presbyterianism survive so long. And it will survive^ What .shall the verdict of posterity be upon what we do ? Shall we pay our debt to the ages past? To po.sterity that debt is to be paid. Dare we, ownng so much, leave our debts unpaid ? Ah, no! This age will not go into moral bankruptcy — it knows too well the love of Christ and will gladly pay its debt to Christianity. And thus we have a good hope in the progressive future of Presbyterianism. 121 T*ve. t:e«tenrii.xl Ode, Writtera by Mr. JoHtv ' Reeves, of Philadelphia, was Read l5y His Brother, James J. Reeves, Ksq. We sing of times one hundred years ago, Not far from where Cohansey waters flow, Where Nature's laws fair Bridge-town's sons obeyed, And monarchs were of all that they surveyed; When tallow candles and their flickering light Made visible the darkness of the night; When people rose at voice of early bird;- Children were seen, but not so often heard; Parents enforced the written Word of God, ^ And felt how dangerous 'twas to 'spare the rod. Not > et in bloom was "higher criticism;" Their only ism was the Catech ism. Those pious souls, anticipating glory Oft to their little ones rehearsed the story Of man's first disobedience, and the Tree;- Its baleful fruit,— and the apostasy. They told of Noah's flood, ah, sad indeed! They told how Moses led the Chosen Seed;- Of Abraham, who lofty faith obtained;- Sarah his wife, who angels entertained; And how the Lord by hand of Gideon Defeated all the host of Midian; How David slew Goliath with a stone. And rose irom Sheep-cote to the Jewish Throne; Of King Belshazzar and his overthrow; Of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego; How Daniel from the wrath of kings and priests. Was saved alive, tho' in a den of beasts They told of Bethlehem's star,-how, on the plain, The shepherds watched and saw the heavenly tram That heralded the infant Saviour's birth. That brought good-will and peace upon the earth. The Word of God was their supreme delight, In which they meditated day and night. 122 Their books were few, and very highly prized; Good "Watts' Psalms and Hymns" they memorized, The 'English Reader' and the 'Martyrs Book' Adorned a shelf in many a household nook. And when the Sabbath came, best day in seven, The Pilgrim's Progress show'd the way to Heaven. Few luxuries redeem'd their frugal meal; They wove their garments on the spinning wheel. And when the sun went down— on chilly night, The open fireplace gave them warmth and light. They took their foot stoves to the Hou-^e of Prayer, And if their feet were cold, they warmed them there. They rear'd large families, those ancient dames, Both boys and girls, and gave them scripture names And when, at length, with zealous impulse thrilled, They heard the voice of God— "Arise and build," The people promptly met the exigence; Men of small means but large beneficence, Poured freely forth their shillings and their pence; While many pounds from heavier purses flowed, And one Good "Friend" an ample lot bestowed. God gave Trustees— The Elmers, Potter, Giles;— Good, faithful stewards built the solid piles, This lofty pulpit and these brick paved aisles. God gave them ministers of sterling stuff"; He gave his people Kennedy, and Hoff; Clarkson, and Freeman, — nor was this enough; — He raised up Maxwell, Gregory, and Jones, And Brodhead, and, with condescension owns The words they spake with many prayers and tears Along the pathway of these hundred years. When I remember men of God, Who yonder pulpit steps have trod, My spirit humbly gladly owns, How much I owe to Dr. Jones. We venerate the man because Of what he said, and what he was; 123 We listen'd to his reverent tones, And loved and honored Dr. Jones. Whene'er tlie Sabbath day came round, His pulpit rang with doctrine sound; Milk, meat, and marrow from the bones. We all received from Doctor Jones. Our fathers dwelt in sweet accord. Led honest lives and served the Lord; — True, valiant men, and never drones, Held up the hands of Doctor Jones. We love the church — our father's name Is linked with her untarnished fame; Their sons take pleasure in her stones. For Zion's sake — and Doctor Jones'. We hear our pastor, Mr. Beach, The same old, blessed Gospel preach. And sound abroad in fervid tones, The truths once taught by Doctor Jones. When earthly toils and pains are past, May each and all of us at last, Forever free from sighs and moans. In Heaven's pure light, see Doctor Jones. What shall we say of h's successor. The late lamented, wise Professor In Lincoln University — Dear Doctor Caspar Gregory ? Firm, loyal to the truth, decided, Our dear young men he wisely guided And in their councils oft presided. With wonderful vivacity. And musical capacity, He sought to make us meet to sing The praises of our Heavenly King. With blest revivals, rich, and free, God crowned his nine year's ministry. Good Doctor Maxwell next was sent. In whom were grace and wisdom blent. 