OLD FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 
I 
HISTORY
OF THE
C'ma-r  33apttit  Ott!   ft'o ton
FROM ITS ORIGIN IN I851
TO ITS
SEVENTEENTH ANNIVERSARY IN i868.
BY
REV. EDGAR M. LEVY, D. D.
PUBLISIIED WITH THE AUTHORITY OF THE BOARD.
NEW YORK:
PUBLISHED BY HURD AND HOUGHTON.
(t-inbribgc-. 3ibersft Vrss.S
I 869. 
P 
CONTENTS.
04
PART I.
PAGE
..  5
PART II.
PLAN OF OPERATIONS.
PART III.
EARLY EFFORTS.....
PART IV.
ORGANIZATION OF CHURCHES..
THE NORTH BAPTIST CHURCH.
THE FIFTH BAPTIST CHURCH..
FAIRMOUNT BAPTIST CHURCHI.
MOUNT PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH
THE PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCHI.
PART V.
GERMAN CHURCH AND MISSION..
THE FIRST GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH
THE TWELFTH WARD MISSION..
ORIGIN.
9
ig
27
27
37
49
57
63
.7 1
7I
.79 
CONTENTS.
PART VI.
PAGE
.   85
85
.  I 3
SKETCHES OF FIRST AND SOUTH CHURCHES.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH...
HISTORY OF THE SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH.
PART VII.
GROWTH FROM EFFORT...
iv
I33 
THE BAPTIST CITY MISSION
OF
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY.
part firot.
ORIGIN.
"A nameless man amid a crowd
That thronged the daily mart,
Let fall the words of hope and love,
Unstudied from the heart.
A whisper on the tumult thrown,
A transitory breath,          It raised a brother from the dust,
It saved a soul from death.
0 germ! 0 fount! 0 word of love!
0 thought at random cast!
Ye were but little at the first,
But mighty at the last."
OME of the most important and
beneficent enterprises, both in the
world and in the Church, have
had their origin in what appeared
an accidental, but what proved to be a provi                     I
m, ~.......-c     e           <  m 0'f 
HIS7TOA' Y OF THE ArE WARAk
dential, suggestion of the human mind. It
was so in the origin of the Sunday-school
work, by Robert Raikes; it was so in the
origin of the British and Foreign Bible
Society, and of the English Baptist Missionary Society. Results of infinite moment
lie hidden in a passing thought, or in a
simple suggestion.  This fact is illustrated
in the origin of the Newark Baptist City
Mission.
Toward the close of the year I85I, the
pastors of the First and South churches'
were one day walking  arm in arm, on
Washington  Street, when the former said
to the latter, "I will tell you what I have
been thinking about."
"And what is it, pray?"
"I have been thinking," said he, "that we
ought to be planting some new churches in
this growing city."
" It is a good thought," was the prompt
reply; "it ought to be done."
Thus the conversation went on, till they
1 Rev. H. C. Fish, D. D., and Rev. William Hague, D. D.
6 
BAPTIST CITY IIISSION.
were about to part, when it was agreed to
speak to some of the leading brethren in
each church, and get them together in the
private parlor of Mr. John M. Davies, a
member of the South Baptist Church.
Accordingly, on the evening of December i st, of the above year, some ten or
twelve persons met at the place designated,
for consultation and prayer. At this meeting, the religious condition of the city, the
demands of a constantly augmenting population, and the capabilities and duties of the
Baptist denomination in Newark, were subjects of solemn and earnest consideration.
The result was, that the following resolution
was passed:
".Resolved: That in the providence of God, there is
a wide field for missionary labor in our city, and motives for its prosecution that should quicken us to
renewed diligence and holy consecration."
It wias also deemed desirable to employ
immediately a missionary, and to open two
places for preaching - one in the North
Ward and another in the Fifth Ward, and
7 
8      NEW,ARK BAPTIST CITY MISSIOi.
liberal pledges were made for that purpose.
A public meeting was arranged for, in order to secure the action of the whole denomination.
At this meeting, held in the First Church,
December 7, 185I, an interest in behalf of
the enterprise was manifested by the spontaneous contribution of additional sums,
amounting to more than one thousand dollars. A plan of action was also adopted, by
which each church was to elect six members,
including its pastor, who should constitute a
Board to direct the affairs of the Mission.
The first meeting of the delegates appointed to constitute this Board, was held
on the evening of January 2ISt, 1852, in
the lecture-room of the First Church. It
was composed of the following persons: H.
C. Fish, William Hague, David Jones, Lewis
Nichols, John Compton, Samuel Mason, Sr.,
John Manning, Robert Johnston, John M.
Davies, Daniel C. Whitman, Daniel M. Wilson.  The Board was then formally organized by the election of proper officers. 
part  ccoiinb.
PLAN OF OPERATIONS.
B     TEFORE  proceeding to speak of
the organization and support of 
churches, a few words of explana          tion may be necessary, in order
that the constitution of the Board and the
niode of operations may be clearly understood.
I. The Board has a legal existence. For
some years its operations were prosecuted
in a very limited and simple manner. But
in the course of time mission property
accumulated, and deeds of land for chapels
and church edifices had to be secured. It
was found necessary for the Board to be an
incorporated body in order to hold property by law. The following act of incorporation was granted by the Legislature in
I86I: 
I       H ISTORY OF THE NEWA RK
STATE OF NEW JERSEY.
An Act to incorporate the Baptist City Mission.
I. Be it enacted by the Senate and General Assembly
of the State of zew _ersey, That Henry C Fish, Daniel
M. Wilson, Edgar M. Levy, Joseph 0. Nichols, Robert
Atkinson, Ebenezer Tingley, David T. Morrill, Joseph
Morris, Charles W. Clarke, Daniel C. Whitman, and
Conrad Bordenbender, and their successors, being
members of the Baptist Church, be and they are hereby
constituted a body corporate, by the name of the Baptist City Mission, and by that name shall have perpetual succession, and exercise and be clothed with the
powers and privileges enumerated in the first section
of the act entitled "An Act concerning Corporations,"
approved February fourteenth, eighteen hundred and
forty-six, and shall be capable of holding, taking, and
receiving by purchase, gift, grant, devise, bequest, or
otherwise, and of conveying, mortgaging, and granting
all such property and estate, real, personal, and mixed,
which may be necessary or proper for the purposes
and objects of the corporation, provided, that the yearly
value of the property which said corporation shall at
any one time hold or own shall not exceed Fifty Thousand Dollars.
2. And be it enacted, That the objects of said corporation shall be the furtherance and promotion of the
interests of the Baptist denomination of Christians in
the City of Newark, in this State, and its immediate
vicinit)-. 
BAPTIS7'CITY MISSIOn.
3. And be it en?acted, That the management  of the
affairs and concerns of said corporation shall be and is
vested in eleven or more trustees, as the by-laws may
direct, who shall be citizens of the said city of Newark,
or its vicinity, and members of the said denomination
of Christians (the persons named in the first section of
this act to be the first trustees), a majority of whom
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business; they shall be annually elected, and shall hold
their first meeting at the call of said first trustees, and
shall appoinfit a president, secretary, and such other
officer and officers as they may deem necessary.
4. And be it enacted, That the trustees may provide
by-laws to determine the number of said trustees to be
annually elected; to provide for the election or appointment for their holding over in case the regular annual
election should not take place and provide for filling
vacancies, etc.
5. And be it enacted, That this act shall take effect
immediately.
II. The members of the Board, or, according to the charter, the Trustees, consist
of the pastor and four other members of
each church, who are elected by the churches
in April of each year.'
1 Missions not organized into churches have the privilege of
being represented by their missionary and one delegate, who may
participate in the proceedings, but are not entitled to vote.
I I 
I 2     HISTORI' OF THE NEW4ARK
III. All  the  members  of the Baptist
churches of Newark are members of the
City Mission.  They are entitled to vote in
their respective churches for those who are
to represent them in the  Board.   They
also have the privilege of organizing the
anniversary meetings by the election of a
Chairman and a Secretary; approving or
otherwise the reports of the Board, and
may give instructions to the same. They
are likewise expected to contribute towards
the object of the City Mission, each one
doing something.   Particular attention is
given to interest every member, old and
young, in this work of the extension of the
Redeemer's kingdom.
IV. The Board meets on the last Monday evening of each month. The monthly
meetings are conducted according to the
following order: First, devotional services;
second, calling the roll; 1 third, reading of
minutes; fourth, treasurer's report; fifth,
receipts of money from the collectors; sixth,
1 Members not present at roll-call are fined twenty-five cents,
unless detained by sickness or absence from the city. 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.3
reports of committees; seventh, reports from
the Missions; eighth, miscellaneous business; ninth, devotional exercises and adjournment.
V. At the first meeting of the new Board
each year, one of the delegates from each
church is appointed a collector  for the
church which he represents. It is his duty
to keep a book and secure an annual contribution, if possible, from every member of
said church. He reports to the Treasurer
of the Board at each monthly meeting.
VI. The pastors and missionaries are expected to preach on the subject of city missions, and otherwise direct attention to the
work of the Board, on the morning of the
Anniversary Sabbath of each year. Subscription papers are then circulated through
the congregation, to relieve, if possible, the
collector from the labor of a personal application.   Payments  of subscriptions  may
be made to the collector, annually, quarterly, or monthly, at the pleasure of the
subscriber.
I 3 
1 4     HISTORY OF THE NEW,4RK
VII. An annual and a semi-annual meeting of the City Mission are held. The
annual meeting occurs on the second Sabbath in April, and the semi-annual on the
second Sabbath in October.
These meetings, of late, have been held
in the edifice of the First Baptist Church;
the capacity of the house and its central
location, making it all that could be desired
for the gathering of the churches and the
greeting of the Baptist Brotherhood.
At the annual meeting in April, it is the
custom of the Sabbath-schools of all the
churches and all the missions to proceed in
a body to the First Church.  The spacious
galleries, and a part of the main body of the
house, are usually filled with the children
and their teachers, the remainder of the
sanctuary being crowded with an attentive
audience. It is impossible to give an adequate description of the beautiful sight presented at these annual meetings, or of the
effect produced on the heart by all the children uniting to fill the house of the Lord 
BAPTIST CITY' MISSION.
with their songs of praise.   Memorable,
indeed, are those occasions, when the vigor
of health, and the experience of age, and
the flower of youth, and the fervor of piety,
are found in beautiful combination, every
one rejoicing in the success of the past and
praying and planning for the work of the
future.
VIII. The principal aim of the Mission
is to encourage the organization of Sundayschools, and to provide a preached gospel
for the destitute in the growing sections
of the city. The Board does not primarily
propose to purchase lots and build meeting-houses. The usual course is to open
schools and send forth missionaries, and
leave the question of building chapels and
the organization of churches to be developed
by the success of the missions. The principle has been to follow, and not to precede,
the guidance of Providence.
IX. It has also been a chief aim to preserve in the denomination in the city, "the
unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
I 5 
i6     HISTOR Y OF THE NET'ARA
And this result has been happily realized.
Like a generous, faithful, loving mother,
the Mission has given to the new interests
support, sympathy, and unwearied care.
Like the eagle, she has borne them on her
wings until they were able to go forth alone.
Every month the missionary or pastor has
come to the Board with a statement of the
wants, the trials, the joys, or the sorrows of
his particular charge. Here he has always
found sympathy. Advice has been kindly
given.  Material aid has been generously
voted, and sometimes special prayer has
been offered that God would interpose, and
do that which His own cause required, and
which was beyond human power to accomplish.
The influence of these monthly meetings cannot be over-estimated. They have
kept the channel of sympathy between the
churches  free  from  obstruction.   They
have checked the growth of selfishness, by
opening fields of usefulness in which all
have been called to work. They have cul 
BAPTIST CITY' MISSIO.7
tivated  unity  and  harmony  among  the
churches, by affording opportunities of frequent intercourse with each other for
Christian consultation and prayer.   Here,
in these monthly meetings, the members of
the Board have grasped each other's hands,
as messengers of the churches, in fraternal
love. Here they have united in aggressive
movements against the kingdom of darkness.  Here they have proved to be "the
helpers of each other's joys," and the bearers
of each other's burdens in fulfillment of the
law of Christ.
The moral power of such a union of the
churches could not fail of producing the
greatest possible amount of good. And its
sweet spirit has often recalled the words of
the Psalmist: "Behold, how good and how
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together
in unity! It is like the precious ointment
upon the head, that ran down upon the
beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down
to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of
Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon
I 7 
I 8    NE W,AR.A BAPTIST CITY AIISSION.
the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord
comnmanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
We  may add, what lover of Zion has not
had occasion to deplore the absence of such
unity in our chief cities.   Too often the
constitution of churches results from unhappy divisions, or in some spirit that is not
in accordance with that of the gospel. And
too often the wealth and talent of the de
nomination has been concentrated and undeveloped in a single inert and overgrown
body.
