THE SESQUI-CENTENNIAL,
— -"^A-OR,"
THE IBOth AffllYERSARY
\
—wvrt^OK THE-
DEERFIELD PRESBYTElllAN (lirilCl
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
CELEBRATED THURSDAY, AUG. 25th. mi
HISTORICAL SERMOU, ADDRESSES, kC.
John Cueesmak, Piuntek, I'atkiot Okfu. t,
18 « 8.
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 02733 0973
The Sesqui -centennial 7 or
The iSOth ann i vprcr,ary ..
V _
THE SESQUI-CENTENNIAL,
THE 150th AKHIYERSARY
DEERFIELD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.
CELEBRATED THURSDAY, AUG. 25th, 1887.
HISTORICAL SERMOK, ADDRESSES, &C.
BRIDGETON, N. J. :
John Cheesman, Printer, Patriot Office,
18 8 8.
M,„ Co.ntV public Ubram
POBo:<"'" '!3t?Q
FortVr.
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AN INTRODUCTION.
One of the greatest events known in the history of Deer-
field, N. J., was the 150th Anniversary of the Presbyterian
Church, held August 25th, 188T. It is estimated that from
1000 to 1200 persons were present. From 700 to 800 people
took dinner and supper at the chapel provided for b}-^ the con-
gregation. The church was crowded during the three sessions^
and part of the time it was calculated that there were as many
persons on the outside of the building as inside. A large awn-
ing was stretched along the eastern side of the building, with
camp stools underneath to accommodate the multitude on the
outside, who were unable to gain access to the inside.
The church was tastefully and beautifully decorated for
the occasion. No pains were spared to give it an unusually
attractive appearance. The music was excellent and could not
be surpassed. The choir was assisted by four additional instru-
ments of music. The services were of the most interesting
character. The history of the church had been prepared by
the pastor. Rev. A. J. Snyder, and read on that occasion, which
occupied about an hour and fifteen minutes. The Rev. R.
Hamill Davis, Ph. D., a former pastor, talked on "Recollec-
tions." He referred touchingly to many incidents which occur-
red during his ministry here. The Hon. Clifford Stanley Sims,
of Mount Holly, N. J., was present and made a few well chosen
remarks. He is the great, great, grand-son of the Rev. John
Brainerd, who lies buried beneath this church. The Rev.
Allen H. Brown gave a very interesting account of the "The
Presbyterian Chui'ch in South Jerse}', its Origin and Progress."
Mr. Caleb Allen, A. B., Principal of the West Jersey Academy,
made a very entertaining address on the "Important Events of
the past one hundred and fifty j'ears." The Rev. Robert J.
Burtt and Mr. Charles S. T3'ler, sons of former pastors, offered
short, yet appreciative addresses, referring to the church in
former days.
4
The Rev. James D. Hunter, a former pastor, made a very
elaborate address on the "Sabbath School, its history and
work." Revs. David and William James, brothers, and in
early life connected with this church, were present and made
short and stirring addresses, relative to their early experiences
in this connection. Rev. F. R. Brace addressed the congrega-
tion on "The Church, and why we should love it." His remarks
were appropriate and impressive. This closed the exercises of
the occasion, all of which were exceedingly gratifying and prof-
itable, and very much appreciated by all present. The day
was beautiful, and the occasion one that will long be remem-
bered by all in atttendance. A. J. S.,
Deerfield Parsonage.
EXPLANATORY.
On the day of the Anniversary it was resolved by a popu-
lar vote of the congregation to have the history of the church
published, the Hon. Clifford Stanley Sims, of Mount Holly, N.
J., having offered to contribute $20 towards defraying the
expense of the publication. Whereupon the pastor of the church
Rev. A. J. Snyder, Rev. Allen H. Brown and Rev. R. Hamill
Davis, Ph. D., were appointed a committee to carry the resolu-
tion into effect. At the close of the exercises the pastor, one
of the committee, appointed a Finance Committee to solicit con-
tributions and secure subscribers in order to justify the Publi-
cation Committee in making arrangements to publish the
pamphlet.
In due time the Finance Committee made their report,
which was so flattering that it was deemed safe to undertake
the work of publishing the proceedings of the occasion, with
the long addresses condensed. The Finance Committee con-
sisted of Messrs. Robert Moore, Sr., Robert Peacock, John
Ott, J. Barron Potter, M. D., of Bridgeton, and Mrs. Edo 0.
Leake.
In the preparation of the history of the church, the pas-
tor gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness both to friends in
the congregation and out of it, for historical matter; thus ena-
bling him to give a fuller statement of facts and make the his-
tory more replete with interest. It is now submitted to the
public, at their own request, together with the other addresses,
with the hope that it will prove acceptable and profitable to the
people, and serve as a valuable document for reference, both to
this generation and the generations yet to come.
The thanks of the pastor are due also to the brethren who
have so kindly and promptly forwarded their addresses, at his
request, for publication. A. J. S.,
Deerfield Parsonage.
ORDER OF EXERCISES.
NIORNINQ, 10:30 A. M.
Doxology.
Prayer.
Music.
Reading the Scriptures.
Singing — Hymn 573, C. M.
Historical Address by the Pastor, Rev. A. J. Snyder.
Singing— [An ode written by Mr. E. T. Taylor, of Wil-
mington, Del.] S. M.
Hail ! bright auspicious day,
Hail ! glad memorial hour,
We come, with heart and voice to bless
God's guarding, guiding power;
With grateful, happy hearts.
Our gladsome song we raise,
Children, and children's children join
Our father's, God to praise.
We praise Thee, 0 our God,
For what thy hand hath done;
For garnered fruit within these walls,
The trophies grace hath won.
We bless Thee for the truth
Proclaimed these many years;
For the rich covenant of Thy love,
Through sunshine and through tears."
Address by Rev. R. Hamill Davis, Ph. D., of Delaware,
N. J. Subject— "Recollections."
Short address by Hon. Cliftbrd Stanley Sims, of Mount
Holly, N. J.
Singing — Hymn r)94, C. M.
Benediction.
7
ARTKRNOON, 3 F». M.
Music.
Prayer.
Address by Rev. Allen H. Brown, of Camden, X. J. Sub-
ject—"The Presbyterian Church in South Jersey, its Origin
and Progress."
Singing — [A poem written by Rev. R. Hamill Davis for
the Centennial of the Erection of this Church in 18tl.] H. JVL
"I love old Deerfidd Church,
The church my fathers loved.
The church whose doctrines pure
These hundred years have proved;
And may she many a hundred more
In power and usefulness endure.
I love the dear old church;
To me 'tis dearer now
Than e'en cathedral grand,
With all its splendid show.
Far full a century has flown
Since rose its walls of solid stone.
I love the old, old church,
For sainted ones at rest
Worshipped devoutly here,
And now are with the blest.
Their memory sweet we cherish stilL,
And cherish it, we ever will.
I love, I love our church.
The birth-place of my soul;
And whereso'er I roam.
O'er earth from pole to pole,
No spot there'll be, more sweet to me.
Than this, I love so tenderly.
Ood bless old Deerfield Church,
Protect from every foe;
Nurtured of God, may she
To large proportions grow;
Till time itself shall cease to be.
Lost in a vast eternity-"
8
Address by Caleb Allen, A. B., Principal of the W. J. Acad-
emy. Subject — "Important Events of the past 150 years."
Singing — n3mn 57 T, S. P. M.
Short address by Rev. Robert J. Burtt, of Marksboro, N.J.
Address by Mr. C. S. Tyler, of Greenwich, N. J.
Music.
Benediction.
EVENINQ, T:30 F*. WL.
Music.
Reading of the Scriptures.
Pra3"er.
Singing — Hymn 944, P. M.
Address by Rev. James D. Hunter, of Greencastle, Pa.
Subject— "The Sabbath School, its History and Work.
Singing — Hymn 575, S. ^M.
Address by Rev. David M. James, of Bath, Pa.
Address by Rev. William H. James, D. D., of Springdale,
Ohio.
Singing.
Address by Rev. F. R. Brace, of Blackwoodtown, N. J.
Subject-"The Church, and why we should love it."
Singing — Hymn 597, S. M.
Benediction.
HISTORICAL ADDRESS
BY THE PASTOR, REV. A. J. SNYDER.
Psalm 92: 14. "They shall still bring forth fruit in old
age ; they shall be fat and flourishing."
In the introduction of the services of this anniversary occa-
sion, we extend to you all a cordial greeting. Your presence
is an indication of the interest you have in this old historic
church, now having obtained its one hundred and fiftieth
birthday. We give j^ou a hearty welcome, and are glad that
you have come to take part in these memorial exercises. Our
prayer is that the Great Head of the Church may be with us in
wonderful power, and bring a rich blessing to all our hearts.
Very naturall}^ the preparation of a history of this church at
such a time as this would be laid at the door of the pastor; but
I would much rather the responsibility should have fallen into
other hands, better qualified for such an important task. Some
one has said that that nation is the happiest that has no history.
This may be true in regard to nations, and yet I doubt it,
especially in regard to Christian nations. But this truly cannot
apply to the church. We rejoice to-day that we have a his-
tory— a history of which we need not be ashamed. Like our
aged fathers and mothei's, with children and grand-children and
great grand-children gathered around them, love to interest
them with stories of olden times, and talk of the scenes of their
early childhood, and of the many changes time has wrought all
along their pathway through life: so we to-da}-, gathered about
this hallowed spot, where so many precious memories cluster,
to celebrate the birth of this church, take pleasure in look-
ing back to the days of its childhood and early religious expe-
rience, when the word of the Lord was so precious to God's
people, and note the changes God has wrought among His chil-
dren, and the many blessings He has scattered all along their
pathway. Surely the Lord hath done great things for us, whereof
10
we are glad. Your presence here to-day from far and near,
a3 (.•liiKlren and friends of the "Dear old church," as it is some-
times called, is an evidence of your attachment to the church
of your forefathers and your love for Zion. Truly you can say:
'•I love thy Kingdom Lord t
The House of thine abode,
The Church our blest Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood."
I am not a little embarrassed in my preparations for this
day's exercises to find that a history of this church was writ-
ten about sixteen 3'ears ago by one of my predecessors, the Rev.
R. Hamill Davis, Ph. D. In order to preserve and combine
all the links of the golden chain of the church's history, my
remarks must necessarily be in part at least a reproduction of
the past history. Owing to the meagre records of the church's
early history, (some of which are entirely lost), it would be
impossible to give a full and complete statement of facts. As
near as can be ascertained the organization of this church was
effected between the years 1732 and 1737. The probability is
that it occurred in 1737.
For about nine years the infant church had no regular
pastor to break unto them the bread of life. But during all
those years the gentle voice of the Great Shepherd and Bishop
of Souls could be heard saying, "Fear not little flock, for it is
your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." The
promise was fulfilled, and the kingdom came in might^y power.
During this period, in the mysterious providence of God, the
Master sent some of the choicest preachers of the word to min-
ister to the spiritual needs of the people, such as Revs. Samuel
Blair, Gilbert Tennent, Samuel Finlcy, perhaps Whitefield,
and others. The Spirit of God was shed down in great abund"
ance and the labors of those men of God were signally blessed.
The awakening was widespread among the people, and the little
church just Iforn waxed stronger under the gracious visitation
of Divine Providence, until it was encouraged and prepared to
call its first pastor. We may safely say "Jeliovah, Jirah "
(The Lord will provide). In the darkest hour He leaves not,
nor forsakes His people.
11
With such a starting point as this; with such tokens of
the Divine presence and rich blessing at the very beginning of
the church's life, is it surprising that we should have such a
volume of interesting facts comprising the 150 years of the
church's existence? Frequently do we find this church in the
past to have been without an under-shepherd to minister regu.
larly to the spiritual wants of the people, even for several j'ears
at a time; and yet the fostering and preserving care of our
Heavenly Father sustained and perpetuated the existence of
the church. Surely in those days there was ample room for
the exercise of faith and patience, and those early settlers and
early christians seemed to know how to endure hardness as
good soldiers of Jesus Christ.
My text implies and teaches that the individual christian
and the church in her organized capacity are productive of
fruit — the fruit of holiness — in all ages of their experience;
from 3'outh to old age. No doubt this church, whose history
we love and cherish, is a branch of that tree whose seed was
planted on the eastern shore of Maryland by Rev. Francis
Makamie, many years ago, and whose branches, like the Cedars
of Lebanon, have spread, not only across Delaware Bay, but
over this entire national domain.
The history of a church is largely made up of its ministry.
About a score of pastors and stated supplies have labored in
this part of the vineyard of the Lord during these 150 3'ears,
the most of whom have been faithful co-workers with the Mas-
ter, and workmen that needed not to be ashamed.
As earl}' as the yeer 1738 the Rev. Daniel Buckingham
supplied the pulpit, and preaclied also at Pittsgrove. It was
not Ions before the people of Pittsgrove expressed the desire
to have a separate organization, and after some contention
the Presb3'tery granted their request on condition that their
house of worship should be six miles distant from the Deer-
field church building.
The Rev. Andrew Hunter was the first on the list of pas-
tors in the Decrfield Church. He was ordained and installed
September 4th, 1746. He had acceptably supplied the pulpit
for some time before his installation. He became pastor of
the Greenwich Presbyterian Church at the same time, and con-
12
tinued his laborious labors in the joint charge until the year
1760, giving only one-third of his time to Deerfield. At this
period his labors ceased in Deerfield, but he continued his work
in the Greenwich Church until his death, which occurred July
28th, 1775. His sleeping dust reposes in the Greenwich bury-
ing ground. Tradition represents Rev. Andrew Hunter, the
first pastor of the church, standing among his people with a
leathern girdle around his tall form, dilating the truths in his
most fervent passion; his large eyes emitting magnetic flashes,
that held in wonder, fear and amazement the most stupid lis-
tener. He seemed to them like the risen personification of the
Great Apostle of the Gentiles. It is said he would step from
the platform and walk down the aisle among the congregation
at the close of the service, raise the little children in his arms
and bless them, and lay his hands on the heads of stalwart men
and bless them; while his exhortations, so full of touching
pathos for the welfare of others, shed a holy influence on all
present.
After Mr. Hunter's resignation, as near as we can learn,
the church was without a regular ministry for about four years.
Then followed the Rev. Simon Williams in 17fi4; whether
installed or not we cannot tell. He continued his labors in
this field only about two years. The impression is that his
short ministr^'^ was abundantly blessed, and tlie church greatly
strengthened. From what we can glean he must have been a
man of remarkable courage in rebuking sin among his people,
and this ma}' account for his short stay in this eliarge. Plain
practical preaching, and faithfully rebuking sin, have made
many short pastorates, and unsettled many devoted ministers
of the gosjiel. John the Baptist was imprisoned for it, and
finally sacrificed his life.
Mr. Williams was succeeded by the Rev. Enoch Green,
who was installed pastor of the church June 9th, 1707. His
ministr}' extended over a period of nine years, during which
thirteen were arlded to the church. He is said to have been a
man of good intellect and a splendid education. In connection
with his pastoral duties he sustained a somewhat celebrated
classical school in the old brick parsonage near the stream.
The effect of this school was to fit and qualify a number of
13
young men to go out into the world to fill positions of emi-
nence and usefulness, and do their part well in the great drama
of life. Mr, Green finished his work on earth in this field, fall-
ing asleep in Jesus December 2d, 1776. His remains lie buried
beneath the church, with a marble slab to mark the spot, which
was the gift of Dr. J. Barron Potter, of Bridgeton, N. J. The
inscription on his tombstone, which lies on the eastern side of
the church building, should include the fact that his bones lie
mouldering beneath the church. It would be a praiseworthy
deed for this congregation to perform during this period of the
church's history.
After Mr. Green's labors followed the Rev. John Brainerd,
who took charge of the church in 1777. His settlement was
during those revolutionary "times that tried men's souls," and
it is doubtful, therefore, whether he was ever installed as pas-
tor. He had spent his best days as a missionary among the
Indians, having succeeded his brother David in that capacity.
It is said that he always loved the Indians; which is confirmed
by the fact that he labored long and faithfully among them
for their spiritual welfare.
John Brainerd was the son of Hezekiah and Dorothy Brain-
erd. He was born in Haddam, in the state of Connecticut, in
1720. He graduated at Yale College in 1746 with honor. He
was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of New York in 1747,
and was ordained to the gospel ministry in February, 1748.
