FIRST REFORMED CHURCH OF RARITAN.

During the ministry at Hackensack of Gulliam Bertholf, and while 'he was on a missionary tour to this section, the first church was formed. The earliest records having any reference to church matters in this region were written in Dutch. The first record is dated March 8, 1699, of the baptism of a child of Jeronimus Van Neste, Cornelius Theunissen, and Pieter Van Neste respectively. The following day (March 9, 1699) the church was organized.

"The following persons were chosen as a consistory: John Tuynesen as elder, and Pieter Van Nest as deacon, and were installed before the congregation by Gulliam Bertholf. At the same time the ordinance of the holy sacrament was administered to the communicants by the above named person.''

This is all the record extant from that time till about 1721, except of baptism.

About 1717 or 1718 a call for a minister was sent to the Classis of Amsterdam by the churches of Raritan, Three-Mile Run, Six-Mile Run, and North Branch.

At this time there is no evidence of a church edifice at this place. In 1721 a lot of land was donated to the congregation for church purposes; a building was erected that year, but of its size, shape, or construction nothing has been ascertained. It was on a knoll on the north side of the Raritan, a quarter of a mile below the structure known as the old bridge. Worship was held at this place until Oct. 27, 1779, when it was burned by Col. Simcoe.

Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen, son of the Rev. Johannes Henricus, pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church of Lingen in East Friesland, came to America in 1720, and settled immediately over the churches in Somerset County. He resided at Three-Mile Run and preached also at Raritan, Six-Mile Run, and North Branch. The precise time of his death is not known.

May 18,1747, a call was made to John Frelinghuysen, then studying in Holland, to occupy his father's place. This call was approved by the Classis of Amsterdam in 1749. He was licensed in 1750, and in the summer of that year arrived at Raritan. He preached his introductory sermon August 3d. He lived at Raritan, now Somerville. In the summer of 1751 he built a house with bricks sent over from Holland, on land owned by Cornelius Bogart. It is still standing, and in possession of Joshua Doughty. On a corner-stone is cut "1751." A charter was obtained June 7, 1753, for this church, along with those of New Brunswick, Six-Mile Run, Millstone, and North Branch.
Mr. Frelinghuysen's pastorate was brief; he died in September, 1754, after having administered to this people a little over three years.

The church was vacant for nearly three years. Jacob R. Hardenburgh, who commenced his studies with the Rev. Mr. Frelinghuysen, continued for about three years, and was ordained by the Coetus in 1757. He was the first minister in the Dutch Church in America who received a license in this country. His labors commenced May 1, 1758. He removed to Raritan, to the house where his early studies were pursued, having married the widow of his former teacher, Mrs. Dinah Frelinghuysen. In August following he was installed as pastor of the five congregations, Raritan, North Branch, Bedminster, Millstone, and Neshanic.; In 1781 he resigned his pastoral charge at Raritan and removed to Rosendale, N. Y.

The Rev. Theodore Frelinghuysen Romeyn was called to the pastorate in 1784. He died September, 1786, and was succeeded, Oct. 14, 1785, by the Rev. John Duryea, as pastor of the churches of Raritan and Bedminster, until 1799.
Meetings were held in the Court-Martial building, situated on Mount Pleasant, after the burning of the church, in 1779, until the court-house was completed. Sept. 6, 1782, the Consistory of Raritan made a proposition to the freeholders of the county of Somerset to unite with them in the erection of a building for church and county purposes. This proposition was accepted on the 14th of October of that year. A building was erected on the spot now occupied by Dr. Wilson, east of the present court-house, at a cost of £559 19s. 2d. Worship was held in that building until the completion of the church.

May 10, 1786, the Consistory resolved to sever their connection with the county, and asked for a committee of the freeholders to meet with them for a settlement, which was made. The county ordered £228 6s. 9d. to be paid to P. D. Vroom, treasurer of Raritan Congregation.

June 15, 1784, it was resolved to build a new house of worship. Discussion was had as to the location, the membership being about equally divided between Somerset court-house and Van Veghten's bridge (where the old church stood). The former was selected, and subsequently Reynier Veghte, Abraham Van Neste, Peter D. Vroom, John Hardenburgh, Robert Bolmer, and Jacobus Winterstein were appointed a committee to superintend the erection, with Andrews Ten Eyck as manager. The present church lot was purchased of Cornelius Tunison, and a building 40 by 60 feet was erected, with a small cupola and bell. The old church was rebuilt and enlarged in 1838 at a cost of $10,000.

In 1790 the Dutch Reformed Churches of Raritan, North Branch, New Brunswick, Six-Mile Run, and Millstone [now Harlingen], declared their "will not to continue any longer a body politic by virtue of the charter of incorporation."

Upon the resignation of the Rev. Mr. Duryea a settlement was made, and the parsonage house and lot, containing 36.7 acres, were deeded to him.

The other pastorates have been those of Dominies John S. Vredenburg, 1800-21; vacant mostly, 1821-26; R. D. Van Kleek, 1826-31; Abraham Messier, D.D., 1832-79, when he was retired by the Classic on account of his advanced age.
Jan. 19, 1881, a new pastor was installed, Rev. J. Preston Searle, previously located at Griggstown.