124 Like Him who came from Heaven to earth. He shared our griefs and joined our mirth. With an indomitable zeal He labored for the public weal. In works abundant, self-denying; And always preached to edifying. Let Dr. Brodhead's name be known For erudition not a'lone; His bright example round us shone; 'Twas his to live from day to day To brighten worlds, and lead the way. The cause of Missions he promoted, To which his life had been devoted. Oh ! why, to-day, should not our hearts rejoice In this beloved Pastor of our choice? A man of "faith unfeigned" and "apt to teach," A ' Bishop blameless"— temperate in his speech, Our faithful Sylvester W. Beach. With gratitude we ought to mention What has been done for church extension Wivhiu our borders,— where we see Two branches from the Parent tree. Our brother Beadle proudly stands For Love and Truth in Gospel bands. Meets well the duties of each hour; Improves with age, and staying power; Each Sabbath sees a happy throng That 'crowd his gates with thankful song.' The Providence of God has smiled Upon our Church's younger child. Her Temple is most beautiful. Her loyal children— dutiful. Her Pastor — on the roll of fame Inscribe our Mr Bridges' name. ■ Long may he live, and, in his place Proclaim God's iree and bounteous grace. Within these walls, in many a high-backed seat, Our predecessors held communion sweet. 125 Lifting their eyes toward the Heavenly place, Invoking blessings on their rising race. Pleading His Promises of Truth and Grace, They bow'd their souls, and humbly sought His face. This was the 'House of God' and here 'twas given To many souls to be the 'Gate of Heaven.' Oh! God of Bethel ! in each tutie of need, Our sons and daughters wilt Thou safely lead, And with supplies of Heavenly Manna feed, God of our Fathers, humbly, trustingly, Our Church's future would we leave with Thee. Let Strength and Wisdom on our sons descend, TlU' perfect Beauty to our daughters lend, And crown them all with Glorv at the end. 126 The Remarks of Rrancis B. Reeves, of Rlnilaclelplnia. "In a private letter, inviting me to this celebration, the occasion was spoken of as ' 'The Centennial of Bridge- ton Presbyterianism." It may not have been. thought of the writer that the Presbyterianism of Bridgeton is a distant type of that article, but the expression suggests the question whether there are not such distinguishing characteristics in the Presbyterianism of this place as entitle it to special consideration, and all honor that may be accorded to it on this hundredth anniversary day. "This at least may be said — that the Presbyterianism of Bridgeton is representative of the original and genuine, and that here may be witnessed a culture, growth and fruitage, under conditions altogether favorable, and therefore successful. '•And as it cannot be claimed that the church here has been built upon any other foundation than that which is common to the churches of our faith everywhere, the "Confession of Faith" and the "Shorter Catechism" be- ing the common inheritance of the Presbyterian Church at large, we shall have to look for other than purely doctrinal causes to account for any apparent special bless- ings that have fallen upon Bridgeton Presbyterianism. We find them in the character and lives of the men and women whose names have been written here. ' 'The Master has honored this Church with consecrated instrumentalities for carrying forward His work. This vine of His planting has been fruitful, because men of rare spiritual endowment have watched and nurtured it ill faith, with prayer. There has been faithful sowing, good seed, and good ground, conditions that inevitably lead to gracious results. This old Church is fairly repre- 127 sented in the 8th verse of the 13th chapter of St. Matthew's gospel, for have we not the record of her fruitage, some- time thirty fold, sometime sixty fold, and sometime an hundred fold? "Of the husbandmen, the seed sowers, who have min- istered to the generations of God's people here, you have heard or will hear much to-da}-. Some of us hold the treasures of a personal knowledge of half the century as a priceless legacj^; and to some, a verj- few, to-day's his- torical recital will be the revival of happy recollections of two-thirds or three-fourths of that long period. To all these, come back to-day, blessed memories of a father or perhaps a mother, who.se strong devotion, prudent coun.sel and Godly life upheld the hands and cheered the hearts of the shepherds of the flock. I speak no names; they are chiseled upon yonder blocks of marble; they are yet more deep!