He received his appointment as missionary to the Indians in
New Jersey, to succeed his brother David, June 2d, 1748, from
a society in Edinburgh, Scotland, called "The Honorable Soci-
ety for propagating Christian Knowledge." It was really a
Foreigh Missionary Society. He was a man qualified to fill
any high and important position in the church of Christ, but
preferred to bury himself in the swamps and forests of New
Jersey for a bare pittance; depriving himself of many of the
comforts and conveniences of life to labor for the welfare and
spiritual good of both the whites and Indians. He founded
churches and raised money to secure buildings to shelter them.
Nearly his whole life was given to this work, having labored
about thirty years in Burlingtoil county. His territory exten-
ded from the Raritan River southward, and from the Delaware
u
River to the oceaD. Much of the harvest produced by the good
seed he scattered, has been reaped by other hands. He was a
true patriot and lover of his country. Having incited his coun-
trymen to stand in defence of their rights and resist the tyranny
and oppression of Great Britain, he so aroused the vengeance
and indignation of the British and the Tories, and the Rerolu-
tionary war so crippled and interfered with his life-long chosen
work that he was obliged to seek a safer place of residence and
a quieter field of labor, and hence he came to Deerfield. Wher-
ever he went his influence was felt for good. He lives in the
memory of the good and pious to-da3^ I understand that the
Presbyterian Church at Mount H0II3', where he lived and
labored so long, and which is now rebuilding their church edi-
fice, purpose to put in a Brainerd memorial window to perpet-
uate his memory. Maj- God bless them for this deserving
tribute of respect.
He was noted as a preacher of the gospel; he was eminent
for piety; and after four years of faithful service in this church,
he ceased from his labors and his works did follow him. He
died much lamented. His remains also lie beneath the church,
and a marble slab marks the spot, which is likewise the gift of
Dr. Potter. This congregation could pay no higher tribute of
respect, perhaps, to this departed saint, than to lay a marble
slab on the outside of this building beside the Rev. Enoch
Green's, his most intimate friend, inscribing upon it the fact
that his remains are deposited on the inside, and so informing
the passer by of future generations that his lifeless body
reposes in this portion of the city of the dead.
The pulpit was now supplied for a season by Rev. Joseph
Montgomery and others.
On the 25th day of June, 1783, the Rev. Simeon Hyde was
ordained and installed pastor. After only seven Aveeks of ear-
nest and successful effort in the Christian ministry, in the bloom
and vigor of his young manhood, with brilliant prospects loom-
ing up before him, he was called to his reward on high. His
body lies entombed in this yard to await the resurrection morn.
In view of this sudden and unexpected loss to tlic church, we
would say with the poet:
16
"God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perf&rm;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
For another period of about three years the ehurcli
depended on supplies. On the 20th day of June, 1786, Mr.
William Pickles was installed. By birth he was an English-
man. In the pulpit he was eloquent, but in his life inconsist-
ent. The irregularities of his life soon excited a holy indigna-
tion in the minds of his people, who loved a pure gospel and
an exemplary life; and hence, Mr. Pickles soon discovered that
his room would be better appreciated than his presence. Hav-
ing disgraced his profession, according to the account, his lab-
ors must have been brought speedily to a close in this charge,
casting a dark shadow over this people, whom God liad formed
for himself. No doubt the church suffered greatly from Mr.
Pickles' ministry. It is difficult to wipe out the stains and
obliterate the influence of such a record as his. From this
time the church was left eight years without a regular pastor;
yet not entirely without the bread of life, for we learn that
the pulpit was supplied at different times by different ministers.
The dark clouds following each other in rapid succession, must
naturally have reduced the church to a low condition, and left
the little flock in a state of discouragement. But in all these
years of trial, they were not left without the presence of God
and the fulfillment of his precious promises. In His own good
time and way He raised up for them, and for their comfort and
encouragement, a good and excellent man in the person of Rev.
John Davenport, who was installed pastor August 12th, 1795.
He was a Jerseyman by birth; born at Freehold in 1752, and
graduated at Princeton College in 1769. He labored for a
number of years in other parts of the vineyard of the Lord
before coming to Deertield to care for this needy people. Dur-
ing his ministry more care must have been taken in preserving
the records of the church. The first roll of cliurch meml)ers
appears in his time, June Gth, 1801. The membership then
numbered eighty-five. Sixty-four persons were gathered into
the church during his ministry of about ten years; years of
16
faltliful labor, rewarded by a plentiful harvest of souls. The
darkness gave place to the light, and the light must have been
sweet. The health of Mr. Davenport giving way, he withdrew
from the charge October 16th, 1805.
After Mr. Davenport left, the church was again without
an under-shepherd for the space of three years.
On October 20th, 1808, the Rev. Nathaniel Reeve was
installed pastor, having come from Long Island to this charge.
At one time he practiced medicine in Western Virginia. Fifty-
two persons were added to the church as the fruit of his minis-
try. We are informed that the accessions were gradual; new
additions at nearly every communion season, which is worthy
of mention. Mr. Reeve resigned April Hth, 1817, after having
served the church between eight and nine years.
Again the church was left without a pastor for more than
two years. Then followed the Rev. Francis S. Ballentine, who
was installed pastor June 22d, 1819. About the beginning of
Mr. Ballentine's ministry there had been a general spiritual
deadness prevailing in the church for some time, which was
greatly lamented by the session. Although perplexed, yet not
in despair, they resolved to pray for Zion still, and after patient
waiting for about three years, with few accessions to the fold
of Christ, showers of divine blessing came down upon the peo-
ple. On December 6th, 1822, thirty-one persons sat down to
the Lord's table for the first time, to enjoy the blessings of
divine grace with God's redeemed people. Sixty persons were
added to the church during Mr. Ballentine's labors, which is
no mean record or showing for five years' service. A new
church roll was made out shortly before he left this field, mak-
ing the number of members one hundred and four. He resigned
this charge June 8th, 1824, having been released at an adjourned
meeting of tlie Presbytery of Philadelphia.
Another vacancy now occurred covering nearly two years,
after which the Rev. Alexander McFarland was ordained and
installed pastor of the church April 27th, 1826. His pastorate
continued only four years, when he was called to a professorship
in Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa. It is said that he was a thor-
ough Presbyterian and a fine scholar. He M'as succeeded by
IT
the RcT. John Burtt, who simply served as a supply- for a brief
period. During the short time he served the church, the Mas-
ter gave him seals to his ministry, and a number were added to
believers. After a time he was settled at Blackwoodtown.
He was followed By the Rev. G. D. McCueun, who, having
supplied the pulpit for six months, was installed pastor Novem-
ber 9th, 1831. About the time he entered upon his labors the
membership numbered only sevent^'-seven. This slow growth
in the church may be attributed, perhaps, to man}-, and some-
times long vacancies in the pulpit, and frequent changes of pas-
tors. Such occurrences seem to militate against the prosperity
of Zion. Mr. McCueun's pastorate continued about five years.
He received forty-one into the fold, and when his labors closed
he left a membership of about one hundred. Again the church
is left without a pastor.
The next on the list is the Rev. Benjamin Tyler, who was
invited to suppl}' the church for six months, but at the expiration
of three months the congregation extended him a call to become
their pastor, which was accepted. He was ordained and in-
stalled October 18th, ISST. He was born and raised at Green-
wich, under the influence of the Societ}^ of Friends. Through
the instrumentality of the Rev. Samuel Lawrence, he was led
to make a profession of his faith in Christ. Twenty-three were
added to the church during his ministry, but failing health
made it necessary for him to seek a dissolution of the pastoral
relation, which was obtained February 19th, 1842. He retired
to Greenwich, where he died June 2Gth, 1842, and where his
remains are interred. He was 37 years of age.
The Rev. Jacob W. E. Kerr followed Mr. Tyler. He was
installed August IGth, 1842. He hailed from the Eastern
Shore of Maryland, where Presbyterianism was first established
in this country-. His best years were devoted to this field.
Both able and faithful, his ministry was owned and blessed.
Some precious seasons were enjoyed, and frctiuent accessions
to the church were made, but these were followed by seasons
of spiritual dearth, and a low state of religion was greatly
lamented by the most devout portion of the congregation.
However, the people fasted and prayed and continued to make
supplication until the windows of Heaven wore opened, and a
18
rich harvest of souls were gathered iu. We learn that in
December, 1845, thirty-one sat down to the table of the Lord
for the first time. Ninety-seven were received during his min-
istry, which calls for profound gratitude. But it is not all
sunshine here, for the painful duty was assigned him of laying
five elders in the grave during his pastorate in this church.
lie was released from the charge by the Presbytery, May 1st,
1855. After this his time was occupied in supplying vacant
fields. He died August 12th, 1879, aged 65 years, 7 months
and 20 daj's, and his remains repose by the side of his compan-
ion in this old church yard, on the eastern side of the church
building.
Mr. Kerr was succeeded b}' the Rev. Thomas "W. Cattell,
Ph. D., who was installed pastor of this church October 9th,
1855. lie is represented as an earnest and zealous laborer in
the vineyard of the Lord. Under his ministry professing chris-
tians were built up in holiness, and sinners yielded their hearts
to God. Forty-eight persons united with the church during
his labors here. Thirty-two of these were brought in in the
3'ear 1858, Avhich was a period of special religious interest
among so many of the churches.
In his time the church numbered about one hundred and
thirty-five members. From the beginning, so far as the rec-
ords show, about four hundred had been added to the church.
His pastoral relation with this chui'cli was dissolved February
9th, 18G0. From here he. went to Princeton, N. J., and was
principal and teacher in the Edgehill Academy until 1869.
He then moved his school to Merchantville, N. J., and i-e-
mained there until April, 1872, when he accepted the position
as Professor of Mathematics in Lincoln University, Chester
count}-. Pa., where he did a noble and self-denying work in pre-
paring young colored men to labor for the elevation of the
colored portion of the race. He closed his labors on earth
in that institution, after having filled the position for about
fifteen years, llis death occurred June 29th, 1887, when about
64 years of age. His remains were entombed in Laurel Hill
Cemetery, Philadelphia, on the 2d of Jul}^, 1887. He leaves a
■widow and six children to mourn his departure.
At the beginning of the preparations for this anniversary,
19
the hope was cherished that he would be with us to-day and
take a prominent part in these services. The invitation was
extended, l3ut the condition of his health was such that he did
not feel justified to make the promise. At that time he may
not have realized that his end was so near at hand; but, alas!
he, too, has gone. Another reminder that this world is not our
home. How closely the messenger of death is folloAving in the
path of the laborers of this field.
The name of the next to follow on the list of pastors is as-
familiar to you as household words — I mean the Rev. R. Hamill
Davis, Ph. D., whose memory is widely cherished in this con-
gregation. He was much esteemed as a christian gentleman,.
and beloved as a pastor. Faithful to his calling and profes-
sional duties, the Lord added many seals to his ministry.
About one hundred and ninet3'-four persons were received into
the church as the fruit of his labors. Forty-two professed
Christ at one time in March, 1868. Mr. Davis was born at
Coatesville, Pa., March 25th, 1832. He was descended on his
father's side from a Welsh and Swedish ancestry, but is Scotch -
Irish through the ancestry of his mother. His grandfather,
John Davis, served as an officer all through the Revolutionary
war. His great grandfather, John Horton, was a signer of the
Declaration of Independence, and gave the casting vote for
Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress. Rev. ^Mr. Davis
graduated at Lafayette College in 1852. After this he taught
at the Lawrenceville school for four years. He studied Theol-
ogy in Princeton Seminary, where he graduated in 1859. He
was licensed to preach the gospel April, 1858, by the Presbj--
tery of New Brunswick. He came to this church in August,
1860, which he supplied regularly until June 4th, 1861, when
he was ordained and installed its pastor. The Rev. E. P.
Shields, Rev. Samuel B. Jones, D. D., Rev. Joseph W. Hub-
bard, and the Rev. Samuel J. Baird, D. D., took part in the
ordination and installation services. The pastoral relation
was dissolved August 18T5; a loving and appreciative people
reluctantly consenting to the dissolution of the relationship so
long sustained. He left Deerfield to become the prmcipal of
the Young Ladies Seminary at Lawrenceville, N. J. He
retired from that position in 1883, with health greatly impaired.
20
On the restoration of his health he became the pastor of the
Presbyterian Church at Delaware, N. J., in June, 1885, where
he still labors to bless souls. Mr. Davis has the honor of hav-
ing the longest pastorate here of any of his predecessors or
successors; his labors covering a period of fifteen 3'ears. He
was settled here during a very stormy period of the country's
history. He commenced his pastoral work just about the time
of the outbreak of the rebellion, when the entire country became
unsettled and quivered from the centre to the circumference.
By pursuing a prudent and consistent course he maintained
his position well during all those years of civil warfare, when
such a diversity of sentiment prevailed North and South, and
when so many of our ministerial brethren became unsettled,
either because they manifested too great loyalty to the govern-
ment, or exhibited too much sympathy for the rebels. He is
the author also of a carefully prepared history of the church
up to the year 18^1, which he read on the occasion of the cele-
bration of the Centennial of Deerfield Church Building; an
-occasion which is looked back to by this congregation with a
great deal of pleasure.
The history was afterwards published in pamphlet foi*m,
and may be found in the homes of many of this congregation.
It is a valuable production, and should be preserved for future
reference.
The following poem, composed by Mr. Davis and read by
him on the centennial occasion, does not appear in the printed
histor}', and considering it too good to drop out of sight, I
obtained permission to use it on this occasion. It reads as
follows:
"I love old Deerlield Church,
The church my fathers loved.
The church whose doctrines pure
These hundred years have proved;
And may she many a hundred more
In power and usefulness endure.
I love the dear old church;
To me 'tis dearer now
Than e'en cathedral grand.
With all its splendid show.
21
Far full a centuiy has flown
Since rose its -walls of solid stone.
I love the old, old church,
For sainted ones at rest
Worshipped devoutly here,
And now are with the blest.
Their memory sweet we cherish still,
And cherish it, we ever will.
I love, I love our church,
The birth-place of my soul;
And whereso'er I roam,
O'er earth from pole to pole,
No spot there'll be, more sweet to me.
Than this, I love so tenderly.
God bless old Deerfield Church,
Protect from every foe;
Nurtured of God, may she
To large proportions grow;
Till time itself shall cease to be.
Lost in a vast eternit}-."
Not only did Mr. Davis love the "dear old church," but he
loved his home in the old parsonage, (as we now call it), where
all his children were born; yes, he loves it still.
The Rev. W. H. Dinsmore was Mr. Davis' successor. He
was installed pastor of the church March 15th, 18T6. The
Rev. L. E. Coyle, Rev. J. A. Maxwell, and the Rev. J. R. Wil-
son conducted the installation services. He came to this charge
from Stroudsburg, Pa., where he had spent about five years of
his ministerial life. After having been in this field about four-
teen months — four of which he was laid aside from active duty
— the Master called him to his eternal rest May 2Gth, 1878.
His remains were interred at Phillipsburg, N. J. This was a
sad bereavement to the church, for they highly esteemed and
loved their newly chosen pastor, with whom they were called
to part so soon. He left a widow and two children to mourn
their loss, who reside near the resting place of his mortal
remains. Nine persons were added to the church during his
22
ministry. His two sons found the Saviour during the past
year, and entered into covenant with God and His people, which
is a great comfort to their mother.
lie graduated from Princeton College in 1857, and from
Princeton Seminary in 1860. In 1861 he was ordained and
installed pastor of the Silvers' Spring Church, near Harrisburg^
by the Presbytery of Carlisle. He left that church in 1865,
and went to Mahanoy City, where he remained until 1869;
going from there to Stroudsburg, and from there he came to
Deerfield, He lived as he preached. He was a man of much
earnest prayer, and wherever he worked was attended by marked
revivals, and many were converted under his ministr}-. This
church loved him and were wonderfully kind to him in his
affliction. Nothing was left undone that could be done; but
the Master called, and he must obey the summons.
On October 9th, 1877, a call was extended to the Rev.
Edward P. Heberton, which he accepted the 22d of October
following, and entered upon his duties as pastor elect October
28th, 1877. The installation took place April 1st, 1878. The
committee appointed by Presbytery to discharge this dut}' were
Rev. William A. Ferguson, the Rev. R. H. Davis, and the Rev.