During this long period three prosperous churches have gone out from this church of Raritan. It is still in full vigor, having a larger membership in communion than ever before. It numbers 175 families, with a church membership of 620. Four Sunday-schools in connection with the church have a membership of 200.

The reader is referred to Dr. Messler's published " Historical Notes," for more full details of this and other Reformed Dutch Churches of this vicinity; also to Dr. Corwin's "Manual" for extended biographical sketches of the ministers named above.

Rev. Abraham Messler, D.D., of Somerville, N. J., was born Nov. 15, 1800, on a plantation on Lamlngton River, in the northern part of the township of Readington, Hunterdon Co., N. J. His parents were Cornelius Messier and Maria (Stryker) Messier.

He is a descendant of Tennis de Metsellaer, who came from Holland to Rensellaerwick in 1641 and settled in Albany. He made his will Aug. 7, 1685, and in it mentions his wife, Egbertlen Egberts, and his children, Maritie, wife of Harman Lieverse; Geretije, wife of Andrus Hans; Dirkje, wife of Bastlan Harmse Fischr; Wellemtje, aged twenty-three; Anna, aged twenty-one years; and his sons, Egbert and Martyn.

In the next year, 1642, Tennis Thomasen de Metsellaer and his wife, Belletje Jacobs, had a child baptized in the Dutch church in New York City, named Maritje; again a son, Thomas, April 24, 1644; a daughter, Geertje, Nov. 12, 1645; a son, Derick, July 24, 1648.

Dec. 16, 1694, Abraham Metsellaer had a son named Johannes baptized in New York. This man Johannes came to New Jersey in 1717, or earlier, and settled in Middlebush on a farm north of the Cedar Grove school-house, owned recently by a Mr. Bennet, consisting of 262 acres. He died in 1672, leaving two sons, — Abraham and Cornelius, and two daughters named Sarah and Effie. He was a man of piety and influence in his day, serving frequently as elder in the Dutch Reformed Church of New Brunswick. He is also named as one of the deacons of the Five United Congregations in Somerset County, incorporated in 1754. He traveled with Whitefield in different parts of the State, and attended his preaching as often as possible while in New Jersey.

His son Cornelius was the grandfather of Rev. Dr. Messier, and it was he who first changed the form of spelling the name. He purchased the plantation on the Lamington River and resided on it many years. In his old age be lived in New Brunswick, where he died, and his remains are interred in the cemetery of the Reformed Dutch Church. On the upright stone at the head of his grave you read the following inscription:

" In memory of Cornelius Messier, who departed this life May 25, 1800, aged 80 years and five month..
" And this Is all we know,They are completely blessed; Have done with sin & care & wo, And with their Saviour rest.
" He was a man of sterling piety and great moral worth, serving the church in his day faithfully, and living daily a life of piety and devotion ."

His son Cornelius inherited the plantation on the Lamington River, and died in the old mansion house which had sheltered two generations and been sanctified by so many prayers.

Abraham Messier pursued his classical studies at New Germantown and Lamington. He entered Union College in September, 1819, and graduated with honors in 1821. In the following September he joined the theological seminary at New Brunswick, from which he graduated in 1824, in the last class which enjoyed the privilege of the instructions of Dr. John H. Livingston. During the summer, after having been licensed to preach by the Classis of New Brunswick, he served as a missionary at Montville, in Morris Co, N. J., and in the autumn went to Ovid, Seneca Co., N. Y., in the same capacity. He received a call to settle as pastor from both these congregations, and in May, 1825, was installed at Ovid.

His health suffered soon from the climate, and in 1828 he resigned his charge and came back to New Jersey, having in the mean time contracted marriage with Miss Elma Doremus, of New York. In 1829 he assumed the pastoral charge of the United Congregations of Montville and Pompton Plains, where he continued for three and a half years. In this charge his labors were greatly blessed, a large number of the young people having united with the church, a thing unknown in that region of the church before that time.

In 1832 he received a call from the First Church of Raritan (Somerville), then one of the most numerous and influential churches in the General Synod. He came to Somerville with many fears. The church had had, in 1821 and 1822, one of the most remarkable revivals of which there is any account in the American churches. It had the Governor of the State in it as an elder, with many other men known in public life. It had been vacant for several years, and it seemed almost presumptuous for a young man to assume such a charge. Circumstances, however, appeared to impel him to the act, and he went. How little he expected that it was to be for life, and that he would stand in that pulpit forty-seven years. Yet so God willed, and it was so.

In 1854, Dr. Messier traveled extensively in England, Scotland, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. On his return he wrote and published in the Christian Intelligencer a series of articles on "Holland, Belgium, and the Rhine, and the Isle of Wight," extending to 56 numbers. He had previously published a series on the "Christian Ministry," in 52 numbers; "The Confession of Faith," 6 numbers; "Reformers before the Reformation," 35 numbers. During five years he wrote more than 800 leading articles in the Christian Intelligencer; also occasional sermons, memorial sermons, and historical notes, "Centennial History of Somerset County," memorials of Governor Vroom, with numerous other occasional publications.

On Sept. 11, 1876, he and his wife celebrated their "golden wedding." All their children and grandchildren except two were present at dinner, and in the evening a crowd of their friends in the congregation came to greet them and unite in the joy of the occasion. The presents were numerous and valuable.

