tihvary of t:he Cheolojical ^tmimvy PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY •a^D* PRESENTED BY Y?le Divinity School Library A4 V Present Church Building, 1901. of tl^p fml {{BajpfisI (Jluprl^ ^ > -♦■ > ©fficers of tbe Cburcb PASTOR REV. CHARLES A. COOK DEACONS Frank B. Stone Walter L. Tower Joseph B. Maxfield Francis C. Foster John Rassbach Edward T. Van Vleit CLERK Franklin A. Stone TREASURER David G. Garabrant TRUSTEES Joseph B. Maxfield Wm. Baldwin David G. Garabrant Walter L, Tower John Rassbach Charles S. Teall Harry L. Osborne SUNDAY-SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT Frank B. Stone INTRODUCTORY. This story of the celebration of the fiftieth anniver- sary of the First Baptist Church, Bloomfield, N. J., has been prepared as a special souvenir of that event. The story includes an account of all the exercises, together with the principal papers and addresses, and is supple- mented by full statistical tables covering the fifty years and also by an historical sketch of the Sunday-school work. The illustrations add much to the interest of the souvenir, and will enhance its value in the coming years when another generation may be interested in the faces of some of the leaders who were identified with the first half century of the church's history. So far as they could be obtained, portraits are given of every officer of the church during the fifty years.* The celebration, which covered four days, November 24-27, was itself a memo- rable event, full of joy and praise and inspiration, and greatly strengthened the bonds of Christian unity and fraternal fellowship already such marked features of the church's life. * Fortunately the Committee succeeded in securing pictures of all the officers save one, Mr. George Sherwood, Trustee, 1854 to 1856. (5) ^nnixjiersietrp ^wnt»»sf* On Sunday morning, November 24, notwithstanding disagreeable weather, a good congregation assembled to participate in the opening service of the jubilee, and to hear the anniversary sermon which was preached by the pastor, Rev. Charles A. Cook. Magnificent palms filled the pulpit alcove, beautiful chrysanthemums adorned the platform, while set in the alcove arch in letters of gold was the legend, "185 1. The Year of Jubilee, 1901," — all kindly furnished by Deacon J. Rassbach. During the service a quartette entitled "Angels' Voices Ever Sing- ing" was rendered by Mrs. W. H. Burn, Miss Nellie D. Maxfield, Mr. E. M. Healy and Mr. Franklin A. Stone, and a solo entitled "Beyond the Gates of Paradise," by Mrs. W. H. Burn. The theme of the sermon was "Praise for Fifty Years of Blessing," and abundant reasons were given why praise and thanksgiving should abound during the jubilee. THE SERMON. Text. — "I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy lovingkindness, and for Thy truth." Psa. 138 : 2. These days of jubilee celebration upon which we have entered should be characterized by much joyful thanksgiving to God, The memory of His great good- (7) 8 ness and of His lovingkindness, in His gracious dealings with this church during the fifty years of its history, should awaken our heartiest and best songs of praise. The Jewish jubilee of old was a time of great rejoicing among all the people. From the time that the jubilee trumpet was heard in the temple courts with peculiar loudness and joyousness of tone ushering in the year of jubilee, and the glad sound was taken up by other trum- pets and echoed all over the land, east, west, north and south, until the glad music was heard everywhere, from that hour through all the year and through all the land, the hearts of the people were filled with rejoicing and praise. And if they in those ancient days had reason to rejoice because of temporal blessings and privileges which the year of jubilee brought to them, how much more should God's people to-day celebrate with great rejoicing a jubilee of spiritual blessings and privileges. They rejoiced and praised God, not so much because of what they had received during the fifty years that had gone, as they did because of what the one year, the last year of the fifty, brought to them. But during our jubilee celebration as a church we are to think and speak of all the fifty years of God's lovingkindness and faithfulness, and of His grace and goodness and wondrous works. With fifty-fold greater joy fulness and thanksgiving there- fore should our jubilee be characterized than was the ancient Jewish jubilee. I . We should praise the Lord for His lovingkindness and truth in the distinct testimony of a Baptist church in this community for fifty years. While holding many things in common with other evangelical bodies, and while ever ready to actively co- operate with other denominations in work for the moral and spiritual welfare of men, loving their brethren and having delightful fellowship with them in the Lord's work, Baptists at the same time represent and stand dis- tinctively for certain great Scriptural principles and doc- trines and practices. Baptists have from the beginning persistently main- tained the absolute supremacy of the word of God as the rule of faith and practice. A doctrine or practice must be distinctly a matter of Scripture precept or example to secure our acceptance or observance of it. Baptists have no creeds, nor catechisms, nor confessions of faith which bind them by their authority. Baptists hold that God has given to every person the right to interpret the Script- ures for himself. No church, no person in the church claiming some special authority has any right to step in between the man and his Bible and interpret it for him with any binding authority. Baptists in all their history have contended for a regenerate church membership, and have insisted on satisfactory evidences of regeneration being given as a prerequisite to baptism and church mem- bership, and they have required the maintenance of godly living as a condition of continued church membership. New Testament baptism, they maintain, requires that a person be a believer and that he be immersed. Baptists have always stood for complete separation of church and state, limiting the state to the exercise of civic functions, and restricting the church wholly to matters religious or ecclesiastical. Believing that a man's faith is a matter between himself and God, Baptists have regarded as a gross injustice and unwarranted interference with liberty of conscience, any attempt to force or constrain men by outward penalties to this or that form of religious belief. Baptists have been persecuted, but they have never perse- cuted others. Says Prof. Newman in "A Century of lO Baptist Achievement," — "that Baptist churches are in all essential respects conformed to the apostolic norm is gen- erally admitted by impartial students of New Testament church polity who have taken the trouble to compare the two ; and there is a practical consensus of New Testament scholarship in the interpretation of the apostolic notices regarding church organization and ordinances in sub- stantial accord with Baptist theory and practice." A Baptist church is distinctively a New Testament church, and it has no right to call itself a Baptist church unless it is. All through their history Baptists have most earnestly contended for the faith once delivered to the saints. Dr. Sarles, at the twenty-fifth anniversary of this church, said : "The crown for fidelity for God's word belongs to Baptists." A few years ago I heard Dr. Theodore L. Cuyler speak in a most complimentary and eulogistic way of the loyal adherence of the Baptist ministry and of the Baptist denomination to the old gospel and to the great fundamental doctrines of redemption. And to-day when everywhere men are full of questionings and doubt, when there is so much turning aside from the old paths, there is probably no body of Christian ministers and no denom- inations of Christians so free from theological error, and so free from tendencies to drift from the inspired word of God and its truths and precepts, as Baptist ministers and the Baptist denomination. If these statements are true, and if a Baptist church is what we have described it to be, then it means something for a Baptist church to have been in a community for fifty years representing, preaching, practicing, and when necessary contending for New Testament doctrines, ordi- nances, principles, truths, and we have reason to thank God and praise His name that in His goodness He led JOSHUA CRANK. Deacon, 1852-1858. SAMUEL A. BROWER. Treasurer, 1852-1854 Trustee, 1852-1856. Clerk, 1854-1860. Deacon, :882-i9oi. DAVID CAIRNS. Trustee, 1852-1854. 1857-1867. Deacon, 185S-1881 WILLIAM CLARK. Deacon, 1852-1861. Trustee, 1855-1856. II thirteen Christian men and women fifty years ago to organize themselves into a Baptist church in this com- munity and that He has preserved the church and multi- plied and prospered it through all these years. 