E. P. Shields.
Mr. Heberton graduated from Princeton, X. J., and was or-
dained to the gospel ministry in 18G8 by the Philadelphia Pres-
bytery. During his ministerial life he served the Great Talle}'
Church in Chester count}^, Pa.; the Church of Duluth, Minn.;
the First Church of Columbus, Oliio, and the Kenderton Pres-
byterian Church, of Philadelphia. He died in Florida in 1883,
where he had gone for his health. He is spoken of as a man of
rare abilities and an able preacher. He left a widow and five
children to lament their sad loss, who at present reside in the
city of Bridgeton, N. J. Twentj'-one persons were added to
the church during his ministry. The roll of members at the
close of his labors was one hundred and ninety-seven, indepen-
dent of those on the reserved list. His father also spent his
life in the ministr}', and is now about 84 years of age, honora-
bly retired, and living in Philadelphia. His brother William
likewise entered the ministr}-, and was ordained in 1869. His
first charge was the Church of the Forks of Brandywine, Pa.,
23
and the second was Elktoii, Md. He is now Treasurer of the
Board of Ministerial Relief.
Mr. Heberton was succeeded b}' the Rev. James D. Hun-
ter, who was called to this church in the fall of 1880. He was
ordained and installed pastor of this charge November 30th,
1880. Those taking part in the services were Rev. H. L. May-
ers, Rev. Heber H. Beadle, Rev. H. E. Thomas, and Rev.
Frank E. Miller, of Easton, Pa., by invitation. He graduated
at Lafayette College in 1878; entered Union Theological Sem-
inary, N. Y., the same year, and was licensed to preach bj the
Presbytery of Lehigh, June 16th, 1880.
During the first year of his ministry here, it pleased the Lord
to pour out of His spirit most copiously upon the people, and
a precious revival of religion followed. The extra services were
continued for some considerable time, and the religious feeling
that prevailed was intense. As the result of this special spirit-
ual interest, sixty-six professed Christ before the world, and sat
down to the table of the Lord for the first time. His ministry-
continued about three years, in which he received eightj'-three
into the church as the fruit of his labors. He was zealously-
aflfected in every good work, which he prosecuted conscien-
tiously and with commendable persistency. He resigned this
pastorate in November, 1883, to accept a call to the Presbyte-
rian Church of Greencastle, Pa., in the Presbytery of Carlisle.
He began his ministrj' at Greencastle, in December, 1883,
and was installed in April, 1884. Mr. Hunter preached an
historical sermon in 1881, on the occasion of the celebration of
the Centennial of Franklin count}'. Pa., which was afterwards
published in the "Greencastle Church, in Franklin count}'."
He is still laboring in the same charge with encouragement and
success.
A call was extended to your present pastor March 2r)th,
1884, and accepted by him April 13th, 1884. He and his fam-
ily moved into what is called the old parsonage, April 2rith,
1884. The congregation kindly and generously defrayed .the
expense of moving the furniture, which amounted to $20. The
installation took place October 2Sth, 1884, the Rev. H. H.
Beadle, Rev. L. E. Coyle and Rev. Wm. Y. Louderbough, con-
ducting the services. By these figures it will be seen that a
24
trifle over three years have elapsed since I came among you.
The record must necessarily be a very short one. Eighteen
persons were admitted into the church during the above period.
This is not a very flattering exhibit of ingathering, but there
is something more to be done by God's ministers besides gath-
ering in the sheaves. One part of a ministers duty is to labor
to build up God's people in holiness, and fit them for the respon-
sible duties of life. I soon discovered on entering on my duties
in this field that the condition of things and circumstances were
such as not to warrant the indulgence of a hope for early and
rapid growth, and large accessions to the fold of Christ. Old
sores must be healed; into the wounds existing the oil of gospel
grace must be poured; and the alienated must be brought
together in love and friendship. To this work of establishing
peace and harmony the present incumbent addressed and
applied himself. The hope is now cherished that the object in
a great measure has been accomplished; that peace, and union,
and harmony, now prevail throughout our borders. If this be
so, may we not then indulge the hope that in the near future
the Lord has a rich blessing to bestow; that by fervent prayer,
an abiding faith, and earnest and faithful preaching of the word,
this old Tree, which we trust is of God's own right hand plant-
ing, will yield an abundance of fruit, only the riper and better
for the delay! The present roll of members is two hundred and
fifty-six, including those on the reserved list. During my brief
ministry here twenty-three marriages have been solemnized,
and the parties entering into holy wedlock, sent on their way
rejoicing. I also officiated at twenty-four funerals. But I
must hasten on. A certain historian says, that no one can
speak long of himself without being egotistical.
Of all the ministerial laborers connected with the history
of this old historic church, only two remain to-day to join with
us in these anniversary services. The rest have all laid their
armour by to dwell, as we trust, at peace with God. This is a
faithful reminder, that we who survive this little army of noble
soldiers of the cross, must soon succumb to the inevitable, and
likewise fall on the battle-field of life.
We must leave our history to be written by those who
shall follow us, and take up the work where we left off". As
25
we have been faithful to those who went before us, so they will
do us justice when our bones lie mouldering in the dust.
In glancing over the many ministerial changes which have
occurred during these 150 years, and observing that there was
but one pastorate that reached fifteen j^ears, the conclusion is
arrived at that the outlook for the present pastor is not very
flattering; or does not predict a very lengthy pastorate. "Who
knows but there may be some one already at work in this con-
gregation digging his grave to bury him to make room for his
successor! But let us hope for better things. "VThj- indulge in
a subject so sad and gloomy as this to-da^- — our happy Anni-
versary?
In glancing over the past, we notice that all the ministe-
rial laborers of this charge have been called from other parts
of the vine3'ard of the Lord; perhaps fulfilling the saying that
"a prophet is not without honor, save in his own country."
But this church has not only been a receiver, enjoying the
benefits of other mens' labors and talents; she has been likewise
a producer; furnishing to the church at large talented men for
the pulpit, and earnest workers for the pew.
The Rev. David M. James, pastor of the Presbyterian
Church at Bath, Pa., and his brother the Rev. "Wm. H. James,
D. D., pastor of the Presb3terian Church at Springdale, Ohio,
and also the Rev. John F. Sheppard, pastor of the Presbyterian
Church at South Easton, are among those who have received
their earliest religious impressions in this church, combined
with good home influences; and have gone out from among us
' to prepare for the gospel ministry, and have entered important
and useful fields of labor, ^yhere they are doing a good work
for the Master in their ministerial calling.
The Rev. David M. James has long been in the ministry,
and is at present occupj'ing his second field of labor only, which
speaks exceedingly well for his wearing qualities. His brother,
the Rev. Wm. H. James, D. D., has been twenty-one years in
his present charge, which has been his first and only pastoral
charge. His people very thoughtfully celebrated his 20th
anniversary among them, at which time he and his wife were
made the recipients of some handsome presents as an expres-
sion of appreciation of his labors.
26
The Kov. John F. Sheppard was ordained by the Presb}'-
tery of Lehigh, in the synod of Pennsylvania, June 20th, 1881,
and has been pastor of the Presbyterian Church at South Eas-
ton ever since.
Mr. John Dunlap, who has recenth^ graduated at Yale,
and completed his theological studies, preparatory to the gos-
pel ministry, although a member of the Woodstown Presbyte-
rian Church, N. J., his parents and brother belong to this part
of the famil}' of Christ. With rare natural endowments and
a liberal education, his prospects for extensive usefulness are
ver}- good.
I learn also that the Her. Robert P. DuBois, now deceased,
but for many years pastor of the Presb3'terian Church at New
London, within the bounds of the Presbytery of Chester, Pa.,
was the son of Mr. Uriah DuBois, who at one time taught
school in the district school house just above this church. Dr.
F. L. DuBois, in Bridgeton, N. J., who now fills an important
position under the Government, is the sou of Rev. Robert P.,
and grandson of Uriah. The Rev. Robert P. DuBois lived to
a good and ripe old age. He was a useful man in his da}' and
generation. He preached the gospel for many 3'ears, and was
greatly beloved by the people of his charge at Xew London.
His life and work are still fragrant in the memor}' of a grateful
and appreciative people.
The following are the names of the Ruling Elders who
have served this church, as far as I have been able to secure
them, viz: John Garrison, Jeremiah Foster, Arthur Davis,-
Thomas Read, William Tullis, Ezekiel Foster, Recompense
Leake, William Smith, John Stratton, William Garrison, Abner
Smith, Joseph Moore, Ebenezer Lummis, Dr. Joseph Brewster,
Nathaniel Diament, Ebenezer Harris, Ephraim Lummis, Noah
Harris, Samuel Tliompson, Jonathan Smith, Benjamin Davis,
William Garrison, Broadway Davis, Elijah 1). Riley, John
More, John Davis, Ludlam Dare, Samuel Barker, Jeremiah
Parvin, E. B. Davis, Archi1>ald Slump, David Paris, Aaron
Padgett, Thomas Bowen, John Ott and Robert Peacock. These
have all died, as we trust, in faith, and gone to join the four
and twenty Elders that come around the throne of God and
2T
the Lamb, except E. B. Davis, David Paris, Aaron Padgett,*
John Ott and Robert Peacock. The last four constitute the
present session of the church. E. B. Davis is now living at
Phillipsburg. He was ordained and installed an elder of this
church December 16th, 1848.
Archibald Shimp and David Paris were ordained and
installed elders of this church on the 21st of May, 1854. Mr.
Shimp died September 3d, 1883, having magnified his office and
served the church faithfully in this capacity for about twenty-
nine years. Aaron Padgett and Thomas Bowen were ordained
and installed elders of the churcli February 9th, 1862. Mr.
Bowen died December 30th, 1879, having served the church in
this capacity for over seventeen years with great acceptance.
In the death of these brethren the church sustained a heavy
loss. David Paris and Aaron Padgett have both filled the
office with credit to themselves and with satisfaction to the
congregation — the former for thirty-three years and the latter
for twenty-five years. John Ott and Robert Peacock were
ordained and installed elders of the church April ITth, 1881.
Experience shows that the selection was a good one; possessing
sufficient coui-age and zeal to meet all the responsibilities of
the office, and yet modest withal. Long may their lives be
spared to be a blessing to this church, and be pillars in the
house of our God.
The Sabbath School of this church was first organized
during Mr. Ballentine's ministry, on March 29th, 1820, in the
District School House, a short distance above the church, with
about sixty in attendance during the earl}- part of its history.
It was first called "The Sabbath School Society of Deerfield
Street, No. 1, in the Sundaj^ School Union of Cumberland
Count}'." It was at first sustained by obtaining subscribers for
its support. It appears that the society was in coiniection dur-
ing its early years, with a Sunday School Union of Cumberland
County, to which they annually, for seven years, elected a rep-
resentative and paid an annual foe of one dollar, and receiving
in return certain privileges. Up to the year 1841 the school
had been regularly held in the Union School House. Then it
was removed to the gallery of the church, where it was con-
*El(.ler Aaron Padgett died Oct. 3d, 1887, about 78 years of age.
28
tinned until the present chapel was built, -which it has occupied
ever since. Up to the year 1865 the school was in session only
through the six summer months of the year; since then the ses-
sions have continued during the entire year.
The following are the names of the Superintendents from
the beginning of the school, viz: Samuel Thompson, Esq.,
Broadway Davis, ^Mark A. Peck, David 0. Garrison, John
Davis, Elijah D. Kiley, James Davis, Samuel Barker, Mr. 01m-
stead, Charles 0. Garrison, E. S. Corey, Ephraim T. Corey,
Ephraim B. Davis, Ephraim Davis, David S. Finlc}', David
Paris, Archibald Shimp, Joseph L. Davis, Alfred Davis, Elmer
Biddlc, Dr. Charles C. Phillips, James Dunlap and George D.
Davis; only twenty-three in all from 1820 to 1881 — stretching
through sixtj'-seven 3'eurs. It was at first the custom to elect
several Superintendents for the term, in order that they might
alternate in conducting the school, and make it more certain
to have a presiding oflicer in the event of absence. George D.
Davis is the present Superintendent, and James F. Moore his
assistant. The school is properly officered with a band of noble
and faithful teachers, who are untiring in their eflTorts to lead
the children and rising generation to the Saviour. The school
numbers at present about one hundred and thirt}^ or more.
The outlook for growth and usefulness is ver^'- hopeful.
On the 30th of April, 1820, a Sabbath School was started
at the West Branch School House, numbering about eighty-five
scholars. John More was its first Superintendent, and served
at least in that capacity for twentj'-five 3'ears. This was a
branch school — being in sympathy' and aim with the church
school. It was carried on faithfully and successfully during
all these past years, until a lew years ago it mei'ged into the
Deerfield Church School, ft)r tlie purpose of concentration of
christian effort.
The Harmon}^ Sabbath School, held in the District School
House, about four miles distant from the church, which was
organized in 1845, is a union enterprise. David Long was its
first Superintendent. For some years past G. Wilberl Moore
and John Ott have served in that capacitv — each presiding
during alternate 3-ears. It is made up of Presbyterians and
IjUtherans. A number of our people are usefullj^ employed on
29
Sabbath afternoons at that place, and are doing a noble and
self-denying work for the Master. The school numbers about
-fifty-four. The average attendance is about forty-four. Dur-
ing the Rev. R. Hamill Davis' ministry the "Elfie Mission
Band" was organized, August 14th, 1872, with twent3'-four
members; drawn principally from the Sabbath school or
schools. It still has a living existence, and is doing a good
work in aid of the Mission cause. Miss Ella F. Garrison was
its first and much esteemed President. At present it is under
the efficient supervision of Miss Belle Flanagan as President.
Miss Mattie A. Biddle is Secretar}-, and Miss Lillie Ballenger
is Treasurer. The band was named "Elfie" — called after a boat
by that name, furnished the mission at Corisco, Africa, by the
children of this countr}-.
Under the same pastorate an "Auxiliary" to the "Woman's
Foreign Missionarj- Society" was organized February 23d,
1872. The number of persons induced to become members
the first year was about sixty. Notwithstanding deaths and
removals have thinned their ranks, reducing their members to
between thirty and forty, I believe thej^ have never paid out
less than $50 a year to the cause of Missions, except perhaps
one 3"ear. No means is left untried to increase its membership,
deepen the interest, and swell the contributions. With such
a laudable object before the society as the salvation of the mil-
lions of heathen, and especially the elevation of their own sex,
I bespeak for it a bright and prosperous future. Mrs. R. Hamill
Davis was its first President. The present officers are: Presi-
dent, Mrs. Cordelia M. Richer; Secretary, Mrs. Rhoda D. Moore;
Treasurer, Mrs. Sarah M. Ott.
There is in connection with the church also an "Aid Soci.
ety," sometimes known as the "Church Sociable." The object
of this association is to develop the social element of the
congregation, and to raise funds by regular and small contribu-
tions for such uses and improvements as the circumstances and
condition of the congregation may require. The fund raised
is supplementar}'- to the regular income of the church; and often
comes to the relief of the church when embarrassed for the
want of means. It accomplishes a good work, and ought to
enlist the sympathies of the entire congregation. It was organ-
30
ized March 13th, 1878, in the early part of Mr. Heberton's
ministry. The whole amount raised from 1878 to 1887, only
nine 3-ears, is $875.58. From members fees, $249.98. From
festivals, $621.82, and by cash, $3.78. The present officers
consist of: President, Mrs. A. J. Snyder; Secretary, Miss Mat-
tie A. Biddle; Treasurer, Mrs. Cordelia M. Richer.
Let us now take a brief survey of the church buildings, in
which the congregations have worshipped, of which I have said
nothing heretofore. Tradition sa3'& that in the year 1732 there
came to this country from Scotland and the Xorth of Ireland
and from Germany, a small colony of Presb3^terians, bringing
their Bibles and catechisms in their trunks, and the Spirit of
God in their hearts, and settled in what is now called Deerfield
and Hopewell townships, then a wild wilderness, wooded with
large timber and inhabited by Indians, with very little of the
soil cleared. There was, however, a clearing not far from where
tliis old stone church now stands, of some hundreds of acres of
new land, and ver}' fertile, on which the grass grew luxuriant,
and the wild deer came out into this clearing in large numbers
to feed, from which the j)lace derived the name of Deerfield.*
Those men distributed themselves; the}'- bought land in differ-
ent parts of those two townships, as it is now arranged, and
erected their log houses; for there were no other kind in those
days. And when they procured houses for their families, they
met together and concluded to erect a building for a school
house, and in which they might also hold religious services.
