|
|
Old Bergen
Chapter XXXVIII.
Daniel Van Winkle
Published 1902
Web version, edited by GET NJ
Copyright 2002
LATER HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church previous to this had worshipped in the old Town Hall for some years, but losing their pastor (Rev. Mr. Olcott), they determined to become a Reformed Dutch Church; by a unanimous vote they decided to unite with the Bergen Classis, and on the 16th of February, 1830, the church became thus duly constituted. The property on Grand Street, now occupied by the Free Reformed Church, which had been deeded by the Jersey Associates to the First Presbyterian Church of Jersey City in 1828, became thereupon the property of the Dutch Church.
But soon a demand arose for increased church accommodation, and the community began to discuss the propriety of the erection of other houses of worship. As the population increased and settlements
were formed in the outlying territory, it was determined to erect churches in such localities as to accommodate, to a great extent, those families who lived at a distance from the mother church. Hence Dutch churches were established at Jersey City in 1807, and Bergen Neck in 1828; and as the demand continued, these were followed by others. Nor was this the only church growth. As there were many gathering within the territory belonging to other denominations, the need was felt for suitable accommodation for them; and from time to time, in accordance with the demand, other churches were established, until at the present time the confines of " Old Bergen " are studded with the spires of churches belonging to every denomination. Dr. Taylor was closely identified with what might be called the formative period of Old Bergen. When he commenced his ministry, the habits and customs of the Fatherland prevailed to a very great extent, and the rustic population dwelt apart from the follies and vices of the neighboring city, in genuine old Dutch,
simplicity. He lived,
however, to see many changes effected, and the beginning of many of the improvements and advancements which he predicted, and which have transformed
the country garden into town lots, and the quiet, staid farming community into a busy, bustling city.
That the "Faith of the Fathers" has been kept in all its purity, is not surprising, when it is considered
that it was incumbent on the minister to present once each Sabbath, some portion of the Articles of Belief. As this was divided up, according to the Heidelberg Catechism, into fifty-two "Lord's Days," every year the congregation were regaled with a complete discussion and review of the tenets of the faith, and were thereby strengthened and confirmed in its doctrines.
AT this time there were in what is now the County of Hudson, three churches, the Reformed Dutch in Bergen, the First Presbyterian Church in Jersey City, and a small Methodist Church at Five Corners. St. Matthew's Episcopal congregation worshipped in the old Town Hall, then used for school purposes, and located near the site of its present building in lower Jersey City.
| During the pastorate of Doctor Taylor, the present church edifice was erected (in 1841). The original church parsonage stood on this site, for July 12, 1841, the consistory "Resolved that the old parsonage be taken down to make room for the new (the present, author's note) church edifice, and that the building Committee use the materials to the best advantage they can." During the erection of this church building, the Columbian Academy was secured for Sabbath morning worship, the teacher agreeing to vacate the second story for the sum of $5 per quarter. Just south of the church, convenient and substantial sheds were built, for the protection of the horses of those who lived at a distance and still adhered to the "Old Church," while the tavern, but a few feet further south, was resorted to by some, during the interval between the services, for their noonday meal. |
 |
 | Doctor Taylor continued his active pastorate until the infirmities of advancing age made "the grasshopper a burden." The consistory recognizing his failing physical powers, declared him Pastor Emeritus, and issued a call to the Rev. James L. Amerman, who was installed May 7, 1871. A remarkable degree of mutual confidence and sympathy existed between these two, and thus were happily combined the buoyancy and strength of youth, with the wisdom and experience of age. What might be called the joint administration of the two clergymen continued as long as the Old Dominie was able to actively cooperate. He died February 2nd, 1881. Doctor Amerman continued to minister faithfully to his congregation until June 1st, 1876, when, feeling that he was called to perform active, personal missionary work among the heathen, he was at his own request dismissed, and became a missionary to Japan. |
| He was followed by the Rev. Doctor Cornelius Brett, who was installed August 1st, 1876, the church being without a regular pastor only two months, June and July. He still continues his pastorate, having ministered faithfully and acceptably to his people for over a quarter of a century. He presents the faith of the Fathers in all its purity and simplicity; yet recogniring the change of conditions, he preaches rather the doctrine of love than that of retributive justice. |
 |
| Next |
 |
|
|
| Featured Link |
Text Link Online Advertising Program
A text Link is your business name and a Link to Your Site in bold red text on one Line and a description of your services on the next. The GET NJ network serves thousands of visitors each day!
GRAVE ROBBER Jersey City Computer Repair
297 Griffith Street, Jersey City, NJ - In the Heights just off of Kennedy Blvd. - Very close to Journal Square and Union City, just five minutes away from Hoboken, Downtown Jersey City, Newport, and the Waterfront -
|
|
|
|