kim Griggs, Isaac Still, Jasper Smith, Henry Bailie,

George Alexander, Daniel Reading, Richard Hill,
Joseph Capner, John Derrick, Philip Yawger, Fly
Peirson, John It. Beading, John Henry, Cornelius
PolhemUS, Thomas Beading, Hen. hick Johnson,
Arthur Gray, Joseph Gray, .lames Clark, Susannah
Smith, Peter Order, Samuel Bill, I'cter Latourette,

Jacob Huffman, John Cray. Henry Baker, Philip

Case, Rem. Vborhees, John Phillips, John Hart-
pence, Thomas Carhart, I'aul Cool, John Sohank,
Peter Yawger, Jacob Polhemus, Lmos Hartley.
Kn hard Phillips, William Schank, Jr., Elizabeth
Blackwell, William I lase.

Jasper Smith appealed l.ct'.. re the next Presby-
tery in behalf of the petitioners, who asked to be

enrolled "as a new-formed church, to have regular

supplies ordered to them until they could build a

church, and ale able to support a regular and stated
preacher of the gospel among them." The petition



* The cuiUim then gcnenillv proraUed of having ti

- <!,.- ni.'in-
bsnofthl idjonroad toatavan D I partook

,pra| ii. i roi ('.. Bu
prlrmtlon Ihatnoanen opportunity wm all
wall, for Uia ■ Inn Ii

t At tlii- data i monaj, «* U wm

called, in hard-money engagamonta, •■on.-ii.ai i- noi (1790) ttia Cur-
rant exchange."



310



HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.



also stated that a temporary place of meeting had
heen procured, and that, of the fifty-five heads of
families signing, thirteen only were connected with
the old church as subscribers towards the salary.
This application was strenuously opposed by the two
Amwells through their representative, John Prall, Jr.,
because such a measure would so weaken them that
they could not support a pastor. The Presbytery,
instead of coming to a decision, resolved to " meet at
the First Presbyterian Church of Amwell, on the first
Tuesday in November, ... to examine into and
settle, if possible, the differences," etc. The Presby-
tery convened as appointed. Great interest appears
to have been taken in this case, evidenced by the large
attendance and prominent members present, among
whom were Drs. Witherspoon and Stanhope Smith,
of Princeton College, Armstrong, of Trenton, and
Joseph Clark, of Allentown, afterwards of New
Brunswick. After mature deliberation, Presbytery
resolved unanimously that "matters do not appear
ripe for forming the petitioners into a new congrega-
tion," and advised " all parties to unite in prosecuting
the call for Mr. Grant," who was to "preach one-
quarter part of his time at Amwell First Church, one
other fourth part of his time at Flemington, and the
remaining half of his time at Amwell Second Church,
and that the salary be apportioned to the time at each
place." This decision was acquiesced in, and the
Rev. Thomas Grant was not only called, but duly
ordained and installed in December, 1791.

Jan. 9, 1792, a meeting was held of the newly-
formed congregation in the Baptist meeting-house,
"where more than thirty families* (of Presbyterians)
statedly assembled for worship." Their purpose, ac-
cording to a notice previously given (of which the
original is on file), was to elect trustees, and thereby
secure incorporation. " Jasper Smith, counselor-at-
hxw, Thomas Reading, Esq., Capts. Arthur Gray and
Charles Reading, Messrs. Cornelius Polhemus, Samuel
Hill, and Joseph Capner" were elected and incorpo-
rated as " The Trustees of the Flemington English
Presbyterian Church in Amwell, in the County of
Hunterdon and State of New Jersey." The trustees
chose Jasper Smith as their president.

In the spring of 1793 ground was broken for a build-
ing. A lot had been purchased of Joseph Robeson,
containing 1 acre 37 perches, for £40 silver. The
deed was not given until July 17, 1794. The edifice
was 45 by 55 feet, built of stone. The walls were
pointed and the corners laid with hewn stone, brought
" from Large's land, in Kingwood, where the like
stones were got for the court-house." For the day
in which it was built it was a most creditable struc-
ture, showing the liberality and good taste of the
people. It stood within the present graveyard fence.
The front was just where the south fence of the Mettlcr

* Thirty faniilieu wore required by law of 17S0 in order to obtain incor-
poration.