In that building the people met together for worship, some of
them coming a long distance, and taking their turns in bring-
ing their tallow candles, with which to light up the house for
the evening service. Whether they had a preacher at that time
or not we cannot tell, but we do know that they met together
for worship, and their numbers increased until the little log
school house became too small. In the year 1737 the}' were
♦Thomas Rhourds' History and Genealoary of Feuwick's Colony
says: About 1725 Beujamiu Davis purchased 1000 acres of laud in
North Cohaiiscy preciuct of Dau. Cox, the great land speculator, a
resident of Burleighton, for which he paid ten shilliugs per acre. The
price which he paid Cox was considei'ed by tlie inhabitants of the pre-
cinct VKKV DEAR ; licuce they called it a Deaukikld. Why the name
has been changed to Deerkield I ean't imagine. In after time that
and other lauds adjacent were set off as a township called Deereibld.
31
organized into a church, and resolved to erect a church build-
ing, which was known as the Log Church. The}^ came with
their ox teams, for they had no others. They cut down the
cedars and carted them to the place designated for the building.
And log after log was hewn and notched, and dove-tailed
together, and at last there appeared the beautiful Log Church
in the forest.* The fathers dedicated it to the worship of
Almighty God, and named it the Deerfield Presbyterian Church.
And for thirty-four years they worshipped in the old Log
Church, which stood in the adjoining grave yard, a little south
of the present church building. It has nothing to mark its
location, except the grave of John Leake, which is said to be
beneath or near the old pulpit, at his own request.
It would be a noble deed for the people of this generation
worshipping here, to place a handsome monument over this
grave, with suitable inscription upon it, which marks the spot
where the old church stood, and where our ancestors worship-
ped. Although not a vestige of the old Log Church remains,
yet the old Brittannia Communion Service, supposed to be the
first used by our forefathers, out of which they ate and drank
in commemoration of the dying love of Jesus, may be seen on
the table in front of this platform to-day.f Some years ago
a new service was secured, and the old service placed in the
hands of Dr. J. Barron Potter, of Bridgeton, K". J., for preser-
vation, and to prevent their use for common vessels.
If there is an}' reliance to be placed on tradition, the mem-
bers of this church in its early history manifested a high appre-
ciation of the gospel, and practiced great self-denial to hear it
dispensed. Mr. Charles S. Tyler, son of the Rev. Benjamin
Tyler, now deceased, but fifty years ago the pastor of this
church, sends me the following: He says, "My mother has
told me upon the authority of very old people in Deerfield,
when she lived there, that a comqjon way of getting to Green-
wich church from Deerfield, with those that had horses, was to
*At this point a little Log Cabin was exhibited, made of the pith
of corn stalks, to remind the congregation of the days of old, when
their forefathers worshipped in the little Log Church.
tit was placed ou the table on this occasion to exhibit for the
gratification of the congregation assembled.
32
ride and hitch. Part of the family would start on foot, and
afterwards another or more would mount the horse or horses
and ride on ahead of the others and hitch, and walk on. The
others, when they reached the horse or horses, would mount
and ride forward; and so continue until they reached the
church." He says, "A mode of church going unheard of bj'
the majority of people at this time." The probability is that
the Greenwich church was connected with Deerfield church
in one charge at the time referred to — a distance of about ten
miles.
I am credibly and reliably informed also, that mothers
with their children, and others also, would walk the entire dis-
tance from Deerfield to Greenwich to a Sabbath morning ser-
vice. In some instances they would carry their shoes and
stockings until the}'- had almost reached the place of worship;
then they would stop and wash their feet in the little stream bj'
the wayside, put on their shoes and stockings, and appear in
the house of God as clean and tidy as their neighbors, who
might be more highly favored with greater facilities for travel.
But time has brought with it great changes. A single mile is
now considered almost too long a distance to walk to the "place
where God's honor dwelleth and His name is recorded." New
modes of locomotion have been devised, making it far easier
and more convenient to reach the house of God. New methods
also for heating the sanctuary have been discovered; insomuch
that the ancient foot stove, at one time used in this place of
worship, has been dispensed with; a sample of which may be
seen on this platform to-day.* In the face of all these facts,
"Say not thou, what is the cause that the former days were
better than these ? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning
this."— Eccl. 7: 10.
The present church building was erected in 1771; or rather
the building of which this is the enlargement. It was accom-
plished during the pastorate of the Rev. Enoch Green. Evi-
dently the people struggled long and hard to secure their new
church home. The edifice was 38 feet by 48 feet, with a curved
*Oue of those aucient foot-stoves was secured from one of the
fiimilics of the church and pUiced on the phitforni on this occasion for
the curiositj' of the rising goucration.
bJ
CO
bJ
o
o
:d
O
>-
QQ
CO
LiJ
o
00
33
ceiling. In the course of some years it was remodeled inside,
and a flat ceiling substituted in the place of the curved one.
When the church was enlarged to its present size, the ceiling
was^curved again as we now see it, and according to its origi-
nal form. In 1852 a new roof was put on the building. The
addition to the church of 25 feet, with a recess of 7 feet for the
pulpit, was made during the ministry of Rev. Thomas W. Cat-
tell. On Monday morning, August IGth, 1858, the first stones
were taken out of the end wall; the estimated cost was about
$3,000. The building committee consisted of the Trustees of
the church, and are as follows, viz: David Padgett, Ephraim
B. Davis, Robert More, Lucius Moore and Arthur Davis.
Fortunately for the church, at this time she had an accu-
mulated fund at interest of about $2,850, which was used to
cover the expenses of enlargement and improvement. The
fund referred to was obtained from the sale of timber from the
eighty acres of woodland in possession of the church — property
secured by ohr forefathers and handed down to us as a legacy
for the use of religious purposes.
During the ministry of the Rev. James D. Hunter some
extensive improvements were made, at a cost of from five to
seven hundred dollars. The walls were newly frescoed, the
wood-work painted, the pulpit changed, and the recess fitted up
for the choir. In addition to this an old debt of three hundred
dollars was cancelled about the same time.
During the present pastorate, near $300 was raised and
expended on this building in making alterations and improve-
ments—the people giving cheerfully and liberally. The floor
of this church had never been carpeted, except the aisles and
pulpit platform, until last spring, when the entire floor was
covered over with a rich and beautiful carpet. At the same
time the doors of the pews were removed, the pews re-num-
bered, and partitions placed beneath all the pews. There is
another improvement that might be made, and which would
add very much to the beauty of this ancient structure, and
serve likewise a valuable purpose; I mean a suitable tower,
with a sweet-toned bell hanging in it, to call the people to the
house of God. This would not disturb the sleeping dead who
repose in their dustv beds, but it might be instrumental in
34
awakening some sleeping soul, and bringing to the enjoyment
of spiritual life those who are dead in trespasses and sins.
The question of building a chapel to be used in connection
with the Deerfield Presbyterian Church, was agitated as far
back as the year 1858, when the Rev. Thomas W. Cattell was
pastor, who recommended the starting of a fund to be used
for that purpose. Nothing was accomplished in the way of
getting a building until the year 1873, when a festival was held
to establish a fund for the object in view. The money realized
at the fair and festival was loaned out for a time, and when
paid in the principal and interest amounted to $346. In the
spring of 1878, the Rev. E. P. Heberton, (who was pastor at
that time), agitated the matter, and at the annual meeting held
April 27th, 1878, the following named gentlemen were appoin-
ted a committee to contract for and erect a suitable structure
in which to hold Sabbath School, evening meetings, lectures,
&c., viz: Rev. E. P Heberton, Edo 0. Leake, Elmer Biddle,
Moses Peacock, Sr., and Robert More. The Chapel was erec-
ted and is 30 feet b}^ 50 feet, with 14 feet posts, and a vestibule
H^ feet in width. The contractors for the building were the
firm of Conover & Ackley, of Bridgeton, N. J. The cost of
the building was $1317; the cost of the furniture, including the
blinds, was $324.40, making in all $1641.40. The two stoves
included in the furniture were a present from Elmer Biddle, and
cost $25. In addition to the above there are two organs used
in the chapel; the cost of the larger one was $200, and the cost
of the smaller one was $20. The Treasurer, Edo 0. Leake,
made this verj'' cheering and satisfactory statement, he says:
"When the building was finished it was all paid for and $10 left
on hand." An unusual experience! Reall}', this is something
new under the sun! But the most surprising thing is that this
church did not avail herself of this great convenience many
years sooner. I do not know that the treasurer of the church
to-day can rejoice in a surplus, as in the case above; but I am
happ}-^ to announce on this Anniversary occasion, that the
church is entirely free of all debt. I apprehend that it has been
characteristic of this church to guard against such inconveni-
ences. Thirty dollars was expended last summer in painting
35
the walls of the chapel to give them a more attractive appear-
ance and better finish.
I almost failed to note that about the same time a neat
chandelier, with three burners, was purchased and suspended
from the arch of the recess of the church for the benefit of the
choir and speaker; besides, six additional burners were secured
for the main part of the audience room. The cost of the above
improvement was about $20, and was paid by the Aid Society.
The Rev. Enoch Green was the first pastor who occupied
a parsonage in this charge, or Deerfield Presbyterian Church.
It consisted of fifty acres of land, with a brick house and other
needed improvements. In the course of about fift3^ years, and
during Mr. Ballentine's ministry, the brick house gave way to
a frame building, well constructed, on a more beautiful site, and
a little farther north of the stream. The building still stands,
now over sixty years since its erection. This property was used
as a parsonage, or home for the pastor of the church, until the
present pastorate, when the subject of a change was extensively
agitated throughout the congregation; most of them favored
the change, and yet there were a few exceedingly loath to part
with the old parsonage. They loved it — their souls, as it were,
cleaved unto it. Like the Psalmist, when he said: "Mj' soul
cleaveth unto the dust." — Psalm 119: 25. And no wonder, it
was a beautiful spot. It had been in possession of the church
one hundred and thirty years, handed down to them by their
forefathers, to be used for such a purpose. But the contem-
plated change did not imply alienation of the property; only
that the proceeds of the farm be invested in another home,
more suitable for the pastor in these times.
At a meeting of the congregation held August, 1884, it
was decided, if the way be clear, to sell the farm and secure
another property to be used as a parsonage, and the trustees
of the church were appointed a committee to carry out the
wishes of the congregation. The trustees at this time consisted
of Enoch Riley, Edo 0. Leake, George D. Davis, Daniel Pad-
gett and Elijah R. Parvin. In a very short time about an acre
of ground was purchased of Elijah R. Parvin, to be used for
the purpose, for the sum of $400, situated in the southern part
of the village of Deerfield. Arrangements were entered into at
36
once to erect suitable buildings thereon. Mr. A. F. Randolph,
of Bridgeton, N. J., contracted for the work, which was begun
and carried on so speedil}' as to enable the present pastor to
take possession on the 18th day of March, 1885. The old par-
sonage was sold at public sale on the 18th day of December,
1884, to Lewis M. Brooks, for $62 per acre, amounting to
$3100; Mr. Charles Barker was the auctioneer. The new prop-
erty cost, including the land, about $3,287.65, and is a conve-
nient and very desirable place of residence; I may say it is a
model home. To make up the deficiency to pay for the cost of
the new propert}', a sufficient amount of timber was sold from
the woodland to cover the additional expense; hence it is free
i'rom debt, and made so without burdening a single member of
the congregation. One hundred dollars was added to the pas-
Ttor's salary b}' a considerate people, who thoughtfully consid-
ered the shrinkage of his income by the change. I may add
here, that ever since some time during Mr. Davis' ministry,
•only seven acres of the fifty in the farm were cultivated by the
pastor, he wishing less care; the balance of the farm was used
for the benefit of the church. It was not until the year 1810,
•during Rev. Nathaniel Reeve's ministry, that the church became
aji incorporated body, and a Board of Trustees was elected.
"Before this period the congregation appointed committees to
attend to the temporalities of the church.
The present Board of Trustees consists of Daniel Padgett,
Elijah R. Parvin, Charles D. Moore, Joseph L. Davis and G.
Wilbert Moore; one trustee is elected annually to serve for five
years. The present organist is Miss Anna P. Veal, who has
served faithfully for the past three years. Her immediate
predecessor was Miss Ella Moore, (now Mrs. Davis); she
served for a short period of time and did her part well. Pre-
vious to this Miss Juliet Moore occupied the position for twelve
years, and with great acceptance. Mr. Wm. Laning is the pres-
ent efficient leader of the choir, and has filled that position for
the past five or six 3'ears. Mr. Elijah R. Parvin was his prede-
cessor, who held the position for sixteen years. His long con-
tinued and self-denying labors need no comment; they speak for
themselves. For the past five j-ears a musical committee appoin-
ted bj' the congregation, selects the members of the choir.
37
Elijah R. Parvin is the present sexton, and has occupied
that position for the last fifteen years. During that period he
has opened one hundred and forty-seven graves, and all but
two in the yard on the eastern side of the street. His prede-
cessor was Mr. David Ott.
In the early history of the church the salary of the sexton
was only $6 a year, it has now reached $75 a j'ear; and is still
too limited for the amount of labor required.
If time and space would allow, we might speak of men
born and reared in this community with lai'ge mental capacity
and endowments, and who filled very important positions in
this and other localities. But I cannot resist the temptation
to refer to a few. The first I shall notice is Dr. Holmes Parvin.
One of his successors, Dr. Charles C. Phillips, pays the follow-
ing tribute of respect to him: In a Sabbath School address,
delivered in 1876, he says, "Holmes Parvin, a name familiar to
all, was born in this county December 7th, 1794. After re-
ceiving an English education, he attended the medical lectures
in the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated in 1815.
He immediately commenced and continued to practice in this
village until 1829, when he emigrated West, settling in 1830 in
Cincinnatti, where he soon had an extensive practice, but which
in 1836 he abandoned to give himself up to other pursuits; espec-
ially to investigate his favoiite science ol electricity. Long
before Professor Morse's name had any connection with the
telegraph. Dr. Parvin had commenced, and so far perfected his
instruments as to communicate with adjoining rooms, and
prophesied to his friends that the time would come when we, by
electricity, would communicate with our most distant accpiaint-
ances. They thought him mad, but we of to-day see his prophecy
verified. To continue his experiments and communicate his
theories to scientific men, he removed in 1838 to Pliihuk-lphia,
but his health soon failing, he removed again in 1840 to Cin-
cinnatti, where he died February 6th, 1842, leaving two chil-
dren, one of whom. Rev. Robert J. Parvin, an Episcopal Cler-
gyman, recently perished in the flames of a burning steamer on
the Ohio river." Dr. Parvin was intimately associated with the
Sabbath School of this church.
Neither would this liistory be complete without making
38
allusion to such men as Col. David Moore and his son Dr. Sam-
uel Moore. Mr. C. S. Tyler, of Greenwich, gives me the fol-
lowing information: He saj-s, "From one of the oldest of the
Deerfield families was descended Mary Seeley, wife of Rev.
Mr. Tyler; her mother Elizabeth Moore, was the only daughter
of Col, David Moore, an officer of artiller}' in the Continental
Army, who, after recovering at home, where he was allowed to
be nursed, from a grape shot wound received at the battle of
Germantown, returned to the service of his country. During
the dark night of September 18th, 1777, when over-confidence
and wine had led General Wayne, at the Paoli Tavern, Chester
county, into the neglect of duty, and enabled General Grey, of
the British army, to surprise and massacre many of our forces,
even after numbers of them had surrendered. Col. Moore, with
Captain John Beat}-, were the only ones that succeeded in sav-
ing a cannon from the hands of the enem}-. And to his son.
Dr. Samuel Moore, virtually belongs the honor of the famous
Missouri compromise measure. Born in Deerfield February
8th, 1774, he graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in
1791, where he afterwards served as tutor. In 1796, after a
thorough course of study, he graduated in medicine. After
commencing the practice of his profession in Bucks County,
Pennsylvania, his health failed; and by the advice of Dr. Rush
he sailed for Canton, and with such happy results, that he
afterwards made four other voyages to Canton, and one to
Calcutta. In 1808 he settled permanently in Bucks Count}',
where his upright life and remarkabl}' winning manners joined
to unobtrusive ability, gained him such influence among all
classes, that in 1818, while absent upon business in the west, he
was nominated by the Whigs and elected to Congress, and
twice re-elected. In 1824 he was appointed b}^ President Mon-
roe, Director of the Mint, which office he continued to hold
during the administration of Mr. Adams, and part of that of
General Jackson, who refused to pay any attention to the many
efforts made to disi)Iace him. When informed b\- Dr. Moore
of his desire to leave the Mint, the President requested him to
keep the matter a secret until a successor was selected, and
asked Dr. Moore to name a suitable person for tlie office, when
at his suggestion his brother-in-law. Dr. Patterson, was appoin-
39
ted, the public first learned of a contemplated change. Upon
leaving that office he was honored with a complimentary testi-
monial of General Jackson's esteem.