It is, perhaps, not too much to say, that
could an unity like that realized in our city,
be attained in other places, the strength of
the denomination in those localities would
be increased ten fold. 
art ZOirb.
EARLY EFFORTS.
'I"  HE  first act of the Board was to
obtain a proper person to fill the
~ position of missionary. Rev. C.
W. Waterhouse was selected, who
entered upon the duties of the mission in
Apri], I852. Regular services were established at Io0  A. M., in the third-story room
of a store No. [02 Broad Street, and in
Humanity Hall, in the Fifth Ward, at 3 P. M.
Sabbath-schools were commenced at both
stations. At first, the number who met on
the Sabbath for religious instruction and
worship was very small. As the Board,
however, provided better accommodations,
the attendance, both of the congregations
and the Sabbath-schools, increased rapidly,
while the missions grew in influence and
usefulness.
*5 __ _ f X fl Al~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
II 
20'    HSTOARY OF THE AFEWTARA
Under the severe labors necessarily demanded by the cultivation of both these
missions, situated in opposite parts of the
city, the health of the missionary, Mr.
Waterhouse, became so seriously impaired
as to compel him to cease altogether from
this service. On accepting his resignation,
the Board caused the following to be recorded in the minutes:
"The Board would at this time bear testimony to
brother Waterhouse's self-sacrificing labors, his fervent
prayers, his consistent, devoted life in the cause of his
Master, and his zeal for the Mission."
The work of this first missionary was that
of the sower rather than of the reaper; but
the seed planted under much discouragement has since borne fruit.
The Board called Rev. Thomas G. Wright
to be his successor; and in April, I853, he
entered upon his missionary labors.
A chapel in the North Ward having
been completed, mainly through the liberality of Messrs. D. M. Wilson and John M.
Davies, the missionary was directed to give 
BAP7YST CITY MISSION.2
the chief part of his time to that field,' the
Board regarding it as the more promising.
He preached, however, every Sunday afternoon in the Fifth Ward.
It was soon determined to employ another missionary. Accordingly, in October,
i853, David T. Morrill, a member of the
Church at Rahway, and a graduate of the
Rochester Theological Seminary, was invited to spend a Sunday in Newark. After
preaching in the First and South Churches,
he was elected by the Board as missionary
for the Fifth Ward.
Mr. Morrill began his mission work the
first Sabbath in November, 1853.  The pulpit of the South Church becoming vacant
by the resignation of Dr. Hague, Mr. Morrill, by the request of the Church and the
consent of the Board, preached there for a
time, on the Sabbath, and prosecuted his
mission work during the week.
Under the faithful labors of the missionaries, the instructions of devoted teachers
in the Sabbath-schools, and the prayerful
2
2 I 
22      HIST ORY OF THIE NE WARK
and cheerful expenditure of the Lord's
money, the cause of City Missions continued to bring forth fruit. Frequent revivals were enjoyed, and many, from time
to time, were converted. These were added
by baptism to the First and South churches.
As these were the only two churches in the
city at this time, there was no other way of
gathering in those who were converted in
the mission fields. The idea entertained by
the Board at first was, to organize Sundayschools, and hold prayer-meetings, and afford opportunities for hearing the gospel to
those who lived in destitute parts of the
city. It was not the intention to favor the
constitution of churches until there was a
sufficient number gathered in these missions to insure their permanency. Upon this
theory, however, the missionaries worked
under a great disadvantage. They were
not able to retain in the mission as active
workers those who had been converted. A
wiser course was afterwards adopted. As
soon as practicable churches were organized, 
BAPTIST CITY:ISSIOQ.Z
and the converts were baptized by the missionaries, and became identified with the
mission churches. This was found by experience to greatly facilitate the procuring
of houses of worship, and the usefulness of
the missionaries.
It will be seen by this that great care has
always been taken by the Board in encouraging the organization of the churches.
Not until the working force in any mission has given promise of success, and the
Board, having counted the cost, has been
prepared to furnish the necessary means so
long as the church should require help, has
an organization been favored.  In this way,
immature constitutions of churches, and
those failures and disorganizations  which
have so often discouraged and grieved the
denomination in other places, have been
avoided.
The reproof which the Saviour administered to the man who commenced to build
without counting the cost, is applicable to
the organization of churches. It is wiser
23 
24    NEWARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
to wait years in laying the foundations securely, rather than to hazard a failure by an
indiscreet and hasty movement. And yet
too much caution, which may amount to
timidity and weakness, must be avoided, lest
the hearts of those who are laboring in the
mission field should be discouraged by the
impression that the cause will never rise to
the dignity and responsibility of an independent church.
The Board has used great wisdom here;
and so far no mission has been allowed to
suffer from unnecessary delay, nor has any
church, after its organization, been permitted
to languish and expire for the want of
support.
Pi  
_                                                 AL
______________________________           ________                                                I
lI
NORTII BAPTIST CIIURCII. 
1
~
,art fourtt.
ORGANIZATION OF CHURCHES.
THE NORTH BAPTIST CHURCH.
Constituted d7ly 26, I854.
HE  mission in the North Ward,
under the fostering care of the'
Board, and the labors of the mis          sionary, Rev. T. G. Wright, had
grown  to such an extent within the two
years of its existence, that the subject of
organizing a church began to be seriously
considered.   At a meeting  held in  the
chapel, June II, I854, Mr. H. M. Baldwin,
of the South Church, moderator, the following resolution was adopted: 
"Resolved, That the time has come for the organization of a regular Baptist Church in the field now occupied by our mission station connected with the North
Baptist Chapel in Orange Street."
~ 
28       HISTORY OF THE NE'WAkRK
This resolution was duly considered by
the Board, and being approved, measures
were immediately taken to organize a
church. A council, composed of delegates
from the churches of Piscataway, Orange,
Plainfield, Bloomfield, Scotch Plains, Lyons
Farms, Elizabeth, Jersey City, Hoboken,
First and South Newark, met in the chapel,
July 26, I854. This council unanimously
agreed to recognize the body as a regular
Baptist Church under the name of the
"North Baptist Church."  The number of
constituent members was forty-nine.
Public services of recognition were held
the same evening, when Rev. O. S. Stearns,
pastor of the South Church, preached the
Sermon; Rev. H. C. Fish, pastor of the
First Church, gave the Hand of Fellowship; and Rev. S. J. Drake, of Plainfield,
the Charge.
Upon the succeeding Sabbath, July 30,
the first member was admitted to the new
church by baptism. In August, I854, Rev.
Mr. Wright, after performing much mis 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
sionary labor, with fidelity and zeal, resigned his connection with the Board. The
Church, with the advice of the Board, extended a unanimous call to the Rev. Levi
Morse, to become their pastor. Nine hundred dollars were appropriated towards his
support.
After a pastorate of nearly four years,
during which time ninety-three were added
to the Church, Mr. Morse resigned.
During the time of their destitution, the
Church, through their delegates, were in
frequent consultation with the Board, and
prayer was more than once offered at the
monthly meeting, that God would direct in
the choice of a pastor.
May Io, I858, the Church extended a call
to Robert Atkinson, a licentiate of Fifth
Church, Philadelphia. Mr. Atkinson accepted the call, and was ordained to the
work of the Christian ministry, September
I, I858, in the First Baptist Church. Soon
after his settlement, the presence and power
of the Holy Spirit became manifest in the
29 
HIS TORY OF THE NE WARK
meetings, and a season of extensive revival
was enjoyed.
At a meeting held March 2, i859, the
Church resolved to enter at once upon the
work of securing a more commodious house
of worship. The little chapel, with which
so many hallowed memories clustered, was
no longer, either in capacity or convenience,
suitable to the growing demands of the
community in which it had been placed.
The Board was consulted. All the members felt the necessity of cooperating in the
movement proposed. But at this time the
denomination was engaged in assisting the
First Church in building their large and
expensive church edifice. This was the
mother-church, and all were called to special effort and cheerful  liberality.   The
strain upon the energies and resources of
the Baptists of Newark was severe and long
continued; but through the goodness of
God the harmonious counsels and patient
endurance of the brethren were crowned
with success. The First Church was re
3o 
BAPTIS7' CITY.MISSION.
lieved of all financial embarrassment, and
in the possession of a noble and attractive
house of worship.
The way was now open to prosecute the
building of an edifice for the North Church.
A beautiful location, corner of Orange and
High Streets, I40 by 70 feet, was selected
and purchased for five thousand three hundred and fifty dollars.
In I863 plans were adopted by both the
Church and the Board, and a joint committee appointed to attend to the erection of
the new chapel. In April, I864, the Sunday-school room was occupied, and in the
autumn of the same year, the remainder of
the building was completed and dedicated
to the service of God. The North Church
paid towards this object the sum of two
thousand five hundred dollars. By the sale
of their old house and lot, four thousand
more were realized. The First Church furnished fifteen hundred dollars; the South
Church the same amount. In all, nine thousand five hundred dollars was raised in the
3 I 
HISSTOR Y OF THE XNEW AFR'
city of Newark; and the remainder, about
four thousand dollars, through the exertions
of the pastor, was secured from abroad.
This is the only instance in which help has
been extended from sister churches out of
the city.
Grateful mention should here be made of
the Christian liberality of Mr. John M.
Davies, whose name has already prominently appeared in these pages. Mr. Davies
has removed from the city, but he still retains the warmest interest in the Mission
which he helped to organize. For assistance in the erection of the chapel in the
North Ward, and the new edifice which
the church there now occupies, as well as
the substantial aid rendered in the building of the two houses of worship which
the South and First Churches occupy, the
Baptists of Newark owe a lasting debt of
gratitude to Mr. Davies.
Immediately following the dedication of
the new chapel, a blessed work of the Spirit
began, continuing for more than four
32 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION E
months, resulting in greatly refreshing the
Church, and adding to its number fortyfour by baptism.
In I865-66, thirty-three were added by
baptism, and during the latter year only
one month passed without witnessing the
administration of the ordinance.
The Church commenced the year I867
with a day of fasting and prayer, which was
followed by a very quiet and gracious revival. Thirty-five were baptized. Unlike
former seasons, the work began and continued among the adults, and quite a number of husbands for whom wives had long
been praying, were brought into the fold.
In December of this year, the pastor,
after a faithful and laborious ministry of ten
years, resigned, in order to accept an appointment of the Board of the American
Baptist Home Mission Society, for Kansas
and adjoining States.
Not without years of earnest labor, accompanied by the cheerful sacrifice of time
and means, and the earnest prayers and
33 
34 E WAIRX BAPTIST CITY MAISSION..
united efforts of the Church and the Board,
have the results here sketched been attained. And who that looks at the attractive chapel of the North Church, occupying
as it does one of the most beautiful sites
in the city, and takes a survey of the field
in which it has been planted, and contemplates the souls that have been gathered,
can doubt that the labor and the money
have been wisely expended?
It should here be added, that the benevolent contributions of this Church, since its
constitution, have amounted to the sum of
$3,950.22. The membership now consists
of three hundred and one.
34
I 
I 
FIFTIh BAPTIST CHURCH.
REV. D. T. M(ORRILL, PASTOR.
__         -~
7.   _ _ _
A        _    _  ~ 
NEW,4AR  BAPTIST CITY MISSIO. 3.
THE FIFTH BAPTIST CHURCH.
Constituted MIarch i9, I855.
THE  mission in the Fifth Ward, as has
been stated, was commenced simultaneously
with that in the North Ward. After the
division of the two fields, Rev. D. T. Morrill became the missionary for the Fifth
Ward.
By request of the South Church, the
Church at Rahway. of which Mr. Morrill was
a member, invited a council to meet in the
South Church, March  23, I854, to consider
the propriety of ordaining him to the work
of the Christian ministry. The council met
accordingly, and after an examination of Mr.
Morrill, proceeded to ordain him by the
usual services.
Mr. Morrill, being relieved in April,
I 854, from his engagement with the South
3
37 
HISTORY OF THE NE tWARK
Church, entered fully upon his work in
the Fifth Ward Mission. During the ensuing winter, God was pleased to bless the
preached Word, and quite a number of persons were converted. It then became apparent that a church organization was indispensable to the greatest efficiency and success of the Mission.
At a regular meeting of the Board, held
March 5, I855, after a full discussion, the
following resolution was adopted: -
"Resolved, that Rev. Mr. Morrill be instructed to
obtain information as regards the material that can
be gathered into a church organization, and report at
a subsequent meeting."
At a subsequent meeting, held March i9,
the missionary reported that fifty-six persons
had voluntarily tendered their names as
willing to become constituent members of
a new church organization, and that these
persons had subscribed four hundred and
seventy dollars toward the support of the
gospel for the first year; whereupon it was
unanimously resolved, that in view of the
38 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
circumstances, the Board recommend that
a church be constituted at an early day in
the Fifth Ward.