2. We should praise God for His lovingkindness in giving this church so many godly and consecrated men and women. These have been its pillars and light-bearers; their prayers and self-sacrificing efforts, their testimony and gifts and service have made this church what it is to-day. All honor be given to-day to the memory of the Wards, and Clarks, and Vanderpools, and Cairns and Cranes of earliest days, all honor be given to-day to the memory of such names as Samuel A. Brower, and Charles S. Willet and Mrs. Willet, and Thomas T. Cadmus, and Charles Gilbert, and Eldridge Van De Werken, and William J. Omberson, and Geo. P. Farmer, and Theodore R. Beards- ley, and Mrs. Alice Weston, and Mrs. Anna Sim- cox, and Mrs. Mary Rassbach, and many others who might be named, who having, through faith, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, given of their sub- stance, engaged in the service of Christ, taught in the Sunday-school, held up the hands of their pastors, fought a good fight, finished their course, and served their gen- eration by the will of God, have entered into rest. These godly men and women were God's best gifts to this church. This church has never been wealthy so far as earthly riches are concerned, but God has always blessed it with men and women who have been rich in faith, rich in prayer and good works, rich in their love and liberality for the cause of Christ. To Him who has thus blessed His people be thanksgiving and praise to-day. 12 3- We should praise God for the men who have been honored in being the pastors of this church. For the pioneer pastor, John D, Meeson, whose brief ministry of seven months was crowned with blessing. For the true-hearted faithful pastor, Jas. H. Pratt, under whose ministry of five years and one month so many were converted and received into membership, who have since lived godly lives and been a blessing in the world. For that spiritual leader. Pastor Henry F. Smith, who for ten years and a half sowed seeds of truth which have ever since borne abundant fruit in the spiritual-minded- ness and generous systematic giving of many of the mem- bers of this church. For that sturdy man of God, William F. Stubbert, who came next. His pastorate covered six years and eight months and was characterized by the holding up of a high standard of Christian life and duty, and blessed by several seasons of special revival. For the saintly Ezra D. Simons who followed, and who in labors abundant among all classes of people faithfully served the church for eleven years and eight months. Under his pastorate the greatest revival and ingathering in the history of the church took place. These servants of God all rest from their labors, but their works do follow them, and in the spiritual build- ing as we look upon it at the end of fifty years we can see the work of their hands, and rfejoice and thank God ; others have labored and we have entered into their labors, and if they can look upon this scene to-day, they who sowed and they who reap rejoice together. In these fifty years 1252 persons have united with this church, 789 by baptism. Many of this number have gone over to the general assembly and church of the first- born on high, a few have fallen out of line, having proved 13 unfaithful to their profession of faith, a large number are scattered throughout the country doing good service for Christ elsewhere, three are in the Christian ministry, one of whom is a missionary to the Telugus in India, and 435 remain in fellowship here to rejoice to-day and praise God for all that He has been to this church, and done for it and through it, and to march forward in His name to still greater achievements. 4. We should praise God for the happy spirit of unity that has prevailed in this church in all its years. At the twenty-fifth anniversary of the church, among the floral decorations was a shield bearing the motto, "Years of Happy Union." To-day the same motto might be fittingly given a prominent place. The spirit of broth- erly love and harmony has never been disturbed except for a brief space in the early history of the church, when it was on the verge of a very serious division. In these later years the spirit of unity and harmony has grown and deepened most sweetly and we can heartily sing to-day, Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love, The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above. Before our Father's throne We pour our ardent prayers, Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, Our comforts and our cares. We thank God to-day that these fifty years have wit- nessed such unity and peace and such hearty co-opera- tion in the Lord's work, and that to-day, We are not divided, All one body we, One in hope and doctrine. One in charity. May our gracious Lord and Master ever keep out of the ranks of this church those who would disturb this peace or stir up strife, and may the joys of this jubilee bind us all in stronger, intenser love to our gracious Re- deemer, and because close to Him, may we be brought closer than ever to each other in loving fellowship and service. 5. We should praise God to-day for His goodness and truth in giving to this church a spirit of liberality and benevolence. The amount raised for benevolences during these fifty years is over $37,000, an average of $740 a year for all its history. Over $27,000 of this has been raised in the last twenty-five years, an average of nearly $1100 a year for this last quarter of a century. This represents the consecration of the members of this church, many of whom give a tenth of their income to the Lord's work, some give much more, and joyfully testify to the blessed- ness of thus honoring the Lord with their substance. 6. We should praise God for zvhat He has done for the denomination to ivhich zve belong. In 185 1, when this church was organized, there were 789 Baptist church members in Essex County; to-day there are about 7000. Then the population was 75,000, and the Baptists were one in 95 ; to-day the population is 359,000 and the Baptists are one in 51. Fifty years ago 15 there were loi Baptist churches in New Jersey, with a total membership of 13,517; at the beginning of this year there were 317 churches, with a total of 53,172 members. This growth has been general throughout the country and the four and a half millions of Baptists in the United States are doing an evangelistic, missionary, and educa- tional work unsurpassed by any body of Christians, their work of evangelization being felt not only all over this land, but around the world. We may well praise God that we are permitted to join in the jubilee celebration of this church, for which, and in which, and through which God has done so much in the past. We may well devoutly praise God for the rich blessings of His lovingkindness and of His truth which we are at present enjoying, that we live in such a day of abundant blessing upon the great denomination to which we belong, and in a time when God is doing such great things through the whole Church of Christ for the univer- sal spread of the gospel and the evangelization of the whole world. The future is bright with hope. In God's lovingkindness and truth we find our ground of confi- dence and our inspiration for all the days to come. Not many who are here to-day will be here fifty years from now. Long before then our Lord may come again. But should He tarry, may those who live then have abun- dant reason to praise the God of all goodness and truth for what the next fifty years shall witness of His grace and power in this place, and until Christ shall come may this church grow in every spiritual grace, in all Christliness of character, and by her faith and consecration and good works, by her unswerving fidelity to the word of God, by purity of life among her members, by the fervenc}'^ and constancy of her missionary zeal, by the faithfulness and godliness and power of her ministers, ever honor her i6 Divine Head, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing, to whom be all worship and praise and thanksgiving and adoration in heaven and on earth forever and ever. Amen. THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL SERVICE. This service was one of rejoicing. Addresses were delivered by the pastor and by two former superin- tendents, Mr. Henry Russell and Mr. D. G. Garabrant. These addresses were on the relation of the church to the Sunday-school, and showed why our school should be interested in the fiftieth anniversary of the church. Attention was called to the following facts, that one of the present teachers, Mrs. Henry Spear, was active in the school at the first, that every pastor has been actively engaged in the work, that all the deacons save one are now teachers or officers in the school, that all the trustees save two are now connected with the school and these two were until recently, that the church clerk, treasurer and sexton are all teachers, and that the church supports the school, paying all its expenses. Mr. Frank B. Stone, the superintendent, submitted for adoption a message of congratulation from the school to the church, which he had prepared. This was adopted by a unanimous vote and ordered to be read at the evening service on Monday, as follows : 17 Church of God, our beloved church,, we greet you to- day, this day of jubilee. We, the children of your watch- care, rejoice with you in the labor of the years. We share your joy in the rounding out of half a century. Fifty years of prayer, of praise, of power, of patience, of preaching, of peace. Fifty years of labor, of love, of loyalty to truth and Christ. Fifty years of teaching, of leading, of comforting. Fifty years of song. Fifty years of tears. Fifty years a guide-board. Fifty years a lighthouse. Oh, the comfort and the shelter to many a weary pilgrim, the strength imparted to many a saint in climb- ing to the heights of Nebo. Who shall measure ? Who shall gather ? Who