}' graven upon the tablets of our hearts. ' 'Naturally enough then, we have found in this church, where the seed sown has been the pure word of God, in its simplicity, no worthless cumbering weed-crop of a superstitious adhesion to mere human devices for propa- gating our holy religion, but a regularly recurring harvest of golden grain, the fruit of right believing and of well doing. "Carried thence into homes, bright with God's praise, where the master loved to linger, in sacred hours when heaven and earth seemed to meet, these golden sheaves have been transformed into the ver^' Bread of Life. And the children have been fed. 'These are they which, in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, kept it, and brought forth fruit with patience. ' "If I am asked for the secret of the power of this time honored Church, I shall say it is the Church in the home, 128 the Bible in the family, the Shorter Catechism and "Psalms and Hymns" by the fireside. I speak not as a theorist but from experience when I tell of the clearness and forcibleness of a father's inculcation of the essential principles of the law of God, in a family where none thought of pleading either youth or age as an excuse for not submitting to the regular weekly examination in the . Shorter Catechism; in a home where the Sabbath was sanctified by a Holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as were lawful on other days, and where all its hours were spent in the public and private exercises of God's worship, except so much as was taken up in works of necessit}^ and mercy. ' 'A great company of witnesses can thus testify of the power of the Gospel of Christ as it has been preached here through all these years Other Christian churches, bearing different names, have wrought grandly, and have every right to bear the palms of victory and crowns of glory with the Presbyterians, but ever these, our brethren, will, I believe, bear cheerful testimony to the beneficent influence of this old church, not only within the bounds of her own communion, but upon the entire community and upon the character and upon the very name of Bridg:eton. ' ' 129 Prom Al^sent Prieiicls. Kindlj' Words or Greetings Sent to tine Centennial. Many letters of deep interest, full of kindly greeting and expressing regret that the writers were unable to be present, were received from absent friends. It was not possible to read all of them at the celebration, because of a lack of time, but the greater part of them were heard, and they formed a feature of the celebration which was especially pleasing to the vast throng of listeners; From Dr. S. Beach Jones. S.. Beach Jones, M. D., wrote from Nahant, Massa- chussetts, July i6th: "Please accept from my brother Chester and myself our very sincere thanks for the kind invitation to be present at the Centennial Celebration to take place on the 26th. Unfortunately it will be impossible for us to do so, as Chester and I leave here for Canada next Monday, and my brother Ralston writes me that he is extremely busy at this time. Will you express to the committee our appreciation of their courteous invitation." Fro:m Rev. Jos. W. Hubbard. Rev. Joseph W. Hubbard, once pastor of .he Second Presbyterian Church, wrote as follows: "My Dear Friends of Other Days — I borrow another voice while I make my iniproinptu speech. "It is more than thirty-five years since I entered into the labors of Revs. H. J. VanDyke and \Vm. E. Baker and Peter B. Heroy, and became for eight years a small part of the Presbyterianism of Bridgeton. "I used to think the Second Church a healthy place for pastors, as none ever died there. My patriarchal successor knows a good thing when he sees it. Having struck a healthy work he is like the son of Erin who said; 'If I only knew a place where they never died I would go thereto end mj^ days.' If Bro. B. ever resigns I shall know he is tired of life. "O, the golden days of the long ago, happy with such pleasant surroundings. "We were happ)^ in viinisterial surroundings — Father Osborn, just ready to fall asleep; Dr. Kollock, Dr. Jones, Dr. Janvier, the ubiquitous Allen H. Brown, who could cover West j ersey and spare enough to lap over the rest of the State, and the saintly Stratton, and the j^ounger brethren, Shields and Davis and Stew^art and Gregory, and a score of others whom I see to-da3^ "What a good old home was this for the bo3\s who had gone out from our neighborhood to the Master's work ! "And how nice for the pastors, and doubl}' nice for the people, when they filled the old pulpits. There were the Strattons, three, and the Westcotts, and the Joneses, and the Reeveses, and the Jameses, and Whiticar, and Husted, and Burt, and J. Howard Nixon, and I don't know how many more. "Happy were we in our surroundings. The fathers who have fallen asleep — shall we ever see their like again ? "They were grand old dyed-in-the-wool Presbyterians. "Happy were we with the 3'oung men and the boys. "Some have fallen at their tasks. Some went forth and died that their countr}- might not perish. Some are standing in their lot to-day, fit representatives of their fathers and fit exponents of the Presbyterianism which made this town and marked the State. "May another centennial find the same loyal names and spirits perpetuated. 