It was owing mainl}- to his efforts that the appropriation
from Congress was secured for the building of a new Mint, and
under the immediate superintendence of Dr. Moore, that the
present Mint on Chestnut street was erected, and the works
removed from the old building on Seventh street. Dr. Moore
retired from the Mint in 1835, and became President of the
Hazleton Coal Company, which position he retained until the
time of his death, February 18th, 1861. Although in his
eightA'-eighth year when he died, he seemed never to grow old
through the loss of interest in knowledge in all its departments
at home and abroad. At his death he and Professor Silliman?
of Yale College, were the oldest members of the American
Philosophical Society.
It was during his service in Congress that the celebrated
Missouri Controversy arose. In its settlement none took more
interest than Dr. Moore, who was one of the select committee
to whom the subject was referred. After the failure of all
other efforts for peace, he suggested and presented to Mr. Clay,
in the form of a resohition, the measure which that great states-
man brought forward for the settlement of that controversy^
and which was finally accepted February 27th, 1821. After
the act was passed Mr. Clay, with highly complimentarj-
remarks, handed the original draft to Dr. Moore, adding: "Take
this paper home with you and preserve it for your children."
While a daughter could say of him, 'I never heard him
say a foolish thing,' Dr. Moore was always attractive to old
and young alike, as a companion, gentleman and christian. A
man of whom any place might be proud as having given him
birth."
But I must now draw my remarks to a close; pardon me
for having wearied your patience and trespassed so long upon
your time. In the limited time allotted me on this occasion, I
could barely give an outline of the history of this part of God's
Zion, which stretches over nearly five generations.
How rapidly we have passed the milestones to-day in our
march along the line of the Church's History. We have observed
40
one generation after another of workers pass awa^', while others
have been raised up to fill their places; and so the work goes
on in the midst of the many and serious changes. Rich and
precious fruit have we been permitted to pluck to-day from
this old tree, planted here one hundred and fifty 3'ears ago,
whose roots strike deeper and deeper, and whose branches
extend farther and farther, and which is destined to bring forth
fruit in old age. The tall and large oaks of four score must
decay and pass awa}^, but the church will continue to be fat and
fiourishing — she will bring forth fruit in old age. Exposed
both to fire and storm, this church building, or part of it, has
stood for one hundred and sixteen years, and by God's pro-
tecting care may stand many more. But the church proper, in
her organic form, has passed through many and severe forms
of trial, and yet survived them all. Adverse circumstances
have frequent!}' overtaken her in her onward march; false and
untrue friends have cast the shadows of discouragement and
despondency across her pathway. Deaths and removals have
thinned the ranks of the soldiers of the cross and weakened the
forces of the workers in the vineyard, and 3^et the church has
strengthened and increased with the increase of her 3-ears, as
she comes up from the wilderness leaning upon her beloved.
When we consider that the church on earth and the church
in heaven are one, then it is clearly' to be seen that the church's
loss on earth is but the church's gain in heaven. Truly says
the poet :
"One family we dwell in Him,
One church above, beneath;
Though now divided by the stream,
The narrow stream of death.
One arm}^ of the livijng God,
To his command we bow;
Part of his host have crossed the flood.
And part are crossing now.
Ten thousand to their endless home
This solemn moment fl}-;
And we are to the margin come.
And we expect to die."
41
As we look back over the past to-day, we cannot fail to
enumerate many scenes, both painful and joyous. We therefore
mingle our tears of sorrow with our feelings of joy. You can-
not fail to call to mind when death robbed you of some of the
dearest earthly objects of your affection, and sorrow filled your
heart. Every time 3'ou visit their graves a new pang of grief
pierces your soul, but many and rich have been your experi-
ences of joy also in your connection with the church here on
earth. As you glance over the past 3'ou are able to recount
at least some of God's dealings of love and merc}'. You have
had 3^0ur seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord;
our Heavenly Father has answered 3'our praj-ers, and the Spirit
of God has been poured out in copious showers, and your sons
and daughters have come from afar, and been gathered into the
fold of Christ; and when the bands that have bound you to
earth have been snapped asunder, it has only been to multiply
the ties in heaven. With all these rich blessings of the past,
which have made us what we are, what is the future likelj' to
be? From the past, I venture to judge the future will be still
more glorious. I apprehend the church shall flourish like the
palm tree, and grow like the cedars in Lebanon. She has kept
pace with the progress of events, and with the developments of
the arts and sciences ; indeed she has been, with Christ as her
head, at the bottom of all true science and development.
And now with these thousands of broad acres of fertile
land surrounding this cherished spot, all dotted over with beau-
tiful and convenient farms, occupied with an intelligent and
God loving people, with increasing advantages for giving your
children a liberal education, favored also with a faithful gospel
ministry proclaiming the standards of the church in all their
purity and simplicity, and with God's blessing resting upon
3'Our labors, I predict a still grander future for the church than
the past; increased prosperity and liberality, a more thorough
consecration to the work at home, and a more intense love and
devotion to the work of saving the millions of heathen abroad.
However rich and grand the past has been, the future
must necessarily be still more bright and hopeful, because the
facilities for enlargement are increasing with the growth of
years. Your most desirable pews are occupied and even crow-
42
ded, and more are needed to supply the demand. The remov-
als by death and otherwise cause no diminution in the size of
our congregations.
A word of counsel from one who has already become
warmly attached to this portion of the Lord's vineyard, I pre-
sume will not be considered as an intrusion. Fathers and
mothers in Israel, 3'oung men and maidens, and also little chil-
dren, let me urge upon you the necessit}^ of loving 3'our church;
the church your fathers loved; it is the birth-place of your soul;
let it be as
•'Dear as the apple of thine ej'e.
And graven on thy hand."
Let your post of duty always be filled, "Whatsoever your
hands find to do do it with all your might." Never fail to let
3'our voice be heard in behalf of Zion; for her welfare let your
pra3'ers ascend; consecrate 3'ourselves wholl}^ to her service, but
above all, love the Saviour who hath bought her with his own
most precious blood. Then with the great apostle of the Gen-
tiles shall we be able to "rejoice evermore." Therefore,
Joyful joj'ful let us be.
On this Anniversary' Daj^;
Three times fifty are our j-ears,
With no cause for shedding tears.
God has brought us safely through
All these years of trial too;
Having reached this good old age,
Adding now another page.
With the record of the past,
Showing so much of God's grace;
We can safely trust Him now.
And perform to Him our vow.
Let us then fresh courage take.
In God's work for Jesus' sake;
Trusting in the Saviour's love,
'I'ill we all shall meet above.
43
ADDRESS OF REV. R. HAMiLL DAVIS.
Substance of an Address on PvEcollections of Deerfield
Presbyterian Church, by Rev. R. Hamill
Davis, Ph. D.
It were a strange heart that beats within me, if it did not
beat faster here to-day; if, on this interesting historic occasion,
and amid these suggestive surroundings, I coukl stand before
you, without the throb of a more than ordinar}' emotion. Who
is there, of all this assembly, that does not feel the inspiration
of the hour? and who, among you, feels it more than I ?
Your invitation to join you and take some part in these
exercises I gladly accepted. Your pastor has riveted your
attention, as he has traversed, so ably and so fully, this long
century and a half of 3'ears, in which God has protected and
prospered this venerable church. And now, giving myself up to
the past which we have had in common here, I j^ropose to
indulge for a little while in the "Recollections" that it brings.
And how they come thronging upon me, at the bidding of bus}'
faithful memory!
In the line of pastors who have come and gone, I occupy
a somewhat isolated position. When I came to you, my two
immediate predecessors were at work in other fields. One of
them, the Rev. J. W. E. Kerr, now sleeps in the old church
3'ard, among your kindred, and the people to whom he faith-
fully and ably preached the gospel for many years. The other,
I hoped to meet here to-day, but only a few weeks ago death
came to the Rev. Dr. T. W. Cattell, in the midst of an active
and honorable service, and he too sleeps in the grave. One of
my two immediate successors, the Rev. W. II. Dinsmore, had
but fairly entered upon his work here, with promise of great
usefulness, when he was cut down, in your midst, by the hand
of death. The other, the Rev. E. P. Ilcberton, a man of
brilliant parts, whose monument is yonder chapel, not very long
after he left you found a grave in the sunny South. Now all
this seems to sound of the long ago, and yet it has not been
44
veiy man}- years since I first stepped on Deerfield soil; and
though I stand before 3'ou, with the few stray locks that are
left, already whitened, yet it is not the frost of life's Winter, but
rather of the early Autumn that has touched them. But all this
in passing, I am not a boy an}- longer, I felt more like that
when I came to you, fresh from my scholastic life, an inexperi-
enced young man, twent^'-seven j^ears ago. I had a great deal
to learn, and I learned it; I left 3'ou a wiser man than I came.
I wonder that you bore with me so kindly-; it may be that my
worst faults came first, and I corrected them as the 3^ears rolled
on. I well remember my first visit; it was a gloomy day in
April, 18G0. The daj' gave color to my first impressions of
Deerfield; but before I left I was drawn toward the people and
the church and consented to repeat my visit. The next time
it was a bright sunn}^ day; the birds sang in the trees, the air
was redolent with the fragrance of blossoms, and the fields-
were green. The people received me kindly, my heart warmed
toward them, and I felt within me that if they called me I
would come. The}- did call me, and I came.
Of those who then constituted the Presbytery of West
Jersey, but one still answers to his name, the Rev. A. H.
Brown, who well deserves to be called our "Ecclesiastical His-
torian" in New Jerse}-, and has been wisely- chosen to take an
important part in these exercises to-day.
Of the session that rallied around the new pastor, only-
one, m}^ old neighbor, David Paris, remains.
And the congregation, 0! the congregation! I see them
still, as they were wont to appear in other da3's, but I look, in
vain, among 3-0U now, for vanished forms that come not back
again. There is scarcely' a house in this whole congregation
that Death has not entered since first 1 looked in upon the liv-
ing ones. If we were to let the great Conqueror lead us along
from home to home, at almost every door, he would grimly
boast of his triumphs.
Then there are reminiscences of blessed memory that we
gratefully recall to-da\^, times when the Spirit's presence was
powerfully manifested among us; but, as a general fact, they
kept gradually' dropping into the fold, so that there were rarely
two successive communion seasons without some additions ta
45
the church. Individual cases of peculiar interest come to my
mind just now, but I cannot even allude to them here. It is a
great pleasure, though not without its sadness, to go with you
into this past, where we have so much in common. But it is
not necessary to come back to Deerfield to have the reminis-
cences awakened. They have often come to me when far awa}-,
and if I should go to the ends of the earth, I would carr}'- with
me Deerfiejd, the old church, the old parsonage near the
stream, and the old familiar forms and faces, on to the end of
my pilgrimage. There arc some memories that fade not with
years; some photographs that no future can harm; some im-
pressions that time cannot efface.
Just here, I know that you will pardon a very personal
reminiscence. For nearly two years I lived among jny people
a bachelor, shy of the young ladies, fond of the little girls.
One Sabbath I announced that I would be absent for a few
weeks, and a good lady, as I passed down the aisle, playfully
remarked, "I believe you are going to get married," and sure
enough, it was not long before I brought from the city a young
inexperienced maiden, whom I have ever since been proud to
call my wife; and so it is to me a happy circumstance, that our
■"silver wedding" coincides with the one hundred and fiftieth
anniversary of the old church. And there could be no better
place and time for me to testify, that if God has made me useful
and happ3^ here, or anywhere, it is due in the largest measure,
to the true wife, who alike in sunshine and under the clouds,
has stood faithfully at my side, and who comes back to-day
with a heart that warms to you as to no other people on the
face of the earth, our first church love, and the old Parsonage,
where all our birdlings were nestled. Is it any wonder that it
still has to us the charm with which only such associations can
invest it? We left with the nest unbroken, but some of j'ou
remember the fair little blue-eyed girl, who spent seven bright
summers among you, and used to play under the willows; she
and her sister were the last of the little girls that played under
those willows before the woodman's axe cut them down, and
she now lives where the angels live.
But time passes on, and we must drop these reminiscences.
Some day in that wonderful 20th century, of whose dawn we
46
already catch somewhat the first glimmering light, the people
will come, we trust, as we come to-day, to the two hundredth
anniversary of the old church of Deerfield, but we shall not be
here. Some of these children will still be this side the River,
but most of us will be over on the other shore. What the great
developments of the world's history are to be the next fifty
years we cannot tell, God only knows. In the shaping of that
history, among the vast multitudes of Earth, but little, com-
paratively, depends on what your hands may find to do — but
not so with this old church of your fathers. Whether the men
and women of Deerfield in 1937 are to hang their harps upon
the willows, and weep when they remember Zion, or take their
harps and touch the cords, and make the air vocal with their
songs of joy as you do here to-day, will depend largely upon
your fidelity to your heaven-appointed trust. You are the
keepers of this ancient church; keep it for Christ and the gen-
erations yet unborn.
47
REMARKS OF HON. C. S. SIMS.
Brief Remarks by the Hon. Clifford Stanley Sims of
Mount Holly, X. J.
My friends, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, for
me to describe to you my emotions as I stand here in the
church which was the last cbarge of my great-great grandfather,
the Reverend John Brainerd, and where he lies buried.
There should, however, be no feeling of pride on account
of descent from such a man, but rather a feeling of determina-
tion to endeavor to alwaj's remember his Godly life and to seek
to emulate it.
There is but little I can tell you beyond what you already
know regarding him. He was born in Haddam, Connecticut,
Februar}'- 28th, 1720; entered Yale College in 1742, and gradu-
ated from there in 1746; was licensed as a Minister of the Gos-
pel in 1747; was a Trustee of Princeton College from 1754 until
his death; was a Chaplain in the army in 1759, in the Old French
War; and was the Moderator of the Old Synod of New York and
Philadelphia in 1762; but it is principally as an earnest mission-
ary in this State that we know of him, and the Presbyterian
Church in West Jersey owes much to his self-sacriiicing labor.
He was an ardent patriot during the Revolutionary War;
in 1776 he preached at Blackwoodtown a sermon from Psalm
cxliv, 1, "Blessed be the Lord my strength: who teachcth
my hands to war and my fingers to fight," and appealed to his
congregation to enlist and fight for their country. Finally the
British forces burnt his church and house at Mount Holly, and
in 1777 he removed here and took charge of this church; and
here, March 18th, 1781, he died.
Though a stranger to you all, I venture to urge one thing,
namely, that it is almost a duty that some steps should be taken
to place in print, and so preserve, a record of the celebration
here to-day of an event as remarkable in this country as the one
hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Deerfield Church.
43
ADDRESS OF REV. ALLEN H. BROWN
On "The Presbyterian Church in South Jersey, its Ori-
gin AND Progress."
The term South Jersey is here applied to all of New Jer-
sey, south of a line drawn from Sandy Hook through Amboy
to Bordentown. Ecclesiastically, it contains the Presbyteries
of Monmouth and West Jersey. These two Presbyteries cover
nine and a half counties, or more than all the combined territory
of the six other Presbyteries of the Synod of New Jersey.*
Among the early settlers of South Jerse}' were Friends or
Quakers, Baptists, and Episcopalians. Some emigrants came
from Sweden; Huguenots from France; the Reformed from Hol-
land; Presbyterians came from England, Scotland and Ireland,
while from New England and by the way of Long Island, many
came to our coast, ascended its rivers where now familiar names
of persons and places indicate the origin of the first settlers.
Assembled to celebrate the one hundred and fiftieth anni-
versary of the organization of the Deerfield Church, let us go
back a hundred 3'ears or more to learn the condition of the
country. In the last century there must have been an intimate
relation between the Egg Harbour district, and Pittsgrove and
Deerfield.
Enoch Green having been licensed to preach in 1761,
labored in Egg Harbour, how long we know not. Thence he
was called to settle at Deerfield, and was installed in 1107. He
died December 2, 1776.
John Brainerd, failing in health, was called from Egg
Harbour missions in 1777, to succeed Mr. Green at Deerfield,
but was not installed. Here he died in 1781. Both these men
were buried in this church, beneath the aisles, which were orig-
inally paved with bricks. Can we recall them fi-om the grave?
Enoch Green! John Brainerd! In the spirit world are they
cognizant of these scenes? However that ma}- he, the}' being
dead, yet speak to us by their deeds and writings.
♦Oinitliiii; the Prcsbytory of Corisco in Africa.