shall count ? None shall measure. None shall gather. None shall count. Only on the other shore shall be known how many through your portals have reached the golden land. How many weary, aching hearts had fainted, but for you. Oh, Church of God, we love you for your deeds of mercy and of love; for your tender, loving watchcare; for your hands extended ; for your arms uplifted, point- ing sinners to the Cross ; for the Bread of Life presented ; for the Living Water given. May the Blessed Holy Spirit ever dwell within your borders, ever guide and lead you. May the years to come be fruitful, rich and full, the blessing flowing into hearts of men. Lives made to bud, to blossom and come to fruitage in the sunshine of His love, through your labors, through your prayers. So we stand beside you on this day of joy and praise. We, the children of your tender loving care, standing i8 with our hands united and our hearts upHfted to our gra- cious Heavenly Father for a blessing and for His leading through the years to come. In your thankful prayers, in your coming to the Throne of Grace, may we still bespeak tender loving men- tion of us your children, that we may as lambs be fed, as lambs be led, that we may all be sheltered by the Shepherd, that at last we may all be gathered in that land of song, eternal day, eternal peace, eternal joy. THE EVENING SERVICE. The evening service was in charge of Deacon Joseph B. Maxfield. It was opened with a song service, followed by Scripture reading and prayer by Deacon Frank B. Stone. A very sweet and appropriate chorus, entitled "Praise ye the Lord," was rendered by a choir of young people. The addresses of the evening, given in full below, very fully covered the history, life and activities of the church during the fifty years, awakened many memories and stirred all hearts to gratitude and praise to God for what had been done. After the addresses many of the members, both young and old, gladly testified of bless- ings they had received in the church. It was a service of great gladness, and will be long remembered by those who were present. During the ser- vice a solo and chorus, entitled "Crowns of Victory," CHARLES S. WILLET. Trustee, 1852-1858. " 1860-1877. Treasurer, 1860-1868. Deacon, 1865-1888. UZAL D. WARD. Clerk, 1852-1854. Deacon, 1862-1871. Trustee, 1864-1867 SYLVESTER P. LOOKER. Trustee, i 852-1 853. DAVID SANFORD. Trustee, 1S52-1854. 19 was rendered by Mr. E. M. Healy and the choir. Mrs. Franklin A. Stone presided at the organ at both morning and evening services. ADDRESS. By Joseph B. Maxfield. Subject. — Blessings realized from spiritual development during the past fifty years. Dear Brethren and Sisters of the First Baptist Church, Bloomfield, N. J. More than I can express in words, is my gratitude to God for having spared me to see this hour, and to par- ticipate with you in its holy and happy exercises. I esteem it a very great honor to preside over this meeting, and to occupy this platform with these men of God. For over thirty-nine years I have enjoyed the privilege of being associated in church life with the company of be- lievers who have worshiped and wrought within these walls. Coming among you a mere boy, here in this very house finding Christ the first year of my sojourn with you, here baptized, here married, here all of my children brought to Christ and now members of this church. Surely these are all spiritual blessings of greatest value. "Lest we forget," let us here and now, at the very begin- ning of this paper, look up to our God and acknowledge Him as the loving and fruitful source of all our mercies. Let me also place on record my sincere, heartfelt and last- ing appreciation of all the kindness, love, sympathy and 20 helpfulness that have come to me and mine through this Church of God during all the years that are past. Truly can I say: Here my best friends, My kindred, dwell. Here Christ, my Saviour, reigfns. I have been asked to speak on "Blessings realized from Spiritual Development during the past Fifty Years." As a guide to our thought I give you a text, and it shall be Psalm i : 3. "Like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season." Fifty years ago, on November 25, 1851, a spiritual tree was planted in the town of Bloomfield. That tree was called the First Baptist Church. Since that time, during sunshine and shadow, in winter's cold and summer's heat, in times of adversity or prosperity, it has continued to grow, having enjoyed to an eminent degree the blessing of God and the faithful cultivation of His servants. The names of Meeson, Pratt, Smith, Stubbert, Simons and Cook are indelibly cut into this tree, not simply through the bark, but reaching down deep into its very heart. Faithful officers and a devoted membership have contrib- uted not a little to its growth and fruitfulness. The hands of the thirteen faithful Christians who planted it have near- ly all become still in death, but the work they did has gone on and on, bearing precious fruit. The names of Clark, Brower, Ward, Looker, Cairns, Crane, Sanford, Sher- wood and Vanderpool will long be held in loving remem- brance by the Baptist church of Bloomfield, while many associated with them in blessed holy service in years that followed shall not be forgotten : the Fishers, the Willets, the Gilberts, Hagues, Cadmus, Powers, Omberson and a host of others. Spiritual development is a matter not of 21 adding to from without, but of unfolding from within, and yet in a real and true sense, that which during past years has been added to the church from without, became at once a part of its life and of its producing power. In the infancy of the church, there were the same ingredients in its spiritual life as now exist. The same kind of faith, of love, of hope, of joy. The same grace of giving, the same grace of saving, the same spirit of prayer, the same missionary zeal, the same blessed spirit of self-denial and of loving loyalty to Jesus Christ. We glorify God, and honor His people, when we say that from the day this spiritual tree was planted, there has been a gradual un- folding and developing of these graces. Slow perhaps, but sure, as the years have passed, as numbers have in- creased, as opportunities have offered, as occasion has demanded. The blessings realized at the beginning were the same in kind as now. We sat down then under the shadow of this tree with great delight and its fruit was sweet to our taste, and since then under each successive pastorate has its shade and its fruits been abundant. There are certain things true of a tree that are true of this church. A tree adds beauty to a place, it affords shade to the people, it yields fruit in its season, it produces others of its own kind ; and can we not say of this spiritual tree, that in all these things it has been a real Tree of Life ? It is said of the palm tree, to which the church in its individual membership is likened, that in all its varied and multiplied developments it has 365 uses, or one for every day in the year. We accept the figure and claim for the "blessings realized" from our spiritual tree of half a century's growth, a blessing for every day in the year and for all the years that have passed since first the hands of the seven holy zvomen and six godly men, thir- teen in all, planted it in the soil of Bloomfield. It may 22 have been an unlucky number, but at all events the "better half" had the majority, and the developments of after years exploded the superstitious notion. In a large degree material blessings are the result of mental and spiritual development, hence we may judge of the latter by the former. Many a beautiful house or insti- tution is an index of a loving heart, an intelligent culti- vated mind, an enlarged and a liberal spirit. We, there- fore, simply point you for a moment to the gradual en- largement or unfolding, or if you please the evolution of the various material blessings that we as a church enjoy to-day. At first, a little school-house on the hill, perhaps 25x15 feet in size, on which cut in a tablet of stone was this inscription : The West End of This House Built in 1758. The East End IN the Year 1782. This either speaks loudly to us of the slowness of builders in those days, or else of the mighty strides the spirit of education has made in these latter days. On the top, and near the rear end of this modest little house of wor- ship was a bell, with rope hanging conveniently near the pastor's desk. We are told that when it was no more needed to call the flock together to the top of Zion's Hill on Franklin street, it was used by the railroad com- 23 pany as a depot bell, — that afterward it found an hon- ored place in the belfry of an Episcopal chapel. We can imagine the little band of disciples Sabbath after Sabbath, climbing the hill, viewing the landscape o'er, and enjoying to the fullest extent the meagre accom- modations that were then at their disposal. Succeeding and taking the place of this house on the hill, we find the stately and then very commodious build- ing in the very centre of the town, the surprise of many and the joy of more. Later on we see another change or evolution and behold our present house of work as well as house of worship, with great bell and grand organ and all modern improvements and conveniences. Many will re- member the Sabbath-school and prayer meeting room in the basement, with the infant class and library in the