In 1879, having entered the eightieth year of his age, and the fifty-sixth of his ministry, he retired from active service, and is now living in his own house in Somerville. His only living son, T. D. Messier, of Pittsburgh, Pa., is comptroller and third vice-president of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and also holds the office of president of several of the western roads controlled and operated by this company.

In a green old age, he is yet comfortable, and able to give an occasional service with vigor and feeling.

SECOND REFORMED CHURCH OF RARITAN.

The Second Reformed Church at Raritan was organized March 5, 1834. The chief cause of this movement was the fact that the old edifice in which the First Reformed Church at Raritan then worshiped was too small to hold all who crowded there. The original members were twenty-four persons dismissed from the First Reformed Church. The first Consistory were Peter Z. Elmendorf, James Taylor, Brogan I. Brokaw, and Thomas Talmage, Elders; John A. Staats, Peter Hodge, Thomas A. Hartwell, and James Bergen, Deacons. Brogun I. Brokaw was elected president. Gen. John Frelinghuysen may be regarded as the originator of this project, for he proposed and advocated it while in health, and left by will $200 to further it.
At the end of the first year the Consistory reported to the Classis 67 families and 60 members in full communion. Immediate steps were taken towards the erection of a house of worship, and the corner-stone was laid July 30, 1834, with appropriate ceremonies, by Rev. Messrs. Sears, Messier, and Morris. A box was deposited therein, containing a parchment which recorded, among other items, that

"On the first Sabbath of June, 1834, the Lord's Supper was administered for the first time to the Church by Rev. Philip Milledoler, D.D., president of Rutgers College, and that the service was held in the courthouse. The building committee of this church are Isaac Southard, Peter Z. Elmendorf, John I. Gaston, Elise Van.., and James Taylor; the master-carpenters, James P. Goltra and William Kips; and the master-mason, Cornelins A. Tunison.

The congregation was incorporated, under the laws of New Jersey, March 28, 1834, with its present style and title. The building was dedicated Feb. 18, 1835, in the presence of a large congregation. On the 4th of March succeeding the dedication seventy-five of the one hundred pews were sold for $4300, about the original cost of this building. A special and subsequent subscription provided the means for a fence around the church lot.

After having twice been unsuccessful, a third effort was made to procure a pastor, and May 2, 1835, Rev. Charles Whitehead, of Hopewell, N. Y., was called. He accepted, and settled as the first pastor on the last Sunday of May, 1835. He was installed by the Classis of New Brunswick, Sept. 2, 1835. He remained in charge nearly four years, when a severe and protracted attack of bronchitis led to a dissolution of the pastoral relation, March 27, 1839, by mutual consent. Rev. Talbot W. Chambers wag called Sept. 4, 1839. He commenced his labors in October following, and was ordained and installed in January, 1840. In 1848 this congregation and its pastor experienced a sore trial in the organization of the Third Reformed Church at Raritan, which took away, at one time, 30 families and 33 members. Dr. Chambers accepted the call of the Collegiate Church, and removed, Nov. 3, 1849, to New York. The next pastor was Rev. Elijah R. Craven, who was called Jan. 9, 1850, and entered on his duties March following. The present commodious and pleasant parsonage was first occupied by the new pastor. Dr. Craven accepted the call of the Third Presbyterian Church of Newark, and resigned his office Oct. 21, 1854.

The Rev. John F. Mesick, a graduate of the institutions at New Brunswick, but settled over the German Reformed Church of Harrisburg, Pa., was elected pastor Jan. 22, 1855.

The enlargement of the edifice was completed Dec. 2, 1863. The far-seeing founders of this church had included that improvement in. their plans, for the staunch frame was capable of this addition.

The records are incomplete in reference to the first three pastorates, but we find in the book containing the record of contributions to religious and benevolent purposes the following summary: During Dr. Whitehead's ministry, $482.81; Dr. Chambers' ministry, $1505.99; Dr. Craven's ministry, $37.80; Dr. Mesick's ministry, $30,973.40.

Before Dr. Whitehead came there were 60 members in full communion. Under his ministry there were received on confession, 57; by certificate from other churches, 69. He left it with 93 families and 107 communicants. Under Dr. Chambers' ministry were added on confession, 164; by certificate, 126. At his resignation there were 100 families and 252 communicant members. During Dr. Craven's pastorate there were brought in on confession, 61; by certificate, 88, and at big removal there were 112 families and 275 communicants. Within the existing pastorate (25 years) there have been received on confession, 423; by certificate, 465; total, 888.

The following ministers of the gospel have been called from the ranks of the members of this church: Rev. Elbert S. Porter, D.D., Rev. John Beekman, Rev. Peter Q. Wilson, Rev. Andrew J. Hageman, Rev. Goyn Talmage, D.D., Rev. J. H. Frazee, Rev. Frederick Wilson, Rev. William H. Vroom. The Sunday-school has at present 300 pupils, with a library of about 800 volumes. The officers are Bering P. Dunham, Superintendent; P. N. Mitchell, Assistant Superintendent; Cornelius V. D. Smith, Secretary and Treasurer; James Gaston, Librarian.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

It is difficult to ascertain just who first conceived the idea of establishing a, Baptist Church at this place, where for many years the field had been almost entirely occupied by the Dutch Reformed, there being two large influential churches in the town, while within a radius of seven miles there were six others of the same denomination. But we find that Pethuel Mason and Samuel B. Tunison were both actively engaged in the preliminary arangements, as well as in sustaining the cause after its organization. Mr. Mason was baptized by Rev. Spencer H. Cone, and united with the First Baptist Church of New York City in October, 1842; Mr. Tunison was baptized by Mr. Barker at Somerville, June 25, 1843, and united with the Samptown Church.

