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FIRST REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, NEW-BRUNSWICK. N. J
Dedicatkd September 27, 1S12.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE
DELIV-ERED AT THE
CELEBRATION
OF THE
FIRST REFOEMED DUTCH CHURCH,
NEW-BRUNSWICK, N. J.,
OCTOBER 1, 18G7.
EICHAKD H. '^STEELE, D. D.
PASTOR OF THE CIlUKCn.
New-Brtxnswick, N. J. :
I'TJELISHEr) BY THIi; COjSTSISTORV.
1867.
JOHN A, CRAY & GREEN, PRINTERS. 16 AND 18 JACOS STREET, NEW-Y(}R<.
PREFACE.
The First Reformed Dutch Churcli of !N'ew-Brunswick,
]Sr. J., completed her One Hundred and Fiftieth year,
April 12th, 1867. The precise date of organization was
not ascertained until quite recently. 'No written history
of the church has ever been published. The task would
have been one of comparative ease fifty years ago. Then
the children of the early settlers were still living ; records
were in existence which have since perished with the
disuse of the Dutch language ; and important documents
which would have been of great value in forming our
narrative have been lost or destroyed. The recovery of
our early book of records, incomplete as it is, has been
of incalculable benefit. But I have searched in vain for
publications of Rev. Mr. Leydt, Jacobus Schureman,
Hendrick Fisher, and papers relating to the controversies
during the times of Rev. T. J. Frelinghuysen, which are
known to have been in existence at the beginning of the
century.
We have endeavored to produce a history during a
long period when there were no records of consistory
kept, and have gathered many of our facts from traditions
which yet remain with some distinctness among the peo-
IV PREFACE.
pie. Our work is not complete, but that we have given
to it no small amount of labor will be understood by those
who have undertaken similar productions. It will be
found to present many facts extending beyond our par-
ticular church, and embrace materials relating to the
town of interest to all our citizens.
The pastor would express his particular acknowledg-
ments to his own people who have kindly assisted him in
his investigations, and have directed him to sources of im-
portant information. He has found the volumes of Wil-
liam A. Whitehead, Esq., and the Historical Discourse
of Rev. Mr. Corwin, of great value in compiling the early
part of his narrative. He is indebted to the publications
of Dr. Messier and Rev. William Demarest, in writing his
history of the life and ministry of Rev. Mr. Frelinghuy-
sen. Dr. W. B. Sprague has kindly given him access to
his unpublished volume of the biographies of ministers
of the Reformed Dutch Church, which we hope will soon
be issued from the press. His thanks are due to Rev. Mr.
Demarest, for translations from the Dutch of letters of
Jufvrow Hardenbergh, and for extracts from her journal ;
to Mrs. Hanson, for important information in reference to
her father, Dr. Condict ; to Hon. Ralph Voorhees, for pa-
pers relating to his ancestor, Minne Yan Voorhees, and
for the draft prepared by himself and Mr. N. W. Par-
sells, from which was produced the accurate sketch, by
Mr. Thomas N". Doughty, of the "Old Stone Churclf
erected in 1767, and which gave such interest to our An-
niversary ; to Mr. John W. Warnshuise, for his assistance
in translating our early Dutch records ; and to the surviv-
ing pastors especially for their information and encou-
ragement in preparing the history.
The Historical Discourse, which comprises the main
body of this volume, owes its publication to the following
' PREFACE. V
action of Consistory, communicated through a committee
appointed for that purpose :
"New-Bruxswick, October 8, 18G7.
" Rev. Richard II. Steele, DD. :
" Dear Sir : By the unanimous resolution of Consistory, we hereby thank
you for the valuable and interesting Historical Discourse delivered October
1st, 1867, on the occasion of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of
the founding of our church, and request you to furnish a copy for publi-
cation, with suitable notes and appendices, together With the sermon
preached on the succeeding Sabbath.
" Very sincerely yours,
Lewis Applegate,
Johnson Letson."
The Anniversary was celebrated on the day mentioned
in the above note, with suitable commemorative exercises.
Invitations had been extended to former members of the
congregation and their descendants, to unite with us in
the services connected with this interesting occasion. On
the morning of that day the following Discourse v/as in
part delivered ; but as the material which had been gath-
ered was deemed too important to be lost, it is now com-
mitted to the press as it was originally prepared.
The account of the celebration, with the addresses de-
livered on the occasion, forming the second j)art of this
volume, was prepared under the direction of the commit-
tee, and will be found a correct transcrij)t of an Anniver-
sary long to be remembered.
The pastor sends forth this volume among his people
and the friends of the church, with the prayer that this
humble effort to produce the history of one of the most
important congregations of our denomination, may be the
means of awakening within us a new sense of our respon-
sibilit}^ to the Lord Jesus Christ, and serve to advance
the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom.
Parsonage House, No. 106 George Street, (
New-Brunswick, N. J., December 1, 1867. (
§m ^tnttrri^tr irnb Mifti^tlj ^nnit)^r6a:rg
FIRST EEFORMED DUTCH CHURCH,
New-Brunswick, October 1, 1867.
The following was the Order of Exercises :
Invocalion and Heading f/ie Scriptures.
Rev. GABRIEL LUDLOW, D.D.
Grayer.
Rev. ISAAC FERRIS, D.D.
Singing.
Celebration Hymn, Written by Rev. PETER STRYKER, D.D.
Hisforicat Discourse.
Rev. RICHARD H. STEELE, D.D.
Singing.
Ode, Written by Prof. DAVID MURRAY.
Senediciion.
Rev. THOMAS De WITT, D.D.
AFTEEl^OOK
^ntAem .
BY THE CHOIR.
c4ddresses.
Rev. THOMAS DE WITT, D.D:
Rev. S. M. WOODBRIDGE, D.D.
Rev. CHARLES S. HAGEMAN, D.D.
Rev. WILLIAM H. CAMPBELL, D.D.
Rev. P. D. VAN CLEEF, D.D.
Rev. DAVID D. DEMAREST, D.D.
Prop. DAVID MURRAY.
Grayer.
Rev. p. D. OAKEY.
Doxology. jBenediction.
heading the Scriptures and T'rayer.
Rev. Prof. JOSEPH F. BERG, D.D.
Singing.
The Third Jubilee, Written by Rev. JOHN B. STEELE,
,si.ddress .
By Senior Ex^Pastor Rev. ISAAC FERRIS, D.D.
S)oxoiogy. Senediction.
Part Firs'
SUCCESSION OF PASTORS,
Historical Discourse,
BY
RICHABD H. STEELE D.D.
SUCCESSION OF PASTORS
FIRST REFOEMED DUTCH CHURCH,
NEW-BRUNSWICK.
1. TIIEODORUS JACOBUS FRELINGHUYSEN
3. JOHANNES LEYDT, ....
3. JACOB RUTSEN HARDENBERGII, D.D.,
4. IRA CONDICT, D.D.,
5. JOHN SCHUREMAN, D.D., .
6. JESSE FONDA, . . . .
7. JOHN LUDLOW, D.D., .
8. ISAAC FERRIS, D.D., .
9. JAMES B. HARDENBERGH, D.D.,
10. JACOB J. JANEWAY, D.D., .
11. SAMUEL B. HOW, D.D.,
12. RICHARD H. STEELE, D.D.,
1720 to 1748
1748 '
' 1783
1786 '
' 1790
1793 '
' 1811
1812 '
' 1813
1818 '
' 1817
1817 '
' 1819
1821 '
' 1824
1825 '
' 1829
1830 '
' 1831
1832 '
' 1861
1883.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
The Scottish Pilgrim, it is said, in a spirit of j)ioiis
veneration, visited tbe graves of those who had died
martyrs, of religion. His purpose was to refresh his
own mind, and revive in the hearts of his countrymen
the record of their noble lives, their heroic endurances,
and their triumphant deaths. With engraver's chisel,
he went from churchyard to churchyard over that land
of martyrs, and on the fading stone he reproduced the
record of their names, their sufferings, and their renown.
Our undertakino; this mornino; will resemble that of
" Old Mortality ;" for we are to recall the names and re-
vive the record of a noble race of men, who, more than
one hundred and fifty years ago, laid the foundation of
our civil and religious institutions, and whose early sac-
rifices and toils, and earnest piety and devotion, should
be held by us in sacred remembrance.
I am to give you a sketch of the history of the origin,,
the progress, the struggles, and the triumphs of the Re-
formed Protestant Dutch Church of New-Brunswick.
This is the oldest religious organization in this city, re-
liable authorities fixing its origin in the early part of
the last century, and making it coeval with the first
settlement of this locality. The period itself is remote
and interestino;. The most wonderful movements of
Divine Providence in the civil and ecclesiastical his-
10 HISTORICAL DISCOUESE.
tory of tlie world were centring around this period,
giving an impulse to emigration, and marking out the
distinctive character of the early settlers. In England,
the nation had not yet subsided from that mighty civil
commotion whicli had elevated William, Prince of
Orange, to the throne, and reasserted the supremacy of
those fundamental laws of the land which had so long
and tyrannically been disregarded by the reigning
power. The revocation of the Edict of Nantes, under
Louis XIV., had driven into exile more than five hun-
dred thousand of the most industrious and learned citi-
zens of France, who carried with them the higher type
of civilization and religion in which the Protestants
greatly excelled, into those countries which they se-
lected as their homes. The Dutch Republic, though
shorn of its maritime strength, had obtained a supre-
macy in literature and religion, as well as in its system
of civil toleration, which rendered it the model govern-
ment of the world.
Matthew Henry had not yet completed his Expo-
sition of the Bible. James Saurin - had only recently
commenced the labors of the ministry at tlie Hague.
John Wesley had not yet been raised up to stem the
prevailing tide of formalism. In Holland, her divines
were justly celebrated for their extensive learning and
deep piety, while her universities and schools attracted
students from all parts of the world. The celebrated
Marck, in his theological chair at Leyden, made this
university one of the most renowned on the continent
of Europe. Vitringa, noted for his accurate interpreta-
tions of the Bible and his eloquence as a preacher, gave
celebrity to the institution at Francker. At Utrecht,
some of the most brilliant lig^hts shone from the chairs
of theology and literature. And in the pulpit we find
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 11
tlie names of siicli distinguislied divines as Brake!, Yan-
derkemp, and Hellenbrook, wliose sound views of truth
and deep learning still skine conspicuously in their
voluminous theoloo'ical v\^ritin2:s. The first Ensrlish
copy of the Bil)le had just been published in the Ameri-
can Colonies. The third college had just been founded
at New-Haven ; one newspaper, published on a half sheet
of foolscap, was regularly issued at Boston; the largest
city w^as New- York, a hamlet of about six thousand
inhabitants ; and the total population of the colonies
had not yet reached five hundred thousand. There
were a few towns located in the Province of New-
Jersey, and only two ministers of our denomination in
the State."*
In compiling the history of this church, I have labored
under the difficulty experienced in other quarters, of the
imperfection of early Consistorial records and the loss
of important documents. By diligent search I have re-
covered possession of a volume in the Dutch language,
which had been lost for" upward of thirty years, con-
taining much valuable information. Some important
facts are stated in reference to the origin of this church,
as also that of Six Mile Run. It contains the names of
the first Consistory, a complete list of the original mem-
bers, a register of the additions to the church at each
communion, and a full record of baptisms. The first
entry in this volume bears the date of April 12th, 1717,
and we are celebrating the one hundred and fiftieth
anniversary of the founding of the Reformed Dutch
Church of New-Brunswick. It is to be resfrettecl that
the proceedings of Consistory Avere not more carefully
* Rev. Guilliam Bertholf was the minister of the church at Hackensack
and Aquackononck from 1C94 to 1724 ; and Rev. Joseph Morgan was set-
tled at Freehold and Middletown from 1709 to 1731.
12 HISTORICAL DISCOUESE.
recorded and j)reserved, in tlie absence of which we
shall have to depend ii2:)on such facts as we can glean
from the published minutes of ecclesiastical bodies, the
historical incidents found in early records, and the tra-
ditions of the people.
Previous to commencing the history of the church, I
will be expected to give a succinct sketch of the settle-
ment and development of the civil history of this city
and country adjacent. My labor will consist in arrang-
ing materials already in existence, and in bringing to
light some facts which are concealed in civil and eccle-
siastical documents.
The earliest instrument fixing the boundary of the
State of New- Jersey is a deed or conveyance granted
by the Duke of York, June 23d, 1664, to two proprie-
tors. Sir James Berkley and Sir George Carteret. In
the following year, Philip Carteret, brother of Sir
George, came over as governor of this province, and de-
vised liberal plans for the encouragement of emigration.
His plans were successful, and many families from New-
England, enticed by the liberal constitution which he
had framed, toolz up lands, and made this their home.
These settlements were ]:)rincipally made in that portion
of the territory wliich was most convenient of access
from New- York. TJie south side of the Karitan river
was not settled until about twenty years after a large
emigration from New-England had ^^urchased lands and
located in the towns of Bergen, Woodbridge, Piscata-
way, and Elizabethtown. About this time a small
colony located at Shrewsbury, and several families from
Long Island settled at Middletown, in the county of
Monmouth. These were the principal settlements uj)
to this date in this section of the State.
On the death of Sir George Carteret, in 1679, the
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 13
whole of East-Jersey passed into the hands of his
executors, who continued to carry forward the govern-
ment for the l)enefit of his estate, until a sale of the
property should l^e accomplished according to the pro-
visions of his will. This sale was effected in 1682, to
a company of twelve proprietors, for the sum of £3400.
In order to divide up their interests, and spread infor-
mation resj)ecting their possessions, twelve additional
partners were received into the company, to which
hoard as now constituted the Duke of York made a
new grant, March 14th, 1682. Previous to this new
arrangement, and while East New-Jersey Avas still in
the possession of the executors of Sir George Carteret,
a portion of the territory on which the city of New-
Brunswick now stands, and ahove us on the south side
of the Raritan, "was surveyed and laid out into lots. It
is to the credit of the early proprietors of our State that
the land was j)nrchased of the Indians by honorable and
voluntary transactions, and thus the settlers were saved
from the jealousies and dangers which other portions of
the American Colonies experienced. Such a purchase
was made in June, 1681, by John Inians & Co., for the
benefit of Lady Elizabeth Carteret, " the present lady
proprietrix of the province," of a tract of land embrac-
ing about ten thousand acres, called by the Indians
Ahanderhamock,* This tract of land is described in
the Indian deed as lying on the south side of the Rari-
tan river, and ojDposite the town of Piscataway, under-
* The purchase was made of the Indians Quaramark, Sacaraaker, and
Camacamo, rcpresentin.i:; the Queramacks and Camacoms. The amount
paid was 200 fathoms of white wampum, 10 blankets, 20 Duffield coats, 10
}2;uns, 10 kettles— two of them eight gallons — 2G yards stroud waters (?),
25 axes, 20 pairs of stockings, 20 shirts, 5 made coats, 4 pistols, GO bars
of lead, ^ barrel powder, 25 pairs tobacco- tongs, 2 ankers of rum, 2 half-
fiitts of beer, ^ anker of molasses, 1 traniel, 60 knives, 20 tobacco boxes,
25 shot, -} cwt. of bread.— Sse Records of Proprietors, Amhoij, vol. ii.
lib. i. p. 152.
14 HISTORICAL DISCOUESE,
stood to commence at "what is now called Lawrence
brook, and running along the river to near Bomidbrook.
A portion of this territory was shortly after surveyed
and sold to different parties, and were subsequently
known as the Raritan lots.
November 10th, 1681, Johnlnians,* one of this com-
pany, and a merchant of New- York, purchased a por-
tion of this tract containing twelve hundred and eighty
acres, bounded on the north-east by the Raritan river,
on the west by Andrew Bowne, south-east and south-
west by land not yet surveyed.f This was the first
purchase of land in what is now the city of New-
Brunswick, the line of which is still preserved in some
of our ancient deeds. The starting-point w^as a w^hite
oak-tree standing at the foot of Albany street, opj^osite
the Bell tavern; thence up the river one mile to a point
near the residence of J. Vv^arren Scott, Esq. ; thence in a
south-westerly direction for two miles, or near the pro-
perty known as the Biiinson tavern; thence one mile
south-easterly to a point intersecting the Trenton turn,
pike; thence two miles north-easterly, entering the city
along Livingston avenue, to the starting-point at the
foot of Albany street. The ten lots immediately north
of Inians's patent contained each five hundred acres. J
* John Inians, of Raritan river, was appointed a member of Governor
Hamilton's Council on September 14th, 1G92. {WMtelieaiV s East- Jersey , p.
134.) Nothing is known of his place of residence or his history; but that
he was a very extensive purchaser of lands, and a man of great wealth for
the times, is inferred from his large transactions found on the Records of
Proprietors at Amboy, and volumes of deeds at Trenton.
t It is described as beginning at a white oak-tree, from thence running as
the river runs eighty chains, thence running south-west one hundred and
sixty chains, thence south-east eighty chains, thence two miles to the tree
from whence it first began. The land extending west of the Raritan lots,
embracing nearly all the original territory of the Three ]\Iile Run, New-
Brunswick, and Six Mile Run congregations, was laid out into four large
plots, for a description of which see Appendix I., furnished by Rev. Mr.
Corwin.
X They were owned by Andrew Bowne, Richard Jones, George Foreman,
Joseph Snelling, Andrew Gibb, Gershom Browne, Jeremiah Tothill, Joseph
HISTOEICAL DISCOURSE, 15
South of the city, Thomas Lawrence owned three thou-
sand acres, embracing the stream which since his pur-
chase has been called Lawrence brook. This tract of
land subsequently came into the possession of Cornelius
LongfiehP and Governor Barclay, while that of Inians
was purchased by Pbilip French,f under whose super-
vision farms were surveyed, streets laid out, and build-
ing-lots sold.
The government of the twenty-four proprietors was
so liberal, and contrasted so favorably with the adjoin-
ing province of New- York, that settlers began to pour
in from every direction, and for the next twenty years
the population increased with great rapidity. The
landholders used every effort to induce emigration by
the liberal terms they offered, the glowing accounts
they sent abroad of the salubrity of the climate, the
productiveness of the soil, and the peaceful character
of the natives. The orisiinal settlers in our immediate
vicinity were Dutch J and French Protestants, or Hu-
Benbrigge, Thomas Mathew, and Edmond Gibbon. The map of Mr. Corwin,
giving the Earitan lots, was compiled from Reed's map, 1G85, four years
after the original purchase, and indicates the rapid changes which were now
taking place, as they had nearly all passed into new hands.
* This land, constituting a part of the lower section of the city, Longfield
purchased June 6th, 1G89, described as lying on the Raritan river, opposite
a meadow or marsh belonging to Charles Oilman, about one chain and a
half below where a small run of water or brook falls into said river, from
thence running south to a brook called Lawrence brook, and by the Indians
Piscopock, from thence running down said Lawrence brook to the Raritan
river, and along the Raritan to the place of beginning. John Ryder bought
one hundred and fifty-four acres of Longfield, March 11th, 1741, which
farm is still owned by his descendants. — Parchment Deed of Eyder.
t He owned a large tract opposite the city and in the vicinity. Instead
of selling the property he ordinarily leased it, in some instances for two
thousand years. Through reverses during the Revolutionary War he became
involved, and assigned his estate to James Parker, whose son, Hon. James
Parker, Jr., of Amboy, gave to the trustees of Queen's College the lot on
which the present buildings stand.
X Li a letter to the proprietors, March, 1G84, Gawen Lowrie represents
the Dutch settlers as verj^ numerous, and speaks of a number who are de-
siring to take up land and settle in the province. — Whitehatdh East-Jersey^
p. 289.
Several Dutch families are known to have settled on the Raritan very
10 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE,
giienots,'"^ and we can fix the date of tlieir occupancy
of this territory as early as 1684. The country back of
us, covering the rich farming lands of Three Mile Hun,
Middlebush, Six Mile Run, and onward to the Mill-
stone, and both above and below us on the Karitan,
^vas filled up when the central portion of our town was
only known after the name of its proprietor as " Prig-
more's Swamp." Early residents, in writing to their
friends at home, represent the Dutch settlers along the
Raritau as quite numerous and industrious. They were
principally from Long Island and places adjacent. The
prevailing cause of their emigration was the discontent
that existed among them in consequence of the oppres-
sive measures pursued by the civil authorities, in vex-
ing them in reference to their religious preference and
belief These harsh measures drove out of Long Island
and the vicinity of New- York a large population, who
found in this territory, under the more judicious tolera-
tion of the proprietors, perfect religious freedom, and
room for their love of honest industry.
There were other inducements inviting into our State
the Hollanders from New- York. Their motive in
emi2;ration from the fatlierland was different from that
which prevailed with the Puritans of New-England,
and the Scotch and Irish Presbyterians who settled in
other localities. The latter were driven out of their
country by persecution, and sought in the New World
freedom in religious worship. The former had enjoyed
early. Hendrick Vroome, at the landing on the farm of the late Jlr. Mundy ;
George Anderson, on the property recently Dr. McClintock's ; the brothers
Christopher and Jacob Probasco, on what is now the residence of Mr. Liv-
ingston.
* In our early records we find the names of several French emigrants,
among them many undoubtediy of the proscribed Huguenot race, who had
been expelled from the kingdom on account of their Protestant principles.
Ue Peyster, Rappleyea, Van Dujm, La Monies, Le Queer, La Montague, and
others.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 17
ample toleration in tlieir own little republic, and came
across the water to "better their condition," and "build
up another university that should rival Leyden, and
another city that should outshine Amsterdam.'"' Their
youth had been sj^ent in a land which had been rescued
from the encroachments of the sea by artificial embank-
ments, and they had learned the art of industry loug
before they had encountered the hardshi2:)s of this new
land. Comiug over the w^ater with such intentions,
they naturally sought the best soil and climate, and
situations where they could build up their institutions
mth less fear of molestation. All these advantao-es
the Province of New-Jersey afforded, and its very loca-
tion reminded them of their former Belgian homes,
while the facilities afforded them for sending their pro-
duce to the growing markets of Amboyf and New- York
by river commimication, urged a new^ motive for their
emigration. Proverbially fond of water-courses, and of
the flat country which I'eminded them of their old
homes in Holland, they bought farms running down to
the Raritan as they had opportunity, and showed their
Dutch caution by not getting too far inland.
The earliest reference we have to the particular
locality where New-Brunswick now stands is in the
" See "Oration on the Conquest of New-Netherland," before the New-
York Historical Societ}', by the historian, J. Romeyn Brodhead. He says
with great force: "It was for the true interest of America that New-York
was founded by the Batavian race. That founding produced our own mag-
nanimous and cosmopoHtan State, the influence of which on our nation has
always been so happy and so healthful."
t The design of the settlers was to make Amboy the first city of New-
Jersey — the "London of America." A city charter was granted August
24th, 1718, by Governor Robert Hunter. Its fine harbor, eligible situation,
and healthy locality would seem to indicate a rapid growth. But, as the
historian Smith remarks in 1765, by a fatality it never became a place of
extensive trade. Samuel Groom, the surveyor-general at its first settlement
in 1G83, with an eye to its future history, laments, '" If no help comes, it will
be long ere Amboy be built as London is." — WAitehecuVs Amboy, pp. 2, 0,
50, 54.
2
18 HISTORICAL DISCOUESE.
account of a traveler "by tlie name of AYilliam Ed-
mundson,'"'' a minister of tlie society of Friends in
England, who passed tlirougli tlie State witli an Indian
guide in 1677, on what was then an Indian path, after-
ward erected into a public highway. After crossing
the ford at this place at low water, and penetrating
inland about ten miles, he lost his way in the wilder-
ness, and was a whole day in retracing his path to the
Raritan river. At night he encamj^ed in the woods,
kindling a lire for protection from the wild animals.
This Indian path was afterward erected into an im-
portant road, j)assing through the State from Elizabeth-
town Point to a spot on the Delaware river in the
vicinity of Trenton. The travel on this route became
a matter of so much importance that a grant Avas given
to John Inians and his wife, December 2d, 1697, to
ferry passengers across the river, for which privilege he
was to pay the annual rent of five shillings sterling.f
The ]Dlace was called "Inians's Feriy" or "The River"
for about eighteen years.
Probably about this date (1697) a few buildings be-
gan to spring up around this centre, wharves were built
at the foot of Albany street, and vessels from Amboy
and New- York began to make their regular trips.
Mechanics set up their places of business for the ac-
commodation of their neighbors, and enterprising shop-
keepers erected their stores and exposed their wares to
the farmers who came down to the river for barter or
* See Whitehead's Bast- Jersey, p. 95.
t The ferry at first provided only for pedestrians and horsemen. Even
in 1716, in the rates allowed by the Assembly, mention only is made of
"horse and man" and "single persons." The faciUties for traveling did
not develop very rapidly. In 1704, the New-York paper complains that in
the "pleasant month of May, the last storm put our Pennsylvania mail a
weeJc lehind, and is not yet coni'd in^ — Whitehead's Amhoy, pp. 269, 273 ;
East- Jersey, 162.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE, 19
news. This was the begiuning of our town. The name
of "Prigmore's Swamp" had been exchanged for that
of "Inians's Ferry" about the year IGOY, and now the
accession of the House of Brunswick to the British
throne in 1714, induced the loyal Dutch inhabitants to
dignify the village with the name of the reigning family,
New-Brunswick.
Robert Hunter, the royal governor of the province,
residing at Perth Aniboy from 1709 to 171 9, frequently
visited this place, and eleven years after his return to
Europe wrote to his agent, Mr. Alexander, for informa-
tion in respect to the value of property around Inians's
Ferry, desiring to purchase five or six hundred acres, if
in his judgment it would prove a profitable investment.
Mr. Alexander was very enthusiastic in his description
of the place, stating that, during his residence of fifteen
3'ears, New-Brunswick had grown very rapidly, for the
reason that the country back of this had improved
quite fast. The farmers principally raised wheat, and
the facilities of the large mills in the vicinit}^ rendered
this an important flouring mart. " As New-Bruns-
wick," he adds, " is the nearest landing, it necessarily
makes this the store-house for all the produce that they
send to market, which has drawn a considerable num-
ber of people to settle there, insomuch that a lot of
ground is here grown to near as great a price as so
much ground in the heart of New- Yorhy-'
About this time (1730) several families emigrated,
from Albany, N. Y. ; and the tradition is, that they
])rought with them their building materials, according
* WhiteheacV s Aiiiboy, p. 155 : " In a previous letter, dated in Janu-
ary, Mr. Alexander says that ' plantations north of the Raritan had risen
extravagantly high, even to three, four, and five pounds per acre, and for a
tract of five hundred acres, unimproved land, belonging to Hunter, south
of the Raritan, he had refused twelve hundred pounds.' "
20 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
to tlie Dntcli custom, and located along tlie public road,
"^vliicli tliey called, after tlieir former home, Albany
street. Among these settlers we find the names of
DIrck Schuyler, Hendrick Van Denrsen, Dirck Van
Veghten, Abraham Schuyler, John Ten Brock, Nicliolas
Van Dyke, and Dirck Van Alen. These were men of
considerable property and enterprise, and their arrival
gave a fresh impulse to trade. The city was now a
growing town of much activity. The j^rincipal streets
were Burnet, Water, and Albany, with perhaps a few
buildings on Cliurch street. The inhabitants lived
along the river as far south as Sonman's Hill, extending
north for about one mile, or a short distance above the
ferry. A feu^ of the ancient buildings are still stand-
ing, but these will soon give place to more modern
structures, and every I'elic of tlie olden time will have
passed away. The old house recently standing in Bur-
net street, near Lyle's brook, known as the. proj^erty of
Dr. Lewis Dunham, was built by Hendrick Van Deur-
sen, one of the Albany settlers, who owned several
acres of land in the vicinity." JoTin Van Nuise, of
Flatlands, L. I.,f bought a farm of one hundred acres
of Enoch Freland, April 28th, 1727, having its fronton
Neilson street, its northern line along Liberty street, its
southern alono; New street, extending: west as far as the
Mile Kun. For this property, in connection with five
acres of " salt meadow at the mouth of South river,"
* He was offered about forty acres of land l3"ing below ^lorris street, and
having George street for its western, and the rear of the lots on Burnet
street for its eastern boundary, for $25G. Judge Morris owned a large farm
on both sides of Commercial avenue. Abeel and Hassert owned twenty
or thirty acres above Van Deursen's.
t The ancestor of the Van Nuise family in this country is Aucke Jansen
Van Nuyse, who, with his wife, Magdalen Pieterse, and children, emigrated
from Holland in 1G51, and settled in New-York. His place of birth is
supposed to have been Nuise in Groningen, hence the surname Tan Nuise.
He was a carpenter by trade, and built the first church of Midwout, (now
Flatbush,) completed in IGGO. — Bergen Family^ p. 157.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 21
lie paid tlie sum of £800.'"'' In tlie summer of tliat
year lie erected a large farm-liouse on wliat is now
Neilson street, betAveen Scliureman and Liberty, and
surrounded it with suitable out-buildings. Tliis liouse
was used as the headquarters of the Hessian commander
during the occupation of this tov/n by the British
army in the Revolutionary War, and is still remem.-
bered Ijy nearly every middle-aged man. Some of our
citizens will remember the Appleby House, a stone edi-
iice with gable roof and broad hall, on the corner of
Church and Peace streets, now Van Pelt's drug-store ;
the Gibbs House, an antique stone mansion built by
Hendrick Yoorliees, standing between Burnet street and
the river, near Miller's brook, crossing the street below
Town lane ; the French property in George street in
front of the hotel near the depot ; and the large aj^ple
orchard on the hill, where now stand the buildings of
Rutgers College. Perhaps a few may remember the
old barracks standing in the rear of our present par-
sonao;e on Geor2:e street, which were burned in the
year I794.f
We shall have occasion to call uj) some reminiscences
of the past, and will leave this rapid sketch of the
city, while we proceed in our narrative of the church
proper, to which we now turn our attention.
There was throughout this section, as in all new
settlements, great destitution of religious privileges.
The inhabitants, in writing back to their friends, urged
* He was bounded by lands owned by Gose Vandenbergb, Court Voor-
hees, Roelef Voorhees, Laurence Williamses, Stephen Philips, and Siba,
Slart and Cornelius Soleras. — Deed in fossession of Mrs. James Van Nuise.
t The well in Spring alley is still known as the Barrack Spring. After
the destruction of tlie building, the stones were employed in the construc-
tion of the " old jail " in Bayard street ; and the same stones now form a
part of the foundation of the public school occupying the same ground. —
Br. Davidson^ s Historical Sketch .
22 HISTORICAL DISCOUESE.
tliem to enconraore ministers to come and settle amons:
them, holding out the inducement of a large field to
occupy, and of the ability of the people to give them a
competent support. The principal town in the county
of Middlesex was Woodbiidge, which obtained a char-
ter June 1st, 1669, and deeds of land were granted that
and the following years to about forty families who
had emigrated from New-England. They were mostly
from the parisli of Eev. John Wood1>ridge, of New-
bery, Mass., after whom they named their town. Ef-
forts were made immediately to settle a pastor, but
without success until eleven years after, when Rev.
John Allen settled among them to the great joy of the
people. This was the first religious organization and
first minister in our county."'
As ministers of our denomination were obtained
only from Holland, our churches experienced even
greater difficulties in procuring pastors than other or-
ganizations, and only succeeded after long delays and
frequent coiTes230iideuce "with the Classis of Amsterdam.
But our Dutch ancestors could not long remain without
the privileges of the Church. And although a pastor
was not obtained until many years afterward, yet these
early settlers had their house of worship, in which they
statedly met to hear the Scriptures read by the Voor-
leezer, and where the Lord's Supper was administered
perhaps not oftener than once a year.
The first building erected within the bounds of our
congregation for religious purposes, was about one mile
and a half beyond the limits of the present corporation
of New-Brunswick, on the lot at the east of the burying-
ground, near the residence of Abraham J.Voorhees. Our
* A small church building was erected in 1674, the first in our county,
thirty feet square. — Whitehead's Amloy, p. 382.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 23
knowledge of tins, organization is quite limited, and de-
riv^ed mostly from the traditions in the neighborhood-
There are no records of Consistory known to be in exist-
ence, and no allusions to it in ancient deeds and con-
veyances. The remnants of its foundation were still
remaining Avithin the recollection of a few who are yet
living, and it is described as a building quite moderate
in its dimensions, exceedingly plain in its construction,
and never completed. The date of its organization is
not known, nor has the name of the minister who officia-
ted on the occasion been transmitted to us. There is in
existence a subscription paper, recently discovered, bear-
ing the date of 1703, on which the sum of £10 16s. (3d.
is provided to defray the expenses of a minister of the
Dutch Reformed Church, to be j^rocured from Holland.*
This church may have existed some years before that
period, and was probably the first religious organization
along the Raritan ; for the great highway following the
Indian path, as it is called in ancient deeds, from Inians's
Ferry to the falls of the Delaware, was the first point
occupied by the Dutch settlers in this section of the
State. The families represented in this list resided on
both banks of the Raritan, from near Boundbrook to
New-Brunswick, and along the route of travel to Rocky
Hill.
This congregation was known as the church of Three
Mile Run. Its j)rominent elders seem to have been
Frederick Van Liew and Hendrick Vroom. The build-
''' The names of the following persons are attached to the subscription :
Dollius Hageman, Teunis Quick, Hend. Emens, Thos. Cort, Jac. Probasco,
Neclas WyckofF, Mic. L. Moor, John Schedemeun, Nee. Van Dyke, John
Van Houten, Wil. Bennet, Folkert Van Nostrand, Jac. Bennet, Hend. Fanger,
xib. Bennet, Cor. Peterson, Philip Folkerson, — avi. L. Draver, George Ander-
son, Stobel Probasco, Isaac Le Priere, Simon Van Wicklen, Cobas Benat,
Garret Cotman, Lucas Covert, Brogun Covert, AVil. Van Duyn, Dennis Van
Duyn, John Folkerson, Jost Banat. — Eon. Ralph Voorhces, Mkldlebush.
24 HISTORICAL DISCOUESE.
ing stood for uj^ward of fifty years, aud was used for
neighborhood services long after the project of making
it a sej)arate congregation had been aljandoned. This
church never enjoyed the services of a settled pastor,
although two eiiorts are known to have been made to
procure one from Holland. The first attempt in lYOS,
already referred to ; the second in 1729, when a more
extensive plan w^as formed to revive the church and
build up a second congregation within our bounds.
In the mean time, the tow^n around Inians's Ferry had
grown into considerable importance, and, as it was the
centre of trafiic and commerce for all this reo-ion of
country, it was soon felt that tliere was a demand for
church accommodations in this place. Accordingly,
instead of completing their building at Three Mile Kun,
with great 2:)rudence they removed to tliis locality, and
erected an edifice of larger dimensions for the accommo-
dation of this increasing population. This was the first
religious organization in the town, and owes its existence
to the enterprise and foresight of that portion of the
original congregation residing at this point, and occupy-
ing farms along the Karitan river. The building was
erected, according to an early map of the city, " previous
to the year 171 7, but how long before is not known."
There are reasons for believino; that it was built as
early as the year 1714, at which time the place was be-
ginning to assume some importance, and gave promise
of considerable activity. It stood on the corner of Bur-
net and Schureman, then called Dutch Church street,
and at that date it was called the cliurch of the " River
and Lawrence Brook." The building fronted the river,
and occupied the corner lot, subsequently and for many
years in the possession of Dr. William Van Deursen.
The structure was of wood, and, like most of the early
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 25
cliurclies, its breadtli was greater tlian its depth. Its
dimensions, according to a plan in tlie volume of records
previously referred to, was fifty feet broad and forty feet
deep. There were seven pews on each side of the pul-
pit, and eight along the middle aisle. The total number
of pews in the building was fifty, and the church accom-
modations was three hundred. It was not completed
until several years afterward, and stood upward of fifty
years, giving place in 17G7 to our second church edifice,
erected on the site of the one we now occupy.
The project of forming a church in this town did not
proceed without some opposition. The old congrega-
tion at Three Mile Run were reluctant to part with
any of their numbers, and those families living still
further back in Franklin township urged the impor-
tance of all continuing in one organization. Several
meetings of the church seem to have been held, and the
matter discussed; and on the 12th day of April, 1717,
"in order to prevent disturbance and contention, and
thereby to establish peace in the church," the following
plan was harmoniously adopted: "That the church
built near Abraham Bennet shall be considered as
belonging to the church of Lawrence Brook and on
the River; and that the members of the cono-reo-ation
residino; in the nei2:hborhood of Six and Ten Mile Run
shall also build a church for themselves at either of
these places, or at some point intervening, as they may
agree." It was also determined that the chm'ch at this
place and at Three Mile Run should each have a con-
sistory, who should cooperate with each other; and,
" notwithstanding these two places of worshi]), the two
congregations shall form one church; and in matters
of great importance the two consistories shall meet as
one body, and transact such business as may come
26 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
before tliem for tlie establisliment of the Christian
church." The arrau2:ement was not intended to l)e
permanent, and seems to have been entered into out of
respect to the older members of the church, who could
not but feel an attachment to the first house of worship
and the original organization. In a very short time
this relation probably ceased, and all the services were
held in the church of New^-Brunswick;
In tlie old book of records, from which the above
facts are taken, there is a decision that Roelef Seebring
be the elder for the new congregation, and Hendrick
Bries and Roelef Lucas the deacons. This number
was soon after increased to three elders and three
deacons, and the names of the following persons are
recorded as constituting the first full Board of Con-
sistory : Aart Aartsen, Izack Van Dyk, Roelef See-
bring, elders ; Johannes Folkersen, Hendrick Bries, and
Roelef Lucas, (Van Voorhees,) deacons. Thus was
organized the Reformed Dutch Church of New-Bruns-
wick, one hundred and fifty years ago.''* There is also
a decision in the same minutes that Pieter Kinner be
aj^pointed elder, and Elbert Stoothof, deacon, for that
part of the congregation at Six Mile Run. We have a
complete list of the original membership of the church,
numbering seventy-three persons, and it is pleasant to
notice how many of their descendants are still found
amono; our cono;re2;ation.
Our register of baptisms begins on the 14th of Au-
gust, when three children were baptized : Elizabeth,
* As this church is a continuation of the Three Mile Run congregation,
which had aa existence as early as 1703, there is a propriety in the state-
ments made in public documents, that we trace our origin as a religious •
society to near the commencement of the last century, although we did not
have a distinct organization until April 12th, 1717. The Consistorj'- was
sometimes ordained at Three Mile Run; at least, this is known to have been
the case in one or two instances.
HISTOEICAL DISCOURSE. 27
daughter of Johannes Stoothof; Cornelius, son of Mar-
tin Salem ; and Jan, son of Jacobus Ouke. During the
three years of vacancy twenty-nine baptisms are re-
corded, but who occupied the pulj^it during this period
we have no information. ^
We know that Rev. Bernardus Freeman, of Lonsc
Island, took a deep interest in this chureh, and through
him early efforts were made to obtain a minister from
Holland, in connection with three other churches al-
ready organized, namely, Raritan,'^ Six Mile Run, and
North-Branch, now Readington.
As the result of this combined movement, there came
to this country, commissioned by the Classis of Am-
sterdam as the first pastor of this church, January 1st,
1720,
EEV. THEODOEUS JACOBUS FEELINGHUYSE]^.
His name is one of the most honorable in the State
of New-Jersey, and the influence that he exerted
among the early churches has given to this whole re-
gion the name of the " Garden of the Dutch Church."
The field of his j)astoral charge was very extensive,
embracing all the churches in Somerset and Middlesex
counties. Very little information in reference to this
pioneer of the gospel ministry in this section has been
transmitted to us, which is the more surprising from
the fact that his descendants have always lived in this
vicinity, and have exerted a great influence in the poli-
tical and educational interests of the State. Short
biographical sketches have been published at different
times, giving the few items of history which have been
* The church of Raritan was organized March 9th, 1699. Their first
house of worship was not erected until about the year 1730. The Read-
ington church (then called North-Branch) was organized in 1719.
28 HISTORICAL DISCOUESE.
gatliered from the personal allusions in tlie sermons
whicli he printed during his ministry, and from the
traditional knowledo-e of the inhal^itants coverino; his
extensive pastoi'al charge. To Dr. Abraham Messeler
and R^v. William Demarest the church is indebted for
the valuable information which has been preserved of
this most remarkable man.
The residence of Dominie Frelingliuysen was within
the bounds of this congregation, his grave is with us
to this day, and as this "was the centre of his cliarge,
liis history properly belongs to the sketch we are
giving.
He was born in the year 1691, at Lingen, in East-
Friesland, now a province in the kingdom of Hanover,
and was educated at his native place under the instruc-
tion of Rev. Otto Verbrugge, Professor of Theology
and Oriental Literature. He was ordained to the min-
istry by Rev. Johannes Bruuius at the age of twenty-
six, and for about two years was the pastor of a church
at Embden in his native country. While thus engaged
he received the call from the churches in New-Jersey
to labor in this destitute field. The circumstance of
his selection by the Classis of Amsterdam for this im-
portant mission, as related by Dr. Thomas De Witt, in-
dicates the liand of God in the gift of the first minister
of this church. A pious elder entertained a young
traveler, on his way through the town to Embden to
assume the charge of an academy in that place. Dur-
ing the evening he was so well pleased with the spirit-
uality of his conversation, and his eminent gifts,
es23ecially in prayer during family devotions, that he
immediately informed liis pastor, Sicco Tjadde, that he
had " found a man to go to America." In answer to
this call he made liis arrans-ements to emio-rate to this
O O
niSTORICAL DISCOURSE. 29
country, and arrived in the city of New- York al^oiit the
1st of January, 1720, and on the 17th of that month he
occupied the j^ulpit of Dominie Boel, immediately after
which he came to New-Brunswick and commenced his
pastoral work.
He brou2:ht with him from Holland, accordino- to
the custom of the church, a school-master, holding also
the position of chorister and " Voorleeser," Jacobus
Schnreman by name, the ancestor of this tamily in our
State. He was a well-educated gentleman, and noted
for his piety. He had the gift of poetry, and wrote seve-
ral pieces which are said to have displayed considerable
genius as well as literary taste and cultivation. They
were spoken of about fifty years ago as doing " lionor
to his memory." None of them are known to have
been translated into the Enfrlish lan2fuao;e, and with
the disuse of the Dutch they have probably long since
perished. There is a tradition that he used this gift in
a very effectual ^vay against the enemies of Mr. Fre-
linghuysen, who commenced very early working their
mischievous arts, in consequence of which he incurred
their great displeasure. He was a warm friend of the
Dominie, suj)porting him in all his plans; in conse-
quence of which there sprang up between them an inti-
macy which awakened some opposition on the part of the
people, who complained of the influence which he exert-
ed over the minister. They were both unmarried, and
resided in the family of Hendrik Keyniersz, in the neigh-
borhood of Three Mile Run. He had been promised
in his call five acres of land, which was increased to
fifty acres on his arrival, with the use of a parsonage.
Quite early in his ministry he was married to Eva Ter-
hune, of Long Island, after which he resided at or near
the residence of the late John Brunson. About the
so niSTORIC^L DISCOURSE.
same time Scliureman became liis brother-in-law by
marrying tlie sister of liis v/ife, Autje Terliune, and re-
sided near the farm which is known as the Schureman
property.
At the time when Mr. Frelinghuysen commenced his
ministry, the churches under his care were in a most
deplorable state. They had been entirely destitute of
the stated ministry of the Gospel since the first settle-
ment of the country ; and although church organiza-
tions existed and houses of worship) had been erected,
yet, as^ the natural result of the absence of pastoral su-
pervision, there must have been a great departure from
serious and vital piety. Indeed, this was the charac-
teristic of the times, and was the prevailing mark
among all the churches. When we consider that, for a
period of at least thirty years, the early settlers in this
section of the State had only enjoyed such services as
could be rendered by neighboring ministers, we are
surprised that there should be such a respect for the
ordinances of God's honse, as we have indicated by the
reo'ular admiuistratioii of the sacraments, and the in-
crease of membershij^ to the church.
The physical aspect of the country very much resem-
bled the morals of the people. It was wild and uncul-
tivated. Dense forests surrounded New-Brunswick ;
the streams were unbridged ; the settlements Avere
widely scattered ; the roads, with tlie exception of the
main thoroughfare from New- York to Philadelphia,
were little more than paths through the mlderness ;
and it had all the appearance of a new country.
This was the state of things when Dominie Freling-,
huysen came here in 1720. But he was a man equal
to the times, of great energy of character, of large
attainments in knowledge and grace, and with a certain
HISTORICAL DISCOUESE. 31
fearlessness of spirit that enabled liim to go immedi-
ately at the hearts of the people. From the sermons
which have been preserved, we gathei" that he was a
warm, earnest preacher, dwelling principally upon the
necessity of tlie new birth, and having a dreadful an-
tipathy to all manner of formalism. He preached the
doctrines of grace with so much, spirituality and direct-
ness that the 2:)eople, who had never had their hoj)es
questioned, began almost immediately to raise against
him a loud opposition. He was charged by his enemies
Avith preaching doctrines contrary to the standards of
the Church, and subversive to the whole spirit of the
Gospel. When he insisted on the necessity of experi-
mental evidences as a qualification for the Lord's
Supper, he is re]3resented as introducing customs con-
trary to the principles of the Reformed Church. A
very elaborate pamphlet was published by his enemies
in the year 1723, setting forth their grievances, and
making an appeal to public opinion against the course
he was pursuing. The complaint is issued under the
sanction of Simon WyckofP, a deacon of the church of
Six Mile Kun, Peter Dumont, an elder at Raritan, and
Hendrick Vroom, a former deacon at Three Mile Run.
In addition to these names, the signatures of sixty-four
heads of families are ap^^ended, from all the congrega-
tions to which he ministered, with the exception of New-
Brunswick. The controversy seems to have been quite
bitter, and was continued several years. Indeed, it
seems to have disturbed the peace of the cliurch in some
portions of his field during his entire ministry. Mr.
Frelinghuysen states in one of his sermons, that the
violence of the opposition to him had been so great that
on one occasion the door of the cliurch was shut against
him, and he was not permitted to administer the ordi-
32 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
nances. As late as the year 1729, a party existed of
sufficient strength to make an attempt to bring over
from Holland a j)astor more after their own mind. A
paj^er" was accordingly circulated with an idea of
gathering together all the raalcontentsf in the old
church at Three Mile Run, which is represented to be
in a somewhat dilapidated condition, and, if the enter-
prise succeeded, they were to repair the old edifice or
build a new one in the vicinity of John Pittenger. But
the plan fjiiled, and the scheme was abandoned. The
chiu'ch at New-Brunswick did not join in this contro-
versy with their pastor, but, so far as documentary and
traditional evidence goes, zealously supj^orted him, and
the result was witnessed in the great prosperity whicli
this church enjoyed.
Dominie Frelinghuysen met all this opposition in the
sjDirit of a true gospel minister. He continued at his
post, preaching, visiting, and catechising, laboring for
the conversion of souls and the edification of the chtirch.
"I held rather die a thousand deaths," he says in one
of his sermons, "than not preach' the Gospel." And
his ministry was eminently successful. Sound in his
doctrinal views, searching in his reproofs, and fervent
* The subscribers were: A. Booram, Simon Wyckoff, Dennis Van Duj-n,
Leonard Smock, Cor. Peterson, George Anderson, William Van Duj-n,
Jac. Boise, Hen. Smock, Chris. Probasco, William Kouenhoven, Jac. Ben-
net, Pet. Bodine, Gid. Marlat, William Bennet, Paul Le Boston, Francis
Harrison, Ab. Bennet, Isaac La Queer, Jac. Bennet, Nic. Dailey, Ad.
Hardenbrook, Luke Covert, and Jac. Probasco. The committee to procure
a minister was Hendrik Vrooni and Frederick Van Liew. This subscrip-
tion paper, as also that of 1703, were found at Mr. Abraham J. Voorhees,
at Three Mile Run, and are now in the possession of Hon. llalph Voorhees ;
they had been preserved in the Van Liew fiimily, and are all that we have
of the old church.
t Rev. Vicentius Antonides, from Long Island, encouraged the disaf-
fected party, and as late as May 9th, 1734, he ordained a Consistory for
the Tinee Mile Run church, composed of Simon Wyckoff and Hendrick
Vroom, elders; Simon Van Wicklen and Dennis Van Duyn, deacons ; also
for North-Branch, Daniel Sebring and Peter Kinney, elders ; and William
Rosse and Francis AValdron, deacons. — Bccords Harlingen, Consistory.
niSTORICAL DISCOUESE. 33
in his appeals, lie won many souls to Christ, and laid
foundations wliicli have not yet passed away. Through-
out his whole field of labor, he enjoyed as the fruit of
his ministry several revivals of religion. At Raritan,
he was eminently successful in tlie ingathering of the
people and the establishment of the church. Our own
records are incomplete, but the evidence of our liistory
is, that he was instrumental in 2:atheriuo' too;ether a
large congregation.
About six years after Mr. Frelinghuysen's settlement
in JSTew-Brunswick, namely, in 1726, Rev. Gilbert Ten-
nent arrived in this place, and was installed the first pas-
tor of the Presbyterian church. He remained in this
city about seventeen years, and was regarded as a man of
very eminent abilities, especially distinguished for his
pulpit talents. The first church edifice of this denomi^
nation was erected in 1727, and stood on the same
street with the Dutch church below Lyle's brook, on
the ground now occupied by houses No. 142 and 144
Burnet street. Mr. Tennent's residence was at No. 168
of the same street, since taken down, in which his
brother William had the remarkable trance, on his
recovery from which it ^vas found that he had lost all
recollection of previous events, and even had forgotten
the name of the Bible.
These two New-Brunswick pastors lived on terms of
great friendship, and indeed of intimacy. They found
in each other congenial dispositions ; and, judging from
their published discourses, they were men of similar
characteristics. They were both earnest and forcible in
delivery, and pungent in their application of the truth.
In a letter of Mr. Tennent to Rev. Mr. Prince, a histo-
rian of Boston, in 1744, one year after he had left this
city, he gives this testimony : " The labors of Rev. Mr.
3
34 HISTOEICAL DISCOUESE.
Frelingliuysen, a Dutch Calvinist minister, were mucli
blessed to tlie peojole of Ne^v-Brunswic]s: and places
adjacent, especially about the time of his coming among
them, which was about twenty-four years ago. When
I came there, which was about seven years after, I had
the pleasure of seeing much of the fruits of his minis-
try; divers of his hearers with whom I had the opj^or-
tunity of conversing aj)peared to be converted persons,
by their soundness in principle. Christian experience,
and pious practice ; and these persons declared that the
ministrations of the aforesaid gentleman were the means
thereof. This, together with a kind letter which he
sent me, respecting the dividing the word aright, and
giving to every man his portion in due season, through
the divine blessing excited me to greater earnestness in
ministerial labors."
The eminent evangelist, George Whitefield, paid fre-
(pient visits to this city, and preached to large congre-
gations gathered from this whole section of country.
He frequently speaks of New-Brunswick, in his journal,
and of the pleasure he enjoyed in the society of Mr.
Frelinghuysen. He is very earnest in his praise, and
represents him as a sound, fearless, and ^highly success-
ful minister. Mr. Whitefield, under date of November
20th, 1739, writes in his journal: "Preached about
noon, for near two hours, in Mr. Tennent's meeting-
house, to a large assembly gathered from all parts." On
the 26th of April, 1740, he again passed through New-
Brunswick, reaching the town about four in the after-
noon, " and preached to about two thousand," he writes,
" in the evening." " The next day," he adds, " preached
morning and evening to near seven or eight thousand
people ; and God's j)ower was so much amongst us in
the afternoon service, that, had I proceeded, the cries
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 85
and groans of the people, I believe, would have drov/ned
my voice." It was upon this occasion, according to the
statement of Rev. Dr. Cannon, received from persons
who were present, that Mr. Whitefield preached in front
of tlie Dutch churcli in Burnet street, standing on a
wagon, and the immense audience were spread over a
meadow sloping down to the river, listening to the
sermon.
Dominie Frelinghuysen was a member of the conven-
tion which met in the city of New- York in April, 1738,.
with the elder from this church, Henclrick Fisher, who
formed a plan to establish an ecclesiastical judicatory,
with more enlarged powers than had been enjoyed by
the Reformed Dutch Churcli in this country, out of
which grew the great conflict in reference to the sepa-
ration from the Classis of Amsterdam. Although he
did not live to take a very active part in this contro-
versy,-yet, as he was one of the originators of the move-
ment, and as it continued to agitate the church for
about thirty years, even threatening its very existence,
a brief sketch of tlie two jDiincij^les in conflict will here
be necessary as a link in the chain of history.
Our church, in this coimtry, was not an independent
organization, but merely a branch of the Reformed
Church of Holland, and subject to its jurisdiction.
Cases of discipline had to be referred for decision to
the old country. Candidates who desired to pi'each.
the Gospel wei'e obliged to cross the ocean in order to-
obtain ordination ; and only such ministers as had been
examined and commissioned by the Classis of Amster-
dam were permitted to preach in our pulpits. The
result was long and vexatious delays in procuring pas-
tors, great inconvenience in obtaining the decision of
the supreme judicatory, and an outlay of time and ex-
36 niSTOPJCAL DISCOURSE,
pense which greatly retarded the growth of our chiircL.
In this year (1738) a plan was matured to form a
" (yoetus," or an assembly of ministers and elders, who
should exercise jurisdiction over the churches in this
countr}^, subject to the supervision of the Synod of
North-Holland.
This was the entering-wedge of separation, and in a
short time grew into a demand for an independent
Glassis, with all the powers belonging to the highest
ecclesiastical court. But tliis innovation was most
strenuously resisted. The church in Europe opj^osed
the measure as subversive of authority, and some of the
older ministers, with their elders, formed an assembly
opposed to the Coetu?5,"tb which they gave the name of
" Conferentie." This was the commencement of a strife
which has hardly been surpassed in the history of eccle-
siastical disputes, and was not finally adjusted until Dr.