On Monday, March 26, 1855, a council
convened in the South Church, in response
to letters of invitation.  The  Articles of
Faith and Covenant, adopted by the brethren, being satisfactory, the council recommended their recognition as a regular Baptist church, to be called the Fifth Baptist
Church of Newark.1  The public services
of recognition were held on the evening of
the same day.   Of the fifty-six members
constituting this Church, about an equal
number came from the First and the South
churches. The Church proceeded immediately to elect their missionary, who, by his
faithful services, had endeared himself to
them, to fill the office of pastor.
1 This name has been objected to by many, as not being literally true. But considering the German Church as having precedence in point of time, the church is properly named. Another
name would perhaps have been chosen; but at the time of the
organization, the church had no local habitation, and had been
known as the Fifth Ward Mission.
39 
40       HISTOR Y OF THE NE WA.RK
The first Lord's day after the organization and recognition of this new Church,
was one full of solemn interest and heavenly
joy. Six new-born souls awaited the holy
rite that should introduce them into Christ's
visible Kingdom. The hearts of all were
lifted in praise. After a brief morning
service in the hall, the Church repaired
to the South Church, where the ordinance
of Baptism was administered. In the afternoon the Lord's Supper was celebrated for
the first time by this infant body and these
new disciples were welcomed by the hand
of fellowship.
The great want of the Church now was a
suitable place to meet in. It was evident
to all that no very great and permanent
growth could be expected with their present accommodations. In the early part of
August the subject was earnestly discussed
in church-meeting, and a resolution unanimously passed, that "immediate measures
be taken for the erection of a suitable house
of worship." A building committee was 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
also  appointed.   In  January,  I1856, the
building committee reported to the Church
that Deacon H. M. Baldwin, of the South
Church, who from the first had manifested
great interest ifi this Mission enterprise,
would give two lots on the corner of Lafayette and Prospect Streets, when a house
costing not less than ten thousand dollars
should have been built and paid for. Mr.
Baldwin's  proposition  was thankfully accepted, and at the next meeting more than
three thousand dollars were subscribed by
those who were present, to be paid within
two years, in eight equal installments.
The Church then, through its Trustees,
presented the following memorial to the
Board: -
"DEAR BRETHREN - In the past we have been accustomed to look to you for advice and aid. This advice and aid, accompanied by the Divine blessing, has
resulted in the formation of a church which God has
so increased as imperatively to demand, in our opinion,
the speedy erection of a commodious house of worship. A member of your Board, Mr. H. M. Baldwin, has magnanimously promised to deed to the
4I 
HISTORY OF THE NEWAARK
Trustees of this Church an eligible site costing two
thousand two hundred and fifty dollars, when there
shall have been erected and paid for, a house costing
not less than ten thousand dollars.  Pressed by the
necessities of our present disadvantageous location,
encouraged by this offer, and prompted by love to the
cause of Christ, we resolved to make an effort within
ourselves for the accomplishment of this object. And
as the result of this, we have upwards of three thousand dollars subscribed. Thus situated we come to
you for advice and aid. Shall the financial response
be,'Go forward?' when to go back is impossible,
and to stand still imperils the cause?  We desire a
prompt and prayerful reply. If the remaining amount
is subscribed by the other Baptists in this city, relying
upon Divine aid, we promise to sustain ourselves
thereafter.
"Yours, etc."
[Signed by the Trustees in behalf of the Church.]
To which the Board responded by pledging their hearty sympathy and cooperation.
Plans for the church edifice were soon
adopted by the building committee of the
Church and the committee appointed by
the Board.
The corner-stone was laid by the Rev.
E. L. Magoon, D. D., September 15, i856.
42 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.        4
July 5, I857, the lecture-roomn was dedicated with appropriate services. At once
the congregation and Sunday-school began
to increase. This was the year of the great
financial convulsion, and the year also of
the great awakening. In December, the
Lord began to visit the church and congregation. The former was quickened to
work and pray; the latter awakened to a
sense of their sins and their need of a
Saviour. The revival was of such power as
to move through all the holiday festivities
without hindrance. As the result of this
visitation of the Holy Spirit, one hundred
and twenty-three persons were baptized
and received into the fellowship of the
Church.
The house of worship having been finished and furnished, was dedicated to the
worship of God, April 2 I, I 858. Dr. Dowling, Dr. Babcock, and Rev. A. Kingman
Nott, preached on that day. A small debt
remained on the new house. This debt,
like many others of a similar nature, seemed
43
I 
HISTORY OF THE NE WAAR 
difficult to pay. The finances of the country were disturbed, and the prospect was
not encouraging.  The Board was at this
time paying four hundred dollars toward
the support of the pastor. The Church
had pledged the Board that it would ask no
further aid as soon as their indebtedness
was removed. It was seen that this amount
was a large interest on fifteen hundred dollars, the sum yet owed.
Mr. James Hague, of the South Church,
suggested to his pastor the following plan
by which this debt could be removed, and
the Church enabled to fulfill her pledge of
self-support; namely, the Board to borrow
the money, and get responsible persons to
give boiza fide notes with interest payable
in two years.' Through the earnest efforts
of Dr. Fish and Dr. Levy, the notes were
procured; and though Mr. Hague died
before the notes became due, and the
amount borrowed was returned, yet the plan
he devised secured the end.
l The money was borrowed from Dr. Rogers, of Paterson.
44 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
On the evening of January 3, i86o, Mr.
Wilson, President of the Board, paid over
the fifteen hundred dollars, thus removing
all claims against the Church, while Mr. H.
M. Baldwin, according to his pledge, gave
them the deed of the lot on which the building had been erected. The Church unanimously passed a vote of thanks to these
brethren, and then employed the remainder
of the evening in prayer and thanksgiving
to God for his gracious aid in the work of
building a house for his glory.
The Church from this time has been selfsustaining -giving to the treasury of the
Board instead of receiving from it. Throughl
the blessing of God, and the generous cooperation of the City Mission Board, this
result was reached in less than five years
from the time the little band was organized.
The contributions of this Church since its
organization, for benevolent objects, have
amounted to the sum of $3,003.50. The
membership now consists of three hundred
and ninety-seven.
45 
46    AEW,ARA BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
It will be also a matter of interest to
state that during the past year, I867-68, a
very neat and commodious parsonage has
been erected, adding greatly to the comfort
and happiness of the pastor, a result which
was much facilitated by the generosity of
brethren who are members of sister churches.
In concluding this sketch we are moved
to indorse the remark of the pastor, Rev.
Mr. Morrill, that if the City Mission Board
had done nothing more than to plant this
one Church in all the years of its existence,
it would have done a noble work. But this
is only one, the second born, of the Mission
Church sisterhood. 
I 
~            _                      _ ~
A
FAIRMOUNT  BAPTIST  CIIURCH.
l_'EV. WV. D. SEI(GFRIIED, PASTOR. 
A —,VA4RA' BAPTIST CI7'Y $flSSION.
FAIRMOUNT BAPTIST CHURCH.
Constituted rune 29, i86o.
IN the year 1859, the building, corner of
Bank and Wickliff Streets, formerly used
by another denomination, known as Fairmount Chapel, was reported to the Board
as being unoccupied. Its location, the rapidly growing neighborhood, and the prospect of successfully establishing a mission
there, were the subjects of thoughtful and
prayerful consideration by the Board. The
result was the opening of the place for worship, the organization of a Sunday-school,
and finally the purchase of the property at
a cost of over three thousand dollars.
For the first few months the pastors of
the several Baptist churches preached alternately each Sabbath afternoon. The Sundav-school was under the efficient superin
49 
IHISTORY OF THE NE WAkR
tendency of Mr. D. C. Whitman, of the
South Church, and grew rapidly in numbers and usefulness. In August, 1859, Rev.
C. W. Clark was invited to preach in the
chapel. This service resulted, soon after,
in his call by the Board to assume the care
of the Mission..On the 6th of October,
Mr. Clark entered upon his labors. During
the course of the winter the Mission enjoyed
a quiet but refreshing revival. Twelve persons professed conversion, and the laborers
in the vineyard were greatly encouraged.
January I9, I86o, the missionary was ordained to the work of the ministry, by a
council called for that purpose by the South
Church.
In April, thirty-eight persons signed a
memorial to be presented to the Board, expressive of their views of the importance of
a church organization, and seeking the advice of the Board. After mature deliberation, it was voted to approve of such a procedure. A council was called, and met in
the chapel June 29. Twelve churches sent
5o 
BAPTIST CITY MISSIOr.
delegates.  After religious services, a careful examination of the Articles of Faith, the
prospects of the new Church, and remarks
from several members of the Board, the
council unanimously resolved to recognize
the body as a regular Baptist Church
under the name of the Fairmount Baptist
Church. The services of recognition were
held in the evening in the First Church.
Rev. T. R. Howlett preached the sermon.
The new Church called to the pastorate
Mr. Clark, who continued his relations with
the Board, as their missionary.
During the course of that year, and especially in the winter of I860-6I, the Church
received the most evident tokens of the
Divine favor. The number of meetings was
increased. The gospel became the power
of God. Forty-eight were added by baptism, and twenty-five by letter.
In April, i86i, the Rebellion broke out,
and the nation was called to arms. The
sudden stoppage of almost all business so
embarassed the Board, which had been
5I 
HISTORY OF THE NVEWARK
appropriating to this Church six hundred
dollars annually, as well as sustaining the
other missions, that it was compelled to reduce the donation. By many it was feared
that the pastor could not be sustained. But
a system of personal weekly subscriptions
was devised and immediately carried into
effect. The pastor informed the Church
that he would remain with them at all
events and share their sacrifices. So wonderfully was the Church prospered under
these scriptural efforts, that for the first
time in its history it was enabled to pay
the pastor's salary regularly upon the first
day of each month.
The Board on several occasions assisted
the Church in enlarging the chapel, and in
otherwise adding to the comfort and efficiency of the congregation. But the Church
felt an increasing necessity for better accommodations. Various plans were proposed, and as speedily abandoned, because
the denomination had already all that it
could sustain, - the North Church having
52 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
just commenced its long delayed work upon
its new house of worship.
May 30, I864, the following resolution
was adopted: 
".Resolved, That this Board recommend to the Fairmount Church to make an immediate effort towards
the erection of a new house of worship."
A committee was also appointed to cooperate with a similar committee to be appointed by the Fairmount Church, to select
and purchase a site for the proposed house.
After a careful survey of the field, a location
was finally selected on Bank Street, above
Wickliffe, containing seventy-five feet front
by one hundred feet deep. Measures were
immediately taken to erect thereon a house
of worship. Eight thousand dollars were at
once subscribed by the several churches for
that object. This amount was soon greatly
increased, and the joint committees proceeded with the building. The corner-stone
was laid September I2, i866, by the Hon.
T. B. Peddie; of the First Church, Mayor
of the city; the address was made by Dr.
4
53 
NEW,ARI- BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
Dowling, of New York, and the various interesting services were participated in by
the pastors of the several Baptist churches.
Sunday, May i9, i867, the lecture-room
was opened for public worship. Dr. H. C.
Fish, Dr. E. M. Levy, and Rev. C. E. Wilson, Jr., preached on this memorable day.
In October of the same year, the pastor,
Rev. C. W. Clark, who had so earnestly and
faithfully labored for the interests of the
Church, resigned the charge and accepted a
call from the Church at Red Bank, N.J.
In July, the Church extended a call to
Rev. W. D. Seigfried, who accepted the
invitation, and entered upon his duties
September 9, i868. The edifice being entirely finished, was dedicated to the worship of God on the sixteenth of September.
The contributions for benevolent objects
since the organization of the Church, have
been $93I. The membership at the present time is one hundred and sixty.
54  
ifi
MOUNT PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCII.
REV. C. E. WILSON, JR., PASTOR.
F
I
I 
VE WARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
MOUNT PLEASANT BAPTIST CHURCH.
Constituted November, i867.
AT a meeting of the Board, held November 27, I865, an informal discussion was
held on the prospects of the Eighth Ward
as a field for missionary labor. This part
of the city presented many attractions as a
location.  Broad Street -one of the finest
avenues in the country -runs through it
in a northerly direction. It is also on the
direct road to Mount Pleasant Cemetery,
the banks of the Passaic River, to Woodside
and Belleville. The population was increasing, and improvements of the most substantial and attractive character were being
constantly projected.
Other denominations had long been reported as designing to occupy the field, but
as yet no signs of a movement were apparent.
57 
HISTORY OF THE NEWAER K
Under these circumstances, the Board felt
it to be their duty to make an effort to provide opportunities for religious worship for
this destitute part of the city.
Mr. W. S. Hedenberg, the treasurer of
the Board, had given much attention to the
subject, but could find no place suitable for
holding a Sabbath-school, or other religious
services.