Then commenced the efforts of these two men for a Baptist Church at Somerville. During that summer (1843) they arranged to have preaching in the courthouse every two weeks by Mr. Barker and Rev. S. J. Drake, of Plainfield, alternately, and several Baptists were collected together. About September 1, Jesse B. Saxton came to Somerville and devoted himself to the work of preaching the gospel. During this same month Rev. Mr. Leach, pastor of the Baptist Church at Hamilton, while on a visit to Somerville, baptized Levi H. Shattuck.

The church was constituted Oct. 31, 1843, with the following eleven members: Jesse B. Saxton, Pethuel Mason, Samuel B. Tunison, Jas. G. Coleman, Jr., Samuel Pangborn, Levi H. Shattuck, Charity Tunison, Elizabeth S. Coleman, Ann Pangborn, Ursula Kelley, Mary Opie. The council of recognition was composed of delegates from the First New Brunswick, Piscataway, First and Second Plainfield, Baptisttown, and Wearts Corner Churches. At the organization P. Mason was chosen deacon, Jas. G. Coleman, Jr., church clerk, and S. B. Tunison was soon after elected treasurer.
Early the 'next spring a lot on the north side of Main Street was secured and a house commenced. It was built of brick, upon a foundation of stone, 40 by 50 feet. There were 50 pews on the main floor with a seating capacity for 250 persons, and a gallery in one end capable of seating 50 more. The house (including lot, etc.) cost about $4000. Mr. Saxton remained at Somerville about one year.

In October, 1844, Henry C. Fish, a licentiate of the First Baptist Church at New York, was secured as a Supply, the meeting-house being opened for worship Jan. 81, 1845. He served the church for six years and three months. There were 18 members when he commenced his labors. During his pastorate 102 were received and 34 dismissed, leaving a member
ship of 86 at the time of his removal. While he was with them they not only became self-sustaining, but contributed $811.91 to objects of benevolence. Through his efforts a handsome tower was erected on the meeting-house, and a bell and a town-clock placed therein. He resigned Jan. 1, 1851.

The second pastor was George P. Nice, of Philadelphia. He commenced his labors April 1, 1851, and his ordination took place on May 29th following.

During this same year the church liquidated the remaining debt, amounting to about $1400. The ordinance of baptism was generally administered in the Raritan River until 1856, when a baptistery was placed under the pulpit platform. In July, 1856, this church granted to Wm. A. Smith a license to preach. Mr. Smith was converted during the year 1845, and united with the church March 12, 1848. On Sunday evening, Jan. 18, 1857, the ordinance of baptism was administered in the meeting-house, during which a terrible storm prevailed. About three o'clock the next morning nearly one-third of the roof was blown off, carried 70 or 80 feet, and lodged in the roof of P. Mason's residence. Part of the gable-end fell in, and the baptistery and pews were filled with brick, snow, and rubbish. Had this occurred during the evening previous many lives must have been lost.

Rev. J. N. Folwell, of Honesdale, Pa., accepted a call to become pastor of the church in June, 1858. He continued about one year and six months, when he resigned.

In April, 1860, Rev. B. C. Morse, of Philadelphia, became pastor, He remained with the church about five and a half years. For about fifteen months after Mr. Morse resigned the church was supplied by Rev. H. C. Putnam, of Somerville, Dr. Devan, of New Brunswick, and others. In the fall of 1866 it withdrew from the East New Jersey Baptist Association, with which it had been connected since organization, and united with the Central New Jersey Association.
In 1867, Rev. H. D. Doolittle became pastor. One of his first efforts was to provide a parsonage; the result of his efforts was the purchase of a house and lot on Main Street, of Joshua Doughty, for the sum of $4000, all but $1450 of which was raised by subscription and paid. Pethuel Mason, one of the founders of the church, died of paralysis, Feb. 3, 1872, after an illness of about one year. Mr. Doolittle resigned in October, 1872.t During his pastorate 57 were received. The church then numbered 99 members. They had raised $1119.14 for benevolence.

In the spring of 1872 it was resolved to put up a new building. A larger lot (130 by 300 feet, on High Street) was purchased, on which the new meetinghouse and parsonage were erected. The old lot was sold to Peter Struve for $4200, and the parsonage to Robert Thornhill for $4500. The last sermon was preached in the old house on Sunday, Aug. 18, 1872, by Mr. Doolittle, and the next day the builders coomenced taking down the old house, the material of which was used in the construction of the new one.

The corner-stone was laid Sept. 12, 1872. Meetings were held in the court-house until the basement of the new building was finished.

Rev. G. W. Clark, D.D., the sixth pastor, was called in May, 1873. In November a handsome silver communion-service was presented by Mrs. William Lee. The meeting-house was dedicated Dec. 4, 1873. The building is 40 by 70 feet, with a projection in front and rear. It is of brick, surmounted with a tower, in which are the bell and town-clock used in the old house. The windows are of beautiful stained glass, and the ceiling and walls handsomely frescoed. The seating capacity of the audience-room, including the gallery, is about 500. There is a lecture- and Sundayschool room in the basement. During the winter of 1873-74 a parsonage was erected on the same lot with the meeting-house. The cost of the lot and buildings was about $20,000.