49
In August, 1761, John Brainerd wrote to Mrs, Smith, *
"I spend something more than half my Sabbaths here at Broth-
erton, the rest are divided. At this place I have but few white
people. The other places are in the midst of the inhabitants,
and whenever I preach there I have a large number of white
people that meet to attend divine service. But besides these,
I have preached at eight different places on Lord's daj's, and
near twenty on other da^-s of the week, and never fail of a con-
siderable congregation, so large and extensive is this vacancy.
Two large counties and a considerable part of two more almost
wholly destitute of a preached gospel, except what the Quakers
do in their way, and many of the people but one remove from
a state of heathenism."
John Brainerd's letter to Enoch Green, earlier in the same
year, (June 1861), illustrates both the destitutions of the coun-
tr}- and how diligently those men labored to supply the peo-
ple with the gospel. The field is from Toms River to Tucka-
hoe. He mentions onW one meeting house, but gives the
names of seventeen heads of families, at whose houses meetmgs
are usually held, viz: at Toms River, Goodluck, Baruegat,
Manahockiug, Wading River, Great Egg Harbour and Tuck-
ahoe, and advises Mr. Green to make appointments for ^Ir.
Smith and Mr. McKnight, who will succeed him.
Although Dr. Thomas Brainerd published the life of John
Brainerd in a large volume, (492 pages) full justice has not yet
been done to his memor3^
In 1886 Judge Joel Parker delivered at Mount Holly an
address, recounting the work of John Bniinenl, and the obliga-
tion of the churches of other denominations in that region to
his abundant labors. He quotes from a n^narkable diary dis-
covered since Dr. Brainerd published the life of John Brainerd.
That journal was brought from London by Doctor George
Macloskie, when he came to Princeton college. The little book
mentioned Princeton, but not the name of the writer. In
Princeton, it was proven to be John Brainerd's Journal from
January 1761 to October 1762. It is the more valuable because
Doctor Brainerd, in his memoir, gives little notice of 1761, and
of the year 1762 says, we have no report of Mr. Brainerd's mis-
sionary labors this j^ear.
*See Sprague's Auuals, volume 3, page 152.
50
The Diary gives a daily account of incessant itinerant
work. Thus Brainerd visited Bridgetown, (now Mount Holly);
Bordentown, Wepiuk, Timber Creek, Woodbury, Salem, Penu's
Xeck, Cape May, Great Egg Harbour, the Forks of the Little
Kgg Harbour, Cedar Bridge, Mannahawkin, Toms River,
extending over a wide district. He attends to the repair of
meeting houses at Timber Creek and Woodbury, promotes a
subscription for the support ot the Gospel in various places,
and at Great Egg Harbour secured a subscription of £80 annu-
ally for the support of the Gospel ministrj-. Well does Doctor
Macloskie say, "The Journal furnishes a striking picture of
missionary zeal, such as had few parallels in the centurj^ to
which it belonged."
The Journal of Philip T. Fithian sheds light upon the pro-
gress of the Presbyterian Church up to the Kevolutionar}- War.
He and Enoch Green married daughters of Beatty. Both were
Chaplains in the arm}'. Both died of camp fever. At White
Plains Mr. Fithian fought in the ranks. In 1TV5, or fourteen
3-ears after Mr. Green's first missionary tour above mentioned,
Mr. Fithian visited a portion of the same district, viz: Egg Har-
bour and the Forks, and proves that several houses of worship
had been erected in the interval. Besides preaching at private
houses, Mr. Fithian preached at Mr. Clark's little log meeting
house; also at Brotherton and at Clark's Mill meeting house,
and at Blackman's meeting house. Other churches are known
to have been erected, though not mentioned by Mr. Fithian.
Thus have we noticed the diligent work of itinerants, and
the progress of the Presb^'terian church up to the Revolution-
ary War. Then followed times of trial and retrogression, dis-
aster and decline. New Jersey was a battle field. The Pres-
byterian Church suffered much from the long desolating war,
and was impoverished in men and means. None exceeded
John Brainerd in zeal for independence. His churches among
the Indians disappeared with them. His church at Mount
Holly was burned. Rev. Charles McKnight preached at Mid-
dletown Point, Shrewsbury and Shark River. He was seized
by the British and his church was burned. He died soon after
his release in 1178.* Crosswick's church ceased to exist. The
*See Webster's Histoiy, page 48fi.
61
site of a church at Middletown is now a tangled thicket.
That of Shark River is an open common. The location of Bar-
negat church, mentioned in Webster's History and in John
Griffith's Journal, has not yet been identified. A few grave
stones mark the ground which John Leake by his will gave
for a Presbyterian meeting house at Wading River in 1777.
All the above mentioned were located in the territor}- of the
present Monmouth Presbytery. The churches which survived
the war in that portion of South Jersey and came down from
the last centui'y were Shrewsbury, wliich at one time was aluaost
extinct; old Tennent, (or Freehold), Cranbury and AUentown.
In the territory of the present West Jersey Presbytery,
we look in vain for Mr. Clark's little log meeting house. A bu-
rial ground marks the site of Clark's Mill meeting housej and
Blackman's meeting house fell into the possession of the Meth-
odist Church. Long ago the churches of Longacomiiig, Aloes-
Creek and Penn's Neck or Quihawken disappeared. The
churches which came down to us from the last century now
existing in West Jersey Presbytery, are Woodbury, Black-
woodtown, Pittsgrove, Deerfield, Greenwich, Bridgeton, Fair-
field, (or Cohansey), and Cape May.
Thus, of our ninety extant churches in South Jersey, onl j
twelve had their origin in the last century. After the Revolu--
tionary war the Old Stone Church was erected at Fairfield, and
a brick edifice at Bridgeton was dedicated m 1795. With
these exceptions we know of no efforts to build up, much less
to extend the Presbyterian Church in West or South Jersey,
from the beginning of the war in 1775 to 1820, a period of
forty -five years.
Li 1820 there was a remarkable revival of missionary zeal,
and under the influence of Rev. Jonathan Freeman^ o-f Bridge-
ton, the Domestic Missionary Society of Weat Jersey arose
and accomplished an important work during the remaining-
two years of his life.
Then the churches of Salem and Mfllvillc were established.
The appeals for help from Mr. Freenuau and Col. Johnson vn
behalf of the infant church at Salem might now amuse tlie good
people of that flourishing church- History repeats itself and
52
those appeals should inspire our sympathy and hope for other
churches now struggling for existence.
The Presbytery of West Jersey was organized in 1839,
and from that time the Presbyterian Church has made steady
progress within the six counties which this Presbytery now
covers.
In 1840, and for many previous years, in Atlantic county,
(or Egg Harbour), we had no church, and now have eight.
In the present Camden County, Blackwoodtown Church
then stood alone, now there are nine Presbyterian churches.
In Gloucester County are ten, and all of these excepting
Woodbury have been organized since 1840. In Salem County,
where were two before 1840, are now four, and in Cape May
County, where was one, are also four.
In Cumberland County, always the stronghold of the
Presbyterian Church, were eight and now are ten churches.
Thus thirty-five churches have been organized in forty-
seven years, and while the population has increased two and
one-half times, the membership of our churches has increased
about four-fold.
A similar report of progress might be made of Monmouth
Presbj'tery, which was organized first in 1859, and reconstructed
in 1870.
History repeats itself and has its lessons:
I. Were the former days better than these? Some assert
that our churches in former years did not call for so much fin-
ancial aid as now, because they sustained the Gospel b}^ uniting
contiguous churches, and that therefore we should do the same.
Tis true that once Woodbury and Pittsgrove were united.
In 1750 the Presbytery of New Brunswick directed as to
Penn's Neck and Woodbur}', that in the place which provided
a house to live in, Mr. Chestnut should preach two-thirds of
the time, and in the other one-third. In 1751 the same Pres-
bytery decided that Mr. Hunter should preach at Greenwich
one-half, Deerfield one-fourth, and at Pilesgrove one-fourth of
his time. In 1794 the two churches, Greenwich and Bridgeton,
united in calling Mr. Clarkson. Not until 1823 and 24 did the
church of Bridgeton venture to sustain the gospel alone, and
53
then terminated the collegiate relation which had existed for
thirty years.
Times have changed, and so have the habits and demands
of churches. Do you wish to return to those old times as bet-
ter than the present? You do not realize the struggles of your
Fathers to establish the ordinances which you now enjoy. Place
yourselves in their circumstances, if you can, and you will sym-
pathize with other feeble struggling churches of the present
day.
II. History teaehes us to cultivate diligentl}' the field,
which is committed to our care. The churches of I'enns Neck
and Aloes Creek had vigor enough in 179t to secure a pastor,
and in 1803 had eighty communicants at a time when the
two churches of Woodbury and Timber Creek, (Blackwood-
town), were reduced to seven members. Once we wondered
what were the causes of the decline of Aloes Creek and Penn's
Neck churches. Now we wonder that they lived so long, when
we read that for twenty years, and again for nine years, the
people had no regular preaching; but only occasional supplies,
and for another period of seven years only an annual supply.*
Has the Lord committed to us an}' portion of his vineyard
to cultivate for Christ? If we are unfaithful in its cultivation,
the Lord of the vineyard will take it away and give it unto
other husbandmen.
III. Deerfield owes a debt to Egg Harbour. John Leake
waited upon or escorted both Enoch Green and John Brainerd
from Egg Harbour to Deertield. Thus Deerfield church obtained
the ministry of the Gospel at the expense of Egg Harbour.
Deerfield survived and the churches of Egg Harbour, which
were planted by John Brainerd, declined and became extinct.
Suppose the process had been reversed; then Deerfield
Church had become extinct. Deerfield owes a debt to Egg
Harbour and to John Brainerd, and to the Great Head of the
Church.
How shall that debt be repaid?
*See the Tresbyteriau, .April 2*;, 1850.
54
ADDRESS OF CALEB ALLEN, A. B.
Condensed Address of Mr. Allen on the ''Important
Events of the Past One Hundred and Fifty Years."
It is my task to outline tlie progress of events during the
eristence of tlais little church. In the peaceful village of
Deerfield, pastor lias succeeded pastor, and generation followed
generation to the "silent city of the dead." Outside this quiet
harbor storms have raged and many a gallant bark has gone to
wreck.
One hundred and fifty years ago! How long — how short
a time! What a trifle of the world's historyl But crowded with
events, separated from us by marvellous progress, away in a
past already growing dim — how far distant !
It is impossible to predict the altered circumstances of A.
D. 203T. Almost equally difficult is it to fill in the details of
the distant past. Yet this is just the best way of estimating
the world's progress.
Let us now go back to the "good old times," or if you will
■"the bad old times," and first take a peep across the water.
Here comes one of the old-timers. Very stately is he in flow-
ang wig and knee breeches; his long coat adorned with lappels
and side pockets. His house is in keeping with his attire.
In the low ceiled reception room, uncomfortable, straight
backed mahogany chairs stand around the panelled walls in
formal rows, whilst a jingling harpsichord occupies one corner.
In his bed room, a close fusty chamber, hung with dismal dam-
ask, stands the huge fourpost bed, like a gigantic hearse, so
high that steps are needed for the perilous ascent. Wlien he
retires at night he will sleep (if he can) sunk in the center of
a mass of yielding feathers, the bed curtains carefully drawn
and tied to exclude every breath of fresh air; down to his nose
he will draw % thick woolen night cap, and then with the dim
rush light burning in a basin on the floor, he will lie semi-suflb-
CAted in what he calls "comfort." His London house stands in
a narrow street, adorned with odoriferous heaps of refuse which
55
are scattered by the wind for every shower to F>eat into a thick
black paste. A large open drain in close proximity sends pes-
tilential steams into the fonl atmosphere. As a man of fashion
our friend breakfasts at ten, dines at two, takes tea at five, and
sups at eight o'clock. When he gives a dinner he will not fail
to send home every guest intoxicated. If a brawl occurs he
will arm with pistols and settle his (juarrel in a duel. In the
intervals of sleeping, eating, drinking and gambling, he will
visit the theatre where the coarseness of the scenes will by no
means shock his delicacy, or he will watch two men slice each
other with broad swords; or at a Inill-bait will enjoy the mutaial
tortures of gored dogs and a chained and infuriated bull. This
elegant program will be varied by lx)xing matches and cock
fights. When our friend walks through the city at night h«
goes cautiously along under the feeble twinkle of the oil lamps,
past aged watchmen, who are snoring in their boxes, or tremb-
ling lest their old bones should be pounded b}- the noisy bloods
who go reeling by. Happy, indeed, if he is not pounced upon
from some dark corner, knocked on the head and robbed.
Such is a fair picture of the life of an English gentleman of
150 years ago. Contrast it with the present; the low, close, stutly
rooms with the well lighted, well ventilated and well warmed
modern house; the filthy surroundings with modern sanitary
improvements. Think of our healthier habits and more refined
pleasures; of profanity and sensuality as no longer characteris-
tic of the gentleman; drinking and gambling under ban; duel-
ling and highway robbery almost things of the past, and you
will see the progress of 150 years.
Now let us look at Boston, just after the W'uv for Inde-
pendence in 1T84. From various sources we may learn the
condition and customs of the people. Thougli Boston was the
third city in the States, its streets were irregular, tlie carriage
ways were unpaved, and the sidewalks unflagged. The houses
were of wood, with unpainted weatherboard sides. Furniture
was imported. There were heavy sideboards, English eight-day
clocks with chimes, and high candelabra drawn about the fioor
on rollers. The huge fireplaces were adorned with scripture
tiles, and the walls with inartistic colored engravings. In the
streets the houses were not numbered, l)ut instead were golden
bells, blue gloves, crowns and sceptres, dogs and rainbows,
elephants and horse shoes. In the shop of the haberdasher
were found wares of strange look and name — lawns and jeans,
galloons and silk ferrets, swords, garterings, vest patterns and
silk cloaks. The threshing machine, cast iron wheeled plough,
drill, potato digger, reaper and binder, ha^- raker and corn cut-
ter, were all unknown. In the fanner's house paint and carpet,
had no existence; beef and i)ork, salt lisli, rye bread, dried
apples and vegetables coarsely served made his monotonous
fare the year round. His Sunday suit of broadcloth lasted his
life and then descended to his son. It is a question which was
more to be pitied, the school teacher who itinerated amongst
his patrons and gave to their children the elements of educa-
tion in return for his board; or the unfortunate school boy, to
whom hard fare, sermons, prayers and floggings came round
with distressing regularity. The village doctor pounded his
own drugs, prepared his own medicines, and put up his own
prescriptions. He bled and cupped and leached unmercifull}^;
of quinine, ether and chloroform, he was profoundly ignorant,
and vaccination was as ^-et undreamed of. Even in the north-
ern cities tlie dead cart nightly shot the victims of yellow fever
into the pits of the Potter's Held. But highest in dignity stood
the minister. To sit patiently on the rough board seats while
he turned the hourglass for the third time, was a delectable
privilege. His sermon was the great event of the week. The
newspapers were wretched productions on miserable paper, and
never appeared oftener than three times a week. Xews was
cons[)icuous by its absence. Travelling was perilous. Before
a journej' men made their wills and said to their friends a sad
farewell. Two stages carriisd all the passengers between New
York and Boston. The travelers luul often to help drag the
clumsy vehicle out of the slough. Tiie condition of the poor
was most wretched. Only by the strictest economy could the
mechanic keep out of jail. His home was comfortless. Stoves
coal and matches were things unheard of. "Worst of all, if mis-
fortune overtook him he was liable to be seized by the Sheriff
and Iiurried to prison for debt. And the prisons were horrible.
To loss of liberty and the bitter tliought of starving children at
67
home, were added the terrors of the treadmill, the pillory, the
stocks, the shears, the branding iron and the lash.
. Vast has been the progress since that day. Manners
have changed, and morals. The spirit of humanity, has grown.
^Mechanical inventions and discoveries have increased the hap-
piness of our race. From feebleness and poverty the country
has progressed to power and wealth. Education, a free press,
a free church, the influence and power of religion have produced
and are still producing their marvellous transformation.
For the great and stirring events which have begotten
nations and remodelled maps; for the startling discoveries
which have given to mankind new creations for good, and ter-
rific forces for evil; for the enterprise that has set on foot vast
undertakings, and opened up unknown worlds; for the new
ideas which so powerfully are influencing men's minds for weal
or woe, but little space is left. Nor is much required. To us
they are familiar as our daily bread.
Europe has been remodeled. Asia and Africa arc opened
up. South America is independent. Thirteen states have devel-
oped to thirty-eight. The Civil War has been fought. Slavery
has been abolished and the united nation is daily growing
stronger for its part in the world's destiny.
