2012.029

Taylor, Leonard J.

Donation

Gift of Leonard J. Taylor

1945 - 1945

Date(s) Created: 1945 Date(s): 1945 Level of Description: Item

Good

Notes: Archives 2012.029.0030 Centennial FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH HOBOKEN NEW JERSEY A CENTURY IN THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Published at the time of the ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY of the Founding of the Church DECEMBER 1945 [photo] FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH HOBOKEN W.E. Borries [photo] REV. FRED L. HAINER, D. D Minister GREETINGS A little over a year ago plans were made and committees appointed to arrange for the celebration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the organization of our church. Included in the plans was the raising of an anniversary fund to pay off our mortgage. In the minds of some was the fond hope that money enough might be received to redecorate the walls throughout the building. As we come to this celebration with our mortgage paid in full and our church redecorated, the pastor wants to express his sincere thanks to all who have in any way contributed to make these accomplishments possible. Only through the loyal co-operation of one and all have we been able to come to this happy occasion. At such a time as this our minds go back across the years and our respects are paid to those who have toiled and sacrificed in order that we might enjoy this rich heritage. When we realize how God has watched over this church through these years, giving wisdom to her leaders and success to her labors, truly we are led to exclaim "What hath God wrought" and may we, to whom has descended this glorious Christian heritage, seek to make it more resplendent by our personal sacrifices and noble endeavor and transmit it to those who shall come after us, unsullied and greatly enriched through our consecrated living. A spirit of pride should enter the hearts of all for the service that it has been our privilege, as a church, to render in the name of God. It also carries a challenge for the future. Fred L. Hainer, Pastor. page four --- A CENTURY IN THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HOBOKEN 1845 One hundred years ago, a small group of men and women met in a schoolhouse known as the "Hoboken Institute" to worship God. Among these three men and nine women who organized the First Baptist Church on November 2, 1845 was the mother of one of our members, Mary C. Applegate, who passed into the Great Beyond a few years ago. It happened that her sister, Susan Whitney Applegate, namesake of her mother, Susan Whitney, wrote a most interesting essay in 1904 entitled "Hoboken, When Grandmamma Was Young." She recalled: "We had no churches here. Grandmamma was obliged to mount her horse and ride to the old church at English Neighborhood, now Ridgefield, nearly seven miles away. This old church is the second oldest in New Jersey. ... It was a long time before a church building was erected in Hoboken. The majority of the citizens were of the Reformed Dutch faith. As several new families of wealth had bought property, settled here, and were generous contributors to a church fund, old St. Paul's Church on the corner of Third and Hudson Streets was built in deference to their wishes. "It was this church that almost all the villagers attended until there came to the town a few Methodists who worshipped in the small school house on Washington Street near Seventh Street. These were followed by a number of families from Bordentown. The majority of the men came as employees of the Hoboken Land and Improvement Company. These families were of the Baptist faith and formed with a few of the villagers what is now the First Baptist Church. These two denominations, Methodists and Baptists, worshipped in the little schoolhouse alternately each Sunday. The weekly prayer meeting was a union of the two. The young women were not ashamed during the day to be seen carrying candles to light the building, nor afraid to make a fire so that husband, brother and lover might attend when their day's tasks were over. The Methodists started the first Sunday School. Grandmamma's gir's, who were Baptists, helped them and made a personal canvass of the villagers for scholars. Our Catholic brethren never failed to attend service. Although they were obliged to go to Jersey City, no storm was too severe for them as they sturdily passed along the causeway which joined Jersey City and Hoboken." On December 5, 1845, the Board of Trustees was incorporated as "The Trustees of the First Baptist Church of Hoboken in the township of North Bergen, Hudson County, New Jersey." 