The Board listened with much interest to
the statements made at this meeting by Mr.
Hedenberg, and finally decided to appoint
a committee, with power to purchase a lot
on which to erect a mission chapel.
The committee reported January 29,
i 866, that they had purchased a lot, seventythree feet front on Broad Street, nearly opposite Governeur Street, and two hundred
feet deep. Immediate measures were taken
to build the chapel. In November, 1866,
the chapel was finished and opened with
appropriate services. The Sabbath-school
was partially organized, November I9, I866,
and fully so December 3, i866, by appoint
58 
BAPTIST CITY blISSION.
ing Mr. D. C. Whitman, superintendent.
There were in attendance at this time, fiftyfour scholars and fourteen teachers.
It will be seen that the Board wisely purchased sufficient ground on which to erect
an edifice such as this beautiful and growing portion of the city would, at a very early
period,  assuredly  demand.   The  chapel
might then be removed to the rear of the
lot and used entirely for the Sunday-school
and weekly services of a social character.
On the second Sabbath in February,
I 867, Rev. C. E. Wilson, Jr., who had previously been pastor of the Baptist Church
at Seaville, N. J., entered the field as missionary of the Board, preaching morning
and evening. A formal welcome was extended to him on the afternoon of that day,
in which the pastors of the various Baptist
churches, with the pastor of the neighboring Methodist Church, participated.
The formation of the Church occurred in
November, I867, with thirty-one constituent
members. Several conversions were soon
59 
60    NE W,ARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
after reported, and the Church and their
faithful young pastor received early tokens
of the Divine favor. Other denominations
were provoked to zeal and good works;
several chapels were soon erected in the
immediate neighborhood, and thus the community was provided with the preaching of
"the glorious gospel of the blessed God,"
and the children with instruction from loving and self-denying Sunday-school teachers. 
I 
THE PILGRIM BAPTIST CIIURCII.
REV. SAMUEL BAXTER, 31ISSIONARY.
I
i
! 
NEWARK BAPTIST CITY MISSIOA.
THE PILGRIM BAPTIST CHURCH.
Constituted, March  8, I868.
IN the spring of I86o a few members of
the Fifth Church canvassed the Tenth Ward
for the purpose of gathering into their Sunday-school the children who were destitute
of religious education. These earnest Christians were much affected by the moral waste
which they witnessed in this portion of the
city. Their compassion for the neglected
and the perishing, induced them to devise
means  for their recovery.  They  accordingly hired a small room in a private house,
and opened a school in the afternoon of
Sunday, May 27, I86o.  At the first session
there were present eight scholars. The
school having been dismissed, the teachers
remained for prayer. The hour for which
the room was engaged having expired, they
63
0 
HISTORY OF THE NE WARK'
adjourned to the street, and there,- under
the shade of a tree, proceeded to elect their
officers.
The school increasing in numbers, additional room in the same house was engaged.
Other helpers, principally from the South
Church, came in and offered their services.
At the monthly meeting in July, this new
mission enterprise was reported to the
Board. In accordance with the request of
the Mission, it was voted that the Board approve the action of the brethren in establishing the school, and also of their collecting
money to sustain it: and that it might be
under the supervision of the Board, it was
voted that the pastors of the South and
Fifth churches, and one member from each
of said churches, be a committee to counsel
and superintend the Mission.
The school continued to increase in numbers and usefulness to such a degree, that
its influence was apparent even in the personal cleanliness of the scholars, and the
good order of the neighborhood. Sabbath
64 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.'
breaking and other forms of ungodliness
were greatly diminished, and occasionally
souls were converted.
The miserable accommodations, however,
much impeded the working of the- Mission,
and limited the sphere of its usefulness. But
with a zeal that could not be quenched, and
a perseverance that must always command
success, the Mission continued pressing its
claims upon the denomination. At length
Mr. H. M. Baldwin, of the South Church,
purchased the house in which the school
was held, and the adjoining grounds. Mr.
Baldwin proceeded to give such a portion
of this property to the Board as might be
required to build thereon a chapel for the
use of the Mission, besides subscribing liberally towards the building.
At a meeting held May 30, i864, the
Board recommended that all the churches
make a collection the next Sabbath in behalf
of this Mission. The churches, without exception, responded to this request, and liberal contributions were made on that day.
65 
66      HISTORY OF THENEW.4RAK
Necessary measures were at once taken
to erect a neat and substantial chapel. A
building committee was appointed by the
Board, and the work was prosecuted with so
much energy that the building was completed and opened for divine service early
in July, 1 864.
The following services were now held in
the new chapel: preaching at I o01 A. M. by
the German mnissionary, Sunday-school of
the Tenth Ward Mission at 22. P. M., and a
prayer-meeting at 71- P. M., besides several
weekly meetings.
Mr. Samuel Baxter, having labored with
acceptance and usefulness in the Mission in
expounding the Scriptures, exhorting the
people, and in visiting from house to house,
was licensed by the South Church, of which
he was a member, to preach.
In April, I867, the Board appointed Mr.
Baxter a missionary for the Tenth Ward, at
the same time appropriating for the Mission
five hundred dollars for the first year.
The subject of a church organization 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
was long and prayerfully considered by the
Board, but for various reasons was deferred.
At the Board meeting in January, I868, a
committee was appointed to take the matter
again into consideration.  The committee
met the teachers and others composing the
Mission in the chapel on the evening of
February I I, at which the subject was freely
discussed. On motion a committee was appointed to report at a future meeting the
names of such persons as would become the
constituent members, should a church be
organized.  At a subsequent meeting, the
committee reported thirty-six names, with a
promise of others as soon as the organization should be complete. The committee
of the Mission Board were requested to inform the said Board that it was the wish of
the Tenth Ward Mission to become a regularly organized church.
The committee reported to the Board in
accordance with this resolution, and the
Board unanimously voted to approve of
an organization of a church in the Tenth
Ward.
67 
68     NEW,ARX BAP7TST CITY MAISSION.
On Sunday afternoon, March 8, I868, a
meeting was held in the chapel for the purpose of organizing a church. The committee appointed to apply for letters of
dismission, reported that there had been received twenty-eight letters from the South
Church, five from the Fifth Church, and two
from Fairmount Church. The persons bearing these letters proceeded to organize themselves into a church. Measures were also
taken to call a council of recognition. At
a subsequent meeting the name of" Pilgrim
Baptist Church" was unanimously adopted.
The council met, and after examination
unanimously voted to proceed to recognize
the body as a regular Baptist Church. The
public services were held in the evening;
Rev. H. F. Smith, of Bloomfield, preached;
Rev. D. T. Morrill gave the Hand of Fellowship, and Dr. Levy delivered the Charge.  
~    ~~~
( _  _ _ LII _ ~;
_ _   7
FIRST GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCII.
REV. JULIUS C. HASSELHI-IUHN, PASTOR.
-,C___:4                                                              I         i 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
,art  fift.
GERMAN CHURCH AND MISSION.
THE FIRST GERMAN BAPTIST CHURCH.
Constituted September 7, I849.
EV. K. A. Fleischman, whose men          tal and moral worth, and earnest
labors in behalf of his "kinsmen
according to the flesh," have secured for him
so large a place in the hearts of American
Baptists, has the honor of being the first
German Baptist minister in this country.
He arrived in New York in March, I839.
Receiving an invitation to preach in Newark, he came to stay one Sabbath, but was
induced to remain. Many of the Germans,
however, finding that he would not sprinkle
and confirm their children, but would preach
only those doctrines and administer only
those ordinances for which he could find
-i 
HISTORY OF THE' i WAR?K
authority in the Scriptures, became bitterly
opposed to him. But the Lord was with
him, blessed his labors, and permitted him,
in October, 1849, to baptize three persons,
the first Germans in this country who received the ordinance from a German Baptist minister.
Mr. Fleischman soon after this time left
Newark to labor in Pennsylvania. He continued, however, to make frequent visits to
this city, and from time to time souls were
converted under the preaching of a pure
gospel, and added to the little band of baptized believers. They united with American Baptist churches, but continued to hold
among themselves regular meetings in German.
After  long  and  patient waiting, their
heart's desire was fulfilled by the organization of a German Baptist Church, September 7, 1 849.
The Church was recognized September
20, 1849, by a council consisting of delegates from the following churches: South
72 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
Baptist Church, New York; First German
Baptist Church, New York; and First Baptist Church, Newark. The council was organized by appointing Dr. Summers, of
New York, moderator. Immediately after
the recognition services, the council proceeded, by request of the Church, to examine the pastor elect, with the view of ordaining him to the gospel ministry. The examination being satisfactory, Mr. S. Kiiupper
was solemnly ordained by prayer and the
laying on of hands. Mr. Kiipper having
resigned his charge March [, I850, the
Church were without a pastor more than
eighteen months.
In October, 1851, Mr. A. Hiini was ordained to the work of the ministry in the
First Baptist Church, by the request of the
German Church which had called him to be
their pastor. The number of their membership had increased to thirty.
After a successful pastorate of four years,
Mr. Hiini resigned February 7, I856, the
Church having then fifty-eight members.
73 
74     HTIISTORY OF THE NE WAkR
A call was extended to Mr. Conrad Bordenbender in August, i856.  Mr. B. was ordained in the First Baptist Church, August
26, 1856.  Mr. Bordenbender labored earnestly for over five years, during which time
the membership increased to ninety. He
resigned October 3 I, i86 I.
The Church called Rev. J. C. Haselhuhn, of Wilmington, Del., who began his
labors in Newark, January,  1862.  Until
i86I, the Church suffered greatly for the
want of a house of worship, having always
met in hired rooms, sometimes unfavorably
located and otherwise inconvenient. The
necessity of a proper place for worship was
keenly felt by their American brethren as
well as by themselves. The subject was
more than once introduced and discussed
at the anniversary meetings of the City
Mission.
In February, I859, the Church resolved 
to make an effort to secure a house of worship. Committees were appointed; one to
solicit subscriptions, and the other to select 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
a proper place. Subscriptions among themselves soon amounted to over a thousand
dollars.  The Church then resolved to lay
their case-before the City Mission Board.
The Board kindly received them and gave
them much encouragement. It was also
voted that the German Church be invited
to appoint delegates to represent them in
the Board. A committee consisting of
D. M. Wilson, of the First Church, J. O.
Nichols, J. M. Barrows, and R. Johnston, of
the South Church, was appointed to cooperate with the German Church in selecting
a location for a house of worship. About
this time the German Presbyterian Church
in Mercer Street, above High Street, was
offered for sale. The joint committees were
unanimously in favor of purchasing the
same.   The  Church, February  5, I86I,
authorized the Mission Board to buy it for
them, at the price of twenty-five hundred
dollars, which was accordingly done. Thir teen hundred dollars, which the German
brethren had raised among themselves, was
75 
76    NEW~ARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
paid on it. The balance the Board became
security for, besides repairing and putting
the house in good order.
The dedication services were held April
7, I86I. In the morning the dedication
sermon was preached by Rev. K. A. Fleischman, of Philadelphia. In the afternoon a
general meeting was held, and addresses
mnade  by Drs. Fish and Levy.   In the
evening interesting services were held in
German, and the occasion was one of joy
and gladness to the little band who had
been so long without a religious home.
In I864 an effort was made to pay off
the debt that still remained against their
chapel. The Church raised two thousand,
and the balance was paid by the American
churches. These results placed the German Baptists in Newark in a position for
aggressive movements among their countrymen.
The contributions of this Church for benevolent objects have amounted to $4,o92.93.
The number of members  is Iwo hundred
and twelve.  
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~I
TWELFTH WARD MISSION CHAPEL.
REV. J. C. KRAFT, MISSIONARY. 
NVEWARK BAPTIST CITY MYS-lCN.   7
THE TWELFTH WARD MISSION.
THE increase of the German population
has been a marked feature in the growth of
the city. In every direction they have been
building homes for themselves, and extending their influence. The Twelfth Ward
was so largely composed of this element as
to attract the attention of the members of
the German Baptist Church. The delegates
from this Church brought the condition of
the Ward before the Mission Board. The
Board at once appointed a committee with
instructions to secure a place suitable for a
Sunday-school. No better place could be
found than a private house which had been
a drinking-saloon.   This was rented and
opened as a mission station. The second
Sunday in June, I863, a Sunday-school was
organized with one hundred scholars and
sixteen teachers. Religious services were
79 
8o0   HISTORY OF THE NEWAFRA
held immediately after school, and the pastor of the German Church, Rev. J. C. Haselhuhn, preached regularly every Sunday
afternoon for more than one year.
As the field needed more labor than Mr.
Haselhuhn could bestow upon it, a missionary was appointed at a salary of six hundred
dollars, who began his labors in September,
i 864, but resigned in a few weeks after his
appointment. Rev. A. Transchel entered
upon the work soon after, and preached acceptably to the Germans in both the Tenth
and Twelfth Wards, until his removal to
Buffalo, in i 866.