Jolin II. Livingston matured a plan of union in 1772,
which met the cordial approbation of all who sought
the peace of Zion.
Mr. Frelinghuysen exerted a great influence in con-
nection with this most important measure. Indeed, he
was a thorough representative of the Coetus party,
Avhile the early controversies through which he had
passed prepared him to be a leader on the side of re-
form. He was evangelical in his sentiments and pro-
gressive in his spirit, and he saw that the interests of
the churcli demanded an independent organization, with
all the facilities of school, college, and seminary to ]^ro-
. vide a well-educated ministry. Although he did not
live to see this result, yet he is justly honored as one
of the originators of a system which at first greatly
agitated but finally prevailed to the establishment and
enlaro'ement of the church. There were a few in this
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE, 87
congregation who symj^atliized with tlie Conferentie
party, but they never attained any considerable
strength, though in other parts of the old charge of Mr.
Frelinghnysen the strife was carried on with" a violence
which it is almost impossible for us to understand.'^''
The Dutch population in the town of New-Bruns-
wick received quite an accession between the years
1730 and 1734, by the emigration of several families
from Albany, previously referred to in our narrative.
Their ancestors had removed to that place immediately
from Holland, and their names are found on the regis-
ter of church-members as early as 1683. They are uni-
formly represented to have been an intelligent and
pious class of people, who added very greatly to the
streno'th of the church. Families also continued to arrive
from Long Island, and settled on the farms along the
Rai'itan, both above and below New-Brunswick, and
on both sides of the river. From these causes and the
increasing jorosperity of the congregation, the comple-
tion and enlaroremeiit of the church edifice was de-
manded, and in 1735 we find that the object was ac-
complished under the direction of a committee of
which Dirck Schuyler was chairman. The amount
expended in reseating the church was about £200.
* Ilarlingen especially seems to have been an important point in the
Coetus and Conferentie difficulties. The original house of worship at the
cemetery and the church records fell into the hands of the Conferentie.
The Coetus party, therefore, who could not be limited and restrained by
the formalities of the other, erected a new church in 1749 near the present
site, and kept a distinct record of their own. Botli records have come down
to the present time. On May 9th, 1T34-, Dominie Antonides met some
Conferentie friends at the house of RynerVeghte, and ordained a new Con-
sistory, in opposition to Frelinghuystn's Consistorj', namely, Koert Voorhees
and Daniel Polhemus, elders. This new Consistory secured possession of
the church-books, and hence Frelinghnysen was obliged to begin a new
book of i-ecords in 1737. In this is noted the arrival of his son John in
1750, who preached his first sermon in that locality, August 19th of that
year, in the house of Simon Van Arsdalen. His first sermon was preached
in the church December 2d. — Bev. E. T, Corwin.
38 IIISTOEICAL DISCOUESE.
At this date the pews were sold under an article of
ao-reement to which the sio-natures of the heads of
families are affixed. We have a plan of the building
thus remodeled, a comi^lete list of the families in the
congregation,* and the original disposition of the pews,
Amono; the names I find recorded that of James
Ilude,'!' one of the prominent citizens of New-Brunswick,
and held in very high esteem. His father was a Scotch
Presbyterian, and fled from the religious opj)ressions of
the Old World to enjoy the freedom promised in the
New. Mr. Hude filled all the civil offices in the city,
and spent most of his life in the service of the govern-
ment. He was one of the judges of the Y^eas for
eleven years, a member of assembly in 1738, one of the
council of Governor Morris, and for several terms
mayor of the city. He was a man of great benevo-
lence, and on his death, November 1st, 1762, the New-
York Mercm^y^ in an obituary notice, sj^eaks of him as
a " gentleman of great probity, justice, aftability, moral
and political virtues." His residence was in Albany
street, in the house known as the Bell tavern, the origi-
nal part of which is one of the oldest buildings in the
town. Though he does not seem to have been a com-
municant in the church, yet I" find his name on the list
of families in the cono-reo-ation, and his children were
all baptized by Mr. Frelinghuysen, and appear on our
register.
On the same list I find also the name of Philij)
French, who came into possession of Inians's patent,
and was a man of great liberality and distinction.
One of the streets of our city still bears his name.
* For a list of the heads of families at this date, see Appendix 11.
t WhiteheacV s Amhoy, p. 374. His daughter Catherine married Corne-
lius Lowe, and a daughter of theirs married a son of Rev. Mr. Hardenbergh,
the Hon. J. R. Hardenbergh.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 39
The name of Jacob Ouke is found on the catalogue,
one of the original members of the congregation, a
prominent elder in the church ; at several times a
mayor of the city, and holding an office which had
been created by Mr. Frelinghuysen to meet the grow-
ino; demands of his larsre charo;e. In addition to these
names, there were others who shone with equal emi-
nence, the Schuylers, the Van Deursens, the Van Der-
belts, the Van Voorhees, the Schencks, and the Van
Harlingens. The list embraces the names of about one
hundred heads of families, showing that at this date
(1785) there was here a large congregation built up
under the ministry of Mr. Frelinghuysen.
Perhaps no name is more prominent in our early
records than that of the distinguished Elder Minne
Van Voorhees, one of the ancestors of the large family
of this name in this section of the State. He came to
this vicinity from Long Island about the year 1715,
and two years after, on the organization of this church,
we find his name on our list of communicants. He re-
sided at first on the property now known as the Col-
lege farm, and was the proprietor of a large tract of
land in that vicinity, including the mills below the
city ; subsequently he removed to New-Brunswick, and
resided here until his death, which must have occurred
about the year 1734. He was a man of great promi-
nence in the church, elected to the office of elder when
quite a young man, and a ruling spirit in the congrega-
tion. In the controversies which Mr. Frelinghuysen
sustained in the early part of his ministry, he found in
Minne Van Voorhees a staunch and intelligent sup-
l^orter. From the fact of his cooperation with his pas-
tor, the inference is natural that he was of a kindred
spirit. Tradition reports him to have been very gifted
40 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
in prayer and exliortation. His memory was so reten-
tive tliat lie was able to repeat nearly the entire ser-
mon after hearing it preaclied. When Mr. Frelinghuy-
sen was exhausted with his excessive labors, he ^vould
frequently call upon Minne to take the evening lecture
in one of the neighborhoods, and he would conduct the
services with great edification. His name was very
precious in the church for several generations, and he
has left behind him even unto this day a savor of great
piety. His descendants were connected with some of
the most distinguished families of the city, the Pools,
Neilsons, Abeels, Bennets, Schuylers, Van Deursens,
and Hasserts.''"'
In order to meet the growing wants of his extensive
charge, Mr. Frelinghuysen resorted to various expedi-
ents. The plan of a colleague was discussed at a joint
meeting of the four Consistories, held at Raritan in
1737, and finally adojDted. An address is sent to that
Keverend Father in God Schuyhenburg and Jan Stock-
ers to send over from Holland a young man, who should
act as an assistant to the minister. - The call is prej)ared
by Mr. Frelinghuysen, and in his characteristic way he
asks for a man of good health, who will l^e able to
endure a large amount of labor, and a willing worker ;
but above all, for one who shall be filled AA'ith the love
of Christ and God's kingdom. He is to j^reach under
* The ancestor of the family of Voorhees in this section of countrj'- is
Steven Coerte, or Koers, who emigrated from Holland in 1(3G0, on the ship
Bontekoe, (Spotted Cow,) and settled in Flatlands, Long Island. Having
no surname, they subscribed themselves " Van Voorhees," or "from before
Hees." Stephen Coerte married Willempie Roelefse, and died about lG84r.
His son, Lucas Stevcnse, married on Long Island, and six of his children
emigrated to New-Brunswick and vicinity, and were members of this church
at its organization. Hans (Jan) Lucas married Neeltijo Nevius; Catryntjo
Lucas married Roelof Nevius ; Roelof Lucas married Helena Stoothof ;
Minne Lucas married Antje WyckofF; Wilmetje Lucas married Martin Ne-
vius ; Albert Lucas married Catryntje Cornell. — See Genealogy of Bergen
Family, p. 61.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 4-1
the direction of the senior pastor, catechise the chiklren
and youth, and perform pastoral visitation. He is
promised a parsonage with fifty acres of land, a horse
with necessary accompaniments, and £80 a year, one
half of which shall be paid as soon as he shall be
installed. This excellent arrangement did not succeed,
the right kind of a man not being found ready to emi-
grate to America.
On the failure of this effort to secure an assistant,
Dorainie Frelinghuysen resorted to the expedient of
appointing "helpers," after the plan of the apostles.
(1 Cor. 12:28.) Men who were gifted in exhortation
and prayer, and who had commended themselves by
theii' godly lives to the people, were selected under the
sanction of the Consistory, to hold neighborhood ser-
vices, to visit the sick, to direct the inquiring, and to
be generally useful in the congregation. Indeed, this
plan was matured previous to sending the call to Hol-
land; for we find m our minutes that, in 1736, a joint
meeting of the four Consistories was convened for
the purpose of consulting upon the subject, and that
appointments were actually made of such extraordinary
oflicers in the church. At this meetina^ the following^
selection was made : For North-Branch, Symon Van
Arsdalen ; for Raritan, Hendrick Bries and Teunis
Post; for Six Mile Run, Elbert Stoothof; and for New-
Brunswick, Hendrick Fisher, Roelef Nevius, and Abra-
ham Ouke. The tradition is, that these men were emi-
nently useful ; and while the measure was a novelty in
the Dutch Church, and, so far as we have learned, was
confined only to the pastoral charge of Mr. Frelinghuy-
sen, yet it was eminently successful, and tended greatly
to the prosperity of the church. These men held the
42 HISTOEICAL DISCOURSE.
office during life, and one of tliem, as we shall pre-
sently see, became a lay preacher and catechist.
On examining the records of our church, I find that
there Avas received into its membership, during Mr.
Freliughuysen's ministiy, about sixty persons. Many
names are undoubtedly omitted from the list, as some
are not found on the cataloo-ue who are known to have
been in communion with the church. The laro-est
number received in any one year was in 1741, when
there was the addition of twenty-two persons, a most
cheering evidence of the divine favor, and a great
encoura2;ement to that noble minister who had now
triumphed over all 02:)position, and whose work was
thus crowned with God's approbation. Although the
whole number does not seem to be large, yet it is a fair
representation of growth, considering the sparseness of
the population, the agitations of the times, and the fact
that he received into the communion only those who
gave the clearest evidence of conversion.
Concerning the events that transpired during the
latter part of Mr. Freliughuysen's- life, no record has
been preserved, nor is the time of his death or the place
of bis burial definitely known. In the summer of 1744,
he bought of Daniel Hendrickson, of this city, a farm
of 200 acres, for which he paid £550. This property
is located at Three Mile Run,* and is a part of the land
occupied by the late John Brunson. Here he built a
spacious house, a part of the foundation of which was
* It is described as being bounded on the south-east by the land of
Daniel Hendrickson, north-east by the "pretended line of the heirs or
assigns of Peter Sonmans," north-west by David Sequire, south-west and
north-west by Cornelius Bennet. — Trenton Deeds.
He lived at one time in Burnet street, as 1 find a reference to his "resi-
dence" in an old deed in m_y possession, but the precise loc ition I have not
ascertained. He spent his whole ministerial life within the bounds of this
congregation, and his family made this church their religious home.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 43
used in tlie construction of the edifice now standing.
At this place he probably resided at the time of his
death, ^vliich must have occurred about the commence-
ment of the year 1748, when he had not yet reached
his fifty-seventh year. He is buried, according to all
the evidence we can gather, in the old yard of the Six
Mile Run church, and a spot is still pointed out as his
last resting-place."* His monument should stand in the
ground adjoining our church, and his name should be
preserved among the greatest lights of our Ziou. The
character of his mind is sufficiently indicated by his
published sermons ; his fidelity, by the fearlessness with
which he preached the Gospel in its purity and
pungency; his success, by the ingatherings which he
enjoyed, the foundations which he laid, and the seed
which he planted; and his piety, by the savor which
yet breathes from his memory.
When he came to this field, he found it sjDintually
destitute and uncultivated. A church had here grown
up in this new settlement without a pastor, and, bearing
in mind the ty2")e of the religion of that age, we are not
surprised that there w^as so much of the formal element
in the churches. When he was called away, he left
behind him a strong body of Christians, who had been
brought into the church under a searching Gospel, and
who gave every evidence of real godliness. That he
was blessed by God in his work is the unqualified
* The first house of worship of the Six Mile Run church was built in
this 3'ard, and remains of t'no foundation were visible until quite i-ecently.
The second building was erected before 1766, for in the survey of the
county line, made at that date, it was called the "new church." The tra-
dition is, that Mr. Frelinghuysen's grave was under a tree near the centre
of the ground. The aged remember that their parents pointed to the spot
as the resting-place of a " great man." Is it not a striking fact that the
minister who first broke ground for the Gospel in this new territory lies in
an unknown grave? Let us cherish his memory, and show him honor by
loving, as he did, the pure doctrine of the Gospel.
44 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
testimony of our Listory ; and wlien sucli eminent men
as Gilbert Tenneut, George Wliiteliekl, and Jonathan
Edwards speak of him as one of the great lights of the
American church, we freely accord to him the distin-
guished position which he occupies. To their testi-
mony I may add that of Dr. A. Alexander, of Prince-
ton, who says: "If you wish to find a community cha-
racterized by an intelligent piety, a love of order, and
all that tends to make society what it should be, seek
it among the people of Somerset and Middlesex. And
their present character," he adds, " is owing very much,
under God, to the faithful preaching of the Gospel
under old Dominie Frelinghuysen."
The name of his wife has l3een recently recovered,
but no traditions are preserved in respect to her char-
acter. But the piety of the household is clearly indi-
cated by the character of her children. All of her sons
entered the ministry, and her two daughters became
the wives of pastors in our church. We attribute this
fact mainly to the piety and religious instruction of the
mother, Eva Terhune. They were baptized in this
church, and their names appear upon our register.
Theodore was settled in Albany, from 1745 to 1759.
He is represented to have been frank and 230])ular in
his manners, earnest and eloquent in the pulpit, and
blameless in his life. He sailed for Holland in the
year 1759, with the expectation of returning to his
field of labor. The date and circumstances of his death
are not known."^'* His memory was very precious in the
church of Albany, meriting the tribute paid to him of
" the apostolic and much beloved Frelinghuj^sen," His
* "A letter has been found, MTitten at New-York on the 10th of October,
1759, which establishes the fact that he sailed on that day, and that gossip
and predictions of a fatal voyage were rife, which led to the tradition of his
HISTORICAL DISCOUESE. 45
second son, Jolin, succeeded liis fatlier at Karitan in
August, 1750, and died very suddenly Avliile on a visit
to Long Island, attending a meeting of the Coetus, in
1754. Tlie third and fourth sons. Jacobus and Fer-
dinand, died on their return passage from Holland, of
the small-pox, in 1753, and were buried at sea. They
were promising young men, and had both received
calls, the one at Marbletown, the other at Kinder-
hook, N. Y. The fifth son, Hendricus, pursued his
studies in this country, and was licensed by the Coetus,
and in 1756 settled over the church of Wawarsing, in
Ulster county, N. Y. ; but in a short time he also died
from an attack of sinall-pox, and was buried at Napa-
nock. Thus rapidly did these young ministers close
their work, just at a time when the whole church was
needing the lal3ors of such devoted and godly men.
One of his daughters, Anna, was married to Kev. Wil-
liam Jackson, who for thirty years was the pastor of
the church in Bergen ; she died at the age of seventy-
two, in May, 1810. And Margaret became the wife of
Rev. Thomas Komeyn, whose only son, Theodore Fre-
linghuysen Romeyn, was the pastor of Raritan in the
same charge of his grandfather and uncle, whose short
and promising ministry of only eighteen months was
brought to a close by his sudden death at an early age,
amid the lamentations of a bereaved people.
On the death of Mr. Frelinghuysen, the churches
imder his charge had so far increased in streno-th that
tliey immediately resolved to settle two pastors. Rari-
tan, North-Branch, and Millstone, now Harlingen, settled
Rev. John Frelinghuysen, whose short ministry of only
loss at sea, and which is nowhere authenticated except by the garrulous
Mrs. Grant. The tradition seems to have grown out of the ominous break-
ing down of the bench in the pulpit of a new church in which he preached
on the Sabbath previous to his departure." — MunseVs Annals of Albany.
46 HISTORICAL DISCOUESE.
four years was eminently successful. While he was
possessed of much of his father's bold, evangelical spirit,
he seems to have been of a more pleasing disposition,
although he did not have to encounter difficulties which
disturbed the early ministry of his honored parent. He
was much interested in the education of young men for
the ministry ; and there is still standing in Somerville
a house built by him of bricks brought from Holland,
where Hardenbergh, Jackson, and others pursued their
theological studies. Although i^arty spirit raged very
high in his charge, yet his ministry was remarkably
blessed by the outpouring of the Spirit, and at his
death there was great lamentation. The churches of
New-Brunswick and Six IMile Eun, very conveniently
located, and both of considerable strength, formed an
ecclesiastical connection for the settlement of a minister
who should devote himself entirely to this field. The
choice of the people immediately fell with great una-
nimity upon a young man who had just comj^leted his
studies, and in September, 1748, there was called, as the
second j^astor of this church,
Kev. JoHANisrES Leydt.
Our knowledge of Mr. Leydt is quite limited, though
he labored in this field for thirty-five years. In respect
to his early history, I have only been able to learn that
he was a Hollander by birth, and was educated at one
of her universities — which one is not certain — and that
he came to this country with an elder brother, settling
at first in Dutchess county, in the neighborhood of
Fishkill. He was born in the year 1718. The time of
his emioTation to America is not known. The first
notice we have of Mr. Leydt is in the minutes of the
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 47
Coetns held in New- York on the 28th of April, 1748,
in these words : " The student Leydt, according to aj)-
pointment, delivered a proposition upon 2 Corinthians
o : 6-8, and gave such satisfaction that he was likewise
received with Van Der Linde to be examined in the
morning, after reading the church certificate, from which
it appeared that they had been communicants for some
years." The Elder Hendrick Fisher was a member of
this assembly, and presented a letter from the Consis-
tory of New-Brunswick, "urging the speedy examination
of the student, in order that their congregation, which
was vacant, might employ him as a candidate, and, if
satisfied, might call him."
As permission had been previously obtained from the
Classis of Amsterdam, the examination was accordingly
proceeded with, and, proving satisfactory, these two
young men were sent forth to preach the Gospel. Sej)-
tember 27th, 1748, a formal call v/as laid before the
Coetus by the Elder Hendrick Fisher; and, having
passed his final examination, Mr. Leydt was set apart
to the work of the ministry, and constituted the pastor
of the churches of New-Brunswick and Six Mile Run.
There was great joy among the people in having so
soon obtained a successor to the excellent Dominie
Frelinghuysen, and who, according to all accoimts, was
influenced by a similar spirit of entire consecration to
the ministry. I have not been able to ascertain the
place of his church relations, nor the circumstances of
his introduction into the ministry. It is said that he
was a student of Mr. Frelinghuysen, and was well
known in the city.
The first act of the Consistories was to provide him
a home ; accordingly, they purchased a parsonage with
fifty acres of land. This property was located at Three
48 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
Mile Run, and is known as the Skillmau farm, now in
the possession of Isaac W. Pumyea. The old house is
still standing, a short distance from the road, in which
Mr. Leydt lived during his entire ministry of thirty-five
years.
Great changes had taken place in this town and the
surrounding country since the organization of this
church. The land had heen cleared up and cultivated,
more substantial buildings erected, farms increased in
value, and the morals and intelligence of the community
greatly imj^roved. In 1717, the Dutch church was the
onl}' organization in the town; but in 1748 there was
a Presbyterian church, of which Kev. Thomas Arthur
was the minister ; and the Ejiiscopalian church, erected
in 1743, on a lot given by Philip French, of wliicli Rev.
Mr. Wood was tlie missionary ; and all of these congre-
gations are represented to have lived in a spirit of great
harmony and Christian cooperation.
A very interesting description of our town at this
date, 1748, the year in which Mr. Leydt commenced his
ministry, is given in the account of a traveler by the
name of Peter Kalm, a professor in the University of
Abo in Swedish Finland, who visited North-America
as a naturalist, under the auspices of the Swedish Royal
Academy of Science. " About noon," he writes, " we
arrived in New-Brunswick, a pretty little town in a
valley on the west side of the river Raritan ; on ac-
count of its low situation it can not be seen coming
from Pennsylvania, before coming to the top of the
hill which is close up to it. The town extends north
and south along the river. The town-house makes a
pretty good appearance. The town has only one street
lengthwise, and at its northern extremity there is a
street across ; both of these are of considerable length.
HISTORICAL DISCOUESE. 49
One of the streets is almost entirely inhabited by
Dutchmen who came hither from All)any, and for that
reason they call it Albany street. On the road from
Trenton to New-Brunswick, I never saw any place in
America, the towns excepted, so well peopled,"'"*
Very shortly after his settlement, Mr. Leydt interested
himself in procuring a charter from the royal governor
for the churches originally embraced in the charge of
Mr. Frelinghuysen. This instrument was obtained im-
der the administration of Jonathan Belcher, Esq., Gov-
ernor-in-Chief of the Province of New-Jerse}^, and was
executed on the 7th day of June, and the twenty-
sixth year of the reign of King George II. (1758.)
The trustees under the charter were the two ministers,
Rev. Johannes Leydt and Rev. John Frelinghuysen,
with the several members of the Consistories of the five
churches. The first meeting of the new corporation
was held at Raritan, October 31st, 1753, when Hen-
drick Fisher, one of the elders of this church, was
chosen president of the board, and arrangements made
to carry out the provisions of the charter.f
The increase of population in the town, and the
popularity of the minister, soon called for more en-
laro-ed church accommodations. The old buildino; in
Burnet street was full, and as early as 1754 the -plan
was agitated for the erection of a new and more com-
modious church edifice in a more central location. An
* In some of his statements Mr. Kalra is not accurate. In reference to
his "two German churches, one of stone, the other of wood," it is certainly
a mistake. The Dutch congregation had but one building, a structure of
wood, in Burnet street. His error is equally apparent in the remark that
" the Presbyterians were building a church of stone." They never had a
stone edifice, and there was no church building going on in the town at
this date. The statements of travelers in reference to local matters, unac-
quainted with the language of the people, and merely passing through a
place, are to be taken with some degree of allowance.
t See Appendix III.
4
50 HISTORICAL DISCOUESE.
article of agreement was entered into at tliis time for
the piircliase of a lot on which, to erect a new l)nil(ling.
But the subject was postponed from time to time, in
consequence of a difference of opinion in the congrega-
tion as to the proper location. One party insisted on
remaining: in Burnet street and enlars-ins: the old edi-
iice, and the other desired a removal into that part of
the city which had the prospect of growth. The mat-
ter was finally adjusted by the gift of the plot of
ground on which our present building is erected, by
Philip French, Esq., one of the members of the congre-
gation. The deed of conveyance is dated September
12th, 1765. The Consistory was tlien composed of
Hendrick Fisher, Ferdinand Schureman, and Derick
Van Veghten, elders ; Cornelius Seebring, Ernestus
Van Harlingen, and Jacobus Van Nuise, deacons. A
building committee was immediately apjiointed, of
which John Schureman, son of the school-master, was
the chairman, and arrangements made for the erection
of the second church edifice of our denomination in
the town.
The new building was completed and occupied by
the congregation in the autumn of 1767, one hundred
years ago, when the old church in Burnet street ^vas
taken down, and the lot sold to John Schureman. The
ground plan of this building is given in our records,
the sale of pews, and a complete list of the congrega-
tion at this date. The building was of stone, nearly
square, and would seat comfortably four hundred per-
sons. The cost of construction was £1097 13s. 7d.
It had a front entrance on Queen, now Neilson street,
and a side-door on Prince, now Bayard street. At the
south side was a long pew for the accommodation of
the public officers of the city, and on the north similar
HISTORICAL DISCOUESE. 51
pews running parallel witli the walls, whidi, it is said,
were mucli sought after, "as one eye could be directed
toward the minister, and the other to any thing that
might require attention in the other part of the house."
Far off and up in a circular pulpit, supported l3y a
pedestal, was the minister, beneath the old time-lionored
sounding-l:)oard. Two pillars support the roof from
the centre, which went up on "four sides, ending in a
small steeple. A l)eir"* was put up about the year
1775, and the sexton, in ringing, stood in the middle
aisle, winding the rope during service around one of
the pillars. The church was never desecrated with
stoves, but in the midst of winter the good Dutchmen
kept up what heat they could by an occasional stamp-
on the floor, and tradition says the Dominie would keep
warm by an extra amount of gesture.
The city presented a far different appearance from its
j)resent aspect. The streets were un2:)aved; a swamp
extended from Church to New street, affording a fine
skating-pond for the boys in winter ; there were a few
buildings to the right of the edifice, and only an occa-
sional house between this and Albany street. On the
hill occupying the ground in the rear of our parsonage
stood the stone barracks, a commodious building one
hundred feet in length and sixty in depth, erected in the
year 1758; and the farm of Jacobus Van Nuise covered
all that ground now occupied by Schureman, Liberty,
and New streets, extending west as far as the residence
of Richard McDonald. This buildins: stood for about
forty-five years ; and, unornamented as it was, it had
gathered around it unusual interest. Here your fathers
* I have been informed that the bell was taken down at some period dur-
ing the war, and buried in the orchard where now stands Rutgers College^
and restored to its place after the enemy left the city.
52 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
worshijied ; and from tlie old pulpit was preached the
true Gospel of Clirist. A few are left wlio remember
the edifice well ; hut fifty-six years have passed since
this venerahle structure was taken down, and soon all
recollection of it will have passed away.
We can picture to our minds the Sabbath morning,
one hundred years ago, when. the church was completed,
and the building was set apart for the worship of God.
In the absence of the precise date, we can imagine that
this most beautiful season of the year, and this very
month of Octol^er, was selected for the service. . The
day opens with a l)right sunshine, and the patriarchal
head of the house unclasps the huge, old-fashioned Bible,
and reads a chapter for the family devotions, comment-
ing on the verses witli an ability which shows his
knowledge of the Scriptures, and his strong belief in
the theology of the Keformation. The day is to be an
important one in the churcli of New-Brunswick, and
earlier than usual the whole surrounding population
are on their way to the house of God. All the roads
leading into the city are lined with travelers, some on
horseback, many on foot, and a few enjoying the luxury
of a wa2:on-ride over the rouo'li and windins; roads.
There is no service that day at Six Mile Eun, and
the whole congregation are 2:)resent. Every family in
the surrounding country is represented in the throng.
The men are attired in their best Sunday garments,
low-crowned hats with very broad brims, coats of large
dimensions, with plated buttons, polished Iji'ightly for
the occasion, ruffled bosoms and wristbands, with silver
sleeve-buttons, and the more aged in small clothes, with
knee-buckles, and a linen neck-tie of perfect whiteness.
The women were modestly and appropriately attired ;
the dress was of homespun material of fine texture, ex-
HISTOEICAL DISCOURSE. 53
tremely short-waisted, but not entirely devoid of orna-
ment ; their l)onnets were large and expansive, with,
crowns of suincient size to inclose the most aspiring
head-dress; a neat linen collar, with knit gloves of their
own manufacture, and a stout pair of shoes completed
the toilet.
Thus attired, the people gather into the sanctuary.
The building is plain, and for th^ times ample in its
proportions. It is of rough stone, brought all the way
from Hurl-Gate in sloops, up the Raritan, and they are
still j)i'eserved in the walls of this edifice. The pews
liave been sold the j)receding week ; and, since there is
no bell in the tower, the signal of a horn announces the
hour of worship, while the services are regulated by an
hour-glass. The voorlezer takes his seat in front of the
pulpit, and, according to the custom of the day, com-
mences the exercises by reading the ten commandments
and selections from the Scriptures, after Avhicli the
psalm is read, and for the first time those walls resound
with the praise of God. During the singing the min-
ister enters the church, bowing to the right and left as
he passes up the crowded aisle, pausing for a few mo-
ments with covered face in silent devotion before enter-
ing the sacred desk. He is now in his full prime, having
served the congregation for about nineteen years. The
hour-glass stands at the right of the minister, by the
side of the Bible. While the sermon is in progress, the
sand has run out; it is then turned, and the congrega-
tion know that a half-hour of the discourse is yet to
come. But the peoj^le listen with grave attention, and
are full of reverence. We have the names of all the
heads of families. We may suppose that John Schure-
man, the patriot and scholar, was present that day, and
had a glad time in seeing the building for which he had
54 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
toiled completed ; as also Philip Frencli, who gave the
lot, and Christian Van Doren, Hendrick Fisher, Derick
Van Veghten, Abraham Oakey, and Jeremiah Van Der-
bilt, former elders of the church. Hendrick Van Deur-
sen, with his son "William, were in the assembly; so
also were Jacobus and James Van Nuise, both young
men. Then there were John and Matthew Sleight, and
a long list of Voorhees, Koelef, Albert, Lucas, John,
James, Garret, Martinus, Matthew, and Abraham ; there
were Ed^vard Van Harlingen, John Ryder, Charles Bor-
ram, Peter Vredenberg, Matthew Egerton. Abraham
Schuyler was also there, giving promise of the useful
man ^vhicli he afterward became. So also the Van
Liews, Dennice, John, Hendrick, and Frederick; the
Stoothoffs, Whilhelmus, Johannes, John, and Cornelius;
the Suydams, Charles and Cornelius; the Outgelts,
Fredrick and Johannes; the Waldrous, Leffert and
John. And, while we have the familiar names of
Nevius, Spader, Garretson, Van Sickle, Provost, Thomp-
son, De Hart, Wyckoif, Van Pelt, and Cortleyou, all
represented among us to-day, we have also some ^vhich
are no longer known in our city, as Hyse, Plortwick,
Standley, Wilton, Probasco, Hance, Kin, and Hassert.
All these, with others, listened to the word of God that
day. The morning service was followed by an inter-
mission of half an hour, and then they all returned to
hear another seriuon. Thus the Sabbath day passed,
closing with the family recitation in tlie catechism, and
evening worship.
The services in this church were held on each alter-
nate Sabbath, and there is the evidence of great i^unc-
tuality in the administration of the ordinances. Mr.
Leydt was a very laborious minister; and while he does
not seem to have left any distinct impressions of his
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 55
pnlpit talents, he is represented to have been very
faithful as a pastor. He took a very active part in all
the public enterprises of the day. In connection with
the organization of new churches, the calling and in-
stallation of pastors, and the healing of difficulties in
congregations, we will find the name of Dominie Leydt.
He was a regular member of the Coetus, a constant at-
tendant on theu' meetings, and, from the frequent refer-
ences to his name, he seems to have been a prominent
and influential member. He took a warm interest in
this long controversy, and is placed among the number
of those who were chiefly instrumental in procuring
the independence of the church in this country. He
wrote several very excellent pamphlets on the subject,
which were answered by the opponents of the measure,
and are referred to in the minutes of that body. The
Classis of Amsterdam, in their correspondence with tlie
churches in this country, speak of his writings as excel-
lent in spirit and argument."^ At one time he repre-
sented the Coetus to the Conferentie party, and was
chairman of the committee. In the minutes of the
latter body he is represented as being very pointed in
his remarks, and as saying some things so piercing that
they could hardly keep silent. On the erection of the
General Synod, he was associated with Dr. Livingston
in conducting the principal part of their business, and
at their annual meeting at New-Paltz, in 17V8, he was
chosen president.f
* T have this fact from Dr. Thomas De Witt, but have not seen the minute
itself This valuable correspondence would have been of service, no doubt,
in compiling this history. There is an admirable paper in the collection by
Dr. Hardenber2,h, which presents the points of controversy in a strong light.
I regret very much that I could not obtain access to the book of minutes
copied from the oi'iginal under the direction of Synod. We are pleased to
learn that all the documents are soon to be given to the public.
t See Minutes of S^nod, Vol. I. — Gun's Life of Livingston^ p. 143.
6 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
Mr. Leyclt was one of the prominent movers in the
establishment of Queen's, now Rutgers College. This
was the favorite object of the Coetus, or progressive
and evangelical party in the church. With them an
educated ministry was the great want of our American
Zion ; as Mr. Leydt expresses it in a letter to Dr. Liv-
ingston, " I humbly conceive that, without a regular
course of collegiate studies, we shall never make any
respectable figure in church or state." The Charter of
this institution was procured of Governor Franklin,
March 20th, 1770. In the following year the long -con-
troversy in which the church had been engaged was
finally adjusted by adopting a plan of union, drawn up
by Dr. Livingston, which received the approval of the
church in Holland, and which dated our separate eccle-
siastical organization. The consent was based upon a
condition that the Dutch Church in America should
make provision in her constitution to provide herself
with an educated ministry. The founding of our col-
lege was an event that gave great joy to our church.
Mr. Leydt was one of the signers of the petition to
Governor Franklin for the charter, and was named as a
trustee ; as such he attended a meeting of the board at
Hackensack, when the location of the college was defi-
nitely fixed at New-Brunswick. In the letter to Dr.
Livingston, from which I have quoted a sentence, he re-
joices over the event in this language : " The great and
glorious promise consequent upon the noble confession
of Nathanael, ' Tliou slialt see greater tilings than tliese^
frequently exercising my mind upon fiivorable turns in
Divine Providence, with acknowledgment and expecta-
tions, hath with some energy of late reverted to my
mind with respect to our present situation ; as a door
seems to be opening, not only for a desirable union
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 57
and fixed order, but also increase of knowledge and ef-
fusion of the Holy Spirit." In tlie same letter he ap-
prises Dr. Livingston of a motion in the board of
trustees to elect him president of the college, and of
certain other plans to render the institution ^^rosperous
and efficient.*"'
We are brousrht in the course of our narrative to the
commencement of the Revolutionary war, a most inte-
resting period in the history of oui' country and our
church. During all these exciting years of conflict Mr.
Leydt was the pastor of this church, and there are in-
dications of great interruption in the growth of the
congregation. There had been a steady increase in the
number of membershij^ up to the year 1773, but dur-
ing the next six years there are no records of additions
to the church. The minds of the people Avere agitated
with the din of preparation, the city during a portion
of this time was in the possession of the enemy, and
for more than a year the services in the church build-
ing were entirely suspended.
Mr. Leydt was a firm patriot, and took a warm inte-
rest in the conflict. He preached upon the topics of
the day in such a manner as to rouse the j^atriotisra of
the people into a j^itch of enthusiasm ; he prayed for
the success of the American cause, and counseled the
young men to join the army of freedom.
New-Brunswick suffered during the war to an extent
to which few towns were subjected. It lay in the path
of the two armies crossing and recrossing the State, and
in the varying fortunes of war was at one time in the
hands of the enemy, and at another under the protec-
*Mr. Leydt was a member of the Board of Trustees of Princeton Col-
lege, and served in that position for six years, under the presidency of Dr.
Samuel Finley.
68 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
tion of friends. During tlie winter of 1776-77, the
city was in the possession of the British army, who oc-
cupied it by a very large force. Lord Howe, the Com-
mander-in-Chief, had his head-quarters in the Neilson
house in Burnet street ; the Hessian commander in the
Van Nuise house in Queen street. Fortifications were
thrown up on the hill beyond our Theological Semi-
nary, and two important out-posts were erected — one at
Raritan Landing,on an eminence overlooking the river ;
the other on Bennet's Island, two miles below the city.
Many of the officers were quartered u2:>on the inhabit-
ants ; and on the property of William Van Deursen,
below New street, there was an encampment with a
redoubt thrown up for their protection.
Many of the citizens Avere compelled to abandon
their residences ; all business was susj)ended ; public
worship broken up, and the whole town under the
control of the enemy. The British army immediately
appropriated to their own use all the public buildings
of the city. The pews were taken out of our church,
and it was converted first into a 'hospital, and after-
ward into a stable. The Presbyterian church was
burned under the followino; circumstances : On the re-
treat of the American army from New-Brunswick,
Captain Adam Hyler, with a small force, was the last to
leave the town. Hotly pursued through the streets by
the enemy, he defended himself for a short time behind
the walls of the building ; when, overcome by a supe-
rior force, he was comj)elled to abandon his position, and
the British fired the edifice, which, being constructed of
wood, was partially consumed. Colonel Taylor was in
this eno;ag^ement, and for about an hour was retained as
a^ prisoner in the hands of the enemy; but by a bold
HISTOKICAL DISCOURSE, 69
cliarore, he was rescued from the a:iiarcl, and returned to
his own party.'"'
The British remained in possession of the city for
about six months, and during this period they sent out
fi'equent foraging expeditions into the country. During
the months of January, February, and March, they
were shut up in the town, being cut off from their base
of supjolies at Amboy. The army was short of pro-
visions, and a fleet was sent up the Raritan to replen-
ish their exhausted stores. Lord Cornwallis, who was
the military commander of the post, was apprised of
this expected relief, and watched eagerly for the ap-
proaching boats. Just as they rounded the point below
the city, a battery of six cannon, which had been put
into position during the preceding night, opened upon
them, when five of the boats were immediately dis-
abled and sunk, and the remainder returned in a crip-
pled condition to Amboy. It was at this time that
General Howe in person made an attempt to open com-
munication by land ; but the expedition failed, and he
came near falling into the hands of the Americaus.f
Tlie farmers throughout this whole section of country
were compelled to deliver over their stores into the
* The records of their church are supposed at this time to have been
destroyed. They were in the hands of an elder, Dr. Moses Scott, who was
compelled to take a sudden flight, leaving his property in their hands, and
barely escaped capture. He was just sitting down to dinner when the ene-
my entered the town, who made a feast at the doctor's expense. Pie was
Surgeon-General of the Army of New-Jersey, and procured a valuable
supply of medicines from France, stored away in boxes, all of whicli fell
into the enemy's hands. But they were of no advantage, for a neighbor
told them that ihe doctor had poisoned the medicines on purpose to destroy
the British, who at once emptied his boxes into the streets. — Dr. Damd-
sorCs Huiorical Sl'etch, pp. 17, 31, which see, as also for other facts connect-
ed with the Piesbvterian church.
t See Whitehead's Amboj/,]-). dil. Also for other incidents of the Revo-
lution in this country. Local traditions are still abundant and distinct. The
city which suffered so greatly has an unwritten history which siiould be
preseived. Would it not be well to gather together these items before they
perish beyond recovery ?
GO UISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
hands of tlie Britisli.* At Three Mile Pain the huild-
iugs Avere all plundered, and frequently fired. Barns
were torn down to supply timber for the construction
of a temporary bridge over the Raritan, and some of
the most wanton cruelties were inflicted.
But they were not allowed to remain in the undis-
turbed possession of the town. Colonels Neilson and
Taylor gave them constant trouble ; Captain Guest was
on the watch for a favorable, opportunity to pounce
upon the Hessians ; James Schureman, who had learned
somethino; of war at the battle of Lone: Island, c-ave
them no rest ; while Caj)tain Hyler, whose adventures
with his whale-boats around Staten Island seem almost
romantic, and who could fight on land as well as on
water, kept them in constant apprehension. These
officers watched every movement of the enemy, drove
back their foraging parties into the city, and often
skirmished with their outposts.
Deeds of personal valor were of frequent occurrence,
and traditions are 2:>reserved in the families of the town
of heroism unsurpassed in the whole history of the
conflict. Colonel Neilson organized a secret expedition
* The following schedule of property taken from Mr. John Van Licw, of
Three Mile Run, will illustrate the ruthless spirit of the enemy, and the
hardships encountered b}^ the inhabitants of this region during the war.
The li.st is valuable as exhibiting the price of different articles at the com-
mencement of the Revolution, a pound representing $2.50 of our currency.
I only enumerate the more important articles taken by " the Regulars :"
£. s. £. s.
1 span horses 36 00 38 Albany boards 4 15
1 colt, two years old 12 00 700 thin Albany boards 2 09
50 bushels corn 12 10 1 house burned 80 00
28 bushels wheat 10 00 15 bushels potatoes 1 17
Riding chair and harness. . . 15 00 300 cwt. flour 2 14
80 tons of hay 105 00 100 fowls 3 15
9 cows 5115 8 turkeys 1 00
25 head of sheep 17 10 50 pounds of pork, 5d. per pound.
Floors of house and barn taken up. 1 negro, 23 years old, smart and
active, £105.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 61
against tlie outpost of tlie British on Beunet's Island,
now known as Island Farm. With a picked command,
numbering two hundred men, he stealthily approached
the \7orks on the morning of February 18th, some time
before daybreak. It was a clear, cold night, and a
fresh fall of snow rendered the undertaking extremely
hazardous. But they reached the works without being-
discovered, and Colonel Neilson was the first man to
leap the stoclvade. Captain Farmer saved the life of
his commander at this moment by aiming a well-
directed blow at the sentinel, who was in the act of
discharoino; his musket into his breast. The short
engagement lasted only a few minutes, when the works
wei'e surrendered by Major Stockton, who w^as the
acting commander of the post in the absence of Colonel
Skinner. One captain, several subordinate officers, and
fift3^-five privates were taken j^iisoners, and a quantity
of munitions of war were captured. The British knew
nothing of the event, as only a few guns were fired,
until some time during the morning, when the Ameri-
cans with their prisoners and booty were far on their
way toward Princeton, where General Putnam was
stationed, into whose hands they delivered their spoils.
Colonel Neilson and his men received from General
AVashington a very high comj^liment for the wisdom
with which he had planned, and the secrecy with which
he had executed, this most successful expedition.
On the 28th of May, Washington, Avho had spent the
previous winter at Morristown, marched his army of
7500 to the heights of Middlebrook. Here he lay
for two weeks watching the movements of the enemy at
Brunswick, from a position Avhich has since been called
"Washington's Bock." In the mean while the route to
■ Amboy had been oj)ened, both by land and water, and
62 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
troops had been pushed forward to this point in large
numbers, until by the 12th of June an army of 17,000
British and Hessians Avas assembled, under those
v^eteran commanders, Generals Howe, Cornwallis, and
De Heister. Both the Eno*lish and German com-
manclers were agreed that they had never seen a
more splendid army, or one so well disciplined and
equipped, and in better spirits.""' On the 14th, they
marched out of the city in the direction of Mid-
dlebush, with the design of drawing on an engage-
ment with Washington if they could induce him to
leave the strong position which he occupied. Re-
mains of the fortifications which they hastily threw up
are still visible on the farm of Mr. John Wilson. Here
the enemy remained until the 19th, when, failing in
their desi^rn, thev returned to Brunswick and made
immediate preparation to evacuate the State. They
were pursued by the Americans, and so greatly har-
assed on their retreat that it was not until the 1st of
July that they were able to cross over from Amboy to
the place of their destination on Staten Island.
After their evacuation of the city, the inhabitants
returned to their homes and found every thing in a
most desolate condition. The work of destruction had
been carried on indiscriminately and ruthlessly. The
devotion of the inhabitants to the cause of their country
had exposed them to the special wrath of their enemies.
We have the authority of Governor Livingston for the
statement that there were very few whose sympathies
" " For its numbers, that armj' had not its equal in the ■work!. Every
soldier was eager for a battle." — Bancroft, vol. 9, p. 851. The time was
eventful and critical. About the time when these two armies confronted
each other, namely, June 14th, Congress adopted the flag of our country.
The historian remarks: "The immovable fortitude of Washington in his
camp at Middlebrook was the salvation of that beautiful flag." P. 352.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE, Go
^vere witli the royal cause. In a letter to Governor
Bowcloiu, of Massachusetts, on behalf of tlie Presby-
terian church, who solicited aid from abroad to rebuild
their church edifice, he Avrites : " With respect to the
political principles of tiie inhabitants of New-Bruns-
wick, it may be proper to do them the justice of add-
ing that they have, through the whole course of the
WHY, approved themselves firm and distinguished
Whigs, and inflexibly persevered in their attachment
to the cause of America in the most gloomy and peril-
ous times of her conflict with Great Britain."
This, as w^e may well suppose, was a gloomy summer
in the town, as well as a dark day for the country.
But nothing could discourage the hearts of j)atriots,
and they immediately addressed themselves to the
work of rebuilding. Our church edifice underwent a
temporary repair, and for some time was occupied on
alternate Sabbaths by the Presbyterian congregation,
the blackened walls of whose buildino; were left stand-
ing below Lyle's brook.""' Mr. Leydt was immediately
at his post, and j^reached for his j^eople tv/o Sabbaths
in the month of July, the first service which he had
been able to hold in the city since the beginning of
December. This long interruption had a very sad
effect upon all the interests of the church, and the
troubles of the times prevented the growth of the con-
gregation.
Indeed, during the whole subsequent part of his
ministry, which w\as brought to a close in 1783, the
town was kept in a constant state of alarm. Caj)tain
* The building was not entirely destroyed, but, as the congregation con-
templated removing to another part of the city, instead of repairing the old
edifice it was sold to Mr. Ilassert, who removed it to New street and con-
verted it into a dwelling-house. This building is still standing, and is now
No. 21.
64 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
Hyler, to whose romantic exploits I have referred, made
this place his rendezvous. He had under his command
one gun-boat, the Defiance, and several large wliale-
l3oats, with which he would proceed down the Raritau
and annoy the trading vessels, transports, and plunder-
ing parties of the enemy around Staten and Long
Islands, and in the neighborhood of Sandy Hook. He
selected only the bravest men, so expert in the use of
the oar that, "when rowing at the rate of twelve iniles
an hour, they could be heard only at ashort distance.
He had the faculty of infusing into his men his own
spirit of adventure and daring. On one of his excur-
sions he captured five vessels, two of them armed, in
al)out fifteen minutes, within pistol-shot of the guard-
ship at Sandy Hook. In another enterprise he cap-
tured an eighteen-gun cutter, which he was forced to
blow up, after removing a quantity of stores and ammu-
nition. His plan Avas to sally out of his berth near the
upper lock, pass rapidly cloAvn the river, make his cap-
tures, and dash back again often pursued by the enemy,
who made slow progress ^vith their heavier vessels, and
dared not to follow him alonij: the tortuous channel of
the Raritan.
The annoyance Avas so great that an expedition ot
three hundred men, in several boats, was fitted out to
proceed to Brunswick, and destroy his whale-boats and
recapture some of the ammunition. The plan was car-
ried into effect January 4th, livS2. The river was clear-
of ice, and, proceeding cautiously up the Raritan, they
had nearly reached the town, when at midnight Mr.
Peter Wyckoff was awakened by the barking of a
watch-dog; and, holding his ear to the ground, he heard
the measured stroke of muffled oars, and at once con-
cluded that an attack was to be made upon the city.
HISTORICAL DISCOUESE. 65
Mounting a fleet liorse, lie gave the alarm to Captain
Guest, and spread tlie word from house to house, warn-
in 2: the inhabitants of dano-er. A scene of o-reat excite-
ment now ensued. Li^'hts flashed throuo;li the town,,
and in a short space of time all the able-bodied men
were under arms. But tlie enemy had reached the
whale-boats and set them on fire, when our men came
up, and, driving tliem ofi", prevented them from accom-
plishing their purpose They now found that* their
only safety consisted in a hasty retreat. The night was-
dark, and a running fight took place in the streets.
The British endeavored to reach their boats by passing
down Queen street to their rendezvous at the foot of
Town lane. But they were intercepted at the Dutch
church, from behind the walls of which a volley was
fired as they pressed on, eager only to escape. The
principal skirmish took place near Mr. Agnew's ; but
they succeeded in reaching the river, and made their
way back to Stateu Island. The enemy's loss in this
encounter was four men killed and several wounded.
On the side of the Americans there was the loss of six
persons wounded, none proving fatal, and fiv^e or six
prisoners. A ball was shot through the body of John
Nafey in this skirmish, but the promj^t attention of
Colonel Taylor saved his life. The enemy completely .
failed in the object of their expedition, and Captain
Hyler was on the water in a few weeks, more daring
than ever. He died in this city in 1782; but, strange
to relate, no one knows the place of his burial.
Some of the members of our congregation took a very
active part in this contest, and their names are honor-
ably mentioned in the history of the State. Of this
number the Elder Hendrick Fisher was most devotedly
interested iu the cause of liis country. Perhaj^s there
5
66 niSTORICAL DISCOUESE.
was no man whose influence was greater, or counsel
more souo-ht after, during the whole progress of the
war. He had been long at the head of the affairs of
the church, and was the acknowledged leader in the
congregation. He was born in the year 1697, emi-
grated to this country when quite a young man, and
was received into the membership of this church in
1721, shortly after the settlement of Mr. Frelinghu^^sen.
His elfiction to the office of deacon was resisted by the
party opposed to the minister; but their olvjections
were overruled, and he was accordingly ordained. He
was a mechanic by occupation, but a man of great in-
telligence, who deservedly commanded the respect and
confidence of his fellow-citizens, and occupied a very
prominent place in public estimation. In his private
character he Avas irreproachable, and for nearly sixty
years he was a consistent, useful, and active member
of the church. The confidence which was reposed
in him is indicated by his reelection to the office of
elder on several occasions, and his appointment to re-
present the church in all ecclesiastical courts. He was
a zealous supporter of the Coetus party, a member
of the first convention in 1738, and an attendant at
each one of their subsequent meetings. On the adop-
tion of the Plan of Union, in 1771, his name appears
among the delegates ; and, as a member of one of the
important committees, he Was instrumental in the in-
auguration of that new era of reconciliation and har-
mony in the church. AVith all his other attainments,
he was thoroughly versed in the science of theology,
and became a lay preacher and catechist. Some of his
sermons were published and circulated among the
people, and are said to have been rich in their doc-
trinal statements and pungent in their application of
the truth.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 67
In civil life he took a very honorable and imjoortant
stand. He was elected a member of tlie Assembly of
this State, and was serving in that capacity at the com-
mencement of the Ilevolutionary war. Although he
was at this time quite advanced in life, yet he entered
into the contest with great warmth and decision, and is
justly reputed to have contributed largely to the suc-
cess of our struggle for Independence. He was a dele-
gate to the Provincial Congress of New- Jersey, which
met at Trenton in May, 1775, of which important body
he was elected president, and in an opening address set
forth in a forcible manner the grievances of the Ameri-
can Colonies. He was chairman of the Committee of
Safety, exercising legislative authority during the re-
cesses of Congress, and held other offices of honor and
trust. In his public life, as in his private character, he
was without a blot, and evinced in all his acts the
spirit of a Christian patriot. While he made himself
obnoxious to his tory neighbors on account of his un-
compromising loyalty to the cause of his country, and
had to go constantly armed in his journeys, yet he was
a man of great courage, as well as of integrity. The
scattered materials of his history should be gathered
together, and his name preserved among the honoi'able
men of our State. The residence of Hendrick Fisher
was about five miles al)ove the city, on the road to
Boundbrook, and the farm which he occupied is now
in the possession of Isaac Brokaw. In an obscure
burial-ground, overgrown with a dense thicket, stands
a plain brov/n. slab, with the simple inscription, " In
memory of Hendrick Fisher, who departed this life
August 16th, 1779, in the eighty-second year of his
asfe."
Hon. James Schui'eman was at this time a -young man,
68 niSTOPJCAL DISCOURSE.
and was in active service during the war. lie had gradu-
ated at Queen's College about the year 1773, and was an
accurate scholar. Chiefly by means of his example and
eloquence in pleading at public meetings, a company
was formed in the town, who enlisted in the army, and
served with great credit at the battle of Long Island.
He had a command as captain in the early j)art of the
war, and was offered a high position in the regular
army. But he preferred to serve as a volunteer, and
held himself ready to go out at a moment's warning
against the enemy. In the daring expedition of Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Simcoe, at the. head of the Queen's
Rangers, from Amboy to Somerville, and thence to
Millstone — one of the most brilliant exploits of the war
— October 25th, 1779, Captain Guest interce])ted him
on his return about two miles beyond Brunswick, and
attacked the party. One man was killed and several
wounded ; Simcoe's horse received three balls, and, fall-
ing on him, wounded him severely, when a militia-man
was on the point of piercing him with his bayonet,
when Schureman knocked up his musket and took him
prisoner. Among the pursuers of the party was a Cap-
tain Peter Gr. Voorhees, a grandson of the Elder Minne,
and a brother-in-law of Colonel Neilson, who, in his
zeal, got in advance of his men, and was assaulted by
the enemy. In his effort to leap a fence at the inter-
section of George's road and Town lane, his horse be.
came entangled, and the British, on coming up, with
great cruelty wounded him with their swords, although
he was a prisoner in their hands, and left him senseless
in the road. He ^Ya.s brought into the city, and sur-
vived only a few hours. He was a young man very
highly esteemed, a brave officer in the regular army,
and the rage of the inhabitants at the brutal murder
HISTORICAL DISCOUESE. 69
was so s:reat that, during: the Dio:ht, the town was
searched for Simcoe, threatening revenge on his person.
He was concealed in the old stone house on the corner
of Neilson and Albany streets, from whence he was re-
moved to Burlington, where he remained a prisoner
until honorably exchanged.
Mr, Schureman was taken prisoner during the war
near the Mills on Lawrence Brook, and, after being
confined for a few days in the guard-house near the
Neilson mansion, lie was removed to the notorious
sugar-house, in the rear of the Middle Dutch Church,
New- York, from whence he made his escape to the
American army at Morristown. After the war was
closed, he was elected a member of Congress, in 1789,
after which he was chosen to the United States Senate
for a full term, and again returned to the House of Rep-
resentatives in 1812, as colleague with Richard Stock-
ton. He served several terms as Mayor of the city,
and as a citizen was held in high esteem. He was a
grandson of the school-master, Jacobus Schureman, and
an influential member of the church. He died January
22d, 1824, ill the sixty-eighth year of his age. The
confidence in which he was held by the community is
attested by the ofiices of trust to which he was ap-
pointed, both in church and state, and, to perpetuate
his name, one of the streets of the city w^as called after
liim, Schureman street.