1846 The first pastor was Rev. John Batey, who served the church until September 27, 1846. Nearly nine hundred dollars were collected for building the church to be located on the northwest corner of Meadow (Park Avenue) and Fourth Streets in "Church Square." Unfortunately this building never materialized, as a gale demolished the walls on November 23, 1846. page five ----- 1847 Through the efforts of the "friends of Christian Missions", two thousand dollars were collected towards the first meeting house. Deacon T. W. Thomas recommended the purchase of a lot on the southwest corner of Washington and Third Streets. The beautiful baptismal window in our present edifice recalls the long service of Deacon Thomas. This window was given by the King's Sons, King's Daughters and Deacon Thomas' Sunday School class. One year after Rev. Josiah Hatt began his ministry, the first church was dedicated on July 1, 1847. 1852 The year 1852 marked the Seventh Anniversary of the organization of our church. Glimpses of the ciiurch at that time are revealed in an "Historical Sketch" prepared by Rev. Hatt for the Seventh Anniversary. It is interesting to note that the first subscription for the support of the ministry amounted to one hundred and fifteen dollars. During the first four years the ministry was supported mostly by the New Jersey Baptist State Convention and the American Baptist Home Mission Society. Although two years later the members were burdened with a debt for a new edifice on the corner of Bloomfield and Third Streets, these pioneers contributed nearly five hundred dollars to the cause of missions, Bible and tract distribution, and ministerial education. Rev. Hatt wrote: "Our Sabbath School is as old as the church itself. The Hoboken Tract Society was formed soon after. . . . We have joined recently our brethren of other denominations in organizing the Hoboken Bible Society for the supply of our whole population with the Word of Life." "We have never stood in the way of any other Christian agency, but have hailed the establishment of churches differing from our own in the hope that they might be rendered useful to souls beyond our influence. When then, two years ago, our house of worship was applied for on Lord's Day afternoon by Rev. Sticker, the Presbyterian missionary of Hoboken, it was at once resolved to tender him the free use of it, whenever practicable, so long as it appeared for the glory of God to continue the grant." "At the time of our organization, there were but a few hundred inhabitants. Now we have a population of more than five thousand. It is true that one-half of this number are Germans and French peop.e." "Sabbath desecration is alarmingly prevalent. . . . The hum and bustle and coarse laughter and rude music, which almost always disturb the quiet and worship of the evening especially, tend to dissipate all reverence and respect for the dry. ... As a natural consequence, the sanctuary is neglected. . . . The great majority of the people prefer not unfrequently the public garden and the saloon." "Tippling is a crying sin among us." Fortunately the picture brightens later on in his address: "Seven years ?go, there were but sixteen recognized members. Now there are one hundred and twenty-eight." 1854 The memorial window facing the east, dedicated to Rev. Josiah Hatt, reveals that his successful pastorate ended in 1854. 1858 The church seal was adopted. 1859 This year marks the close of the four years' pastorate of the Rev. A. S. Patton, D.D., commemorated by the memorial window facing the west. page six ------ 1861 The oldest Minute Book of the Board of Trustees reveals that in 1861 the women of the church were organized and two societies raised $200 to help the church. Strawberry festivals were popular. Throughout its long career the Ladies' Aid Society has continued to aid the church financially through the devoted work of its members. For many years the society has been interested in missionary work looth at home and abroad. Mrs. William C. Rue has rendered years of faithful service as president of the Ladies' Aid Society. 1863 Glancing through the membership records, the names of Elizabeth Rue and Greene Rue appear in 1863. Since that time members of the Rue family have continued to serve our church. Two of our trustees are Mr. William C. Rue and his son, Charles Rue. Mr. W. C. Rue is the church treasurer. 1868 This year was notable for the organization of the First Baptist Mission Sabbath School, which trained boys and girls for more than twenty-five years. 1884 The distinction of being the oldest member of our church belongs to Miss Freda Borries, who became a member in 1884. Previous to joining the church, she had been active in the Sunday School. She was an earnest worker in the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor. 1885 During this year the Manual of the First Baptist Church was adopted. 