plot runs and faced to the south, where were two doors
of entrance. On each of the sides were two rows of
three windows each. The windows on the upper row
were arched. The north end had two arched win-
dows. The outside was handsomely finished and
painted, but the inside walls were not plastered.
Rough benches, made of saw-mill slabs put on legs,
furnished seats for the worshipers. Two aisles ex-
tended through the building. In the winter days a
little heat was produced from two pits, set in the floor
of these aisles, about two-thirds up towards the pul-
pit. Each pit was about 5 feet long and 1 foot deep,
and bricked. These were filled with glowing char-
coal. About 1816 two stoves for burning wood were
put in, but these did not warm the church sufficiently.
When anthracite coal was introduced, two coal-stoves,
made of sheet iron by Mahlon Smith, were used for
years, in addition to the wood-stoves. This partly-
finished building cost £650 cash, besides material and
labor which were given to the value of £300 more.

May 11, 1794, Mr. Grant preached for the first time
in the new house. The dedication sermon was by
Rev. Mr. Armstrong, of Trenton. The church then
chose as overseers " to keep order in the church in
the time of worship, and to conduct divine worship
and read a sermon when the pastor is absent," Jacob
Mattison, Joakim Griggs, Thomas Reading, and Jas-
per Smith. The two last-named gentlemen were
ordained the first elders, July 16, 1797. At this date
collections were taken to support missionaries on the
frontier, which was then Middle New York and
Western Pennsylvania.

But the congregation labored under serious disad-
vantages. The pastor preached but once in three
Sundays. He lived near Reaville; consequently,
the people saw him seldom, and this church was.
little more than a preaching-post. Religion declined,,
especially in this church, at that time, owing in part
to Mr. Grant's health, which was so delicate that he
was frequently unable to discharge the duties of his
ministry here. The church was also in arrears in
money matters, — a trouble which likewise existed in
the congregations of Amwell. In April, 1809, Mr.
Grant requested that the pastoral relation between
him and the several congregations should be dis-
solved, urging his want of health to perform the
duties required. This was granted. He died in
March, 1811. The church was served by supplies.
for one year.

Meanwhile, this congregation proposed to the Ger-
man congregation at Larison's, which had also be-
come vacant, to join with them in the call and sup-
port of one and the same pastor. This proposal
would probably have been accepted had not the First
Amwell, on becoming acquainted with the overture,
offered to unite with them on the same terms. This .
last seemed to them the most desirable and natural
union, as it was. Thus the old house (First Amwell),
the new house (Second Amwell), and the German



KAIilTAN.



311



congregations united for the support of one pastor,
together possessing funds the interesl of which
amounted to $600, while the Flemington portion
was lci'i b] itself, with. .in funds, and even in
debt.

Notwithstanding all thi-, a fe\i individuals under-
took the apparently hopeless taste of raising b] aub-
scription Bupporl for a pastor for the whole of his
time, and the people responded with a mosl unex-
pected liberality. This enabled the congregation,

in the spring of 1X10, to call Jaroli Field, a lie i

of Hi.: Presbytery of Mew Brunswick, on a salary of
$600 per annum for two years, and then to increase at
the ra'i' of $20 a year until it amounted to $600.
Under the circumstances, this was a large salary.
It equaled that paid by congregations tin- mon
ami proves what a church can do when aroused and
quickened by provocation. Mr. Field supplied the
{ration tor six months before accepting the
rail, ami was ordained and installed Nov. 28, 1810.

About tlii- time another subscription was started
to obtain tnonej for the completion of the church
building. .Seven hundred dollars were procured, and
during the summer of 1810 the interior of the house
was finished. The walls were plastered and the ceil-
ing rounded and covered with narrow hoards painted
aky-blue. Candlesticks fastened to the pillars fur-
nished light win u there wa- owning service, which
was seldom. Wooden candelabra were made for the
pulpit in 1816. Oil-lamps were not introduced until
about 1825. The old slab benches were put in the
gallery, and fifty-four pews tnnk their [.laces mi the

ground floor. It was agreed to leave the pews free
until the next Bpring. April 3, 1811, a meeting of the
ration was held, of which George O. Maxwell
was made president, Alexander Bonnell vice-presi-
dent, and Thomas Gordon secretary. " li was unan-
imously resolved that the pew- BhOUld be rented tor

the purpose ..t' supporting the pastor, and other pur-
poses." And si. it ha- continued until this day. At
this meeting a resolution was passed that "any per-
-.111 i.r persons who choose ma] have a door to their
pew . I. hi ai their own expense." 'The rente am. united
to $685.75. The highest was $23, and the lowest $5.
If we compare the value of money then, ami tic in-
comes of the people, with the same now, we -hall find
thai pew-rent- were higher in 1811 than in 1876.