131 "Long since passed the day when the great congrega- tion came hither to worship. But how often have we paused here and then trodden the narrow streets of this ever growing city of the dead, as we laid down the beloved dust to wait the Saviour's call. "I greet you all to-day on this spot where we have so man}^ kindred ties. "If on the resurrection morn there shall be a pause for retrospection, it seems to me that the reunited bodies and spirits we have loved so tenderly will pause a moment to bless God for such an earthly name, and such a hallowed resting-place." From Mayor Stuart. Maj'or Edwin S. Stuart, of Philadelphia, wrote as fol- lows, under date of July 20th: "I sincerely regret my inability to accept 3'our kind invitation to be present at the One Hundredth Anniver- sary of t'.ie laying of the corner stone of the Presbyterian Church at Bridgeton, N. J., owing to a number of offi- cial engagements for the 26th inst., which will prevent my absence from the city. "Your church is to be congratulated on having pre- served its vitality through so long a period, and I trust that the second century of its existence will be marked by a greater degree of prosperity, and that its work for the good of the communit}^ will not be hampered or checked in any manner. ' ' From Congressman Bergen. Congressman Christopher A. Bergen wrote from the House of Representatives, at Washington, as follows: ' 'Your very kind invitation to be present at the one I';2 hundredth anniversary of the laying of the corner stone of the Presbyterian Church in Bridgeton, came to hand, and I had hoped to be able to be present with 3^ou at the time. I now find that my public duties will prevent. I regret this the more because reared in that faith I enjo}'- every monument of its perpetuity. Thanking you for my invitation, with renewed assurance I remain," &c. From Rkv. Dr. Wm. H. James. From Spring Dale, Ohio, came the following extremely interesting epistle from Rev. Dr. William H. James: "I have received a kind invitation to attend a Centen- nial Celebration to be held in Bridgeton, New Jersey, on the 26th of this month, in connection with the old Broad Street Presbyterian Church. It would afford me much pleasure to be present, but on account of the fact that I have just returned from a visit of two months on the Pacific coast, I shall be unable to do so. "On the nth day of December, 1849, I went to Bridge- ton to live. The next Sabbath after my arrival I went to the Sabbath School which was held in the upper part of the session house or lecture room, when it stood on the corner of the street. I entered the class taught by Mr. Joseph Reeves, and remained in it for some years. Hon. L. Q- C. Elmer was the Superintendent at that time. "On the 8th day of March, 1853, I united with the First Church on profession of faith under the ministra- tion of Rev. S. B. Jones, D. D. Not very long after this I was invited to t2ach a Sunday School class which was held in the old Broad Street Presbyterian Church. Hon. John T. Nixon was the Superintendent. I well remem- ber the emotion with which I was filled when he asked 00 me to take a class in his school. I ^vas but a youth, and had never taught a class up to this time. He gave me a class of verv small children. It was composed of the second and third sons ofDr. Wm. Elmer, Sr., the son of Mr Charles Elmer, the older son of Mr. Wm. G. Nixon Ind Ed. Fithian. I was delighted with my class and I think I never had a class that has done better m hfe or has developed more true manliness than that class has done, from all I have been able to hear. "In the fall of 1856, in the month of September, I left Bridgeton to enter upon study for the gospel ministry This occupied nine solid years of my life. I graduated from Princeton Seminary in the spring of 1865 and was at once invited to be the assistant pastor o^f^'^-^-J^' Burt D D.,in the Seventh Presbyterian Church, Cin- cinnati.' (Dr. Burt's early home was in Fairton, New ^"'lu"\he year 1866, July 29th, I entered upon my work in the church where I now labor. Next Sabbath week will complete twenty-six years ^^ -y pastorate her Last year the 25th anniversary was celebrated m the church. You will find an account of it enclosed. "I wonder if any other person who taught ni the old Broad Street Sunday School m 1845 is now l^vmg • "As you will be recording the history of early times I will tell you how far my memory goes back. I can dis- tinctly remember Rev. Ethan Osborn as he stood m the pulpit in the Presbyterian Church at Deerfield one Ilbbathin my early childhood. I --m^- ^^' J-^;;^; who was the pastor of the Presbyterian church at Pitts- grove. I remember Rev. Mr. Helm of Salem, Re^^ S K Kollock, of Greenwich, and also Rev. I. W. E. Kerr, who was afterward pastor of the same church. 