1888 The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor was organized on September 4, 1888. Most of the active members of the church received their training in Y.P.S.C.E. 1890 In 1890 Mathias H. Taylor joined the church. He was elected deacon in 1903 and served continuously until his death in 1942. For years he was the secretary of the Board of Trustees and treasurer of Missions and Benevolence. He held several offices in the Sunday School during his long membership. When the beautiful cross above the baptistry is illuminated during the Sunday Evening Cross Service, many of us recall that "Tice", as he was known among his friends, made it and gave it as a gift to the church. Since she became a member in 1887, Mrs. Taylor has been an active worker in the church and is now our second oldest member. Our church on the corner of Third and Bloomfield Streets was sold in 1890 to St. John's Evangelical Church. The corner stone for the present edifice on the northeast corner of Ninth and Bloomfield Streets was laid on June 18, 1890 at 4:00 P.M. During the impressive service, James Bates, Church Clerk, read the contents of the box and placed them, in position, Deacon A. B. Cruden presented the trowel and Deacon James Benson laid the corner stone. page seven ------ 1891 Much credit for the erection of this new building belongs to the Rev. John Finch. The programme of the dedicatory services lasted for five days "beginning Sabbath, September 27, ending October 2, 1891". The Building Committee were Rev. John Finch, James Benson, A. B. Cruden, Henry A. Bonynge and John A. Brown. One of the trustees was Andrew B. Van Woert, whose grandson, First Lieut. Andrew B. Van Woert is at present our Financial Secretary. About this time twenty-five members left the First Church and organized the Second Baptist Church on a downtown site, because they believed that the lower part of the city would be neglected by the removal of Baptists from the Third Street Church to the uptown site on Ninth Street. 1896 The Golden Jubilee was celebrated in November, 1896, although it had been postponed a year. An exodus of Hobokenites to the suburbs about this time resulted in the church losing many members and their financial support. Because the church lost heavily in unpaid subscriptions to the Building Fund, a large mortgage was placed on the new property which became a source of worry for many years. 1897 The Baptist Mission, located on Second Street near Clinton Street, was sold for $4,000, to the City of Hoboken. Public School No. 5 adjoined the property. 1912 Discouragement and impending ruin were brought on by a decreasing membership due to a fast changing population resulting from new arrivals in the United States not of the Protestant faith. The church was at a very low ebb, running behind about $500 per year in current expenses. The members were discouraged to the last degree, most of them with little hope in the future of the church. Including the large mortgage, the total debt on the church amounted to $11,972. A meeting was called in June to discuss selling our beautiful church, but the "Faithful" won the day and decided never to give up the fight. A new era began with the call of Rev. Forrest L. Fraser to the pastorate on November 10, 1912. Within three years, 138 new members were added to the church roll. In 1913 the Duplex Envelope System was installed. The Second Baptist Church was persuaded to turn over their property to the New Jersey Baptist Convention. Most of the members of the Second Baptist Church united with the First Baptist Church. Our church conducted a thriving Mission Sunday School in the old Second Baptist Church. Two missionaries worked among the Italians, which was the first Protestant effort made in our city. This work was financed by several missionary agencies. The membership of the First Baptist Church increased to 238. 1913 Theodore Herring joined the church during this year and later on began his long service as Sunday School superintendent and choir director. The beautiful Anniversary Hymn for the Eightieth Anniversary was written by Mr. Herring. This hymn page eight ----- was sung also at the Ninety-fifth Anniversary. For the celebration of our One Hundredth Anniversary Mr. Herring has written a new hymn. Mr. Herring has the honor of being our lay preacher. He is the member of our Board of Deacons who has the longest service. 1914 The trustee who has served the longest is Judge J. Raymond Tiffany, who was elected in 1914 and began service on January 7, 1915. Although for years they have been non-residents, Judge Tiffany and Mrs. Tiffany retain their membership in our church. The Judge continues to take an active interest in the work of the Board of Trustees. Quoting from the bulletin prepared by Rev. Fraser, "History of the First Baptist Church of Hoboken, New Jersey, 'In a Nutshell' ": "January 1, 1914, saw the beginning of a determined and heroic effort to pay off every red cent of debt. Since 1890 the First Church has never been a day without a blighting burden of debt. . . . We started out determined to, in 1915, celebrate the Seventieth Anniversary of the organization of this church and the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the dedication of the present beautiful House of Worship by paying our obligations." Most of the money