Dr. Clark resigned the pastorate May 1, 1877. He was held in very high esteem by his congregation, who made him a donation of $338 just before he resigned. He is now in the employ of the American Baptist Publication Society, and resides at Somerville.

In December, 1877, a call was extended to the present pastor, Rev. J. B. Mulford, of Sewickley, Pa., who commenced his labors Jan. 1, 1878.

Only four of the constituent members are now living, and of these only S. B. Tunison and wife and Mrs. Mary Opie are members of this church. Since its organization there have been 570 persons connected with the church. The present membership is 212.

Up to the present date (September, 1880) this church has raised and paid out for pastors' salaries, donation visits, home expenses, and on church property the sum of $60,809.84. They have also raised for benevolence the following: Foreign missions, $1855.68; home missions, $881.33; Baptist Education Society, $301.72; Baptist Publication Society, $111.74; Baptist State Convention, $636.07; Bible Society, $323.39; other objects, $1141.38; total, $5251.31.

The present officers are Rev. J. B. Mulford, Pastor; L. M. Codington, Clerk; H. P. Mason, Treasurer; William N. Adair, A. P. Cooper, Squier Frazee, L. M. Codington, Deacons; W. N. Adair, G. W. Clark, Asa R. Dilts, Squier Frazee, H. P. Mason, Trustees.

For several years during the early history of the church two Sunday-schools were sustained,-one at Somerville and one at Raritan, for the benefit of the members living at that place. They were afterwards merged into one school and held at Somerville. This school has always taken an interest in mission work, and at different times has sustained Karen missionaries and educated native preachers. The number of pupils enrolled is 90, with an average attendance of 60.

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.

Services of the Episcopal Church had been occasionally given at Somerville by the Rev. Alfred Stubbs, of New Brunswick, previous to 1850, but no clergyman had undertaken to form a parish and to build a church in the place before the summer of that year. In July, the Rev. John Rowland, having been recently ordained by the bishop of the diocese, was sent as a missionary of the church. The use of the court-house was granted, and divine services were regularly held every Sunday. July 31, 1851, the parish was incorporated by the name of "the Rector, Wardens, and Vestrymen of St. John's Church in Somerville," the minister being John Rowland; the wardens, Richard B. Duyckinck and Joshua Doughty ; the vestrymen, Isaac R. Cornell, William Thomson, Albert Cammann, E. It. Codwise, and Edward Perry.

The corner-stone of the church was laid Sept. 4, 1851, by George Washington Doane, D.D., LL.D., bishop of the diocese. The building was completed in May, 1852, and was consecrated by the bishop of the diocese on the 28th of the same month. The edifice was erected by E. B. Goltra, of Somerville, and cost $3280. The lot on which it stands was given by Joshua Doughty, who also contributed towards the expense of the building. Isaac R. Cornell, of Wiston, Richard B. Duyckinck, William Thomson, Albert Cammann, E. S. Doughty; E. R. Codwise, Bertram Howell, and Mrs. Donan also contributed largely. Coin. R. F. Stockton gave $300 as his own gift and $200 for the potters of Princeton. The baptismal font was presented by the Rev. Dr. Creighton, of Tarrytown, who forty years previously, when a boy, attended school at Somerville. The organ is the gift of the two sisters, Mrs. S. V. Hoffman and Mrs. R. J. Livingston, of New Brunswick. The communion-plate was presented through the Rev. Eugene A. Hoffman, and by one of the Hoffman family. The Oxford folio Bible and the four octavo Prayer Books were given by the Rev. Dr. Hoffman, who was greatly instrumental in inducing the bishop to send the missionary to Somerville. The surplices were ordered from England, and were presented to the parish by the ladies of the congregation. In 1854, Prof. McVickar, of Columbia College, gave 100 volumes to the Sundayschool.

In October, 1854, the Rev. John Rowland resigned, and after an absence of thirteen years in Louisiana he was called to the rectorship of St. John's, Somerville, in August, 1867, and is now in the thirteenth year of the second term of his ministry.

It appears from the parish register that the Rev. Mr. Black became rector in 1854 and remained in charge for a few years. After him Mr. Thomson served for several years. Upon his retirement there was a vacancy for some time, when a Mr. Badger took charge, under whom the church was much reduced from a variety of causes. In August, 1867, when the Rev. Mr. Rowland entered upon his second term, the prospect of the church was rather gloomy. But shortly afterwards several influential Episcopalian families moved to Somerville from New York; these gave tone and strength to the congregation. Necessarily, the Episcopalians in Somerville are few, because the population is chiefly composed of the descendants of Hollanders.

The church at present is self-sustaining and flourishing. The congregation numbers some 30 families. The church will seat 150; the present number of communicants is about 55.

The church wardens are W. U. Onderdonk and C. W. Castner; the vestrymen, Joshua Doughty, George H. Potts, Edward Baker, H. M. Gaston, William H. Hoppock, I. H. Lord, and William J. Morgan.

The Sunday-school is composed partly of children of church members, and partly of children of German parents in the town who have no connection with church organization. There are some 60 scholars, with 12 teachers. The rector has supervision of the school.