In May of the same year, Rev. C. Kraft,
of New Brunswick, was appointed at a salary of eight hundred dollars.
As the dwelling-house in Niagara Street
proved entirely inadequate for the Sundayschool and mission, a committee was appointed by the Board to select suitable lots
and erect a chapel. A location corner of
Niagara and Patterson Streets was purchased, and a commodious chapel was 
BA.4P7IST CITY MISSION.
erected thereon, at a cost of about five thousand dollars. The dedication of this new
house of worship occurred on Sunday afternoon, September 4, I866.
' The field has thus far proved to be an exceedingly hard one.  Romnanism  and infidelity are predominant. The missionary
can only reach them by much self-denial,
and by visiting from house to house. A
few, however, have been converted, and the
Sunday-school contains at present over one
hundred and fifty children.  Through the
power of the gospel which is being preached
by a faithful missionary, and the earnest
labors of the members of the German Baptist Church, there is much to encourage the
friends of Christ, that a time of ingathering
will come, and in place of the little chapel
will be erected a substantial and attractive
church edifice. The Germans are attracted
by good and commodious houses of worship, and are exceedingly fond of music.
While it is not proper to encourage extravagance in either, yet it is wise to consult the
8 I 
8:E WAE BAPTIST CT7'Y MISSION.
taste and education of men in all things that
are lawful. Fidelity to our own principles
does not necessarily involve a blind and
bigoted opposition to everything that differs from our habits and customs. Things
indifferent should be allowed to be indifferent, and all our zeal and fidelity concentrated on what is essential both in faith and
practice.
82  
_   -ffi
ffi    ____ ~
/2    ____         ____
______  
FIRST BAPTIST CllURCII.
REV. IHENRY C. FISH, D. D., PASTOR. 
*art eto.
SKETCHES OF FIRST AND SOUTH CHURCHES.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
Constituted rune 6, I 80 I.
--     AVING given a view of church
d,extension in Newark, it is desir          able, for completeness, to intro          duce here a brief history of the
two churches out of which this movement
sprang.
The First Church was formed on the 6th
of June I8oI, of five brethren and four sisters, all except two members of the Lyons
Farms Baptist Church, one of the oldest in
the State. Worshipping at first in a schoolhouse, and struggling forward in great
weakness, it was not until the year I 8o6
that they were able to occupy a home of
their own, which consisted of a small meet
6 
86      H.ISTORY OF STHE NEWARK
ing house, 35 by 45 feet, on Academy Street,
corner of Halsey Street. This church edifice was taken down and replaced with one
48 by 68 feet, and costing over $5,ooo, in
the year I 8 I o.  And yet again, in I84I, this
house underwent thorough repairs and improvements, consisting, in part, of the addition of a vestibule and lecture-room, at a
cost of $3,ooo. The picture of the old First
Church edifice, in the front part of this
volume, presents an accurate view of the
house in its improved condition, and as it
stood until it was finally sold upon the removal to a new location.
Of pastors, the Church has had fourteen.
The progress of the cause, in its outward
manifestation, can best be seen in the two
tables which are here given. 
The following table presents, at a glance, the Pastors, their tern
ber of Members at the commencement of each one's ministry, the
and the time of closing his ministry: -
Baptizemoard.|  Closed Labors.
I6  IJuly, I8o6
29 [March, I8o9
6   November, I8I
3   April,  x8I3
8o  November, I82
8  May,  i824..
9  June, I827.
5  April, I830
Io  April, I83 I
94   February, I83(
86   May, I843.
96   April, I850
- November, I8C
920*        t       t
Commenced
Labors.
February, I802
March, I8o8.
April, i809
April, I8I2
January, I814
April, 1822
December, I826
January, I828
April, I830.
August, 1832.
April, I839 
September, 184    2p
July, 1850.. 
January, I851I
* Up to I868, inclusive,
+ Term of service not expired.
With
Members.
I7
35
53
62
72
l09
i08
109
III
I20
2I3
259
339
330
Names of Pastors.
Rev. Charles Lahatt
Rev. Peter Thurston.
Rev. Daniel Sharp, D. D.
Rev' John Lamb.
Rev. David Jones...
Rev. Daniel Putman..
Rev. Ebenezer Loomis
Rev. C. F. Frey.
Rev. P. L Platt.
Rev. Daniel Dodge.
Rev. William Sym, D. D.
Rev. Henry. V. Jones,..
Rev. E. E. Cummings, D. D.
Rev. Henry C. Fish, D. D.. 
88     E HSTORY OF THE NEWARx
The following table exhibits the Number of Baptisms, and the Number of Members, for any given year
up to the present time, December, i868:
Year..
Baptized
Members
Year..
Baptized
Members
Year..
Baptized
Members
Year..
Baptized
Members
Year..
Baptized
Members
Year..
Baptized
Members
Year..
Baptized
Members
Members    64?    70   72   82  110  122  120  120  112  109
7    7  30   9    7   30  42   25  21  io6  36
322 33I 372  380 376 339 378  39I 433  550 492
856 1857 I858 I859 i86o I86I i862 I863 I864 I865 I866
25   I8 236   19  29  25   II    6 I25   I6 I52
462 495  730 703  716  709 697 673 777 75I 901
1I80i,
I3
1812
2
64
i8O2'1803'
6 2
I7 33
I 813 i8I4
I 6
? 70
I 804
4
3 6
i8I5
2
72
i 805
2
34
i8i6
2
82
i 8o6
2
33
i8I7
3 7
iio
i-807
I I
34
i8i8
28
I22
I 808
I3
46
i8ig
. 3
I20
180
I
6o
i 820
0
I20
i.8io
23
88
i82I
2
I 12
i8ii
4
84
1822
3
log
i 823
4
II2
I 834
9
. I49
i845
i 824
1
I08
i835
12
i64
i846
i825
I
I02
i836
23
203
i847
i826 i827
i828
2
I07
i839
7
213
i850
i82
I
iio
i 840
48
2S7
ISSI
1830
2
III
I84I
I3
264
1852
I83I
8
II3
i 842
I I
270
i 853
1832
8
120
1843
7
, 26i
1854
i833
I4
I28
i844
6
3o6
i855
9
102
I837
I2
22I
i848
7
103
i838
9
2i6
i849
i867
13
goo
i 868
1 5
863 
BAP77ST CITY MISS]O.V.
From the foregoing tables it will be seen
that the Church has been destitute of pastoral care for more than nine years. Also,
that in the remaining forty-one years, up to
the present pastorate, the average term of service was about two years and eleven months.
The most protracted pastoral service, except
the present, was rendered by David Jones;
the second in length, by H. V. Jones; the
third, by Daniel Dodge; and the fourth, by
Charles Lahatt and William Sym. Deducting the time of service of these five brethren,
the average length of the pastorate under
the nine remaining ministers, was but about
one year and four months. The present
unfinished  pastorate  extends   thus  far
through eighteen years.
The total number of additions to the
Church by baptism up to the present pastorate, was 5 II; since then, 9I9; total since
organization of the Church (sixty-seven
years), I430. Average per year for the first
fifty years, a fraction above I o0. Average
per year since then, a fraction above 5I.
89 
ILiSTORY OF THE NE WARi
The periods of the greatest weakness and
severest trials of the Church, have been
those of its most frequent change in the
pastoral relation.
The darkest period in the history of this
Church was in the winter of i 8 i i and  181  2.
The flock was without a shepherd, scattered,
distracted by internar dissensions, and
threatened with pecuniary calamity. The
following action as to a Church debt tells
its own story:
"Moved, That brethren James Beach and Jabez
Pool be a committee to wait upon Mr., inform ing him of the impoverished state and truly distressing
circumstances of the Church. Resolved, To throw our selves entirely on the clemency of Mr., trusting
alone in the mercy of God to direct the affair, and in
submission to His will, wait the event."
But, although this Church, particularly in
its early experiences, had many and sore
trials, its history as a whole is luminous with
the goodness of God. And it must be
noted, that its missionary era was the era of
increasing strength. When it began to care
9o 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
for others, God especially cared for it. In
I836, twelve members disconnected themselves from the parent body, and formed the
Second Baptist Church in Market Street,
under the supervision of Rev. P. L. Platt.
But in less than five years the Society disbanded; and it appears that the movement
was ill advised. With this exception, the
First Church stood as the sole American
Baptist body in Newark until the expiration of a half century, when the South
Baptist Church was constituted, as the result of a true Christian enterprise.
The benevolent contributions of the
Church cannot be fully ascertained. There
is extant a memorandum bearing the date
of  181  8, showing that that year $ I I.00oo were
given to the New York Missionary Association. In I 834 it was reported to the
New York Association that the Newark
Church had given $i67.oo to benevolent
objects. In I836 the sum was $675.oo; in
1846, $I,I08.00oo; in I847, $I,I92.57; and in
I848, $I,558.54.
9I 
HISTORY OF THE NEW,4RA
The following table presents at a glance
the aggregate yearly benevolent contributions of the Church so far back as statistics
can be obtained -
I849        I85o         I85 I       I852         I853
$I,86I.04   $1,204.36   $I1,566.o8   $2,o34.0o0   $3,242.34
I854        I855         I856        i857         I858
$3,872.00oo   $2,242.25   $2,855.oo00   $4,39S.00    $2,275.o00
I859        i860         I86I        I862         I863
$1,090.50   $2,092.44   $I,525.00   $1,025.00       $550.2I
1864        1865         i866        1867          i868
$2,35I.00   $3,815.00   $6,900.00oo   $1I4,350.00  $I2,6oo00.00oo
The total of these figures for twenty years
is $64,946.22; or an average of $3,247.3I a
year.
Besides these sums given for missionary
objects, the pecuniary strength of the
Church has lately been severely taxed in
the erection of the new church edifice; the
corner-stone of which was laid October 4,
I858, and which was dedicated May 23,
I86o. The necessity of a new house had
long been felt; and the undertaking was
only deferred that the City Mission work,
sketched elsewhere, might have the benefit
92 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
of the united energies of the denomination.
But the accessions to the membership from
the " Great Revival," and other circumstances, intensified the demand for more
ample accommodations.
The first formal movement in this direction.was at a Church meeting held April 23,
I858, when the subject of a new house was
introduced and favorably considered, but
laid over to a special meeting. The following is a copy from the Church Records of
the doings of the meeting held by appointment: -
"A special meeting, April 26, 1858, of the Church
and congregation was convened by a call of the Trustees publicly read from the pulpit. Opened with singing and prayer. After which D. M. Wilson was called
to the chair, and Isaiah Peckham was appointed Secretary. The Chairman stated that the object of the
meeting was to take into consideration the propriety
and necessity of erecting a new house of worship for
the accommodation of the Church. Brother Andrews
requested that the first chapter of Haggai might be
read. The pastor read the chapter. After an informal
exchange of views, brother Andrews offered a resolution:  IThat the time has come in the providence of
93 
94  HISTORY OF THE NEWAV RI
God when we are imperatively called upon to proceed
in the erection of a new house of worship.' The resolution was unanimously adopted, and the vote was very
large. Subscriptions were then taken up amounting
to the sum of $io,8oo."
Building and finance committees were
appointed, and in June the plan of the
house was voted upon and adopted; the
carpenter work being assigned to the skillful and faithful hands of one of the members, Deacon David D. Dunn.
It was intended from the first that there
should be no Church debt upon the house
when completed; and the supposition was,
that the subscriptions actually obtained, or
easily available, would cover the expense,
the old house and lot paying for the new
lot.  But the financial panic of I857 and
i858, and the breaking out of the civil war,
disappointed these expectations. The subscriptions in great part could not be collected, and the old Church property did not
find a ready sale, so that the interest on
the purchase-money of the new lot had to
be annually paid, besides providing for the 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
Church debt proper. The generosity of the
congregation was again and again brought
into requisition, and some almost wearied
of giving, and despaired of ever seeing the
end of pressing dues and persistent appeals.
The financial ability of an efficient Board
of Trustees, and the utmost help of pastor
and people, scarcely sufficed to meet the
emergency. Indeed, about the beginning
of I 863, an unpaid claim was so far pressed
that the Church property was technically
in the sheriff's hands. This perplexed and
embarrassed state of mind on the part of
the brethren from pecuniary troubles, seriously impaired the spiritual condition of
the Church; but no one could discover a
door of deliverance.   At his own instigation, Dr. Fish visited Mr. John M. Davies
and a few other liberal brethren in New
York city, and laying before them the whole
case, obtained a subscription of several thousands of dollars,-conditioned upon the payment of the whole debt of $25,oo000, except
that upon the Church lot (which was soon
95 
96      HiSTOA'Y OF THE NEW,ARK
afterward met by the disposition of the old
property). This subscription from a neighboring city agreeably surprised and gave
heart to the members of the Church and
congregation, and it was determined to
make one effort more to sweep away the
encumbrance. The strain was heavy alike
upon the pastor and the brethren and the
Baptists generally in the city; but through
the mercy of God the attempt was crowned
with success, and sincere thanksgivings
upon the following Sabbaths ascended to
heaven from a worshipping assembly, at
length free from debt.