The following-nai 1 members of the congregation

hired the pew-: Jonathan Hill. ( '..ineliii- William-
son, John B. Beading, W. Maxwell, .1. Beading, dr..
T. Gordon, .1. Maxwell (these four were probably un-
married men, a- they occupied one pew . I Ihlistophei

Cool, Sr., William Case, 1 >r. William Geary, John G.
Trimmer, James Disbrow, Charles Beading, Jr., 11.
droil', Peter Qroff these four also took one pew),
Peter Hilt-, Leonard Kuhl, Peter Kubl, .Ir. these

three one pew), Ne.il Hart, Peter llaward. Jnakiin

Mill. Mathew Diompson, Henry Baker, Preston
Bruen, Blnathan Moore, Ferdinand Johnson, Der-



rick Waldroii, Andrew Van Fleet, William Bloom,

Peter Nevius, .lam.- ('lark, Jr., John Bchenck, 8r.,
John Bchenck, dr.. < lornelius Wyckoff, John Beading,
Br., Thomas Beading, fiev. Jacob T. Field, Alexan-
der B l.H. Merc] Gray, Mr-. Sarah Hill. Mr-.

Hannah Gray these three • pew), Daniel Bead-
ing, Charles Beading, Isaac Bill, George C. Maxwell,
William Young, Jacob Young, Christopher Howe,

Joseph I 'a-.-. Thomas ( 'apner, Matthew I. are. Joseph

Stillman, Mr-. Elijah Carman, I Beading,

Christopher Cool, Martha Wilson, Edward Wyckoff,
Elizabeth Griggs, William Young, David Bellis,

Samuel MeXair. John Maxwell. John Lee, Abraham
Huffman, [saac Van Dorn, Joseph 1'. Chamberlin,
Col. David Bishop, Arthur Schenck. only four pews
were unlet, and of four more the hall' of each was
taken. The pastoral relation between this church

an.l Mr. Field tinned only three years. It ter-
minated by bis own request, April 27. 1813.

Jacob T.n I'.yek Field was born in l.amington,
V .1.. i let. :'• 1 . 1787. Early in life he connected him-
self with the church of that place. He entered the

College of New Jerseyin 1806, and pursued theolog-
ical studies under BeV. Dr. W Ihull. of M oiimouth.

then labored lor a lew years as missionary in and

around Stroudsburg, Pa., before coming to Fli
ton. After leaving this church he accepted a call to
Pompton, V .1. Me .li.. I at Belvidere, V J., Ma]
17, IStili. in his eightieth year, lie was an intimate
friend of Drs. k'iikpatrick and Stinldiford. lie
"stood up'' with l>r. Kirkpatriek when he was mar-
ried, ami iii turn was married by the doctor, and they
went to their reward almost hand in hand.

In the summer of 1815 (June 11th .John Flavel
Clark was ordained and in-tailed. In 1818 a Sab-
bath - , hool was organized and held in the academy
for three years, when it was removed into the gallery
of the church. In winter it was brought down around

the stoves, This remained a union school until about
IsL'l, when each congregation formed it- own school.
The first superintendent of this union -.-hool was

1 >auiel I IriggS, who held the position for three \ ear-.

and until he removed from the village. Mahlon

Smith then beea il- superintendent, and during

the three years it was under his charge there was a
revival, which strengthened the school and Un-
church. Augustus Frisbie became superintendent at
a later date, resigning iii 1842, when Augustus I..
Bichey, now of Trenton, was elected t.. that office.
He retired iii 1844, on leaving Flemington, and Wil-
liam P. Emery took his place in 1845. He continued

superintendent (with the exception of two year-.

when Col. Clark occupied that post until his
nation, in 1870. Hon. J. T. Bird was then

and served for two year-. On hi- resignation E."\ ■-

seller was called to the head of the school, which
position he yet retains.
• lis ul... had charge ol I heorgau-



312



HUNTERDON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY.