THE FOURTH GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH OF RARITAN.

This church was organized by the Classis of Raritan, Aug. 18, 1879, consisting of nineteen members, by the ordination of a Consistory composed of Elders Conrad Stein, Conrad Bachr; Deacons William Kochler, Herman Gooert. Number of families in 1880,18; number of members in 1880, 23.

A house of worship was erected at a cost of $1000. A call was extended and accepted by the Rev. Frederick E. Schleider, who is the present pastor.

THE CHURCHES OF BOUND BROOK.

Presbyterian Church of Somerset and Middlesex Counties. — Dr. R. K. Rogers, who during his long pastorate made diligent inquiry respecting the early history of this church, says,

" English and Scotch Presbyterians began to locate on the Raritan as early as 1683, the Brat ones coming from Amboy, Woodbridge, and vicinity."

The fact of there being many Scotch Presbyterians in this vicinity indicates the probability that religious services were held here before 1700 which resulted in the formation of the Presbyterian Church. There has been no time as far back as tradition extends when there was no Presbyterian Church in existence at Bound Brook. It is generally accepted that the church was organized in 1725, although Dr. Rogers says in his historical sermon that it was organized in 1700. The Presbyterian Church at Basking Ridge was formed in 1732, and Dr. Rogers used to relate that there was a tradition that James and Sarah M. Coy, who died in 1744 and 1747 and were buried in the old burying-ground, and others who lived in that neighborhood, were constant worshipers at this church of Bound Brook, regularly attending Sunday services.

This tradition tends to show that this church is older than that of Basking Ridge.

At the organization, in 1725, discussion was held in reference to building a house of worship and its location. A building was erected, the site of which is now included in the present church-grounds. It was a low one-story building, and also used in late years as a school-house, and finally torn down. In 1760 a church was erected on the present church property, enlarged in 1787, rebuilt in 1829, and enlarged in 1851. At what time the property new occupied by the church and burying-ground was purchased is not known. A deed now in possession of John D. Voorhees, treasurer of the board of trustees, dated March 24, 1790, relates that Oct. 22, 1765, John Webster, Charles Ford, and Jeremiah Field held an absolute right in fee-simple to their lots of land, held in trust for the use of the Presbyterian Congregation of Bound Brook. The first lot, 20 3/4 acres, was purchased of Benjamin Field, June 1, 1749; the second, 3 1/10 acres, of Jeremiah Field at the same date ; and the third, containing one-quarter of an acre, of Maurice Greenville, April 8, 1761, and joined the meeting-house property, indicating that the church was standing at that time. A charter was obtained in 1784, and the above property was conveyed to the trustees in 1790. March 24, 1790, Tunis Ten Eyck sold to the trustees for £400 a lot (52 1/2 by 36 rods) commencing where the Middlebrook road joins the Raritan road, running down and north of it, for a parsonage lot. May 16, 1815, Daniel Bush sold to the trustees (for $1500) 9 45/100 acres between Bound Brook and Middlebrook, the present parsonage lot. Dec. 25, 1821, the property (9 40/100 acres) described as being near the school let and Peres Bonney's residence wag sold to the Rev. John Boggs. It was again purchased by the trustees Oct. 4, 1828, and is still in the possession of the church. The present lecture-room lot was purchased, March 14, 1849, of John D. Voorhees, and the lecture-room soon after built. The church has owned considerable property, part of which has been sold, of which no mention is made.
In the organization of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, Aug. 8, 1738, the church of Bound Brook, with others, had been set off from the Presbytery of New York to form it, and at a meeting held at Philadelphia, May 19, 1745, application was made for a minister for this church. It was ordered that the Rev. Joseph Lamb, then pastor at Basking Ridge, and the Rev. James McCrea, pastor at Lamington, in Bedminster, should supply the church four Sabbaths. The latter filled the pulpit until Dec. 6, 1749. In 1748 a call was made to Mr. Israel Read, a candidate under the care of the Presbytery of New York. He was received by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, Dec. 6, 1749, and March 8, 1750, was formally installed pastor over the church. Thus commenced a pastorate of forty-three years' duration. The Presbytery of New Brunswick, Oct. 30, 1759, received a petition from the people in and about Millstone asking for his services one-fourth of the time; this was granted, and Mr. Read preached at Millstone until the year 1770. Jan. 13, 1770, he was bereaved by the death of his wife, Mary, aged thirty-eight. She was buried in the rear of the present church, and his remains were placed by her side twenty-three years later. The elders of the church in 1770 were Thomas McElworth, Jonathan Smith, and Jacob Jennings; deacons, Samuel Van Court, Benjamin Coon. Jeremiah Field was clerk.