The ministry of Mr. Leydt was brought to a close by
his sudden death, June 2d, 1783, in the sixty-fifth year
of his age, and thirty-fifth of his pastorate. He preached
on Sabbath morning, the day preceding, and was smit-
ten down by paral^^sis about noon. His funeral was
attended from his residence, and he was buried in the
70 HISTORICAL DIECOURSE.
yard at Three Mile Run.'- He was the pastor of this
church for thirty-five years. He left two sons, both of
whom graduated from Queen's College, and subse-
quently entered the ministry. Matthew was pastor
of a church in Bucks county. Pa., and died Noveml^er
24th, 1783.f Peter was settled at Ramapo, and died
at that place June 12th, 1796. J None of .>tlie descend-
ants of Mr. Leydt are now living.
He is described as a short, stout man, of dark fea-
tures, very quick in his movements, and in his dispo-
sition kind and affable. As a pastor he is said to kave
been highly esteemed, and to have had a peculiar fac-
ulty of drawing around him the young people of his
charge. His dress was the clerical costume of the
times, and in his manners he was a gentleman of the
old school and made himself agreealjle to all classes.
His preachino; was in the Dutch lano-uao-e, durins: the
early part of his ministry, exclusively; in his latter
years he preached in English one half the time. His
sermons were instructive, and always delivered with a
full voice and an earnestness of manner that held the
attention of his hearers. He was a good man and uni-
versally beloved, and his death was a public loss. The
* The graveyard had no connection with the old church at this spot, as
it was not used as a place of burial until some years after the building was
removed. Mr. Leydt's tombstone stands immediately in front of the gate,
with an inscription stating the day of his death and age. His wife, Treyntje
Sleight, died December 2d, 1763, aged thirty-six, and is buried by his side.
Two other stones mark the graves of his children — Elizabeth, died October
27th, 1760, aged twelve; and Anna, died June 10th, aged seven months.
t He is buried in the old ground, at a place familiarly known as " The
Buck," near which stood the first church building of the congregation of
North-Hampton, Pa. His tombstone bears the inscription, "In memory
of the Rev. Matthew Light, who died the 24th of November, 1783, aged
twenty-nine years."
I In the family burying-ground of Andrew Hopper, on the margin of the
river Ramapo, is a plain stone, with the inscription, " In memory of Rev.
Peter Light, who was born the Gth of November, 1763, and departed this
life the 12 th of June, 1796."
HISTORICAL DISCOUKSE. 71
total number of cadditions to the niembersliip of the
church during his ministry was one hundred and
twenty-four. The names of several are omitted from
the record, and we have no means of ascertaining the
actual number of communicants. The times were un-
favorable for religious growth, and the War of Inde-
pendence effectually checked the prosperity of the con-
gregation. But during all these years he had around
him a strong body of active and prayhig men, and a
goodly company of helping women. That there were
no revivals in his ministry is not a matter of sui-prise ;
that the church continued in existence durino* all these
troublous times is owing to the grace and power of her
Head.
While his time was very much occupied with the
public affairs of the church and the nation, in his par-
ticular charge he was always diligent. He has left be-
hind him the reputation of being a great peace-maker.
The fact that he carried the two congregations through
the perilous time of church-building in a spirit of har-
mony— one previous to 1766 at Six Mile Run, the other
at New-Brunswick completed in 1767, in both instances
selectino; new sites at a considerable distance from the
former localities — would go far to confirm the record.
During the period under review the proj)erty known
as the old burying-ground came into the possession of
the chui'ch. The southern portion, including and lying
below Liberty street, which was opened through it in
1810, was deeded to the congregation about 172-9 by
Mr. Jan Van Nuise, and was the first public cemetery
of the church. On August 1st, 1773, the lot was en-
larged by the gift of about two acres from Mr. Dennis
Van Liew, deeded to the trustees under the old char-
ter, for the benefit of the Reformed Dutch Church. A
72 niSTORICAL DISCOURSE.
clause in the deed states that " the greatest part of the
said piece of ground was anciently given as a burial-
place for the dead, and ahv^ays has been used for that
purpose."
During the vacancy that followed on the death of
Mr. Leydt, tlie pulpit was supplied by neighboring
ministers. On one of these Sabbaths the services were
conducted by Kev. AVilliam Jackson, the son-indaw of
Mr. Frelinghuj^sen. An anecdote is related of him,
which, at this stage of our discourse, will seem quite
appropriate. lie "was a great orator, according to all
accounts, but addicted to the unfortunate hal)it of
preaching long sermons. The days were short, and in
the morning service lie had given them a discourse of
near two hours in length, and the afternoon seemed to
])romise quite as long. Darkness was coming on, and
there were no arrano-ements for lio-htinof the buildino; ;
when James Schureman 2:ave to the minister a si^-n
that it would be ao-reeable to the conoTeo;ation if he
would brino' his sermon to a cIdsc. With o-reat vehe-
mence of gesticulation Mr. Jackson cried out in a sten-
torian voice, in the Dutch language, " Zit neer, Jacobus
fScJmreman, ih zeg zit neer / Paidus prediMe tot den
midder-naclit r — "Sit down, James Schureman, I say
sit do\vai ; Paul preached until midnight."
Sixty-six years had now elapsed since the organiza-
tion of the church, and from 1720, the year of Dominie
Frelinghuysen's settlement, they had enjoyed without
interruption the stated administration of the ordinances.
But in the summer of 1783 the situation of the church
was most perplexing, and some were greatly discour-
aged. The excellent pastor, Mr. Leyclt, had died, uni-
versally lamented, just at the close of the Kevolution-
arv war. The church buildino:, which had been almost
HISTORICAL DISCOUESE. 73
destroyed by the enemy, tliougli temporarily repaired
on the evacuation of the to^\'n by the British army,
still showed signs of the depredations to which it had
been exposed. The people were exhausted with the
long struggle through which they had passed, while
the business of the city had been entirely suspended.
Many of the families had removed into the country to
escape the troubles of the times, and had not yet re-
turned. The Presbyterian church experienced similar
troubles. After the loss of their edifice by fire, instead
of rebuilding on the old site in Burnet street, they re-
moved to their present eligible situation, purchasing
four lots at a public vendue held by the sheriff of the
county, Abraham Schuyler, Esq., for the sum of £148.
But the labor of building the new church did not
commence until the following year, when that congre-
gation was forced to seek aid from abroad, under a
recommendation from Governor Livingston, who repre-
sents them as " greatly reduced in number, and injured
in property, by the havoc of war."
This was the situation of aftairs in the city on the
death of Mr. Leydt. But j^ublic worship was main-
tained with considerable regularity, as appears from
the register of baptisms, and the entries made in the
almoner's book of collections for the poor. But there
was a work yet for this church to do under God, who
had in store for them a rich gift in their next pastor.
On the death of Mr. Leydt, Six Mile Run united with
Millstone in the settlement of Rev. John M. Van
Harlingen ; while New-Brunswick undertook the sup-
port of a minister alone. Rev. Simon Van Arsda-
len, of Readington, was called in 1784, but he could
not be induced to accej^t the invitation, and it was not
74 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
until tlie tall of the following year that tliey secured
the services of the third pastor of this church.
REV. JACOB KUTSEX IIARDEXBERGII, D.D.
The call v/as sent to him in October, lf85, but he
did not commence his ministry until the next spring,
at the same time he assumed the Presidency of Queen's
College. His father. Colonel Johannes Hardenbergh,
emigrated from Prussia in the latter part of the seven-
teenth century, and, by purchase, became the proprietor
of a tract of land in Ulster county, N. Y., known as the
Hardenbergh Patent. Jacob was born at Rosendale, in
1738. His literary education was not so extensive as
might be desired, enjoying only the advantages of the
Academy of Kingston. His theological studies he
pursued under the direction of Rev. John Freling-
huysen, of Raritan. He was licensed to preach by the
Coetus, in 1757, when only twenty years of age. His
preceptor dying suddenly, he was immediately called
to succeed him in his pastoral chai'ge, and in the month
of May, 1758, he commenced his labors in the five
united cono-recrations of Raritan, North-Branch, Mill-
stone, Bedminster, and JSTew-Shannock. Of two of
these cono-reo-ations he was relieved in 1761. In this
extensive field he labored with great fidelity during a
period of twenty-five years. While at Raritan he en-
countered numerous difficulties. At the commencement
of his ministry, the church was distracted with the
long controversy, which was carried on witli great
warmth in his o^vn charge, and his latter years were
spent amid the din of the Revolution.*
* During the latter part of his ministry the congrc.f^ation was destitute
of a house of worship. Their church edifice was destroyed by fire in
1779, by the British forces under Colonel Simco, and was not rebuilt until
HISTORICAL DISCOUESE. 75
He remained at Somerville until the year 1781,
wlien lie retired to Ms native place and served the
church at Rochester until his removal to this city in
the month of April, 1786. Almost immediately on the
death of Mr. Leydt, this church looked to him as his
successor, and at the same time the trustees of the
college desired his services as its President, electing as
his associate John Taylor, the patriot of the Revolu-
tion, Professor of Natural Philosophy and Mathematics.
With this two-fold charge he labored with intense zeal
and devotion, and drew around him a strong congrega-
tion. Early in the year 1787, the church edifice, which
had been temporarily repaired after the destruction of
the war, was thoroughly remodeled. The building was
reseated and painted, a fence for the first time erected
around the inclosure, and burials in the ground com-
menced.
This was the beginning of a marked period in the
histoiy of the church. Dr. Hardenbergh had endeared
himself to the people by the influence he had exerted
during the struggle for Independence. Pie had shown
a willingness to serve his country by any sacrifice or
labor that he could render in her cause. He was the
personal friend of Washington, whose headquarters
durino; several months were within the bounds of his
congregation at Raritan, and who uniformly attended
his church, taking his seat at the head of the elders'
pew. On two different occasions he was selected by
our citizens to deliver the oration at the Anniversary of
Independence, and among all classes he was eminently
popular.
1788, seven years after Mr. Hardenbergh' s resignation. The sufferings of
that community were so great that it is not a matter of surprise that they
were so long destitute of a sanctuary.
76 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
He was a man of slender frame, and gave early indi-
cations of pulmonary disease. His failing healtli inter-
fered witli bis ministerial work, and lie was only sus-
tained by great firmness of purpose and a spirit of ele-
vated devotion. Admonished by his failing health that
his ministry might be sliort, he embraced every oppor-
tunity to make the Gospel message tell upon the hearts
of his hearers. I have a letter written by him to Dr-
Livingston, a short time preceding his death, breathing
a beautiful spirit of Christian trust and resignation, and
exhibiting the character of a true ambassador of the
Lord Jesus.
His increasing indisposition led him " to take fre-
quent reviews of a life so far spent," and he exclaims :
" Oh ! what abundant reasons of humiliation before God
has such a poor creature as I am. Blessed be God ! a
Jesus is given, is living, is interceding for poor, indi-
gent, sinful worms. I am sure, if there was not such a
plan of salvation provided and irresistibly executed,
my hope for a world of happiness would sink into
gloomy despair. But on a review of many experiences
of pardoning and supporting grace — free, infinitely free
grace — my hope for a future happy world receives
wings; and, on renewed views of such a suitable and
glorious 2:)lan of redemj^tion — views of my dearest Je-
sus— I try to mount on high, and now think I would
venture with satisfaction into the world of spirits."
But in the midst of great feebleness he labored in-
cessantly in the cause of his Master and for the up-
building of this church. On the 30th of March, 1790,
he procured for this church an act of incorporation
under the general law of tlie State of New-Jersey,
passed at Perth Amboy, November 25th, 1789, assum-
ing the name of " the Ministers, Elders, and Deacons of
niSTOKICAL DISCOURSE. 77
the Consfresfation of New-Brunswick." The seal of the
coi'poration adopted at a subsequent meeting of Con-
sistory Las the appropriate device of a burning lamp in
the centre, and the words "Dutch Cliurch of New-
Brunswick" in the circumference, which was henceforth
to be affixed to all legal documents. This is the pres-
ent title which we hold in law, and according to which
we transact all the temporal concerns of the congrega-
tion.
But his useful and laborious life w^as drawing to a
close. In hopes that traveling and a change of climate
would administer relief, he spent a few weeks in the
months of Aj^ril and May, 1790, in his native town;
but he returned worse than when he left the city, "and
was almost determined to relinquish business, and to
retire to his farm durino: the summer season." But he
could not abandon the work of the ministry, nor leave
his post as the President of the college. Again he
sought relief in a change of objects, and in rest at Perth
Amboy, in attendance upon the Legislature then in ses-
sion. And now he returns so much invisforated that
he is able to preach the preparation sermon on Satur-
day, and administer the communion and preach twice
on the Lord's Day with comparative ease. " I enter-
tain some hopes," he writes, " that the God of all grace
did not leave himself without some witness." It was
his last communion season, and he enjoyed in an un-
usual degree the presence and support of his precious
Saviour. " Oh ! how sweet, how comforting the promise,"
is his language to Dr. Livingston, " that he will not for-
sake his people. Let us believe, trust, and pray for
grace, to be made faithful to our God unto death."
And that event for which he was so fully prepared was
not far off. His work was now done, and the Master
78 niSTOEICAL DISCOURSE.
was waiting to receive liiin. He resigned the presi-
dency of the college in the summer, and died quite
unexpectedly on the 20th of October, 1790, in the fifty-
third year of his age. His tomb stands at the east of
the pulpit, and the inscription, prepared, as we un-
derstand by Dr. Livingston, though nearly erased by
the action of the elements, gives a riiost admirable
exhibition of his character.'"*
His call to the presidency of the college shows tlie
estimation in which he was held as a scholar and disci-
plinarian, as well as a divine. His analyses of sermons
speak for both the vigor of his intellect and the thor-
oughness of his theoloo'ical education. He was a man
O CD
of strong mind and extensive reading, and in his day
was justly regarded as one of the pillars of the Re-
formed Dutch Cliurch. On four different occasions he
was chosen President of General Synod, and he was
long regarded as second only to Dr. Livingston, with
whom he constantly cooperated in all the interests of
the church and the colleo-e. He labored for the estab-
lishment of this institution, and by personal applications
from door to door, along with Dominie Leydt, procured
the orioinal funds for its endowment. Several memo-
rials to the General Synod urging the claims of the
college, written by him, are still preserved, and bear
witness to the zeal with which he advocated the claims,
* Here lies the body of J. R. Hardenbergb, D.D., late pastor of this
church, who departed this hfe the oOtli day of October, 1790, aged fifty-
two years, months, and days. He was a zealous preacher of the
Gospel, and his life and conversation afforded, from his earliest days, to all
who knew him, a bright example of real piety. He was a steady patriot,
and in his public and private conduct he manifested himself to be the ene-
my of tyranny and oppression, the lover of freedom, and the friend of his
countr}^ He has gone to his Lord and Redeemer, in whose atonement he
confidently trusted. He has gone to receive the fruits of his faithful labors,
and the reward of a well-spent life. Reader, while you lament the loss to
society and his fiiends, go walk in his virtuous footsteps ; and when you have
finished the work assigned you, you shall rest with him in eternal peace.
UISTOEICAL DISCOUESE. 79
and the affection which he felt for an institution to
whicli he had devoted his best enermes. His last
public act was a plea before the Synod, at their meet-
iug in New- York, October 5th, 1790, that they would
provide means to sustain the college and furnish the
early succor so greatly needed. As its first President,
he labored under the disadvantas:es of a small endow-
ment, few assistants in giving instruction, and the want
of proper facilities in the way of library, buildings, and
apparatus. But he sent out several able scholars, and
laid foundations which have made this cherished seat
of learning one of the prominent institutions of our
land.
As the pastor of this church he had a very successful
ministry. On two different occasions there was the un-
usual manifestation of God's Spirit in the conversion
of souls. The whole number received into tlie cliurch
during the four years of his pastorate v^^as sixty-nine.
At his first communion he admitted fifteen on profes-
sion of their faith, and in the yetir 1788 twenty -seven
were added to the church. Indeed, his wiiole ministry
seems to have been a continual revival, a most blessed
close to a most useful and laborious life. He was re-
membered by a few of the aged inhabitants when I
first settled here, and it would seem that they were not
able to speak sufficiently in his praise. He was elo-
quent in the j)ulpit, and impressed every one with his
tone of devotional feeling — a minister eminently be-
loved by all who knew him.
Dr. Hardenbergh was the last minister ot this church
who preached in the Dutch language. His plan was
to use the Dutch at the morning service and the Eng-
lish in the afternoon. From this date all the records of
the church are kept wholly in English, and the Dutch
passed away forever.
80 HISTOEICAL DISCOURSE.
On his settlement at Raritan lie mamed the widow
of his preceptor, Rev. John Frelinghuysen, to whose
influence he was indebted, in no small degree, for his
eminent usefulness. The character which she has left
behind her, under the familiar name of the Jufvrow
Hardenbergh, distinguishes her as one of the most re-
markable women of her day. Dinah Van Berg was
born in the city of Amsterdam, February 10th, 1725.
Her father was a wealthy merchant, extensively en-
gaged in the East India trade, who reared his family in
the midst of all the fashion and ]'eiinement of the me-
troplis, but without any instruction in religion. She
became the subject of divine grace in early youth, and
was remarkable for her raj)id attainments in godliness
and unusual exercises of faith. Her naturally strong
intellect w^as developed by her early education, and the
vigor of her mind was seen even down to the period of
old age. While still residing in her father's house, her
attainments in the i-eli2:ious life were so marked and
decided as to arrest attention from all who knew her.
It is related that on the occasion of her prostration by
sickness, though the prosj^ect of her recovery was re-
garded as hopeless by the most skillful physician, yet
she had such faith in God that he w-ould raise her up,
and give her a work to do in the church, that she fixed
upon the very day when the progress of the disease
would be arrested and her health completely restored.
And almost at the hour indicated she started in a
course of rapid improvement, and it was always be-
lieved by her that God had spared her life in answer
to special prayer.
She became acquainted with Mr. John Frelinghuysen,
then pursuing his theological studies, during this very
sickness ; and shortly after, though at first strongly op-
^ HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 81
posed by lier parents, she was united with him in mar-
riao-e, and embarked for her home in America. The
death of her husband, in the twenty -fifth year of his
age, brought her to the decision of returning immedi-
ately to her native country. She was upon the point
of embarking with her two children on the voyage to
Holland, when Mr. Hardenbergh, who had not yet
completed his studies, made her an offer of marriage.
Her surprise was indicated by the answer, " My child,
what are j'^ou thinking about?" Yielding to the soli-
citation, she consented to a second marriage, with this
young man, who became, as we have seen, a distin-
guished scholar and divine, and was, no doubt, a most
efficient co-worker with him in the important services
he rendered to his country and the church.
She was a woman of great intelligence as well as of
piety, an extensive reader and correspondent, and her
influence was felt throughout the whole denomination.
For a considerable period she kept an elaborate jour-
nal, still preserved, which is said to be superior for its
tone of spirituality and of great intellectual vigor.
Thus she commences: "It was the beginning of the
year 1747; midnight had arrived and passed, and I
continued in earnest supplication before the Lord,
yielding myself anew to walk in his ways, to be en-
gaged in his service, and to cleave to his people. My
heart went forth in earnest desires after larger measures
of the renewing grace of the Holy Ghost. Oh ! that old
things might be made more fully to pass away, the
power of depravity be brought into subjection, and the
blessed image of the Lord Jesus be more fully trans-
ferred to me, and all things become new. My soul
arose in petitions to God for the dear jDeoj^le of the
Lord, both at my own place at Amsterdam and else-
6
83 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
where, that God would grant tliem a renewal of Lis
loving-kindness and larger measures of faith. Oh !
that the Lord Avould bring many of the people out of
their distresses; that a formal Christianity might j)ass
away, and the power of godliness be made again to
appear. For God's ministering servants I also found
in my heart to supplicate much assistance in their
weighty work, that they might be more and moi'e
faithful, and firm in their attachment to the cause,
truth, and people of God, and be enabled by a con-
sistent and godly walk to be examples to the flock."
The following devout exercises on her birthday are
recorded in her journal : " Friday, February 10th, 1747,
I was twenty-two years old. I awoke with these words
upon my mouth, ' I was cast upon Thee.' My thoughts
became fixed in intent contemplation upon the wonder-
ful dealiu2:s of God with me even from the first mo-
ments of my existence, and I was led to say, ' Many are
thy wonderful works towards me.' I was led in de-
vout meditation upon the preserving care of God over
me, and the wonderful deliverance I had experienced ;
upon his bounty to me as to the things of this world ;
but especially upon the dealings of his grace that in
my youth he was pleased to draw me out of the midst
of the evil world. I now earnestly desire more en-
tirely to consecrate myself unto God, and to yield to
him the best of my time and strength." The whole
journal is pervaded with a similar sj^irit, and exhibits
a mind in direct and habitual communion with God.
Mrs. Hardenbergh has left at her first home in Rari-
tan, as well as in New-Brunswick, a name which places
her in the hisrhest rank of female Christians. In this
city she was a most efficient aid to her husband in the
discharge of his various duties. She visited the sick,
nrSTORICAL DISCOURSE. 83
attended to the necessities of the poor, and was a com-
forter in homes of affliction. The two services on the
Sabbath were held with an intermission of one horn",
during which time the country members of the congre-
gation would remain until the afternoon sermon. Juf-
vrow Hardenbergh employed the interval in pious con-
versation with the people, and, gathering around her a
group of hearers, would frequently enter into an elabo-
rate exposition of some point in Christian doctrine or
passage of Scripture. She was a warm friend of the
college, and on the death of her husband was anxious
that a successor should be immediately appointed, and
the institution fostered and built up. There is in ex-
istence a letter written to Dr. Livingston, July 2d,
1791, in which she pleads earnestly with him to accept
the position of president, to which he had been elected,
and remove to New-Brunswick. New-York could
spare him in view of this more pressing call. She
writes: "There are more hopes that that breach would
be healed than the one among; us. Where is there a
man for us ? Our Dutch ministers are young men of
little experience, and have no publicity in the church,
however much otherwise esteemed and loved by us.
My dear sir, I have heard you say to my now departed
husband that you regarded the college as the fountain
of the church ; why, then, be engaged with the streams,
and let the fountain dry up? The Lord enable you to
discern what is His holy will ; and, if you can do
nothing more, oh ! pray for us, and by your counsel
and cooperation be to us instead of eyes." She had
just been permitted to partake of the Lord's Supper in
this church, and she assures Dr. Livingston that the
Saviour never seemed to her more precious. " This pre-
cious Lord Jesus will be our joy in heaven. Oh ! the
84 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
blessedness of being permitted to cast our crowns for-
ever before bira."
This remarkable -woman survived ber busband seven-
teen years, and died at tbe residence of ber son, Hon.
J. R. Hardenbergh, No. 14 Water street, March 2Gth,
1807. She bad attained tbe venerable age of eigbty-
two years, and ber deatb was a scene of triumph. She
rests by the side of her husband, " of high attainments
bere in grace, now resting in glory." Tbe following
verse, of great poetic beauty, very appropriately testi-
fies to ber exalted attainments, and is engraved upon
ber tomb-stone :
"Tell how she climbed the everlasting hills,
Survejnng all the realms above ;
Eorne on a strong-winged faith, and on
The liery wheels of an immortal love."
The children of ber first marriao-e were a daus-bter,
Eva, wbo became tbe wife of Mr. Casj)er Van Nostrand,
of Ulster county, N. Y., Avliere several of ber descend-
ants are still living; and Frederick, the fatber of the
late Hon. Theodore Frelingbuysen. All wbo bear this
honored name in our section of country are the de-
scendants of Frederick, the only son of Kev. John Fre-
lingbuysen, of Raritan.
At tbe close of Mr. Hardenbergb's ministry, the
cburch w^as in a settled, prosj^erous, and harmonious
condition. They bad enjoyed only for a short time the
labors of this devoted man, but they bad been yeavs of
grovvtb and improvement in every department of churcb
life. His ripest views of truth he had here preached,
bis fervent appeals and instructions bad been blessed
by encouraging ingatherings, and the tenderness of his
spirit, discij)lined by affliction, bad left its impress on
xill bearts. It is said that the day of bis funeral was
HISTOEICAL DISCOURSE. 85
one of great solemnity. He liacl been a man of distinc-
tion in civil life, as well as in ecclesiastical and educa-
tional interests. An active member of the convention
that framed the first constitution of New-Jersey, a
patriot whose life, often threatened by his tory neigh-
bors, had compelled liim to sleep with a loaded musket
at bis bed-side, caused the whole community to recog-
nize in his death the loss of one of their most distin-
guished citizens, as well as a great divine.
As soon as the church could I'ecover from the pain
of their loss, they sought for a suitable successor, but
were subjected to repeated disappointments. It was
again proposed that the Consistory of the church should
call as their pastor, and the trustees of the college should
elect as their president, one who should discharge the
duties of both offices. Under this arrano-ement Dr.
Livingston was elected, 1jut declined ; so also did Dr.
Theodoric Romeyn. In the mean while the college con-
tinued to languish, until the year 1795, when its doors
were closed, not to be opened until its revival under
the efficient management of the succeeding pastor of
this church, in 1807. Two years- were consumed in
these negotiations, and now the church enters upon the
work alone, and in earnest.
An effort was made to settle Rev. John Bassett in
October, 1792, then pastor of the church of Albany, but
Avithout success. So urerent was the cono;re2:ation that
the effort was renewed, with the promise of a large ad-
dition to the salary, but with a similar result. The
pulpit remained vacant until quite late in the year
1793. In the early part of the summer of that year,
a man in the prime of life preached in the Presbyterian
church, with whom our people were so well pleased
that they invited him to remain and sujDply their pulpit
86 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
tLe following Sabbat li. The result was a unanimous
call, August 24:th, 1793, to the fourth pastor,
EEV. IRA CONDICT, D.D.
He Avas born at Orange, Essex county, February
21st, 1764. He received his academic instruction under
Dr. McWhorter, of Newark, and became a student of
Princeton College. He became a subject of grace while
a member of college, and immediately devoted himself
to the gosj^el ministry. It is said that he cherished a
desire for the ministry from his youth, and was accus-
tomed to view every Providence as pointing toward
the sacred office. While a member of college, he took
a very high stand as a scholar, and Avas particularly
distinguished for his accuracy in the classics. He gra-
duated from that institution in the year 1784, under the
presidency of the celebrated Dr. John Witherspoon.
His theological studies he j^ursued under the direction
of Dr. Woodhull, of Monmouth, and Avas licensed by
the Presbytery of NeAV-Bruns,Avick in 178G. April 20th,
1787, he Avas called to the united congregations of
NcAvtoAvn and HardAvick, in Sussex county, and imme-
diately entered upon the field of his labors. Here he
found a Avide and destitute region, demanding great
energy of character and powers of endurance. Within
the compass of his old pastoral cliarge noAV exist several
flourishing Presl^yterian churches, as also of other de-
nominations. His ministry continued at this place for
six years, and he left there the impress of his noble
character. He Avas aided and encouraged by a most
excellent Avife, Avhom many of you Avill remember as
" highly gifted in intellectual and spiritual graces," and
Avhose mind retained all of its A^o^or in the midst of
protracted sufferings.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE, 87
In Dr. Condict's call it is stipulated tliat the services
are to be conducted in the English language, and that
he should preach two sermons in summer and one
during the winter months. He was also to hold regu-
lar services " on the instituted feast-days of Christmas,
New- Year, Easter, Whitsunday, and Ascension day, ac-
cording to the custom of the church." The salary pro-
mised was £180, and a comfortable dwelling-house.
The names of the following officers are attached to the
call : John Schureman, John Van Neste, William Van
Deursen, Garret Voorhees, elders; Fredrick Outcalt,
John Thompson, Denice Vanliew, and John Bice, dea-
cons. The original subscription-paper is still preserved,
headed by the name of John Schureman, the son of the
school-master. On the list we find, in a large bold
hand, the signature of Dinah Hardenbergh, a ruling
power in the church, as Ave have seen ; as also that of
John Neilson, a Presbyterian, whose wife, Catharine
Voorhees, always retained her connection with the
Dutch Church.
Dr. Condict did not commence his resrular duties as
O
the pastor of the church until the first of November.
The extent of the cono;re2;ation at the commencement of
his ministry will give some idea of the amount of labor
that he performed. In addition to the town charge,
the families extended north to Boundbrook, and on the
opposite side of the Raritan to New-Market, south
along George's road five miles, and down to South
river, and west two miles beyond the present site of
the Middlebush church.
The first .act of the Consistory was to procure a suit-
able residence for the minister. For a few months Mr.
Condict lived in Neilson street, now number eight, in a
house rented of William Lawson, at the rate of £37
88' HISTORICAL DISCOUESE.
lOs. per annum. When the churches of New-Bruns-
^\dch: and Six Mile Run were in connection, they owned
a parsonage at Three Mile Run. On the death of Mr.
Leydt, this j^i'operty was sold to Mr. Jacob Skillman,
and the portion that fell to the share of this church,
£195 8s. 4d., was appropriated to the purchase of seven-
teen acres of land on George's road, now in possession
of Mr. Edwin Allen, at a cost of £200, and also a house
and lot in Church street, now number sixty-two, of
John Bray. The building was in an unfinished state,
and cost, with the repairs, made under the direction of
the Consistory, £475 lis. 6d. Here Dr. Condict resided
until his removal, in 1798, to a farm of one hundred
and thirteen acres, near Milltown, now the property of
Mr. Henry H. Booram, but wdncli is still known as the
Condict farm.""* The situation was distant and incon-
venient; but that the church did not suffer in conse-
quence of his residence so far from the centre is evident
from its steady growth, demanding additional church
accommodations, which was accomplished in 1803 by
the erection of commodious galleri"es, and by the ad-
vance of his salary from £180 to £280, in connection
with a commodious j^arsonage.
While there does not seem to have been any remark-
able season of revival under his ministry, yet there was
a gradual increase to the membership of the church,
* Dr. Condict purchased a property in Church street, number seventy-
four, to which he removed in the spring of 1704, and resided there until the
parsonage was completed. This house was sold by his widow a few j'ears
afler his death. The parsonage remained in the hands of the Consistory
until 1809, when it was sold to Mr. Henr}' Van Arsdalen. The seventeen
acres in George's road were sold about the same time, and a property of
four or five acres purchased on Somerset and Hamilton streets, known in
subsequent transactions of Consistory as "the parsonage lot." In the
speculation in city lots M'hich prevailed in this town in the year 1814, a
part of this ground was surveyed, laid out into squares, and sold at high
prices; but parties who purchased failed, and very little was ever realized
for a projierty which is now of great value.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 89
and it is a, gratifying record that no communion season
passed without tlie addition of some new members.*
Among this number there were three young men who
subsequently entered the gospel ministry, and occupied
distinguished positions in the church, John Schureman,
John S. Yredenbergh, and Kobert Bronk.
Dr. Condict was one of the most efficient pastors
whom this church has enjoyed. While he was practical
and earnest as a preacher, and always came into the
pulpit with a well-prepared discourse, among the fami-
lies of his charge he excelled. In catechising, pastoral
visitation, and labors among the poor he had not his
superior. He was remarkably punctual in all his en-
gagements, and in his most distant preaching places he
was found at the hour ready to commence the services.
While he has left behind him a character for remarka-
ble gravity in his deportment, and was subject to occa-
sional moods of despondency, yet he was gifted with
fine conversational powers, and frequently, in social
intercourse with his people, he would throw off all re-
serve and exhibit a mind full of vivacity. As a mem-
ber of church judicatories he was active, and always
took a prominent part in debate. The General Synod
of our church elected him their President at their meet-
ing in Albany, in June, 1800. It is said that his assist-
ance was gi'eatly sought after by congregations who
were vacant, and his judicious counsels often led to
the amicable adjustment of difficulties which were be-
ginning to assume formidable proportions.
He gained a very just popularity for his learning, and
while he was laborious as a pastor he did not neglect
his study. The minute of Classis, referred to by Mr.
*For a list of church members made at the commencement of his minis-
try, see Appendix lY.
90 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
Corwin, in reference to the necessary suspension of the
strict examination of students on the removal of Dr.
Condict by death, while " not very complimentary to
the survivors," at the same time exhibits the estimation
in which he ^vas held as a scholar.
Intimately connected with the history of our church,
at the period now under review, are connected the re-
moval of the Theological Seminar}?- to this city and the
reorganization of the College. In addition to his labors
as the pastor of the church, Dr. Condict took a deep
interest in these institutions, and, as a trustee of Queen's
College, by his personal exertions was mainly instru-
mental in its partial revival in 1807. An endowment
of twenty thousand dollars was secured, and when it
again went into operation, after having been suspended
for twelve years, he was chosen Vice-President and
Professor of Moral Philosophy. The building in which
the exercises were held stood near the site of the Sec-
ond Presbyterian Church, afterward removed to Schure-
man street, and is now known as the Lancasterian
School. The college owned two" acres of land lying
west of our old burying-ground, which property was
afterward sold and the funds invested in the erection
of the present edifice, the foundation of which was laid
in 1809. Dr. Condict had removed about the year
1805 fromMilltowm, and resided during the remainder
of his pastorate at No. 32 Water street. The number
of students was very encouraging, and for the measure
of success which this institution then enjoyed it is in-
debted largely to the personal labor and sacrifice of the
pastor of this church. When the history of this insti-
tution shall be written, it Avill be found that to him
more than to any other man is she indebted for this
noble building, standing in its beautiful location as an
niSTOmCAL DISCOUESE. 91
ornament to our city. He was mainly instrumental in
securing from Mr. James Parker, by gift, the lot on
wlncli it stands. The first subscription paper for the
edifice was drawn up by his own hand, and by great
perseverance he overcame all the obstacles thrown m
his way, and some time before his death he had the
satisfaction of seeing the building rise in its fine pro-
portions, and his eftbrts crowned with com^Dlete success.
The first commencement, under this new impulse, was
held in October, 1809, in the old stone church ; and in
the class of five graduates three were young men of this
cono^refratiou — Cornelius L. Hardenbero-h, the c:rand-
son of the former pastor, J. M. Van Harlingen, and the
valedictorian of the day. Dr. William Van Deursen,
who is present with us on this occasion with a memory
reaching back to the college scenes of fifty-eight years
ago.
Connected with the revival of the College, and as a
part of the plan, was the removal of the Theological
Seminary to this city, in the year 1810, at which time
that distinguished professor, Dr. John H. Livingston,
took up his residence here, assuming at the same time
the Presidency of the College. It is to the honor of
our denomination that she organized the first Theologi-
cal Institution in our land, Dr. Livins-ston receivino; his
appointment as early as 1781. But it was not until
the year 1810 that the Seminary, on its permanent es-
tablishment in this city, started on a career of prosper-
ity which has made it a fountain of life for the church
and the world. The institution prospered greatly un-
der the labors of that veneral:)le man, whom the church
delighted to honor. One hundred and twenty young
men enjoyed the benefit of his instructions in their pre-
paration for the ministry. And it would hardly be
02 UISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
possible to set boundaries to the sphere of liis influence.
The Seminary in his clay had its discouragements and
trials ; but it has passed through them all, and with the
advance of years it is more than ever imbedded in the
affections of the whole church.
Dr. Condict was greatly favored during the whole
period of his ministry in the character of those who
labored Avith him in the Gospel, both in the city and
surrounding country. In the Presbyterian church he
was associated with Dr. Joseph Clark, (1797 to 1813,)
a man of eminent ability, remarkably dignified in- his
appearance, and greatly esteemed by the 2')eople. His
sudden death created a great sensation through the
town. The text for his Sabbath morning discourse
was, "The time is short," and on the following Tues-
day, retiring to rest with ordinary health, he was ar-
rested by the hand of death some time before the dawn
of morning. In the Episcopal church we find tlie Rev.
John Croes, (1801 to 1832,) afterward the Bishop of
New-Jersey, characterized as " the watchful pastor, the
instructive 2^i"eacher, the thoughtful writer, the sound,
well-read divine." Of the ministers of our own denom-
ination, in the churches surrounding Ne\V-Brunswick,
we have, at Six Mile Run and Hillsborough, (179G to
1807,) a young man of great j)romise, and afterward of
great distinction. Rev. James S. Cannon. At the old
church of Mr. Frelinghuysen, at North-Branch, Rev.
Dr. Peter Studiford (1787 to 1826) labored Avith all
his strength until God called him home. At Raritan
we have Rev. John S. Vredenbergh, (1800 to 1821,)
one of the gifted young men of our own church, the
son of a prominent elder, whom Dr. Condict had him-
self received into her communion, and whom he re-
joiced over as his spiritual offspring. And Rev.William
niSTOEICAL DISCOURSE. 93
R Smith, (1794 to 1817,) with liis colleague, Eev.
Henry Polhemus, at Neshanic and Harlingen, fills up
the catalogue of those who labored with him in the
Gospel throughout this region.
Under the efficient labors of Dr. Condict the church
steadily increased in strength, and with the growth of
the population enlarged accommodations were again
demanded. For two years the cpiestion was agitated
of enlarging the old building, or of constructing a new
edifice. After discussing various plans, the jDroject of a
new building was finally adopted with great harmony.
An efficient building committee was appointed March
11th, 1811, consisting of Matthew Egerton, Staats Van
Deursen, John Clark, John D. Van Liew, and Michael
Garrish. The arrangements were all completed, con-
tracts were entered into with builders, and the work
was going forward in a spirit of harmony which sel-
dom marks such undertakings, when a sudden cloud
rested upon the whole enterprise in the unexpected
death of the beloved Condict.
The old stone church in which your fathers wor-
shiped for nearly fifty years, and which, though un-
adorned, had connected with it so many precious associa-
tions, Avas to be occupied for the last time on Sabbath,
May 20th. On the following morning the work of
demolition was to commence preparatory to rebuilding.
In the Providence of God this was also to be the last
sermon which Dr. Condict was to preach previous to his
departure. As if in anticipation of what was to take
place, he took for his text this striking passage of Scrip-
ture from Deut. 4 : 22, 23 : " But I must die in this
land, I must not go over Jordan : but ye shall go over,
and possess that good land. Take heed unto your-
selves, lest ye forget the covenant of the Lord your
94 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
Gocl, wliicli lie made "witli 3'ou, and make you a graven
image, or tlie likeness of any thing, wliich the Lord thy
God hath forbidden thee." He dwelt with particular
emphasis upon keeping God's covenant, and the touch-
ing allusions "which he made to the old sanctuary made
the house a scene of weeping.
On Monday the workmen commenced ; the bell was
taken down from the tower and the pews removed,
when on Friday the word was circulated that Dr. Con-
diet was confined to his house by sickness. The Sab-
bath came, and he was unable to meet his people.
During the early part of the "week there were hopes of
his recovery, but all expectation was removed as early
as Wednesday, when the announcement was made that
he would not probal^ly recover. Dr. Thomas De Witt,
who was residing in his family pursuing his studies in
the Seminary, has left us in manuscri2;)t a record of the
closing scene.
The disease which terminated in his death was very
violent from its commencement, and Dr. Condict him-
self thought that it would prove fatal. While he mani-
fested the 2,'reatest resi2:nation durino- the whole of his
sickness, toward the close his faith amounted to rapture.
Dr. Livingston visited him daily, and these two godly
men, the one on the bed of death, the other in the ripe
experience of age, held such conversation as we may
suppose that the saints in glory enjoy. In the early
stages of the disease, he was exposed to great spiritual
conflicts and distress. To the venerable professor he
remarked : " I have been much harassed and disturbed ;
still I hope." When the reply was made that it was a
precious exercise of faith simply to wait upon the Lord
and leave the event with him, he answered : "It is so,
but Jesus must give the grace." And that grace the
■^v.^-v-^'
REFOKMED DUTCH CHURCH, NEW-BRUXSWICK. N. J.
Krected 1767. Taken down ISll.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 95
Saviour did bestow. On Wednesday, (he died on
Saturday after suffering great bodily pain,) he said:
" Plow s'ood is the Lord to me in the midst of afflictiou.
I can say, I liave "waited for thy salvation. O Lord ; it
is a precious salvation."
On Thursday evening, as if in profound meditation,
he used this language : " I know Christ died for, I
know he can keep, and will keep what I have com-
mitted to him. It is done, it is all sealecV Observing
some one at his bed-side, he added : " Ah ! I am talk-
During the whole of Friday night his death was an-
ticipated at any moment. At one o'clock he arose in
his bed and spoke in these words : " The main question
with us all is, whether we are willing and ready to die.
It is now ascertained to a certainty that I must die. I
trust that I am sincerely willing to die. Heavenly
Father ! into thy hands I commit my spirit, and I pray
for that grace for which I have often |)rayed to support
me in the trials and ao-onies which now await me."
After a few minutes of rest, he called around him his
family for the farewell blessing. The scene was like
that of Jacob parting with his children. To his son
Harrison, a young man of great promise who soon fol-
lowed his father, he said: "My son, I must leave you.
Hitherto I have been your teacher, at best an imperfect
one. You shall no more have my instructions ; but there
is the word of God, which has an abundance of know-
ledge and grace. The Lord has given to you reason,
and the capacity for knowing and loving him. Let that
word be your instructor, and you will experience riches
of grace." " Fear not," he said to his wife ; " yoit have
special ])roinises. As for our children, you know I
have often committed them to God." To one of the
OG HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
elders of tlie cliurcli lie spoke words of counsel and en-
couragement, and sent to his flock a message of great
tenderness, pointing them to the heavenly Shepherd
now as they were to be left destitute. He is now at
the closing moment ; his w^ork is done, and he is wait-
ing for the Lord to call him.
Just before his departure occurred a most remarka-
ble scene, equaling any thing in the exjierience of God's
people. Dr. Thomas De Witt has given us this record :
" When to all ajipearance he was near his end, to our
wonder and satisfaction he arose in his bed, observed
the great necessity of prayer, and that finding the
house of death a solemn one, requested those "who were
present to join v.dtli him. He then made a most pow-
erful, solemn, and connected prayer of about four min-
utes. What appeared surprising was that in his fee-
ble condition he was enabled to speak so long without
interruption. It appeared as if the Lord had given him
special strength."
He died on Saturday, June 1st, 1811, at eleven o'clock.
Thus departed, in the triumph of faith, the beloved Con-
diet. The next Sabbath was a gloomy one in the city.
Many of the people from the country came, expecting
to hear him preach, and were startled with the intelli-
irence of his death. His funeral was attended from his
residence in AVater street. Dr. Livingston making the
address, and the clergy of the city acting as pall-bear-
ers. The bell of the Episcopal church was tolled
during the services, and all the places of business in
the city were closed. When arrived at the grave, it
seemed as if the whole population of JSTew-Brunswick
and surrounding country was crowded into the inclo-
sure. A few words were again spoken by the venera-
ble Professor to the weeping people, and beneath the
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 97
walls of tlie old cliurcb iu wliicli lie Lad preaclied for
seventeen years, now in process of demolition, lie was
buried. To the left of the pulpit, not far from tlie
grave of his predecessor, Dr. Jacob E>. Hardenbergli,
will be seen the monument erected by the congregation
to the memory of one of their most devoted ministers.
He is rej)resented to have been a tall, muscular man,
with black hair, of prominent features, very grave in
his deportment, and a man of undoubted piety. It is
not probable that in the whole list of pastors there
was one more affectionately regarded than the man
whom every one esteemed as the " beloved Condict."
He seemed to walk these streets as a stranger, and any
one who saw him would be impressed with his striking
countenance and demeanor. Some of you will remem-
ber his sedateness of appearance, and not one who ever
heard him in prayer will forget the unction and spiritu-
ality of his devotions. In social intercourse he was
affable, cheerful, and gave to every one the impression
that he had a warm and affectionate heart. He was
honored and welcomed beyond the limits of his own
extensive charge. Other societies recognized in him a
tnie-hearted minister of Christ, and among the people
in city and country he had hosts of friends. With Dr.
Clark he was on terms of particular intimacy, frequently
exchanging pulpits and visits, and forming united plans
for systematic labor. In his arrangements he was exact,
and had for every department of labor a fixed time and
method. No man could have accomplished more than
he did, and the secret of his efficiency lay in the wisdom
of his plans. Public institutions honored themselves
by placing his name on their catalogues. The corjDora-
tion of Princeton College elected him a member of their
1
98 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
board in 1804, having previously bestowed upon liim
the title of Doctor of Divinity.
As a preacher he was always excellent, dwelling
with particular emphasis upon God's covenant. In-
deed, this was his life-work, for he felt that God had
set him apart in order that he might preach the Gospel.
Althou2:h the hand of death has removed almost the
entire number of those who sat under his ministry, yet
I am happy to have rescued sufficient facts to recall, in
part at least, a just portrait of the man. He wore in
the pulpit the gown and cassock, and his very appear-
ance was dignified and solemn ; not a solemnity that
repelled, but which was becoming in a minister of the
Gospel. He distrusted very much his own abilities,
and was occasionally depressed in mind to such a degree
that he felt scarcely fitted to enter the pulpit. He
would often stop, on his way up the aisle of the church,
at the j)ew of Jufvrow Hardenbergh, for a word of com-
fort or encouragement, which she was always sure to
have ready for him. It ^vould not be correct to affirm of
him that he was gifted with the power of oratory, for
this he did not possess ; nor with any singular original-
ity of thought or forms of expression, for this he did not
cultivate or covet ; nor with any brilliancy of imagina-
tion and vivid paintings of truth, for he was too intent
upon the single purpose of preaching Christ to be led
away by any outward display. His strength lay rather
in his powerful conviction of the truth which he
preached; in his intense earnestness of soul, driving
him on as if he had a great work to do for his Master;
in his deep sympathy with his hearers, which wrought
within all souls the conviction that he souo;ht their
good ; in a life so consistent that he had not to over-
come any unfavorable prejudice, for they felt that he
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 99
was speaking out of an honest heart ; and in a single-
ness of aim which held him in close contact with the
cross. The death of a lovely daughter, Ruth, in the
opening flower of her beauty, struck all hearts with
great sur2:)rise and sorrow, affected him very deeply,
and it is said that he went into the pulpit on the fol-
lowing Sabbath and delivered a most tender, earnest,
and j^owerfiil message from God to the young, and
ever afterward his soul more than ever seemed to be
given to the cause of Christ.
He had a great aversion to appear in print, and
although he was frequently requested to give his ser-
mons to the Consistory for publication, yet he uni-
formly declined so doing. The only production of his
pen that I have seen is a sermon preached before our
citizens on the occasion of the death of George Wash-
ington, by the invitation of the Mayor and Common
Council, and published under their direction. If this
is a sj^ecimen of his pulpit abilities, we can readily
account for his extensive popularity. I am pleased ta
add a few sentences from the short obituary notice
"svhich appeared in the Guardian^ or New-Brunsioick
Advertiser, the week succeedins^ his death : " He was
learned and pious, with a discriminating mind and
sound judgment. He believed the doctrines of grace,
and preached them with precision and zeal. Amiable
in his temper, humble, prudent, and without guile in
his conversation, he gained the love and possessed the
confidence of all who knew him. His time and talents
were devoted to the cause of the Divine Redeemer, and
his exertions in preaching, visiting, and catechising,
throughout his extensive parochial districts, were ar-
duous and unremitted. Dr. Condict was also Vice-
President of Queen's College, and had, besides other
100 HISTOEICAL DISCOURSE.
academical duties, the principal cliarge of the senior
class. The labors attached to this station, in addition
to his ministerial cares, proved too severe ; they gradu-
ally exhausted his strength, and a severe attack of
pneumonia terminated in the death of one of the first
characters in the church." He died in the forty-eighth
year of his age, and in the twenty-fifth of his ministry,
seventeen of which had been given to this congregation.
His son, Daniel Harrison, whom he addressed so aftec-
tionately on his death-bed, soon followed his father,
dying August 28th, and was buried by the side of his
honored parent. His beloved wife, after surviving her
husband many years, a woman of sweet and amiable
temper, and of an intelligent i:)iety, was brought from
the residence of her daughter in Newark, and " laid in
the se]3ulchre in the full exercise of a holy faith that
she would rise again."
The church had now been in existence ninety-four
years, and Dr. Condict was the fourth pastor. They
had all died while ministers of this church, and their
graves are with us unto this day, a beautiful exhibition
of the permanence of the j)astoral relation, and of the
affection existing between minister and people.
The church at this date was very much disheartened;
with the loss of their pastor in the midst of rebuilding
their church edifice, they felt that all was gone. But
Dr. Livingston, by his counsel and encom'agement, gave
them new strength. He visited the sick, occupied the
pulpit of the Presbyterian church at the service of this
congregation in the afternoon, and stood in the place of
a pastor for nearly two years. In the mean time the
work of building went on, the jmncipal amount of the
labor falling upon two members of the committee, John
Clark and Staats Van Deursen. The corner-stone was
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 101
laid witli appropriate ceremonies July Gtli, 1811. The
building was completed and occupied for tlie first time
September 2Ytli, 1812. The dedication sermon was
preached by Dr. Livingston, from Ezekiel 43:12: " This
is the law of the liouse : Upon the top of tlie mountain
the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy.
Behold, this is the law of the house." The pews were
sold on the fifth of the following January. So satisfac-
tory was the whole arrangement, and witli such, care
were the funds managed, that, on the final report of the
committee to Consistory, they gave over the building
into their hands free of debt, and, out of compliment,
were presented with one of the square pews. The cost
of the building was $16,415. The edifice w^as at that
time one of the largest in the State, and is now the
most commodious house of worship in the city. Its
dimensions are ninety-four feet in length, including the
tower, which projects four feet, and sixty-six feet in
breadth, and will comfortably seat eleven hundred wor-
shipers. This building will always attract attention,
on account of its noble proi^ortions and commanding
situation, as well as from the interesting associations
which it awakens. Since its erection, all the Presidents
of our College have here been inaugurated, and the
Professors of our Seminary, with only a single excep-
tion, have here been inducted into office. Until re-
cently all the commencement exercises have been lield
in this edifice, and hundreds of young men have looked
upon it as the scene of their collegiate honors. It has
stood for more than half a century in its massive pro
portions, testifying to the integrity of the builders and
the watchfulness of the committee. It has been twice
remodeled — in 1847, by lowering the galleries, and erect-
ing a new pulpit, and in 1862 by reseating and furnish
ing the entire edifice.
102 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
But, while the work of building was going on, the
Consistory was not negligent of the great, want of the
church — a pastor. Negotiations were carried on with
the trustees for two years to settle two ministers, who
should hold the joint pastorate of the church and pro-
fessorships in the College. But the plan was finally
abandoned, and on May 25th, 1812, an urgent call was
extended to the fifth pastor,
EEV. JOHN SCHTJKEMAjSr, D.D.
This was a happy selection, and very pleasing to the
whole congregation. He was one of their own sons, a
great favorite, and universally esteemed. His ancestors
had been active members of this church for more than
ninety years, and were distinguished for their piety
and influence. His father was Hon. James Schureman,
the patriot of the Kevolution, and at this time was a
prominent member of the congregation ; and his mother
was a descendant of the Schuyler ftimily, who came to
this town from Albany at its early settlement. His
grandfather was Hon. John Schureman, after whom he
was named, a merchant of this city, and frequently
representing this district in the State Legislature — who
was the son of Jacobus Schureman, the schoolmaster,
who came from Holland with Mr. Frelinghuysen in
1*720, with whom he diligently cooperated in the good
work of building up the interests of the Redeemer's
kino:dom in this favored section of the church.
Dr. Schureman was born October 19th, 1778, near
New-Brunswick, to which place his parents had resort-
ed during the occupation of the city by the British
army during the Revolutionary war. His religious
exercises commenced in very early life, and when a
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 103
mere youtli he was often observed in the devout study
of the Scriptures and prayer. In consequence of the
absence of his father in the public service of the coun-
try, his education devolved principally upon his aged
grandfather, to whom he was much indebted for a
sound religious training. Young Schureman displayed
quite early those traits of character which shone so
brightly through his whole life. He was cheerful and
amiable in his disposition, affectionate and dutiful to
his superiors, kind in his intercourse with his compa-
nions, and beloved by all who knew him. He was
received into the membership of this church on profes-
sion of his faith, under the ministry of Dr. Condict, at
the communion in April, 1797. That he was apt to
learn may be inferred from the fact of his completing
his literary course before he had finished his seven-
teenth year, graduating from Queen's College Septem:
ber 30th, 1795. After studying theology with Dr. Liv-
ino-ston he was licensed in 1800. His first sermon was
preached in the old church for Dr. Condict, and he at
once gave promise of the solid, judicious minister which
his subsequent life confirmed. His successive fields of
labor were at Bedminster for six years, at Millstone for
two and a half years, and in the Collegiate Church of
New- York for two years. In the latter charge his
health soon failed, and he came to New-Brunswick, suc-
ceeding Dr. Condict as Vice-President of the College.
But this institution was in a very depressed condition,
and, in consequence of the exhausted state of its funds
and other unfavorable circumstances, with all his dili-
gence and ardor he was not able to restore it to its
former honorable position. His love for the pulpit,
and his recovered health, secured by rest from public
speaking, induced him to listen to an urgent call from
10 J: HISTORICAL DISCOUESE.
this cliurcli, and lie was installed early in January, 1813.
But the flattering prospects of usefulness which now
opened before him were speedily disappointed ; he soon
found that his cherished wish to preach the Gospel was
to be denied him, and in June of the same year he
resigned his charge, and, in consequence of frequent
hemorrhages of the lungs, he very seldom after this
entered the jmlpit.
The disappointment of the people was very great.
He "was a finished scholar and a Christian gentleman.