This church continued to enjoy Mr. Clark's exclu-
sive services until 1820, and from that time until
1836 united with the First Amwell in his support,
each paying one-half of his salary, and he preaching
for both on alternate Sabbaths. For sixteen years
existed this harmonious co-operation. In 1836 both
churches deemed it expedient to resume their sepa-
rate pastoral relations; and Mr. Clark, receiving a
call from each, decided to accept that of Amwell.

During the pastorate of Mr. Clark the interior of
the church and its surroundings were much improved.
In 1827 a new pulpit was put in ; it was a small hex-
agon, large enough for only one person, and stood on
a high pillar with a sounding-board over it. The
time-honored slab benches in the gallery were super-
seded by rows of seats. The graveyard was enlarged
in 1833, and the next year the whole plot was in-
closed.

In 1837 (April 19th), Rev. J'. M. Olmstead was in-
stalled. There were then 109 members on the roll.
He entered vigorously upon his duties, and the
growth of the church confirmed the wisdom of hav-
ing the entire services of a pastor. Under his min-
istry the church was blessed with several seasons of
religious interest. At one communion iii 1842, 34
united on confession. In October, 1839, the Presby-
tery of Raritan was formed, and this church was
transferred to it from the Presbytery of Newton, with
which it had been connected since the formation of
that Presbytery, in 1818. The first meeting of the
new Presbytery was held in Flemington, and also the
last, in May, 1869, in which year that Presbytery was
dissolved and divided among the adjoining Presby-
teries. In the summer of 1844 a lecture-room was
erected, 27 J by S71 feet, on a lot which was given by
William H. Sloan, Esq. Mr. Olmstead built the
house which is now the parsonage. In October, 1847,
he sent a letter to Presbytery, stating that on account
of feeble health he would be unable to preach for
several months. The ministers of Presbytery offered
to give a Sabbath and thus supply the pulpit, and an
appointment was accordingly made for every other
tSabbath. Although Mr. Olmstead's health improved
under this rest, he soon became satisfied that his
strength was not adequate to the work of the parish.
He resigned, and the pastoral relation ceased Nov. 1,
1849.

The church was vacant one year, when Oct. 29,
1850, Rev. John L. Janeway was installed on a salary
of $700, which afterwards was raised to $1000. The
membership of the church numbered 163. The con-
gregation had now so grown that all desiring seats
could not be accommodated. The building also
needed repairs. In 1848 a committee had been ap-
pointed to ascertain what alterations and repairs were
necessary. A report was made, but no further steps
were taken. Committees were appointed and reports
made for several years, but nothing definite was un-
dertaken until in March, 1852, when an architect was '



employed to make an estimate of the cost of repair-
ing, of the expense of an addition, and of an entire
new building. During the next year (1853) a sub-
scription was opened for a new house. But little
was accomplished, so that at the meeting of the con-
gregation the next April the committee was con-
tinued. Progress was checked by a desire to have the
church located in a central part of the town. Finally,
it was determined to build on the present site, and
additional land was purchased of William R. Bellis,
lying on the east side of the church-lot, at the ex-
treme southern point of which stood a tavern, just
where the front entrance now opens. The building
committee were A. J. Holcombe, Hugh Capner, J. C.
Hopewell, A. V. Bonnell, William P. Emery. The
corner-stone was laid in May, 1856, and the church
was dedicated the next May, on the 14th, on a very
stormy day. The sermon was preached by Prof. Wil-
liam H. Green, of Princeton Theological Seminary.
The edifice cost something over $11,000, which was
made up by subscriptions and the sale of pews. The
same year (1857) an additional acre was purchased of
Mahlon Smith, enlarging the church-yard to its pres-
ent dimensions. At that date, also, the practice of
holding quarterly celebrations of the Lord's Supper
was inaugurated. In 1859 a melodeon was introduced,
which was replaced by an organ in 1867. At first the
singing was led by a precentor. Col. Clark for some
sixteen years had charge of the choir, up to 1857,
when he resigned. His services were gratuitous.