little room in the corner; with the great "tea canisters" for heaters; with the speaker's desk so long and high that the leader could play hide and seek with his hearers ; good hard board seats that would not let you go to sleep if you wanted to, and bare floor that gave us away when we came in late. Well, we had good times even then and were happy but not contented. We seemed some- times, to ourselves at least, like compressed yeast and felt we must rise, and rise we did, until now the Sabbath- school and prayer meeting are above ground and able to do their work under material conditions the most favorable. Some of you will remember the evolution of the bap- tistry. At first it was in the open air — Willet's Pond, Power's Mill Race, Watsessing Lake or Morris Canal. We will not say we have improved on the primitive style when the waters of Jordan were the burial place of thou- sands of willing converts, but according to modern thought we have made progress. From the outdoor we 24 came to the indoor, a good-sized tank under the platform, filled for the first time with buckets of water from neigh- boring wells, then with hand pump and cistern, occupying many hours of labor, then with force pump, and finally the easy and quick method of turning the faucet and let- ting the water run until our good sexton cried, "Enough !" But we must not linger on these outward signs of our inward growth, but ask your attention to the "Bless- ings realized from the spiritual development of the past fifty years." We think of these as five-fold : First. Blessings realized by the individual. Second. Blessings realized by the family. Third. Blessings realized by the community. Fourth. Blessings realized by the state. Fifth. Blessings realized by the world. This is a great subject, but we will treat it briefly. First. Blessings realized by the individual. 1252 individuals have been connected with the church as mem- bers; 789 of these have been received by baptism, thus indicating that these for the most part have here been brought to a knowledge of Christ. As there is joy in the presence of God over one sinner repenting there has been joy for at least 789 times in Heaven, and what this has meant on earth, those of you know who yourselves have passed from death unto life. Then we can count up the difi^erent individuals who have been associated with the Sabbath-school, probably 3000 in all, who have been taught the great truths of the Bible, whose lives have been made happier and holier and more useful because of their attendance there. Then think of those individuals who, though not members of either church or school, have been hearers of the word, have sat down under the 25 shade of this spiritual tree with delight and with us ate of its delicious fruits. Then do not forget the remaining 463 who have come here by letter, and all that church membership has meant to them of personal comfort, help and instruction. Second. Blessings realized hy the family. Homes are centres of life, circles within which there are congre- gations and concentrations. Oh, the tragedies in the home life! Oh, the happiness of the home life! Oh, the joys and the heartaches, the prosperities, adversities, the births, the deaths, the funerals and the weddings. The comfort and privations, the tears and the laughter, the meetings and the partings, and all of these varied condi- tions and experiences are just so many golden opportuni- ties for the exhibition and cultivation and application of those fruits of the spirit which grow upon this kind of a spiritual tree. Into how many homes of Bloomfield have come the gentle, tender, loving ministrations of the min- isters of God, who during the past fifty years have served us. And this sweet service has not been confined to the ministers alone, but the membership bound together by ties of Christian love have gone with words of cheer, of comfort and oft with material help. Eternity will alone reveal the fullness of this blessing, when the Great Shep- herd of the sheep will say, "I was hungry and ye fed Me, sick and ye visited Me, in prison and ye came unto Me." Third. Blessings realized hy the community. If you would find out how much this means, go into some place where no church bell is heard, no Sabbath is observed, no prayer offered, no Sabbath-school to gather the children in. No minister of God sounding out the glad tidings. Where sin and Satan have supremacy and the spirit of this world holds high carnival. Then come with me where the beauty and shade and fruitfulness of this blessed 26 spiritual tree is found, and behold the world-wide differ- ence. How many blessings have been realized by this community because of the planting of this church of God ! It has been like the warm breath of the sunshine, like the refreshing of the summer shower, and without recogniz- ing perhaps the source of the blessing many have rejoiced in it. Our Church — her voice has ever been heard on the side of righteousness, of good government, of sobriety, of Sabbath keeping, of every good work worthy the ad- vocacy of manhood. Fourth. Blessings realized by the state. This church did not at the beginning build a little wall around the town, and say to its members or its pastor, thus far shalt thou go but no further. It did not pray that little prayer, "Oh, Lord, bless me and my wife, my son John and his wife; us four and no more"; but its faith and heart and love and hands went out to the regions beyond, to those less fortunate than ourselves, and so from the beginning its pastors and members have been interested in the state and have made their influence felt in all parts of it. Our pastors have been associated with the state convention and associations as presidents and secretaries, and at the present time our beloved brother and fellow-member, Mr, D. G. Garabrant, is the honored and highly successful Treasurer of the New Jersey Baptist Missionary Con- vention. The record of the gifts of our church and Sab- bath-school and our young people's societies will show how large and how practical have been the blessings realized by the State of New Jersey because of the spiritual development of the past fifty years. Fifth and lastly. Blessings realized by the zvorld. We have not been unmindful of the fact that the great Head of the Church said, "Go ye into all the world," and we have gone — by our prayers, by our sympathies, by our 27 gifts, and by at least one member who is now on the for- eign field, Brother William C. Owen. If we could not all go in person, we could send. In all the years that are past, the stream has been flowing outward and onward, encir- cling the globe. We have believed that the way to in- crease was to scatter, to get was to give, and having been blessed with faithful ministers who believed the gospel was for the world, we have been fighting it out on this line until, not satisfied with past endeavors, we have under our present pastor (who is an enthusiastic advocate of missions), been supporting our own missionary, Rev. J. M. Carvel, on the foreign field. It will be too long a jour- ney to take you with me to the ends of the earth to find out the full sum of blessings realized by the world — this takes in our own beloved land, as well as all other parts of God's earth, but I can ask you to wait with me until the end of the world and then listen to the story as : "From Greenland's icy mountains, From India's coral strand, Where Afric's sunny fountains Roll down their golden sand. From many an ancient river, From many a palmy plain." They'll call us to remember, How God did break their chain. As we close these remarks we feel that we have but given you a few drops, while the great ocean of God's blessings realized by us during these fifty years have been unnamed. Truly we can say — There have been showers of blessings Sent from the Saviour above, There have been seasons refreshing — All the good gifts of His love. 28 and then with strong faith do we exclaim, There shall be showers of blessing, Precious, reviving again, Over the hills and the valleys Sound of abundance of raitL And so as we look back over the fifty years we say with the Psalmist, "God hath blessed us," and as we go forward into the coming years we say, "He will bless us," and taking up the words of the poet, declare : For He hath been with us. And He still is with us. And He will be with us to the end. ADDRESS. By D. G. Garabrant. Subject. — Blessings realized from financial development. Let us consider our topic with reference to basis, methods^ figures, causes and effects. Basis. No one can read, even casually, the history of the early days of this church without being impressed that the prominent characteristics of the little band who organized it were faith and courage. That six men and seven women, — representing only eight families or parts of families, — none of them wealthy, and yet it is only fair to say none very poor, should undertake the financial burden involved in the purchase of this property and the erection of this house of worship, is certainly evidence either of CHRISTOPHER LANDAU. Trttstee, 1853-1855. CHARLES FARRAND. Trustee, 1853-1854. CHARLES W. POWERS. Trustee, 1854-1858. Treasurer, 1854-1857. FREDERICK GILBERT. Trustee, 1854-1858. 