That this church was attached to him may be seen in
the fact that he had been unanimously called as a col-
league with Dr. Condict in 1809, that he might devote
more of his attention to the college, which call he de-
clined in order to accept the invitation from New-
York ; and, while the actual pastor of this church, they
not only relieved him of much of the burden of the
ministry, but importuned him to remain in his official
connection with the congregation, in hopes that a return
of health would enable him to assume the full duties of
a pastor. And they had reason to love him, for he was
truly one of the excellent of the earth. In his subsequent
intercourse with the people he was a most judicious
and kind counselor, and his influence went far toward
healing the unhapj^y division which arose during the
ministry of his successor. Few men understood human
nature better than he did, and no man could have been
possessed of a heart more affectionate. As a preacher,
he was sound in the faith, clear in his method of ar-
rangement, simple and concise in his style, earnest and
impressive in his delivery, tender in the very tones of
his voice, not frequent but appropriate in his gesticula-
tion, and would leave upon the minds of his hearers
the impression that he had in his own soul a deep con-
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 105
viction of tlie trutli tliat lie uttered, and was pervaded
by an earnest desire that tliey should receive ^^rofit
under liis ministrations. That he did not arrest the
attention by any bold and striking figures, or move his
hearers by pathetic appeals to the passions, was un-
doubtedly true ; but he won his way to the heart by
preaching Christ in a method so distinct, and with a
manner so fervid, that it is no wonder that he became
one of the most useful and popular ministers of his day.
One of our ministers'"" writes : " He was my heau ideal
of a man, a minister, and a preacher. Well do I re-
member how he charmed my heart by his solemnity
and suavity." Another,f who knew him well, remarks :
" I may be thought to exaggerate his merits, but it is
difficult to hold the pencil steadily when portraying a
man so uncommonly amiable. You loved him even
upon a first interview, and you could not withhold your
love after it was bestowed. It seems but as yesterday,"
he adds, "when the venerable Dr. Living-ston, in an
address at the funeral of the deceased junior professor,
turning to the theological students, said, ' My children,
you will not, you can not forget your dear Scliureman^ "
After his resignation of the pastorate of this church
he was elected, October, 1815, a Professor of Ecclesias-
tical History and Pastoral Theology in the Seminary,
and died in that office May 15th, 1818. His grave is in
the yard near that of Dr. Condict, the fifth of your
deceased pastors, beneath a monument erected by Gen-
eral Synod. At a meeting of that body, a short time
after his death, the sentiments of the whole church
were expressed in the following action : " The death of
the late professor, Dr. John Schureman, is an event
* Dr. I. N. Wyckoflf. f Dr. Gabriel Ludlow.
106 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
wbich, however it may have been his incalculable gain,
is deeply to be deplored by us. So amiable were his
manners, so undoubted his piety, so acceptable his ser-
vices, and. so flattering were his prospects as to his use-
fulness in the church, that we can not but mourn that
such a man is removed from our institution." It was
also provided that a plain tombstone l)e erected over
his grave, with a suitable inscription declaring the im-
portant station he occupied in the church, and the
esteem which this body will long cherish for one whose
praise was in all the churches.
The resignation of Dr. Schureman was followed by a
short vacancy. October 2d, 1813, the church, with
great unanimity, called, as the sixth pastor,
EEV. JESSE FONDA.
He was born in the town of Watervliet, Albany
county, K Y., April SYth, 1786. He made a profes-
sion of his faith in the Reformed. Dutch Church of the
Boght, and graduated from Union College, in 1806, in
the same class with Dr. C. C Cuyler and the Hon. John
C. Spencer. His theological studies were pursued un-
der the direction of ministers of our church, and he
was licensed by the North Consociation of Hartford
County. His first settlement w^as at Nassau, N. Y.,
where he labored with all the enthusiasm of a young
pastor, and in which place his ministry is still remem-
bered as one of great prosperity and usefulness. He
removed to this city and commenced his labors in the
month of November.
This church had suffered much for the want of pastoral
supervision, Dr. Schureman's feeble health having pre-
vented him from doing much active work in the congre-
HISTOEICAL DISCOUESE. 107
gatioD. Mr. Fonda found a large amount of labor upon
bis hands, and, blessed with a vigorous constitution and
great energy of character, he gave himself fully to this
ministry. He was systematic in his labors and intense-
ly active. About this time an unhappy controversy
commenced in the church in reference to the hour for
holding the afternoon service on the Sabbath, which
continued to disturb the peace of the church for a num-
ber of years, and was the ultimate ground of his remo-
val. The pastor and city portion of the charge desired a
change to three o'clock, but the more distant members
of the congregation were in favor of the plan which
had been the established usage of the church. At one
time the difficulty had grown to such proportions that
the plan of a new organization was proposed. The
matter in controversy was carried before Classis, who
recommended, through a committee, the formation of
two new churches, one to be located at Three Mile Run,
the second at Milltown or on George's road. It would,
no doubt, have been to the interest of the denomina-
tion had this plan been carried out, and these churches
organized in a spirit of harmony and with a desire to
extend the Redeemer's kingdom.
But the existence of this controversy was not so
absorbing as to divert the attention from spiritual in-
terests. During the ministry of Mr. Fonda there was
a healthy growth of the church, and at one communion
twenty-eight ]:)ersons made a public profession of their
faith. The total number of communicants received into
the church was one hundred and seven.
Mr. Fonda was dismissed from this congregation July
3d, 1817, in order that he might accept a call from the
Reformed Dutch Church, of Montgomery — at that time,
as at present, one of the most intelligent and flourish-
108 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
ing congregations in onr body. He preaclied his last
sermon on the 28th of the month from tlie text, " Cast-
ing all your care npou him, for he careth for you." By
request of his numerous friends the sermon was pub-
lished, and it exhibits, with great tenderness, the doc-
trine of "confidence in God in the day of trouble." It
is inscribed to his personal friends Drs. Livingston and
Schureman, and to the reverend clergy of New-Bruns-
wick, " brethren who dwell together in unity."
Mr. Fonda continued at Montgomery in the faithful
discharge of his duties until his death in 1827. Few
ministers excelled him as a preacher. He had a full,
sonorous voice, ^vell modulated, and would draw atten-
tion by the pleasantness of his countenance. He pre-
pared his sermons with great care, waiting them out in
full and then preaching from memory. He never
paused for a word, but carried his hearers along in a
train of rapid argument or pungent appeal to the close
of his discourse. Dr. Livingston regarded him as one
of our most finished ministers. It is said that he
greatly excelled on extraordinary occasions. His min-
istry occupied the important period of our last war
with England. The public mind in this section of the
country was intensely agitated, and seizing hold of
these important national occurrences he enforced with
great power the lessons of religion as taught by " the
signs of the times." His sermon, preached April 13 th,
1815, on the occasion of the close of the conflict, enti-
tled " Thanksgiving for Peace," produced a wonderful
sensation. This lar^e buildiuo- was crowded to its ut-
most capacity, while he discoursed with great eloquence
upon the passage, " Sing, O daughter of Zion ; shout,
O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all the heart, O
niSTOEICAL DISCOURSE. 109
daughter of Jerusalem. Tlie Lord Latli taken away
thy judgments." (Zephaniah 3:14, 15.)
In 1814, Mr. Fonda was chosen a member of the
Board of Trustees of Queen's College ; and at the an-
nual meeting of General Synod in Albany, June, 1823,
he was chosen the President of that body. He has left,
in his work on the Sacraments, a very fair reputation
for authorship, which deserves to be reproduced from
the press and given a wide circulation.
Mr. Fonda left here in the summer of 1817. In the
graduating class of that year there was a young man
a member of this church, of fine abilities and of great
promise, to whom all eyes were immediately directed.
It was not necessary for him to preach as a candidate,
for every one knew him, and so urgent was the Consis-
tory that, even before he received his license, a commit-
tee waited upon him with an informal presentation of
a call. This student, who became the next pastor of
the church of New-Brunswick, was
EEV. JOnN LUDLOW, D.D.
His calls bears the date of September 17th, 1817,
fifty years ago. The first invitation he declined, but
on its renewal he accej^ted the charge with the under-
standing that he was not expected to preach but once
on the Sabbath during the first year, and be released from
all pastoral labor. It is said that he broke through
these conditions almost immediately, for he was a faith-
ful pastor, and in the pulpit a Boanerges. Some of
you remember him as he appeared when he first came
among you, and the interest that was awakened in the
church by having for their pastor a young man fresh
110 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
from our Theological Semiuaiy. His ministiy, however,
was short. Only two years after liis settlement lie re-
ceived an appointment to a j^rofessorship in the Theo-
logical Seminary, whicli lie felt constrained to accept,
and was accordingly released from his pastoral charge.
His character and history are well understood in this
community, where the last years of his life were spent
in the education of young men for the ministry. After
spending four years as professor under his first appoint-
ment by General Synod, he returned to the pulpit, for
which he had special cpialifications, and Avas for eleven
years the pastor of the North Church of Albany, at
that time, as at present, the first in position and influ-
ence in the Synod of Albany. In 1834, he accepted the
position of Provost in the University of the City of Phil-
adelphia, which office he held for eighteen years ; and
only resigned that he might obey the will of the Gen-
eral Synod in his election to the Professorship of Eccle-
siastical History, Pastoral Theology, and Church His-
tory in our Seminary, succeeding the venerable Pro-
fessor Cannon, which position he filled with great ability
until his death, September 8th, 1857. His grave is
among the group of pastors and professors in the yard
at the left of the pulpit.
Dr. Ludlow, as a man, a minister, and a Christian,
was universally esteemed. The confidence which was
reposed in him by the church is sufficiently indicated
by his election at five different periods to professorships
in our institutions. In the Northern Synod no minister
exerted so wide an influence. If a church building
was to be dedicated, or a corner-stone laid, or an in-
stallation sermon preached, the services of Dr. Ludlow
were solicited. In his early ministry in this church he
developed rapidly, and soon exhibited all those traits of
niSTOEICAL DISCOURSE. Ill
Character wLicli distinguislied him in after-life. Says
one of his early students : " We loved him as a preacher.
He elucidated his texts fairly, strongly, with dignity, and
as one ever under a sense of God's requirements. His
subjects were rich and diversified. He loved what he
used to call a good fat text, one full of Gospel truth
and beariuo" on men's hearts and conscience." His
brother remarks that "his strength as a preacher lay
very much in his manner / in the fire of his eye ; in
the expression of his countenance — an expression very
varied and corresponding very fully with his varied
emotions ; in the stentorian tones of his voice — a voice
that easily filled the largest buildings ; in his strong and
well-placed emphasis; in his forcible gesticulation; in
his positive, authoritative, confident manner." A most
admirable analysis of his character was given by Dr.
Bethune, who knew him well. Based on the thought
that his leading quality was strength, he presents Dr.
Ludlow as a man, " strong in person, strong in voice,
strong in intellect, strong in will, strong in affections."
His activity in carrying forward all the great mea-
sures of our church is deserving of high praise. And
the noble result of his last labors for the church he
loved — the Theological Hall — stands before us to-day as
a monument to his memory. All those traits of cha-
racter which distinguished him in after-life he disj)layed
at the commencement of his ministry, and while he was
yet the pastor of this church. And it is not surpris-
ing that they yielded to the will of General Synod
with extreme reluctance, and " a general murmur arose
through the congregation not easily or soon hushed."
The resignation of Dr. Ludlow left this church va-
cant for the third time in the short space of six years.
E-ev. GTabriel Ludlow, the brother of the late pastor,
112 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE,
was now called, but declined tlie invitation. The -pul-
pit was supplied by the professors in the Seminary for
about one year, during which period the attention of
the Consistory was directed to another young student,
who graduated from the institution in the first class
under the instruction of their former minister ; and
on January 21st, 1821, there was called, as the eighth
pastor of this church,
EEV. ISAAC TEEKIS, D.D.
Dr. Ferris was installed pastor of the church on the
third Thursday in April, 1821. Early in May, Kev.
Samuel B. How, D.D., commenced his labors in the
Presbyterian church, of which he was installed the pas-
tor the 13th of June.'^- April 13th, Eev. G. S. Webb,
D.D., became the minister of the Baptist church. It is
a striking coincident that these three New-Brunswick
pastoi*s, all in early manhood, entered upon their work
in this city the same spring, and it is not necessary to
remark that the intimate relation then formed has con-
tinued unbroken until the present. It is a pleasing
feature of our anniversary that these servants of the
Lord are all still livinsf, with memories reachino; back
to their labors in this city. Two have theii' homes
with us, spending the close of life among the people
to whom they ministered for near a generation, and the
other is in the discharge of active duties. As the
* The following have been pastors of the First Presbyterian Church :
Kev. Gilbert Tennent, (1726-'43;) Rev. Thomas Arthur, (?) (1746-'51 ;)
Rev. Israel Reed, (17fi8-'86;) Rev. Walter Monteith, (1786-'9-i ;) Rev.
Joseph Clark, D.D., (1797-1813;) Rev. Levi J. T. Huntington, 1815-20;
Rev. Samuel B. How, D.D., (1821-'23;) Rev. Joseph H. Jones, D.D.,
(1825-'38;) Rev. Robert Birch, (1839-'42;) Rev. Robert Davidson, D.D.,
(1843-^59;) Rev. Howard Crosby, D.D., (1861-'62 ;) Rev. "V^illiam T.
Beatty, (1863-67,) and at present without a pastor.
HISTOEICAL DISCOURSE. 118
senior ex-j)astor of this cliurch, witb. great propriety the
committee have solicited from him the favor, and the
congregation will enjoy the pleasure, of listening to the
closing address of our anniversary from one who, forty-
six years ago, was set apart to the work of tlie ministry
within these walls by the laying on of the hands of the
Presbyteiy.
November 10th, 1821, there was received into the
membership of the church, on profession of his faith, a
young man, in the seventeenth year of his age, who
subsequently became one of the most devoted of our
foreign missionaries — David Abeel. His father was a
man of great moral integrity and of remarkable energy
of character; while his mother, Jane Hassert, was a
woman of uncommon amiability of temper and of de-
voted piety. There "were beautifully blended in the
character of young Abeel great firmness of purpose, a
quick intellect, and an unusual development of gentle-
ness and affection. He was one of those men who drew
toward him the ■warmest esteem and admiration ; and,
when grace gave him a new heart, he w^as of all others
the one ^vhose soul would overflow wdth commiseration
for the perishing heathen, and who was ready to conse-
crate himself to a w^ork w'hich demanded the most he-
roic sacrifices, and which he continued to prosecute with
untiring devotion to the close of his life. The interest
with, wdiich he was regarded by all those "who knew
him, as well as indicating one element of his strength,
is sufficiently attested by the uniform name which he
bore of "the beloved Abeel." His early death, at the
age of forty-two, filled the whole Church with mourn-
ing ; for well she knew that such men are rare — men
of similar faith and ardor, and of entire consecration
to the cause of God and man. It is an honor to have
8
11-i HISTORICAL DISCOUESE.
upon our cliurcli-rolls tlie name of such a man, and to
have sent forth into the Gosj)el ministry and into the
heathen world David Abeel.
In addition to Dr. Abeel, there were six young men
from this con^-reo-ation who consecrated themselves to
God in the work of the ministry, and who united with
the church by profession during the ministry of Dr.
Ferris. The whole number of additions to the church
during the period nnder I'eview was seventy-eight by
profession and twenty-seven by certificate, and of the
whole number, one hundred and five, only seven are
now in communion with ns.
The pastoral relation between Dr. Ferris and this
congregation was dissolved in October, 1824, when he
removed to Albany and was installed over the Second
Keformed Dutch Church of that city, succeeding Dr.
John De Witt, wdio had recently assumed the Profes-
sorship of Biblical Criticism, Ecclesiastical History, and
Pastoral Theology in our Seminary. The successive
fields of labor occupied by Dr.- Ferris w^ere, in Albany
t^velve years; in the Market Street Church, of New-
York, twelve years; and, since 1S52, as the Chancellor
of the University of New-York, in which honorable
position may he long be spared to serve the cause of
education and advance the interests of the Redeemer's
kingdom.
Forty-three years ago, when the ministry of Dr. Fer-
ris terminated, New-Brunswick was an ancient town.
Those who were then familiar wdth the city would now
recognize only a few things wdiich have not j)assed
throusrh chaui^es, and the inhabitants with whom he
was then familiar would no lono-er be seen in our
streets. The population, numbering about four thou-
sand five hundred, lived between New street at the south,
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 115
Somerset street at tLe north, and George street at tlie
west, with a few families on the outskirts of the town.
This building, without a steeple, had stood for twelve
years, and at the time of its erection it was thought
that it would be too far distant from the ceutre of pop-
ulation, as at that time only a few families were living
further west. About one half of the congregation
were from the country, and of the city charge about
fifty families resided in Burnet street, thirty in Church,
in Water and Albany streets there were forty, and the
balance were living in ISTeilson, New, Peace, and Hiram
streets. All that portion of the city beyond George,
l^ew, and Somerset streets was out of town. The Col-
lege was standing in an unfinished condition on quite a
barren hill. The grounds now occupied by the Semi-
nary and the beautiful residences beyond" were desolate
in the extreme, presenting the remains of the old forti-
fication of the British army during the Revolution.
The Presbyterian congregation was worshiping in their
second edifice, fronting Paterson street, a short distance
below the j^resent site. Dr. How had preached his
last sermon in this church October 5th, 1823, to accept
a call in the city of Savannah, and they were now va-
cant. The first building of the Baptist church was
standing on the spot now occupied by the depot, sur-
rounded by a cemetery of about one acre, where they
continued to worship until 1837, when the property
was sold and the present edifice erected.* There was
* This society was connected with the church at Piscataway for several
years, the pastor serving both congregations. The first church edifice was
completed in 1812, and the church organized September 21st, 181G. The
following have been pastors : Rev. James McLaughlin, (1812-17,) Rev. John
Johnson, (1818-19,) Rev. G. S. Webb, D.D., (1821-43,) Rev. George R.
Bliss, D.D., (184.3-49,) Rev. Shobel S. Parker, (1850-52,) Rev. George W.
Kempton, (1852-57,) Rev. Thomas R. Hewlett, (1858-59,) and Rev. Mor-
timer S. Riddell, D.D., since 1860.
116 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
only one Methodist clinrcli, in Liberty street, built in
1811. A trip to Philadelphia was an event to be plan-
ned some weeks before the undertaking, and a journey
to New- York and return consumed two days.
The successor of Dr. Ferris, and the ninth pastor, was
EEV. JAMES B. HAEDENBEEGII, D.D.
He was called April 2d, 1825, and was the second
minister of this name who held the pastoral office in
this church. He was born in Ulster county, N." Y. ;
graduated from Union College in 1821, and from our
Theological Seminary in 1824; immediately after which
he was installed Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church,
of Helderberg, in the county of Albany. He w^as
holding this position when the Consistory of this church
presented him an urgent call through one of their
deacons, Mr. H. H. Schenck. He remained in connec-
tion with this church until December, 1829, discharg-
ing his duties wdth great fidelity ^nd success, in order
that he might accept an invitation to labor in a new
enterprise in Orchard street. New- York City, from
whence he removed to Rhinebeck for six years, to the
First Church, of Philadelphia, for four years, and thence
to the North -West Church, in New- York, for fourteen
years.
The property on which our church edifice stands was
enlarged, in the years 1823 and 1825, by the purchase
of two lots of forty-three feet front on Bayard and
Paterson streets, with a depth along the alley of two
hundred and forty-four feet, at a cost of $395.50. The
first lecture-room owned by the congregation was erected
in 1826, on the corner of the alley and Bayard street,
at an expense of $1468. All the weekly services of
HISTORICAL DISCO UESE. - 117
the cliurcli were held, up to this date, in the Lancaste-
rian school-room in Schureman street. The church edi-
fice was still further imj^roved by the erection of a
steeple in the year 1827, under the direction of three
very efficient members of the congregation, Staats Van
Deursen, Matthew Egerton, and Peter Spader. The
amount expended was $2725.
On our list of church members received durinor the
ministry of Dr. Hardenbergh I find the name of that
excellent missionary, Kev. Frederick B. Thompson.
Through the influence of his pastor he was induced to
commence a course of preparation for the gospel min-
istry. His missionary life commenced September 17th,
1838, when he reached Singapore, on his way to the
island of Borneo, where he sj)eiit several years labor-
ing with great industry and devotion for the cause of
Christ among the benighted Dyaks. His course was
soon finished. He died in the city of Berne, Switzer-
land, January 17th, 1848, in the thirty-ninth year of
his age, "just at a time when his great usefulness be-
came apparent, and at a peculiar crisis, when the church
most needed his labors. Had he lived," adds his bio-
grapher, "to the ordinary age of man, he would, un-
doubtedly, have stood among the very first missionaries
of his age." In a commemorative discourse, preached
in this church after the news of his death had reached
America, Dr. How remarked, "The life of our departed
brother has been short, but it has not been in vain ;
and we doubt not but that, hundreds of years hence,
the name of Frederick B. Thompson Avill be pro-
nounced in Borneo with blessings uj)on it." The mem-
ory of this godly man is still precious in our church,
and it was a privilege in the pastor to have received
him into her communion.
118 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
Dr. Hardenbergb's resignation was not accepted nntil
repeated efforts had been made to retain his services ;
but, under a conviction of duty, he was constrained to
leave an established and prosperous church for a new
enterprise in the city of New- York.
The last three pastoi*s of this church, Drs. Ludlow,
Ferris, and Ilardenbergh, were young men, educated
in our own Seminary, and called to exercise the work
of the ministry at a most interesting period in the his-
tory of the church. They lived at a time when all the
great benevolent institutions of the age were set in
operation, and the Kingdom of Christ was organized
for more efficient activity against the kingdom of dark-
ness. They all identified themselves with the promi-
nent schemes of Christian benevolence, and aided in
carrying forward the plans of religious enterprise.
The date of the reoro-anization of our Collec-e occurred
during this period. At a meeting of the Board of
Trustees in May, 1825, a committee was appointed to
increase the endowment of the institution, so that its
literary department might be revived and the machi-
nery of education set in full operation. Kev. Jesse
Fonda was chairman of the committee, and Rev. J. Lud-
low and an elder of this church, Jacob R. Ilarden-
bergh, were members. The plan was successful, and so
promptly was the effort responded to throughout the
church that, at an adjourned meeting of General Synod,
held in September following, the gratifying report was
made that subscriptions for a third professorship to the
amount of $26,000 had been obtained, principally
within the bounds of the Synod of Albany, and ar-
rauirements were made for the revival of the CoUes^e.
At the same time the name of the institution was
changed from Queen's to Rutgers, in honor of a noble
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 119
E evolutionary patriot, a liberal contributor to its
funds, and a distinguished elder in the church. Since
that period the College and Theological Seminary,
which have given such distinction to our city, have in-
creased in prosperity and usefulness, until, by the mu-
nificent endowments recently procured, they have been
placed on a substantial foundation, and have obtained
a position of great prominence among the institutions of
our land.
January 20th, 1825, an event occurred in the congre-
gation which clothed not only this church but the
whole denomination in mourning. I refer to the death
of the venerable Professor Dr. John H. Livingston.
He was a resident of this city and a member of the con-
gregation for fifteen years, and during all this period
he was the honored head of our institutions and the
acknowledged leader of all religious enterprises. Dr.
Livingston was a man of mark in every position he oc-
cupied, the observed of all observers. Many things in
this city remind us of him. The name of one of our
most beautiful streets is called after him, Livingston
Avenue. The seat which he always occupied in this
sanctuary was at the head of the elders' pew, with a form
erect even amid the infirmities of age, and an attention
that never wandered for a moment. This building re-
minds us of him. He laid the corner-stone Avith an
appropriate address, and, when it was completed, he
preached the dedication sermon. He presided at the
ordination of pastors ; during the time of vacancy was
chairman of meetings of Consistory, and directed the
affairs of the congregation ; he offered consolation to the
people on the death or removal of their ministers, and
stood himself in the room of a shepherd. It was re-
garded as a great j)rivilege to hear him preach, and
120 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
communion Sabbatlis in the church of New-Brunswick
always drew a Large congregation ; for the duty devolved
upon him, by the courtesy of pastors, to take the promi-
nent place in the services. And it is said that, while
he was always excellent, on these occasions he was supe-
rior. The subject in which he most delighted was
Jesus the Mediator of the Covenant, and at the Table
of the Lord he would grasj^ the doctrine of the cross
with a comprehensiveness which was peculiar to him-
self, and present it in a manner so adapted to his tbeme
that all hearts would melt in the presence of Infinite
Love.
Dr. Livingston's sudden death was almost like a
translation. On the day preceding he had delivered
an important lecture in the institution, and, retiring to
rest at the usual hour, during the night he was received
into the glory of the Lord, at the ripe age of seventy-
nine years. His funeral was attended in this building
by an immense concourse of people, and an address de-
livered by Dr. Milledoler. A commemorative sermon
^vas preached on a subsequent Sabbath by Dr. John
De Witt, and by request of the Consistory was pub-
lished. His monument is in our churchyard, beneath
which his precious dust is resting until the resurrection
into life eternal.
It is forty-two years since this noble man was taken
from the church, and yet the impressions left upon the
minds of hundreds in our city are as vivid as if they
had met him in our streets only yesterday. Indeed, not
one who saw him in the pulpit could ever forget him.
His clerical dress of the old style ; his tall, erect, digni-
fied form ; his deliberate but elastic step ; his counte-
nance so regular, with a blended expression of benignity
and intelligence ; his tones of voice so full, varied, and
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 121
flowing; his style animated, tender, colloquial, often
sublime, would arrest tlie attention of tlie youngest
hearer. I have heard descriptions of him, most accu-
rate, from persons who at the time of his death were
mere childi-en. There must have been something pe-
culiar about him to stamp on the mind an im2:)ression
which is so permanent. "As a preacher," writes Dr.
Sprague, "he was among the most prominent of his
day ; his sermons teemed with the richest evangelical
truth, jDresented in the most luminous way, and in a
style of delivery impressive, majestic, and yet singularly
unique. He was for many years recognized as the
patriarch of the Dutch Church, and his memory is
embalmed in the gratitude and veneration of the whole
church."
The General Synod immediately made choice of Rev.
Philip Milledoler, D.D., one of the ministers of the
Collegiate Church in New- York, as the successor of Dr.
Livingston in the chair of Didactic Theology, and at
the same time he was appointed President of Kutgers
College. This position he filled for fifteen years, during
which time he was a constant attendant upon the ser-
vices of this church, occupying one of the square pews,
at the head of which he always sat, giving devout and
reverent attention to the preaching of the word.
Dr. Milledoler was a most useful and excellent man,
and at one period of his life his services were sought
by some of tlie most important congregations in New-
York and Philadelphia. In the latter city, as the suc-
cessor of Kev. John Blair Smith, in the Pine Street
Church, his ministry was eminently successful, and for
several years it was blessed by an almost uninterrupted
revival. Previous to the organization of Princeton
Seminary, the Presbytery of New- York appointed him
122 niSTORICAL DISCOURSE.
tlie instructor of students in tlieology, and lie liad the
lionor of sending out into the ministry several useful
and well-prepared young men. Dr. Sprague lias fur-
uislied us with the following picture of the man, the
correctness of which will be recognized by all who
knew him : " Dr. Milledoler was a man of rather more
than the medium height, w^ell-proportioned, vvdtli a
grave countenance, dignified manners, and good pow-
ers of conversation. His mind, naturally of a suj^erior
mould, was well-disciplined and well-stored. His Chris-
tian character was marked by great consistency and a
uniformly fervent devotion. His sermons were always
highly evangelical, and delivered with a marked viva-
city and unction that could .scarcely fail to command
attention. But nothing pertaining to him was so un-
mistakable as his prayers ; it seemed as if he w^ere
literally speaking to his Father in heaven face to face ;
simplicity, tenderness, fullness, freedom, and variety were
their leading characteristics."
We are brought, in the progress of our narrative, to
the year 1829. Rapid changes had taken j^lace in the
ministry of this church. Dr. Ludlow had hardly be-
come acquainted Avith his peo2:)le w^hen the General
Synod called him to the Seminary; Dr. Ferris has only
commenced his work when Albany calls him to the va-
cant pulpit of Dr. DeWitt ; and Dr. Hardenbergh is
induced to accept a iievv^ field of labor in the city of
New-York after serving this church for about four
years. It is not to be disguised that these short pastor-
ates were very unfavorable to the real interests of the
church. Frequent occurrence of vacancies interrupted
the steady progress of religious work, and agitated the
congregation with the natural anxiety respecting a suc-
cessor. It is almost surprising that the selections were
niSTORICAL ■ DISCOURSE. 123
made witli sucli a spirit of unanimity, and tliat this
large cliurcli so soon rallied aronnd tliese young men
sent to them by the Lord of the vineyard.
The period of vacancy was short. Dr. Hardenbergh's
resignation took effect in December, 1829, and only two
months subsequent, namely, on February 23d, 1830, a
unanimous call was extended to the tenth pastor,
EEV. JACOB J. JAjS^EWAY, D.D.
Pie had previously been called to the Presbyterian
church in this city, as the successor of Dr. Joseph
Clark, in 1814, which invitation he declined. Previous
to his settlement over this congregation he had occupied
some of the most prominent positions in the Presbyte-
rian Church, and at the date of his call had just resigned
the Professorship of Theology in the Western Theolo-
gical Seminary, at Alleghany, Pa. Pie was not installed
until May 26th, though he assumed the charge of the
pulpit early in the sjDring. The church now felt that
they had secured a pastor of middle age, who would
long remain among them, and give his ripe experience
and sound instruction to the upbuilding and establish-
ment of the congregation. He came to this city with
a well-furnished mind, a large stock of experience, tho-
roughly orthodox in his sentiments, and at once, though
he had spent his whole ministerial life in the Presbyte-
I'ian Church, identified himself with all the interests of
our denomination. Indeed, he was only returning to
his first home. His parents v/ere members of the Col-
legiate Church, in New- York, into whose communion
he also was received on confession of his faith after
OTaduatino; from Columbia Colle2:e. His theoloo^ical
iO CD O ~
studies were pursued under the direction of Dr. Liv-
124 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
ingston, for whom he cherished an imbounded rever-
ence, first as his pastor, then as his instructor, and
throuo:h life as his cherished friend. The Colleo-e testi-
fied their confidence in liim by electing him a member
of their Corporation, and the General Synod by elevat-
ing him to the Presidency of that body in 1833.
About the time of his settlement the plan of organ-
izing a church at Middlebush was agitated, and pre-
liminary measures taken to carry it into efi'ect. A
memorial was drawn up with great care by that jDor-
tion of the congregation residing in this district and
laid before the Consistory. The commissioners were
Henry V. Demott and Frederick J. Van Liew. They
argue in this paper the importance of establishing a
church not only in that immediate neighborhood, but
also on George's Road. The Consistory encouraged
the movement, and by immediate resolution proj^osed
to give, as their subscription, the parsonage lot of three
acres on Somerset and Hamilton streets. Dr. Janeway
was a warm advocate of this measure, and although it
was not carried into effect during his ministry, yet he
regarded the enter23rise as essential to the prosperity of
the church ; and, marking the indisposition of the people
to leave his ministry, in a spirit of great self-sacrifice
he immediately determined to resign his charge, hoping
that this important plan would soon be accomplished.
The expectation of the church that the ministry of
Dr. Janeway would be of long continuance was to be
disappointed. The extent of the congregation, the
amount of labor incident to a great country as well as
city charge, and the need of an immediate organization
in some joart of this extensive field, induced him to seek
from the Classis a dissolution of the pastoral relation,
which was effected February 24th, 1831, after serving
the church only one year.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 125
After a sliort residence in the city of New- York, Dr.
Janeway returned to New-Brunswick, and in 1833 was
called to the Vice-Presidency of the College, and to the
Professorship of Belles Lettres and the Evidences of
Christianity, which positions he filled with eminent
ability until his resignation in 1839.
He died at his residence in Livingston Avenue on
Sabbath evening, June 27th, 1858, in the eighty-fourth
year of his age ; a man greatly beloved for his many
virtues, and of distinguished position in the church.
It was a sentiment to which this entire community re-
sponded, uttered at his funeral by his intimate friend
Dr. Hodge, "After a life devoted with singular simpli-
city of purpose to the service of his Master, he descends
to the grave with a reputation without a blot, followed
by the benedictions of hundreds and by the respectful
affection of thousands. A long, prosperous, happy, and
useful life has been crowned with, a truly Christian
death."
The resignation of Dr. Janeway in the winter of 1831
again left this church vacant. After making an effort
to secure the services of Pev. Samuel A. Van Vrankeu,
and having the pulpit supplied by Pev. Henry Hermance
for about six months, the choice of tlie church, as the
eleventh pastor, ^vas my immediate predecessor,
EEV. SAMUEL B. HOW, D.D.
Dr. How was born in the city of Burlington; gradu-
ated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1811 ; was
licensed by the Presbytery of Philadelphia in 1 813 ; first
pastor for two years of the church of Salisbury, Pa. ; then
five years of the churcli of Trenton, IST. J. ; then two years
as the minister of the First Presbyterian Churck of
126 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
this city ; tlien for seven years pastor of tlie iDclepen-
dent Churcli of Savannali ; and after laboring for a sliort
time as President of Dickinson College, Pa., and also in
a ueAV enterprise in New- York, lie was called to tliis
cliurch May 18tb, 1832.
You liave now followed me to a period in the history
of our clmrcli within the recollection of nearly every
middle-aged man. The pastor who now filled this pul-
pit is still living, and the time has not yet come to form
an estimate of character or to sum up the record of re-
sults. The briefest statement of facts occurrins: within
the next thirty-five years will be all that is expected pre-
vious to closins: our narrative.
The period that now comes under review may be re-
garded as the era of church extension and revivals. In
both of these departments there has been an advance
beyond that of any preceding period. In regard to
the muliplication of churches, the following fiicts will
arrest attention : Of the ten organizations now consti-
tuting: the Classis of New-Brunswick, when Dr. How
commenced his ministry, only two, in addition to our
own, w^ere in existence — the churches of Six Mile Run
and Hillsborough. The original Classis, numbering four-
teen churches and eleven ministers, extended from Mid-
dletown, in Monmouth couuty, to Lebanon in Hunterdon,
and embraced also three churches still farther north, in
Orange county, N. Y. Now, within the same territory
we have three Classes, thirty-four churches, with a body
of forty ministers. That we have multiplied to the ex-
tent that we should in all parts of the field is not to be
presumed, and the question should press upon us whe-
ther we ought not to stretch abroad the curtains of our
habitation.
Almost the fii'st act after the settlement of Dr. How
niSTORICAL DISCO L'llSE. • 127
was tlie organization of the long tallved of cliurcli in tlie
coimtiy portion of his charge. Once more the sub-
ject came before the Consistory in a memorial from that
part of the congregation residing in the vicinity of Mid-
dlebush, and an earnest resolution was adopted that the
time had now fully come in which to arise and build.
The concurrence of the surroundino;; churches havinsf
been secured, by an act of Classis the Eeformed Dutch
Church of Middlebush^' was organized March lYth, 1834,
by a committee consisting of Rev. Messrs. Jacob I. Slmltz,
H. L. Rice, and A. D. Wilson. That church has always
been looked upon with interest as our own enterprise,
and nothing affords the old First more joy than to learn
of their prosperity. And to-day we offer our congra-
tulations that, under the administration of her young
pastor, she is assuming new vigor, and is beautifying the
sanctuary of the Lord.
It pleased God, in the year 1837, to pour out his Spirit
in a remarkable manner upon New-Brunswick, and bless
this church v/ith a revival of relio-ion such as is seldom
enjoyed. The work of grace commenced in the Baptist
church some time in the month of March, and soon
spread through all the other congregations. Of this re-
vival, two interesting narratives were published at the
time in the religious newsjiapers ; one by Dr. Jones, pas-
tor of the Presbyterian church, and the other by Dr.
How, giving a detailed account of the work in his own
charge. In respect to this congregation Dr. How states
that " for several years previous it had been peaceful
and prosperous, and had steadily improved in its spirit-
ual interests." Two events are spoken of in the nar-
* The pastors settled at Middlebush have been Rev. J. I. Shultz,
(1834-38,) Rev. John A. Van Doren, (1838-66,) and Rev. George W.
Swain, the present pastor.
128 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
rative as seeming to prepare tlie way for this great
awakening; namely, the visitation of the cholera in
1832, and the desolating tornado which swept through
the city in June, 1835, laying whole streets in ruins and
destroying several lives. The minds of the people were
arrested and solemnized by these events, and in many
instances saving impressions were produced. But in the
latter part of May, 1837, the entire congregation seemed
to be affected with a religions awe, and it was rare to
meet with an individual who was not wilhng to con-
vei'se with his pastor on his spiritual interests, lleligious
meetings were thronged. Sabbath days were seasons of
refreshing, conversions were multiplied, and the entire
population was moved by the Spirit of God.
The result of this work of grace in this churcli was
the addition of one hundred and thirty-seven to the
communion, and about live hundred to all the churches
in the city. The work was very powerful in the Col-
lege. In the graduating class of that year not one was
left unvisited. Out of the number who united Avitli
our church nine entered the gospel ministry, of whom
two are now professors in our Theological Seminary —
Kev. Drs. De Witt and Demarest. Many who were
received into the membership of the church had been
under serious impressions for six, nine, and twelve
months, and some for tAVo or three years.
The means employed were the ordinary and estab-
lished ordinances of gi'ace, and no new measures or
novel doctrines w^ere resorted to in order to feed a mere
excitement. Kelio-ious meeting's were indeed multi-
plied, but they were for prayer and the preaching of
the Word. The aid of other ministers was sought, but
they were the pastors of neighboring churches and the
professors in the institutions. The morning j^rayer-
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. • 129
meeting at six o'clock was uniformly crowded, and
those who attended tliem will never forget the solemn
awe that rested upon the assemblies. While there was
far from the exhibition of any opposition, every one
spoke of the revival with interest, and all seemed to come
under the power of an influence which was not of man
but of God. Dr. How remarks, in his narrative, that
"there was no disorder, no confusion, no wild, mis-
guided zeal. All was serious, solemn, calm, devout,
and at times deeply affecting." And months after the
work had ceased, the pastor states, as the effect produced
upon the congregation, that there has been "an in-
creased sj^irit of harmony and love among the people
of God, and never was the congregation in a state of
more entire peace or of greater prosperity than it now
enjoys."
This is one of the brightest spots in the history of
the church, and it will be long before the members of
this conoTe2:ation and the citizens of New-Brunswick
will cease to speak with the deepest emotion of the
revival of 1837.
In subsequent years it was the happiness of the pas-
tor to witness other special seasons of ingathering. In
1843, thirty-three were added to the communion ; in
1853, twenty-seven; and in 1858, fifty-four; but the
powerful work of grace in 1837 stands without a par-
allel in the whole history of the church.
Year after year there was the evidence of increased
prosperity, and during the ministry of Dr. How the
couo:re2:ation had so enlaro;ed in numbers that he re-
ports to Classis three hundred and fifty families, and
fi.ve hundred and forty-nine communicants upon the
rolls. It was God's blessing poured out upon the faith-
ful preaching of the Word, and great diligence in the
9
130 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
discharge of pastoral work. So will God bless us as
we are faithful to his truth, and conform ourselves to
the sure teachings of his Providence.
The large accession of numbers and growth of the
church called for the organization of a second congre-
gation of our order in the city. The blessing of God
upon the labors of the pastor had filled this building
to its utmost capacity, every seat was occupied, and it
was felt that to send out a colony was not only desira-
ble but an absolute necessity. Those who were the
original movers in this enterprise, while they no doubt
felt deeply the sundering of the tie by which they
were bound to this ancient church, and could not but
express regret at their parting from brethren to ^vhom
they were tenderly attached, and to a ministry that had
been eminently blessed, were at the same time actuated
by a conviction that another church was needed to
meet the growing religious wants of this city. The
plans of the organization having been perfected, Febru-
ary 14th, 1843, there was organized in this building
the Second Reformed Dutch Church of New-Bruns-
wick, by a committee of Classis ; and upon Rev. Dr.
How devolved the pleasing duty of ordaining the first
Consistory. Very soon after, the Second Church called
as their first pastor Rev. Dr. Demarest, now of the
Theological Seminary.*
The subsequent history of this church proves that
the men who originated it did not misinterj)ret the in-
dications of Providence. And while we ^vith them
thank God for all the success with which they have been
crowned, and bless Him for the tokens of His favor in
* The following pastors have been settled in this church : Rev. David D.
Demarest, D.D., (1843-52,) Rev. Samuel M. Woodbridge, D.D., (1852-57,)
Rev. Hugh M. Wilson, D.D., (1858-G2,) Rev. John W. Schenck, (18G2-6G,)
Rev. Chester D. Hartranft, since 1866.
HISTORICAL DISCO UESE. 131
their rapid and liealtliy growth, we will pray that botli
of these churches in harmonious cooperation may seek
the extension of the Redeemer's kino-dom, and from
our communions there may go up to the heavenly man-
sions, a host of redeemed and sanctified souls swelling
the company of the ransomed around the throne.
The failure of Dr. How's health in the winter of
1860 led him to seek rest from mental and physical
exercise. Failing to receive the benefit which he hoped
to derive from this temporary cessation from the laboi's
of the ministry, he felt that the time had come for a
dissolution of the pastoral connection. Accordingly,
June 14th, 1861, he resigned his call into the hands of
the Consistory, and his relations as the pastor of this
church ceased. During his ministry there were received
into the membership of the church five hundred and
thirty-eight on profession, and two hundred and twen-
ty-five by certificate from other churches, in all the
large number of seven hundred and sixty-three. It is
a pleasant record that " this relation had been continued
nearly thirty years in a spirit of entire harmony, and
that he left them in a highly prosperous condition." ^
A long vacancy now ensued. But in the mean time
the Consistory was not idle. In the summer of 1861,
the old square pews were removed, and the building
reseated and refurnished in the present modern and
attractive appearance. The former dependent method
of raising the salary by subscription was abandoned,
and the present mode of making the j^ews assessable
for the expenses of the church was adopted. Kev.
Joseph A. Collier was called, but failing health induced
* By the will of John B. Egerton, in 1857, the church came into pos-
session of $1000, to be invested, and the interest used for the benefit of the
Sabbath-school ; and also $3063, " the interest of which shall be used as
occasion may require for the church edifice and its appurtenances."
132 niSTOEICAL DISCOURSE.
liini to decline the invitation. An unsuccessful effort
was also made to settle Rev. J. L. MciSrair.
Tlie pulpit remained vacant until December 3d, 1863,
wlien your present pastor was installed. The sermon
was preached by Dr. How, from the words, "Who is
sufficient for these things ?"
During the short period of my ministry the church
has come into the possession of the adjoining property,
known as the "Old City Hall," by the gift of John
Clark, at an expense of $3400. A beautiful and com-
modious parsonage has been purchased, 106 Greorge
street, under the management of a committee consisting
of John Clark, Johnson Letson, Joseph Fisher, Ira C.
Voorhees, and Jolm Johnson. The amount paid for
the purchase and improvements was $5580. The ladies
of the congregation have purchased and placed in the
gallery a noble organ at an expense of $26:i5.
Thei'e were upon our church rolls, in June, 1863,
three hundred and sixteen communicants. We have
received during my ministry one hundred and sixteen
by profession and seventy by certificate, in all one hun-
dred and eighty-six. Our present communion embraces
four hundred and sixteen members.
I have thus traced the history of this church during
a period of one hundred and fifty years. Grreat changes
have been witnessed since your fathers laid the foun-
dation of our civil, religious, and literary institutions.
The insignificant hamlet that had grown up around
Iniahs's Ferry of a few hundred inhabitants, has spread
into this goodly city, with its churches, and College, and
Seminary, and schools, and advantages of commerce and
trade. The dense forests that surrounded New-Bruns-
wick have given place to well-cultivated farms, and the
thrift and enterprise of our rural j)opulation. The Ra-
HISTORICAL DISCOUESE. 133
ritans, who have given a name to our beautiful river,
have long since disajipeared. The obscure paths through
deep forests along which Dominie Frelinghuysen found
his way to his distant preaching places, have been ex-
chausred for these iron roads that course our State, the
route of a mighty traffic. The little church in Burnet
street, scarce accommodating three hnndred worship-
ers, has given place to two flourishing congregations,
with these ample buildings inviting more than two
thousand souls to hear the Gos2:)el.
That God was with your fathers is the record of our
history. Since January, 1720, twelve ministers have
held the pastoral office. Of this number four, Freling-
huysen, Leydt, J. R. Hardenbergh, and Condict, died
while in the service of the church. Five of your min-
isters have held professorships in our literary and theo-
loo;ical institutions. Four are still living::.
One fact in our history worthy of special interest is
the large number of young men who have been con-
nected with our church and have entered the gospel
ministry. We have upon our roll of communicants the
names of fifty-one who here made a profession of their
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and have been commis-
sioned to preach the Gospel of salvation.^' In addition
to this number, upward of fifty were received by cer-
tificate from other churches, and were subsequently
numbered among the ministry. While we have reason
to thank God that He has raised up from the midst of
us so many whom he has honored to be standard-bear-
ers in His army, we will remember with even deeper
gratitude that among the most devoted of our foreign
missionaries, Eev. David Abeel, D.D., Rev. Frederick B.
* See Appendix V.
184 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
Thompson, and his wife, Catherine "VVyckoff, "were
born in this city, were baptized and educated in this
congregation, were members of the catechetical class
and Sabbath-school, and were here received into the
full communion of the church."
We have gathered together some items in our his-
tory, but have made no attempt to sum up the actual
amount of good accomplished by this Christian church.
The souls that have here been educated for heaven, the
l:)enefactions that have here been poured into the treas-
ury of the Lord, the influence that has gone, forth' from
this house of prayer, the power that has here been felt,
is known only to God. The existence of a single Chris-
tian church in a community is an unsj^eakable blessing,
and eternity alone can unfold the results of her mission.
While gratitude is awakened in view of the past,
our history calls us to be faithful to the present. We
in our generation are making a history, and those who
come after us will write up the record of our lives and
doings. Shall our history be as worthy as that of the
fathers ? We meet, to-day, a congregation of the living
in the midst of the dead. Around us are the monu-
ments of the departed. The sacred dust of ministers,
elders, members of this church, Presidents and Profes-
sors of our College and Seminary, surround these walls.
This ancient graveyard is the resting place of the illus-
trious dead. Perhaps no spot of ground has crowded
within its inclosure names so dear and honored through-
out the whole bounds of our denomination as that
which lies beneath the shadow of this venerable build-
ing. A walk through this unpretending cemetery will
bring before your eye the names of men which are
common property to the Church of Christ. Aside from
the patriots of the K evolution who are resting here
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 135
until tlie morning of the resurrection ; and elders wlio
in their infancy were baptized by the hand of Freling-
huysen, and in their maturity were received into the
communion under the ministry of Leydt ; and women
who helped in the Gospel of Christ ; there are beloved
pastors, and learned professors, and noble benefactors,
who will awake when the dead hear the voice of the
Son of God, and come forth. It is meet that the pre-
cious dust of Hardenbergh, and Condict, and Living-
ston, and Woodhull, and De Witt, and Schureman, and
Van Benschoten, and Ludlow, and Van Vranken, and
Cannon, and Theodore Frelioghuysen should here re-
pose in waiting for the glorious resurrection unto eternal
life. AYe do not wonder that, on reading the inscrip-
tions on these monuments, one has been reminded " of
that place of sepulchre in the neighborhood of London
called Bunhill Fields, where are deposited the remains
of such men as Bunyan, and Baxter, and Watts, and a
host of others of whom the world was not worthy."
Blessed indeed is the memory of the fathers of this
church, and noble their toils and sacrifices for the ad-
vancement of the Redeemer's kino-dom. "The Lord
our God be with us as he was with our fathers." They
have left their names and deeds, and have passed away.
Do they not appeal to us to do more for Christ than they
have done ? The circumstances that sun^ound us for
promoting the Redeemer's kingdom are far more favor-
able than those which the fathers enjoyed. We have
grown in numbers and in resources ; we may derive ad-
vantage from the experience and study lessons fi'om
the errors of the past ; while all these organizations of
modern times were unknown to those who have gone
before us.
Though the oldest organization of our city, this church
136 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE.
lias not outlived her influence. Shall we not recognize
our responsibility, awakened by the position we occupy
and the history of God's dealings with us ? Am I wrong
in cherishing for this ancient church the brighest hopes?
Progress is the law of Christian life. May we not, then,
anticipate growth in the piety of her members, in the
liberality of her benefactions, and in the efficiency of
her labors for Christ? The most wonderful develop-
ments of Divine Providence are now in progress. Move-
ments are 2'oinoj on in our world which are tendins^ to
advance the kino'dom of our Lord. Let us watch the
signs of the times and make our church life throb with
the impulse of a Christian activity. And let this
church always stand among her sister churches of this
city, established upon the true princij^les of the Gospel,
maintaining the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ in its
purity, and built on Him as the chief corner-stone.
Part Second.
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES,
uttr II ^jjrm0!i
RICHARD H. STEELE, D.D.
ANNIYERSART EXERCISES.
At a meeting of the Consistory of the First Reformed Dutch
Church of E"ew-Brunswick, JS". J., held April llth, 1867, the
pastor stated that the church would complete the one hundred
and fiftieth year of her history during the present season.
Whereupon, the following action was unanimously adopted :
" Resolved, That we hereby express our devout thanksgiving
to God for the establishment and preservation of this church
during so long a period, and that the event be celebrated with
suitable commemorative religious exercises.
''''Resolved, That we cordially invite all who have been as-
sociated with our church, or who are interested in our history,
to unite with us on the interesting occasion of the celebration
of our one hundred and fiftieth anniversary.
" Resolved, That our pastor, Rev, Richard H, Steele, be in-
vited to deliver, on the day which shall be appointed, a his-
torical discourse, commemorative of the founding of this Chris-
tian church,"
The committee who were appointed to take charge of the
arrangements for the occasion selected Tuesday, October 1st,
for the proposed celebration. The day of the anniversary was
one of the most beautiful of the season. The invitation which
had been circulated brought together hundreds of the friends
of the church and former members of the congregation, to
unite with us on this commemorative occasion.
MOENESTG EXERCISES.
At ten o'clock, the venerable church edifice, which had
been tastefully decorated for the occasion with evergreens
ornamented with flowers, was filled with a laro;e congres-ation.
140 AXXIVERSARY EXEKCISES.
The 2:)ortrait3 of Drs. Ira Condict, John Ludlow, and Jacob
J. Jancw^ay, former pastors of the church, were suspended be-
hind the pulpit. In the centre was a painting of Dr. John
H. Livin2:ston, beneath which was a drawins; of the old stone
church erected in 1767, on the site of the present edifice. At
the right and left of the pulpit were placed the figures 1717
and 1867. Around the gallery were ^splayed the names of
the twelve pastors of the church. Over the pulpit was in-
scribed the motto, " The Lord our God be with us as he was
with our fathers." In front of the orchestra was the appro-
priate sentence, " Praise ye the Lord."
The pulpit was occupied by the pastor, Itev. Isaac Per-
ris, D.D., Rev, Gabriel Ludlow, D.D., and Rev. Thomas Do
Witt, D.D.
Besides these, the following clergymen were noticed in the
audience : Rev. Drs. Berg, Woodbridge, John De Witt, Dema-
rest, Campbell, Sears, Kip, Ilageman, Cole, Du Bois. P. D.
Yan Cleef, C. C. Yan Cleef, See, B. C. Taylor, W. J. R. Tay-
lor, Proudfit, and Stryker ; and Rev. Messrs. Ten Eyck, Brett,
Corwin, W. 11. Steele, Alonzo Peek, Lloyd, Bodine, Yan
J^este, Swain, Willis, Buckelew, Le Fevre, P. Q. Wilson,
Manley, Peter Quick, Ward, F. Wilson, C. Wyckofi", A. Y.
Wyckoff, David Yan Doren, A. M. ^uick, Enyard, H. P.
Thompson, Hartranft, D. A. Jones, McKelvey, Suydam, Riley,
Doolittle, and Phraner, of the Reformed Dutch Church ; Rev.
Dr. Devan, of the Baptist ; Rev. Dr. Boggs, of the Episcopa-
lian ; Rev. Jacob Cooper and Rev. Robert Proudfit, of the
Presbyterian ; and Rev. Messrs. Lawrence Dunn and Thorn,
of the Methodist.
The religious services commenced with an invocation by
the Rev. Dr. Ludlow, who also read the One Hundred and
Thirty-second Psalm. A select piece was then sung by the
choir, after which prayer was offered by Rev. Dr. Ferris. The
following hymn, written for the occasion by Rev. Peter Stry-
ker, D.D., was then sung :
AXXIVEESARY EXERCISES. 141
CELEBRATION HYMN.
TcNE — Varina.
A HUNDRED j^ears have come and gone,
And fifty more have flown,
Since Thou, O Lord ! this church ordained.
And called this flock thy own.
The men who then were in their prime,
And children in their bloom.
With myriads more, who since have lived.
Are sleeping in the tomb.
Time, on its rapid flowing tide.
Sweeps all our race away ;
Pastors and people seek the dust,
And buildings show decay.
But 'mid the wrecks of hoary time
The church securely stands.
Increasing only with its age.
And sending forth its bands.
And now, 0 God ! we crowd thy gates ;
We join in psalms of praise ;
With angels and the host redeemed
Our fervent songs we raise.
We give Thee thanks for blessings past ;
We plead for grace to come ;
Oh ! lead us in our future course,
And bring us safely home !
Cojnc, Holj^ Spirit, like the dew,
And fertilizing showers.
That fall on Ilermon's lofty peak,
And Carmel's blooming^ flowers.
0 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
Visit this flock to-day !
Be thou their God for centuries yet,
Their Everlasting Stay.
The Historical Discourse contained in the preceding pages
was then delivered by the pastor, after which the following
ode, written for the occasioil by Professor David Mnrraj, was
suno; :
142 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
Tune — Auld Lang Syne.
All honor to the names of those
Who first these regions trod,
And in God's fear, here sought to rear
This Zion of our God.
Chorus. — Let hearts be glad and lips rejoice
At what we see to-daj^ ;
With organ peal and living voice
Unite our thanks to pay.
With brave old Holland hearts they crossed
Through ocean's wave and wind ;
And naught of trust in God they lost,
Nor left their faith behind.
Chorus. — Let hearts, etc.
Here in the wilds, they sought to raise
An altar to their God ;
And train their children in the ways
In which their fiithers trod.
Chorus. — Let hearts, etc.