134 "I hope you will have a pleasant and enjoyable time and that you will send me an account of the proceedings that I may also rejoice wth you all." From Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Stratton. From way off in Natchez, Mississippi, the mails brougth to the Corresponding Secretary, Mr. James J. Reeves, this beautiful letter from Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Stratton, so well known in this the home of his younger days : "I cannot tell you how my heart strings throbbed in response to your call. It is with sincere and profound regret that I have to conclude that I cannot participate with you in the enjoyments and benefits of this most interesting centennial. "There are few objects belonging to my native town that are more distinctly engraved upon my memory than is this dear old church. I can see everything included in its architecture and furniture, and everybody who used to fill its seats or be concerned in its exercises, with the vividness of literal vision. "I can recall the venerable form of Mr. Freeman as it used to appear above the pulpit when he rose to com- mence worship. I remember the old precentors who led the music, and then the choir who succeeded them. I can see Elder Enoch Moore going up to the pulpit with a Bible and hymn book in his hands, when the minister was absent, to conduct service for the congregation. "To my young imagination it somehow seemed as if the holy place were peopled with angels, and I am sure now, as I recall it to view and yield my mind to the asso- ciations with which it is filled, I may say it is peopled with angels still. "The first sermon I can remember, was one preached 135 in that church by good old Mr. Samuel Lawrence, on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Perhaps the seed sown then, in a child's heart lived and helped to bring a prodigal home in subsequent ^-ears. "When the new church was dedicated in 1836, I was present and recollect the impressive sermon of Dr. John Breckenridge. Rev. Samuel G. Winchester, then pastor of a church in Philadelphia, was in attendance also on the occasion, and preached a sermon at night, which to ni}^ mind and that of Henry T. EUett, who was sitting with me had ponderous power. Mr. Winchester subse- quently accepted a call to the church at Natchez and served it for the last three years of his life. How little I, an ambitious young law student then dreamed that the time would come when I should be his successor as the pastor of the church in this distant Southern city. "I must stop these reminiscences or I shall grow heart sick at the necessitj^ Providential as it clearly seems, which forbids me to be with you. Your letter brought to my mind some lines which I once (in 1837) wrote in the album of a lady who resided some years in Bridgeton and was subsequently married and lived in the State of New York, depicting some of the scenes and objects about the old place, which we had both loved. She sent me a cop}^ of them long years after I had been settled at Natchez. They are nothing but juvenile verses, but show the veneration of a young heart for the old sanctu- ary. (If your letter had not thrown me into rather a gushing mood I should never have thought of trans- cribing them.) I extract from the effusion the following: Here midst these oaks, whose spreading limbs For years have echoed with the hymns Of pious praise, the Church, scarce seen 136 Through the dark leaves' surrounding green. Its ancient pile uprears. No spot That zeal e'er chose, no cell or grot Of monkish days, seemed better formed To lead the soul, devotion-warmed, From this low world to things above ! For here, within this peaceful grove. The sound of toil, the busy hum Of wordly tumults never come. But ceaseless Silence reigns around And clothes with awe the sacred ground. How oft upon this tranquil air The song of praise hath sweetly broke ! How oft a pastor's fervent prayer In pleading accents here hath spoke ! Along these walks, within these aisles, For years the