29 great presumption or of great faith and courage. For be it remembered, it was only one week after the thirteen organized themselves as a church and before a single addition to their number had been received, that a com- mittee was appointed to purchase a lot for the house of worship. We do not forget that there were a few others, not members, in thorough sympathy with the movement, but aside from the Willet family they added but little financial strength, and had not their faith and courage been magnificent, they would have said, "We ought to wait until these sympathizers become actual members." To-day, under such circumstances, somebody would surely have urged that thirteen was a very unlucky num- ber to start with. But bravely, with faith in God and in themselves, they went forward, assuming a burden before which most of us, even with a larger company and greater resources than theirs, would have staggered and halted. It would have been a courageous act for a Presby- terian or Methodist church to have done the same thing, but much more for a Baptist church. They have strong central organizations to encourage them, but a Baptist church is absolutely independent, with no Presbytery or Conference back of it, whose moral and material sup- port count for much. Their faith and courage were also evident in the loca- tion selected and secured. How many churches. Baptist especially, we recall in poor out-of-the-way locations, because the lot was bought cheaply. This little band wisely secured the very best unoccupied site in the village of Bloomfield. Faith and courage were further shown in the erection of this substantial brick and stone struc- ture instead of a cheaper wooden building. They came to stay. 30 Methods. The principal method of raising money at the begin- ning of the church was by straight-out giving, and yet not unnaturally the prevalent methods of church fairs, etc., were soon adopted and for a number of years they were a means somewhat depended on. Although no one who has looked into the subject can doubt the generosity of the members, the struggle was so severe and the little band so lacking in financial strength that they felt under the necessity of using every possible aid. After the coming of Henry F. Smith, as pastor, the church ad- vanced to a higher platform of church finance, by resolv- ing not to rely upon fairs, festivals or other devices of similar character. To make up what was needed beyond the income from pew-rents, an annual subscription was circulated. It is hardly necessary to say that their finances were more successful than before and from that day to this the church has never wanted to return to the un- scriptural methods they had abandoned. Another upward step was taken during this same pastorate, by the Sunday-school voting that its entire offerings taken Sunday by Sunday should be appropri- ated for missionary or benevolent work. Previous to this, while the bulk of the funds thus secured had gone to missionary purposes, a portion had occasionally been applied to home expenses, Sunday-school library, etc. This principle of using the entire Sunday-school offering for benevolent work has been strictly adhered to ever since. During the pastorate of Dr. Stubbert another ad- vanced step was taken by making all pews free and rely- ing absolutely on the freewill offerings of the people for the support of the church. An immediate improvement 31 resulted and while there have since been financial prob- lems to face, they have been met, and successfully, in the same spirit which inspired these advanced steps. The last few years the church has, under the strong teaching of Pastor Cook, still further advanced its posi- tion by taking a largely increased interest in benevolent and missionary work. Pre-eminent among the features of this larger interest is the support, at an expense of $i,ooo per annum, of Rev. John M. Carvell and wife, mission- aries to Assam, India. The benevolent record throughout the entire fifty years has been most creditable, but the last three or four years it has been grand. This is the more noteworthy in view of the fact that the church has been raising a considerable amount each year since 1891 for the payment of its mortgage, in addition to providing for usual current expenses. This experience has again proven that home work never suffers through generosity to work abroad. Figures. We will not weary you with many figures. The total contributions for all purposes, by decades, have been as follows : First decade to 1861 $18,168 85 Second " to 1871 27,140 85 Third " to 1881 30,554 03 Fourth " to 1891 40,272 86 Fifth " to 1901 77,856 52* A grand total of $193,993 ^^ *The amount here given is to December 31, 1901, instead of to end of the fifty years, November 25. 32 There has been a general development during the entire history of the church, in its financial operations, and benevolence has more than kept pace with home ex- penditures, but, as already remarked, the benevolent offerings as compared with expenditures for home work have shown a most remarkable increase during the present pastorate, as will be evident from the following figures : Benevolent offerings, 1888 $811 69 1900 2,835 51 A gain of about 350 per cent. Home expenditures, 1888 $2,060 32 " '•' 1900 4,892 18 A gain of about 225 per cent. In the amount for home expenses in 1900 is included amount raised toward payment of mortgage. The average contributions per member for all ob- jects in all Baptist churches of this state, reported for the year 1900, was $10.32. The average per member for that year in this church was $17.68. On benevolent offerings alone the average for the state per Baptist member in 1900 was $1.64. The average per member of this church for past ten years has been $5.42 per year. The statistics for 1900, as given in the State Annual for that year, shows only six Baptist churches in New Jersey raising more money than this church, though there are twenty-two churches with larger membership. Causes. Among the causes which have aided to secure this grand record of financial development we would suggest the following : First. The possession of thoroughly evangelical pas- tors. All the pastors — we can with special emphasis speak 33 of Pastors Smith, Stubbert.. Simons and Cook, having known them intimately — have been men who beheved the Bible thoroughly and were in fullest sympathy with the conviction that all men need the Gospel and that it is the duty of the church to give it to them at home and abroad. Second. Discarding all questionable means for rais- ing money for the Lord's work. Beyond doubt the most expensive and least effective means of securing money for church work is by means of fairs, suppers, entertainments, etc. Let Christians resolve to give directly to the cause the same amount that they spend indirectly for the same object and there will be no lack of means. A gentleman recently told me of a church fair in which his wife was greatly interested. She bought silk and other materials costing nearly ten dollars and then being very expert with the needle produced after days of careful work some beau- tiful object and donated it to the fair. It was finally sold at auction in the wind-up for some five or six dollars. Direct giving would have saved the lady much work and the church would have received nearly twice as much. Third. Making Christian giving not a burden nor a mere duty, but a privilege and based on principle. Many members of the church have this conception of the matter and are striving to act as stewards for their Master, and are giving a definite portion of their income for His work. When all God's people accept and adopt this view of their financial obligations in connection with Christian giving there will be no lack of means. Fourth. While every pastor has held up high ideals and exerted true influence in the financial affairs of the church it is only proper to say that Pastor Cook has made an exceptional record in that respect and in large measure the splendid record of the past few years is due to his explicit and forceful teaching and influence. 34 Effects, It is our conviction that other departments of church life and activity have been helped through the existence of Scriptural and noble methods in the finances. We believe it has had much to do with the maintenance of the beautiful spirit of unity and harmony which has been so eminently characteristic of the church. An influence has been exerted on other churches which has been stimu- lating and inspiring. The Bloomfield church has a repu- tation as exceptionally successful and generous, and other churches have been moved to follow its example. Now all this may seem inclined to awaken pride and boasting, but such should not be the result. While rejoic- ing in the record just recalled, let us remember that the inspiration to do has been from God's Spirit and the abil- ity to do of His enabling, and say "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name be glory." Nor have we yet reached the standard, so, praising Him for His grace and help in the past, let us seek in future to make our financial work even more to His glory. ADDRESS. By Chas. G. Russell. Subject. — Blessings realized from organized work. In the earliest days in the history of the Christian Church it was found wise to carry on its varied activi- ties through organizations formed for that purpose, and in the sixth chapter of The Acts we read of a com- mittee of seven, organized in the church at Jerusalem, to have charge of certain of its business ; and from that time CHARLES GILBERT. Trustee, 1856-1857. " 1859-1894. GEORGE HALL. Trustee, 1S56-1857. JOSEPH HAGUE. Deacon, 1857-1865. Trustee, 1857-1861. Treasurer, 1S58-1860. Clgrk, 1860-1866. WM. J. OMBERSON. Trustee, 1856-1866. Deacon, 1862-1868. 