And while they plowed with zeal and thrift,
And filled their barns with corn ;
They sought from God the better gift
Each evening and each morn.
Chorus. — Let hearts, etc.
From Heidelberg and Dort they brought
The dear old creed and psalm ;
And with their quaint old music broke
The wilderness's calm.
Chorus. — Let hearts, etc.
Through all these years, what burdening fears
Have here besought relief !
Here sorrowing saints have dried their tears.
And soothed away their grief.
Chorus. — Then let our hearts and lips rejoice.
And cheerful music raise ;
With organ peal and living voice,
Give God his due of praise.
The morning services were concluded with the benediction
by Rev. Thomas De Witt, D.D.
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES, 143
111 the old conrt-liouse, adjoining the church, the ladies of
the congregation had prepared a bountiful collation, to which
the hundreds of friends who were in attendance on the anni-
versarj were invited.
AFTEKNOON EXERCISES.
At three o'clock, the audience again assembled in the
church, Avhen the services vfere opened by an aj)propriate
voluntary by the choir.
The venerable Eev. Thomas De Witt, D.D., having been in-
vited to preside, made the opening address.
He expressed the pleasure he had enjoyed in listening to the
thoroughly -prepared discourse commemorative of the history
of this ancient church by its pastor. It is the mother church
of many in the adjacent field, which has ever been so interest-
ing and valuable a portion in our Reformed Dutch Church.
The name of the first Dominie, Frelinghuysen, is well
known, not only in the annals of our own church, but also in
those of the religious history of our country. Dr. De Wift
remarked that, not many years ago, he found in the hands of
a Hollander a volume entitled, " Life and Letters of Sicco
Tjadde." Tjadde was a devoted and successful minister in
Friesland. He had been written to in reference to procuring
a minister for the early settlements in ISTew-Jersey. The cir-
cumstances connected with the acquaintance he gained with
Mr. Frelinghuysen shed light upon the character he sustained
of great spirituality of mind, close evangelical preaching, and
entire fidelity and faithfulness. It is to be regretted that this
volume was not secured at the time. It contains several let-
ters between Mr. Frelinghuysen and Tjadde, after his removal
to America. A powerful revival attended Mr. Frelinghuysen's
labors, the fruits of which are noticed by Tennent and Presi-
dent Edwards as existing previous to the great revival under
"Whitefield. Salt was then spread around, which still is found,
not having lost its savor. Dominie Frelinghuysen had a par-
ticular friend of his early days — Dorsius, of the German Ee-
forraed Church, in Bucks county, Pennsylvania — and a helper
to him in revival scenes. They each of them received classical
144 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
students, and several of tlie American ministers, as Goetcliius,
YerLrj'ck, Thomas Eomeyn, etc., were educated under Mr.
Frelingliuysen. The subject of creating an academy was early
advocated before the Classis of Amsterdam, without any action
resulting. After the disruption of the churclies, in 1755, into
Coetus and Conferentie, on the question of independent eccle-
siastical judicatories and the education and training of our
mhiistry here, in 1758 Rev. Theodorus Frelinghuysen, of Al-
bany, son of the elder Frelinghuysen, was commissioned to
Holland, to labor for the erection of a college, by obtaining
the consent of the judicatories in that country. He was lost
at sea on his return. Ecclesiastical recognition was refused,
until Dr. Livingston, pursuing his studies in Holland, re-
turned with the olive branch, and the breach was healed.
This was the same year, 1770, when the charter of Queen's
College was obtained.
Dr. De Witt then referred to Dominie Leydt, who is first
heard of in Dutchess county, near one of the congregations
over which he was placed in his early ministry. The testi-
mony of aged persons with whom he conversed represented
him as of great respectability of character, and honored by the
church and community. He took a leading part in the Coetus
controversy, and published two or three pamphlets. Dr. Har-
denbergh was from one of the most distinguished families in
Ulster county, not far from the place of Dr. De "Witt's na-
tivity. During the years of his ministry at Marbletown and
Eochester, in that county, he was the pastor of his mother's
family. The uniform testimony given by those acquainted
with him there exhibits him in the same character of mental,
spiritual, and official excellence which rendered him so dis-
tinguished in New-Jersey.
In 1810, when Dr. Livingston removed from Xew-York and
opened the Theological Seminary, Dr. De Witt entered it, and
had the privilege of being received into the family of the Kev.
Dr. Condict, and had thus an opportunity of forming an esti-
mate of his character. With little of animal spirits, and, per-
haps, in the depth of his humility, inclined to despondency,
there was a uniform breathing of deep piety. His counsels
were always wise, and marked with practical sound sense.
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES. 145
His preucliing, witlioiit brilliancy, was always sound, instruc-
tive, and experimental. At tins time. Queen's College had been
revived, and he was. the acting President. He stood among
the most distinguished in the church for faithful and useful
labors in the revival of the College. In the summer of 1811,
he was seized with violent disease. During the progress of
the sickness, his soul was in conflict as to his spiritual state.
On the night of his death, when it was supposed he was sink-
ing fast, he aroused, and spoke calmly, deliberately : " Jesus is
mine, and I am his. I know whom I have believed. lie
giveth me the victory." On the Sabbath following the death
of Dr. Condict, as the work of pulling down the old church
had commenced. Dr. Livingston preached a sermon in the
Presbyterian church on the text, " I am the God of Bethel,"
which was one of the most powerful he ever preached. His
allusion to the cotemporaneous breaking down of the earthly
tabernacle of Dr. Condict and of the church edifice wherein
he had labored so long was most happy.
ADDRESS OF REV. SAMUEL M. WOODBRIDGE, D.D.
Dr. Woodbridge represented the Theological Seminary, and
spoke substantially as follows :
I bring to this venerable church the salutations of the most
ancient theological seminary in America. It is proper we
should mingle in your festivities ; for not only have the inte-
rests of the church and the school of the prophets been almost
identical, but we have received from you benefits we ought
and do now gratefully acknowledge in the name of genera-
tions of the sons of the prophets. It is not merely that you
have assisted the Seminary pecuniarily, nor that you have
given two of your pastors to be its professors, but that to your
solemn assembly we have been permitted to come from week
to week to gain strength for the duties of life, and to ex^u-ess
publicly to God the adoration of our spirits. For there is
nothing can take the place in the Christian life of the worship
of the great congregation ; no private study or meditation, no
instructions in the lecture-room, no private or social prayer.
It is to the house of God the Christian turns when he would
10
140 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
find rest, and here lie finds the special snppl}' for the great
want of his spiritual nature. Here hundreds of our ministry,
perhaps the majority of those now living, have joined in praise
and supplication, here have listened with gladness to the sounds
of the blessed Gospel, and here have gathered around the holy
supper to commemorate the dying love of the Lord, and gone
away refreshed, and to carry the influences here received
throngh all future life. I have felt for years, and the feeling
increases, that we can hardly overrate the influence of the pastors
of these churches upon the students who look to them as living
exemplars of what, in the Seminary, can only be taught as the-
ory; and I can not here forbear giving testimony (and I am
sure I speak the sentiment of all who have been witnesses) to
the faithfulness of that servant of Christ who yet lingers
amongst us, and who for thirty years ministered to this peo-
ple ; and I am sure all my brethren will agree in saying that
never have we seen in him an act unbecoming a pastor over
the flock of God, nor have heard from him a sentiment un-
sound or unevangelical. But the church has also received
great benefits from the Seminary, too great to be told. Here
its professors, one after another, have preached the AVord of
Life. I shall never forget the impression made upon me when
I first entered this house and thouglit of the eloquent, and
venerable, and godly men who had here proclaimed the truth.
It seems as if upon these walls yet lingered the echoes of their
voices — tliH voices of Livingston, Schureman, "Woodhull, De
Witt, Ludlow, Cannon,Yan Vranken, and McClelland. These
stones may be silent, but the words of these men yet resound
in living* hearts.
What thoughts arise at the mention of a hundred and fifty
years in connection witli the history of this church ! As Dr.
De Witt was speaking of the death of Dr. Condict, I was led to
think of the iinioritten history of the Church of Christ. How
little we know of the true glory of the church', buried out of
our sight, seen only by the eye of God and of angels ! Those
deep experiences of the saints, those inward joys and griefs
with which no stranger intermeddleth, those prayers with
strong crying and tears, those triumphs of the soul over fear,
and death, and hell — what know we of these ? We see but just
ANNIVERSAEY EXERCISES. 147
the surface of tliis great ocean, whose depths are penetrated bj
the eye of Him who searchetli all things. How glorious must
have been this secret history for a hundred and fifty years !
"What a work, too, has been accomplished here, a work so
wonderful that the angels have gazed upon it with joy and
praise ! The arrest of the sinner on the path of death, the con-
viction, the illumination, the conversion, the repentance, the
faith on the Son of God, the struggle against sin, the wres-
tling of the soul against principalities and powers, the victory —
who can doubt angels have been within these walls anxious
spectators ? A greater than angels has been here in the midst
of his brethren; and he also, who on the day of Pentecost
came down like a rushing mighty wind, has made this place
awful and this city tremble by His presence. How many of
those now in their graves have been cheered and comforted
here ; and this leads us to think of the close connection of the
earthly and the heavenly church. The living and the dead are
one in Christ, nay, the dead are the living. "We have sometimes
regretted that our cemeteries are being so removed from the
churches. There is a beauty in the spectacle of the graves by
the house of God, as if signifying that the church has not lost
its interest in those reposing in the dust. They are still citi-
zens in the kingdom of Christ, that glorious kingdom which
disregards death, extending into the heaven of heavens, and
in its vast circumference taking in the general assembly and
church of the first born, and the spirits of the just made per-
fect, reaching also to our poor world and embracing the mise-
rable and fallen, the trembling sinners who seek refuge in
Jesus.
And we are reminded, too, of the perpetuity of the churchy
Our fathers, where are they ? and the prophets, do they live
forever? The fathers are gone, but instead of the fathers are
the children. The church can not perish, because God is her
life. Human associations rise and pass away, but the society
of Jesus, by a few simple appointments of her divine head,
sends down her name and principles from generation to gene-
ration. In her history a century and a half is but a brief
period. She counts her years by thousands. Arts, codes of
laws, kingdoms perish, the earth may be removed, and the
148 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
mouiUains carried into tlie mitlst of tlie sea, but the city of
God remaiiietli.
ADDRESS OF KEV. CHARLES S. IIAGEMAN, D.D.
Dr. Ilageman represented the ministry that had been reared
by tliis church. In a feeling and impressive manner he de-
scribed the scene wlien thirty years ago he stood here and
gave himself to God and to the ministry of reconciliation, and
gave some interesting incidents connected with the great re-
vival which shook the city and brought so many into the
church, when so many of his class were converted and dedi-
cated themselves to the ministry. He alluded to the ability,
the fidelity, and zeal of the former pastor of this church, (Dr.
How,) and to others who had preceded him, to illustrate the
influence of the ministry, and to show the influence of this
church ; that the fires that had been kindled upon this altar
had burned upon many other altars lighted by those who had
gone from this church ; that by her ministry she had exerted
an influence both in church and state which could not be fully
known. The influence of a ministry of one hundred and fifty
3'ears was inconceivable ; that such men as Frelinghuysen and
Leydt had prepared the way for the establishment of our in-
stitutions, and of civil and religious liberty; that they had
been faithful to the cause of their country, had labored ardu-
ously and successfully for God, and their country, and human-
ity during the Revolution, and others with their spirit had
battled nobly for truth, and justice, and liberty in the conflicts
of later days, and helped to free it from oppression.
He hesitated not to aflirm that the state, with her illustrious
Dames of senators, governors, statesmen, owed more to the
ministry for the welfare of the country than she would ac-
knowledge.
Some of these men had lived j^revious to the establishment
of our literary and theological institutions ; before the great
benevolent enterprises of the church were undertaken ; they .
prepared the way for them, and indeed made their organiza-
tion necessary.
He referred to the fact that no record had been found to in-
dicate the burial-place of the first pastor of the church, as an
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES. 149
illustration of tlie neglect witli wliicli great men are sometimes
treated.
One of tlie striking results of tlie labors of some of tliese
pastors was that many young men were induced to enter the
ministry. In this respect tliey were worthy of our example.
lie said that the influence of the ministry that had gone
forth from the church was inconceivable. To have some idea
of it, it would be necessary to collect together those who had
been saved by them, all the kind words spoken, the hearts
comforted, the minds impressed and directed; to look into the
golden censer and see the prayers offered by them, to see the
harvest from the good seed sown, and even to look within the
vail to those redeemed and saved through this ministry. The
influence of a faithful ministry was cumulative, like the rising
sun culminating in noontide glory, like the flowing tide increas-
ing in volume and strength until it overflows the strand.
Tie urged his brethren to thank God and take courage, for
though ministers died and passed away, yet the Lord lived and
his church would triumph,
ADDKESS OF REV. WILLIAM H. CAMPBELL, D.D.
Dr. Campbell, President of the College, said :
I find the meaning of this day's exercises, as well as the war-
i-ant for them, in Psalm 48 : 12-14, " Walk about Zion, and
go round about her : tell the towers thereof, Mark ye well
her bulwarks, consider her palaces ; that ye may tell it to the
generation followins;. For this God is our God forever and
ever : he will be our guide even unto death,"
In obedience to the command, we have walked about this
Zion ; we have gone round about her for the hundred and fifty
years of her history, we have told her towers, marked well her
bulwarks, and considered her palaces. And now in view of
it all we cry, "We have thought of thy loving kindness, O
God, in the midst of thy temple." '' Out of Zion, the perfec-
tion of beauty, God hath sinned." It is emphatically a histo-
ry of divine loving-kindness. And with grateful hearts and
strong confidence in a covenant-keeping God this church will
tell to generations following what God has done for them, and
150 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
will assure the children and the children's children that this
God, who has done all these great things for the fatliers, is our
God forever and ever ; he will be our guide even unto death.
And now, in a word, what has God done so signally for this
church ? What are these towers, bulwarks, and palaces which
he has here erected ? Let us have definite notions on this
point, for indeliniteness here will be imparted to our thankful-
ness, and to all the experiences and duties which are founded
upon it.
And the great noteworthy fact in this history of a hundred
and fifty years is this : God has made this church a nnifomi
attestant^ in doctrine and life, of the truths for the teaching, of
which he founded the church.
The great purpose of the founding of the church is given by
Zechariah, in the fourth .chapter of his prophecy. The sym-
bol of the golden candlestick, with its seven branches and its
seven times seven pipes for the full supply of the oil of illu-
mination, teach, that the church is to shed abroad the light of
divine truth in the world ; and the " two anointed ones," (verse
fourteen,) denoting Joshua the high-priest and Zerubbabel the
king, the two official ones of the theocracy at the time of
the vision, symbolize the two great doctrines of religion — the
high priest Joshua symbolizing the atoirernent, the divinely ap-
pointed sacrifice for sin ; and Zerubbabel the king symbolizing
the doctrine of obedience, in other words, the sanctif cation of
those for whom atonement had been made. These two truths
are the great doctrines for the dissemination of which the
church was founded. And here for a hundred and fifty years,
in the pulpit and in the life of this church, these two doctrines
have been nniformly, persistently, unceasingly held up to the
world. Here hundreds and thousands have heard these truths,
and witnessed the influence of them, and been blessed by the
preaching and example. All the life of this church has been
spent in exhibiting these truths and in furthering the influence
of them. What church can show such a galaxy of pastoi"s as
this? They, twelve in number, from Frelinghuysen down,
may be fitly called the twelve apostles of this church.
It was for the furtherance of these two great truths that
Queen's, now Rutgers, College was founded. The thought of
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES. 151
the College originated "witli Frelinghnysen, tlie pastor of this
churcli, and the thonglit was carried out and made a fact by
Dominie Leydt, Dr. Condict, Dr. Ilardeubergh, and all the
others. And the College was placed here rather than else-
where just because this church was here, and because the Col-
lege was the natural outgrowth of the life of this individual
church. And whatever Rutgers College now is or may here-
after become it owes, in large measure, to this churcli, just
as the child owes its future well being to the parent, Kev. T.
J. Frelinghuysen, as I have already said, conceived the idea of
the College. And you have heard from the Historical Dis-
course of your pastor, delivered this day, what the pastors
Leydt, Hardenbergh, Condict, and Schureman, and the others
did for it. This church gave the time of Drs. Ilardeubergh
and Condict as instructors in the College ; it has always given
money liberally for its endowment and prosperity. On the
last effort for its endowment the work began in this church.
Dr. How, the pastor, presented the subject to the people on
the Sabbath morning and declared that the success of the
measure depended upon what the members of the Dutch
churches in iSTew-Brunswick thought of the College and did
for it. He said the College must have a recommendation from
our churches in New-Brunswick in form of a large subscrip-
tion to endowment, or it could not succeed. Then on the next
day he called on you at your houses, and you, as well as him-
self, did give nobly. And as Dr. How, your pastor, and you,
the people, then did, so your pastors and this people have ever
done for the College from the beginning down to the present
day. And all this has been done that Christ, the atoning sac-
rifice for sin, and the Holy Ghost, the sanctifier for pardoned
sinners, might be known, believed on, and everywhere influen-
tial. And thus the great purpose far which the College was
founded was to hold up these two great truths.
How great, then, the influence of this church ! Dr. Thomas
De Witt, a few moments since, compared that influence to a
river. The figure is eminently scriptural. How beautifully
and clearly is all this brought to view in EzekieFs vision of
the Holy Waters, (chapter 47.) The prophet sees waters issu-
ing forth from the house of God, and they pass along at the
152 ANNIVEESARY EXERCISES.
south side of tlie altar of atonement. Xow, these "waters are
the streams of influence for good which go forth from God's
house and God's people. Their flowing forth from the sanc-
tuarj^ and in such close proximity to the altar of burnt offer-
ing, shows not only the source whence the influence comes,
but also the only ground upon which any influence can be
availino; for g-ood ; it must stand in the closest connection with
the atoning sacritice of Jesus Christ. Mark, too, the growth
of the stream. At a thousand cubits from their source the
waters reach to the prophet's ankles, a thousand cubits fur-
ther they reach to his knees, a thousand cubits further they
reach to his loins, a thousand cubits further and the waters
had become a river which the prophet could not pass over'; the
waters had risen and had become waters to swim in. How
vast, then, the growing intluence of good men ! Mark, too, the
effects of these constantly augmenting waters. They flow on
in full stream to the Dead Sea, the Sea of Sodom — that spot
which, above every other on earth, stands as the symbol of
spiritual death and of the wrath of God. And as soon as the
full stream reaches the desolate spot, all revives. The waters
of the Dead Sea are healed, they abound with fish, and men
spread their nets from town to town upon its once more thick-
ly populous shores.
How striking and beautiful is this" lesson ot the prophet !
The influence of the church, exemplifying in teaching and life
the renewing and sanctifying doctrines of Christ, shall convert
the spots of earth where spiritual death reigns into a para-
dise of God. Such is the history of this church which you are
to tell to the generation following, assuring them that " this
God is our God forever and ever ; He will be our guide even
unto death."
ADDRESS OF REV. P. D, VAX CLEEF, D.D.
As we follow the history of the church of God, we seem to
be tracing the course of some noble river as it rises in a clear
mountain spring, and rolls on through rocky gorges and ver-
dant meadows, fertilizing every land, and bearing upon its
bosom rich argosies freighted with the happiness and the hopes
ANKIVERSAKY EXEKCISES. 153
of humanity. The history of each eongres^ation resembles
that of the church at large, and is marked, both in its origin
and progress, by the same "wonderful providences. "Witli deep
interest and devout thankfulness we have followed your be-
loved pastor this morning, as he piloted us along the course of
this tributary of the great river of life. We have rejoiced in
the shade, and have been refreshed by the fruit of the trees
that lined its banks. This stream, like the famous river of
Egypt, has diverged into numerous branches, which have irri-
gated many a harvest-field. One of tliese water-courses it has
been made my pleasiug duty to explore, and I bring you some
of the fruits found growing in the fields it has fertilized.
We have heard of the long line of pastors who, for the space
of one hundred and fifty years, have served this church. Let
me speak of those who have been converted under their minis-
Iry, and have gone forth to perpetuate their iufluence. In this
way we may gain some conception of tlie moral forces that
liave been developed here during five generations. The influ-
ence of this church has no geographical limit. Tlie world has
been its field. The good it has done is not to be estimated by
the number who have gone from this sanctuary to swell the
redeemed throng before the throne of God and the Lamb.
IIow often have ans-elic messeno;ers ascended to heaven with
glad tidings, as one after another, j^arent and child, through
successive generations, has been born into this household of
faith, and taken his place at the sacramental table, and become
a light in the world, and a grain of salt to spread the savor of
a godly life. But how grandly that idea of influence looms
np when we remember that nearly fifty young men, admitted
to their first communion here, have gone into the world to
preach the everlasting Gospel. Some of them, doubtless, had
been trained in youth under other faithful pastors ; but here
they first publicly gave themselves to Christ.
It can not be out of place on this memorable day to recall
the names of our brethen who, though absent in body, many
of them, are with ns in spirit. The following list includes
only those who were received on confession of faith. (For a
list of members who have gone from this church to preach
the Gospel, see Appendix Y.) There are nearly as many
154: AXNIVEIISARY EXERCISES.
more wlio were members by certificate at the time of their
licensure ; for at one ])eriod the most of our graduates Mere,
for the sake of convenience, licensed by the Classis of New-
Brunswick.
Many of tliese have ceased from their labors on earth ; the
remainder, with a few exceptions, occasioned by age or phy-
sical disability, are actively employed. Time M-ill not permit
me to speak of all these brethren and fathers. I must recall the
name of one, however, who was cut off in early life. Abraham
Y. Wyckoff was a child of this church. Amiable, studious, and
consistent, he was beloved by all. Ilis examination for ordi-
nation took place at the same time with my own, before the
Classis of Greene, within the bounds of wdiich he spent the
greater portion of his ministr}-, which it pleased the Master to
limit to six short years, when he was called to receive his
crown.
And now pause and reflect upon the influence that has gone
forth from this church through the sons she has given to the
ministry. The average ministerial career of thirtj^-sixof these
2^astors is, up to this time, twenty-three years, and the aggre-
gate, eight hundred and twenty-four years. They have pro-
bably preached a hundred thousand sermons, and have been
instrumental in bringing many others into the ministry. And
yet how feeble the conception we can gain from all this of tlie
power of a single church among the moral forces which, under
Providence, control the destinies of the world.
But the sons of this church have been called to other posi-
tions. Four of them have filled, and three are now occupying
professorial chairs. Others have carried the Gospel to the
heathen. The records of the churc'li are adorned with the
names of David Abeel, Frederick B. Thompson, and AVilliam
H. Steele. These were the men who hazarded their lives for
the Gospel. The first was the pioneer missionary of our
church to the Chinese Empire, and the others remained and
labored on the island of Borneo until the last hope of estab-
lishing our mission there had expired. Yet they labored not
in vain. The Dyak people were not converted and made a
Christian nation, as we fondly hoped ; but may we not in-
dulge the pleasing thought that at least one Dyak voice shall
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES. 155
at last mingle witli the hundreds and thousands from China in
the everlasting song of the redeemed ; that some will rise up
from the Archipelago, as well as from the Celestial Empire,
to bless this church, and to bless the men who carried the Gosjjel
to benighted Asia ? Thus this church has spread like the great
banyan tree of the East. A branch has stretclied across the con-
tinent and taken root in the fertile soil of the West. Another
has reached over the ocean and rooted itself in the eastern
hemisphere. These spring up, and in their turn take root
again; and thus the process will go on until all the living
churches of God shall have intertwined their spreading
branches, and formed one vast tree of life under Avhich the
nations shall find a shelter.
It would be interesting to know by what steps God, in his
]3rovidence, has conducted each of his servants into the minis-
try, I can not speak for others, but may be pardoned for say-
ing that, in reviewing the chain of providences that led me to
become a minister, the link that I recall most distinctly was a
simple question from my pastor, the Eev. Dr. How, when, a Sab-
bath-school scholar, during the precious revival of 183Y, I was
examined for admission to the communion of this church. He
said, " Have you thought that you would like to study for the
ministry ?" I could give no direct answer, but the words
dropped like seed-corn in the soil of memory and reflection,
and they germinated and grew into a desire, and then ripened
into a purpose to preach the Gospel. Oh ! how much a faithful
pastor can do, by the most simple and easy methods, to kindle
a desire for usefulness in the young heart, and how great the
debt of gratitude he has a right to claim from those whom he
has instrumentally led into the gospel ministry. I take plea-
sure to-day in recognizing this obligation to my former vene-
rated pastor, to whose repeated conversations in his study I
was so much indebted, when, with unwearied kindness, he in-
structed me, removed my doubts and difficulties, and threw
the light of wisdom and experience on my path.
Pardon this personal digression. Do not weigh in the bal-
ances of cold propriety words forced from the lips by the
gushing memories of the past, those " happy, golden days,"
when even the sky seemed brighter and the earth greener
156 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
after tlic reviving showers of tlie Holy Spirit. Who can for-
i!;et a revival, when associated with the memories of his early
Christian life and love? 'Who can forget the communion Sab-
baths that dawned so beautiful and bright? I recall one of
them. It was a lovely September morning, in 1S37. Memory
brings back the crowded congregation ; the trenmlous voice of
Elder Stothoff, as it rose from this platform and mingled with
the swelling volume of song that filled the sanctuary with the
fragrant incense of praise ; the earnest prayer ; the rich gospel
sermon ; the old sacramental form, so redolent of Calvary and
Gethsemane; the long list of names of those welcomed for the
first time to the table, and niine among them ; and then the
bread and wine touched with trembling hands and quivering
lips ; the words of exhortation ; and the hymn of thanksgiving.
My vision of that sacramental Sabbath would not be complete
without the tall form of gray-haired Cnesar leading the large
number of colored communicants from the gallery up the aisle
to the table, where our pastor welcomed them with the same
invitation to the gospel feast. And I used to think he some-
times kept his best thoughts for them, and his words were so
simple and touching as he spoke of the dear Saviour avIio pro-
mised that all his people should drink with him
" The grape's first juice,
Fresh from the deathless vine that blooms in heaven."
But I must close. Let me leave as a theme for reflection,
The self •j)erpetuating power of the church throifgh the ministry
which she is raising wp. You remember the incident of the
conversion of a Hessian drummer-boy, under a sermon of Dr.
Livingston, in a barn at Poughkeepsie during the Revolution.
That boy was Cliristian Bork, under whose ministry John
Scudder was converted, the father of our beloved missionaries
in India. Let the church remember the promises of enlarge-
ment and triumph which Christ has left her, and never forget
his command to " pray the Lord of the harvest that he would
send forth laborers into his harvest."
" He who slumbereth not nor sleepeth,
His ancient watch around us keepeth ;
ANNIVEKSAEY EXERCISES. 157
Still sent from his creating hand,
New witnesses for truth shall stand —
New instruments to sound abroad
The Gospel of a risen Lord."
ADDRESS OF KEV. D, D. DEMAEEST, D.D.
I feel lionored in having been selected to present on tliis
occasion the salutations of the churches that have been organ-
ized chiefly v.-itli members from this venerable congregation.
The daughters come "with hearty and joyous greetings to their
mother, and on this her one hundred and fiftieth birthday
anniversary compliment her on her continued freshness and
beauty, and the proofs she is giving of undiminished vitality
and energy. They come with prayers tliat God will bless her
as she has never been blessed before, and that in the time to
come many daughters may be born to her who sliall rise up
and call her blessed.
A little band of three sisters appears to-day. 1. Spotswood,
organized about the year 1820, and so approaching the close of
her first half-century. A church that, owing to the force of
circumstances beyond human control, has never reached a
point that entitled her to be called a strong and influential
church. Yet she has been a steadily shining light. Through
all these years she has perse veringly maintained the public
worship of God, and furnished healing, rest, and a home for
many a sick and burdened and wandering souh The little
band of disciples there are to-day proving the reality of their
spiritual life by zealous and self-denying efforts in the erection
of a new house of worship.
2. Middlebush, organized about thirty-three years ago, and
which has given the ordinances to a generation. Faithfully
have all who have there worshiped been instructed and
warned, and well have the young there been trained in the
doctrines of godliness and in the spirit and forms of devotion.
!N^obly has the church of Middlebush done according to her
ability for the work of church extension by her regular and
liberal contributions to the cause of missions. She is now re-
pairing and beautifying her house of prayer.
3. Second New-Brunswick, organized early in 1843, and
15S ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
consequently M-itliin a few months of tlic end of tlie first quar-
ter-century of her life. Of the feeble beginnings of this church,
of her early struggles, of the devotion and perseverance of her
founders, I would love to speak if it were proper. Yet I can
not allow the occasion to pass without bearing testimony to
the purity of the motives of those who went forth from this
church to form that new organization. They loved their old
home none the less because of their attachment to the new. I
would also love to indulge the feelings stirred up by memories
and associations connected with the most interesting portion
of my own early ministr3^ Surely I may to-day mention with
gratitude that for eight and a half years I was permitted to
labor in cordial cooperation with the faithful servant of God
who so long ministered at these altars, and who, having fin-
ished his public work, is now waiting for his crown. We re-
ficret his bodily absence to-dav. We thank God that he is
present in spirit. We call to remembrance the former times,
and we all rejoice together in the prosperity of that young
and vigorous church. From her contracted tabernacle, dear
to some of us as the ])lace where the few were wont to meet,
she has gone forth into her spacious and beautiful edifice, in
which we hope that many will, through many generations, be
born into the kingdom.
I wish that I could speak in behalf of a larger band of sis-
ters. But it is not for me, and on a day like this, even to hint
that there should have been a larger family. It is not for mc
to intimate that within the limits of the territory originally
solely occupied by this church there is room for more of her
order, or that Providence has clearly indicated a path of duty
that has been shunned. On the contrary, I believe that there
are laws that govern the multiplication of churches in this
land that carry themselves into effect. We have no State
authority to regulate this matter, no geographical division
into parishes fixed by law. We usually do not even look to
ecclesiastical bodies to take the initiative. Wherever and
whenever Christian people feel that there is a time and place
for a new church, they M'ill move in the matter, asking only
the countenance and authority of those who are over them in
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES. 159
the Lord, and the sympathy and prayers and Christian help
of those from among whom they go.
I Avill go further, and utter an earnest protest against tlie
lieedless and unreasonable censures that are often brought
against our fathers for having been so slow to extend the de-
nomination and organize new churches, and for suffering the
ground to be occupied, by others. Ignorance is the most
charitable excuse for such censures. Let any one study the
history of the struggles of our church for more than one hun-
dred and fifty years to maintain an existence in this country in
the face of tremendous and overwhelming difficulties, and he
will admire the perseverance and rejoice in the success of the
fathers. Extension ! Progress ! Formation of new churches !
Why, the question was one of life, not of growth ; of holding
fast, not branching out. Let any one but consider the speedy
passing away of the Dutch authority from ISTew-Netherland
and the check to immigration, the obstinate adherence to the
Dutch language, ecclesiastical dependence on the mother coun-
try, difiiculty of obtaining ministers, troubles of Coetus and
Oonferentie, and he will prate no more about the slow and
deliberate movements of the fathers. And how can any one,
in view of these hindrances, say that it is disgraceful that the
Reformed Dutch Church is not now^ the leading church among
nearly a million of people in the city of E^ew-York, because
two hundred years ago she stood alone in New-Amsterdam a
Dutch village of 1500 inhabitants, one tenth the present size
of our little city of New-Brunswick ?
Besides, it is the glory of our land that no denomination has
the right of preemption or preoccupancy to any part of the
soil. "VVe have religious liberty. A church long established
may not forbid, one of another order to spring up by its side.
There is room, it is true, for Christian courtesy and charity,
especially among those essentially alike, which should prevent
an unnecessary multiplication of feeble churches. But how
can it be otherwise than that in places of importance all the
leading denominations should be represented, no matter which
was first on the ground ? A church should look after the
members of its own household ; but how can it expect to
bring under its care those whose preferences are in other direc-
160 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
tions? I for one say, let lis rejoice in the dwelling together of
Presbyterians, Baptists, Episcopalians, Methodists, Iieformed
Dutch, and give tlianks for tlie practical proof that there
can be unity of spirit and aim where there is diversity of form.
If our own church be small among these divisions of the sac-
ramental host, let us remember that an eloquent Methodist
brother, now in glory, has called us the heavy artillery, •which
part of an army is always small in numbers in proportion to
the weight of metal thrown by it into the ranks of the enemy.
But the time for progress and extension has come, and there
is a wide iield before us. Instead of blaming the fathers, let
us ask ourselves what are we doing. As the spokesman for
new churches, I am here the representative of progress. Our
doctrines and order should spread among the American peo-
ple. We have a work to do for Christ. We must not sell our
birthright. We must improve it. Growth is essential now to
life. This church is sound in the faith on that point. Her
sons are at work in heathen lands and in our western domain.
Shall she not also look nearer home ? Shall she not ask. What
could be a more fitting memorial of these one hundred and
fifty years than a church rising in some portion of our city
where needed, where tlie members of our own household, sent
forth with our blessing and help, may worship God according
to the customs of the fathers ?
During the exercises Prof. David Murray read the following
poem, which he contributed to the occasion :
"THE OLDEX TIME."
'Tis good for our pride
To throw things aside —
The business and pleasures to whicli we are tied,
The burdens we carry, the hobbies we ride,
The projects we form, and the plans wo have tried —
And linger an hour, or even a da}^,
O'er the records of things which have passed away ;
Bring out the old papers and family scraps,
Overhaul the old boxes, and bureaus, and traps,
And if 3'ou can bear it,
Poke round in the garret.
Bring down the old love-letters, in which long ago
Our sainted old grandmothers conclusively show
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES. 161
That they used to make love in that earlier day
Very much, after all, in the modern way.
Then while you are at it, go empty the barrel
Which holds some Dutch ancestor's best Sunday apparel ;
And trig yourself out in his coat and his hat,
And his best Sunday waistcoat, be careful of tliat ;
'Tis not to be sneezed at, although, like enough,
It may still hold a scent of the old fellow's snuff.
Be sure try his breeches
Of a length that just reaches
Adown to the knee, whence a stocking so neat
Completes the remainder down to the feet.
And then, if you choose,
You may try on his shoes.
And have them well polished before put in use.
And rub up the buckles with the least bit of leather.
For copper will tarnish in this sort of weather.
Then he wore down behind a long, slender cue.
Tied up in an eelskin with ribbon of blue.
Which looked all the world, folks have profanely said,
Like a frying-pan handle stuck on his head.
Go look in the glass in this fancy old rig.
And if you are not a conceited 3'oung prig,
I am sure you will own that old Diedrich then
Was not such a bad-looking specimen.
Now when we've begun,
Why, under the sun.
Can't we go a bit further, and just make a run
On our grandmother's bandbox and presses,
And bring out from thence a few of her dresses?
By the by, she was noted a belle in her day.
And quite turned the heads of the men, they say ;
And even Lord Howe, the British commander,
Is said to have sat by her side and fanned her.
But good Dame Katrina quite stirred up his dander
By marrying Diedrich, whom he thought a gander.
Let one of these damsels I hold in my eye
Be pleased just for once these dresses to try.
And show us Katrina in Sunday attire
All ready to walk to the church with our sire.
This lilac brocade,
With bright silver braid,
Ah ! this will become you now to a shade,
A little bit faded, but what of that ?
A little too full, for Dutch dames were fat ;
11
162 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
But a very good dress, notwithstanding that,
And fit to adorn the queen who sat
At Solomon's feet to hear hitn chat.
You will see it is short, and meant for the street,
And did not quite cover Dame Katrina's feet;
For who so cruel would try to hide
Those bright silver buckles, Katrina's pride ?
Now try on this bonnet,
And depend upon it.
You will cut a figure when you once don it..
But first you must add a few inches more
To the height your waterfall had before ;
And one "heart-breaker" must hang down behind,
To be played with and tossed by the wanton wind.
Then put on the powder, and do not spare,
For Katrina was proud of her golden hair.
Now on with this " coal-scuttle," large and wide.
With good broad ribbons securely tied.
"Why, bless your heart, there's enough of that,
If only the stuff were spread out flat.
To make a good dozen, as large as the mat
AVhich ladies now wear, and call a hat.
Good Diedrich, he was grave and stout.
And his wife was nowise thin ;
And a dimpled smile kept playing about
. The good little woman's chin.
And on Sunday morn, when the church-bell rang.
They always started when they heard its clang;
And walked to church like a godlj' pair,
While bright little Volkert, their son and heir,
Went trotting before, and always were there
A good many minutes before the first prayer.
Good Diedrich took, in the winter weather,
A foot-stove of tin, well-soldered together.
And filled with water at a boiling heat.
To protect from the cold their freezing feet.
On very cold days, as a very great treat,
It served little Volkert as a nice warm seat.
Where the boy might be broiled like a piece of meat.
For, remember, that no one ever hears
Of a stove in a church back a hundred years,
Still less of a furnace, or as it would seem,
Of even a patent for heating by steam.
The church was old, the church was queer ;
Would you like to look in on the Sabbath-day,
ANNIVEKSARY EXERCISES. 163
And witness their strange, old-fiishioned gear.
And gather a hint of the ancient way ?
The walls were plain, the roof was square,
The carpets — ah ! well, they were not there ;
And the pews — of course, they were better bare,
For cushions were deemed a carnal affair.
In the centre aisle the bell-rope hung.
Where the sexton stood, when he puffed and rung ;
And the people said he was cross as a bear
If anj'' one jostled against him there.
And the boys in the pews had a wholesome fear
Of Johannes's anger, when he was near.
At the pulpit-front the vorsinger stood —
His nose was large and his voice was good —
And he pitched his tune as he pitched his hay,
To the right and left in a frantic wny.
And the old Dutch psalms made the welkin ring,
For Dutchmen are strong when they come to sing.
But the pride of the church, the glory of all,
"Was the pulpit which towered against the wall.
'Twas set so high, said the wits of the town,
For the preaching was heavy, and would settle down.
Like an egg-cup it stood on a narrow base,
While the good old dominie held the place
Of the spoon in the empty shell,
To stir in the pepper and salt, and he stirred them well.
Over his head a sounding-board hung.
Like a vast extinguisher, above him swung,
Ready to fall and put out his light,
As candles are quenched at dead of night.
AVill somebody put a contrivance so neat
Directly over each congressional seat.
So that Colfax then by pulling a string
Might the noisy men to silence bring ?
Well to the front the deacons sat,
All in a goodly row.
Grave and sober, and generally fat,
With linen as white as snow.
Gravely they sat till the sermon was done,
Then gravely they rose for their task, one by one ;
And taking the bags from where they had been.
Passed them to gather the pennies in.
Each bag was hung to the end of a pole,
And a little bell swung beneath the whole,
Whose tinkling might serve the sleepers to wake
From the nice little naps they sometimes take.
IGl ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
There, look for a moment and admire tlie style
Of him who is gathering the middle aisle.
Hear the tinkling bell and his creaking shoes,
As he passes along among the pews.
Back in his garden, j'esterdaj'^ night,
You might have seen him, while it was light,
Practicing over his work for to-day,
Reiiearsing the part he would have to play.
Armed with an oven-swab, there he goes,
Passing it up and down the rows,
Giving to each big cabbage-head there
An equal chance to deposit his share.
Do )'0u wonder now at the exquisite style
Of the deacon doing the middle aisle ?
We commend the example to others, too ;
Have you a task that is hard to do ?
Into the garden-plat haste to repair,
And try it first on the cabbage-heads there.
Time can strengthen, time can kill;
Things will last, though men will die ;
While the house is lasting still.
Graves about it scattered lie.
Generations here grow gray ;
Others flourish ia their stead;
Pastors perish, people lay
Here their kindred dead.
But the church in fiiith holds on.
Stronger with its growing age ;
Proud to point to records gone,
Eager yet to add a page.
Let another fifty years go by ;
What shall then its record be ?
Call a meeting then and try.
And may we be there to see.
Brief addresses were also delivered by Eev. B. C. Taylor
D.D., Eev. David Cole, D.D., Eev.W. li. Ten Eyck, and Eev!
P. D. Oakey.
On motion of Eev, Dr. Cole, it was resolved that the meet-
ing deeply appreciate the excellent Historical Discourse deliv-
ered by Eev. Dr. Steele this morning, and that the Consistory
ANXIVERSAEY EXERCISES. 165
of tliis cliurcli be requested to secure the same for publica-
tion.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Peter D. Oakey, and after sing-
ing tlie Doxology tlie benediction was pronounced b}' Pev. Dr.
Taylor, of Bergen.
EVENING EXERCISES.
The evening exercises were opened with a voluntary by the
choir, after which the forty-eighth Psalm was read, and prayer
ofiered by Rev. Prof. Joseph F. Berg, D.D.
The congregation then united in singing the following hymn,
written for the occasion by Rev. John B. Steele :
"THE THIRD JUBILEE."
Tune— "^a^tvy's ChanV
1. The silver trump of jubilee
The pastors thrice have blo^'n,
Since first a royal priesthood laid
Our Zion's cornci'-stone.
2. The pillar, on the rocky base
Our fathers reared of old.
Has wide displayed the truths of God —
The purest, finest gold.
3. From year to year the altar's fires
Have never ceased to shine ;
And men of God have ever stood
"Within our holy shrine.
4. The Saviour here has gathered gems—
His jewels rich and pure,
To shine in His celestial crown.
Forever to endure.
5. A cloud by day, a fire by night,
Our covenant God has given:
Beneath the folds of light and shade
We journey on to heaven.
fi. On this good day, with grateful hearts,
We set our symbol stone ;
And look to God, in faith and hope,
For help in years to come.
166 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
Kev. Isaac Ferris, D.D., the senior ex-pastor of the cliurch,
then delivered the following address :
ADDRESS OF REV, ISAAC FERRIS, D.D.
My Respected !Fkie:^ds : It is now about forty-six and one
half years since a young man, twenty-two and one half years old
and about ten months from the Seminary, assumed the pasto-
ral charge of this church and congregation, then embracing
three hundred faniilies, and these dispersed over an area five
miles square ; and having in his audience three professors, and
some twenty-seven theological students, earnest young- men
with cultivated minds. It was a most responsible position for
such an one to occupy, and it was in some degree realized, and
would not have been assumed but from the conviction that the
finger of God w^as clearly in the call, which came as unanimous
from a people who had been disti'acted for years by a dividing
question, in whose discussion very unhappy feelings had min-
gled.
The relation continued for three years and eight months,
and was broken up by the renewal of the old dividing ques-
tion. It may not be amiss to state it briefly, as it is a thing
of the past. This congregation embraced a city and a coun-
try population. In the settlement of a minister it had been
the usage, from the founding of the church, to have the second
service on the Sabbath, during the summer, occur after an in-
termission of one hour. In the process of time the city popu-
lation grew so large as to make it desirable and even important
to have the service fixed at an hour convenient to the city
(congregation, and as were the services of other churches.
Strong feeling and parties arose, each claiming what they
sought as a right. The discussion had caused the resignation
of Rev. Jesse Fonda. Dr. John Ludlow did not encounter it,
as his pastoral relation continued only a little over a year.
As I now look back on the merits of the case — indeed, as I
then thought — the right was with the country people, but the
policy was with the city, until the question was settled in the
call of the pastor. In the call of my successor the matter was
put forever at rest. The subsequent course of things has
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES, 167
proved the wisdom of this final action. The increase of pop-
ulation to any important extent, as was expected would be,
lias been in town. The growling families here have been pre-
served to the original fold. And now, on this ground, you
have two large, vigorous churches, wdiile an outgrowth at Mid-
dlebush has constituted a blessed church-home to the more
distant families. I rejoice in the prosperitj'' and the expand-
ing usefulness and power of my first charge. To come back
to this spot has always been to me a pleasure, and to meet, as
I have always done, the warm greeting and cordial good wishes
of those to whom I had ministered, both the fathers and the
children, in the greenness of my ministry, is among my most
pleasant memories. The fathers have gone, and the children
have mostly gone, and now I have before me the children's
children, and to them I submit my remarks on what occurred
in their fathers' fathers' day.
A ministry of three years and eight months will ordinarily
furnish few events of special moment, and their tale is soon
told. But I feel I may take a wider range, that I may submit
some statements concerning the honored dead, and thus pay
my tribute to those whom I shall never again see in the flesh.
My thoughts have taken this direction as I have anticipated
this interesting occasion : that I would first notice some spe-
cial points during my ministry, and then speak of my hearers
and my co-laborers.
As to the particular events referred to, let me speak first of
the additions to the church. It pleased God to give me early
seals to my ministry. His word was made eliectual, and I
was permitted to hear from one and another the earnest inqui-
ry, " What shall I do to be saved ? " Some of the most precious
cases occurred in connection wnth pastoral visitations and spe-
cial interviews with those who offered their children for bap-
tism before they had given their own hearts to Christ.
Among the early accessions was that of David Abeel, the
devoted missionary. With his religious inquiries I had nothing
to do ; he had obtained Christian hope in the winter of my
settlement, and found Dr. Livingston his faithful and tender
counselor. But we were brought closely together in his early
Christian life, and it was my privilege to advise him concerning
168 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
his public consecration and to receive liim to the fellowship of
the family of Christ. Our walk together was very pleasant,
and through his whole life we were dear friends and coopera-
tors in Christ's work. Very pleasant was it, in tlie second and
third summers of my settlement, as I had invited those who
felt an interest in the matter to come together every Sabbath
morning, at six o'clock, for prayer for one hour, in the old
Lancaster school-house — very pleasant was it to see David, with
his excellent mother and sisters, coming over the hills from
their rural home to the place of meeting ; and very animating
and invigorating were those meetings, for the Master crowned
them with his presence and blessing. They are bright spots in
memory.
We were not favored with what would be called revivals ;
but we had times when the dews of divine srace distilled
sweetly among the people. On several occasions we received
sixteen to the communion on profession, and in the course of
three years and a half seventy-eight, with thirty-two by cer-
tificate, making one hundred and ten. After my ministry ter-
minated, it overwhelmed me to hear from the precious maii
and devoted missionarv, Frederick B. Thompson, that the word
at my lips had been made the word of life to his soul.
I regard it with interest that I was- the first pastor who in-
stituted a stated and regular weekly evening lecture in our
city congregation. As there was no church lecture-room at the
time, through the kindness of the proper authorities we en-
joyed the use of the Lancaster School-house, which I think
was one of the early buildings of Queen's College. The excel-
lent system (which I have never ceased to admire) of having a
weekly catechising and lectures in connection, in several dis-
tinct neighborhoods in succession, throughout the congregation,
was in use. One point was Poole's Landing ; another. Middle-
bush ; a third, Three Mile Eun ; a fourth was George's Road
Poorhouse ; while the catechising in the city was weekly.
These services in the country districts were attended by al-
most every person, young and mature, and were regarded as
hallowed seasons. Their observance had the eft'ect for genera-
tions of securing an amount of sound Bible knowledge which
gave the highest character for Christian intelligence to the
ANNIVERSAEY EXERCISES. 169
people of Middlesex and Somerset coiinties ; for tliey constitu-
ted the prevailing system of all our clinrclies in this region,
and they trained the most faithful church-going population I
have ever seen. The work of the pastor became increased, but
it was delightful.
By arrangement with the Consistory, one sermon on the
Sabbath was given in the church the first year of settlement ;
but the country and city lectures made three preaching ser-
vices per week. The second year, there were four weekly ;
while funeral sermons, and sermons at the houses of sick or in-
firm or aged persons in the country, made them not unfre-
quently five. One not actually in the work in a large charge
can scarcely realize how the demands for service press a will-
ing man. But it is well, for it is the Master's work ; and while
a man is in health, what can he better do ? As for myself, I
was a stranger to sickness or ailment of any kind at that
period.
Another circumstance of great interest at the time was the
ftict that, in compliance with my desire and the appeals made,
the observance of the Lord's Supper four times in the year was
introduced. The usage had been to celebrate that ordinance
at intervals of six months. On this subject there has been in
a lifetime a very general conformity in our churches in a quar-
terl}'- communion, while in a few cases a change has been
made to six times in the year.
"When we consider primitive usage, we can not but wonder
that there should have been so great a deviation from that ex-
ample as a commemoration once or even twice in the year.
The idea of frequency is distinct in the words of the institu-
tion, and it should be such as to maintain at the same time the
idea of the hallowed character of the service.
But that to which I confess I look back with great satis-
faction, as most importiint to myself in its various bearings,
was the ground publicly taken on one of the most destruc-
tive of social usages.
In the fall of 1820 occurred the suspension from his minis-
try, under the charge of intoxication, of one of our most dis-
tinguished ministers by a northern Chassis. He was reported
the most accomplished pulpit orator in the northern part of
170 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
the State of New- York — a fine scholar, a gentleman of very
wide influence. His fall grieved many hearts, while it broke
np his pastoral relations, and covered his later life with a dark
shadow from which he never emerged, though that M-hich
caused it had been corrected. It was apparent to me, as a
looker on, that he had no more natural appetite for strong
drink than any other man, but was the victim to the usages of
social life — ruined by his friends, who became afterward his
accusers. Every man of any position had his sideboard in his
parlor, and that well stocked with the choicest of stimulants.
Every visitor was expected to take his sip whenever he called.
It was imgenteel — it was a slight, a reflection — not to drink a
glass. And in making a half-dozen calls in the course of two
or three hours and taking as many drinks, how, as a matter of
course, was an appetite formed. Tlie wonder was, not that
there were so many drunkards, but that every body was not
such. To my mind, the usage was horrible ; and my determi-
nation was, wherever I settled, on the first public exercise, to
relieve myself forever from compliance with the tyrant custom.
ISTever can I forget the scene. This sanctuary was crowded
in every part, as there was great curiosity to hear tlie first ser-
mon of the young pastor elect. At the close, with the case
which had occurred full in my mind-, and which I stated, I
solicited the people never, under any circumstances, to ofi'er
me strong drink, and not to consider me impolite or churlish
if I peremptorily declined, should they forget themselves.
I remember well how the smile passed at my expense over
the face of the whole congregation. It was a bold step for so
young a man ; but it was most importan4;. It was shutting
down the gate of access to a course which has been ruinous
everywhere. It made its impression for good, as it fastened
itself upon the minds of my people from its jDeculiarity and
novelty. Need I say that step was never regretted ?
As was proposed, let me give some sketches of my hearers.
It may be said, probably, that, as are a man's hearers, such is.
his ministry. He will be influenced by the description of per-
sons who are to sit in judgment on his performances. The in-
telligent, the cultivated, the discriminating will stimulate the
young man to corresponding efibrts. Every locality which
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES. 171
has public institutions, in wliicli and around wliicli strong and
educated men cluster, will Lave its terrors to the beginner in
public services, while it will furnish strong encouragement to
fidelity and earnestness, for it is in the best degree apprecia-
tive.
It was my privilege to have as my constant hearers a noble
band of twenty-five or thirty young men of the Theological
Seminary, quite a proportion of whom was near my own age,
whose feelings and warm interest were with me. Ours were
most pleasant relations, as I was so recently one of them. How
many have gone to the grave, having done a good work for the
Master ! A small proportion remain, and they have become
the fathers in our Israel. Thus we pass along, class after
class, to various fields, encountering the wear and tear of life,
but never losing the tenderness of that tie which bound us
together in the Theological Hall and in our Christian asso-
ciations. I said noble young men. Let me not leave an im-
pression that I look upon them as an exception par excellence —
by no means. My relations to the Seminary have been such
as to bring me often, in the intervening years, in contact with
the young brethren gathering here for training for tlie minis-
try, and my opportunity of seeing other young men has not
been limited; and I say unhesitatingly, notwithstanding in-
sinuations in some quarters, that I have never seen a higher
class of mind and character than gathers here in preparation
for ministerial work.
At the head of the school of the prophets was the venera-
ble and venerated Dr. Livingston. His seat was always here,
at the head of the elders' pew, and he was ever the object of
interest on which the stranger would fix his admiring gaze.
He presented tlie most perfect specimen of an old gentleman
of the continental school of a hundred years ago ; rather tall,
fully developed in i3hysical system, calm, dignified in air, yet
affable, bland^ with his flowing white wig dropping down to
his coat-collar, he was a man by himself. His were inex-
haustible stores of knowledge, showing that he had been an
intense student, comprehending in his course the vast fields of
science and literature as well as theology, and having all at
command. To him was always yielded the sermon of the sac-
172 ANXIVERSARY EXERCISES.
ramental Sabbath morning; and then it was he poured forth
the riclies of his evangelical resources and his sweet Christian
experience — touching, warming, thrilling every heart — making
the occasion a festival indeed. His mode of sermonizing was
eminently didactic and analytical, turning every thing in his
text to account. Ilis grand peculiarity in the pulpit was the
large illustration of his subjects by voice and action. In this he
has had no successor ; some have attempted its imitation, but,
as usual in such cases, they have been miserable failures. To
him belongs the credit of giving a permanent form to the the-
ological training of the Seminary, and it must be pronounced
sound, Biblical, evangelical. Its results, as seen in our minis-
try, are all we could ask. It was my frequent privilege to
accompany the doctor in his walks, and it was always delight-
ful to notice the respect paid him by all classes and ages, and
especially to see the satisfaction of the little ones where we
called, as he laid his hand on their heads and pronounced
his blessing on them. Never shall I forget my iirst sight ol
him, in Albany street. It was in the spring of 1819. I was
then contemplating joining the Seminary for my closing year,
and was here to witness the final examination. He was passing
down Albany street, and reached Mr. Blauvelt's house, (noM'
jSTo. 52,) on the stoop of which some half-dozen students sat,
who lifted their hats to him. With peculiar dignit}', he turned
his person squarely toward them, and with both hands took
off his broad-brimmed hat and bowed his whole person. To
my mind, he stood as the personification of one of the patri-
archs.
One of my most cherished memories is that I enjoyed, when
I left this charge, his warm love and confidence, and received
from him, in his own beautiful penmanship, the expression of
them. It was the last time I saw him, as soon afier he slept
in Jesus.