village fathers trod; And winter's storms, or summer's smiles, Ne'er stole one Sabbath from their God. Alas ! how changed the prospect now. Within those walls no longer bow That reverent crowd ! Along these walks With fearless step the wild bird stalks ! Amidst these trees no echo wakes, No solemn strain their silence breaks; But crowd, hymn and prayer are gone, And Nature worships here along. "Excuse me for this long letter," concluded Dr. Stratton, and remember that in writing it I have been a boy again." George W. Childs. In behalf of Mr. George W. Childs, the proprietor of that great journal, the Public Ledger, Mr. Addison Ban- croft wrote a letter from which the following extracts are made: 137 "It would give Mr. Childs great pleasure to be present at the celebration of the centennial of Presbyterianisni in Bridgeton, but he finds so many duties pressing upon him just now that he is compelled to forego this pleasure. ' 'A visit to Bridgeton and the old Presbyterian Church cemetery would revive in memory some very precious associations of the past. He was long acquainted with Rev. Dr. Jones during his pastorate in Bridgeton and always enjoyed the Doctor's frequent visits at his office in Philadelphia. "Wm. G. Shannon was a young man, clerk in a large importing house in Philadelphia and one of Mr. Childs" , as well as my own very early acquaintances in Philadel- phia. Young Shannon connected himself with the Presbj'terian church and became one of the most earnest, faithful Christian j'oung men in Philadelphia. His health failed, he visited the South to spend the winter with friends, where he died thirty-eight years ago. He was buried at Bridgeton. Mr. Childs proposed at once the erection of a monument. With his contribution together with those of Mr. Shannon's employers and other friends, it was accomplished. This was only a beginning with Mr. Childs, as he has since been erecting monuments (not all in marble) all over our land and in several other lands. Mr. Childs is now, through family connections, identi- fied with the Episcopal. His earlier associations for many years were with the Presbyterians. -'^ '^' * Thus after being so thoroughly schooled under Presbyterian influence we may very safely trust him to the care of other denominations. "He is acquainted with j^our Elder Reeves' sons, and several other families long resident in Philadelphia, 138 representing Bridgeton's sons, have given him a very decided impression in favor of Bridgeton Presbyterianism. "I have been among our business men in Philadelphia for the past 50 years. I have often remarked that Bridgeton, to my knowledge and acquaintance, has sent forth in business and professional walks of life, more young men carrying with them a consistent Christian influence than any other town I have ever known. "May the remembrance of those who have gone before and the blessed associations with which you will be sur- rounded on thetwent3'^-sixth, give you all a fresh inspira- tion and a strong impulse to continue in the great work which the lyord has given you to do, winning souls for Christ ' ' From Rev. Wm. H. Belden. Fiom Rev. Wm. H. Belden, formerly of the West Church, came the subjoined letter. "Clifton Springs, New York, June 23," was the date line: "I thank you heartily for your invitation to the Bridge- ton Presbyterian Centennial, which, however, my health will not allow of my accepting. "I am accustomed to think of the transmission of the Christian witness by miins of t',12 sacraaiitit of the lyOrd's Supper, from gen- eration to generation, as similar to that familiar scene in civil courts where reputable persons, subpoenaed to prove a case, depose that to the best of their knowledge and belief, the story of Jesus Christ is true. It has been the supreme external evidence upon which Christendom has rested its case for these nineteen hundred years. Your centennial festival of Tuesday will repeat the evidence of this testimony as made and continued for a hundred years past in our own town. To recount such a histor}- 139 is a grateful task indeed. I hope that the privilege may seem great and fruitful to you all." From Rev. Epher Whitaker: Under date of July 19, Rev. Epher Whitaker sent a communication from Southold, N. Y., from which we make an extract: The celebration itself accords with my taste and mi- judgment of its desirableness. It would delight me to be present if mv duties at home would permit. Unhap- pily they will not. I beg to send my congratulations m view of the history of the century, and my best wishes for time to come. . -I have reason to be extremly thankful for the history which vou review. There will not be an hundred per- sons present whose worship in the Broad Street Church beo-an at a remoter point of time than my own. My earliest recollections of public worship are associated with two places only: the old stone church of Fairfield and the Broad street church of Bridgeton. The former edifice is but fifteen years older than the latter. My worship in the Broad Street Church began early m the year iS-^e ^- * * While my indebtedness to Elder Francis G Brewster is immeasureable. the benign influ- ence of the Broad Street Church, as well as that of the Second Church, upon my character and course has not ceased Doubtless it will continue forever. My grate- ful recollections will therefore be with you during the celebration." 