35 tintil the present organizations have been used of God for the blessing of His own people and the spreading abroad of the good tidings of the Gospel. Much of the work of our own church during the ^ greater part of its history has been accomplished by means of its organizations, some of which remain and are doing good service to-day, while others having fulfilled their mission have passed away or been merged into other socie- ties which with better equipment are filling a larger sphere of usefulness. It would indeed be both interesting and profitable to review the histories of the organizations which are or have been a vital part of our church life, but it is our pur- pose to-night to present briefly the blessings realized from organized work; realized by ourselves and by others to whom the blessings have been extended. With us, as with so many other churches, the women have been an important factor, and at no time in our history have we lacked for those who, like Lydia and Dorcas of old, were zealous in good works ; it is there- fore fitting that we should first consider the blessings arising from the organized efforts of our sisters in Christ. Heading the list are the Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Societies with their long and useful careers, whose meetings have been the means of fostering the missionary spirit in the sisters of the church, whose con- tributions of money have been sent to all parts of the mis- sion field at home and abroad, and whose prayers accom- panying their gifts have made them more effective. Surely many far-away corners of the home land and the remoter parts of the earth are sharing in the blessings of these organizations ; and to-day missionaries, colporteurs, Bible readers and Christian workers, some of whom have been brought out of the superstition and degradation of 36 heathenism, are spreading still farther the gracious in- fluences set in motion by these societies, and who shall say where the circling waves of blessings shall finally find rest ? Then, too, there are missionaries laboring on the frontiers of our own country whose hearts have been made glad by the receipt of boxes or barrels, proof of the loving interest of Christian women of an Eastern church, and whose contents helped to supplement an income all too small. Surely many times has joy come to the hearts of the members of these organizations as grateful acknowledg- ments have caused them to realize that it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive. What the organizations just mentioned have done for the women of the church the Farther Lights Circle is doing for our young ladies; China and Assam, as well as the great city across the Hudson, are partakers of the blessings resulting from their works. Study of mission fields and the problems connected with them has brought to this circle a broader outlook, a better comprehension of God's dealings with the nations, a keener sympathy with missionaries and their helpers, a deeper love for the Saviour and a stronger interest in His world-wide work for the salvation of men, and thus has blessing returned in full measure. How beneficent and multiform have been the labors, how many homes have been brightened, how many sick- rooms cheered, how many needs supplied and how much suffering relieved by the gentle ministry of the various circles of King's Daughters that have from time to time worked in connection with this church. The mission in Glenwood Avenue, Mountainside Hospital, St. John's Guild, the workers in the slums of 37 the cities and many other worthy objects have been the recipients of their benefactions and have abundant cause to be grateful to those who have in "His Name" given liberally of time and means. But what would our church be without its Mite Society ? Truly may it be said its mites are mighty. Go to our treasurer and ask of him "Do you know of bless- ings realized from the efforts of the Mite Society ?" and he will testify of financial burdens made lighter by the work and self-denial of its members through their repeated con- tributions to the church treasury ; or inquire of the Board of Trustees and they will tell of furniture, of carpets and of other material comforts made possible by their co-op- eration, and how large a number of those present have on many occasions been partakers of their generous hos- pitality. Verily many blessings have been received at the hands of the Mite Society, and were they asked what has been your share of these benefits, we are sure the reply would be "the joy of serving this loved church and its glorious Head." Our young people have for many years been organ- ized for special work and their societies under various names have wrought for the good of our young men and women along social, intellectual and spiritual lines. Some in the room this evening will recall with tender memories the young people's prayer meetings, which at first were held in the little room in the basement now known as the kitchen, but later, because of increasing attendance, were transferred to the present dining-room ; in those meetings the Spirit of God was often manifested in power, souls were saved and the room rang with praise and testimony from those rejoicing in a new-found hope. Many are there to-night, some perhaps here present and others in 38 distant parts of the land, to whom the rooms below are veritable Bethels, for there God met and blessed them. Fond recollection carries us back also to the social side of these associations and recalls the gatherings which bound the young people together in fraternal regard, or to the meetings which through study and reading sought their mental improvement. But these are of the past and to-day are overshad- owed by the Young People's Society of Christian En- deavor, the giant of young people's organizations, with its fuller equipment for service, its many committees, special literature, systematic plans for Bible study, and its local, county and national conventions, bringing our Christian youth into contact and sympathy with those of other denominations, widening their field of usefulness and increasing the possibilities of their being blessed and of becoming a blessing to others. While only eternity can fully measure the influence exerted for good by the banding together of our young people in this society, whose aim is found in its motto, "For Christ and the Church," the careful observer of church life to-day can readily see the advantages derived from utilizing the freshness and vigor of our younger members. Any organization which persistently seeks the up- building of young Christians, and their training for active service, both in word and deed, is rendering a service of inestimable value to the present and future generations, and this we believe the Christian Endeavor Society is accomplishing; therefore we are grateful to God to-day for the blessing of young people thoroughly grounded in the word of God and furnished for every good work, and we look forward with confidence to the future, fully believing that when the time comes when those who are 39 now manfully and faithfully bearing the heat and burden of the day must cease from their labors, there will be found graduates of the Endeavor Society ready to assume the burdens and fully qualified to carry on the Lord's work. Linked to this organization is the Junior Society of Christian Endeavor, which is carrying on a similar work among the boys and girls of the church and congrega- tion, and what a blessed service it is, and how full of promise for the future, that our boys and girls so early in life should be brought to know the riches of God's word, encouraged to use their voices in the service of the Master in public prayer and testimony, and be given a knowledge of and an interest in missions at home and abroad. Thank God that our children have in the Junior Society advantages that we never knew. May the heart of every parent whose boys and girls are connected with this organization experience the joy and blessing of see- ing them while young brought into the fold of the Good Shepherd. Nor can we forget the work that some years ago was begun by that sainted woman of God, Mrs. Mary Rassbach, in the Glenwood Avenue Mission; right nobly did she and her faithful associates labor and the Lord of the vineyard rewarded their fidelity and gave them a har- vest of souls. Changing conditions made it wise that the work should cease, but the blessing still continues, finding testi- mony in changed lives and gladdened homes and joyous echo in the hearts of those sacrificing time and comfort for the good of others and the glory of God. These, brethren, are but few of the manifold bless- ings realized from the organized work of this loved church, 40 and I doubt not that many great and important benefits have been omitted from this fragmentary and imperfect review; but inadequate as their presentation has been, should we not be moved with profound gratitude to the Heavenly Father and be ready to exclaim with the Psalm- ist, "I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall con- tinually be in my mouth." THOMAS PEACOCK. Trustee, 1862-1863. THEODORE R. BEARDSLEY. Trustee, 1863-1864. Deacon, 