The following, taken from a copy of the
Examiner," bearing  date  February  26,
I 863, may here be fittingly introduced:
"The First Baptist Church in Newark, N.J., of which
Dr. H. C. Fish is the pastor, has done itself honor.
They had hoped to enter their new house of worship
free from debt.  But this hope was frustrated by the
financial troubles of the times, and the Church has, for
some time, been burdened by an unpaid balance of
$25,ooo.  The members of the Church were moved by
a holy ambition to attempt to shake off the incubus, 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
and by their generous efforts, and with the help of a
few friends in New York, they have now provided for
every dollar of the debt. The Church is much rejoiced
at its freedom. We heartily congratulate not only our
Newark friends on the energy and generosity with
which they have ensured success for their enterprise,
but also Baptists in general on the evidence which this
movement gives of the prosperity of one of the largest
of our churches."
The edifice thus completed and paid for,
is located in the centre of the city, upon
Academy Street, and within a few rods of
the largest avenue, Broad Street. In its
main parts it is built of brown chiseled
stone, in the Romanesque style of architecture, extending one hundred and seven feet
in depth, by seventy-two feet front; and is
surmounted by two turrets, each one hundred and twelve feet high. The first floor
is divided into a Lecture Room, forty-two
by sixty-six feet, two Social Rooms, or
Church Parlors, twenty-five by thirty-three
feet (which three rooms may be converted
into one by sliding partitions), and an Infant Class and Library Room.  The second
97
0 
HISSTOR Y OF TJIE N  VWARAM
floor, or main Audience Room, is intersected by four aisles, with permanent sittings for about fourteen hundred persons.
The Singers' Gallery and Organ are behind
the pulpit, at a slight elevation, to facilitate
congregational singing. The Baptistery is
immediately under the pulpit, the floor of
which is its movable cover, and has Retiring
Rooms on either side. The whole building
is every way substantial, attractive, and convenient, and cost, with the lot and the furnishing, about $50,000, which is not one
third of the present value of the property.
Revivals of religion have been a marked
characteristic of this Church.   Particular
mention should be  made  of seasons of
awakening in the ministries of brethren Sym
and Jones, and those of more recent years.
The most remarkable of these gracious visitations was that which is denominated the
"Great Revival," in 1857 and i858. As
this period was memorable all over the land
for God's converting power, and perhaps in
no place more so than in Newark, the na
98 
BAPTIST CITY MISSIO9.
ture and results of the powerful work in the
First Church may here be properly put
upon permanent record.
The earliest indication of a better state of
things, was an intense yearning for its existence.  This was seen, particularly, in the
latter part of December, by which time the
Sabbath preaching and week-day evening
remarks looked almost wholly to a holier
and more earnest'and active state of the
Church. As yet, however, this deep solicitude was limited to a very few individuals, -
apparently not more than half a dozen besides the pastor, and at the first, not even to
so many.  Where it did exist, it was almost
crushing; and particularly on one occasion,
at an evening prayer-meeting, the burden of
spirit was so great on the part of the pastor,
as to incapacitate him for the conduct of the
meeting, and he sat in his chair giving way
to suppressed sighs and tears, leaving the
meeting to take care of itself.
About this time one extra weekly prayermeeting was held, and after a little, twyv; and
s.    "': i:.':!..
99 
HISTOR Y OF THE NEWARK
finally, perhaps threescore of the brethren
and sisters met every evening, by common
consent, to pour out their prayers to God,
and to talk of the languishing state of Zion.
No souls had as yet been converted, if indeed awakened; and it'was often remarked,
that it was not desired that the brethren
should sing and pray and talk too much
about the conversion of sinners; they were
not yet thoroughly recohverted themselves;
and it was needful that the work "g-et roots"
in their own hearts, by confession and supplication and exhortation, and the alternations
of hope and fear.  The tree would be the
more fruitful by cropping and pruning it
severely. When the Church was right -,at
least a small fiart of it - then it would be
time to turn attention to sinners.
Not long, however, was it possible to restrain the rising desire for the salvation of
others. The longing was towards dying
men; and it is remembered that one brother
wished (to use his own expression) that the
Lord would give them one kid over which
..-.  "''.
IOO 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
to make merry. The boon was not long
withheld. One soul of the few unconverted
in the meetings, was awakened and renewed,
and then another; others came, and others
still; the meetings increased, and soon were
transferred, of necessily, from the lectureroom to the body of the house. These
meetings were continued nearly every evening till near the middle of May.
When the work was reaching its greatest strength, and the audience-room was
crowded, even to the extra seats, it was suggested by some whether another minister
might not be invited to labor with the pastor, and so economize his strength, and save
him, perhaps, from entire prostration. It
was concluded, however, with one mind, to
call in no outside help, but to look to the
Lord, and pray and labor on. With the
exception of a single week, when the pastor
was called away to visit a sick mother, resort
was not had to outside help. Indeed, this
has not been done in any of the revivals.
The specific form of effort was the prayer
7
IOI 
HISTORY OF THE NEW,ARK
meeting.  Not a solitary sermon, as such, was
preached, except on Sunday, and then only
two. Even the usual weekly lecture was
dispensed with.  But the exposition and enforcement of the inspired word were never
more constantly brought into requisition.
After the opening of the meeting, ten or fifteen or twenty minutes were always given
to this exercise. The design was, especially,
to open up, and affirm and re-affirm, in every
possible way, the two great facts of theology
- man a sinner, and Christ a Saviour -
and to press home the duty of an immediate
attention to the things of salvation. Christ
was continually insisted upon and held up
to view as the Saviour of the lost, and the
Word of God was never more honored of
God as the chosen instrument unto salvation. Almost every Sabbath-discourse, particularly, seemed to fall with power upon
the congregation eager to receive it; and
the fruits were perceptible during the week,
in the awakening or relief of souls.
Besides pastoral visitations, an inquiry
102 
BAPTIST C7ITY fISSION.I
meeting was held an hour before the ordinary evening meeting, in the lecture-room,
where each one present was conversed with
personally, and the way of salvation was
minutely explained and illustrated. This
means was  greatly blessed.   Two  tracts
should be mentioned as especially useful:
"Don't Put it Off," and " What is it to believe on Christ." Hundreds of the latter
were given away, and in scores of instances
did God employ this silent messenger to
bring light and relief.  In later works of
grace, the  forty-eight page  tract, "Two
Questions,"  " Is your Soul Safe?" and
"How can I be Saved?" were greatly useful. It should alsobe said, that the brethren
and sisters, especially the Sabbath-school
teachers and converts, were active in exhortation and invitation, and God owned and
blessed abundantly their labors.
There was not much speaking in the
prayer-meetings, except in some stages, by
the converts, nor much singing;,raying was
the main feature. Every exercise was short
I03 
1I0S TOR Y OF THE NE WA RK
and  spirited.   Not  unfrequently  special
prayer was offered at the close of the meeting, for those who were so oppressed with
feeling as to be unable or unwilling to leave.
At these seasons, six or eight of the brethren, out of the few that tarried, oftentimes
prayed. When the work looked like ceasing, prayer-clusters of this kind were formed
to pray to God for its continuance; and
cases of awakening were always multiplied.
The anxious were never invited forward,
but such as desired prayers were requested,
towards the close of the meeting, to arise.
This act of committal was often attended
with great good.
The number of conversions it is impossible to ascertain; probably it would reach
three hundred, at least. Two hundred and
thirty-five were baptized, most of them recent converts. Of these, one half were heads
of families -fathers and mothers. About
one hundred of the two hundred and thirtyfive were males.  A larger number were over
forty than under twenty years of age; the
104 
BAPTIST CITY MfISSIOAN.
average being about thirty. About two
thirds of those added, were unaccustomed
before to worship with this Chlurch, either
attending nowhere, or holding connection
with other congregations. As far as possible they were all put at work in the Sundayschool and elsewhere. The younger portion organized themselves into a Young
Converts' Prayer-meeting, and the older
into an Adult Converts' Prayer-meeting.
As another result, the gifts of the previous
members were materially developed and improved, and new attainments were made in
the divine life. It is believed that the moral
power of the Church was doubled in the
space of a few months.
Some of the main features of this remarkable work were the following: -
i. The evident presence of the Holy Spirit.
It was of God, and not of man. The Spirit
went before, the preacher and laborer followed after.
2. Clearness and debth of conviction for
sin.   Moralists suddenly saw themselves
o05 
HISTOARY OF THE VEW,4RAA'
to be the chief of sinners, and stout and
hard-hearted men were made to weep like
children under a sense of their guilt and
danger. In several cases, awakened men
were unable to prosecute their daily business, and not unfrequently did the anxious
tell of their sleepless nights, and their deep
burden of spirit. In one case, a man sitting
up to pray until after midnight, seemed, as
he said, to be sinking through the floor;
and rising from his knees, could scarcely
walk. In another, a sturdy man, hitherto
unmoved, was seen standing in the vestibule
of the church, with his long beard all jeweled with the tear-drops that were rolling
from his eyes. Another man declared that
he had carried a "cannon ball" in his heart
for days together, and that if it had been
continued for three days longer he could
not have lived. He could neither sleep nor
eat; and yet, a few days before, he was as
unmoved as a rock. In another case, a man
in middle life came to see the pastor, and
on entering the house, cried aloud as he
1o6 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
told of his sins, and was so agitated that
he trembled from head to foot, and could
scarcely sit in his chair.  Several times,
while he was being told what he must do to
be saved, he burst out crying, and exclaimed,
"0, but Ihave been such a sinner! " Another
man wholly suspended his work, stayed at
home, read his Bible and prayed, and seemed
to be actually waxing poor in flesh from intense concern of mind. He was the picture of despair. All these were men in mature life, and hitherto self-righteous moral
ists.
3. A clear insight into the way of salvalion through Christ, on the part of the converts. In most cases, the sum of the answer for the hope of salvation, was, " Christ
died!"   In most cases, it was the sight of
the cross that brought relief As a consequence, the converts were generally strong,
and went on their way obeying and rejoicing. Taken as a whole, the relation of experiences was satisfactory in the highest
degree.
I07 
HoiSTOR Y OF THE zNEWARA'
4.!is freedom from noise and. execitement.
No careless observer would have perceived
anything remarkable. The meetings were
uniformly solemn, almost like a funeral: no audible groanings or rejoicings, and
nothing whatever to which the most fastidious could take exception.
5. The honor  iut upon prayer, and the
ordinary means of grace. Answer to prayer
was oftentimes direct and almost instantaneous. In some of the most earnest and
importunate of combined supplications, the
brethren were as conscious that they were
heard above, as if it had been expressly revealed to them. Directness in prayer was a
marked feature. Now, the onepoint was the
awakening of sinners; now, the relief of the
burdened; and then again, the efficiency of
the word preached. Beyond these three
things the range of prayer did not often
extend, and in some cases, the wrestling
rose well-nigh to an agony of spirit. Layagency was greatly honored, and, as already
remarked, the plain and pointed preaching 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
of the gospel. Such, in some of its main
features, was one of the most precious
awakenings with which a Church was ever
blessed.
Large numbers of the converts gathered
during revivals, and at other seasons, have
in late years been dismissed to help in the
formation of new churches within the limits
of the city.  This has also been true in respect to the  experienced  members.   To
give up these beloved brothers and sisters,
often the tried helpers of the pastor, has
been a real sacrifice. In the nature of the
case, it must have called into exercise enlargedness of view and unselfishness of feeling. But it is believed that wherever one
has felt it to be duty to go out and
strengthen the weak places in Zion, no
obstacle has been laid in the way; while,
on the other hand, the whole spirit of
the preaching has tended in the direction
of earnest individual exertion. Certainly
those dismissed from this body within less
than twenty years would make several efficient churches.
lo9 
i IO NE WA RK BA P TIST CITY MI3SSIO-.
But, with a present harmonious membership of more than eight hundred and fifty
souls, and perhaps the largest Sabbath audiences of any denomination in the State;
with a Sunday-school averaging nearly five
hundred; with an average charitable distribution each year of more than ten thousand
dollars, besides a generous outlay for current expenses; and with the exercise of its
full proportion of moral power in the community where it is planted, the First Baptist
Church of Newark may be instanced as an
example of the divine principle, that "there
is that scattereth and yet increaseth:"
a point which is prominently dwelt upon
in the closing chapter of this work.
I 
ffi
~
fi   _
I                  _________
I -
SOUTIH BAPTIST CHUITCII.