was pledged on the condition that the total be banked by December 31, 1915, including a $2,000 gift from the New Jersey Baptist Convention. Mainly through the strenuous personal efforts of Rev. Fraser, the goal was achieved and $11,775.97 was subscribed and paid to the Mortgage Debt Fund. On Friday evening, February 11, 1916, a "Mortgage Burning Celebration and Reception" was held in the church. The honor of burning the mortgage was given to Mr. Henry A. Bonynge, President of the Board of Trustees. This occasion was to be the Omega of Mortgage Burnings in the First Baptist Church of Hoboken. Tragic to relate, history repeats itself, and in 1944 the First Church again faced a mortgage of $11,600 and an ultimatum to make good within a year. This time the One Hundredth Anniversary will mark the second mortgage burning. We pray fervently that this will be the final fiery mortgage ordeal. 1917 When Dr. Melvia T. Shelford became pastor, he began a campaign to raise a fund to install electric lighting. Before the work began, the fund was on hand. When Dr. Shelford served as chaplain in Hoboken, "The Port of Embarkation" during World War I, the church became a center for army and navy men. 1924 During a business meeting held on March 10, 1924, two women were elected trustees, Mary C. Applegate and Ida E. Housman. This was the first time in the history of the church that women served as trustees. Following the resignation of Mr. Henry A. Bonynge as president of the Board of Trustees, Miss Housman was elected to this office on April 8, 1925, and has served as president since then. For many years William G. Christy has served as vice-president and William C. Rue as treasurer. Thomas D. Williams succeeded Mathias H. Taylor in the office of secretary of the Board. page nine ---- 1925 This year marked the Eightieth Anniversary of the church during the pastorate of Dr. Henry Clay Risner. After assurances that the money would be subscribed, the church voted to install an electric organ. Unfortunately the subscriptions fell short of the goal and a mortgage was placed on the church. Our financial troubles increased. Fortunately through the aid of Dr. Charles E. Goodall, Executive Secretary, the New Jersey Baptist Convention gave us financial assistance. 1928 What a year! Like the old "One-Hoss Shay", the church was ready to fall apart. The roof leaked terribly and the foundation of the church was ready to collapse. A new roof, a new basement floor with a cement foundation, a new metal ceiling, new wiring and new paint were imperative. When the rain poured, the water descended through the roof of the auditorium and the floor and flooded the basement. A group of members sat in a front pew of the church after a Sunday morning service and discussed the dismal situation. Some were ready to sell the property, but others stood firm and said they would begin a campaign with Divine Help to restore the property. During this crisis the New Jersey Baptist Convention rendered us valuable service. Dr. Goodall interested a leading church architect, Mr. Albert Humble, who supervised the rebuilding of the church in our reconstruction program. Everybody in the church joined in the movement to raise the Building Fund. Through a supreme effort we did raise nearly $5,000, but the cost of rebuilding was more than we anticipated, resulting in an addition to our mortgage. The work of restoration was completed during the pastorate of Rev. Eugene Bowe. The church was beautiful again, when the sun shone through the memorial stained glass windows. 1930 The years rolled on and our financial difficulties increased, due mainly to the transient character of our population and the attraction of the suburbs for a number of our members. Hoboken continued to change from a residential to an industrial city and the Protestants became the minority group. Although Dr. Wilfred H. Sobey had earned the leisure of retirement after years of service in a Long Island church, he accepted the call to our church. After serving for a while, he realized the necessity of maintaining the Baptist cause in Hoboken and offered to continue his pastor?te at a much reduced salary, which the Board accepted reluctantly. Through his cooperation with the Board, the Hoboken Bank for Savings reduced the rate of interest on the mortgage, which was again a "millstone" about our necks. 1935 Among the old time members of our church were the Gahagan family. Throughout her life their only child, Florence, was interested in the financial problems of the church. She served as treasurer of the Ladies' Aid Society and Financial Secretary of the church. A number of years after her marriage, Mrs. L, G. Nilson became seriously ill and died on June 1, 1934. In 1935 the church received the first bequest of $5,000 from the Florence H. Nilson Estate and the assurance that another bequest of $5,000 would be paid after the decease of Mr. Nilson. Through the assurance of the first bequest, the Board of Trustees recom- page ten ----- mended that the church call a pastor to succeed Dr. Sobey, who passed away in service on June 18, 1934. Rev. C. Robert Pedersen accepted the call in 1935. After paying pressing obligations and providing for a special reserve fund, much needed repairs were made on the stained glass windows and the organ. In December, 1935, the church celebrated its Ninetieth Anniversary. 