140 Impromptu Remarks by Visitors. In the morning Rev. C. A. R. Janvier, lately returned from India, Rev. Dr. Rollin A. Sawyer, of the New York Evangelist, and the aged Hon. Jonathan Ogden were among the speakers. The words of the latter are here given in full: "On the fifth day of September in the j'ear 1831, I left my village home of less than two thousand inhabitants, in Bridgeton. An inconspicuous event in itself, but of profound importance to the part)^ of the first part. Two generations of men have come and gone since that day, with all their hopes, fears and anticipations. To be permitted to revisit it after so long an interval, and under the circumstances and surroundings of this Centennial Celebration, with all that it implies, is a culmination in a single life to stir the blood and quicken the pulses of even eighty-two and a half years. "It is a marvel to find the village grown into a cit}' of over 12,000 inhabitants, retaining its primeval attach- ment to all that was true and good in its early history. Morality and Religion, keeping pace with progress and expansion, in the directions of education, culture and refinement, in such a manner, as to make its sons feel, wherever they may be, that it is an honor to have been born there. The honor (or otherwise) in my own case, belongs to Fairton, an unpretentious town, as you all know, about four miles south on the Cohanse}- river. "My personal acquaintance with the people of the city is almost gone. Jvidge Woodruff who has recently died, was the last of my old school fellows and a better boy. I had planned to have him visit me last year but was not able to accomplish it, much to my regret. "The mute memorials of this celebration, its holy asso- 141 ciations and blessed nieniories. The liunian eye over the pulpit which has been an object lesson all my life. The adjacent cemetery, which covers so much of the active life I knew so well, and whose closed careers, emphasize the fact that "Only the memories of the just Grow sweet and blossom in the dust." "These all to me are matters of intense interest and delight. I can re-people many of the pews, above and below^ with faces and forms long gone but well remem- bered. The histories of many lives are still fresh and vivid, and will be, until the curtain of memory falls, and all is over. ' ' A number of the singers belonged some years ago to the choir of the First Church, even as far back as Dr. Jones' day. The roster of the Centennial Choir was as follows: Mrs. Albert Parvin, Mrs. John R. Graham, Miss Emily Fithian, Miss Tillie Mulford, Mrs. Charles E. Mulford, Mrs. Wm. E. Potter, Mrs. M. G. Porter, Mrs. L. H. Dowdney, Mrs. Robert DuBois, Miss Sallie M. Riley, Prof C. Morton, Mr. Robert DuBois, Mrs. Laura Gahre, Mrs. H. A. Jorden, Mrs. E. M. Fithian, Mrs. F. R. Fithian, Mrs. P. K. Reeves, Miss Rie M. Whitaker, Miss Julia Maul, Miss Eleanor Maul, Miss Isoleue Dang, Miss Eoui.sa Rynick, Miss Anna Lang, Mrs. Charles E. Bellows, Mr. Thomas Donaghay, Mr. Robert N. Husted, Mrs. Robert N. Husted, Mr. Robert L. Young, Mr. Wm. A. ShuU, Mr. Charles F. Reeves, Miss C. B. Bowen, Mi.ss Lizzie A. Whitaker, Mrs. Theodore Edwards, Miss Annie R. Reeves, Mrs. J. E. Kirk, Misses Hattie Shoe- maker, Mary Rocap, Lucy Hewitt, Gertrude Moore, 142 Lizzie Irelan, Mary Elmer. Mr. W. E. Rile}-, Mr. Charles B. Moore, Mr. Thomas H. Woodruff, Miss Harriet D. F. Reeves, Miss Mary F. Reeves, Mrs. Charles F. Reeves, Mrs. F. M. Porch, Mrs. S. W. Beach, Mrs. T. R. Janvier, Mrs. C. J. Buck, Mrs. J. E- Robeson, Messrs. F. M. Porch, Charles E. Mulford, Dayton Frederick, David C. Jones, Misses Marj- Shoemaker, Anna NichoLson, Mrs. Jonathan Elmer, Miss Mary Minch, Messrs. J. L. Robe- son and P. Kennedy Reeves. Note — In offering this book to the public, we wish to state, we are not responsible for the correctness of these addresses and letters as we have only acted as a medium to bring the book before the public and have reproduced the different articles, from copy placed in our hands by the committee on publication. REEVE & FITHIAN. 1 1012 01250 9990