My closing year in the Seminary was the first year of the
professorship of Dr. John Ludlow, who was, in his twenty-
fifth year — in June, 1819 — elected to his ofiice, and for two
years was a hearer. The choice of so young a professor was
deemed a remarkable, while it was proved, by the result, a
most wisej proceeding. Tlie new professor was not to be
ANNIVEESARY EXERCISES. 178
judged by the years lie liad seen, but by bis mental develop-
ment and strength of character, and these gave him a very
marked preeminence. His was a rare case of maturity of mind
at that age ; and, while he possessed an iron constitution, with
his experience in teaching as a tutor in Union College he was
especially fitted for his work. And a hard work it was. It
seemed a giant's burden, and manfully he bore it.
He had every thing to prepare, as text-books in several of
his departments w^ere few. He instituted the system of her-
meneutical and exegetical studies in the Seminary, and gave
a character to that branch of prcparatioTi altogether new to
our students. He was charged with teaching Hebrew, Greek,
Church History, Church Government, Pastoral Theology, and
Biblical Analysis. Day and night he was engaged, the light
in his study being the last extinguished in his neighborhood.
He preached occasionally, and then it was with the power of
a master. His manner was modeled somewhat after that of
his preceptor. Dr. Nott, President of Union College ; but the
clarion voice, and the piercing eye, and the energetic gesture
were his own. He was not emotional, and accordingly his
preferred field of topics was that involving power and perhaps
terror. He was not rhetorical, in the sense of the florid and
metaphorical, but very plain in style; his words just what ex-
pressed his thoughts — no more, no less — the right word used,
and always in the right place. His aim evidently was, first,
to get in his own mind a definite, clear conception of a sub-
ject, and then to present it in the most direct and effective
manner. He emerged from the Seminary an orator of the
first degree, and as long as he preached ex tempore, that is,
without notes, was everywhere acknowledged such. The dis-
tinguished Chancellor Kent, then in his own prime, wiien he
heard Dr. Ludlow in the pulpit, at Albany, in 1822, preach on
1 Cor. 1 : 22-21, pronounced it the most commanding j^ul-
pit eff'ort he had ever heard. The sermon, as an intellectual
production and an exhibition and defense of the Gospel, was
a masterpiece.
Dr. Ludlow was a wise and sound-minded man, possessing
a most marked balance of mind. ISTo man saw better what
belonged to a given occasion or could better unravel what was
174 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
conflicting. In social life he manifested the warmest affections
and the most unyielding fidelity in his friendships. His were
capabilities for the most responsible trusts. Had he been a
military man, he would have been one of the great captains of
the age ; had he devoted himself to law, he would have taken
rank with the most distinguished jurists; and had he given
himself to political science, he would have won renown as the
first of statesmen. AVhat a thought it is that this man, so fitted
by nature and attainments, was forced to retire from the posi-
tion he so admirably filled here by the want of funds requisite
for the support of a second professor ; but his going waked up
the church to her duty. In the work of the ministry, in the
church of Albany, he won a great reputation ; in the University
position he occupied, at Philadelphia, he made his mark on
every class with which he had to do, and his memory is che-
rished most tenderly. He was truly one of the leading minds
of our church.
A few months only elapsed when, having been chosen to sup-
ply Dr. Ludlovv-'s place, the Eev. John De Witt, D.D., of Alba-
nv, came among us, truly a man of genius and finel}'^ cultivated
taste as well as capital scholarly attainments. His had not
been the advantages of early theological culture, as those now
enjoyed, but he had made up for all by most assiduous stud}'"
of the best authors and critics of the day. He had, in Albany,
in the Second Church, occupied a most influential position, and
called around him a large and very devoted people. There I
was his hearer for a large portion of a year, and there, as a
temporary dweller, I learned to love the doctrines and usages
of the Dutch Church ; for, though brought up with Dutch boys
as my daily playmates and schoolmates, in New- York, and
hearing the tongue almost every hour spoken, and learning to
speak it in a degree, I had never crossed the threshold of a
Dutch Church, as "I was not Dutch." Dr. De Witt soon made
himself felt in the Scminar}'^ and in the town. He was a most
animated man, and infused animation and energy into what-
ever he undertook. He did nothing (as we say) by halves,
and would have every man like himself. He seemed to catch
intuitively what others would mine out by hard labor. As a
preacher he was polished in his whole style and manner, and
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES. 175
eloquent and pathetic. While he developed a subject in a way
to satisfy the intellect, he knew how to bring it home to the
heart. One of the best defenses I have ever heard of the Sa-
viour's divinity he gave in this pulpit, from the first five verses of
John's Gospel. So, too, one of his most moving, practical ser-
mons was from Ilosea, "Then shall Ave know, if we follow on
to know the Lord." It has always been to me a matter of
wonder that a volume of his sermons was never printed.
There was one form of service he performed, in addition to
all his other duties, which was highly valued ; he gave special
attention to the elocutionary culture of students, after the rules
of "Walker, on which his own delivery was formed. On the
decease of Dr. Livingston, that the Seniors might lose as little
as possible from that event, he carried on their course in Didac-
tic Theology, and thus in eflect, for several months, he had the
Avhole weight of Seminary instruction resting on him. He
was very fond of nature. To him, principally, are we indebted
for the fine shade-trees of the Campus, as well as for the fine
floral display which was yearly seen and admired at his door.
He, too, was the means of the donation of what was known as
the Mrs. Chinn's Library, and which he selected.
One personal incident, to me of great moment, I may men-
tion, if for no other reason than to show how judicious Chris-
tian friends may benefit a young preacher. We were on inti-
mate terms. One day he said to me, "Llave you any idea
how you preach?" I told him I had not, and often wished
to hear some one preach as I did, that I might see and hear
my own manner, and correct it. He asked if he should show
me. I solicited him by all means, for I knew that he had a
remarkable power of imitation. He gave it to me, and it was
the most valuable lesson of my early ministry ; it altered my
whole manner of preaching from that day.
But I must fill up my picture with notice of another most
worthy and most unassuming clerical hearer, and that is Rev.
John S. Mabon, who received his Professoral certificate at the
same time with Dr. Thomas De Witt. If true greatness is
modest and retiring, then Mr. Mabon is entitled to the honor,
for he was such. Iso one could have intercourse with him
without being struck with the evidences of his profound and
170 ANNIVEKSAEY EXERCISES.
varied cultivation. He was indefatigable in study, and was
most happy among the literary treasures (gathered by himself
in Europe) which filled his shelves, lie never assumed the
pastoral otfice, though, when in health, he not unfrequently
supplied pulpits, and had performed missionary work in North-
ern New- York and in Canada. He was an honored educator,
and had the satisfaction of preparing not a few young men for
college classes. In the Grammar School of Ttutgers College
lie labored continuously for nine years. On the decease of the
excellent and amiable Dr. John Schureman, the General Synod
gave him charge of instruction in Hebrew, in the Seminary,
until a professor should be chosen. His students remembered
his faithful efforts gratefully. He was the warm friend as well
as the devoted instructor of young men, sympathizing in theii*
trials and ever ready to help with counsel and other aid.
It was unfortunate that Mr. Mabon confined himself to his
laborious avocations so closely that his health was thereby seri-
ously impaired. He was brought into close relations with Dr.
Yan Vranken, as he married the doctor's sister, a Christian
lady, whom I may w^ll remember, as she was the warm and
sympathizing friend of my family. Mr. Mabon was a model
hearer, being always closely attentive, and entering into all the
trying circumstances of a beginner in pulpit duties. As a the-
ologian,, no man exceeded hiui in soundness of views and intel-
ligent apprehension of truth. Bred first under most thorough
Scotch training, he completed his com'se with Dr. Livingston.
In his latter days his trials were various and severe, but borne
with a Christian spirit. Though personally gone to his rest, he
lives in a son, whose privilege it is to occupy a high position
among our ministry.
It belongs to my narrative to say that the distinguished
George Wood, who reached the pinnacle of fame as a lawyer,
was a constant attendant in the morning of the Sabbath. His
close attention was calculated to induce care in every effort on
the part of a young preacher. James Schureman Nevius, the
most cheerful and vivacious of young men, always ready for a
joke and never behind in a repartee, and, at the time, a keen,
discriminating young lawyer, was my fellow-boarder at his
uncle's, and my hearer. With sharp eye and keen ear he al-
ANNIVERSAEY EXERCISES, 177
ways heard the young fledgeling in the pulpit. And then regu-
larly came Dr. Ackernian, "vvhose interested countenance has
often come up before me, and whose son has become the bene-
factor of our missionary brethren.
Shall I not speak of my helpers ? They deserve a special
place. We have the advantage, through our ecclesiastical sys-
tem, of surrounding a minister with the best material of which
a church is composed. If a man is unfitted, or fails in accom-
plishing a fair work, he may be easily passed by and another
introduced to his place. It was my privilege to have some
most capital men in the eldership as well as active men in the
deaconship ; not all of the same characteristics, but rarely a de-
ficient man — plain for the most part, sincere, possessed of good
sense and piety. Mr. James Schureman was a noble specimen
of a man, highly intelligent, judicious, and possessed of general
influence, and of large and liberal views. He had seen much
of public life in honorable positions, and was qualified for the
leading place which others assigned him. Frederick Yan Liew,
of Middlebush, was a farmer, and had enjoyed few advantages;
but he was far beyond tlie ordinary run of men ; more than
almost any other man he had the confidence of the country
part of the congregation, and was their most able advocate.
It was my privilege to enjoy always his regard and confidence.
Peter Yoorhies, of MiddlebUsh, was an aged man in my day ;
he had long been a pillar in the church. But I can not dwell
on the WyckofiPs, Hemy Van Arsdale, David Fine, Philip
Oakie, Henry Schenck, Lewis Carman, the Outcalts, Judge
Nicholas Booraem, George Nevius, and others; the last two
still surviving. Another I can never forget. Though not a
member of the church, Peter Spader was a most valuable man ;
his favors were constant. Though separated, by removal, to
another charge, I always received a cordial welcome when we
met.
Paul charged his true yoke-fellow, Euodias, to help " those
women which labored with him in the Gospel ; " and what pas-"
tor has not reason to cherish a high regard for this class of his
•helpers ? Their place is a most important one. When are they
not first in good deeds ? When are they not the ever ready
cooperators in the plans of usefulness a pastor may commend ?
12
178 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
When arc tliey not tlio most persevering ? Here they were to
me most valuable. They constituted a valuable band. But
there are four whom I have had special reason to remember
most kindly : Sarah Van Dorcn was never weary in well-doing,
never could do too much, the Sabbath-school was on her heart;
Miss II. Vethake, cultivated, highly educated, retiring, and nev-
er self-reliant, regarded no study or labor too much for the
ca,use of piety ; the two sisters, Phoebe and Elizabeth Bennett,
became members during my ministry, and were most efficient
workers and supports. Only within a few years has the last
of the four been called home, leaving her blessing behind her
in the form of benevolent gifts.
May I say a word about co-laborers, whose work lay around
me in this church-field ? The ministerial brethren of the Clas-
sis were most valuable men. John S.Vredenbergh, of Somcr-
ville, was a man of strong, marked merit. His whole heart
was in his work, and it was a large work ; and in this he had
a helper in a wife, who was a second Isabella Graham in the
variety and importance of her benevolent works. Few families
were more esteemed than theirs, and few are there where un-
usual culture and intelligent, earnest piety Avere so strikingly
the characteristics, and few have made such personal consecra-
tions to the cause of Christ.
Mr. Yredenbergli went into the ministry from this church.
I found his aged father in its fellowship when I settled. The
pastor of Somerville was always heard Avith attention in the
councils of the church, for he was a most judicious and wise
man. God blessed his work abundantly, and it is remarkable
how great its results were after his decease. Not long after
that event, a most extensive and powerful revival occurred,
and some three hundred and fifty were gathered into the fold.
It was the first revival in which I had labored, and it was de-
lio-htful to hear constantly of some good word or earnest ser-
mon of the deceased pastor as the instrument of awakening.
One of the most Nathanael-like men was John L. Zabries-
kie, pastor of Millstone, and he was my nearest clerical neigh-
bor. He was an honored instrument in building up what I
used to regard as one of the most desirable rural charges in the
denomination. He was eminently a man of peace, and of
ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES. 179
great simplicity of character. Without any pretensions to
greatness, his ministry was truly evangelical, and he saw the
children and the children's children come into the church.
His house was the much-loved place of ministerial meeting.
My valued friend and classmate, both in college and in the
Seminary, Isaac M. Fisher, in a few months after my settle-
ment here became pastor of the Bedminster church. A capi-
tal theologian he was, and a most able defender of the doc-
trines of our church. No man among us in the Seminary was
so fixmiliar witli the system of Dr. Livingston, and could more
intelligently explain and illustrate it. His critical acumen
had been sharpened by the great Ilopkinsian controvei*sy
which had pervaded the ISTew-York churches a few years be-
fore ; and with all its points, both theological and metaphysi-
cal, he had made himself at home. A most honest and up-
right man in his principles, he enjoyed the confidence of all
who knew him, and the remarkably upright physical man
seemed the index of the spirit within.
Rev. Jacob J. Schultz was located at the White House, and
was one of the most earnest of preachers. He labored as one
who had the best interests of his people at heart, and was
blessed with large ingatherings to the fellowship of the clmrches
to which he ministered. . Every good enterprise found in him
a hearty cooperator.
And there was Samuel A. Yan Yranken, generous, warm-
hearted, and ever enlivening by his sparkling remarks. It was
said he had settled in Monmouth with solicitude for his health,
as he had expectorated blood near the close of his student life.
But certainly, on that score, the settlement proved most Avise,
for he became one of the most vigorous of men. The bosom
friend of Dr. Ludlow, he exceeded him in the animation of
his style and in the emotional character of his preaching. In
the midst of his people, he was in his glory. In view of Jiis
health, he did not in his early ministry give himself to books
and to sermon- writing. His study, it was said, was tlie lawn
in front of his house ; and there, pacing to and fro, he wrought
out, without pen or paper, his Sabbath preparations, and
among his most intelligent hearers obtained the reputation of
a most powerful preacher. It was with difficulty he was in-
180 ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES.
Juced to leave a place where lie was so happy. Providence
brought him to the professorial office here after two pastoral
changes, and now his remains lie in the westernmost portion
of your graveyard.
But the man who out-topped all others was James S. Can-
non— noble in form, dignified in manner, careful in speech,
wise in counsel, the friend of all, especially of the young min-
ister, and distinguished for his literary and theological attain-
ments.
Tlie doctor was brought into close relations with the Theo-
logical Seminary by performing the service of Professor of
Ecclesiastical History during the session of 1818 and 1819, (as
was the case with Mr. Mabon ;) and his interest in the stu-
dents, which was always warm, became very earnest, and made
him their counselor and friend. He seemed like a venerated
parent at Six Mile Run, to whom the students loved to repair
for converse and advice. He was truly a Cliristiau philoso-
pher, looking out thoughtfully and calmly on the outside
world, with its wave-like changes. His preaching was far
from the sensational, which rings changes on a few exciting
topics. Its range was over the vast field of Bible truth, rest-
ing with delight on the Gospel and the sweet experience of its
working in the Christian life. He subsequently came into dis-
tinct professorial relations with the Seminary, retiring from the
pastoral ofiice. And you know well how truly gentlemanly
his whole bearing, how uniformly kind, how sympathizing,
how exemplary his Christian walk, how elevated and how
thorough his instruction, and how completely he secured the
confidence and regard of all his pupils, either of the College or
the Seminar}'. He was truly a great man, in the best and
most desirable sense of the term.
My friends, I thank you for so kindly allowing me to carry
you in a familiar strain through reminiscences to me so plea-
sant, and, I trust, not uninteresting to you, many of whom are
the descendants or the connections of those of whom I have
spoken, or to whom I have referred. They are gone ; but not
without leaving a most solemn work for their successors. The
old flock is divided into three folds, each having much to call
out our gratitude. I rejoice with you in your enlargement.
ANNIVEKSARY EXERCISES. 181
and in tlie promise for the future involved in it. To realize
all, and still to advance to a higher development of Christian
character, requires the earnest effort of all, and what encour-
agement have you to make it ! The God of the fathers is your
God. What a glorious starting-point does this day, with its
charming services, furnish, and how worthily may this be
made the mark of those who are in the vigor of life and of
those rising to maturity !
To myself, this has been a most grateful day, and especially
as it has followed another of most pleasant character. A week
since, I preached to the people among whose fathers my pro-
fession of the Saviour's name was made, and my first commu-
nion was celebrated just fifty years ago this month, and be-
fore whom my first sermon was preached ; and now I have been
in solemn service with the children, and the children's chil-
dren, in the sanctuary where my ministerial life began. I
ought to be thankful, I trust I am thankful, and I can well
leave the future to my divine Master, to whom I would give
all the glory.
On the conclusion of the address, the congregation united
in siD2;iuo:
PSALM XC. PART II.
Tune — Windsor.
Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
~ And our eternal home !
Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away ;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.
182 ANNIVEESARY EXERCISES.
Tlio evening service was concluded with prayer and the
benediction by Rev. Dr. Ferris, and tlie great congregation
separated.
Thns, through three services, occupying nearly the entire
day, the interest of these anniversary exercises was main-
tained. The expression was general that +he occasion was of
a most delightful and refreshing character, and had left im-
pressions which would make it forever memorable to all who
liad been permitted to participate in these solemnities. We
had " remembered the days of old," according to the divine
direction. The history of God's dealings with the Church
during a period of one hundred and fifty years, and of His
grace to "the fathers," had been contemplated for our encou-
ragement and strength. Hallowed and tender recollections
had been awakened while worshiping in the venerable sanc-
tuary which, for more than fifty years, had invited successive
generations within its courts. Blessed seasons had been wit-
nessed here by God's waiting people, on returning Sabbatlis,
as His Spirit was poured out in answer to prayer. From this
communion of saints on earth multitudes have gone, rejoicing
in hope, to join the Church of the first-born whose names are
written in heaven.
Under such auspicious circumstances has the First Reformed
Dutch Church of ISTew-Brunswick celebrated her One Hundred
and Fiftieth Anniversary
ANNIVERSARY LESSONS.
A SERMON PREACHED OCTOBER G, 1867,
BY REV. RICHARD H. STEELE, D.D.
"The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers." — 1 Kings
8 rSr.
We have been permitted, in the providence of God, to cele-
brate the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the founding
of our church — an anniversary tliat has awakened attention
wherever the children of this congregation are scattered, and
which will form an interesting topic of conversation as long as
the present generation are upon the stage of life. It seems
that, as a fitting conclusion to the exercises of this occasion,
your pastor should endeavor to gather together its lessons, and
repeat, on behalf of you all, the prayer of Solomon at the ded-
ication of the temple, which was so appropriately selected as
the motto of the whole services, "The Lord our God be with
us, as he was with our fathers."
Rest assured, my friends, that the interest of this occasion is
not transient or circumscribed. It has left impressions upon
our hearts which will abide with us always; and, as the facile
pen of the reporter shall spread round a circle of unusual
width the story of our religious festival, it will form the topic
of thought and prayer in many distant families. God has been
with us in this series of meetings. If ever Heaven has smiled
propitiously upon Christian gatherings, ours is the occasion.
The day has been a joyful one in New-Brunswick ; and we,
who worship at the old altar and dwell at the old homestead,
have not misinterpreted the indications of Providence in gather-
ing together the children of the fathers and their descendants
184 ANNIVERSARY- LESSONS.
to this feast of memoiy. The hroacl invitation that we cir-
culated ; tlic recollections that have hecn awakened ; the won-
derful history that has been recited of these pioneers of the
covenant, who so many generations ago laid the foundation of
our institutions of religion, and learning, and government; the
rich tone of spiritual feeling that pervaded our assemblies; and
the new purposes formed in respect to the interest we shall
hereafter take in the cause of Christ, all testify to the hold
this anniversary has taken upon our minds and hearts. I re-
peat it : The story of our coming together on this high festi-
val occasion will be rehearsed around many a fireside and to
future generations. An interest which is not transient or local
now surrounds the spot where it pleased God to plant, one hun-
dred and fifty years ago, this goodly vine. Those who know
us and have worshiped with us, as well as strangers who have
never stood within these gates, will fix on us their minds as
they speak of our remarkable history.
In making the improvement of the occasion which the
whole subject suggests, I will not follow any formal analysis
of the theme, but will lead you with me along a path of fami-
liar reminiscence and encouragement, entreating the blessing,
"The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers."
Our fathers^ and God with them. .After the record which
has been reongraved upon their monuments, can we doubt the
reality ? I think of these men once more, as we have read
their names and refreshed our memories with their virtues.
When we reflect upon the hardships experienced by the first
settlers in this new land, the privations, the labor, the dangers
incident to this then unbroken wilderness, can there be room
to doubt the special providence of God in selecting the agents
who should found, and in leading them to the place where
they should erect, this temple of worship and praise, the first
religious organization in our goodly city? Was it the merest
accident that they were led to pitch their habitations in this
fertile land, coursed by this noble river, surrounded by these
broad fields of inviting husbandry, in this genial climate, mid-
way between the stern winters which crown M-ith frost and ice
the northern latitude and the enervating heat and sickness
incident to a southern clime? Let those believe who may that
ANNIVERSARY LESSONS. 185
sncli a movement as tins is only linman in its conception and
results ; that the order of events that peopled this section of
our State with that sturdy Batavian race, whose excellences
we have commemorated, was a mere random adventure of
men who knew not where they were goine;, or what was the
end of their mission ; we, who have faith in Providence, not
blind but wise, not a coercive necessity but an intelligent pur-
pose, will believe that the Lord Jehovah was with our fathei's.
"When I think of those praying men who crowded around
that noble minister, Kev, Theodorus J. Frelinghuysen, who
broke ground for the Gospel in this new territory, the compan-
ion and colaborer with Gilbert Tennent, George "Whitefield,
and President Edwards — Avhose grave, like that of Moses, no
man knows unto this day; when I think how the good minis-
ter, Mr. Leydt, passed almost from his pulpit to the grave
amid the lamentations of the people; when I think how all
the expectations of this church were disappointed as the}^
bowed in submission to the will of Providence in the early
removal of Dr. Hardenbergh, while they received the consola-
tion administered to them in the funeral sermon preached at his
burial by Dominie Yan Ilarlingen, from the text, "My father,
my father, the chariots of Israel, and the horsemen thereof;"
when I think how hearts were almost broken at the great be-
reavement experienced in the death of Dr. Condict; when I
recall the names of all these ministers and their successors,
and behold the foundations they have laid, the seed they have
sown, and the harvests they have gathered, I am ready to re-
peat, what has come out all along in our narrative, "This is
the Lord's doing ; it is marvelous in our eyes,"
How different is our position to-day from that of those who
first came to this field with the Gospel of salvation ! It has
been impossible for me, during the preparation of my Histori-
cal Discourse — and I confess that it has given me two years
of labor and thought, in the midst of other duties, feeling my
way through a wilderness which had never been traveled, and
gathering materials for the first one hundred years from
letters, scraps of newspapers, old wills and deeds, Bible records,
and inscriptions on the old brown tombstones — it has been im-
possible, in the midst of it all, to keep from my mind that old
186 ANNIVERSARY LESSONS.
building, Avitli its sliingled sides, and steep roof, and unpainted
interior, and uncarpeted aisles, in Burnet street, where your
forefathers worshiped God in the olden time, and contrast it
with the quiet Sabbaths which have shed around us their hal-
lowed influence in this ample tabernacle and these crowded
congregations. We can not but view with emotion the obscure
origin of some vast river, and trace it in its expanding flow
onward in its course until it mingles its waters with the great
reservoir of ocean. Then it is the little rivulet tinkling through
the valley; now it is the broad river on whose bosom the com-
merce of a nation floats. So, with emotions of wonder and
thanksgiving to God, we trace the origin of those streams of
moral and spiritual influence which have blessed our world,
and are still accumulating strength and vigor with the lapse of
years, and whose ultimate power for good it is almost impossi-
ble for us to conceive. Truly, that little band, who first planted
here the Gospel of our precious Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,
might well be spoken of, in the beautiful figure of the Psalm-
ist, as "an handful of corn on the top of the mountain." And
even now the prediction has been fulfilled, for the fruit thereof
has shaken like Lebanon,
"They little thought how pure a light,
AVith j^cars, would gather round that day ;
How love would keep their memories bright;
How wide a realm their sons would sway !"
A review of the history of our church, when it shall be
spread out before you, will exhibit the fact that the early
founders of our religious institutions were men who lomd the
loord of God^ and who made their appeal to it as the onhj in-
fallible rule of faith and 2yractice.
There are still in existence a few venerable copies of the
Bible, in the native language of the Hollanders, preserved as
heir-looms in the families of their descendants. These well-
read pages attest how intelligently and tenaciously they ad-
hered unto God's testimonies. If they sought for comfort,
they found it in the Holy Scriptures ; if they needed inspira-
tion, they caught it from the Old and the IS^ew Testament ;
if they desired strength, they sought it in these lively ora-
ANNIVERSARY LESSONS. 187
cles ; if they panted after holiness, they coramiined with the
lloh' Ghost in the volume which was written by Ilim. They
had few books to adorn their dwellings ; and in most instances
a large family Bible, with its antique binding and strange
plates and clasps of ponderous brass ; a psalm-book ; and a
volume of sermons prepared by some famous divine of the
ISTetherlands — a Brakel, a Van Derkemp, a Ilellenbrook, a
Marck — constituted the entire religious educational apparatus
of the household. But this word of God they loved. Some
of you remember how these pious men and women of the
past generation pored over these sacred pages. Amid all
privations, they were sustained by the principles and pro-
mises treasured, as they believed, for God's people in the Book
of the Lord. Its biographies of the patriarchs, its historical
narratives, its predictions of the Messiah, its precious psalms,
its proverbs and parables, its Gospels of the Saviour, its apoca-
lyptic vision of heaven, were familiar lessons from infancy to
old age. They read the Bible daily, and large portions of it
were committed to memory. They taught their children to
read it and reverence its inspired teachings. And some of
those godly men became expounders of the word of God, and
their names have been handed down to us as " helpers " in the
Gospel of our Lord.
My friends, in the reverence in which they held, and the
attachment which they cherished for, the Bible, the Dutch
fathers are examples to us. It is emphatically the hook for the
family and the race. To it we must come at last for all that
higher knowledge wdiich relates to our origin and our destiny,
the true aim of life and the real dignity of rational and intelli-
gent beings. Let the pleasing custom be perpetuated of pre-
serving the genealogical record of the household in the family
Bible, written between the Old and JS^ew Testaments, to be
consulted by those who come after us, telling the story of
births, and baptisms, and marriages, and burials, from genera-
tion to generation. Familiarize your own minds Mdth its
blessed language, teach your children its lessons of heavenly
truth ; and as did the fathers, so do you take this best of all
books as the guide, the instructor, the light, and life, and law
of the house. " There," said one of the pastors of this church,
188 AXNIVERSARY LESSONS.
when he was dj'ino;, "there is the word of God, whieli has an
abundance of knowledge and grace. The Lord has given jou
reason, and a capacity lor knowing and loving him ; let that
word be your teacher, and you will experience riches of grace."
Again, the fathers of this church ivere men of intelligent and
earnest ])iety. I speak now of their religious character, as
moulded and developed under the instructions of the early min-
isters of this church. After the great conflict through which
Dominie Frelinghuysen passed with the formal element which
prevailed throughout this whole region, he gathered into the
communion a body of men who were spiritual, praying, and
devoted to the cause of Christ. They were sound in their
views of the truth ; in their system of religious belief, they
adopted the catechisms and confessions of faith of the Re-
formed Church ; in their method of instruction in the house-
hold, they followed the direction of the Scriptures, and taught
their children out of the word of God, and trained them sys-
tematically in the doctrines and standards in which they them-
selves had been educated in the fatherland. They were the
children of the covenant. They had faith in God, and made
sacrifices to promote his honor. They looked beyond theii'
own immediate wants, and labored directly for the welfare of
those who were to come after them. - They saw the hand of
God before them leading the way, and they followed his direc-
tions. The whole history of this church is replete with the
evidence that ministers and people sought the immediate guid-
ance of God. "We might speak of the deficiencies in their
character, and it would be no difficult matter to discover points
in which they failed ; ])ut we will leave this ungracious task
for those whose taste prefers to look at their infirmities and
infelicities rather than upon those traits which bear the evi-
dence of a sterling character. We j^refer to think of these
men as trained under the ministry of that fearless herald of the
Gospel who always felt that he was sent to this field by a most
direct interposition of Providence, and who would adhere to
his purpose of preaching the doctrines of grace though there
rose up the clamor of great opposition against the truth.
We would think of them as pitching their habitations in this
then unbroken wilderness, opening for themselves a path
ANNIVERSARY LESSONS. 189
tliroiigli the forest ; worshiping God in the first sanctuary
erected in the interior of onr State by the chnrchof our order;
having in their house the ordinance of family worship, that
first care of the Christian parent ; planting the seminary of
learning by the side of the Christian sanctuary; and we will
find in all these things much that we can admire in our ISTew-
Brunswick ancestors.
And the piety of these men was sincere, a serious joy in God
lighting up their countenances, and inspiring within them,
amid all their hardships, the blessedness of hope. Eev. Gil-
bert Tennent, who was on terms of special intimacy with his
co-laborer in this city, Eev. Mr. Frelinghuysen, has left the
record that his ministry was eminently blessed here, and that
those who were in membership with the church " appeared to
be converted persons, by their soundness of principles. Chris-
tian experience, and pious example." He describes, in one of
his letters, the work of grace which was here enjoyed, and
he says, " I may further observe that frequently, at sacramen-
tal seasons in ISTew-Brunswick, there have been signal dis-
plays of the divine power and presence. Divers have been
convinced of sin by the sermons there preached, some con-
verted, and many affected by the love of God in Jesus Christ.
Oh ! the sweet meltings that I have seen on such occasions
among many. Xew-Brunswick did then look like a field that
the Lord had blessed. It was like a little Jerusalem, to which
the scattered tribes with eager haste repaired on sacramental
solemnities, and there they fed on the fatness of God's house,
and drank of the rivers of his pleasure."
There are many other inviting pages in the history of the
fathers, every one rich in instructive lessons. We could speak
of their patriotism, and show you that these men loved their
country and hated oppression. The teachings of history in the
land from whence they came, while it exhibited the doctrine
of toleration in all civil and ecclesiastical matters, at the same
time furnished precedents which have been wrought out in
the struggles through which our own nation has passed. The
United Provinces of the Netherlands had a Declaration of In-
dependence long before that more renowned instrument which
bound into one nation the United States of America. They
190 ANNIVERSARY LESSONS.
had a constitutional government in opposition to liereditary
laower. They had a motto — " Unity makes might" — whicli is
liardly inferior to that of our own country, which is intended
to express the union of these States. It is not surprising that
sucli men gave themselves to the cause of their country, and
suffered for this heritage which they have transmitted unto lis.
We could speak of the intellectual character of the fathers ;
and, while not claiming for them any considerable degree of
culture and learning, yet it might be shown that, for the times
and poverty of advantages whicli they enjoyed, they were not
devoid of intelligence, and had an eye to the prospective wants
of the church. Coming from that Dutch republic which had
its system of free schools, which so caught the attention of the
Puritans in their exile, as tliey saw it in successful operation,
that they made it their model on the settlement of Xew-Eng-
land, it is not surprising that the first minister brought with
him to this field of labor the " M'ell-educated schoolmaster,"
Jacobus Schureman, a "gentleman who was respectable for
his literary acquirements as well as for his piety," and planted
the school-house by the side of the church. First of all, they
made provision for the permanent establishment of religious
institutions, and then, at great sacrifice, they furnished facili-
ties for the highest forms of education, establishing the fifth
College in the North- American colonies, and planting the first
Theological Seminary in our land. These points, with others,
are inviting. But the evidence is sufficient that the Lord Je-
hovah was with the fathers. He sent them to this field, and
bestowed on them His blessing. And we have that in their
record which is to us a ground of thanksgiving.
It seems to us, as we study the history of the church, that it
is a special providence of God in giving to our American Zion,
in the various branches of her organization, a fatherland, from
which they have received the peculiar type of their theology
and order. The Scotch Presbyterians hail from the hills and
valleys of that land of martyrs, which is redolent with the
piety of those suffering heroes who so long resisted the tyranny
of a court that knew not God nor the best interests of the
state. And is it any wonder that they think to-day with joy-
ful pride how their ancestors, of a noble faith and a simple
ANNIVEESARY LESSONS. 191
form of worship, made the forests and glens of Scotland vocal
with their psalms of praise. And how often arc we pointed
to that exhibition of faith and devotion in the historj' of the
pilgrims of New-England, who, after a long and boisterons
passage, disembarked from the storm-beaten Mayflower in the
midst of a nortliern winter, waded through the snrf to the icy
shore, bowed in worship on the snow-covered rock of Ply-
month, and there, finding what they had sought in this new
world— liberty and a home — made that December sky echo
with their songs of praise and voice of prayer.
Grand as are these associations — and we acknowledge it all —
is it not also worthy of remembrance that the church of our
faith and order had its origin in that Dutch republic whose
territory was rescued from the ocean by artificial embank-
ments ; a republic that gave shelter to the persecuted of all
other nations, receiving the Pilgrims and Huguenots when
hunted by civil and ecclesiastical intolerance from their own
land ; a republic, wdiose noble constitution gave origin to our
own form of government, and which stood so long as a rock
against the in-rolling tide of Catholic dominion and prelatical
and intolerant usurpation? Our history, as a branch of the
American church, is worthy of preservation, and I trust that
God will make me thankful that I have a home, by birth and
education and ministerial life, in a church which hails froni
sturdy Holland.
Let me now suggest, as an appropriate close to my dis-
course, some lessons which the prayer of our text teaches.
1. Our gratitude is due to God for the gift of the fathers.
A noble ancestry is a ground of gratitude unto God, and no
one can tell how much he is indebted for the bestowment of
such an inheritance. The exhibition of their virtues and the
power of their example has been sending down through suc-
cessive generations the most healthful and beneficent influ-
ence. God selected these agents as the pioneers of his Gospel
in this region, and they have been made by Providence the
instruments of conferring upon us and upon the world count-
less blessings. These patriarchal men have stood before us
during our exercises strong in faith, fervent in prayer, earnest
in W'Ork for Christ, and exemplary in life. And on the divine
192 ANNIVERSARY LESSONS.
faitlifulness in the fulfillment of his precious promises we also
will i"clj. " Know, therefore, that the Lord thy God, he is
God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy
with them that love him and keep his commandments to a
thousand generations."
2. We should foiiter and strengthen all those institutions
which the fathers established.
The polic}' and wisdom of the fathers was to establish, first,
the church with all its necessary appointments — the outward
edifice very simjDle and unadorned in its construction, but, for
the times, convenient and ample, and not contrasting in an
imfavorable way with their own j)rivate dwellings. The ori-
ginal house of worship, in Bm-net street, was erected from the
scanty means which the first settlers, in their poverty, conse-
crated to the Lord. The second, built on this very site, of the
more enduring stone, was a clear expression of the advancing
spirit and liberal views of the congregation. This noble edi-
fice, which has now stood in its massive proportions for more
than half a century, on a still broader scale displayed the
large-hearted liberality of those men who saw the need of
such an edifice as this to adorn our city and invite generations
to crowd its gates. The sad scene connected with its erection
adds interest to this place of worship. The beloved pastor,
who had ministered here for seventeen years, saw the impor-
tance of this enterprise, and upon the threshold of the work
God took him. It was a day of mourning when the congre-
gation gathered around his grave, beneath the walls of the old
building now in process of demolition. Yonder is his monu-
ment, and around this venerable church are resting hundreds
to whom he preached, and the record of the sainted Condict
is still precious to the people of the Lord.
We shall show our appreciation of the work of the fathers
by cherishing the institutions which they established. Are
increased facilities demanded ? let us arise and build. Have
we schools and colleges and seminaries ? let us see that these
are maintained with vigor in our midst, and learn wisdom, by
occupying important posts in the growing West, that we may
do our part in providing means of intellectual, moral, and reli-
gious culture for the whole land.
ANNIVERSARY LESSONS. 193
3. Let us imitate the excellences of the fathers.
I have not represented them as perfect cliaracters. They
had their faults. But they were the faults of the age. And
while we spread the mantle of charity over their failings, let
us walk in the footsteps of their piety. It will be well for
us to remember that the whole benefit of the past will be lost
upon us if wo so rely upon it as to make it a ground of repose,
as if no further exertion was demanded. Do not let us, then,
so rest upon the works of the fathers that we shall attempt no
farther progress. Let us arise and work for God, and pray,
labor, toil for that gracious baptism of the Holy Ghost which
would be such a crown of glory to our anniversary, and fill
heaven with joy. We will prove ourselves worthy of our his-
tory if we do the great work to which the providence of God
surely points us.
Let us, then, most fervently offer unto God the prayer of
Solomon at the dedication of the Temple, " The Lord our God
be with us as he was with our fathers." Was God graciously
present with the former pastors of this church, rendering them
iaithful in labors and successful in winning souls to Christ ?
So may He be with him who now serves his Master and this
church of Christ in the ministry of the Gospel. May He
make me a faithful ambassador for God, a diligent worker in
the vineyard, and a true leader of the people. Was God with
the officers of the church, teaching them to rule well in the
house of the Lord ? So may He be with these elders and
deacons, rendering them efficient co-laborers with the pastor,
and watchful over the interests of Zion. Was God with the
young men of this church, giving them wisdom to consecrate
themselves to Him in the work of the ministry? So may He
raise up and send forth from this communion many who shall
devote their talents to the blessed work of the ministry of re-
conciliation. We remember the fathers, and how God was
with them. But where are they? They have all passed
away. Man dies, but God lives. Ministers, elders, members
of this church are gone. Their bodies rest in hope in the ad-
joining churchyard, while their spirits have long been with
the Saviour in the land of the blessed.
One hundred years ago, the spot on which we worship was
13
194 ANNIVERSARY LESSONS.
consecrated to the God of Betliel. "WIibd the next one hun-
dred years are added, wliat changes shall then have taken place !
It Avill, without doubt, be observed. But not one of us will be
living to share in the succeeding anniversary. Long before
that time, we will ail have passed away. The church Avill be
here, worshijiing in this or in some future sanctuary. This
beautiful river, with a name so redolent of the tribes who
darted their swift canoes along its tide, will still flow onward
to the ocean. These fields, so verdant, will still slope down to
the river margin, yielding the finest of the wheat. All these
institutions of religion and learning which give honor to our
city will abide, we trust, more vigorous with the increase of
years. But we will not be of the number who make up the
great congregation on that occasion.
"Who'll pass along our city street
A hundred years to come ?
Who'll tread this church with willing feet
A hundred years to come ?
Pale, trembling age, and fiery youth.
And childhood, with its brow of truth ;
The rich and poor, on land and sea —
Where will the mighty millions be
A huntlred years to come ?,
" We all within our graves will sleep
A hundred years to come ;
Xo willing soul for us will weep
A hundred years to come.
But other men our lands will till,
And others then our streets will fill.
And others words will sing as gay.
And bright the sun shine as to-day,
A hundred years to come."
Part "Phird,
APPENDIX
OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH, 1867.
Castor.
Rev. RICHARD H. STEELE.
ISAAC VOORHEES,
JESSE F. HAGEMAX,
JOHN BEEKMAN,
JElder-s.
FERDINAND S. CORTELYOU.
LEWIS APPLEGATE,
GEORGE BUTTLER.
HENRY K. HOW.
GILBERT S. VAN PELT,
V. M. W. SUYDAM,
^eacont,
NICHOLAS W. PARSELL,
JOHN V. H. VAN CLEEF,
JOHN STEWART.
Treasurer.
IRA CONDICT VOORHEES.
APPENDIX.
The lands west of the Raritan lots, extending back to the Millstone river,
and as far up said river as Rocky Hill, (taking in nearly all of Franklin
township, and a strip in addition on the south of the Six Mile Run Turn-
pike,) were originally divided into four large plots, which may be in general
thus described : The plot of Daniel Cox began at the north-west corner of
Inians's two plots, near the Two Mile Run Tavern ; thence in a straight line
south-west five miles, to a point a mile and a quarter south of Six Mile Run
church; thence west-south-west three and one tenth miles to the road lead-
ing from Ten Mile Run to Little Rocky Hill, being to a point on said road
about one mile directly south of Ten Mile Run ; thence in a straight line
north-north-east eight miles and thirty chains, striking and following what
is known as the Middlebush road, (which is a remnant of this eight-mile
line,) to a point on the Raritan lots, (cither Jones's or Clement's lot, and now
the farm of J. V. L. Van Doren,) and thence along the rear of the Raritan
lots two and a half miles, plus ten chains, to the point of beginning, con-
taining 7540 acres, (Amboy Records, Lib. G, p. 314; also, Lib. E, p. 365.)
The proprietors sold this tract to one of their fellow proprietors, Daniel Cox,
of London, September 1st, 1694. Signed Andrew Hamilton, David Mudie,
Andrew Bowne, James Dundas, L. Morris, John Inians, Thomas Warne,
George Willocks, Thomas Gordon, John Reid, John Barclay.
The second plot begins at apoint on Millstone River, opposite Rocky Hill,
and runs east-south-east two miles, minus twelve chains, to the southern
end of the eight-mile line before alluded to; thence along said line three
miles, minus six chains, and thence west-north-west two miles, to the Mill-
stone River, where the Ten Mile Run brook empties into the same ; thence
up the Millstone to the place of beginning, containing 5000 acres. John
Harrison and George Willocks bought this tract, as well as the adjoining
tract, of Daniel Cox, already described, in the year 1700. (Amboy Records,
Lib. E, p. 365.)
The third plot, bought by the same parties, begins at the mouth of Ten
Mile Run brook, and runs two miles south-easterly to the eight-mile line (or
the Middlebush I'oad;) thence along said line four miles and a half, minus
198
APPENDIX.
six chains, to a point half a mile north-cast of Middlebush church, and
thence vvest-norLli-west three miles and eight chains to the Millstone
river, at the mouth of a little brook called Ledging brook, (this is one or
other of the small streams within a mile south of East-Millstone ;) the
fourth plot lying north of the last, and between it and the Raritan lots,
(now known as the Cedar Grove District,) appears to have been taken pos-
session of by William Dockvvra, who owned neighboring lands on the
Raritan and Millstone. At any rate, a portion of this land, sold by Richard
Salter (Dockwra's agent) to Christian Van Doren, in 1723, had to be re-
purchased as late as 1700, upon the representation that Salter had no right
to sell it. There were several conflicting claims to this portion of Frank-
lin township. (See Millstone Centennial, pp. 13, 1-i, IG, 19, and 21.)
II.
LIST OF FAMILIES IN THE CONGREGATION— 1732-35.
Jan Aetcn,
Jan Aetcn, Jr.,
Thomas Aeten,
Gerardus Banker,
Jacob Buys,
James Bennet,
Jan Bennet,
Elias Barger,
Andrew Blacw,
Cornelius Bennet,
Ilendrick Blacw,
Aerie Bennet,
John Buys,
Francis Costigin,
Cornelius Cornell,
Peter Cochran,
Jacobus Cornell,
Geri'it De Graw,
John De Witt,
G. De Peystcr,
Frans Dilden,
Hendrick Dallj-,
Gideon De Camp,
Philip French,
Charles Fontyn,
Hendrick Fisher,
Abraham Fontyn,
Folkert Folkers,
Jacob Fontyn,
Jaques Fontyn,
Johannes Folkers,
Isack Fontyn,
Johannes Fontyn,
Reyner Fontyn,
John Guest,
Gerrit Gerritsen,
John Gedeman,
James Ilude,
Abraham Ileyer,
Daniel Hendrickson,
Isaac Jansen,
Peter Kemble,
Paul Le Boyton,
Cornelius Low,
Tennis Montague,
Johannes Messelcr,
Paul Miller,
Johannes Meyer,
Peter Metselaer,
Peter Moon,
Samuel Mulford,
Paul Miller,
Andrew Norwood,
Roelef Nevius,
Frederick Outgelt,
Jacob Ouke,
Abraham Guke,
William Cuke,
Jan Probasco,
Christofel Probasco,
Dirck Schuyler,
Jacobus Schureman,
Cornelius Suydam,
Hendrick Schenck,
Roelef Seebring,
Petrus Sleght,
Abraham Schuyler,
Gerrit Stoothof,
Johannes Seebring,
Lucas Smack,
Aaron Sutfin,
John Ten Broeck,
Isaac Van Noordstrand,
Dirck Van Arsdalen,
Hendrick Van Deursen,
Folkert Van Noorstrand,
Jeremiah Van Derbilt,
Hendrick Van Derbilt,
Aris Van Arsdalen,
Jarr Van Buren,
Dirck Van Veghten,
Dirck Van Allen,
Johannes Martinus Yiiu
Harlingen,
Benjamin Van Cleef
Aris Van Derbilt,
Abraham Van Deursen,
Abraham Van Doren.
Aris Van Cleef,
^Minnie Van Voorhees,
Peter Voorhees,
Lucas Voorhees,
APPEXDTX. 199
Johfinncs Van Noiden, Jan Tan Nuj-p, Gerrit Voorhees,
Christofel Tan Doren, Roelcf Yooihees, Frederick Van Lieuwcn,
Frans Van Dj'ck, Dirck Van Norstrantl, Ilcndrick Van Derbilt,
Nicolas Van Dyck, William Van Der Kype, "William Williamson, ,;
Court Van Voorhees, Jacob Van End, Lawrence Williamson,
Christian Van Doren, Matys Van Der Rype, Leffert Waldron,
Hendrick Van Lieuwcn, Johannes Voorhees, Philip Young.
III.
CHARTER OF THE FIVE CHURCHES, KEW-BRUNSWICK, RARI-
TAN, SIX MILE RUN, MILLSTONE, AND NORTH BRANCH,
GRANTED JUNE Tth, 1753 :
George the Second, By the grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and
Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc., To all to whom these presents
shall come, greeting: Whereas, diverse and sundries of our loving subjects
inhabiting within the several counties of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Middle-
sex, in our Province of New-Jersey, in behalf of themselves and others,
being of the Dutch Protestant Reformed Chvirch, by their humble petition
presented to our trusty and well-beloved Jonathan Belcher, Esq., Captain-
General and Governor-in-Chief in and over our Province of New-Jersey
and territories thereon depending in America, Chancellor and Vice-Admiral
in the same etc., setting forth that the petitioners are very numerous and
daily increasing, and consist of five Churches and Congregations, to wit.
The Church and Congregation of Earitan, the Church and Congregation of
North-Branch, the Church and Congregation of New-Brunswick, the
Church and Congregation of Six Mile Run, the Church and Congregation
of Millstone ; That the most advantageous support of religion among
them, requires that some persons among them should be incorporated as
trustees for the community, that they may take grants of lands and
chattels, thereby to enable the petitioners to erect and repair public build-
ings, for the worship of God, school-houses and alms-house.s, and for the
maintenance of the ministry and poor, and that the same trustees may
plead and may be impleaded in any suit touching the promises, and have
perpetual succession ; and we having nothing more at heart than to see the
Protestant Religion in a flourishing condition throughout all our domin-
ions, and being graciously pleased to give all due encouragement to such
of our loving subjects, who are zealously attached to our person, govern-
ment and the Protestant succession, in our royal house, and to grant the
request of the petitioners in this behalf: Know ye, that we of our special
grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, have willed, ordained, consti-
tuted, and granted, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors,
do will, ordain, constitute, and appoint, that the Rev. John Light, John
Frelinghouse, Ministers, John Van Middlesworth, Peter Williams, Peter
Van Ess, Andrew Ten Eyck, Daniel Ceybyrn, Peter Mountfort, Hendrick
Fisher, Cornelius Bennet, William Williams, Luke Voorliecs, David
200 ArPEXDix.
Neviu>, Simon Van Arsdalcn, John Strieker, Reynior Vechten, Elders,
and Frans Cusart, Andrew Monton, John Broca, Ilarman Lean, Cornehus
Wyckoff, Peter Schauip, Ilendrick Van Dcursen, John Mcsselaer, Abra-
ham Ilize, Christopher Iloglan, Rem Garretsen, Cornehus Van Arsdalen,
Andrew Ilagaman, Abraham Hagaman, and James Van Arsdalen, Deacons
of the Dutch Reformed Congregations above-named, and the counties
aforesaid, and their successors hereafter, the minister or ministers. Elders
and Deacons of the respective Churches or Congregations, which at or any
time hereafter, be duly chosen or appointed, shall be and remain one body
pohtick and corporate in deed and fact, by the name of the trustees of the
Dutch Reformed Church of Raritan, North-Branch, New-Brunswick, Six
Mile Run, and Millstone in the counties aforesaid, and tliat all and every
one, the ministers. Elders and Deacons before herein expressed, shall be
the first trustees of the said churches and congregations now by these
presents constituted and made one body politick by the name of the
trustees of the Protestant Dutch Reformed Church, and shall so remain until
others are duly called, chosen, and put into their respective place or places,
and that thc^', the said body politick and corporate shall have perpetual
succession in deed, fact, and name, to be known and distinguished by the
name of The Trustees of the Dutch Reformed Churcli; and all deeds,
grants, bargains, sales, leases, evidences, or otherwise, whatsoever which
may anywise relate or concern the corporation, and also that they and their
successors, by the name of The Trustees of the Dutch Reformed Church
of Raritan, North-Branch, New-Brunswick, Six Mile Run, and Millstone, in
the counties aforesaid, be and forever hereafter shall be, persons able in law
to purchase, take, hold, or enjoy, any messuages, houses, buildings, lands,
tenements, rents, or whatsoever in fee and forever, or for lime of life, or lives,
or in any other manner, so as the same exceed not at any time in the yearly
value of seven hundred pounds sterling, per annum, beyond and above all
charges, and reprizes, the statute of mortmain, or any other law to the con-
trary notwithstanding, and also goods, chattels, and all other things to
what kind soever, and also that they and their successors, by the name of
The Trustees of the Dutch Reformed Church, shall and may give, grant,
demise, or otherwise dispose of all or any of the messuages, houses, buildings,
lands, tenements, rents and all other things as to them shall seem meet, at
their own will and pleasure ; and also that they and their successors, be
and forever hereafter shall be, persons able in law to sue and be sued,
plea and be impleaded, answer and be answered unto, defend and be de-
fended in all Courts and places, before us our heirs and successors, and
before us, or an}^ of the judges, officers, or ministers of us our heirs and
successors, in all and all manner of actions, suits, complaints, pleas,
causes matters, and demands, whatsoever; and also that the same trustees
of the Dutch Reformed Chirches, above-named for tlie time being, and
their successors shall and may forever hereafter have and use a common
seal with such device or devices, as they shall think proper for sealing all
and singular deeds, grants, conveyances, contracts, bonds, articles of
APPENDIX. 201
agreement, and all and singular their affairs touching or concerning the
said corporation. And we do further ordain, will, or grant, that all and
every such lands, tenements, and hereditaments corporeal or incorporeal,
money, goods, and chattels, which at any time before or after the date of
these our letters patent, have been, or shall be, devised, given, or granted,
to all or any of the particular churches above-named, within the said seve-
ral counties of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Middlesex, or to any person or
persons, in trust for them, shall be and remain in the peaceable and quiet
possession of the corporation, according to the true intent or meaning of
such devise or devises, gift or gifts, grant or grants; We do further will,
ordain, give, and grant, that the trustees by these presents appointed, shall
continue and remain the trustees of the Dutch Reformed Churches of Raritan,
North-Bi-anch, New-Brunswick, Six Mile Run, and Millstone, in the counties
aforesaid, until others shall be called and chosen according to the manner,
customs and methods now in use among the said Protestant Dutch Reformed
Churches, which persons so called, elected, and chosen, shall have all the
powers and authorities of the above-named trustees, and all and everj'
such person or persons so newly called, elected, and chosen, as aforesaid,
shall remain until other fit persons in like manner be called, elected, and
chosen, in their respective rooms and places, and so toties quoties. And
we do further ordain, give, and grant, that there be a meeting of the
several trustees of the churches aforesaid, at the Raritan public place of
worship, in the County of Somerset, on the first Tuesday of August next,
after the date of these our letters patent, and thereafter at such time or
times, place or places, within the said counties as to them or the rnajor
part of them, shall seem meet and convenient, and then and there by plu-
rality of votes choose a president out of them, for the time being, who shuil
have the custod}'' of the seal or seals of the said corporation, and all books,
charters, deeds, and writings, anyway relating to the said corporation, and
shall have power from time to time, and all times hereafter, as occasion
shall require, to call a meeting of the said trustees, at such place within the
said counties as he shall think convenient, for the execution of all or any
of the powers hereby given and gi'anted, and in case of sickness, removal,
or death of the president, all the powers by these presents granted to the
president shall remain on the senior trustee upon record, until the re-
covery of the president or until a new president be chosen as aforesaid :
And we do further will, ordain, give, or grant, that every act and order of
the major part of the said trustees, consented or agreed to, at such meet-
ing as aforesaid, shall be good, valid, and efi'ectual to all intent and pur-
poses, as if the said number of the whole trustees had consented and
agreed thereto : And we do further will and ordain, that all the acts of the
said trustees, or any of them, shall from time to time be fairly entered in
a book or books to be kept for that purpose by the president of the trus-
tees, for the time being, which book or books to be kept for that pur-
pose by the president of the trustees, together with the seal of the said
corporation, and all charters, deeds, and writings whatsoever, any way be-
202 ^NPPEXDIX.
longing to the said corporation, shall be delivered over by the former pre-
sident, to the president of the said trustees newly elected, as such pre-
sident shall hereafter successively from time to time be chosen : And we
do further of our special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, for
us, our heirs and successors, by these presents give and grant unto the
said trustees of the Dutch Reformed Church, the ministers, elders, and
deacons above-named, and their successors forever, that they and their
successors all and singular, the rights, privileges, powers, benefits, emolu-
ments, and advantages, to be hereby granted, shall and may forever here-
after, have, hold, enjoy, and use without hindrance or impediment of us,
our heirs or successors, or of any of the justices, sheriffs, escheators, coro-
ners, bailiffs, or other officers and ministers, whatsoever, of us, our heirs or
successors, and that these our letters, being entered upon record in our
secretary's office of New-Jersey, and the record and the enrollment thereof
and either of them, and all and every thing therein contained from time to
time and at all times hereafter be and shall be firm, valid, good, sufficient,
and effectual in law towards and against us, our heirs and successors, ac-
cording to the true intent and meaning hereof, and in and through all
things, shall be construed and taken and expounded most benignly and
in favor for the greatest advantage and profit of the trustees of the said
Dutch Reformed Church of Raritan, North-Branch, New-Brunswick, Six
Mile Ruii, and Millstone, in the counties aforesaid, and their successors
forevei', notwithstanding any defect, default, or imperfection may be found
therein, or any other cause or thing whatsoever. In testimony whereof we
have caused these our letters to be made patent, and the great seal of our
Province to be hereunto affixed, and the same to be entered of record in
our Secretary's office of said Province of New-Jersey, in one of the books
of record therein remaining, witness our well-beloved and trusty Jonathan
Belcher, Esq., our Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief, in and over our
said Province of New-Jersey, Chancellor and Vice-Admiral of the same, by
and with the advice and consent of our council of our said Province,
at Burlington, the seventh day of June, and in the twenty-sixth year of
our reisn.