Christianity has modified the horrors of war, and the lied
Cross, the emblem of peace, is borne into the midst of its car-
nage. The revolver, the repeating breech loader, the torpedo
boat, the ironclad, the monstrous 100-tou gun; — all doubtful
triumphs, yet it may be hastening the universal peace.
The steamboat and locomotive, the safety lamp, coal gas,
natural gas, electricit}', vaccination, the great iron and cot-
ton industries, iron puddling, the spinning jenny, the water
frame, the mule, and the power loom, Congreve rockets, per-
cussion locks, the kaleidoscope, lucifer matches, sewing ma-
chines, telegraphs and telephones, steam hammers, gun cotton
and dynamite, light houses and life boats, the penny post, pho-
tograph}', Atlantic cables, submarine tunnels, Alpine railways,
diving bells and dresses, sanitary reform and police ; these are
the children of the last 150 years of hi?^tory. These have eause<l
17.37 to be as far behind us, as Julius Caesar is behind it.
58
And tlio great world has opened up Africa. Australia, Cen-
tral Asia, Cliina, Japm, Corea, New Guinea, and the islands of
the South Seas, mostly unknown to HSI, are yielding to the
power of the Cross. The march has been ever forward. Reced-
ing here, advancing there, our holy religion like a mighty tide
has swept on in its irresistible course, and in no distant future
shall cover the whole earth, ''for the mouth of tlie Lord hath
spoken it."
The Committee failed to secure the address of Rer. Robert
J. Burtt, of Mark9l)oro, N. J. Repeated attempts were made
to obtain it for publication, but without success. It is to be
regretted that this link of the chain of proceedings must be
left out.
69
ADDRESS OF MR. C. S. TYLER.
Like our friend, who, as the representative of the sainted
John Brainerd, addressed us this morning, I came to-day to
remain one of the unknown among this great gathering, but
•during the recess at noon I went down to the old historic
spring to drink where my fathers drank; I cannot say that I
drank in any inspiration. When coming away I met a friend,
whose native modesty would not permit him to mention the
subject himself, concerning the propriety' of having the fact
stated upon a stone beside the church, setting forth the many
virtues of Rev. Enoch Green; that his body is not Ijcneath the
stone, but resting still within these walls. With this in view
and to also enquire about the stone covering the grave of John
Brainerd, which years ago I saw along the aisle before me, but
which to-day, seeking it, I failed to find. Whilst looking for
some of the "heads of this meeting" to confer about those mat-
iiers, I fell into the hands of your pastor., and the expectations
of the morning came to an end.
As I wandered among those numerous and nameless graves,
I could but wonder where among them repose the ashes of
my ancestors? As I look over this great assembly, I see many
descendants of those who, taking their lives in their hands,
defied the wrath of Pope, Priests, and King at Boyne Water and
Deirry. Although they were men of humble lives, unknown to
history and fame, I am prouder of a descent from such an
ancestry, than I should be for the right to "the quartering"
upon the shield of the Queen of England, or that of any other
royal family.
We are told that certain traits of character are transmitted
;from parents to children; may it not be that the same spirit
that worked in the fathers beyond the sea, to there establish
civil and religious liberty, moved also, though in a less notable
■manner, in the hearts and lives of the founders of this church?
May it not have been something of that same spirit of endur-
ance that led the mothers of a century ago, whenever the
60
weather permitted — to gather such of their children as were
able for such a journe}-, and walk to church from Deerfield to
Greenwich; walking those weary miles of roads, not laid out as
we now know them, but winding through most open places of
the heavy timber lands of that day, and by their many turns
adding much to the distance; and often were they in the condi-
tion of those described b}^ the gentleman that preceded me —
walking in heat as hard to bear as anj' tliat we have experienced
in the weeks just past; da^'S we found so hot and exhausting
that man^^ thought they could not possibly go up to His house
to hear the word of the Lord.
Is it any wonder that out from under such training there
went forth men willing to endure all the hardships and perils of
our Revolutionary struggles, and those earlier colonial wars
that were not alone contests for life and home, but for Protest-
antism as well.
My heart has been stirred by the events of to-da}', and
thoughts of the past have flown as with wings. Here in 3'our
midst I was born; here in this house I was consecrated to God;
here among these seats, from this pulpit, I first heard the way
of life — though true, there is now no memory of those words.
And now after this lapse of time, I am glad to-da^' to assiire
you that during all the years following the period when ill health
severed the connection betv/een pastor and people, there re-
mained, and does still remain, with surviving head of that par-
sonage household, a strong feeling of friendship for the people
that were left behind; with hearty good wishes for those that
from time to time had given the hand, and spoken the words
of cheer to the pastor and his young wife.
To-day we have listened to many evidences of kind feeling
on the part of the people of this church for their several pas-
tors. To-day we look abroad over your liills, ;uul fertile fields,
where roam 3'our manj' herds, or are glorious in promise of the
coming harvest; and the thought has come, may it not be that
this increase in basket and in store, that has brought joy to
your lives, has come in answer to the pra3'ers of God's ser-
vants? heaven's reward for favors to them; favors that could
not be returned in kind.
61
This morning as we listened to those recollections that
stirred our hearts, we were asked, "What shall be the record
of the church at the end of the second century, when its histor3'
shall be read?" What the record of the next fifty years shall
be, will depend entirely upon yourselves; what 3''0u shall do
and train your children to do, for the advancement of God's
kingdom and cause. If you gain no inspiration from the lives
and efforts of those that have gone before you, who wrought
that you might to-day rejoice; if from the things of to-day there
comes no incentive to greater exertion for the years to come;
if you and your children shall sit down content only to rejoice
in the accomplishments of the past hundred and fifty years,
then for those that shall gather here in 1937, there can be noth-
ing but disappointment and regret in view of the failures of
those fifty years.
God seems to have wonderfully favored you at this time
in granting so perfect a day, that none should be hindered in
coming to this place to rejoice and praise Him for His wonder-
ful work of the past. I think this beautiful day, with all its
favorable circumstances, has been granted not alone that you
might gather to rejoice over what our fathers accomplished,
but that nothing should hinder a gathering for instruction and
warnings as well. We have just listened to the history of the
rise, progress, and in some cases the decay and death, of Pres-
byterian churches in South Jersey: an encouragement to us
as we have seen how, through adversity-, and many and long
struggles, some churches have grown strong and fiourishing,
and a warning, as we have listened to the story of the decline
and death of others. And I have in mind one, that in genera-
tions ago was supplanted by another denomination, (Logtown
or Harmersville). Whether they died as a church through "a
famine of hearing the word," or because they failed as Presby-
terians to do what they should, and might have done for the
country around them I know not; yet this is known, that those
who took their place, and have held that region of country as
one of the strongholds of that denomination, have not done
through the succeeding years what they should, and might
have done, for those within their bounds. To-day, another
denomination has entered upon the field, and whether they in
fi2
turn shall possess it, will iii a great measure depend" upon the-
way in which the former shall use their opportunities in advanc-
ing God's kingdom, and benefitting their fellow men.
And now the day hastens to its close, and these anniver-
sary exercises will be a matter of the past, and the history of
another half century will commence, to end with a record
depending entirely upon what you as a church shall do. Shall
it be the record of a people who drew lessons of encouragement
and warning from their history of the past, an inspiration, an
incentive to greater zeal for the years to come, who increased
their efforts to meet the great and growing needs of year by
year, not only around them at home, but abroad throughout
the land ? a work to be done, an obligation resting upon 3'ou^
not alone as Presbyterians, but as christians and patriots as.
well.
May God grant that from this day's gathering thei'e shall
go forth an influence that shall make you flourishing, and strong^
for all that pertains to God's kingdom and glory.
63
ADDRESS OF REV. J. D. HUNTER.
Condensed Address of ]\[u. Hunter on *'The Sahhatii
School, its History and Work.''
In the brilliant processioa of important evunts during the
last one hundred and fifty years, none attract the attention of
earnest, thouglitful men, more than the three most significant
moral monuments since the days of the Apostles, except per-
haps, the reformation movement of the sixteenth centur3\
I mean the Missionary, tiie Temperance, and the Sunday
School movements. All three of these movements, now absorb-
ing so much of the thought and effort of the Christian Church,
have been inaugurated within the lifetime of the Deerfield
Church. Thei-e were missionaries, of course, before Carey and
Mills, but no systematic plans for the evangelization of the
world. There were Temperance reformers before Benjamin
Rush, but no determined effort based upon scientific truth-
There were Sunday Schools before Robert Raikes, but no well
defined system whereby their permanent establishment and
universal extension might l)e secured.
It is just as difficult to trace the Sunday School idea to
its origin as it is to do so of any other great thought. Before
a new idea is born into the world, the spirit of truth seems to
brood over the earth, finally depositing its precious offspring
wherever there is an open, progressive, willing mind. In
speaking of original ideas, tiien, we must understand that an
idea may originate with a great many different persons.
Then, further, we must distinguish between a thouglit
involved in a principle, and the same thought incorporated
in an institution. There is always a principle back of every
institution, older than the institution. Back of the idea of tlie
Raikes Sunday School is the older idea of the priucii»ul under-
lying the Raikes Sunday School. The principle upon which
the Raikes Sunday School was founded is more than four thou-
sand years old. I mean tlie princii)le that it is the duty of the
church to care for and religiously train the young. Dr. H.
64
Clay Trumbull, in his excellent work, "Teachers and Teach-
ing," clearly traces and distinguishes this principle back in the
days of Abraham. He correctly distinguishes three agencies
in the church for the religious training of the race— the Family,
the Church-school, and the Pulpit. For fifteen hundred years
the Family was the sole agency. During this time it demon-
strated its inability alone to properly train the race. So God
ordained the Church-school, not to displace the Family, but to
co-operate with it. The Pulpit was first permanently estab-
lished in the days of John the Baptist. Prior to that the mis-
sion of the preacher or prophet was only occasional. This
Church School involved the principle imderlying the modern
Sunday School.
There was the germ at least of a Sunday School at Taun-
ton, England, in 1G38; at Ephrata, Lancaster Co., Pa., in 1Y44;
at Catterick, England, in 1103; and in numerous other places
in obscure localities in England, Scotland, and America. But
the Raikes school was distinct from all these previous efforts
in the following particulars: (1) They were confined to the
children of the church, while Raikes' idea was to include all;
(2) thej"- were taught in one class and by the pastor, while the
Raikes school was divided into classes and taught by laymen;
(3) they studied only the catechisms of the churches, while in
the Raikes schools they also taught reading and spelling, and
memorized scripture; (4) they were denominational and local,
while the Raikes schools were unsectarian and for universal
extension; (5) they were not known by any name that has come
down to us, while the Raikes schools are the first to bear the
name of Sunday School.
It is sometimes questioned whether what are known as
the Raikes schools were really originated b}^ him. Some would
have it that Rev. Thomas Stock, contemprar}' and friend of
Raikes, is the real "father of the Sunday school." The facts
seem to be then concerning the starting of the first distinctive
Raikes Sunday School: (1) Raikes accidentally learns of the
ignorance and viciousness of great numbers of the poor chil-
dren of his native town of Gloucester; (2) he is set to thinking
of some way to better the condition of the neglected children,
and recalls something that had been tried b3' a Mr. King, a
65
wealthy manufacturer of a neighboring town, in the way of
gathering the children into a school on Sundays; (3) he resolves
to tr}' something of the same sort in Gloucester, and immedi-
ately employs four lady teachers to take charge of as many
children as he should send, promising to pay these teachers a
shilling a day for their labor; (4) Raikes then calls upon Rer.
Thomas Stock to make known his plans and to seek his assist-
ance; (5) Stock had been thinking of something of the same
sort, and falls right in with Raikes, and together they go out
to hunt up scholars to begin with, and succeed in finding ninety
willing to enroll. And thus it is that the first real Sunday
School was organized and started, in Gloucester, July 1780.
Who is this Robert Raikes, upon whom such great honor
has come? Was he some religious fanatic or wild enthusiast?
What sort of a brain conceived the idea of the modern Sunday
School? It was just two years before your fathers organized
this Church here at Deerfield that Robert Raikes first saw the
light over there in England, in the town of Gloucester. His father
was a successful journalist; his mother was tlie daughter of
Rev. Richard Drew. Robert entered the profession of his
father, and at the early age of twentj'-two became the sole
proprietor and editor of his lather's paper, the "Gloucester
Journal." This paper he edited with distinguislied ability.
His editorials were extensively copied, even tlie nietropolitan
journals of London quoting liberally from them. He had a
large brain, a profound understanding, a great mastery of lan-
guage, and a forceful style. He advocated many reforms, and
especially reform in the management of prisons. Socially he
was received into the highest ranks, being on intimate terms
with royalty. Were I to seek some one here at home to liken
him to, I could do no better perhaps than to oomi)are him to
the late Horace Greeley or to the journalist and pliilantliropist
of Philadelphia, George W. Childs.
Four years after the first school was organized a dozen
more had spung up in that same county of (Jloucestershire,
and one had been organized in the metropolis of London by
the congregation of the celebrated Rowland Hill, of Surry
Chapel. Li one short decade England alone has over a thous-
and schools, with sixty-four thousand scholars. At Windsor,
66
ladies of fashion passed their Sundays in teaching the poorest
chiklren. Mrs. Sarah Trimmer, popular authoress and maga-
zine editor, was an active worker in these first Sunday Schools.
And Hannah More, the gifted writer of prose poetry of the last
century, organized a flourishing school of her own.
But England has never entirely gotten away from the nar-
row notion of the first promoters of Sunday Schools; the notion
that only children of the ignorant and poorer classes stand in
need of Sunday Schools. The children of the "respectable"
people, of the high-born and high-&tanding, even when church
people, are not in the schools. The children of church ofRcei's,
ministers and deacons, as a rule, are not in the English Sunday
Schools. All this is very primitive.
The first Sunday School, proper, in the United States, was
organized in Hanover county, Ya., in 1786, by Francis Asbury,
the patriarch of American Methodism. To-day they number
99,762 schools, 1,107,170 teachers, and 8,034,478 scholars, mak-
ing a grand total of over 9,000,000! But there is almost an
equal army of youth, under school age, not enrolled in any
Sunday School, hei-e in our own land!
Scotland — Presbyterian Scotland — at first determined to
have nothing to do with Sunday Schools. Where was the
layman's Divine right to teach? And dare au3^one profane the
Sabbath bj' engaging in Sunday School work on that day? So
the good orthodox Scotch preacher, who loved his toddy, and
took such delight in cock-fights, threatened to ex-communicate
any parent who should send his children to these unauthorized,
unholy Sunday Schools. Sunday School teachers were really
arrested and brought into Aberdeen, under escort of constables,
as the veriest criminals of the land. This was when schools
first began to be organized, say in 1788 or 1790. In time things
changed, prejudice ceased. But the Scotch have never been a
very enthusiastic Sunday School people.
Free thinking and Roman Catholic France is coming under
the power of the Sunday School. In Ital}' and in Spain man}'
Protestant Sunday Schools are composed almost entirely of
Roman Catholic children. May it not be that the Sunday
School is destined to become the dynamite to blow into atoms
the Roman Vatican?
67
Rationalistic Germany has 300,000 children in the Sunday
Schools; and although the secular press is quite generally ho^v-
tile, there is no country in Europe vrhere the Sunday School
cause is so prosperous to-day.
In little more than a century the seeming insigniSeunt
school of ninety scholars on the British Isle, has grown, to be
a host of 16,447,990 scholars, reaching the world overl
This wonderful success has been possible only by associa-
ted efibrt. So early as 1785 a "Union" was formed in London
to extend Sunday Schools in the British dominions. In 179f»
Scotland had a similar association for that country. In 1824
the "American Sunday School Union" was organized. The
most efficient of these associations is the "Foreign Sunday
School Association." In our own country the different states
for the most part have their unions or associations. Eight
states have every county organized, three of which have every
township — Connecticut, Maryland and New Jerse}'.
The "International Sunday School Convention" meets'
triennially. The first met in 1875, in Baltimore. Since then
the Convention has been held at Atlanta, Toronto, Louisville^
and Chicago. This "International" was the outgrowtht of a
"National Convention" which met first in 1832.
It was at the last "National Convention," at IndianapoUb -
in 1872, that the "International Lesson System" was adopttvi'.