REV. EDGAR M. LEVY, D. D., PAkTOlI.  
NEWARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.   I I 3
HISTORY OF THE SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH.
Constituted February I3, i850.
IT is conceded by all, that the erection
of the South Church gave the first impulse
to the spirit of city missions. For nearly
fifty years the Baptist cause had been in a
dormant state.  A smallframe building on
Academy Street accommodated all who
could be induced to attend public worship
conducted by Baptists. But little money
was raised, and but few efforts were made
for the enlargement of Zion. The limits of
the city had extended on every hand, the
population had increased at a wonderfully
rapid rate, and other denominations had
grown from three to seven fold, and yet
during all this time the Baptists had appeared satisfied with their ill-constructed
meeting-house, and with the limited influ 
HISTORY OF THE NEW,ARK
ence they were exerting in the community.
The gospel had been preached among them
by able and faithful ministers, but there
were few comparatively who seemed moved
by it to a reception of Christ, while the
piety of many of these even, was of a sickly
and feeble type, like the health of children
who have been long confined, and have had
no opportunity for physical exercise or for
breathing the pure air of heaven.
It pleased God at last, however, to move
the hearts of a few worthy men to break up
this spell of self-satisfaction.   At several
meetingsof the Church, and on the street
and elsewhere, the subject of church extension and Christian enterprise was introduced and earnestly advocated. These
brethren, feeling deeply the necessity of expansion, and moved with holy zeal for the
advancement of Christ's kingdom, finally
succeeded in awakening an interest in behalf of the movement in the minds of
others.
At a meeting of the Church in I849, a
I114 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
committee was appointed" in order to take
measures for the erection of a new church
edifice, and for the organization and permanent establishment of a new Baptist interest
in addition to the one now existing."
In accordance with this resolution, a lot
on the corner of Broad and Fulton streets
was soon after purchased. Failing, however, to obtain a satisfactory title, the property was abandoned, and the attention of
the committee was directed to the southern
part of the city. A location, Kinney Street
near Broad, was at length selected, and
measures were immediately taken to erect a
neat and substantial structure for the worship and glory of God.
At a meeting held in the lecture-room of
the First Church, February I3, I850o, of
persons holding letters of dismission for the
purpose of forming a new Church to occupy
the edifice then in course of erection, Mr.
Edward Doughty was chosen Moderator,
and M: D. C. Whitman, Clerk. After
prayer, the Moderator requested persons
I I5 
HISTORY OF THE iE WAA'JR
holding letters of dismission, for the purpose for which this meeting was called, to
present them. The following was read: -
"At a regular meeting of the First Baptist Church
in the city of Newark, N. J., held February I3, I850,
the following brethren and sisters, members in regular
standing with us, were, at their own request, dismissed
to form a new Baptist Church to worship in the house
now being erected by this Church, in Kinney Street in
this city, namely: Edward Doughty, John M. Davies,
Alice S. H. Davies, Louisa Davies, Robert Johnston,
Ann L. Johnston, Samuel Baldwin, Mary Baldwin,
Mary Belcher, David Jones, Mary Jones, Jane B.
Hedden, Emma Ely, James Hague, Anna Hague,
Daniel C. Whitman, Abraham Runyon Jr., Sarah Ann
Runyon, Jane Morris, Rebecca Shuart, Caleb H. Earl,
Elizabeth H. Earl, Mary M. Earl, Mary Canfield,
George P. Morrow, E. P. Morrow, Catherine Fowler,
George H. Bruen, Mary Bruen, George M. Foster,
Mary Law, Lydia Ann Force, Julia Wilson, Maria
Hedden, Isaac Scribner, Caroline Scribner, I. Camfield. May the blessing of God attend the formation
of this new interest, and the same unanimity and Chris
tian harmony ever characterize the intercourse of the
two sister churches which prevail between us and these
dear brethren and sisters.
"By order and on behalf of the Church.
"ISAIAH PECKHAM, Church Clerk."
II6 
BAPTIST CiT7'Y MISSIO.V.
The persons named in this letter, who
were present, were requested to arise and
thereby signify their assent to the formation
of this new Church. Prayer was then offered by Mr. David Jones.   Articles of
Faith were adopted, and a covenant read
and approved. South Baptist Church, Kinney Street, Newark, New Jersey, was
adopted as the name by which this Church
should be known. Mr. George H. Bruen
was elected clerk.
At a subsequent meeting the following
additional names were presented, and by
vote were received as constituent members:
Ebenezer T. Kirkpatrick, Joseph O. Nichols,
Eliza D. Nichols, Abraham Coles, John H.
Cross, Nancy Johnston, Mary Earl, John
Rees, - in all forty-five members.
With great unanimity the Rev. William
Hague, D. D., of Boston, was called to the
pastorate of the Church. On motion, a
council of delegates from Baptist churches
was called to meet in the First Church, on
the first Tuesday in March, for the purpose
8
I I7 
HISTORY OF THE NEW4ARK
of publicly recognizing the body as a regu lar Baptist Church. This council convened
according to the request, Tuesday, March
5, I85o, when, after an examination of the
Articles of Faith, and the manner of their
organization, it was unanimously resolved
to proceed to recognize them as an independent church of Christ. The services
were held the same evening in the following
order: reading of the Scriptures and Prayer
by the Rev. H. C. Fish, of Somerville,
N.J.; Sermon by the Rev. E. L. Magoon,
D. D., NewYork, from Psalm cxix. 1 8; Right
Hand of Fellowship by Rev. H. V. Jones,
pastor of the First Baptist Church, Newark,
N.J.; Charge to the Church by Rev. S. J.
Drake, Plainfield, N.J.
The Lecture-room of the church edifice
was opened for worship, April I4, I85o. Dr.
Hague, the pastor, was present for the first
time, and preached in the morning from
Mark iv. 34.  "Vestry services" was  the
subject of the discourse. In the afternoon,
the twenty-first chapter of John was ex
I I8 
BAPTIST CITY AISSION.
pounded, and the small meetings of the disciples, with their beloved Master as their
teacher, was the subject.
July i8, I850, the church edifice being
finished, was opened for public worship.
Dr. Hague preached from Ephesians iv. 2 1.
This enterprise, so auspiciously begun,
sent a thrill of vital energy through the
whole body. It was now seen what might
be accomplished by the united efforts of
the Church of Christ in devising liberal
things.
The South Church continued to prosper
under the able discourses and faithful labors
of its distinguished pastor.   Our  principles, as a denomination, were so clearly defined, and so scripturally maintained, that
many from other denominations were convinced and became obedient to the truth.
Many also, among  the unconverted, were
awakened by the Spirit of God, sought
mercy through Christ, "believed, were baptized, and added to the Church."
The Church likewise abounded in gen
I I9 
I 20    fISTORA'Y 0,' lifE N,EWARK
erosity. Liberal donations were made from
time to time, towards the extension of
Christ's kingdom in the city and throughout the world. Very early in the history
of the Church, the subject of systematic
oenevolence claimed special attention. In
July, I85O, Dr. Hague made the following
report: -
"NEWARK,.duy 2, 185 I.
"The Committee appointed to consider and propose
a plan for regular and permanent contribution to objects of benevolence, report,
"That they regard the object before them as one of
the most important that can now engage the attention
of the Church. As with us it is an acknowledged truth
that a church is Christ's appointed instrumentality for
the extension of His kingdom on the earth, the question which relates to a plan of contribution is one which
bears directly on the grand design for which the Church
was constituted. To the Corinthian Church the Apostle said,'Therefore as ye abound in everything, in
faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and
in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace
also,' that is, liberal giving. Hence it is evident that
God has made it the duty of a church to promote His
cause, not only by contending earnestly for the faith
once delivered to the saints, but also by the contribution of property. 
BAP71S7 CITY MISSION.
"In writing to this same Church, to whom the words
just quoted were addressed, Paul gave the following
direction:' Upon the first day of the week let every
one of you lay by him in store as God has prospered
him, that there be no gatherings when I come.' At
that time a special object of benevolence was before
the Church of Corinth, and the Apostle wished all the
members of it to contribute systematically and from
principle, with quietness and efficiency, so that he
might not appear among them as a fiscal agent seeking for money.  The  direction which we have cited
involves several important principles.
"First, that Christian benevolence should be conducted according to a system. It should not be left to
the mere play of impulse or the excitement of circum
stances.
"Second, that this system should be comprehensive
and pervasive.'Let every one lay by him.' Let the
sick and the poor meet together with their offerings of
love at the altar of Christ.
"Third, that the designation should be made at a
stated time, frequently as often as once a week. On the
first day of the week, when we thank God for redemption and salvation, then we are bidden to lay a tax on
our worldly income or expenditure, and to place it as
a tribute of gratitude at the Saviour's feet.
"Fourth, this weekly study and calculation of the
amount of our contribution should lead us to give to
I 2 I 
HISTORY OF THE NEW,A'R
an extent commensurate with our power of giving.
'Let every one lay by as God has prospered him.'
"Here we have developed the apostolical plan of
benevolence; a system of God's ordering — simple,
equal, rational, effectual; requiring nothing to sustain
it in any church but that degree of love to Christ and
His cause which will keep us from forgetting Him longer
than the interval between successive Sabbaths. If we
have real love to Him, that system would be found to
be self-sustaining, and we have reason to believe that
the result would prove that the hints of Scripture are
better than volumes of man's wisdoms.
" In view of these considerations, which might be
more largely urged, the Committee recommend,  "First, that a collection be taken after the sermon,
on the morning of every Sabbath, for the cause of
evangelization.
"Second, that from the funds thus accruing to the
treasury of the Church, appropriations be made to
specific objects of benevolence, at such times as may
be hereafter designated.
"All which is respectfully submitted.
"WM. HAGUE."
This was the beginning of a system of
Sabbath offerings which has secured a large
amount of money in the aggregate, and has
been a continual source of blessing to the
Church. This system of benevolence was
I22 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
farther modified in [865, when Dr. Levy,
by direction of the Church, presented the
following plan, by which the contributors
know, at all times, the objects which are
claiming their offerings and their prayers:
"The custom, recommended by the Apostle Paul, an4
established by this Church at its organization, is still
cherished by us as eminently the wisest and most successful and becoming arrangement for securing the
contributions of God's people. It is but right that
every Christian, as he comes to the sanctuary'on the
first day of the week' to worship God and to give
thanks'for His unspeakable gift,' should bring with
him a portion of the fruits with which God has crowned
his labors. The rich should give of their abundance,
the poor of their frugal savings, and all should give
cheerfully and according to the measure of their
ability.
"The collections on each Sunday morning will be
appropriated to the following objects and in the order
now designated:
"January and February, Foreign Missions; March,
American Baptist Publication Society; April, Newark
Baptist City Mission;  May,  Sunday-schools; June,
American Baptist Home Mission Society; July and
August, Miscellaneous Objects; September, American
and Foreign Bible Society; October and November,
I 23 
HISTORY OF THE NE WAFR
New Jersey Baptist State Convention; December, New
Jersey Baptist Education Society, and the Ministers'
and Widows' Fund."
November 2, I853, the Church was called
to bear their first trial. Dr. Hague, their
esteemed pastor, after a pastorate of about
three and a half years, resigned his charge.
The Church was supplied with preaching
by Rev. D. T. Morrill, until March 12, 1854,
when a call was extended to Rev. O. S.
Stearns, of Southbridge, Mass. Mr. S. entered upon his duties May 7, I 854, on which
occasion public services of welcome were
held, in which several ministers of the city
and vicinity participated.
This second pastorate, which was so satisfactory to the Church, was destined to be
of short duration.
December I 7, I 854, by permission of the
Church, Rev. Dr. Sears presented himself
as a messenger from the Baptist Church at
Newton Centre, Mass., and described the
need of the Church there, and made an
urgent appeal that the South Church would
I124 
BAPTIST CITY MISSIOVN.
relinquish their claims upon their pastor,
and consent to his accepting the call which
had been made by the Church he represented.
The South Church, through a committee,
addressed a letter to the Church at Newton
Centre, declining to comply with their request. The pastor, yielding to the warm
expressions of affection and of earnest
wishes that he would not sunder the ties
which bound them together, publicly announced, January I4, I855, that he would
remain with them.
Efforts, however, continued to be made
by the Church at Newton Centre, to induce
Mr. Stearns to  accept  their  invitation.
These efforts at last succeeded. August 29,
i855, after a pastorate of about fifteen
months, Mr. Stearns resigned his charge.
Rev. J. L. Hodge, D. D., was called to the
pastoral charge of the Church, October 3,
i855. He accepted the invitation, and in
November entered upon his labors.
During the pastorate of Dr. Hodge, many
I 25 
HISTOARY OF THE NEWARKA
were converted, and a large number of persons, who from indifference had lost their
membership in other places, having been
induced to renew their vows, were received
by the Church on experience. Dr. Hodge
resigned November 8, I857, after serving
the Church just two years.