IT.
LIST OF MEMBERS IN FULL COxMMUNION MAY 1st, 1704.
1. Jacobus Van Nuis.
2. John Schureman, ) *
3. Ann Deremer. (
4. Peter Vredenburgh.
5. Johannah Van Ilarlingen, widow
of Garret Voorhees.
6. William Van Dcursen, )
Ann Stryker.
* These braces indicate husband and wife
8. Treytje Tan Wicklen, widow of
Fransis Van Dyke.
9. Mary Young, w. of Abraham
Ouke.
10. Magdelina Varitine, widow of
Thomas Douty.
11. Edward Van Harlingen.
12. John Outselt.
APP£NDIX.
203
Jr.
13. Ephraim Vantine,
14. Johaunah StoothofF.
15. John Thomson, (
10. Jane Strykcr. )
17. EUzabeth Fisher, w. of Peter
Yredenbergh.
18. Margaret Standley, widow of
Frederick Outgclt.
19. Barent Strj'ker, )
20. Ehzabeth Bennet. \
21. Peter Yredenbergh
22. Frederick Outgelt.
23. Abraham Schuyler,
24. Alechi Voorhees.
25. Ehzabeth Van Dyke, widow of
Frederick Van Liew.
26. Catahna Vooi'hees, w. of Matthew
Egerton.
27. Neltje Voorhees, widow of Ferdi-
^. nand Schureman.
28. Neltje Schureman, w. of John
Van Harlingen.
29. Ann Schureman, w. of Isaac
Vantine.
30. John Van Este.
31. Cornelius Kapleje.
32. Janetje Cornell.
33. Garret Voorhees, )
34. Maretje . \
35. Dina Ditmars, w. of Benjamin
Vantine.
30. Susana Van Este, w. of Je-
romus Rapelje.
37. Elizabeth Campbell, widow of
Charles Vantine.
38. AerientjeNevius.
39. Denice Van Liew,
40. Dinah Durye.
41. Peter Voorhees, )
42. Mary Buys. )
43. Elizabeth Deremer, w. of Jo-
seph Sillcox.
44. Mary Snoterly, w. of Leonard
Nighmaster.
45. Ariantje Croesen, w. of William
Nevius.
46. Catelina,wid. of LucasVoorhees.
47. John Wykoff.
48. Frederick Van Liew, [
49. Ann Rappelje. )
50. Mary Van Arsdalen, w, of Abra-
ham Lott.
51. Cornelius Suydam, )
52. Rachel CoUens, \
53. William Van Duyn, )
54. Lena Voorhees, . j
56,
57
58,
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
87.
88.
89.
90.
'Jl.
92.
Mary Stolts, w. of Frederick Out-
gelt.
Ariantje Van Este.
Catelina Cornell.
Rachel Totten.
Mary Ryder, w of Roelef Cornel.
Elizabeth Stevenson, w. of Peter
Voorhees.
Martha Mount, widow of James
Voorhees.
Anetje Cornell, w. of Cornelius
Van Derbilt.
Arientje Cortelyou, w. of Roelef
Cornell.
Jane Nevius, widow of Ryck
Van Derbilt.
Maria Mellcger, w. of Isaac Ben-
net.
Ida Van Derbilt.
Christina Pietersen, widow of
Joris Rappelje.
Neeltje Nevius. •
Aaltje Rappelje, w, of Hendrick
Suydam.
Simon Probasco.
John Buys.
Catherina Collier.
John W^hitlock, )
Eleanor Voorhees, )
Geertje Vantine, w. of David
Nevius.
Jane Williamson, w. of Corne-
lius Van Duyn.
Machteltje Peterson, w. of Jere-
mias Rappelje.
Lott,
of John Van
Doretta
Liew.
Ann Ilance, w of Dirck Van
Arsdalen,
Ann French.
Nicolas Bordine.
Philip Ouke.
Peter Ten Eyck.
Magdalena Messerole.
Margareta Vredenberg, w. of An-
drew Powers.
Lenah Van Devoort, widow of
John Messerole.
Abraham Ackerman, )
Jane Romeyn. j
Altje Tunison, w. of John Van
Est.
Bernardus Garretsen.
Abraham Lott.
Martha Striker, widow of Albert
ColUns,
204 APPEKDIX.
98. Catherine Covenhoven. f
03. Martha Collier, w. of Garret Ger- I 90. Frances Covenhoven.
ritsen. | 97. Nicolas Van Brunt, (
94. Dinah Ilardenbergh, widow of
Rev. J. R. Ilardenbergh.
95. Eleanor Hendrickson, w. of John
Buys.
V.
MEMBERS OF THIS CHURCH WHO HAVE ENTERED THE GOS-
PEL MINISTRY.
The following members who united with this church by profession of
their faith, have gone forth to preach the Gospel. I include the names of
the five sons of Mr. Frelinghuysen and the two sons of Mr. Leydt, though
they do not appear among our members. But they stand on our register
of baptisms, and as this was their home, it is a natural inference that
they here united with the church by profession. I omit a list of about the
same number who were members by certificate :
HECEIVED. LICENSKn.
Rev. Theodore Frelinghuysen 1745
" John Frelinghuysen 1750
" Jacobus Frelinghuysen 1753
" Ferdinandus Frelinghuysen 1753
'' Hendricus Frelinghuysen 1755
" Samuel Verbrvck 1744 1748
" Matthew Leydt 1778
'* Peter Leydt 1788
" Abraham Van Horn 1786 1788
" John S. Vredenbergh 1796 1800
" John Schureman, D.D - 1797 1801
" Robert Bronk 1811 1813
" Nicholas J. Marsellus, D.D 1812 1815
" Abraham D. Wilson 1812 1815
" Jacob D.Fonda 1817 1819
" James B. Ten Eyck 1818 1821
" David Abeel, D.D 1821 1826
" Jefferson Wynkoop 1821 1824
" Robert J. Blair 1822 1823
" John G. Tarbell 1822 1825
•' Samuel Centre 1822 18—
" Ira Condict Boice 1823 1826
" Cornelius C. Van Arsdale, D.D 1824 18—
" Frederick B. Thompson 1827 1834
" John Manley 1828 1831
" Richard L. Schoonmaker 1828 1832
" Jolin Forsyth, D.D 1828 1832
" John C. Van Liew, 1829 1832
" Peter D.Oakey 1830 1844
" James A. H. Cornell 1837 1841
,.-. " Martin L. Schenck 1837 1840
; . ^" Charles S. Hageman D.D 1837 1843
' ' " Paul D. Van Cleef, D.D 1837 1846
" JohnA. Staats 1837 1840
APPENDIX. 205
RECEIVBD. LICENSED.
Rev. John L. Janeway 1837 1840
" David D. Demarest, D.D 1837 1840
" William H. Steele 1837 1840
" John Do Witt, D.D 1837 1842
" William A. Cornell 1838 1844
" Abel T. Stewart 1838 1846
" Cornelius E. Crispell, D.D 1838 1842
" Charles R. Von Romondt 1841 1844
" William D. Buckelew 1841 1851
" Abraham V. Wyckoff 1842 1845
" James B. Wilson 1842 1851
" John N. Jansen 1848 1851
" Philip Furbeck 1848 1851
" William W. Letson 1850 1854
" Robert R. Proudfit 1855 18—
" Alexander Proudfit 1855 18—
" Nathaniel H. Van Arsdale 1856 1867
" Richard M. Whitbeck 1858 1862
INSCRIPTION ON THE MONUMENT ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OF REV. JOHN H
LIVINGSTON, D.D.
Sacred to the memory of the Rev. John H. Livingston, D.D., S.T.P. Born at Poughkeepsie,
State of New-York, May 30th, 1746 ; educated for the ministry at the University of Utrecht, in
Holland ; called to the pastoral office of the Reformed Dutch Church, in New-York, in 1770 ;
appointed by the General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church in America, their professor ia
didactic and polemic theology, in 17S1, and elected to the presidency of Queen's College, New-
Jersey, in ISIO. There, in performance of the duties of his office, and blessed in the enjoyment of
mental energy, high reputation, and distinguished usefulness, he suddenly but sweetly fell asleep
in Jesus, January 20th, 1825, in the seventy-ninth year of his age, the fifty-fifth of his ministry,
and the forty-first of iiis professional labors. In him, with dignified appearance, extensive eru-
dition, almost unrivaled talents, as a sacred orator and professor, were blended manners polished,
candid, and attractive, all ennobled by that entire devotion to his Saviour which became such a
servant to yield to such a Master. In token of their gratitude for liis services, and veneration for
his memory, the General Synod have ordered this monumental stone to be erected.
INSCRIPTION ON THE MONUMENT ERECTED TO THE MEMORY OP REV. JOHN
SCUUREMAN, D.D.
Beneath this stone are deposited the remains of Rev. John Schureman, D.D., professor of pas
toral theology, ecclesiastical history, and church government, in the Theological Seminary of the
Reformed Dutch Church, at New-Brunswick ; who, while engaged in a course of active and highly
useful labors, enjoying the confidence of the churches and the affections of his brethren, departed
this Hfe, May 15th 1818, in the fortieth year of his age.
206
APPENDIX.
yi.
CHURCH OFFICERS.
ELDERS.
April,
1717 Roelef Seebring
1718 Aart Aartsen
Isack Van Dyck
Roelf Seebring I
1719 Jan Afen
Laurens Willeras
1720 Charles Fontein
1721 Roelef Nevius
Jobannes Folker-
sen
1722 Thomas Bowman
1724
1725
1727
1732
1733
1734
1735
1736
1740
Jobannes Stoothof
Roeljih Nevius ,
Tbomas Bowman
Minne Tan Voor-
hees
Johannes Stoothof
Minne Van Voor-
hees
Ilendrick Fisher
Hendrick Fisher
Abraham Ouke
Roelef Nevius
Roelef Seebring
Roelef Van A'oor-
bees
Albert Voorhees
Petrus Slegt
Hendrick Fisher
Ilendrick Fisher
Roelef Nevius
Abraham Ouke
Qerrit Gerritsen
1741 Jeremiah Van Der-
bilt
1742 Hendrick Fisher
Gerrit Gerritsen
1743 Hendrick Van Leu-
wen
Roelef Voorhees
1749 Cornelius Bennett
1750 'William William-
son
Gerrit Gerritson
1752 Hendrick Fisher
Chris'n Van Doom
1753 Petrus Sleght
1754 Johannes Messe-
laer
1756 Cornelius Bennett
■William Van Duyn
1757 Hendrick Fisher
Ilendrick Bries
Roelf Lucas (Van Voor-
hees)
Johannes Folkers
Hendrick Bries
Roelef Lucas
Jacob Ouke
Hans Stoothoff
Hendrick Bries
Laurens Wilimse
Minne Van Voorhees
William Moor
Hendrick Fisher
Abraham Ouke
Hendrick Fisher
Albert Voorhees
Albert Voorhees
Abraham Ouke
Cornelius Bennet
Jeremias Van Derbilt
Peter Wilnisen
Jakobus Buys
Dirck Van Arsdalen
Derrick Van Arsdalen
Gerrit Fabryck
Jan Aten, Jr
Nicolas A'an Dyck
William Davids
William Wilirasen
Abraham Van Dooram
Nicolas A'an Dyck
Christian Van Dooram
Peter Slegt
Hendrick Van Deusen
Johannes M^selar-
Abraham Heyr
Derrick Van A'eghte
Abraham Van Doom
Andrew Meyr
Johannes Pchureman
Archibald Tomson
Peter A'redenburg
Albert Voorhees
Abraham A'an Doom
DEACONS.
Cornelius Seebring
Ernestus A'an Harlin-
gcn
Jacobus A'an Nuise
Hendrick A'an Derbilt
John Thompson
James Stryker
AVilliam A'an Deursen
John Thomson
Peter A'redenburg, Jr.
Jacobus Stryker
Johannes A'an Neste
Frederick A'an Leuwen
Frederick Outcalt
John Thomson
Denice A'an Liew
John Bice
ELDERS.
1765 Hendrick Fisher
Fernard Schure-
nian
Derrick V'n Veghte
Johannes Schure-
inan
John M. A'an Har-
linger
1789 Peter Vredenburg
William A'an Deur-
sen
1790 Adrian Ilapeman
Abraham Schuyler
Rynear Smock
1793 John Schureman
John A'an Neste
AVilliam A'an Deur-
sen
Garret A'oorhees
March 12, 1794.
♦Denice A'an Liew Peter A'. A'oorhees, son
Peter A'redenburgh, Jr. of Garret
Francis CovenhoTen
April 5, 1795.
Peter A'redenburgh, Sr. Nicholas Bordine
Nicholas A'an Brunt Cornelius Rappleyea
April 25, 1796.
James Striker Philip Oke
Garret A'oorhees John AVyckoff
April 20, 1797.
John Thompson, Sr. Cornelius Van Debilt
Frederick Outgelt Simon Anderson
April 20, 179S.
Denice A'an Liew Francis Covenhoven
Abram Schuyler Henry Cock
May 14, 1799.
Nicholas Bordine Benjamin Taj-lor
AVilliam A'an Deursen Abram A. A'oorhees
Mat 13, 1800.
Peter A'redenburgh, Jr. John A'an Liew
Peter A'oorhees, of Mid- Peter Tenike
dlebush
May 19, ISOO.
*t Abram Schujler
JruE 15, 1801.
Frederick Outcalt Ruliff Cornell
*William A'an Deursen Jerome C. Rappelyee
March !
Philip Oake
Garret Voorhees '1
0, 1802.
Abm. Lott
Cornelius Cornell
April 17, 1 803.
Cornelius Meflar Benjamin Taylor
Nicholas Bordine Simon Anderson
Mat 19, 1804.
Denice Van Liew Frederick Outcalt, Jr.
Alexander Rosegrants John A'an Harlingen
* Reelected.
t To fill vacancy.
f Died in otGce.
APPE^'DIX.
207
ELDERS, DEACONS.
May 5, 1S05.
"William A'an Deursen Peter Voorhees
l"j-ederick Outcalt Philip Piersoa
JIay 10, ISOG.
John ■\Vyckoir Petei- S. Wyckoff
I'liilip Oake Ueiiry Cook
May 8, 1S07.
Abram Schuyler lienjamin Taylor
Nicholas Uoriline John Boice
May 14, 1S08.
John Van llailingeii Richard Lujiaiilus
Jeromus C. Kappleyee John Van Liew
May 15, 1809.
Fretlerick Outcalfc Abraham Vonrhees
William Van Deursen liernardus Uider
May 12, ISIO.
Philip Okey Henry Van Arsdalen
Peter Voorhees (Middle- David Fine
bush)
May 1,1811.
Benjamin Taylor *Abraham Voorhees
Peter WyckolT Jacob Bergen
July 15, 1812.
AVilliam Van Deursen Dennis F. Van Liew
Garret Voorhees Frederick Outcalt, Jr.
May U, 1S13.
Nicholas Bordine John Boice
Abm. Brower Peter 1'. Voorhees
Apeil 30, 1S14.
Richard Lupardus Abm. Van Arsdalen
John Wyckoff Peter Gordon
tllenry Van Arsdalen
tJohn D. Van Liew
Aprils, 1S15.
*IIenry Van Arsdalen *Jolin Boice
*Johu D. Van Liew Garret Van Arsdalen
MAKca 11, 1S16.
Peter Voorhees Henry Outcalt
Peter Vredenburgh, Jr. Jacob J. Bergen
Abraham Voorhees tUriah Lott
John P. Van Liew (one Henry Johnson
year) William French (one
year)
March IS, 1S16.
tFrancis Covenhovea
tBernardus Ryder
March 17, 1817.
Henry Cock George G. Nevius
Peter Gordon 'WiHiam Hajramaa
Philip Okey *$ Uriah Lott
Skptember 15, 1S17.
tJames Schureman Richard Manley
March 17, ISIS.
John D. Sutphia Frederick Van Liew
John Boice Henry Hoagland
Garret Voorhees +Abm. Van Arsdalen
April 20, 1S19.
Dennis F. A'an Liew Thomas Letson
Frederick Outcalt Henry Outcalt
lleury Van Arsdalen Garret Van Arsdalen
ELDERS. DEA( OXS.
April 28, 1S19.
tJames Schureman
April IS, 1820.
Garret Van Arsdalen *Richard Man ley
John C. Wyckoff Denice Van Liew
Jeromus Rapplcyea Cornelius I. Wyckoff
+ Jacob J. Bergen
May 3, 1821.
I Peter Voorliees Nicholas Booraem
I David Fine Abm. 0. Voorhees
George G. Nevius John Van NortVTick
I
May 10, 1S22.
John D. Sutphin Jacob Wyckofl"
: William French Henry H. Schenck
I Henry Hoagland John Stothoff
I April 7, 1823.
Francis Covenhoven Adrian Manley
; Henry Outcalt Robert Lyle
■ Frederick Outcalt Rulif Van Nostrand
[ Aprils, 1824.
Peter Gordon *Henry H. Schenck
I Peter Voorhees David Nevius
Henry Van Arsdalen David D. Nevius (MiJ-
tPhilip Okey diebush)
tPrederick Van Liew
May 29, 1825.
George G. Nevius Jacob Wyckoff
Thomas Letson Alim. 0. Voorhees
Abraham Voorhees Isaac S. Brower
tHenry V. Demott
April 1, 1S26.
• Richard Mauley Abraham Suydam
j Cornelius I. Wyckoff Henry Vroom
Jacob I. Bergen *Henry V. Demott
March 26, 1827.
I Frederick Outcalt George Boice, Jr.
I *Thomas Letson Abm. V. Thompson
j Henry H. Schenck Isaac G. Sillcocl;s
March 24, 1S28.
Henrv Van Arsdalen Richard Duryea, Jr.
John'Stothoff Powell Dehart
Nicholas Booraem Ralph Voorhees
March 23, 1829.
George G. Nevius William Mann
Jacob Wyckoff David Nevius
David Fiae James Garretson
March 31, 1830.
Richard Manley Abraham Suydaui
Henry Outcalt Henry Deliart
Frederick F. Van Liew Cornelius Van Doren
Febkuaky 23, laSl.
Henry II. Schenck Henry Vroom.
Isaac (r. Si'.lcocks Lewis Carman
Isaac S. Brower AViiliaiu Sunderland
*tDavid Fine
Fedruaey 21, 1S32.
Nicholas Booraem Powell Dehart
Richard Duryea, Jr. Henry V. Demott
John Stothoff William W. Van Duyn
February 18, 18.33.
Thomas Letson Lewis D. Ilardenbergh
George G. Nevius Henry Van Liew
Jacob Wyckoff George Boice, Jr.
tDavid Fine
208
APPENDIX.
ELDERS. DEACONS.
FEimcAnT 14, 18.04.
•.rohn .''totlioff Henry Schenck
Henry II. Schenck John Doty
Abraham Suydam Nicholas E. Baynoa
June 7, 1S34.
TOeorge Boice
February 9, 1835.
Powell Dehart John W. Brunson
Lewis Carman James Garretsn-n
Kichard Duryea, Jr. Cornelius L. Harden-
bergli
February 1, 183G.
•Georpe Boice Jacob T. B. Skillman
Divid Fine David Voorhes, Jr.
Nicholas Booraem John De{?raw
tPeter Buckelew
February 13/1857.
Henry H. Schenck Jacob H. Outcalt
Corneliug h. Harden- James I. Garretson
bergh Jaccb A. Van Deveuter
William Mann
February 5, 1838.
Henry Van Liew *David Voorbces
George Boice, Jr.
Henry Van Arsdalo
John Doty
Abraham J. Voorhees
February 4, 1839.
David Fine Johnson Lctson
Uioliard Manley Jolin W. Ber9;fn
I^ewis Carman Juhn H. Stothoti
February S, 1S40.
James Garretson Kichard Outcalfc
Peter Wyckoff
Nic'tiolas Booraem
Nioh. R. Cowenhovci>
William McDonald
February 9, 1841.
Jacob AVyekoff *John H. StothoO"
John Doty James II. Newell
Henry Iloagland John W. BnmsoQ
Febsuary T, 1842.
Powell Behart Jacob Dehart
George G. NevKis John Johnson
♦James Garretson Henry Vroom
Febuuasy 15, 1843.
Henry H. Schenck James Van Nuise
Richard Manley Johnson Letson
David Fine George Eldridge
*tJacob WyckoCr
February 7, 1844.
Richard Outcalt Peter WyckolT, Jr.
Peter Buckalew
Jacob T. B. Skillman
Francis C. Manley
John M. Uagaman
February 5, 1845.
James Garretsen William Waldron
John S. Letson
Lewis Applegate
Abraham J. Voorhees
Authur B. Sullivan
February 4, 1S4G.
Powell Dehart Robert Van Nuise
Henry Vroom Benjamin V. Ackerman
John Doty Stephen Voorhees
February 10, 1847.
Henry H. Schenck William G. Dehart
John Johnson James Van Nuise, Jr.
John W. Bruasoa Isaac Voorhees
ELDERS. DEAC0N3.
February 2, 1&4S.
Peter WyckoCf Ralph Van NostramJ
David Vooi-hees Peter O, Buckelew
Lewis Carman James Egerton
February 7, 1849.
Nicholas Booraem Cornelius Van Ncste
David Fine John A. Manley
William Waldron David Cole
February 5, 1850.
James Garretson Jacob Outcalt
Henry Van Liew Jesse F. Ilagaman
George Eldridge Alfred W. Mayo
FEBRrAKY 5, 1851.
John Doty James Wyckoff
I *llenry H. Schenck Isaac Voorhees
Peter Buckelew Lewis Ai)pIeBate
May 7, 1851.
*tPeter Z. Elmendorf
February 11, 1852.
James Conover Martin Neviua
Johnson Jjctson Peter V. WyckolT
John W. BruDson Stephen Toorhees
February 9, 1853.
John Doty James Van Nuise,. Jr.
Richard Outcalt Wrlliam G. Dehart
Cornelius Van Neste George Ackerman
February 16, 1853.
tWilliara McDonald tJesse F. Uagamais
Febrvap.y 4, 1854.
Abraham J. Voorhees Ira C. Voorhees
William Waldron Peter Wyckoff, Jr.
James Garretson John Clark, Jr.
February 15, 1855.
Nicholas Booraem John Bergen
George Eldridge Ralph Voorhees
Henry Van Liew Jonathan B. Conoelt
January 31, 1856.
John Johnson Robert Van Nuis
Jacob Outcalt R. V. V. Bailey
Ralph Van Nostrand Krozen T. B.^ Spader
January 29, 1857.
David Voorhees
Jacob H. Outcalt
Johnson Letson
Rich'd A. A'an Arsdale-
Alfred B. Van Derhoef
Benjamin V. Ackerraaa
*tJohn Bergen
February 11, 1858.
William McDonald Isaac Voorhees
William Waldron Lewis Ai>plegate
John W. Brunson Charles Dunham
tJohn A. Manley
February 10, 1S59.
Jacob Dehart James H. Sillcocka
Ira C. Voorhees George Butler
Martin Nevius James Garretson, Jr
*tJohn A. Manley
February 19, 1860.
William G. Dehart Peter V. Wyckoff
James Egerton Abraham A. Voorhee»
Peter Buckelew Jesse F. Uagamaa
APPENDIX.
209
KLDKRS. DEACONS.
Februart 7, 1S61.
•Tames Garretsoa Lewis Applepate
Johnson Lftson
David VoorUees
JonatliRn B. Cunnett
George V. Smith
February 6, 1802.
John Berfrcn Henry H. Boornem
.Tohn W. Bninson John H. Tapping
Isaac Voorhees John S. Dihart
February 5, 1SC3.
John Johnson George Buttler
John M. Hiigaman Aflani Liitz
BL-njamin V. Ackerman ifJohn Clark, Jr.
February 4, 1S04.
Nicholas Booraem Richard A. Van Arsdale
Henry Van Liew- Krozer T. B. Spader
John V. M. Wyckoff Abm. A. Voorhees
ELDERS. deacons.
February 2, 1S65.
Johnson Letson David Coddington
Martin Nevius
Ira C. Voorhees
Jolin Brunsoii
Henry V. D. Schenck
February 8, 18C6.
Isaac Voorhees
.Tohn Beekman
Jesse F. Hagaman
Van Marter W. Suvdam
Gilbert S. Van Pelt
Henry K. How
tJohn S. Dehart
February 9, 1867.
Ferdinand S. Cortelyou John S. Stewart
Lewis Applesate John V. H. Van Cleef
George Buttler Nicholas W. Parsell
YII.
MEMBERS OF THE FIRST REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH OF
NEW-BRUNSWICK, N. J.
(c for certificate; m for living members; names inclosed in braces indicate husband and
wife ; names of ministers in small capitals.)
" THE CHURCH MEMBERS OF THE RIVER AND LAWRENCE BROOK, 1717."
Adriaen Bennet \
Angenietie )
Aart Aartsen )
Elisabit (
Isack Van Dyck )
Barhera f
Roelof Seebring i
Christyn )
Johannes Folkersen
Angenietie
Hendrick Bries \
Henne i
Roelof Van Voor-
hees
Helena
Laurens W'ilimsie |
Saara f
Roelof Nevius |
Katalyna f
Jan Van Voorhees |
Neeltje f
Minne Van Voorhees |
Antie f
Samuel Molfort
Maria Frelanth
Jakobus Oukee )
Henne )
Johannes Stoothof |
Neeltie )
Abraham Bennet I
Jannitie j
Elisabit Bries
Jakis Fontyn I
Annike (
Siaarls (Charles) Fon-
tyn
Helena
Annatie Folkersen
Jakobus Buys )
Marrietie j
Jan Aten
Thomas Aten )
Elsie f
Thomas Davidts ]
Annatie f
Heelena Ilogelandt
Willim Klaasen )
Marija j
IMaregeretie Reynierse
Thomas Bouwman \
Neeltie j
Marten Van DerHoeve
William Moor
Andries Woortman )
Jannitie )
Johannes Koevert I
Jannitie f
Birbara Janse
Niccklas Bason
Hendrick Meesch )
Annamadeline (
Bernaidus Kuetor I
Elizabeth )
Johannis Metsolaer
Geurtie Smock
Elizabit Smock
Christofel Van Ars-
dalen
Madaleentie
Jakop Corse |
Adriaantie )
Katrina Boyd
Cornelius Sudam )_
Maritie f
Joris Anderse )
Jacomendie f
The above list comprises the original membership of the church, and was completed probably
about August 1st, 1717. There are seventy-three names, embracing that portion of the Three
Mile Run church living in the neighborhood of New-Brunswick, and favoring this enterprise.
April 5, 1720.
Jacobus Schurerman Albert Van Voorhies c |
Staetje Staats, w. of Arriaentie a f
Hendrick Blauw c William Tysen Van \
Gillesje Van Esp, w. of De Rype c V
Andi'ies Bouwman c Aaunetje j
August 11, 1721.
Abraham Ouke Cornelis Bennet
Hendrick Vis3er(Fisher)
September 20, 1728.
Peter Slegt Koelef Voorhees, Jr.
Peter Willimsen
Jan Aeten, Jr.
Saertie, wid. of
Voorhees
u
May 17, 1734.
Catharintja Slegt
September 20, 1736.
Jacobus Garritsen
Lemetje Volkers
Isaac Jansen e i
Jannetje c ]
September 10, 173S.
Anna Baum, wid. of Nicolas Daily
Jan De Peyster Jannetje Wilmsen
Nicolas Groesbeck 'Willem Wilmsen
Johanna Corlear Abraham Haeir
Catharina Van Eraburg, Lea Range
w. of Richard Gibbs
1740.
Aeltje Van Norden,wid. Nicolas Van Dyck
of Jan La Monies c Jogina Van Norden
210
APPEXnX.
I Irla llftKlrickson
V Dirck St-buyler
) Isaac Van Nnords
AvGCST 10, 1T41.
Klizalietli Paeyli Gerlianius Baucher c I
Catliei'ina Schuyler Maria De Peyster c f
John JI. Van Ilarlin
gen c
Maria Hushing c ) Isaac Van Nnordstran
llendrick Van Deur- | Archibald Tompson
sen c y Hannah Meier
Arrieiitje Staats c ) Susanna French
Dirck Van Vegten c Uebecca Montaugue
Maria lieiUn, wid. of Anna Clarinson
Josejili Smith c Marrletje Van l)er Bill
Anna >niitli, \v. of lien- Antje Van Aeisilalen
drick Langevekl c Aeltje Van Aersdalen
March 29, 1744.
Jacobus Van Nuis Elisabeth Ten Eroecke,
Samuel Vkrbryck w. of Dirck Van
Philip Yong Vegten
Eva Tys
October 27, 1749.
Jan A'oorhees | Elizabeth Meyer, w. of
Neeltje | Petrus Slegt
Catel-yntje, w. of llen-
drick Blauw.
November 9, 1750.
Peter Vnorhees | Antje Deremer, w. of
Sophia Van De Boo- > Peter Stryker
gard I Andrew Meyer
Col>a Scheurman, w.
of Archibald Thomp-
son.
November 2, 1752.
Fredrick Berge c | Johannes Martincs
Gerretje c f Van Uarlingen
Albert Voorhees c ) Arnoldus Van llarlin-
Adrianna Van Der- V gen
voort c ) Johanna Van llarlin-
Marparitje Terhnne, pen, w. of Gerret
wid. of Henricus Voorliees
Van Dyck, Elizabeth Deremer, w.
Marritje Van Arsdalen c of Abraham Van-
Petrus Vredenbei'g teyn
Francois Van Dyck Tremmetje Voorhees
Joliannes Scliureman
April 1, 1753.
William Van Diiyn { Ealtje. w. of Cornclus
His wife j
George Anderson
Denys Van Duyn I
l.ena j
Siuiou Van Wickleu
His wife
Derek Rappleyea ^
His wife
Eelje, w. of
Duyckin
Piterson
Antje, wid. of Hen-
driok Smock
Derrick Volkersen
Lidia, w. of Cornelius
Buys
Peter Cowenhoven |
Elizabeth f
Evert Johanna Daely, wid. of
Bernardus Begardus
Marrytje. w. of Jan
Noordwyk
October 25, 1754.
Hendrick Onderdonk c Elizabeth Oathout, w.
Antje Van Gelder, w. of of Jan Ten Broek c
Johannes Folkerse c
Mat 15,1755.
Aasje Krickson, w. of Marytje Wyckoff, wid.
Jan Van Orden 0 of G. Garretsen
Mat 27, 1757.
Hendrick Van Derbilt Lena Denyse, wid. of
Cornelius Sebering Fredrick Van Lieu-
Keyk Van Derbilt wen
Maria La Fever, w. of Lebytje Bries, w. of
Johannes Vanteyn Hendrick Fisher
^'illiam Van Ueursen Maria Ouke. w. of
December 23, 175S.
.Tan Misserol
Lena Vander 'oort
«\
November 2, 1759.
Johannes Van 1 Genietje Vredenburg,
Schaick c V w. of Laurens A'aii
Aleha Bogart c ) Kamp
Treytje Van Wickle, w. Maria Oothout
of Francis Van Dyck Elizabeth Van Deursen
May 14, 1703.
Gertruid Schuyler, w. Ernestus Van llarlin-
of John Cocliran c gen.
Jannetje Stryker, wid.
of Jacobus Stryker c
November 4, 1763.
John Philip Herbit c
Mat S, 17G4.
Cornelius Clapper
JiXE 13, 17CC.
Lucas Voorhees ) Denvs Van Leuwen |
Neeltje Van Derbilt ( Ida Wykholf f
Abraham Van Leuwen I Engelje, w. of Jolm
Eva Ouke ) . Sleight
April 17, 1767.
Samuel Molfort
November, 1769.
Catl.vntje AVestervelt,
w. of Johannes Uy-
der
June 28, 1770.
Jacobus Van Deven- 1 Magdalen, vr. of Tho-
ter \- mas Doughty
Elizabeth Springstein ) Antje Van C'leef, wid.
Catrina Stryker, w. of of John AVilson
AVilliam Van Deur- John Voorhees
sen. - Fredrick Oudgelt C
Maria Voung, w. of
Abraham Ouke
October 2, 1772.
Angenitje Bennet
Catherina Tenbroek, w.
of Derrick Van Alen
Abraham Heyr.
Jacobus Cornel
p;dward Van Harlihgen
Letl'ert Waklron
Abraham Ouke
Johannes Oudgelt
Ephraim Vanteyn )
Johanna Sloothoff (
Johannes Thomson |
Jannetje Stryker )
Jacobus Uassert
Geertruy Scliuyler, w.
of Peter Voorhees
Maria Van Derbilt, w.
»^f Johannes Voor-
hees.
Elizabeth Fisher, w. of
Petrus Vroilenburg
Margaret Standley, w.
of Fredrick Uudgelt.
September 16, 1773.
Abraham Freland c | George Anderson |
Lenah Ackerman c | Metje Van Wickelen )
Abraham G. Acker- | Barent Stryker I
man c > Elizabeth Bennet f
Jannetje Romeyn c ) Jannetje Voorhees, w.
Meyer, wid. of of Jacobus Cornell
Frans Bralt John Sleght
Mat S, 1779.
Peter Low |
Janitje Van Deursen j"
Aaron Gilbert
Jacobus Stryker
Maria Smyth, wid.
Maria Lefevre, wid.
Altje Tunison, w. of Jo-
hannis Van Nest c
Peter Vredenburgh
Jr. c
Margaret Schureman
Bernardus Gerritsen
c
■J
APPENDIX.
211
Junk 28, 1782.
Neltje Scliureraan, vr.
of John Van Harlin-
gen
Antje Schureman, w.
of Isaac Van Tyn
Neltje Schureman, wid.
of Ferdinand Schure-
Dirck Deremer
Kredrick Outgelt
Abraham Scliuyler |
Aelchi Voorhees j
Fredrick Van Lieuw-
men
Elizabeth Van Dyck
Catelyna Voorhees, w.
of Matthew Egerton
November 9, 17S6.
Abraham Lott c Cornelius Rappelje
Martha Stryker, wid. of Jannetja Cornel
Albert CoUyer c Garret Voorhees ^
Slartha Collyer c Marretja Ditraas )
Dina Hardenbergh, w. Dina Ditmas
of Rev. J. R. Harden- Susanna Van Xeste, w.
berph c of Jeromus Rappleje
Johannes Van Neste Elizabeth Cammel,wid.
Abr.vham Van Hor.ne, of Charles Fonteyn
Jr. Arriantje Nevius
Juke, ITS".
Adriaen liegemen c Margaret Snotterly, w.
Barbara M. Teison,wid. of Leonard Nighmas-
of Richard Gibbs c ter
Nela Ilendrickson, w. Ariantje Croesen, w. of
of Johannes Uuys c M'illiam Nevius
Dennice Van Liemv | Margareta Nevius, w.
Dina Durye J of James Renten
Peter Voorhees ( Catalina, wid of Lucas
Marya Buys f Voorhees
Elizabeth Deremer, w.
of Joseph Cilco.\
November 2, 1TS7.
John Wyckoff Mary Van Arsdalen, w.
Fredrick Van Leuwen (^ of Abraham Lott
Antje Rappeljee )
Jdne T, 17S8.
rnrnclius Puvdam |
Rachel Colleiis )"
AVilliam Van Duyn [
Lena Voorhees )
Maria Low, w. of Peter
Dumont
Maria Stolts. w.of Fred-
rick Outgelt
Ariantje Van Neste
Catalina Cornel
Itachcl Totten
Maria Ryder, wid. of
lioelf Cornel
November 8, 17SS.
Peter Crolius c [ JIarya Mellger, w. of
Elizabeth Stephenson,
w^. of Peter Voorhees
Martha Mount, w. of
Jacobus Voorhees
Annaetje Cornel, w. of
Cornelius Van Der-
bilt
Rachel Collens
Elizabeth Steiihenson
Martha Mount
I
Mary Lock c (
Tennis Rappeljee )
Antje Dorlants (
Ariantje Cateljou, w. of
Roelf Cornel
Isaac Rennet
Ida Van Derbilt
Christeyntje Pietersen,
wid. of Joris Rap-
peljee
Janetje Nevius, wid. of Aaltje Rappeljee, w. of
Ryck Van Derbilt Hendrick Suydam
JnNR
Frances Covenhoven o
Simon Probasco
John I?uis
John Whitlock ^
Neely Voorhees )
Peter V. Dumont
Geertje Fonteyn, w. of
David Nevius
6, 1789.
Jennetje Williamson,
w. of Cornelius Van
Duyn
Marchteltje Pieterse,
w. of Jeromus Rap-
peljee
Doretta Lott, w. of Jan
Van Leuwen
October 23, 1789.
Jacobus Stryker c I Anne Hans, w. of Dirck
Bara Messelaer c j Van Arsdalen
Anne French
July 7, 1792.
Philip Ouke
Peter Ten Eyck
Maria Suydam
Magdalene Messerole
Nicolas Van Brunt c
Catherine Covenho-
ven c
Nicolas Berdine
Cornelus B. WyckoST
July 20, 1793.
Margarite Vredenburgh,
w. of Andrew Powers
May 3, 1794.
Jacob Rappleyee Elizabeth, wid. of Jaco-
Joseph Silcocks bus Gulick c
Maria, Voorliees w. of Abraham Slover
Jacjuish Van Liew Maria Van Liew
Ann, w. of Jacobus De- Ann Colcher, w. of
hart Ni<'h's Bordine
Elsey Van Dervoort, w. Sarah Dehart, w. of Ru-
of Abram Voorhees lif Voorhees
Sarah Perine, w. of Sarah Van Tine, w. of
Rev. Ira Condict a Jacobus Hogeland c.
Elizabeth Trimbach c Helena, wid. of Lucas
w. of Stephen Van Voorhees
Siclen
October 5, 1795.
Johannah A'oorhees Mary Covenhoven, w. of
Phebe Tenike, w. of Si- Itendrick Bergen,
mon Probasco
May 2, 1795.
Simon Anderson I Catharine Van Derbilt,
Mary Van Angler f w. of Jacob Meserole
James Striker c I Benjamin Taylor c I
Sarah Mesler c ( Catharine c f
October 3, 1795.
George Rappleyee ( Mary Covert, w. of
Jane Beigen ( Abram Van Doren
Phebe Van Deveer, w. Johannah Bennett, w.
of John M. Voorhees of James Perine
Mary Van Tine, w. of Maria Farmer, w. of
Jerome Van Este
Henry Outgelt (
Margaret j
Henry Cock
Jane G
Cock (
ulick j
Matthias Van Der-
veer c
Nellie, serv't of James
Schureman c
April 23, 1796.
Cornelius Van Derbilt Jacob Meserole
Cornelius Van Doren Sarah Loop
Polly Lott Getty Wyckoff c
Jane A'an Nortwick, w. llilleje Van Debilt, w. of
of John Bice c Dennis Stryker c
October 22, 179G.
John Van Ilarlingen
Gerlring
Cornelius Cornel
John S. Vrkdexbdrgu
October 22, 1796.
Sarah Taylor, w. of Christiana, w. of Peter
John Viiorliees Thompson
Catherine Van Deursen Ann Thompson
Sarah AVhitlock, w. of
Daniel Brinson
April 29, 1797.
John PcnuREMAN Abraham Voorhees
Catharine, wid. of Jas. Catharine Brown, w.
Brown of Philip Oky
Mary Mount, w. of Nancy Farmer, w. of
John Voorhees Jacob Bordine
Sarah Johnson, w. of Eve Johnson, w. of AVil-
Abram Buckeliew liam Van Sichlen
Cornelia, serv't of Jas.
Schureman
212
APPENDIX.
October 21, 179T.
John Van Devender Benjiimin Woodward
Alclie Rappleyea, w. of Maria Vredenburjih, w.
Jolin Bergen of Matthew Sleght
Ann Spader, w. of Fred- Ann Van Arsdelen, wid.
eiick Van Lienr of Hendrick llulick
Eve, serv't of Abrara
Voorhees o
April 15, 1793.
Hulif Cornel Catharine Haviland, vr.
Fre(Jeriek Outgelt | of Abram Van Tine
Abi,i;al Voorhees ) Samuel, serv't of Abm.
Adrien Van Nostrand ) A. Voorhees
Helena Moserol ( Maria Meslar c
Ann Voorhees, wid. of Rem Garrison "|
Jacob Hazard Elizabeth Vacter m |
Catliarine Scoby, w. of now the wid. of f
Abraliam Voorhees John Williamson J
Cornelius Meslar c (
Aiiilriantha — — c f
Christiana G'ddiman,
wid. of Gideon Van
Canipen
October 26, 1T98.
Frederick Van Liew John Nevius
Jane Striker, w. of Jane Schureman, w. of
Francis Covenhoven Abraham Van Arsda-
Mary llofmer len
Ceasar, serv't of Jero- Sarah Nevius
mus Uappleye
May 10, 1799.
Peter Voorhees liernardus Rider
John A'an Liew Autlie Van Doren
Anna Voorhees, rr. of Ann Smock, wid. of
Peter Vre<lenburgh John Outer
Ellen Schuyler, w. of Margaret Ellis, w. of
John Clark AVm. Van Horn
OCTOBKR 19, 1799.
Garret Nevius John Demott
April 25, ISOO.
John Manley | Elenor V?'ilIiamson, w.
Charity Adiiis j of James Schureman
Lanah Van Tine, w. of Elenor Schureman
John Dunham Catharine Hude, wid.
Elizabeth Nevius of Cornelius Low
Oke Van Ilanglen c
Lanah Schureman, w.
of Jonathan Combs
OCTOBEF. 10, 1800.
John Bergen Anna, w. of John Van
Lanah Voorhees, w. of Liew
Peter Voorhees Mary Cock, w. of Caleb
Betsey Garretson Haviland
May 8, 1801.
Philip Pierson Sarah Garrison, w. of
Mary Rowlin, w. of Dirck Demutt
John Nevius Temperance Tallmage,
Peter Wyckoff C ) w. of Abratu Acker-
Gertrude Nevius c ) man
Alexand'rllosecransc ) Scitje Nevius C
Mary Wortman c )
JOLY 12, ISOl.
Mary Baldwin, w. of
Philip Pierson c
October 2, ISOl.
Dinah Van Wicklen, JaneVan Middleswarth,
wid.of JohnProbasco w. of John Bennet c
Catharine Van Arsda- Barbara Garrison, wid.
len, w. of John Van of John Voorhees
Nostrand Idah Garrison
Eli/.abeth, w. of Martin Catharine Garrison
Cozine C
April 30, 1S02.
William Nevius Elizabeth Voorhees
Luke Knight Hannah Hoagland, w.
Catharine, w. of Jno. of Joakitu Van Ai"3-
Van Arsdalen daleu
Abraham Van Arsdalrn
October 16, 1802.
Daniel Pierson
Elizabeth Covenhoven,
w. of George Rapple-
yea
April 29, 1S03.
Mary McNeil, wid. of Creshe Van Derripe, w.
John Beunet of John Van Nuise
October 15, 1803.
Jerome Rappleyea, Jr. Cornelius Dehart
Elise Underdunck, w.
of John Stotoff
May 19, 1804.
William Dehart Elizabeth Jaquish,. vr.
Sarah Voorhees, w. of of Nich, Van Brunt
John Perine Johannah Striker, w. of
Anna lieyiiolds, w. of Martinus Stepliison
Christian Van Nort- Sarah Smock, w. of
wick c Abram Voorhees
October 20, 1S04.
Idah Omerman, w. of Jane Covenlioven, w.
Cornelius Dehart of Garet Nevius
Nancy Service, w. of Catharine Silcocks, w.
Isaac llulick of Aaron Ross c
May 5, 1805.
Peier Wortman c
October 27, 1805.
Anne ITouten, w. of Agnes Ackerraan, w. of
Hendrick Van Dyke Daniel Pierson
Joseph and Phebe,
servants of Henry
Vacte c
' May 10, 1806.
Richard T,upardus David Fine c )
John D. Striker c Ann Cortelyou c )
May 3, 1807.
Henry Van Arsdalen Dennis Van Liew
Willard Preston Hannah, servant of
Lidia Carle c Staats Van Deurseu
October 3, 1307.
Slargaret Schureman
Elenor Rue, w. of John
Gordon c
May 14, 1808.
William French | Geoi-ge Lott
Catharine Stothoff j Jane Voorhees, w. of
Martha Vacte, wid. of Richard Manley
Jacobus Garretson
October 29, 180S.
Cornelius Bordine Garret Van Arsdalen I
Abigal Denton, w. of Alche Dehart f
Obadiah Buckelew William Hagaman c
Robert Watts C )
Ann Bell c )
May 6, 1809.
Nicolas Borum ) Elizabeth Montania
Mercy Rolf ) wid. of Ambrose Ap-
John H. Caile pleby
Patience Williamson, Sarah, serv't of Samuel
w. of Joshua Martin Dunham
APPENDIX.
213
OcTOBKn 14, ISflO.
Harriet Suydam, ir. of Mary Schuyler, wid. of
Michael Garrish m Mattliew Rue
Anna Voorliees, w, of Anna Breese, w. of
Minard Wilson Guisbert Dehart
February 5, 1810.
Henry Johnson
May12, 1810.
Elizabeth Demott, w. Sarah Carle, w. of Vtm.
of Philip Okey Van Doreii Tunison c
Mary Reed, wid. of
John Allen c
October 20, ISIO.
.Jacob .7. Bergen ( Cornelius A'evmule
Syche Bergen j Klenor Van Doren
Kliza A'an Ilarlingen, Helichy Van Arsdalen,
w. of Uriah Lott w. of John Nevius
Mary Thompson, w. of Jacob E. Tunison c
Peter Bennett
May 1,1811.
RoBKRT Bronck Peter Gordon )
Helena Van Liew, w. of Caroline Van Liew J m
Garret Van Liew Mahala Everett
Mary Kenon, w.of John Harriet Van Arsdalen,
Williamson widow of Rynear
Elizabeth Hulick.wid. c Smock c
Gertrude, wid. of Mar- Tone, freedman of Uy-
tin Nevius c near Smock c
May 16, 1812.
Thomas Letson Lewis Carman
Garrett Parsells George G. Nevius
Zilpah Allen, w. of Hen- Elizabeth Mauley, w.
ry Van Arsdalen of Daniel Ellison
UiCHAKD Slu YTER c Harry,a person of color c
November 21, 1S12.
Nicholas Booraera m Abraham Blauvelt
Nicholas J. Marselus Frederick Ver Muilen
Abm. D. Wili.ox James Ogilvie
Ann Dunn, w. of Hen-
ry Van Nortwick
May 14, 1813.
Abigal Perrine Abm. Brewer, M.D. c
Ann Schureman Elizabeth Stouten-
burgh c
October 2, 1813.
Peter Buckelew Mary Outcalt
Catharine Voorliees, w.
of Lewis Carman in
April 30, 1814.
Richard Manley
Susan Sllcocks, w. of
Richard Milnes
Patience Ryall, wid. of
AVm. Churchward
Henry Hoagland c I
Gertrude Van Liewc )
John Voorhees
Elizabeth Van Liew, w.
of Joseph Van Doren
Joseph, serv't of Thos.
Letson
Susan, w. of Rev. Jesse
Fonda C
Margaret Johnson c
November 9, 1814.
Jacob R. Hardenburgh Ellen Voorhees
Ellen Perrine, w. of P.ter Van Liew c
Guisbert Dehart Sycho Van Liew c
John Van Liew c \ Jane Probasco, w.
Magdalen I WyckofTc f Fiazee c
John Swartwout c
Hannah Solomon, w. of
Wm. Schanck
November 11, 1814.
Ellen Emley, w. of Jo- Betty, a woman of color
seph Silcocks John Ludlow c
Mary Ann Clarkson,w. Sarah Van Derhoven,
of Geo. G. Nevius c w. of William Post
April 26, 1815.
John A. Burtis
Dowe D. Williamson )
Mary Ann Abeel j
Jane Hassart, w. of Da-
vid Abeel
Syche Boice, w. of Jon-
athan Rue
Elizabeth Meserole, w.
of Elijali Hunt
Rebecca Jenkins, w. of
Wm. Low
Elizabeth Van Horn. w.
of Wm. Williamson
Sarah Allen
Amos Cornell c I
Mary Totten c ("
Mary Voorhees, w. of
William Phillips c
William Sclianck
Henry H. Schenck,
M.D. c
Ellen Uardenbu:
ncK
;henck, J
burgh c \
Helen Voorhees, w. of
Nicholas WyekoOf
Ellen Huyler, w. of Hen-
ry V. Low
Mary Lawrence, w. of
Nathaniel McChesney
Mary Buckelew, w. of
Peter Buckelew
Sarah Manley, w. of
(lenry Hagaman in
Maria Silcocks, w. of
Christian Van Doren
Margaret and Hannah,
persons of color
AvA Neal c
Sarah Van Doren c
Elizabeth Carsnn, w. of
James Denton
Susan Evertson
Alida Gaasbergh c
May 8, 1816.
Peter Skinkle
Deborah Voorhees, wid.
of Garret Van Der-
veer
Catharine Striker, w. of
Andrew Craig
Sarah, Mark, Dinah,
Phebe and Caty, per-
sons of color
CORNKI.IDS BOGARDUS C
John D. Sutphin c ]
Alletta Van Doren e (
Frederick Van Liew )
Afaria Voorhees j
Ann Suydam, w. of
Stephen Mundy
Ida Van Liew
Sarah Thompson, w. of
Wm. ILiIl m c
Elizabeth Tliompson, vj.
of Abm. Pittenger c
Mindart Wilson c \_
Ann Voorhees c J
October 23, 1816.
Cornelius Wyckofif ) Gitty Ellison, w. of Jon-
Elizabeth Van Nest j athan Dunn m,
Mary Dumont, w. of Elizabeth Van Devenfer,
Samuel King w. of .Jacob Wyckoffni
Hannah Dunham Sarah Van Doren
Elenor Van Liew Rachel Baldwin, a per-
Margaret Bergen, w. of son of color
Nathaniel Compton c Mary Brown, w.of Benj.
Elizabeth Arrowsniith, Taylor
wid. of John Kells
April 25, 1817.
.Tames Schureman
William Henton
Jacob D. Fonda
Lydia Cheeseman, w.
of Jas. Ackerman
Ann Britton, w. of John
Thorp
Eleanor Hendrickson.
w. of Wm. Van Deur-
sen
Ralph Van Nostrand
Julia Ann, w. of Caleb
Peckham
Ann Stanley
Kllen Nevius
Rebecca Appleby
John Brown
John Van Liew
Ida Van Arsdalen, w of
Henry P. Van Arsda-
len
Eve Voorhees, w.of Hen-
ry H. Schenck m
Lydia Freeman, w. of
Daviii Schureman
Margaret Harris, w. of
Abm. 0. Voorliees
John C. Van Dervoortc
Maria Van Liew
Mary Oakey
Sarah Ann Potts
Martha Jenkins, coloi:ed
214
APPENDIX.
April 15, 1S18.
Aflrien Manley I Letitia Schenck, wid. of
("ath'i-iiie Coverhoven ) Israel Harris
Jiihn Ditmars Charity Maiiley, wid. of
Mary Hn<reland, wid. of John Reed
.lohn Silcox Mary Vroom. w. of Ja-
Catliarine Sohureman cob D. Wyckoff
Catharine Van Liew Arietta Van Arsdalen
Caroline .M. Hahkinson Sarah Sutphin
(! A BRiKL Ludlow <• Hannah, Dinah and Dl-
Eleanor Schureman, w. nah. Persons of color
of C. Johnston Jared Dewi\g c
Abraham P. Voorhees
November 7, 1818.
Abraham Van Tine Jane A'oorhees, w. of
I'tichanl Van Arsdalen John H. Speer
Joanna Schuyler, w . of llann:ih I<yle, w. of Ja-
Staats Van Deursen col) Richmond
Ann DeKraw, w. of Nancy Hart, w. of Cor-
Amos Flags w* nelius Bergen
Mary (irifrgs, w. of Catharine voorhees
Abm. Lntt Susan, w. of Caesar Rap-
Klizabeth Compton pleyea, colored
Sarah Probasco Catalina V. S. Kyley, w.
John Rawls c of Kev. John Ludlow c
James 1!. Tkn Etck
Mary Van Brunt, w. of
Peter Garritson
April 28, 1819.