For some years previously there had been uniform lessons adop-
ted in certain localities, but now it was first proposed to make uni-
form lessons extend to all schools throughout the world. An
"International Lesson Committee," consisting of fourteen mem-
bers, was appointed for a term of seven years. At the end of
that time a similar committee was to be appointed by thr
"International Convention." Each committee selects the less-
ons for seven years, going through the Bible in course.
This system has been severely criticised. It has been
called the "game of hop, skip and jump," The objection is
not to the uniform feature, except so far as it applies to all
grades of scholars. The point criticised most severely is the
changing about of the lessons from one part of the Bible to
another. The question stood thus: Shall we have graded less-
ons for difierent ages and different conditions,, or shall we have
68
graded helps and teaching with uniform lessons? Thus stated
all can see how uniform lessons may be made suitable to all
ages and conditions. The greatest weakness of the system is
the flitting about feature. This may and ought to be remedied.
The proper organization of the individual school demands
the most intelligent consideration. Most schools now are
^'church" schools, rather than "union" or "undenominational."
The pastor is the head of the school ex-officio. The church
directly, or through her spiritual advisers, should have an influ-
ential part in selecting the officers and teachers. The qualifi-
cation of the teacher actually to train the scholar should receive
more attention. There are too many youthful teachers in our
schools. A high grade of teaching is necessary in order to
win and retain the patronage of intelligent parents.
We must do more work and better, if we would save the
American boys and girls. Remember, if we save the boys and
girls of the present, we save the men and women of the future.
As Wordsworth says, "The boy is farther to the man." What
are boys good for? queried a Sunday School orator. "To make
men of," replied a little urchin who spoke more wisely than he
knew. Our times sorely need honest, pure, sober, law-abiding
men. Look at our daily papers! They are scarcely more than
catalogues of daily crimes! Some vigorous Sunday School
teaching has got to be done. We must instill the decalogue
into the hearts of the youth; nor must we be content with
mere morality. Pope was mistaken when he wrote, "An hon-
est man is the noblest work of God." Young stated a pro-
founder truth when he said, "The Christian is the highest
st^de of man." The Christian type of manhood should be the
goal towards which every Sunday School teacher should be
working.
6!)
REV. DAVID M. JAMES' ADDRESS.
With feelings mingled in joy and sadness, I return after
an absence of many years, to take part in this hundred and
fiftieth anniversary. I rejoice at this outlook. The enlarge-
ment and beautifying of this house; the improved increase of
the congregation; the advancement and favorable improvement
of all the surroundings.
When I left this place in the days of my youth, I was
acquainted with almost every person who worshipped here.
I could call every name. Now as I glance over this large
assembly I can hardly recognize a countenance. The faces and
forms of those who were then so familiar have departed. We
do not see them on the streets, nor in the homes they then occu-
pied, but we read their names on the stones and monuments
which symbolize the affection of surviving friends, and the faith
that they have entered into rest.
But the church and the ordinances of God remain, con-
firming the truth of His Word, "That one generation passeth
away, and another cometh, but the earth abideth forever."
I wish to bear testimony to the value of good religious
training here in early life. The prayers of a pious mother, the
preaching of the gospel by the pastors, the instructions in the
Sabbath School by kind and devoted teachers, the reading of
good books, and the prayers of the aged Elders — all assisted in
making a foundation for my Christian life.
Then I have a vivid impression of the school teachers — of
David Shute and Mark Peck, who used to flog the boys for doing
nothing, telling them, at the same time, that this was the reason
why, because we were sent to school to do something.
I am reminded of an incident of an English land-holder^
who was requested by one of his tenants to assign to him an
acre of land on which he might have the privilege of raising
one crop. The request was so singular and earnest, that the
landlord granted the tenant his petition. The tenant prepared
the land and sowed his seed, but it was many mouths before
70
the land holder could understand what the crop would be. A
3'ear passed by, and when the seed sprang up he learned to hi8
surprise that the tenant had sowed acorns. He hadpromised the
laud for one crop, and he must give it time. Long after the
owner of the land and the sower of the seed had passed away,
the oaks remained and grew, casting their strong roots into the
ground and spreading out their long branches to the breeze.
In like manner we are tenants of Christ, who is the great
laud-holder. We are sowers of the seed. The good seed is the
(jospel of the Kingdom. We can raise but one crop. The
field is the world. The soil is the heart of every child; sow
the good seed on that acre. "Whatsoere a man soweth that
shall he also reap."
The sowers who cast in the seed years ago have entered
Luto their rest, but the seed still grows. And herein is that
saj'ing true, "One soweth and another reapeth, and gathereth
fruit unto eternal life, that both he that soweth and he that
a'eapeth may rejoice together."
11
ADDRESS OF REV. WM. H. JAMES, D. D.
Substance of the Remarks made by Rev. Wm. H. James,
D. D., ONE OF THE SONS OF THE ChURCH.
It has been my privilege during my long absence from this
place, to visit man}- localities, and to enter many churches in
my attendance upon Presbyteries, Synods and General Assem.
blies, but I enter this church with feelings different from those
which I have in worshiping in any other place. Here is my
birth-right. This is my inheritance. Here I was dedicated to
God in baptism. This is the first house of worship I ever
entered. It is the first one I can remember. Here I was
instructed in the principles of our holy religion, and taught
lessons of divine truth in the Sabbath School. My mind goes
back this evening to those days of childhood. I picture before
me the church with its four pillars, before it was enlarged, and
the people as they sat each in tlieir place in the house of God
for worship. Their names and faces are familiar to me. I
also remember where they lived in the community. A few
remain to this present, but most of them are fidlen asleep. I
will name some of them: A. M. Woodruff, David Padgett,
Aaron Padgett, Dr. J. W. Ludlara, Lucius Moore, Joel Moore,
Charles Garrison, David 0. Garrison, Jeremiah Parvin, Henrj'
Ott, Ephraim Cory, Elijah Riley, Daniel T. J. Davis, John
More, Robert More, Lewis Garrison, Azariah More, Samuel
Barker, James J. Davis, Arthur Davis, Enos Davis, Shepherd
West, Enoch Paulin, Abijah Shull, William Parvin, Ephraim
B. Davis, Daniel Dare, William Conklin, Lewis Moore, John
Garrison, Jeremiah Hitchner, Samuel Leake, George W. More,
Martin Ott, James More, David Yeal, William Null, Alfred
Davis, Ephraim Davis, James Davis, Abijah Hand, David
Cake, David Findley, Isaac Whitaker, David Paris, Archibald
Shimp, Enoch Shoemaker, and a number of others whose names
do not at this moment occur to me. I remember their fami-
lies, their wives and children, as they were seated together in
the sanctuary. I also well remember a certain pew where on
T2
the Lord's day could be found, with great rcgularitj', a devout
worshiper, with her children, seated by her side. It was my
lionor to call that person mother. To her I owe more than to
any other what I am, and what b}' divine grace I hope to be.
She was the most priceless earthly gift that God has ever
bestowed upon me. Emotions of deepest gratitude fill my
heart this night, that I ever had such a mother. She conse.
crated me to God and to his service. I can never remember the
time, even in my earliest childhood, when I did not desire to
be a minister. It was as a fire shut up in my bones. God in
his own time and way brought me into his services and into
the ministry of his Son.
During the exercises of this day there has been much said
about the ministers and ruling elders of this church. This is
all well; the}' have been a power for good here; they have served
their generation according to the will of God. But I appre-
hend that the greatest spiritual power this church has had, has
been the godly women who have been in it. No doubt many
other sons of this church could testify to the rich spiritual
blessings they have enjoyed through a pious parentage. It is
fitting that we, their children, should rise up and on this anni-
versary day call them blessed. As the work and service of the
mothers in Israel has not been brought into special prominence
in the remarks that have preceded, 1 take great pleasure in
bringing into grateful remembrance their love and devotion to
this house of the Lord. And I have a strong impression,
from all rn}- experience as a pastor, that the women of this
church, at the present time, are an indispensable part of its
strength and efficiency.
As one coming home from a long absence and beholding
what 1 see to-day, I am impressed with the fact that while the
fathers and mothers pass away, the church still lives. It is a
place where '4ively stones," "polished after the similitude of a
palace," are prepared for the building of God, the house not
made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Who is there who is not ready to join in the praj-er, "0
God of hosts look down from Heaven, and l)ehold and visit this
vine; and the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and
the branch that thou madest strong for thyself."
73
ADDRESS OF REV. F. R. BRACE
Condensed Address by Mr. Brace on "The Church and
Why We Should Love It."
Coming together as w^ do, in a place made sacred by hal-
lowed associations, connected with the past one hundred and
fifty 3'ears, it seems ver}' right and proper that we should turn
our thoughts for a little while to that which has given to this
place its sacred character. It is not this material edifice that
has stood the storms of one hundred and sixteen j^ears, that is
older even than the nation whose starry banner is now tlie em-
blem of its protection, that gives the sacred character to the
place; nor is it the ancient burying ground which surrounds
this building, in which lies the precious dust of the beloved
ones who have been taken out of the homes, and from the loving
embrace of those who would willingly have given their lives for
them — the precious dust of the honored servants of God, who
have proclaimed the love of God from the pulpit. I know that
very loving thoughts wrap themselves around this building.
It is a wonderful memorial of great things that have been
wrought in manj' souls during all these past years. It is a
reminder of precious gatherings of God's people, of the sweet
worship of God, of the union in worship of beloved families,
some of whose members are now worshiping in the temple above.
And I know that verj^ tender and precious thoughts must go
out continually to the quiet home for the dead, that surrounds
this building, where lie the remains of those who have fallen
asleep, fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, and tender little
nurslings.
Tliat, however, which gives sacredness to this place is this:
This building is the material inclosure in which the servants of
God have met and engaged in the worship of God; it is the
temple in which has been enshrined the invisible Christ; the
mountain of God from whence has gone forth both the law and
the gospel; the house of God where His people have come to
meet Him, the gathering place for His church.
74
And what is the church? It is impossible to unfold all
that is expressed in this royal word. We can learn somewhat
of its meaning by turning to the sacred scriptures. It is the
ecclesia of God, the great company that haA'e been called out
from the world to become the servants of the living God, those
who have heard the voice of God, calling them from sin, from
worldliness to a Saviour, to eternal life; the great assemblage of
men and women who have in penitehce bowed down before the
cross of Jesus Christ, confessed their sins and accepted salva-
tion from Him; the company of the blood-bought, blood-washed
disciples of the adorable Redeemer; those upon whose brows
is written the name of our God and the name of the city of our
God.
It is tlie Kingdom of the Saviour, where he rules and reigns,
where his word is law and his wish the motor of every heart,
vbere he sways a sceptre of glor}^ and benignity, and confers on
every subject the glory of his own royalty — a kingdom of jus-
tice, but when the justice has been maintained and satisfied by
the king himself, a kingdom of love where every service is
performed, and every duty done out of this highest and holiest,
and sweetest motive of love, where not to perform dut}^ not to
engage in service, would be more wearisome, more distasteful,
than the hardest service or the most onerous dut}^ — a kingdom
■where every subject stands and shall stand, as one of the royal
family, kings unto God for ever and ever.
It is the flock of the Lord Jesus Christ, carefully and
kindly watched over b^^ the Good Shepherd, led into green pas-
tures and beside still waters, the lambs tenderly taken up in
His great loving arms or carried in His bosom, the aged ones led
carefully and surely along easy pathways. It is the household
and family of God, composed of the children of God, those who
1*3' His grace have been called from the world and from sin, to
take a place in His family and in His house. It is here where
the riches of the great fatherly heart of God, of the tenderly
loving heart of the Saviour, are constantly made known. Within
the walls of this loving home are found all things that can be
provided by the Father to make it the best place for His child
ren. Everything needed for nourishment, for comfort, for hap-
piness is provided; bread of life, and fruit of life, for every one
75
that hungers; water of life for every one that thirsts; arbors of
refreshment for all that are vreary; scenes of beauty and songs
of joy for ever}' heart. A blessed household and family is the
church of God. Blessed are those who have been adopted into
the family of God, who have been enabled to look upward and
with uplifted hands and bounding hearts say, Abba Father.
It is the bride of Christ. Never did heart of manliest man
go out in strong true currents of pure love towards the woman,
who has become to him the highest and loftiest ideal of sweet
pure womanhood, as the love of Jesus Christ goes out to His
Bride, the Church. All that affection can lavish, or love con-
ceive, or imagination devise, has been wrapped around this
bride of Christ. He clothes her Himself in richest and most
roj-al apparel; her clothing is of wrought gold. He bestows
upon her not merelj^ the half of His Kingdom, but out of the
great love He has to her, He opens all the infinite treasure of
His vast Kingdom to her and places them at her disposal. For
her. He let His heart's blood flow freel}-. It was no sacrifice to
Him, so great was His love toward her. Yea, He went through
the darkest, the most tempestuous night the world ever saw.
He fought the fiercest battle that ever mortal or angel witnessed.
He endured the agony of crucifixion and the thorns of death
for her, and then triumphant over all, was a mighty conqueror,
so that He might have her for His own through all the ages to
beautify her as He pleases, to enrich her according to the
munificence of His own nature, to glorify her before the ranks
of the great hierarchies of the heavenly world, and to show
through her to the principalities and powers of the world of
glory the vast reaches of His own infinite wisdom.
Glorious is the church of God around which the thoughts
of God have been wrapped during all the ages, out to which
the richest desires of the heart of Christ have been flow-
ing continually, and for which he died, making His blood the
purchase price of its future, everlasting happiness.
Let me speak to you of its precious ordinances. How
sweet they are to the soul! How many burdens have been
rolled off poor, weary hearts, as they have bowed in prayer
with the congregation of God's people? How close the Sav-
iour has come to hearts that have been thirsting for Him? How
76
many songs of the sanctuary have been made swift chariots of
God to carry the worshipers up to the Upper Sanctuary? Pis-
gah's top has been reached and the sweet fields, clothed in
living green, have been surveyed; Tabor has had its multitudes
with the favored three on its summit to look out upon the
splendor of the transfigured Lord; earth has been lifted to
heaven and the earthly sanctuary transformed to the heavenly.
Not only has there been a mingling with the hosts of the heav-
enly world, but a blending of voices in the great hallelujahs;
not only has the outer circle of the worshipers been reached,
but even the very foot of the Eternal Throne.
What messages of love have been delivered from its pulpits
by the ambassadors of Christ! What tender pleadings with
men and women to listen to the offer of Christ and accept His
salvation! And sometimes what fearful portrayals of im-
pending wrath and judgment to warn sinners to flee from the
wrath to come! What scenes of devout dedication of little
children in baptism have been witnessed ! What scenes of con-
secration of mature men and women! But more sweetly sol-
emn than all have been the gatherings of the followers of the
Saviour around His table, on which have been spread the em-
blems of His dj^ing love, when Calvaiy has once more come
before them with its cross and its crucified one. They see the
pierced hands and the pierced feet, and the anguished brow^
They ask:
"Was it for crimes that I had done.
He groaned upon the tree.
Amazing pity, grace unknown,
And love beyond degree."
And so we love the church, because it is so dear to God,,
because it is so dear to Christ, because it is worth so much to-
us. We love it, because it is the channel through which ordi-
narily the grace of God is brought to man; because through it
the great truths of God's love and God's salvation are made
known; because it is constantly opening wide its doors of
entrance to men and women who long for better things than
earth can give, for sweeter joys, wider fellowship, holier com-
munion; because under the wonderful, love-inspiring. power of
its Head, it stretches its arms of invitation to those who are
7T
weary and worn and forlorn and sinful and lost. We love the
ohurch because we have so often found God there, when our
hearts have been thirsting for Him as in a dry and thirsty
land, where no water is; when we have been longing to see His
power and glory as they have been seen in the sanctuary;
because we have had shed upon us then the mighty power of
the Spirit of God, as we have bowed ourselves at the blood-
sprinkled mercy seat.
We love it, because of the help and the strength, and the
joy it has brought to so many of those whom we have loved,
whom we still love, who have done with the cares and the toils
of earth. We love it because it contains the great host of the
followers of the Redeemer, who have been washed and cleansed
in His precious blood. We love it, because the song of
joy begun here is to deepen into the great hallelujah yonder,
because the stream of peace begun here is to increase into an
infinite ocean yonder; because the tin}' gleams of love we get
here are to spread into the glorious radiance of the full noon-
•day yonder. We can all say:
"Beyond my highest joy, I prize her heavenly ways.
Her sweet communion, solemn vows, Her hymns of love
and praise.
Sure as thy truth shall last. To Zion shall be given
The brightest glories earth can yield. And brighter bliss
of heaven."
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