During the absence of the pastor (Rev. Mr. Jane-
way) in the war of the Rebellion the pulpit was
supplied by Rev. N. L. Upham, who afterward settled
at Reaville.

Under the ministration of Dr. Janeway the con-
gregation increased in numbers and influence. In
1852 and 1866 were seasons of religious awakening
which added many to the church. But the exposures
of the camp while he was chaplain seemed to have
undermined his constitution, and on account of his
enfeebled health he resigned in December, 1868.

In January, 1869, George S. Mott, D.D., the present
pastor, was called, and installed May 4th of the same
year. During the summer the lecture-room became
too small to accommodate the classes of the Sunday-
school, and Hopewell Hall was hired. The lecture-
room was given up to the infant-school, which was
organized as a separate department in May. In a few
months Miss S. Hopewell was called to the head of it,
an still remains there. Beginning with 15 it has num-
bered as high as 100. In 1879 the two schools took
possession of the present chapel.

In 1870 the house of Dr. Janeway, on Main Street,
was purchased, repaired, and enlarged into the present
commodious and attractive parsonage at a total cost .
of $11,683.

During the present pastorate there have been three
revivals, — in 1870 when 66 united on confession ; in
1874, 37, and in 1876, the same number. The total



KARITAX.



313



additions are 218 on confession am] I l'i b_\ certificate
from other churches. The membership now is 430.

During the same period (lie congregation has con-
tributed S21,. t i(; l .l I'm' missionary anil lieiievolent pur-
poses, anil has disburse! #47,502 in meeting its ex-
penses. In 1877 the congregation -ent tlie pastor
to Europe, generously providing him with a purse
sufficient for a journey <>f three months and a half.

In the history of this church, covering as it does
nearlj a century of time, it is only possible to here
give the prominent facta of the past. Appended is a
chronological list of the pastors, elders, deacons, and
trustees.

Pastors.
1791-1809, Thomas Grant ; 1810-13, Jacob Ten Eyck Field ; 1815-36, John
Fluvel Clark ; 1837-40, Jonios Blunson Olmstead; 1850-08, John L.
Janeway ; 1809, Goorgo Scuddor Slott.*

EUm.

Thomas Reading,. .nlaim-d I T' >T. . 1 i . . I III. .I:,-,,,., smith, ordained IT'.iT :

Arthur Schonck ;t Jonutlian 11111;+ Isaa.- Hill, ordained 1811; Cor.

Williamson, ordained lull, died 1818; Joptha Anderson, ordained

1810, dlod 1820; Paul Kohl, Jr., ordained 1816,dled 1859; Christopher

Cool, ordained 1810, died l-ll; John G. Trimmer, ordai I 1816, died

1844; Daniel Standi, urdaiiied lsl'.s, died ImIiI; Malilnn Smith, or-
dained 1838; John Griggs, ..idaim-d l-'.s,dled 1872; Cor. William-
eon, ordained 1838, died 1853; Leonard P. Kuhl, ordained 1848, died
1867; William P. Emery, ordained 1848; Peter I. Clark, ordained
1857, died 1803; John Kershow, ordained 1867, died 1888; John T.
Tard, ordained 1867; Petal NotIub, ordained 1864; George B, 8tot-
holt, ordained 18U; William it. Kuhl, ordained 1869, died isvo; John
T. Bird, ordained 1809; B. H. Mullock, ordained 1809; A. T. Counot,
ordained 1809.

Deacons,

1869, John C Coon, John S. Emery,} Eichard S. Kuhl, Joseph niggins.

Tnutm.l
1792.— Jasper Smith, Thomas Beading, Arthnr Gray, Charles Heading,

Bi tel Bill, Joseph Capner, Cornelius Polhemtu.