Rev. J. H. Walden supplied the Church
for three months.
In June, I858, the present pastor, on his
way to fulfill an engagement with an esteemed brother in the ministry in a neighboring city, was induced to stop at Newark
and supply the pulpit of the South Church
one Sabbath. He preached from Col. i. I9.
"That in all things He might have the preeminence."  God gave him such favor in
the eyes of the people that, although he left
the city early the next morning, measures
were immediately taken to have him return
and preach for them again. In July, he
complied with their request. This second
visit resulted in the Church extending to
himtn a call to become their pastor.
I26 
BAPTIST C7ITY MISSIONA.
It was not for some time after that the
call was accepted. The relationship which
bound him to his people in Philadelphia
had been of fourteen years existence.  It
was his first and only pastorate. Nearly
the entire membership had been baptized
by him, and only a high sense of duty and
the prospect of greater usefulness, could
prevail on him to accept the call to the
Church at Newark.
On the first of October, I858, he entered
upon his duties here. The Church and
congregation had become much discouraged
and weakened by the frequent changes in
the pastoral office. But soon the blessing
of God attended the ministrations of his servant, and frequent additions by baptism,
and an increase of attendance on the means
of grace imparted hope and encouragement
to all.
In I859 a large and elegant organ was
introduced, by the aid of which, with the
change in the hymn book, the service of
song in the house of the Lord was much
improved.
I 2 7 
HISTORY OF'THE NEWA,RJ
In I86o there were constant tokens of
the Divine favor, and conversions were reported every month. In the midst of this
success, however, the pastor was suddenly
prostrated by an alarming illness, which laid
him aside for nearly three months. In
answer to the earnest and loving prayers of
the Church, the Lord was pleased to permit
him to resume his labors among them.
In 1 862 the exterior of the church edifice
was repaired and greatly improved. The
front was faced with brown stone, which
gave to it a substantial and neat appearance.
In I863, through the efforts of the pastor
and the liberality of the Church and congregation, the interior of the sanctuary was
remodeled and beautified. The plans and
the execution of the work are highly creditable to the architect, Mr. David S. Gendell,
of Philadelphia, and to the decorator, Mr.
John Gibson.
During the winter and spring of I864
the Church enjoyed a precious "season of
refreshing from the presence of the Lord."
128 
BAPTIS7' CITY MISSION.
Sixty-eight were baptized and received into
fellowship.
Again, in I866, the Lord poured out His
Holy Spirit and the Church was greatly
revived. Nearly one hundred souls were
baptized, and the membership reached almost five hundred, being the largest, except
one, of any Baptist Church in New Jersey.
In I868, the Pilgrim Baptist Church, in
the Tenth Ward, was organized. This
Church grew from the mission planted there
eight years ago, by members of the Fifth
Church. The principal support, however,
has always been derived from the South
Church. The ground on which the chapel
stands, as well as most of the cost of erecting the same, were liberally donated by Mr.
H. M.  Baldwin,  of the  South  Church,
"whose  praise is in all the churches;"
while nearly the entire constituent membership went forth from this Church, with
its blessings and its prayers accompanying
them.
According to the statistics of the Church,
I29 
HISSTORY OF THE NE WAFRA
the total number of additions has been as
follows: Number of constituent members,
forty-ive.  During  the  pastorate of Dr.
Hague, from April, I85I, to November,
i853, three years and a half, by baptism,
ninety-one; by letter, one hundred and fourteen; by experience, three; total number, two
hundred and eight.
During the vacancy in the pastoral office,
from November,  I853, to May, 1854, by
baptism, twelve; by letter, two; total number, fourteen.
During the pastorate of Dr. Stearns, from
May, I854, to August, i855, fifteen months,
by baptism, twenty-jTve; by letter, thirtyeight; by experience, one; total number,
sixty,-four.
During the pastorate of Dr. Hodge, from
November, I855, to November, I857, two
years, by baptism, forty-eight; by letter,
fifty; by experience, sixteen; total number, one hundred and fourteen.
During the vacancy, from November,
I857, to October, i858, by baptism, fifteen;
13o 
BAPT7ST CITY AISSION.
by letter, fourteen; total number, twentynzne.
During the ten years of Dr. Levy's pastorate, by baptism, two hundred and jfftytwo; by letter, one hundred and seventythree; by experience, thirteen; total number, four hundred and thirty-eight.
The entire number received from all
sources since the Church was formed, is
nine hundred and twenty-four.  Three hundred and forty-seven persons have been dismissed by letter, forty-six have been excluded from the fellowship of the Church
and sixty-four have "fallen asleep."
The first named, we may charitably hope,
are now useful and consistent members of
sister churches; the second, the excluded,
awaken many painful thoughts and excite
the prayer that they may, through the abundant mercy of God, be restored to repentance and good works. The last, those who
have fallen asleep, lead us to say, " Blessed
are the dead which die in the Lord!" How
precious is the memory of Samuel Baldwin,
I 3I 
132   NEWARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
Ann L. Johnston, James Hague, Edwin R.
Parsil, Edward Doughty, David Jones, Mary
Jones, Mary Baldwin, and many others of
whom "we cannot now speak particularly."
"With us their names shall live
Through long succeeding years,
Embalmed with all our hearts can give, -
Our praises and our tears." 
...I        I
part  ebeiito.
GROWTH FROM EFFORT.
PERIOD of seventeen years has
thus elapsed since the Newark
Baptist City Mission Board was
organized.   In conlusion, let us
survey the field and sum up the work.
As  before  stated, in December,  i85I,
several members of the First and South
churches met for consultation and resolved
to organize for the prosecution of City Mission work.
In April, I852, the first missionary employed by the Board entered upon his duties. Two places for worship and for Sabbath-school instruction were opened, one in
the North and the other in the Fifth Ward.
In I853 the first chapel, erected for the
Mission, was dedicated to religious worship
in the North Ward.
9 
HISTOR Y OF THE NE' WARK
In the same year a reinforcement to the
working force of the Mission was made by
the appointment of another missionary, who
was assigned to the Fifth Ward.
July 26, I854, the North Ward Mission
was organized into a Church, with a membership of forty-nine, composed mostly of
such persons as had been converted through
the instrumentality of the Mission.
In I855 the Mission in the Fifth Ward
was organized into a Church with fifty-six
constituent rnemnbers.
April 2I, i858, the new edifice of the
Fifth Church was dedicated.
In May, I859, the Fairmount chapel was
purchased by the Board, and opened for
worship; the pastors, in their turn, preaching every Sabbath afternoon. A Sundayschool was also established. October 6, the
Board engaged Rev. C. W. Clark to labor
here as a missionary.
January 3, I86o, the debt on the Fifth
Church was paid through the efforts of the
Board, and the Church henceforth became a
self-supporting body.
134 
BAPTIST CITY MISSIOAN.
June 29, I860, the Fairmount Mission was
organized into a regular Baptist Church.
February 5, i 86I, a house of worship was
purchased for the use of the German Baptist Church, the members of which exhibited great liberality and Christian zeal in
the accomplishment of this long desired
object.
July, I864, the chapel in the Tenth Ward
was completed, paid for, and opened for the
use of the Mission. A German missionary
was also engaged, who preached there in the
morning, and in the afternoon at Hamburg
Place, where a German mission had been
established.
About this time the Board also engaged
the services of a German colporteur.
November, I866, the Mount Pleasant
Mission was organized. A neat chapel was
opened for religious services.
February, I867, Rev. C. E. Wilson, Jr.,
was engaged by the Board, and entered
upon his work in the Mount Pleasant field.
May 19, i867, the lecture-room of the
Fairmount Baptist Church was dedicated.
I35 
HISTORFY OF THE VEWA4RFI
During this year (I867) a missionary was
engaged by the Board for the Tenth Ward
Mission.
March 8, I868, the Pilgrim Baptist
Church was constituted in the Tenth Ward.
Thus in seventeen years the Board have
planted six missions, employed nine missionaries and one colporteur. They have
aided in the organization of five churches,
assisted in the building of three substantial houses of worship, and four chapels.
Through the advice and liberality of the
same, the Germans have secured their house
of worship, besides a commodious chapel,
and have the services of an efficient missionary.
Through the direct influence of these
missions, and the faithful labors of the missionaries, one thousand and jifty-four persons have been baptized and added to the
churches. There has been expended for
the support of the missions twenty-nine
thousand four hundred  and eight dollars,
besides the large outlay in building church
I36 
BAPTIST CITY MISSIOVN.
edifices proper for the Fifth, the North, and
Fairmount churches, and much of the cost
of the chapels for other posts, which has not
been included in the above estimate, and of
which no account has been preserved.
Without the moral and material assistance thus afforded by the Board, some of
these churches would never have been established; or if they had, their existence
would, in all probability, have been feeble
and of brief duration. Without this, the
church edifices and chapels which now dot
the different sections of the city, diffusing
light and love, joy and gladness throughout
the community, would never have been
erected, and the missionaries, who have
been preaching the gospel, and laboring for
the salvation of souls, would not have been
sustained. Those thousands of dollars, so
productive of good and great results, could
not otherwise have been raised, concentrated, and made conducive to the glory of
God in the enlargement of Zion.
While these results have been accom
I37 
HISTORY OF THE NEWVARK
plished through the instrumentality of the
Board, the inquiry arises, How has all this
expenditure of strength affected the two
churches that originated this mission enterprise? Has the bestowment on others of
their best gifts, weakened their own working force? Has the money which they
have annually raised and liberally expended
made them poorer? Far from it. At the
organization of the Mission, in I85I, the
two churches, as we have seen, had an aggregate membership of five hundred and
six. At the present time, the membership
of those two churches is one thousand
two hundred and eighly-seven; and in the
city, about twenly-fve hundred.   In I 85 I,
their contributions for benevolent objects
amounted, in the aggregate, to $2, I I7.36.
In i868 the sum reported was $20,766.84.
How forcibly do the above facts and figures illustrate these scriptures: " There is
that withholdeth more than is meet, but it
tendeth  to poverty."   " The  liberal soul
shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall
I38 
BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
be watered also himself." "Give, and it
shall be given unto you, good measure,
pressed down, and shaken together, and
running over."
"Give with no faltering hand,
Give with no grudging heart;
The cause is holy, - help it on, -
- You lend to the Christian's Lord."
The blessed results of this enterprise in
the erection of churches, in establishing
Sabbath-schools, in fostering the grace of
Christian charity, in the conversion of souls,
and in extending Baptist principles, should
encourage the Baptists of Newark to go
forward in their great and beneficent work.
Much remains to be done. The city contains a population of over one hundred
thousand. These six Baptist churches and
three chapels, -what are they among so
many? And the population is rapidly increasing. The advantageous location of
the city, its broad and beautiful streets,
its well regulated police, its commodious
dwellings, its proximity to New York, and
I39 
IISTORFY OF THE zNEWARA
its railroad facilities, are attracting the
attention of capitalists and manufacturers,
and inviting families to make their homes
where they may live better and cheaper
than in New York. It is estimated that
in twenty-five years there will be, within the limits of the city of Newark, two
hundred and fifty thousand souls. Now it
will not do to wait until these come. It is
the part of prudence and piety to make
ready for their coming. It would be no
more than wise and provident to build one
chapel every year. This would give the denomination the advantage of preoccupation.
There need be no fear of these not being
filled. It is astonishing how soon houses
of worship gather congregations from the
mass of those who are non-church-goers.
When God calls ministers to preach the
gospel, He will call the people to hear, and
when Christians build houses for His worship, He will provide the means to fill them.
The duty, then, is imperative, to be on
the watch for opportunities to extend the
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BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
cords as well as to strengthen the stakes
of our Zion. We are sacredly called upon
to gird ourselves anew for the accumulating
work we find at our very doors.
And we have every encouragment to be
thus faithful. Our principles are gaining favor every year, and must continue to do so, as
the community advances in intelligence and
in freedom of thought. As men learn to think
for themselves, to read the Bible for themselves, to repent of sins for themselves, to
believe for themselves, and to obey Christ
for themselves, they will seek the churches
which have for ages "resisted even unto
blood" the assumptions of civil and ecclesiastical tyranny, and which, discarding all the
traditions of men, and fearlessly braving the
sneers and misrepresentations of the world,
have simply and earnestly required of all
who may have sought admission into the
kingdom of Christ, personal faith and obedience.
Surely, when we consider what has already
been wrought by our denomination,.we are
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142   NEWARK BAPTIST CITY MISSION.
compelled to acknowledge the hand of God,
and to believe that He will continue to smile
upon our efforts to advance His kingdom,
and to maintain the honor of His word
and the purity Qf His ordinances.
"What though the gates of hell withstood,
Yet must this building rise:
'Tis thine own work, almighty God,
And wondrous in our eyes."