1889-1890. DAVID WINANS. Trustee, 1865-1870. ELDRIDGE VAN DE WERKEN. Trustee, 1867-1886. Deacon, 1868-1886. SJvtJbrUi^je JB^gf* Monday, November 25th, was Jubilee Day, for it was on that date, 1851, that the church was organized. Special interest centred in the exercises of the day, and before the close of the evening service the tide of joyous enthusiasm ran very high. The feeling of gladness began to manifest itself in the afternoon at four o'clock, when a members' reunion was held in the school-room. For an hour and a half, former members gladly greeted one another, renewed old friendships and rejoiced with the present members. Among those present was Mrs. Henry F. Smith, of Mount Holly, N. J., whose late husband was pastor from 1858 to 1869. Hanging on the walls of the room was a collection of photographs of nearly all the men who had served the church as pastors, deacons, trus- tees, clerks, treasurers, or Sunday-school superintendents. There were about forty pictures in all, arranged in groups by Deacon J. B. Maxfield. These pictures at- tracted the attention of both former and present mem- bers. Equally interesting was a unique and most complete membership memorial roll and cabinet, which had been designed by Mr. F. W. Hewes. A brief description of it (40 42 will doubtless prove interesting. The cabinet contains a web of cloth-lined paper over thirty feet in length, upon which are inscribed the names of the 1252 persons who united with the church during the fifty years of its his- tory. A colored line opposite each name indicates at a glance just when the individual became a member, and stopping at the right year space, how long the member- ship continued. If the person's membership ceased for a time, and was then renewed, the break in membership is shown by a corresponding break in the color line. It also indicates in what pastorate each person became con- nected with the church. If the member occupied an official position, that fact is indicated and also the years of such service. Diagrams also appear showing the mem- bership at the close of each year and the financial record of the church in the amount of money raised in each of the fifty years for home expenses and for benevolence; also the reduction each year of the mortgage debt incurred in erection of Sunday-school room. This unique cabinet will itself remain a most interesting and valuable memorial of the jubilee celebration, the passing years adding more and more to its value as an historical record of an unusual character. At 5.30 a collation was served in the dining-room of the church during which delightful sociability pre- vailed everywhere. 43 At the evening service the church was filled with an eager, expectant congregation. The pastor presided. Greetings were read from former members of the church now living at a distance, among these messages being one from Mrs. Sarah E. Ward, one of the constituent mem- bers, who on account of feeble health was unable to be present. The greeting of the Sunday-school to the church, given on page 17, was read by Superintendent F. B. Stone, and was warmly received. An historical paper, given in full on subsequent pages, was read by Mr. D. G. Garabrant. This was followed by the pre- sentation by the treasurer of a financial statement, show- ing receipts and expenditures in building the new school- room, after which the mortgage, which had been canceled, was duly cremated by Mr. J. B. Maxfield, president of the Board of Trustees, assisted by Mr. D. G. Garabrant, the treasurer. The burning of the document was received with hearty applause and waving of handkerchiefs by the audience. Joy filled all hearts as the people realized that years of labor and self-sacrificing giving had resulted in this long-looked-for consummation. After the paper had been reduced to ashes Mr. Maxfield delighted the audience by reading the poem entitled "No Mortgage on the Church," which is given on pages 69, etc. This service, so full of glad good things, was made all the more enjoyable by the singing of a duet by Mrs. W. 44 H. Burn and Mr. E. M. Healy, entitled "Peace to This Dwelling," and a solo, by Mr. Robert J. Black, entitled "Praise Ye the Lord." The service closed appropriately with a solo and chorus, "Glorious Day in Zion." Mrs. Franklin A. Stone presided at the organ. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BLOOMFIELD, N. J. By D. G. Garabrant. Early Bloom field Baptists. In some parts of New Jersey, Baptists were among the early settlers, having organized churches in 1688 at Middletown, Monmouth County; in 1689 at Piscataway (now Stelton), Union County, and in 1690 at Cohansey, Cumberland County. There are also now in existence eighteen Baptist churches in various parts of the state which were organized in the eighteenth century, the near- est to Bloomfield being those at Scotch Plains, Morris- town, and Lyons Farms. Bloomfield and neighboring towns, however, were settled by people of Presbyterian faith, and all Baptist churches about here are of comparatively recent date. Until after 1850, the "old church," as it is called — erected by the First Presbyterian Congregation, at the head of the Park, in the latter part of the last century — was the only church in the village of Bloomfield. although it had then become a place of some 2000 inhabitants. There was a little Methodist church on what was called the Faterson road (now Broad street), above "Bay lane," about a 45 mile out of town, and both Presbyterian and Methodist churches at West Bloomfield (now Montclair), which was then in Bloomfield township. In Bloomfield village, how- ever, the "old church" had the field to itself until our church was built in 1853, followed closely by the Park Methodist Episcopal Church the same or following year. Although occasionally Baptists resided in Bloom- field prior to 1850, they were too few in number to set up the standard in a community so little in sympathy with their peculiar views and convictions. Among the very few having Baptist principles of whom we have learned as residents here prior to 1850, were a Mr. Miller and a Mr. Owen, who lived here about 181 5 to 1820, and who with one Presbyterian and one Methodist started a union meet- ing at the school-house in the Montgomery neighborhood, on the eastern border of the town. Also, a Mr. Conry, who about the same time resided here and attended the Presbyterian church, and who was known by the distinct- ive name of "the Baptist." Other early Baptist residents were Mrs. William B. Davey and Mrs. Isaac Dodd — whose Baptist views were well known from her regular trips to New York to attend communion, a trip to New York being quite a journey in those days — and about 1835, Thomas Day and family. All these, with the excep- tion of Mrs. Dodd, had left the place before any move was made known towards organizing a church. There were, however, several other Baptists who came into Bloomfield during the first half of the last cen- tury, who, strong in Baptist principles, stood ready as soon as an opportunity offered to raise a standard here. These were Mrs. Charlotte Vanderpool, Samuel A. Brower, Uzal D. Ward and wife, William Clark and wife, Sylves- ter P. Looker, Joshua Crane and wife and Mrs. Caro- line Sanford. 46 About 1850 there moved into the place Charles S. Willet, not then a church member, but having a hearty- interest in religion, and a Baptist in sentiment; his fam- ily were in sympathy with him, and at least one member of it, Mrs. Ann L. Fisher, was a Baptist member. Also about this time David Cairns and his wife, staunch and earnest Baptists, and George Sherwood, whose wife was a Baptist member, removed to Bloomfield. These few accessions, although they brought up the total number of Baptists to but little over a dozen, seemed to be all that was needed to justify these earnest upholders of the truth in attempting what they had long had it in their hearts to do, and though it involved earnest and hard work they were ready for it. The first steps toward establishing a regular meeting in this neighborhood seem to have contemplated West Bloomfield (or Montclair) as the location, and a num- ber of prayer meetings were held at the residence of Joshua Crane, who lived there. These meetings were aided by Rev. J. Q. Adams, then pastor at Caldwell. This was about 1850. As, however, Bloomfield was de- cidedly more central for the few Baptists in the neigh- borhood, the meetings at West Bloomfield were discon- tinued and thought was turned towards a permanent work in the former place. Organization. We have thus briefly sketched the history of Bap- tists here previous to the organization of a church, which occurred in the autumn of 1851, just fifty years ago. On November 25th of that year the brethren and sisters, though few in number and weak financially, met and organized. 