1706.— Jasper Smith, Samuel 11 ill, Thomas Reading, Arthur Gray, Samuel

Robei I Btowai t.
1800— Thomas Beading, Goorgo C. Maxwoll, Charles Beading, William

Bonnet, Samuel Bill, Joseph Capner, Isaai B1U,
1809.— George 0. Maxwell, Charles Reading, John It. Heading, Samuel

Hill, Isaac Hill, Arthur Bchenck, Jonathan Hill.
1814.— Samuel I.. Southard, riuu le- Reading . i •. ,i ueiius Wyckoff, Samuel

QrlggS, John li. Reading, Jonathan 1 1 ill, John li. 'I I
1817.— Thomas Gordon, William P. Xbung, Andrew Van Bleat, I'ornolius

WjckorT, Samuel Griggs, John R. Reading, WBllam Uaiweil.
1819.— Pavel P.S pe, William WUUanu in [in pla f Thomas Gordon

and \\ Llllaui Maxwell, resigned),
i 10 Daniol Marsh (in place of Sliropo, r.>lgnod).
1821.— Nathaniel Saxton, Cornelius Wyckon", Bamuel Griggs, William

Williamson, Daniel Marsh, Andrew Van Fleet, William P. Young.
1823.— Joseph B I I
1826.— Nathaniel Saxton, Samuol Grl . lie Wyckoff, Daniel

Marsh, Joseph Reading, William P. v g, Heal t.

•I'll Beading, Ellslia It I ador w arts, Goorgo

Maxwell. Daniel Mai b,N iiiut.i: tfi Reading.

■-I'll Reading, Rohcti E n P ml Kuhl,

Ohrli tophei Ktthl, John Ton i, Benry M. Kline.

1883. Joseph Ri idlng, John Trimmer, Paul Kohl. Christopher Kuhl,

Daniel Marsh, Neal Bart, II i « III n.

rhatcher Prall, 1 lard P. Kuhl in place of ftunmer and

Kuhl, resigned).
Charles It lohn Griggs, Paul Kuhl, Thatcher PraU, Leonard

P. Kuhl, Neal Halt, I lillS fl llliai n.



• Now (1881) oil,, | iUo

il ordinatio I stated. red In 1870.

\ In the years not enumoro .is in the

last veai i

Van lie. i ami Voin
•J I



1838.— Bohert K. Reading, Leonard 1'. Kuhl, William G. Kuhl, Samuel

Hill. Benjamin s. Unit, Joseph P. Boss, John Griggs,
i) her Prall in place or WlUiam 0. Kuhl).
VU/L — Charles Haul.-, Augustus Friable, Alexander Worts, John W.

Kline. i„ p. Kohl, Joseph P. Boss, Poter I. Clark.
1846. — George II. StothofT, Cornelius Williamson (in place of Klino and

Boss).
1847.— William P. Emery, Johu Chapman (In place of Wurts and

Frisblo).

.1 e ■ \ Heading in plai e of WMHamiwi),

1849.— John Chapman, Jamee N. Heading, William H. Sloan, L. P. Kuhl,
Petar w. iiurk, Edward it. Bnllock, William P. Emery.

1850.— Charles Bartle., Peter I. Clark (in place of Sloan and Chapman).

1852. — lohn G. Reading 'in pla f Jamas X. Reading).

1855.— George B. StotholT (in place of l' liarth -i.

Is57— Charles Hurtle- in pla 1" K. It. Hull" 1. .

1858.— George B. Btothoff, Peter L Clark, John G. Beading, WlUiam P.
Emery, Peter W. Iimk. Charles Bartles, William B. Kuhl.
■ „f p. I. Clark, deceased).
Ill bard Emmons (in place of J. U. Heading).

1870.— T.e. Baward (in place of William B. Kuhl, deceased).

1873.— J. T. Bird, A. T. Gurnet (in place of 0. Bartles and It. Emmons).

1874.— P. K. Hoffman (In place of W. P. Emery).

1870.— John T. Bird, Thomas C. Baward, Andrew T. Oonnet, Paul K.
Hodman, John L. Jones, L I.. Kevins, John BLarahow.

The names of some of the earlier members of this
church are here appended. The proceedings of the
Session of Flemington Church were not regularly
recorder] previous to 1810. At that time the following
names were on the roll : John Reading, Br., Thomas
Heading, Jonathan Hill ami wife. John ti. Trimmer,
William Bellows, Br., Mrs. Mary Cool, John Maxwell.
Sr., and wife, Abraham Williamson, Mrs. Griggs,
Arthur Schenck. Probably there were a few others
not recorded.

1810.— Confwion : Isaac Hill, Sirs. Mar] Hill, Joaklm Hill, William
Bloom and wife, John PhUlips, Mrs. Merc] Gray, Mi - Nancy Bead-