1940 Rev. William. E. Cusworth succeeded Rev. Pedersen in the pastorate and was ordained during the Ninety-fifth Anniversary Celebration held during December, 1940. This anniversary will be remembered for the unveiling of the bronze Memorial Plaque in memory of Florence Gahagan Nilson. Although many men and women have rendered service for the Master that cannot be measured, probably the crucial need for financial assistance experienced by the Board of Trustees in 1935 prompted them to suggest the memorial plaque for Mrs. Nilson. The second bequest had been paid to the church before the celebration of the Ninety-fifth Anniversary. During the memorial service, "Lest We Forget", led by the president of the Board of Trustees, memorial gifts were presented. Our pastor had suggested the memorial gifts. The first gift, a beautiful book mark for the pulpit Bible, was a gift from the Rue family in memory of William Randall Rue, known as Billy to his family and friends. The Cusworth family gave an American Flag for the pulpit in memory of Rev. W. J. Cusworth. Through the efforts of Mathias H. Taylor, chairman of the Board of Deacons, in securing subscriptions, members and friends had the opportunity to give hymn books, each bearing a memorial book plate. Following the presentation of the gifts, the Nilson Memorial Plaque was unveiled by the youngest member of the Board of Trustees, Charles Rue. Mr. Cusworth introduced the Monthly Hymn Sing held at the close of the third evening service each month and became the leader. After his resignation, Miss Evelyn Paddock, our organist, volunteered as song leader and Miss Mabel Housman, as pianist. During the pastorate of Mr. Cusworth, the Sacrifice Dinner was inaugurated to help raise money for the World Emergency Fund. 1942 Soon after Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, our Service Honor Roll was placed in the vestibule of the church. 1943 In December, 1943, Dr. Fred L. Hainer began his ministry in our church. During the past two years, new members have been added to the church, due partly to Dr. Hainer's friendly calls. Both the Monthly Hymn Sing and the Sacrifice Dinner for the World Emergency Forward Fund have been continued. Realizing the need for a religious and social organization for teen-age boys and girls in the Sunday School, the Baptist Young People's Society was organized on February 9, 1944. Unfortunately the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor, which had trained church leaders for several decades, had lapsed years ago. This new organization, based on Y.P.S C.E. principles, devotes a part of each meeting to a religious service and the remainder to a recreational page eleven ------ program. The meeting is held usually on Wednesday evening. The first president was Jerome Biggio, Jr., who was succeeded by Alice Johanssen. Dr. Hainer, Mrs. Hainer and Miss I. E. Housman constitute the Advisory Board. 1944 Since the beginning of World War IT, the Service Men's Committee, assisted by the pastor, has tried to keep in touch with our men in service. Nearly every Sunday, Dr. Hainer has listed the name and address of a man in service in the Church Bulletin with the request to write. Each Christmas, subscriptions for the Reader's Digest have been sent to the men on our Honor Roll. Mr. William G. Christy has served as chairman of the Service Men's Committee and Miss Betty Williams as assistant. The other members of the committee are: Mrs. Lavinia D. Bailey, Mrs. Oscar Maicus and Mr. Robert E. Frenz. On June 4, 1944, a Service Flag was dedicated during a Memorial Service. Even before 1941, First Lieut. Andrew B. Van Woert, the first member called to the service of his country, was serving at Pearl Harbor. At the close of World War II, 43 stars had been placed on our Service Flag. During the Memorial Service held in 1945, a gold star was placed in honor of Walter Braisted, who gave his life for his country on August 31, 1943, while crossing the Strait of Dover as an aerial gunner. The year 1944 was marked by two achievements: the refinancing of the mortgage held by the Hoboken Bank for Savings and the inauguration of the One Hundredth Anniversary Fund Campaign. On June 23, 1944, Mr. William C. Rue, our treasurer, received a letter from the bank stating that the present liquidation of the mortgage was unsatisfactory. Thanks to the generosity of the bank, the church was making a $300 annual payment on the principal of the mortgage. After several conferences, the bank agreed to make a substantial reduction on our mortgage of $11,600, provided cash was paid at a stipulated time. On August second, the Board of Trustees submitted the proposition to the bank that the church pay $4,000 in cash on or before December 1, 1945, as this date marks the One Hundredth Anniversary of the church. The Executive Committee of the bank approved the proposition, pending the approval of the church. At a special meeting held on September 17, 1944, the church unanimously approved the proposition. The next step was the formulation of the plan to raise the $4,000 by December 1, 1945. Following an inspirational sermon by Dr. Hainer on Sunday morning, December 10, 1944, the president of the Board of Trustees presented the plan to raise the Anniversary Fund. Mr. Fred L. Brush was appointed by the trustees as treasurer of the One Hundredth Anniversary Fund and Mr. Thomas D. Williams as secretary. 1945 Members and friends pledged generously and within several months the full amount of $4,000 had been paid in cash to the bank. The mortgage had been paid in full. Now the goal was to raise sufficient money to renovate the church and the basement. Gradually the red mark rose on the second One Hundredth Anniversary Fund Thermometer placed near the pulpit. Encouraged by the pledges and the cash payments, the Board of Trustees signed a contract in June, 1945, for the restoration of the church auditorium and the painting of the basement. The momentous event of burning the mortgage will be celebrated on December 16, 1945. Let us thank God that the page twelve ---- old church may continue as a House of Worship and serve the community for another one hundred years and thereafter. After one hundred years, our Sunday School under the superin-tendency of Lan Wong continues to work for the religious training of our boys and girls. As we come to worship in this beautiful church, let us read the message on the central panel of the choir loft: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." May we remember the many men, women, boys and girls who have entered the baptismal waters and witnessed for Christ. Sometimes we have been discouraged, when boys and girls who have grown up in this church leave this community and establish homes in other parts of our country, or when transients enter into our fellowship and soon move. Instead of being discouraged, we should thank God that this old church has been privileged to train men and women to spread the Gospel, like a pebble cast into a pond spreading ripples to the further shores. As we enter the next one hundred years of service, let us remember: "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." Ida E. Housman, M.A. Hoboken, New Jersey December, 1945 page thirteen ---- IN HONOR OF THOSE WHO SERVED THEIR COUNTRY IN THE ARMED FORCES Some have given "the last full measure of devotion". Countless sacrifices have been made by our loved ones. These priceless lives and valiant efforts must not be in vain. With deep appreciation and genuine humility, we dedicate ourselves to the living out of lessons learned by those who have served faithfully all over the world and in the homeland. We know that the greatest tragedy would be that we fail to use what they have been forced to learn during the war. Therefore, we dedicate ourselves: To INCREASED PATIENCE in our relationships, that we may understand better all of life; To A GREATER TOLERANCE and appreciation of all peoples, of whatever creed, nationality or race; To A CLOSER COOPERATION with all those who seek to build a more perfect democracy in these United States and a United Nations of the world; And to AN ENLARGED FAITH IN GOD, that we may see clearly and have the courage to fulfill God's purposes in His world. CHAPLAIN (CAPTAIN) PAUL K. SHELFORD. Tokyo, Japan October 24, 1945. page fourteen ------ WORLD WAR II OUR CHURCH HONOR ROLL * Walter Braisted (* = Gold Star) Charles E. Bailey Boyd Betts Fred Betts Robert Betts Jerome Biggio, Jr Harold Bohlin Victor Bohlin Francis Bujjoni Harold Bujjoni Leroy Cheney Gerald M. Crowley David Cusworth Robert Dammer William Dandridge Donald Dedrick Gordon Dedrick Paul Fromholtz Donald J. Gurry Howard Gurry James Hastie Charles Hicks Leonard Hicks Clifford Higgins Gordon Hiltbold Edward Horner Edward Isler Rawley Lucas Calvin Mercer Herbert Mills Alfred Morris William Newsome Robert Potts William Saenger Harold Smith William Smith Leonard Staines William Staines Martin Tellekamp Forrest Tiffany Andrew B. Van Woert Robert Van Woert Leonard Verhagen page fifteen ----- MESSAGES FROM FORMER PASTORS 1912 - 1916 REV. FORREST L. FRASER Sincere congratulations on your attainment of the century mark in service for our Lord. The added fact that you come to this auspicious hour, "debt free", adds joy to joy. However, the crowning fact is that as Christians, you are debt-free to God, through the price Jesus paid to "Redeem us from all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." God grant that the future in y... [truncated due to length]