47 The following constituent members signed the Arti- cles of Faith and Covenant : William Clark, Samuel A. Brower, Mrs. Sarah E. Ward, Mrs. Charlotte Vanderpool, Mrs. Hepzibah Cairns, Mrs. Clarissa Crane, Mrs. Ann E. Sherwood, Mrs. Ellen Clark, Uzal D. Ward, Sylvester P. Looker, David Cairns, Joshua Crane, Mrs. Caroline Sandford. in all thirteen persons. In addition to the Willet family, of whom we have spoken as instrumental in bringing about the formation of this church, there should be mentioned several other earnest consecrated helpers. Some of these were Baptist members and others Baptist only in conviction, but they were all in hearty sympathy with the movement and bore their full share of the burden. These constituent helpers — if not constituent mem- bers— were : Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Willet, Mrs. Ann L. Fisher, Miss Sarah Willet, Miss Angle A. Fisher, Miss Martha Jones (now Mrs. Henry Spear), Mrs. Mary Davison, Robert Travis and Mrs. Thomas Cadmus. The church owes much to these helpers, as well as to the original members. It is a grand thing to be a helper — a noble office open to every one. Of the constituent members only two are now liv- ing— Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Ward. Of the "constituent helpers" three still remain members of the church and helpers as of yore; they are Mrs. Spear, Miss Fisher and Mrs. Cadmus. There is also still with us one who, although not asso- ciated with the movement before organization, did be- come identified with it almost immediately after — we refer to Mrs. Charles Gilbert. She, with her husband, was among the first to be baptized. They were with the church when it met in the Franklin schoolhouse, and Mrs. 48 Gilbert is still among us, an earnest, loyal member for nearly fifty years. The courage and faith of this little band was shown by their prompt action, having at their first meeting, No- vember 20th, 185 1 — even before their organization was completed — appointed a committee to raise money "for building a meeting house," and at their third meeting, December 2d, a committee was instructed to purchase a lot. Of course a temporary home was needed for this new church family, and for this purpose the Franklin schoolhouse, located in the southeast part of the village, opposite the present residence of Dr. Harry E. Richards, was rented, repaired and furnished. Prayer meetings and Sunday-school services were held in the latter part of 1 85 1, but preaching services were not begun until Feb- ruary 1st, 1852. On February 13th the church was recognized. The exercises of the public recognition were held in the Lec- ture Room of the Presbyterian Church, kindly oiifered for the purpose, and were participated in by Revs. J. Q. Adams, William Hague, D. D., Thomas Armitage, D. D., H. C. Fish, D. D., and J. R. Stone. At first the church seemed likely to locate in the extreme southern part of the town, and the committee to secure a lot reported that the most suitable one they could obtain was one belonging to Mr. James Wharry; it was situated in the neighborhood of the present residence of Brother J. B. Maxfield. In March, however, a very much wiser choice was made and the present church property, corner of Franklin street and Washington avenue, was bought for $950. The original plot purchased for the new church build- ing was much larger than the present one, three building lots, one on Franklin street and two on Washington avenue, having been sold from it. Soon after securing the /"^/^ Pastor, 1852-1853. C.^^^J^.^/ YruA huvs Vrv Ciwi' 3CAvv>v-Laj S iTTiLfcrv •vuxi; /TTj T3a,o-oA^. i 1 /v^At' fJ J3A.cnvru.- . . , 1 : n " 1 1 1889 i t «-—( - i. : (27) 1 1 1 hvu) jVLcA^OOACt IX SrvtOtU__L .4 _. Q. JC S ^•CtXKi-lcV j o-rvYv (LtarrA/xJi/o^ . 'TV ... .1 AJ L~t; ■■ i- ■ ' i 1 : 1 1 f \ CA/C/TvwoA/ W ^ -^ ^^4 1 , 1 rruAo XlkoxJJdjb'X l^inttm. 1 1 1 ...1 1. , .... SiT-n^. 90C Section of Roli, of Members, in Membership Cabinet. ct t« 'JV- 'i i '■'■' ^'^ S-Ji-a,^" t iH n 1 |, 1 i..-,: ■ "'i" 1 * ^ 1 i ; 1 1 1 - j 1^ 1 ;. 1 1 ' r 1 1 1 1 I |> ' ■ B f. 1 Jl H '^ ^' I 1 1' '»* 1 k' ^^ lilliiiU Diagram from Membership Cabinet, Showing Debt Reduction from 1892 to 1901. I03 SUNDAY-SCHOOL STATISTICAL TABLE. Year. 1852 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 i860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870 1871 1872 1873 1874 1875 1876 1877 1878 1879 1880 1881 1882 1883 1884 1885 1886 1887 1888 1889 Officers aud Teachers. unknown unknown 17 19 unknown 18 17 23 20 19 22 23 23 24 27 28 32 30 30 28 30 26 27 26 28 30 31 32 29 31 24 30 32 31 35 29 24 31 Scholars. 122 140 158 125 141 180 171 179 195 202 188 238 252 287 260 250 263 250 239 233 205 218 253 258 254 221 201 230 217 219 210 209 183 191 223 Total. 139 159 176 142 164 200 190 201 218 225 212 265 280 319 290 280 291 280 265 260 231 246 283 289 286 250 232 254 247 251 241 244 212 215 254 Amount raised. $20.00 20.00 26.00 40.00 60.00 62.92 30.00 31-71 46.38 50.00 102.17 I 17.00 151-49 245.00 321.04 285.12 254.00 289.06 241-45 268.9s 275-91 285.00 263.00 220.00 194.04 200.00 225.00 174-55 168.48 21 1. 00 280.02 239.29 222.69 216.74 237.72 222.72 236.50 249.83 I04 SUNDAY-SCHOOL STATISTICAL TABLE— Continued. Year. Officers and Teachers. Scholars. Total. Amoiuit raised. iSoo 32 37 35 38 38 38 38 40 36 36 39 38 231 268 306 327 324 325 325 336 344 351 383 398 263 305 341 365 362 363 363 376 380 387 422 436 $2Ci;.!;i 1891 ^82.70 1892 518.60 430-00 398-79 397-03 402.50 388.17 ^01.80 1803 1894 i8o<; 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 IQOI 452-18 555-30 650-56 FINANCIAL RECORD. On this and following pages will be found the complete financial record since the organization of the church. For want of space the figures for the first thirty years are given in decades, but from 1882 to 1901 inclusive each year is given separately. Objects. 1852 to 1861. 1862 to 1871. 1872 to 1881. Foreign Missions $340.40 $1,456.90 $96354 631-32 618.66 ♦Women's Baptist Foreign Mis- sion Society Home Missions 189.56 126.72 210.80 148.08 225.76 387.01 528.50 906.15 383.00 823.05 i>353-i7 2,275.28 New Jersey Baptist Missionary Convention 355-50 330-02 495.86 942.23 2,216.98 Ministerial Education Bible and Publication Work Sundry Benevolent Objects Sunday School Benevolent Offer- ings Totals Home Expenses $1,628.33 8,076.42 $7,726.05 19,414.80 $6,554.11 23,999.92 Grand Totals $9,704.70 8,464.10 $27,140.85 $30,554.03 Building Purposes ♦Organized 1875. I05 Q O o w p^ < o Is < 05 00 o> o o •<»' >o CO o 00 co 00 q X 05 t-; r>. q q ■* ^. [>. •"1 '^ 00 CO t^ IN 05 d CO d ■* IN >d CO d 00 CO 05 "5 «3 00 CO CO 00 Tt( ■* CO 00 CO 00 o CO IN «» ee a» o IM o o 00 05 o ^ 2 lO in o OS CI o o q lO CO 00 •"1 05 00 00 ^ CO ^ ^ id d IN IN 00 CO C<1 CD "O U5 ■* in ■* q lO ^ CO IN « ■ (N t^ lO lO >o « U5 IN (N IC 00 "5 l>^ ^ CO >c t>^ CO "5 ® li »H 00 00 t>. O »o CO U5 CO t^ «^ 2S IN o «e ^ g IN (N CO 0» ■* ■* 05 ^_l o "5 ■* CO IN lO rt CO t>. ■* 00 q N q ■* "5 o l^ CO 00 ^ 00 CO ^ (N N ^ CO t-^ CO IN t> f— I s 00 •* 05 ■* ■* CO CO IN 1> IN o N c^ e^ ■* IN O IN CO CO a> (N CO 05 l-< IN 1(5 ^ CO « o q IN 00 00 t-. ■* lO 05 CO IN ^ ^ t^ ; CO 00 oq t^ ■*. *^ q t^ ■^ 00 ■*' CO ^ id CO ed 00 *-H 00 CD o o ■* CO CO w (N CO CO CD lO IN CO s 05 o o CD CO OS lO ■* S q t; 00 O « q r- ^- X "5 CD CD 00 CO 00 S (N d ■* •* 00 O ■* "5 CO 00 (N IN c CO CO ' M Q O CO O IN CO 05 O CO CD ^3 00 CC ■* IN lO iq N t^ t^ ■* •*' IC ^ •*' d IN d t^ id CO 00 •o o ■* W CO 05 CO 00 CO M ^ (N § CO (N o t^ "5 •O CO IN IN t^ C<1 05 2 « lO •O « O CO lO OC ■* 05 IN ^ a d CO d CO CD 05 ■* CD 00 -* Si M 00 o 0» !N 01 >. >> i .2 0) S fl o m M > a 'u a a o o o o so a a a n u o IS O 'o o o o a .2 C > f^ c a 1 , oj ( •J J a > OS I 03 1 09 ] 3 3 -S ( I i m < 1 -"■ >> ^ c c T 3 Oi ii ' «"" ii £ .; ff 5 02 ' pi \ \ ^ ^ c 3 "c a; Q> 1 i ci >> >• "c > a J '1 1 to 11 5 S 5 Z 0 c ^ 1 H * 1-5 i 2 S. 3 a 1 \ % 1 m fr- 1 a 1 ■> ^ a 3 (i I ^ a ^ ^ 5 PQ a a n io6 Q 1 Oi .—4 o OS 00 ■^ 'ri o o> lO 00 00 ■^ o lO OS ■* lO lO CO r- 00 (N IN t^ CO E 00 CO i IN IN o CO ^ OS IN 00 CO o ^ ■* !2 o o ■* q CO CO l^ "*. iq q CO iq a> "*. q o IN 00 CO d id 00 ^ id id id d (N Q OS O CO lO ■* ■ o t^ O 00 i-H IN ■*. OS t^ q OS ^. 00 IN 00 q q ^ CO OJ ^ 00 Tti d d ^ d id CD o 00 U5 05 00 CO 00 CO CO •* OS o ^ lO CO OS ^ s ^ ■* eo •* 00 lO ^ o c t> IN 00 O o t^ 00 o> r-; 00 t> l> q q O CO ■*. o 05 6 id W3 OS Tli d Tji t^i 00 CO 1)< b^ d 00 OS (N t^ CO ■^ 00 CO 00 ■ lO o t^ CO o (N CO *-] CO OS IC o 00 "5 00 r^ o OS a> (^ CO X5 IN id •* h- d IN >* l> IN d 00 t^ lO "^ lO CO co o CO 00 CO M e© '"' ■* Tf< CD CO m o o CO O 00 Q CO OS lO CO t^ IN OS •<*< "5 o lO ■*. IN "3 IN OS q q OS lO '*. IN 05 d 00 OS CO CO 00 ■* d t^ QC IN ■*' 00 ■* 05 t^ lO ■* CO ■* CO OS lO CO IN 2 S ■-1 Tji CO t^ ^ OS CO s •o o "*. •~< t^ q (>; OS d -*' CO OS ^ 00 w rn' T— m' 00 t^ CD CO CO CO OS OS OC ■* CO IN c CO c5 00 o Si CO IN 9» (N ^ CO l^ t^ CO c^ lO o CO ^ b- CO CO 05 CS t>; 00 ■*. ■* CO l> o o c<: ^ 00 ^_ yj^ 00 r^ OS id IC d o o d o d 00 CD t^ 1* lO t^ lO o 00 CO ■* lO IN SI 00 ■* IN i>: CO CO O IN O IN l^ ■^ lO IN t> 00 Q lO b- c ^ IN Oi 00 CO >o 00 OS t^ N lO C£ o Ci lO t>^ CO 00 d •*' O CC CD 00 f- to CD 00 S 00 ■^ CO lO ■. d .£ .2 'S o >. fl OS Ii CQ 'o > tr O o a bi 1 CQ o o S >1 a s a J" « C O a 'S o lU s o K _o ; 1 C c 1 d c 1 1 1= c3 1 c 1 ■J i J ) a 0. 1 1 1 1 o ii PQ ii £ c m [5 fl P3 i C 1 5 1 1 aj 0 g S o (a 0 a a 2 'i > ) -c c e c 1 c 1 I07 FINANCIAL RECORD— Concluded. Recapitulation. 1853 to 1901 inclusive. Foreign Missions $9,995.12 Women's Baptist Foreign Mission Society 3,117.96 Home Missions 4,235.47 Women's Baptist Home Mission Society 653.27 New Jersey Baptist Missionary Convention 2,757.69 Ministerial Education 1,761.02 Bible and Publication Work 2,121.51 Svmdry Benevolent Objects 1 1,688.24 Stmday School Benevolent OfiEerings 12,007.92 Total Benevolence $48,338.20 Home Current Expenses 113,862.14 Building Purposes 31,792.77 Grand Total $193,993.11 PRESS OF AVIl PRINTING COMPANY MARKET AND FORTIETH STREETS PHILADELPHIA /' V