Mr. Read labored until 1793. November 25th in that year he was thrown from his carriage near Raritan landing and fatally injured; he died three days later, aged seventy-five. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Walter Monteith. The Rev. A. E. Baldwin, in a historical discourse delivered July 2, 1876, says,

" It Is a sad fact-its lost especially felt in these years by all interested -that all records of the church during Mr. Read's long pastorate are certainly now beyond the reach of the church, and, although we have lost the record of the fruits, the record is not lost really; God has it. It is carefully laid away In the archives of his government for review by all concerned in the ages of eternity. Surely he must have strengthened the foundation-stones of the church, for its strength, beauty, and usefulness held their steady way onward in the years. Doubtless he pointed many to Christ, faithfully instructed and helped them heavenward. During his pastorate the Revolutionary war worked its tremendous results.... Then, too, the charter of the church (1764) was secured,-a charter under which its present business is transacted. In 1767 the building in which this church worshiped wall enlarged,-a fact somewhat at least honorable to the pastor, a testimony to his faithful work. Let us remember now, thankfully, this man of God. He must have toiled earnestly, wisely, efficiently, nursing through the help of the Holy Spirit, with large care and faith, the early lire of this church; training it for the mighty work it has
done for Christ in the generations since."

A little over a year after the death of Rev. Israel Read the church called to the pastorate the Rev. David Barclay. He was licensed June 10, 1794, and ordained December 3d of that year; he remained till April, 1805. The ruling elders with him were Benjamin Coon, David Kelly, David Houk, John Harriet, Jonathan Smith, Isaac Fisher, and Daniel Bush. Selah Strong Woodhull was ordained as pastor December 4th of that year. From this time the records of the church are kept. The Rev. Mr. Woodhull was dismissed Nov. 25, 1806. Nearly three years passed before another minister was called. James Patterson was ordained Aug. 9, 1809, and dismissed Oct. 20, 1813. Two months later the Rev. William A. McDowell was ordained (Dec. 22, 1813), and dismissed Oct. 19, 1814. The records of the Presbytery of New Brunswick state that Leveret F. Huntington was ordained over the church of Bound Brook Dec. 6, 1815.

Whether the Rev. Mr. Huntington was pastor is not certain; if so, it was for a very short time. The Rev. John Boggs became a member of this Presbytery (from the Presbytery of Harmony), Oct. 17, 1815, and settled over the church of Bound Brook in the winter of 1815-16. He remained until Feb. 5, 1828, having been pastor about twelve years. His wife died during his residence here, and is buried in the old buryingground. The church was without a pastor for two years. During 1829 the present church building was erected. It was dedicated in November of that year by the Rev. Samuel Miller, D.D. The next year the Rev. Ravaud K. Rodgers was called. This call was made by Elders John Polhemus, Dennis Field, Alpheus Coon, Alfred J. Harriott, David Smalley, John A. Smalley, and Trustees Peres Bonney, Jonathan Smith, John H. Voorhees, Jacob Vandeventer, Jr., Gerardus Stryker, and Henry Tunison. The membership of the church at that time was 280; in 1838 it reached 425. July 19, 1851, the present edifice was struck by lightning; it was soon after enlarged, completed in June, 1852, and reopened for divine. Service June 24, 1852. Rev. Mr. Rodgers was dismissed November, 1874. Rev. Dr. George Sheldon, in a memorial sermon delivered May 15th at Newark, before the New Jersey Historical Society, says of him,

" Here he lived and labored with great success, beloved and revered by his people, for nearly forty-five years. His pastoral labors were cow stantly and eminently successful, and his influence, both within and beyond the bounds of his pariah, was widely extended and beneficial."

The Rev. A. E. Baldwin began the present pastorate on March 3, 1875. The church has a present membership of 318. A Sunday-school connected with the church has 55 pupils, with a library of 250 volumes. The superintendent is A. S. Coriell; librarian, Jacob Kline. There has been raised for congregational purposes the past year, $2489; for religious and benevolent purposes, $339.

Congregational Church. — This church was composed mostly of members from the Presbyterian Church of Bound Brook, The first meeting having reference to organization was held at the residence of J. P. Skillman, Feb. 16, 1876. It was resolved to form a church under the name of "The Congregational Church of Bound Brook." Messrs. J. W. Roundey, John Smalley, and R. V. Lindabury were appointed a committee to prepare a manual and present the names of officers. February 23d, the committee reported a manual, which was adopted, and the names of the following persons as officers: Deacons, Wilber F. Hammond, Thomas Winsor, Lewis D. Cook, Richard F. Giles; Clerk, Benjamin W. Dunning; Treasurer, James M. Thompson. - The church was duly organized March 17, 1876, with 40 constituent members, viz.:
A. A. Boyle, Aaron Rougher, Mrs. A. Julia Rougher, A. 0. Break, Lewis D. Cook, Mrs. Ellen P. Cook, Emma B. Cook, Ella P. Cook, H W. Dunning, Mrs. Jane P. Dunning, Mary Dunning, Mary C. Gano, Richard F. Giles, Ellen A. Giles, Theodore Giles, Mrs. Theodosia Giles, Mrs. Mary E. Giles, Forms S. Grant, Wilbur F. Hammond, Mrs. Cornelia Hammond, Mrs. Caroline Hemmer, James Jones, Mrs. Arlstena A. Judd, Charles B. Judd, Richard V. Lindabury, Susie L. Ramsey, Mrs. A. S. Rounder, Mrs. Mary E. Skillman, Harry S. Skillman, Susie Emma Skillman, Lizzis S. Skillman, John Smalley, Mrs. Elizabeth W. Smalley, William W. Small,, Aggie M. Smalley, Carrie Smith, Rachel A. Smith, Mary Stryker, Robert H. Swayze, James M. Thompson, Mrs. Sarah A. Thompson, B. Frank Thompson, Walter Thompson, Timothy D. Vaill, Mrs. Isabella M. B. Vaill, Mary B. Vent, Anna I. Vaill, Annie E. Vaill, Mary K. Vaill, Thomas Winsor, Mrs. Cardelia A. Winsor, Cora Winsor, George W. Wiener, Mrs. Mary B. Winsor, William F. Winsor.