Henry H. Schenck Robert Lyie
Mary Sutphin, w. of Rebecca Remer, w. of
Henry Taylor Henry Oram
Mary D. Combs, w. of Mary Marsh, w. of Dan-
William Oram iel Van Arsdalen
Sarah Taylor, w. of Jas. Ida Van Liew, w. of Hen-
Uaderilunck ry Demot
Eleanor Ten Eyck Eve \VedselI
Bftty and Caty Smock, Ann Hopper, w. of John
persons of color Van Nortwick c
Elizabeth Moncoucha,
w. of Miles Smith c
October 29, 1S19.
Oeorcre Rappleyea Richard W^ynkoop
Cataline Voorhees Ann Hulick, w. of Angle-
Hannah and Julia, per- burt Hartough
sons of color Isaac M. Fisher c
Pevmouk I. FuxcK c Merman B. Sthyker c
Joseph Wilson c Charles Whitehead c
May 13, 1820.
Mary Hillyer, wid. of John Van Nortwick
Martin Nevius
November 25, 1820.
Eve Finley, w. of John Mary Conover, w. of Jo-
Van Horn seph Van Doren c
Abraham Fort c Ferdinand Van Der-
Dow Van Olinda c veer c
Samuel Van Vechten c William Ferry c
May 26, 1821.
John Stothoff ^ Robert J. Blair
IdaGarretson j Maurice W. Dwight c
Robert Clark and Jane, Catliarine Burchan, w.
his wife c of Rev. Isaac Ferris c
Elizibeth Vechte, w. of
John Williamson
November 10, 1821.
Phebe Bennett David Abeel, Jr
Jacob Wyckoff Sarah Conover
Nancy Seguine, wid. of Dorothy Van Liew, w. of
Cornelius Wyckoff m H. Traphagen
Susan Itowland Abraham Messler c
Jkfferson Wynkoop Gustavus Abeel c
William Cuuiksiiank c Wm. S. Dillingham c
Gertrude Harris c
Catharine L. Uarden-
burgh }n
April 27, 1822.
Letitia Brunson, w.of Harry Quick, person of
John S. Leison color m
Sarah Mount, w. of Gar- Catharine Sloor, w. of
ret D. Stryker John Fine
Maria Jenkins
October 20, lSi2.
of
Abraham J. Voorhees I
Letitia Happleyea f
Susan Bennett
Elizabeth Bennett
Maria Bergen, w
Matthew Kgerton
Ann Hassart m
Catharine Stoothoff
Mary Van Derveer
Mary Taylor, w. of Geo.
A. Jenkins
George Boice
Gertrude (iordon, wid.
of John Cox c
Samuel Center
John G. Tarbell
Isaac Langstaff
Ann Van Nuis, w. of
Peter WyckofT
Maria Bnrdine, w. of
Archibald Thompson
Maria Ann Dentim
Catharine S'anley
Kliza Hutcliings
Rachel Voorhees
Ann Oakey
Sarah Van Liew
David Nevius, Jr
Isaac Fisher c I
Maria C (
Elizabeth Booraem,
wid. of Abram Van
Nostrand m
April 26, 1S2-3.
Ephraim Marcelius David Nevius, Jr.
David Nevius ) Joseph Brewer
Jane Van Derveer ) Garret Nevius
Ann Martin Isaac S. Brower )
Margaret Thompson, Ann Bennett f
w. of William W. Van Mary, wid. of James
Duyn Wilson
Sarah Nevius, w. of Catharine Lyle
Isaac Voorhees Henry V. De .Mott
Catharine French Bexj. Van Keuuen c
October 19, 1823.
Ira Condict Eoicb Caroline Ilapart
Maria Van Liew m Mary Schanck, w. of
Catliarine Outcalt, w. Henry Solomon
of John Vooi-hees Pvjter 1{. Voorhees ^
Wm. W. Van Duyn Sirah Garretson )
Lanah Voorhees, w. of Caty, person of color
Dennis Van Derbilt Hannah Van Arsdalen c
Elbert Slingerland c
Hannah, Eve and Sa-
rah, colored c
January 4, 1S24.
Cornelius C. Vas Ars- John A. Voorhees
dalen Lanah Voorhees
Susan Boice
Margaret Cook, w. of
Abm. Y. Schenck
April 3, 1824.
Mary Stanburry, w. of Elizabeth, w. of William
John Hutching? Mann c
Flora, a person of color Charlotte, daughter of
Mrs.Cath'rine Herder c William Mann c
Joanna B. Al>eel c Maria Conover, w. of
Joanna Hardenberg Jos. A'an Doren c
July 3, 1S24.
Elizabeth Nevius
Mary Packer c m
James Stevenson c
Peter Voorhees c
Cornelius Messier C (
Jemima Ten Eyck c )
September 25, 1824.
Lanah Van Arsdale, w. Henry V. L. Dehart
of J. Stillwell Maria Reisner
Flora, a person of color Sarah Minor, w. of Jo-
Chbist's Z. Paulison c seph Hall c
APPENDIX.
215
July 2, 1S25.
Harriet Van Tranken, Stcpht-n Ruler
w. of Kev. John S. Charlotte Aniire, wid. of
Mabon Wni. Suyiliini
Catharine S. Conover ElU-u Thompson c
Frances It. Cook, w. of Miriam, person of col. c
Rev. Jas. B. Ilarden-
bergh c
October 9, 1S25.
Catharine R. Tice Ann M. Bridpen, w. of
Matilda Voorliees Rev. John De Witt,
Dominicus J. Stryker c D.D. C
Henrietta A.Vethake m
Jane Metlar, w. of Jas.
A. Van Ueventer m
Jascary 16, 1S2C.
Powell Dehart Mrs. Davis c
Klizabeth Fisher AVilliam Mann
Elizahetli Bunce, w. of Susan Ann Taylor
Stephen Strong Charity Martin, w. of
Ann Fisher, \v. of Law- David Lisk
rence Fislier 7n Mercy Dunn, w. of Fred.
Elizabeth Stephens, H. Oiifcale
wid. of Jacob E. Tu' Henrv Hkrmance c
nison William Sunderland e )
Benj. B. Westfallc Leah I'owelson c )
Cornelia, w. of Rev. Dr.
AVoodhull c
Margaret Steele, w. of
Rev. Philip MilldoUar,
D.D. c
April 16, 1S2G.
Abm. V. Thompson Mary Pierson, wid. of
Nelly, wid. of Jerome Ephm. P. Dunn
Van Derbilt Lettitia Rowland, wid.
Elizabeth Stanley, w. of John Whitlock
of Peter Obert Providence lUinyon, w.
Thomas, svt. of Henry of George Boice
Veghte Jacob Davies c I
Maria Bmacli, w. of Mary Holford c )
Samuel Thomas c John J. Powelson c }
Alexander M. Mann c Maria Dehart c f
Isaac G. Sillcocks c ( Abraham Suydam c
Nancy Sebring c ( Hager Calder, person
Henry Vroom c of color c
Jdly 29, 1S26.
Catharine Van Nord- Dinali, svt. of Henry
strand, w. of A. V. Veghte
Thompson 771 Jamks Demarest c I
Catharine, w. of Jasper Mary Schoonmaker c j
Provost Elizabeth French, wid.
James J. Garretsen c \ of J. Van Vleet c
Elsie AVortman c (
October 21, I'^afi.
Ann Blakeney Helen Suydam. w. of
Christina Lyle, w. of Aaron IVnnet
John Van Nuis m Sarah Mundy, w. of
Julia Norman, w. of Ralph Vuorhees m
Wm. V. Ilardenbrook Mary Ann C. Wilson,
Jane Bergen, w. of w. of Rich. Duryee,
AVra. Wilson c Jr
Harry, a man of co- Maria Arrowsmith,wid.
lor of John Chivis o
January 20, 1S2T.
Richard Duryee, Jr Richard Van Brunt
Peter Serviss Frederick B. Thompson
Julia Ann Low Jane Garretson
Esther Ten Brook Margaret Baird, w. of
Sarah .\nn Elberson, w. Jeremiah Van Liew
of John Prall Jane Ten Brook, w. of
Mary H. Warren, w. of Isaac Voorhees m
Cornelius L. Harden- Phebe Lewis, w. of
burgh c GrifTeth Harriott c
Peter Buckelew c } Affee Harriott, woman
Mary Buckelew c ) of color c
Sarah Van Derveer, w. Harry, person of color
of Elias Conover c Garret C. Schanck c
April 14, 182T.
J'hn M. Hagaman m Maria Harriet Stanle.v
Eliza Thompson Wi. Abigal Van D>-venter m
Mary Ackerman Maria Van Harlingen,
Susan Maria GrifTeth, wid. of Abm. Ditmars
w. of Thos. B. Bell Margeret Henderson,
Catharine Van Dine, w. of Cornelius De-
wid of John Ranken hart
Louisa Gregory, w. of Sarah Willett, w. of
Kev. J. G.. Tarbell Nicholas Boornera
Dinah Voorhees, m Jane Van Doreii, m
William Wilson c Cornelius Van Doren,
Mary Ann, w. of Rev. Sen. c
John Mulligan C Cornelius Van Doren, 1
Sarah Britton c Jr c •--
Martina Talmage C Mary Brokaw c )
Ann Vredenburgh c Maria C.Vredenburgh c
Ralph Voorhees Harriet Vredenburgh e
July 14, 1S27.
Martha Hall, w. of Maria Messier, w. of
Isaac Silcocks Peter Blew
Frances Green, w. of
Thos. H. Dunn
October 14, 1S2T.
Garret Van Riper Gilbert D. Van Ar=dalen
Margaret Moore, wid. Ellen Davis, w. of Mah-
of Abm. Hutcliings Ion Carel
Magdalena Bell e Lena Van Duj'ne c
January 19, 1S28.
John Manley Mary Ann Manley, w.
Catharine Van Zandt, of Z3l)ulon Mount
w. of Clark Smith Caty Baldwin, colored
Mrs. Mary Smith c person
Ann Van Neste, w. of William H. Cooper c
James Harriott o
April 12, 182S.
Isabella Hull, w. of Ann Bennett, w. of Wm.
Henry Sillcocks 7)1 W. Scliureman 771
Abigal Sturges, w. of Phebe llnssart, wid. of
Cornt lius Deliart 7;i Dr. Montgnniery
Letitia Hassart Catharine WyckolT
Magdalen Terhune.wid. Mrs. Ann Caldwell c
of George Talmage c Harriet Caldwell o
Ann Maria Caldwell c Elizabeth, col. c
Mary Riley, col. c
July 7, 1823.
Mary Loj'd, wid. of Jno. Alletta WyckofT, w. of
Hendrickson Jereniith Voorhees
Jacob Essis c Betty Polhemus, col. c
October 18, 182S.
Richard L. Schoon.ma- Henry WyckofF
KER John V. Bobbins
John Forsyth Elizabeth (i. Bell
Thomas Vail Mrs. Mary Hampton e
Stephen Ryder o Sarah Schenck, w. of
Elizabeth English, w. Joseph Van Doren c
of Abm. Suydam c Frank, man of color o
January
Jacob Van Arsdalen
Ann Coddington, w. of
Geo. Boice, Jr. jn
Henry H. Dehart c }
Amelia Lott c (
April
Hannah Blanchard, w.
of Abm. H. Meyers
July
James C. Zabriskie
Mrs. Tlieodosia Sut-
phin c
Abraham Bennett c ]
Catharine c f
John Cannon Van Liew
16, 1829.
Francis Hampton
Jemima Barkelew, w.
of John King c
6, 1S29.
Charlotte Dehart, co-
lored person
5, 1829.
Mary Hagaman c
Ralph Van Norstrand
c m
Birent Voorhees c
Mary Johnson, colored
person c
216
APPENDIX.
'M October 12, 1S29.
Abraham T. Sclienck Henry Schenck
Cynthia Stanley, w. of Adraham II. Mevers c
Peter Pncker' Uacliel Mundy, w. of
Aiirianna Vethake c Daniel C. Grue
Ann Dumont, w. of Cor- Catharine S. Deniee, w.
nelius Emmons of Lewis Conover
Janpart 12, 1S80.
Betsey and Julia, co- AUetta Keekman c
lored persons Mrs. Amy Scott c
Mat 80, 1830.
Mrs. Ruth Van Tine Martha G., w. of Kev.
Matilda Manley m J. J. Janeway. D.D. c
Samuel Crane c MVilliani Sunderland c\
Frances Itichardson c ( Leah I'oivelson c j
Sarah Conover c Joseph Quick and Nel-
Susan Fisher, w. of Pe- lie, persons of color c
ter P. Van Doren
September, 1880.
Peter Davis Oakky I,eosard Rodgers c I
Oscar II. Grkcouv c Eliza Fletcher c )
Johannah Freeman,
person of color
December, 1S30.
Rachel Wooden, w. of Sarah Farmer, w. of Pe-
Thomas Vail ter 0. Buckelew
Susan Clnyd, w. of Julia Henry, w. of John
James Fisher G. Fisher
Guisbert Dehart Joseph Ilreese
John H. Bkvier c Elihu Doty c
Catharine, wid. of lien- Pkter J. Quick c
ry Plum c m Benjamin Bassler c
February, 1831.
Elizabeth Dehart, w. of Eliza Maria Hall, wid.
Abram Van Arsdalen of Chas. A. Stewart
Sarah Estler, w. of John
V. N. WaycoCf
September 10, 1831.
Gertrude Abeel Sarah, wid. of Peter R.
Mary Adeline VanWag- Voorhees
ner. w. ot Rev. John Jacob A. Van Deventer
C. Van Liew John W. Brunson |
ohu Thompson Sarah Van Tine )
December 24, 1S31.
Catharine Parker, w. of Cornelius Loyd
Abm. P. Provost John C. Baldwin c
Alexander II. War-
ner c
March 9, 1832.
Peter IT. Blew
John H. Stothoff
John Dnty *
Rebecca Wyckoff j
Eliza AVilliamson
Harriet Plum
Margaret Post m
Eleanor V. Manley
Margaret H. Buckalew
Helen Maria WyckoIT
Robert 0. Currie c
Wm. J. Van Arsdalen
Garret V. Manley
Sarah AnnWyckoff, w.
of Daviil S. Uarrigues
Deborah Van Derveer,
w. of David Coddiug-
ton »/i
Catharine Thompson m
Delilah Dunn
Margaret G. Harriott
Sarah E. Manley
Eleanor Wyckoff
Abigal Van Derveer
JuNB IG, 1832.
Ann Graham c Mary Snowdan, w. of
Rel)ecea Parker c Rev. S. B. Uow, D.D.
William W. I'errine C ) C
Sarah Voorhees c j
September 8, 1S32.
John Degraw
Cornelius L. Harden-
bergh
Jacob Dehart m,
Nathan F. Denton
Mary Cheesman, wid.
of" Rich. White
Elizabeth Degraw
Jane Cox, wid. of Peter
Suydam
Lewis D. Harden
bergh c
Ellen Voorhees c
Peter V. Degraw }
Elizabeth J. Conover f
William E. Conover
Henry Van Liew m
Ann Eliza While iii
Jane Fletcher
Mary Voorhees, wid. of
Garret Tlioin])son
Dominicus J. Stryker C
Charles E. Fokd c
December 8, 1832.
David Voorhees, Jr | Abraham Bergen
Ann Eliza Clarkson m ) Nicholas E. Haynon
George IJoice Emma L. Il-ipart
Jane A'an Sickell, w. of Julia A. McKiiight, w.
Wni. Goodhart of Rev. A. II. Du-
J. T. B. Skillman,M.D. 1 mont c
c V Alexander Gnlick c
Rachael Ayres c m ) William J. Pohlman c
Jane Tisen, wid. of Susannah Staats c
Abm. Staats c
March 9, 1833.
John Sloule Eliza Fletcher, w. of
Fanny .lane Van Liew Rndgers
Mrs. Elizabeth Degraw Eliza Gulick
James H. Newell C I
Lewis H. Terrill c
Robert A. QriN c
Mercy Ann Manning
Anthony Voorhees, per-
son of color
James Garretson c m )
Catharine Wortman c f
Eliza D. Hankinson c f
William Reili.et c
Caroline (Jreen, wid. of
Samuel Degraw
John F. Mesick c
Harbison Heekmance C
September 7, 18.33.
Elizabeth Harriott m John A. Voorhees c I
Joseph B. Beeknian e I Catharine Outcalt c j
Sarah Burniston^C j Maria Buckelew c
John P. Van Arsdalen c Amanda Buckelew c
Maria Dumont, w. of Jane Van Doren c
Wm. Elmendorf c
Eliza Webb, w. of John
D. Hager
December 7,1833.
Samuel 0. Crane Hart E. AVaring c
Ferdnand Y. Cortel- 1 Sarah Williamson, w.
you c r "'^ John Creed
Margaret G.Harriott c ) Mrs. Catharine Van
Margaret Smith Ewing, Middlesworth
wid. of Dr. Morris c Hannah M. Morris c
Ann H. Ayres, w. of John Wuitbeciv c
Henry Van Liew c m
March 8, 1834.
Henry Solomon Arrietta Hoagland c
Maria Voorhees on John Pearman )
Mary Ann Richmond, Ida Van Arsdalon ('
wid. of Dr. J. Boyd M. ria Ten Eyck m
June 7, 1S34.
Ida Van Liew, w. of Rosannah Rappleyea,
Abraham J. Voorhees person of color,
Elizabeth Ann Voor- Mrs. Nancy Davis c
hees, w. of Jacob Hannah Davis c
Outcalt m Dinah I'erriue, colored
Henry Hoagland c 1 person c
Gertrude Van Lieu C j
Jane Jackson
APPEXDIX.
217
September 20, 1S34.
Eliza Lawrence, w. of Sarah Dehart, w. of
Jiimes Van Nuise m Mattliew E. Bergen
Pliebe Musherole, «id. Sarah HoaKland
of Fred. liuckelew Archibald M. Gordon m
Abraham J. Voorhees John Voorhees, i)erson
7/1 of color
William McDonald
Decembeu 13, 1S34.
Kliza Williams, w. of Juliet Smith, w. of
Garret Nafey m Lewis Carman, Jr
Alice Conover, wid. of Jane Kelley, wid. of
llichd. Rappleyea Henry Hoagland »i
Nancy Dunliam Mrs. Maria Ilcaglaud
John W. Cortelyou c \ Ida Beasley c
Mary And Beasley c \ Elmira Howard c
Anna L. Stewart, w. of John Lilur c
John H. StothofF Eve, a person of color
Elizabeth Gordon c m
March 7, 18S5.
Jacob H. Outcalt m ) Mary Ann Rappleyea,
Prudence Uunyon ( w. of Nich. Lefferts
Syche Boicc, w. of Thos. John Pray Knox c
Clark cp
JcNB 20, 1S35.
Catharine A. Schenck Mary Jane Tunison, w.
Mary Voorhees, w. of of Jacob Dehart m
Peter Stevenson Abraham Voorheea C
Mrs. Mary Uishtraire c Wm. Green cj)
Sarah B. Egerton m
Septe.mber 5, 1835.
Simon H. Bergen m John W. Berpjen
Matthew E. Bergen
Eliza Degraw
Jane Bordine
Eliza Conover, w. of
Joseph Rappleyea
Hannah Ten Eyck m
Jane White, w. of John Garret Van Liew
Jackson, persons of Elizabeth Van Liew
color in Aaron Van Pelt
Sarah Stella, person of
color
December 5, 1S35.
Catherine Cortelyou, w. Ellen Voorhees, wid. of
of Henr.v Sillcocks Eleazer Losey
L.vdia Buckelew, w. of Rachael Van Zandt, w.
Cornelius Van Sick- of Jonathan Provost
ell ra AVilliam H. Smith c
Jane Van Arsdale c Gertrude Jane Voor-
Joanna Voorhees, w. of hees c m
Voorhees Cortelyou c Is vac P. Strtker c
Cornelius S. Van Sant- Elizabeth Van Dyke,
vooRD c wid. of Isaac Ter-
John J. Van Antwerp c hune c
March 5, 1S36.
Lucas H. Hoagland m Lydia Mount, wid. of
Eliza Shaddle, w. of John Buckalew
Johnson Letson m Frances Tilton
Susan Voorhees, person Mattliew Brown c)
of color m Garretta Quick c )
Phillip Milldollar
Bbett c
June 18, 1S36.
James C. Van Derbilt m James Egerton 7n \
Eliza AVendover, w. of PhebeConover ?;t f
Evert Egerton Margaret Van Nor-
Helena Hutchinson, w. strand c
of Cornelius Provost Abraham Bergen c
Cornelius Van Neste c 1 Cornelia Bnice
Susannah L. Van Der- V Catharine Hamilton
veer c m )
Ellen Voorhees, wid. of
Isaac Miller c
September 3, 1S86.
John M. Hoagland Martha Garretson
Jeremiah AVhitenack c \ Henrietta Van Derveer
AUetta c J
December 4, 1S36.
John A. Manley m Elizabeth Vredenburgh
Ellen Cox, w. of Ste- Ann Makel, w. of John
jihen Voorhees Connelly ni
John Johnson c Eosanna Voorhees c
March 4, 1837.
Jane Voorhees, wid. of Eliza Provost c
John H. Speer
June 3,1837.
James Fisher
Richard Outcalt m
Ralph N. Perlee
Jnnathan B. Stewart
AVilliam Blakeney )
Ida Ann Debar
George Eldridge m
Peter A'rooin
John F. Cornell
Maria Fulkerson, w. of
Edwd. Cunningham
Henry A'. Dehart
Isaiah Rolfe )
Cliarlntte Mead f
James A. H. Cornell
Martin L. Schenck
Mary Augusta Harris
Eliza Ajjplebv, w. of
AVm. Rhodes
Abigal A'oorhees, w. of
Nich. B. Dehart
Sophia Fisher
Catharine Perr.v, w. of Catharine Flagg
Eliza Haviland, w. of
Barent Voorhees rn,
Catharine Voorhees, w.
of Anthony Fanner,
Dr. John Cool
Marv A'oorhees Losey
Adeline Fisher
Margaret A\ D. Haga-
man in
Lucretia Ann Van Nuis Esther Baldwin, w. of
Mary Ann A'an Nuis Harry Freeman
Chas. S. Hagaman Isabella Stelle
AVilliam S. Moore c )
Mary Ann c )
Christopher Giffing c j
Catharine C ]
Frederick Outcalt
AVilliam G. Dehart w i
Maria Schenck m j
Ezekial Miller
Lemmetie Lott, wid. of
John Ilemsen c
Catharine Thompson c
m
Thomas, Dinah Cono-
ver, ?«, and Dlow,
persons of color
l-iv ti-
September 1, 1337.
Adriana Nevius, w. of
Lewis F. Hunyon in
Ann Lappleyea, w. of
Nich. R. Cowenhoven
Catharine E. Oakey
Sarah Mann
Margaret McNair, w. of
Henry V. Dehart
Catharine Meseroll
Louisa Booraem
Catharine 0. Nevius
Anna Maria Garretson
Adeline Bergen, w. of
Nicholas Hoagland
m,
F.rameline Booraem
Eveline Oakey
Johnson Letson m,
Paul D. A^an Clekf
Peter P. AVyckoff m \
Jane Howell j
James AA'yckoflf )
Sarah Outcalt (
Elizabeth Parsells
Mary Ann Heard
Sarah Ann Dehart
Ida Voorhees
Elizabeth Boice
Lewis Api)legate in
Theodore Dehart m
Luke Hassert
Abraham Oakey m
John L. Janeway
Abigal Slover c o
Joanna A'an Derbilt m,
Joanna A'an Deusen m
Getty Ann Voorhees m,
Alletta Dehart m
Jane Alletta Degraw
Catharine Degraw
Amelia Miller
Eliza Jane Garret
Eliza Luce, w. of Isaac
B. A'an Dyke
Abigal Voorhees m
James A'an Nuise, Jr
Rol)ert A'an Nuis in,
Richard A. Van Arsda-
len m
John A. Staats
Abraham Powelson
AVilliam R. Janeway
Elizabeth A'an Nor-
strand m
Catharine A'leet, w. of
Peter B. Meserole
Theodosia Atkinson, w.
of John Nafey m
Margeret Buckelew, w.
of John Connet m,
Mary Ann Gifflng
Jolin S. Letson ni
Jesse F. Hagaman m
Henry A'an Arsdalen,
Jr
AA'illiam Messeroll
Louisa Runyon, w. of
Nelson Boice
21S
APPEXDIX.
46. 6
I'L.
Kliza Freeman cp Alice Thompson cp
Miivy Eliza Ueasoncr cp Flora Lupardus c p m
JJetsey l!er>;en c p Jane Ditniars c p
AVilliaiii ilartiiuirli C Henry Freeman c p
Jons IIen'uy Ackersonc Anthony Farmer c p m
Hester Jiailey, wid. of Feter P. Staats c (^
Isaac Vredeuburgh Catharine Voorhees c )
September 25, 1S37.
llAviD D. Demehest AVilliam H. Steele
December 3, 1S37.
Jlobert Mann
Kliza Van Deursen m
Isabella Mann
John Outcalt
Harriet McClelland
Ann McClelland
Harriet V. Nafey
Ann Eliza Hedden
Cheesnian Ackerman
Maria Bergen a p in
Nicholas B. Dehart
John De Witt
llebecca Hall
Getty Hall
Nicholas R. Cowenho-
ven m
Amanda Fisher
Francis C. Manley m \
Mary Ann Meyers m j
Phebe Ann Voorhees
Squire Thompson cp m
March 3, 1838.
Sarah Sillcocks w. of William L. Crawford
CoRXRLirs E. Crispell
Joseph A. Cross
Maria Nevius, w
Ditmars Duryea
David Neefug o \
Lacomia Lant c {
of
James Siitphiu
Alletta Hall
Nicholas Booraem, Jr
William AugustdsCor-
NKLL
Abrl T. Stewart
Hannah Conover op
June 2, 1888.
Majidaline Terhune, w. Abraham Staats Van
of Isaac Boice m Neste
Jane Cornell, wid. of Slary Van Siekell
Cornelius Tenbrook Peter WyckolT c p
Lavinia Scott, wid. of Mrs. Judith Johnson c
Rev. Richd. V. Day Jane Dumont c ni
Abraham A. Dumont e I Phebe Dumont e
Judith Davis c (Mrs. Mary A. Van Ars-
Hector S. Van Buren c ( dale, w. of Paul Lew-
Jane c f is Til
September 1, 1838.
Ann Van Sickcll Sarah Cory, wid. of
William Thompson c Enos Ayres c
November 24, 1S3S.
Betty Tunison c p C
March 2, 1S39.
Stephen Voorhees ??i
5Iary Ann Kirkpatrick,
w. of Rev. S. B. How,
D.D. c m
June 1, 1S39.
Mary Ann McNair, w. Samuel Hopper
of John Johnson m, Rachel Peack, w. of
Jane Voorhees James Esler c
Anthony Elmendorf c Mrs. Harriet Plum, w.
Maria Walker, w. of of Edwd. Miller c in
Cornelius Tunison in
August 31, 1839.
John Johnson in .Jane Alletta De^aw c
Elizabeth Van Middles- Henry Sodon
worth, w. of Lewis John Newton Sciiultz
Applegate m, Eliza Degraw c
November 30, 1839.
Gertrude Ann Merce- Catharine A. Degraw,w.
reau in of Joseph S. Suydam c
February 29, 1840.
Alary Booraem m Matilda Rappleyea m
JcsK G, 1840.
Peter 0. Buckclew Cornelia C. How-;
Mary Ann Thompson cp Samuel Naylor c J
El'HRAIM E. Db Puy c
September 5, 1849.
Abigal Kliza Post in Sarah Booraem
Philip Van Arsdalen
December, 1!?40.
Ida, w. of Henry Van John Compton c I
Arsdalen S.vclie Van Liew c )
Ann Duryea, w. of Jas. Wm. E. Turner c
Barcalow Sarah Van Arsdalen,
Abigal D. Wyckoff wiii. of Richd. Van
Jacob Outcalt m. Nostrand c m,
Slargaret Cassiday
March 6, 1841.
Garret S. Wycoflf m I Huldah Matilda Car-
Ellenor Outcalt j man m
Lucy Miller cp Samuel W. Mills a
Robert Cleland
June 5,1841.
Chas. R. Von Romondt Ruth Compton
James H. Fonda Abisjal Vrnnm, w. of
Dianah JohnsoJ c p Cor. Suydam c
September 4, 1841.
John Pierman ( Joana Memory c p
Ida Van .Vrsdalen ) Rosana WyckolT c p
Mrs. Zilpah Van Arsda- Mary W. Van Arsda-
len c len c
Catharine WycoCf c p c
December 4, 1841.
Cornelius Suydam AVilliam H. Van Nort-
William Sunderland c (_ wick
Leah Powelson c )
March 5, 1842.
William Van Home William D. Buckelew
Sarah Jobg Elizabeth Gibson, w. of
Sarah Mercereau in Thos. Hopper
Lavinia Sutphin, wid. Rebecca Van Nortwick,
of Garret lireese w. of Almi. Oakey
Johnson Owens Mrs. Nighmaster c
May 2S, 1842.
Anna Beekman Matthew E. Bergen c
Mary Jane Dunn in Mary I'arsells
Catliarine Van Derbilt, Catharine Henry, w. of
w. of John W. Ber- Jas. Fisher, Jr
gen Mary Morfit c p m
Nelly Van Liew, wid. of Mary Skillman c pj c
Jonathan Smith c A. Bruyn Hasbrouck c \
James M. Compton c Julia F. Ludlam c j
Bergen H. Van Fleet C
Septejiber 3, 1842.
William Nelson Jine Ann Nelson m
Mary Conover c p John Henry Stagg /
AVilliam T. Runk c Sarah Stryker f
Adaline S. Nelson m
December 3, 1842.
Abraham V. Wyckoff Authur B. Sullivan c .
Mary B. Dodd c Ann B. Iloagland c m
March 11, 184-3.
Paulus Ellen, wid. of Jane Eliza Sillcocks
Dr. Launy Nancy Stevens c p m
Isaac Voorhees?)! Margaret Sullivan c
Catharine Stothoff, w.
of Powell Dehart c
APPENDIX.
219
JcsB 3, 1S43.
John G. Fisher Cmnelius Vim Sickle
James B. Wilsos PMwarrt M. Voorhees
Eliza Bowne, w. of C. John Van Nuis, Jr
J. Walter m Eliza Hairiot, w. of Cor-
Maria Voorhees, wid. nclius Powelson m
of Frederick Outcalt. Matilda Montfort
Susan Voorhees Mari^aretta Van Dyke
Jane Voorhees Catharine Jane Manley
Sarah C. Ackerraan m j; Catharine Ann Manley
Virginia Plum Peter V. Wyckoff c ni I
Mrs. Sarah Paynter Eliza AVilliamson c m j
Catharine Maria Pavn- ^
ter
September 2, 1843.
William Waldron Benjamin \. Ackeman
Martha Bell, vr. of .John m
Van Nusuand c m
Decembeh 2, 1S43.
Hannah Van Sickell, Ijucy Van Dyke c /)
w. of .Joseph Brower Catharine Maria Paj-n-
Sarah Paynter c ter c
March 2, 1844.
(Jertnide Solomon Louisa Johnson
Mary Elizabetli Solo- Catharine Van Arsdalen
nion Margaret S. Elmendorf
Peter Z. Elmendorf c \_ Elizabeth Elmendorf
Maria Van Vecliten c )
MAir 31,1844.
Garretta Cowenhoven Catharine Ann Powel-
7it son
Catharine Cowenhoven Hannah C. Corwin, w. of
Margaret i\IcDougaI, vr. Stephen A'oorliees m
of John Powelson Sarah Hai tough, wid. of
John C. Elmendorf John P. Hall
Gareta Vroom, wid. of Mrs Margaret Nevius c
Peter Nevius Ellen Nevins c
August 31, 1844.
Lj'dia Van Dyke
NOVE.MBEB .30, 1844.
Sarah Marsh cp Sophia Fisher, w. of Jo-
Martha Beekman, w. seph A. Beaver
of John Van Dyke
March 1, 1845.
Henry H. Booraem m I Betsey Simpson c p m
Maria Van Liew in ^
Margaret Elizabeth
Eichman, w. of Peter
A. Van Deventer m
September 6, 1845.
Douglas Smith Sarah Wyckoflf Day m
Joanna Voorhees, w. of Jane Bnice
William Nelson t7l Grace Hudson, wid. of
Isaac Van Arsdale 0 Horace Kiley
December 6, 1845.
Ebenezer Poor Elizabeth Cortelyou, w.
Jane Helena Manley of John Ackermanc?»
Joanna Dehart, w. of
John Meserole m
February 20, 1S16.
Clarissa M. Gray ni Sarah Ford, w. of Staats
Clark
June 6, 1346.
James S. Taylor c ) Hannah Voorhees o
Ellen c f
Ann Eliza Danberry, w
of John Nafey e m
September 5, 1846.
Stephen J. Voorhees Elizabeth Hnrriott, w. of
Lewis H. Terrill c vi.
December 5, 1546.
James Conover Lavinia Jackson, w. of
Joseph Z^briikie iil
March 6, 1847.
Ann Van Nostrand Elizabeth V. N. A'an
Margart Fisher, w. of Derripe
Squire Thompson c m Afe Brown c p c
October 2, 1S4T.
Susan Mary Provost Mary Cowenhoven
Maria Buckelew, w. of David Ciii.b c \
Peter W. Van Liew m Al)igal D. WyokoDT c f
Cornelia PoUiemus C Aliigal Daviinn, w. of
Pollen Polhemus c Jacob Sillcocks c
Joseph Francis C \
Sarah Ann c )
December 4, 1S4T.
Azariah D. Hall Henrietta Thompson
Nancy, w. of Jolin II.
Hooker c
March 3, 1848.
Thomas McCarty Martha V. Wilson c
Sarah Garretson, wid.
of Polhemus c
June 3, 1S4S.
.ToHS N. Jansen Ralph G. Voorhees
Margaret Denton Cor- AVm. H. Ten Evck C
nell, w. of John Bor- Catharine Ten Broeck,
dine Vi wid. of David Gulick
Alfred W. Mayo c I Nancy Gulick
Matilda Errickson c f
September 2, 1S4S.
Elilabeth Van Sickel, Hannah Hunt, w. of
w. of Ralph Van Nos- Thomas Bergen C p
strand
December 2, 1S4S.
Jane Combs Ackerman Henry K. How e m
Mary Smith Ackerman Emma C, w. of J. V.
Peter Elmendorf c Spader c ?n
Judith Johnson c Krosen T. B. Spader cw
Louisa Jackson c Jane Metlar, wid. of
Henry V. D. Voorhees c James Van Deventer c
Amelia A. Letson
March 3, 1849.
Mary Ann Collins Emma Schenck
Catharine Brown Oak- James Waldron c p C
ey
June 2, 1849.
Ann R. Holbert, w. of Pheb^ Pearsall, w. of
Ira C, Voorhees m Jarvis Wanser «»
September 1, 1840.
Mrs. Hannah Schanckc Theresa Schanck cm
December 1, 1849.
Samuel R. Walker
Jane G. Gulick
Caroline II. Hasbrouck
David Julian c
March 2, 1850.
Garrendeanah French, John V. A. Parsell
w. of Peter S. Voor- Mrs. Shadrack
hees m Ann WyckofT, wid. of
Henrietta Suydam, w. Abel Sammis
of Robert Van Nuis Geoi-ge Neefus
711 John Roberta
June 1, 1850.
Mary Ann Rappleyea, Abby Ann Coddington
wid. of Nicholas Lef- Philip Furreck
ferts Abraham B. Perlee
Matilda Rappleyea
220
APPENDIX.
Hailoy I
;rvelt c J
August 31,1350.
Martin Nevins TO 1 Ro vine Moore Dehartm
Snrah Ann Van Do- V Peter Worttnan c |
ren m ) Maria Cortelyou c f
November 30, 1S50.
Sarah Voorhees Eliza Schenck
Sarah Connver, w. of (ieorge Ackerman
Jacob A'an Dyke Matilda Van Liew, wid.
William W. Lktsox of Daniel Disborcmghc
Mary S. Hillyer c in Catb. Disborough c m
March 1, 1S51.
John Clark, Jr. Sylia 15. Hooker, w. of
Sarah A. Hooker Joseph .\. Heavers
Catharine V. Thomp- Mary Ann Hooker
son c
M.\Y 31, 1S51.
Cornelia J. Stults Cornelius Cornell c
Louisa Booraem, wid. Mrs. Marfraret Smith c
of Rev. Jacob Book- Abraham B. Perlee c
slaver c m Diana Voorhees c p C
Septbmder 6, 1S51.
Jane E. Parsell m Frederick Van Dyke
llosina Neefiis, w. of Rensellear Bailey
Henry Lyle c Eliza Wester\
December 6, 1851.
David Coddinjrton tn Hannah Kershow cp
Jehoiakim Hartough
March 6, lS5-\
Henry Sodon Enos A. Skillman TO
Cornelius Van Der-"] Sarah Ann Morren, w.
bilt I of James Conover to
Rosanna Elizabetl
Tunison m
Abby Kliza Buckelew Catharine Egerton to
Harriet Ann Voorhees m
May 2S, 1S52,
Abby Ann Bush, w. of Alletta Jane Flag
Henry Smitli to
Delilah Dunn, w. of to
Juhii Anderson c m Slyndert W. Wilson C I
Cornelia Polhemus c Elizabeth W. c )
September 3, 1852.
Sophia Van Doren, wid. Mrs. Nancy Jennings c
of Staats Van Deur- Maria Reeves, w. of T.
sen K. Thompson c p
December 3, 1852.
Augustus Voorhees in Charles C. Guldin C
Sarah F. Voorhees Ann Klizabeth Letson
Elizabeth B. Codding- Alice S. Frencll m
ton Mary B. Eichman m
Ann Letson, w. of John Fannie A. Price, w. of
Van Deventer to J. V. A. Parsell m
f Sarah Jane Smith, w. of
J Georire Neefus
wid
of Isaac V. Van Doren
March 4, 1853.
Ira C. Vooiliees m Mary Ann Boyd
Catharine L. McDo- Mary Elizabeth Hoag-
well, w. of Israel H. land TO
Voorhees m Catharine Mary Cast-
Jane Ann Ackerman ner, w. of J. V. L.
Mary Louisa Bergen m Uoagland c m
John Bergen m
June 3, 1S53.
Sarah Hnagland Jane Ditmars cp C
Maria Voorhees, w. of James Garretson, Jr. TO
Augustus Voorhees Anna E. Wortmaa
tn Susan Veghte c
September 3, 185-3.
Margaret Miller, w. of William G. Schultz c I
William Timmons c Margaret Voorhees c )
m
December 3, 1853.
Isaac Sillcocks m I James P. Sillcocks in I
llosina Runvon to ( Cornelia Sedani m f
Ellen Sedam, w. of Jo- Sarah Augusta Van Ars-
nathan Connet to dale
March 3, 1854.
Almira Nevius Moses Voorhees c p C
Alfred B. Van Dehoef
JrNE 2, 1854.
.lonathan B. ConnettTO Jane Maria Powelson
Ly<lia A. Yates llosannaRandolphcpTO
Mrs. Sarah Paynter c
March 9, 1855.
Robert Ralston Proud- Ale.xander PRornFiT
FIT Christiana Voorliees, tt.
Sarah Maria Outcalt of John Van Norden
Mary Ann Outcalt, w. m
of Peter J. Gnlick William Irvis c
Peter J. Gulick c Snah Ann Nevius C
Agnes McDowell, w. of Elizabeth Jane Nevius c"
Sam. Api)legate c to
John D. Neefus C 1
Mary Ann Van Do J-
ren c )
Ju.NE 8, 1855.
Jane Connett, w. of Jane Schanck.w. of Levi
James H. Sillcocks m K. Schenck
AcGfST 31, 1855.
Abraham A. A'oorhees Mary Brunson
m Sarah Lefferts. w. of
.\daline Dehart in Henry L. Stebbins C
NOVE.MBER 80, 1855.
Letitia Brrinson Jane Boice c m
Anna Coddington, wid.
of George Boice c in
February 29, 1856.
David Nevius, Sen. Emma Candice c p
May 30, 1856.
Nathaniel II. Van Catharine Ann Borrian,
Arsdale w. of John Cnnovcr
Dinah Conover cp Sarah Garretson, wid. of
Sarah Uoagland, wid. Isaac Polhemus c m
of E. Johnson c TO Magdalene Boice c
September 5, 1856.
Charles Dunham Tunis Q. Hall c Pi )
Deborah Ann King, w. Susan L. Sunderland v
Abraham Blew c C ni )
Sarah Elizabeth Sill-
cocks
December 5, 1856.
Catharine Cortelyou, Ellen Polhemu?, wid.
wid. of Thomas Bell of Thomas Skillman,
Jane Powelson, w. of M.D. c m
Eihvard Christopher
February 27, 1857.
Eleanor Nelson to Harriet M. Messier
Nancy Smith cp C Dinah Smith c
June 5, 1S57.
James H. Sillcocks to Wilhelma V. Hoagland
APPEI^DIX.
221
September 4, 1S5T.
Elizabeth IJausch in
December 4, 1857.
John IT. Hooker Emily 0. Hooker m
Elniira Bullman, w. of
II. C. Hooker
March 5, ISoS.
Adaline Van Derbilt ?«
Eliza Ann Gordon m
Abby Eliza Gordon m
Cornelia H. Gordon
Mary Jane Iloagland m
Mrs. Sarah Ann Sill-
cocks, w. of Benja-
min Kurman
John S. Dehart m
George V. Smith m
Peter Melvin Gordon m
3. Baat c
Sarah M. Dehart m
Helen Tlionipson m
Deborah P. Provost
Ann Matilda, w. of T.
W. V. P. Mercereau
Peter V. C. Suydam )
Sarah A. Sperling (
Margaret Lott c m
Kachel Van Dorea c p C
Caroline Remsen
John Van Arsdale
Henry V. D. Schenk
Richard Garretson
June 4, 1858.
Ida Maria Nelson m Sarali L. Cowenhoven m
Anna Maria Skillman Ahbie Louisa Jenkins »n
7?l Jane Maria Jenkins, w.
Eliza Jane Bodine of John Y. Brokaw
Margaret Ryder, w. of Lucretia Ann AVyckoff,
Joiin Ackerman m w. of Edward Tunison
Mary Elizabeth Wy- m
ckoff m Hannah A. Fisher m
Augusta McDonald m Getty Ann Mnnley, w. of
Edward F. llandolph | Matthew E. Bergen m
Elizabeth Smith, w. of
John Verbrycke m
George Buttler m
Rvnear V. N. Quick
C/ilbertS. Van Pelt m
Maria Elizabeth, wid. of Henry H. Van Ain-
Dr. G. A. Van Dykec burgh m
Sarah Hoagland Morel Dunham c \
Abby Freeuian, wid. of Lucinda c )
Job Wells »i Abby M. Miller m
Kachel Francis, w. of Richard M. Wuitbeck
Thomas Quick c "i L f
September 3, 1S58.
Jane Bergen, wid. of Ezekial Vunk m
Simon Hillyer Ann Louisa Hoagland
Maria Hillyer, wid. of m
Stephen J. Emmans Julia AUetta Van Do-
Maria Louisa Van Tine ren in
December 3, 1858.
Ann Eliza Eooraem, w. Ann Van Liew e
of John Van Arsdale Helen Nafey m
in Jane Van Nostrand, w.
William E. S. Dehart «i of Andrew Ten Eyck
Elloner Ten Broeck m
SUillman, wid. of Pe- John H. Tapping in
ter ^'an Tine m
March 4, 1859.
Andrew Ten Eyck m Mary Ann Cowenhoven
Anna Matilda Bogert m
John S. Outcalt m
Jd.vbIT, 1859.
Caroline S. Van Neste Hannah Francis c
Matthew E. Bergen c m
September 2, 1859.
Elizabeth Kevins
Christiana Manning,
w. of John T. Jenkins m
DiXEMBER 2, 1859.
Martha V. Wilson c John Beekman cm \
Richard M. Beekman Sarah E. Manley e w j
c m
Nathaniel Scudder c p
March 3, 1860.
Charles A. Richmond »i Elizabeth Smith, w. of
James Henry Titus c p Duncan McNair in
Jdne 1, 18G0.
Abraham P. Provost ni William Whj-te
Eliza W., will, of Cor- AdamLutzcwi
nelius Shaddle
August 31, ISGO.
Slargaret McNair in Jacob D. Wyckoff
Mary A. Marshall, w.
of Henry V. D.
Schenk c
December 1, 16C0.
Phebe, wid. of Michael Julia Smith, w. of Re
Nevius c m William Cornell
Matilda Nevius, c m
Sarah M. Nevius c m
March 1, 1861.
Lydia D. Shotwell, w. Maria L. Sciienck, w.
of A. M. Gordons of Isaac V. D. Wil
Mary AUetta Wortman liamson c in
cp C
August 31, 1S61.
Helena V. Bergen, w.
of Henry D. iJergen
C m
November 29, 1861.
V. M. Wyckoff Suydam m
February 28, 1862.
Runyon R. Outcalt m
Mat 30, 18G3.
Ann Crooks McNair Ann Disborough in
Sarah M. Disborough, William H. Van Liew
w. of David M. Bo- cpm
gart in
December 5, 1862.
Mary Ann Buclcelew, Richard M. Plumb 1
w. of George W. ley c >-
Schenck Sarah Doremus C j
Mrs. Elnora, w. of Rev. Amelia P. Berg c m
J. F. Berg, D.D. c in Herman C. Berg c m
Anna F. Berg c
June 5, 1863.
Abigal D. Wyckoff, w. Mary Elizabeth Cole C
of Rev. David Cole c
September 4, 1863.
Jane H. Manley, wid. of Sarah Maria Clark m
A. S. Bevier c
December 11, 1863.
Josephine Nevius m, John V. M. Wyckoff 1
Fannie H., w. of Rev. cm >
R. H. Steele C in Anna Walters c )
Lizzie T. Kelley, w. of Margaretla F. Clark c m
H. H. Van Am-
burgh c m
222
APPENDIX.
JiARcn 4, 18C4.
Cornelius L. Emmons
m
Cliarles M. Webber m I
Sarali M. lierjrt-n m \
Saiali Agnes liooksta-
ver
Klizabetli Miller m
Mary lli'.'gins, w. of
Henry Hoaglanii cm
Adaline W. lloaglaud
c m
Wary 'Willianison, w. of
Jobn Hrunton c m
Annie II. Foster, w. of
T. 1$. lioor;ieni c m
Martlia 15. Van Nos-
tranil, c in
John Bninson ni
Mary Klizal>eth Frank-
en, w. of K. T. D. Spa-
der wi
F.lizabeth Van Nostrand
Eliza Evans Voorlieesjn
Ann Ldtt, w. of John
Eldert c
Maria Nifrhmnster, w.
of J. G. Tayhir c
Parah L. lloagland c m
hetitia Urunsnn, wid. of
Abraham Suydam crit
Emily Darker, w. of
Abraham V. ScUenck
c m
JCNE 3, 1SC4.
Catharine Farmer, w.
of Peter Cornell m
Pusan D. Nevius m
Jane A. Wyckoff «t
Cassie WyekolT"//i
Cornelia Voorhees m
Louisa Augusta Apple-
pate m
Ellen S. Clark m
Jolin n. gtrykerc |
Jane A'an Tine C f
Ellen Ann Nevius, w.
of E. V. T. Brunson
m
Mrs. Martha J., w. of
J. S. Dehart c m
Abraham S. Johnson 1
m >
Almira J. Meyer in )
Jemima M. Manley m
Abigal Maria Dehart m
Sarah Johnson m
Sarah S Voorhees m
Abraham Ulew
Isaac Covert cm \
Rachel Ann Smith cw f
Mrs. Harriet W.vckoll" c
Mrs. Caroline, w. of Otis
D. Stewart c ni
Amanda Stewart 7n
Nicholas W. Pa rsellw I Catharine Eliza Stry-
JaneU.Van Arsdale 771 >- ker, w. of Josjah
James McNair 7/1. J Schenck c m
Ellen Wyckoir, w. of J.
V. N. Garretson c m
Marcu 1,1866.
Ruth \. Berdine m Peter R. Boice c m \
John Van Xuis, Sr. m Sarah S. Schenck c m j
0. A. Kibbey c »i I I'erdinand F. Cortel-'l
Catharine SlrykerC7>i f you c 771 I
James \V. Van Eiew c Margaret G. Harriet 1'
John I!. Cortrlynu <-?;i cm J
Martha Elizabeth Mau-
ley 111
M.iTSl.lSCC.
Ella Garretson in
James C. Garretson »7t
AVilliam SAillman
Isaac S. Si-heuck in
Mary Ilalstead, \y. of
James C. Van Arsdale
cm
Joanna Stothoff, w. of
John Coi telyou in
Ann .■\\igust.i, \v. of Gar-
ret V. Wilson c 7/1
September 2, ISG-t.
Rebecca Packer, w. of Oscar Johnson Jr. c in
AVilliam .Maloy in Margaret Tinnnons, w.
Garret Pulhemus c J« I of Cornelius Hoagland
Cornli. II. Gordon c 771 i m
Eliza S.t'chenck.wid. of Sarah A. A'an Arsdale,
Edward Manning m w. of Smith m
December 1, 1864.
Margaret C. Sillcocks Martlia F. Hanlen m
in Peter Brunson in
Samuel S.A'anAnglen 771 Abigal Voorhees, \v. of
Miss llattie A. Foster c N. B. Dehart c in
March 2, 1S64
Letitia Van Arsdale m Cornelia Smock, w. of
Sarali lloiigland in Robert Rowland 77i
Mary P. Spangler, w. of Jlary Jane, w. of Edwin
Thomas M. Letsou c Stewart c in
June 1, 1865.
Sarah S. Bergen in Amelia Brunson 771
Margaret J. lieekman 771 Ellen V. Manle.v, w. of
Joanna Brunson m Rev. Cornelius Wy-
Jane P^lizabeth Wy- ckolT c
ckoff7?i
August 31, 1805.
Slary Connett 7?i Jlatilda S. Hall m
John C. Hall 771 Mrs. Mary Latcher, w.
Abigal M.. w. of Henry of Adam Lutz 774
M. Price m
November 30, 1865.
Catharine L. Van Nuis, Mary B. Remsen
w. of J. V. H. Van Ellen Louisa Wyckoff
Clecf m Anna C. Beekman m
Mrs. Elizabeth C. War-
ner in
Mattie M. Garretson 771
John V. H. Van Cleef
m
Archibald Craig Voor-
hees 771
Charles H. Steele 7)1
Mrs. Catharine Rapple
yea c m
Lizzie A. Van Cleef in
Caroline Van Arsdale,
w. of James A. Ber-
gen 771
Algust so, 186G.
Carrie A. Coddington m Levi Levy m
.laeobE. Bookstaver 771 Susan M., w. of John
Susan Van Neste in C. Vooiliees m
Jerome I!. Borden f 771 (Garret Q. Brokaw c 7n 1
Rebecca A. c in j" Elizabeth Cortelyou c V
Mavia Schenk, w. of m )
William H. William- Mary Jane JlcWilliams
son m c 774
William T. Manley 7?l
November 29, 1S66.
Ephraim _ Van Tine Louisa Ackerman c in
Brunsin 7» Sally Dehart r 7;i
Adaline Horton, w. of Matilda Ann Stephens
AVilliam Fl igi c m cp m
Maggie E. Ackerman Phebe Davis f7)i
w. of William H. Al- Catharine Davis c in
endorph c in Amelia Ackerman c ill
Ferbpakv 28, 1S6T.
Catharine Miller, w. of
Isaac Williamson m
Matilda Garretson 774
Charles D. Voo hees 774
Frances Turnbull, wid.
of James W. Van
Tview 7)4
Fdwin Stewart c in
Theodore Quick c 774 I
Cornelia Johnson c in j
Catliarine Burhans,C774
Elizabeth Atkinson,
wid. of J. F. Hart m
Abbie Voorhees 7*4
Robert L. Hoagland m
Otis D. Stewart 774
Mary Bulman, w. of
James Nicholson J7i
Mary Lenn, w. of Prof.
Jacob Cooper 77!
Sarah Clark, wid. of Rev.
Anthony Elmendorf C
in
Harriet Stryker, vr. of
N. D. .Atkinson c in
Jane V., w. of John Wal-
dron c in
Henry L. Elmendorf
Mat 30, 1867.
Susannah B. Hoagland Mercy A. Hoagland m
in Eliza A. Beavers 774
Julia McDonald 774 Gertrude EldriilgeTTl
Cornelia J. Suydam 774 Mary E. Fldrid'.'e m
Anna Ten Eick m Catharine Raus''h in
Mary Stout 774 Frederick 0. Van Deur-
Abrabam P. Cox 774 sen 7J4
J. Newton Terrill m Sylvester G. Dehart m
APPEXDIX.
223
Benjamin Smith m Stewart R. Dpli.irt m
lioward M. Van Cleef w Silas Vi. Sillcooks m
Jacob W Schenck «i Cliauncey P. Wlieeler n^
Uachel F. Dunliam m Anna Sniitli c m
Ciertrude Beekman, vr. Harriet Goiidaril, w. of
of Benjamin Smitli c John R. DeJIott c m
m Maiy F. Outcalt c p m
Mary Jane Van Deur-
sen c m
ArGrsT29, 1S67.
Catharine Ann Outcalt, Annie H. Billis, w. of
w. of Abraham P. Richard P. Fisber c»i
Provost m Gertrude F. Fislier, w.
Kate Siiydam m of J. C. Scott c m
Annie B. Schenckwi Eliza F. 'Williams, w. of
Sarah P. Manley c m AVilliam E. De Hart rii
Sarah Ann Manley, w. Hannah, wid. of Wm.
of Solomon Painter McDonald
C m
Hannah M. By ram, w.
of Rev. A. McKelvey
c m
November 29, 1SC7.
Sarah French, w. of Clara A. Jones 7n
Peter J. Suydam 7n Jeremiah V. D. Stryker
Stajrgie H. Suydam m m
Mary Jane Suydam m Sarah A. Schofie'd c in
Henrietta Suydam ?;t
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