The Rev. Edward Beecher acted for a short time as pastor of the new church. The Rev. James D. Eaton then preached as a supply, and Sept. 26, 1876, was called to assume pastoral charge. He entered upon his duties at once, preaching his first sermon October 15th.

The following-named persons are the present officers of the church: Pastor, James D. Eaton; Deacons, B. W. Dunning, R. H. Swayze, Peter S. Van Duyn, John Smalley ; Clerk and Treasurer, George A. West. The present officers of the society are: Trustees, John W. Roundey, R. Lamb, R. V. Lindabury, T. D. Vaill, Gideon R. Giles, John Talmage, and George W. Winsor; Clerk, R. Lamb; Treasurer, Gideon R. Giles. The officers of the Sunday-school are: Superintendent, R. Lamb; Assistant Superintendent, W. W. Smalley; Secretary, Dennis Bergen; Treasurer, George A. West; Librarian, George Stryker. The church has a present membership of 108. A building was erected in 1876, and dedicated on February, 1877. The sermon was preached by the Rev. George Hepworth, of New York. The total cost of building and grounds was $13,000.

Methodist Episcopal Church. — This church was organized in 1849, mainly through the influence of George Winsor, Sr., and Caleb Morton. About 20 united in June and July of that year. The present church lot was obtained and building erected, at a cost of about $3000, during 1848, and dedicated in January, 1849, by Bishop Janes. It was enlarged in 1874 Services were held during repairs in the Presbyterian church on Sunday evenings. The first trustees of the church were George Winsor, Sr., Caleb Morton, and Richard Brokaw.

The pastors from organization have been John I. Morrow, Henry B. Beagle, Charles Larne, G. R. Snyder, J. Cowen, E. A. Day, James F. Dodd, Thomas F. Everett, J. R., Daniels, Cornelius Clark, Sr., William N. Searles, William Nelson, John A. Kingsberry, Enoch V. King, Robert B. Collins, L. Parsons, J. I. Boswell, Samuel J. Morris, and David Walters, the present incumbent. The church has at present 135 members. A Sunday-school with 112 pupils is under the charge of George Lamont as superintendent. The library contains about 250 volumes.

St. Joseph Catholic Church. — Father William, of Newark, first ministered, about 1863, to the adherents of the Roman Catholic faith living at Bound Brook and vicinity. Services were held in the second story of the building owned by Francis Brehm, on Main Street. A lot was purchased on Mountain Avenue, south of Front Street, of Elias Milliken, for $800, and soon after an edifice was erected at a cost of $1200. The church was under the pastoral charge of the St. Bernard's Church, of Raritan, from that time until 1876, when Bound Brook and Millstone became a separate charge,, and Father M. A. Bogaard became the first resident priest; he is still in charge. In 1875 a lot was purchased south of the church property, and adjoining it, of Lewis D. Cook, for $1000, and in 1877 the present brick parsonage and farm were erected, at a cost of $3500. The church has a present membership of 600, with a Sunday-school of about 50 pupils.

THE CHURCHES OF RARITAN VILLAGE.

The Third Church. — The organization of this church grew out of the increase of population in the village of Raritan. A chapel was built principally through the exertions of Frederick J. Frelinghuysen, and services maintained in it by the ministers of the First and Second Churches. In the spring of 1848 application was made to the Classis for a special organization; this being granted, a committee was appointed, consisting of the Rev. Dr. A. Messier, T. W. Chambers, and D. D. Demorest. They met May 16, 1848, and after a sermon by Dr. Messier, organized a church by ordaining a Consistory composed of John A. Staats, Thomas S. Whitenack, Peter V. Staats, and David T. Runyon as elders, and John Freck, Garret J. Quick, Isaac V. Porter, and Richard Provost as deacons.

Peter Stryker, a student from the seminary, being called as pastor, he was ordained and installed Oct. 10, 1848. He preached at first in the chapel. Sept. 18, 1850, the corner-stone of the new edifice was laid with appropriate ceremonies by the pastor. The house was dedicated by the Rev. Dr. Hutton, of New York, July 30, 1851.

In 1851, Mr. Stryker resigned, and was succeeded the same year by the Rev. James A. H. Cornell, who was installed March 4, 1852, and served for four years, when he accepted the position of secretary to the Board of Education, and removed to his own residence, at New Baltimore, N. Y. In 1857, James Le Fevre, a student from the seminary at New Brunswick, was called; he was ordained and installed on the 25th of June. He labored about eighteen years, resigning in December, 1874, to take charge of the Reformed Church of Middlebush. The Rev. Charles H. Pool was installed July 15, 1875, and is still the pastor.

The church has at present 110 families and 283 communicants, also a Sunday-school containing 260 pupils. There has been raised the past year $1736.57 for congregational and $843.76 for religious and benevolent purposes. The chapel was rebuilt in 1872, at a cost of about $3000.

Methodist Church. — Services had been held by people of this denomination for several years, but no organizat