Bridgeton pioneer., 1886-03-11

cndpeI IOr SUNDAY ScnOOl ana CLASS
room purposes. The Board of Trus-
tees of the church when this improve
ment was made was composed of the
following persons:-Henr Nordyke,
John Cheesman, Sr., w. r. Fithian,
Richard Ross. Samuel Bowen, N. Tom
linson, Ephraim McGee, Robert Nc
Gee, Peter Salesman, VIM. Bateman.
Mr. Weed took great interest in
the building of the edifice, and often
assisted the workmen in their labors.
Mr. Weeds pastorate added much to
the strength of the church, many per-
sons being taken into the organization.
Thomas N Carrall "a model Christ
ian" minister came next. He served
during 1886, and welded power
influence for good, both in and out of
the church.
In 1887, Abraham Owen was pastor.
During his term an effort was made by
the more progressive element of the
church to introduce note books and
other advanced methods in music.
This was too much for the old-timers,
and a contest arose. Mr. Owen took
sides with the older members, and this
making some dissatisfaction, he re-
moved at the close of his first year.
Later on note books were secured,
and finally choir and chorister.
Previous to Mr.. Owens departure the
church was painted and refurnished.
Thomas Sovereign succeeded Mr..
Owen. To him is due the credit of
bringing order out of the confusion
which grew up when the note books
were introduced and the choir organ
ized The congregation would not
consent to be led in singing by a choir,
so Mr.. Sovereign concluded to resort
to piece of strategy. By arrange
with the choir, he announced one Sab
bath morning hymn which was sell
dom sung, except in churches having
good choirs, and which, he and the
members of the choir well knew, no
one in the congregation on the first floor
could sing. The hymn read, the con-
gregation arose and stood in an almost
breathless silence. When the quiet
ness had become painful and embar-
RAISING, the preacher looked up into
! the gallery, and instantly the choir
broke forth full and strong. The sn-
| fectual remedy had now been found.
Thus difficult problem was solved.
Mr.. Sovereign served the church for
two years, during which time revival
occurred which added over one hun
dred persons to the membership.
In the beginning of 1888, the Annual
Conference met in Bridgeton for the
first time, Bishop Hedding, presiding.
Mr.. Sovereign was succeeded by j.
L. Lenhart, who remained two years.
Lenhart was an able minister and much
beloved. He afterward became a
Chaplain in the United States Navy,
and perished in the war-ship ''Cumber
land,n which went down before the
rebel ram "Merrimac" in the naval
contest at Hampton Roads, Virginia
during the civil war.
In 1S42-43, James H. Dandy served
the church as pastor, and he was fol
lowed by Jefferson Lewis in 1S44-45
While the latter was pastor the remain
ing debt on the church property
amounting to 81, 200, was paid.
VIM. H. Hanley came in 1864. His
administration was not success.
In 1S4S-49, Bartholomew Weed wal
again returned, and through his in
fiuence harmony was restored, and the
church began a career of unity ant
prosperity.
A. G. Vandewater followed Mr.
Weed. A new parsonage was erected
during the first year of his ministry
In 1862 SO, John S. Swain was pas
tor. During the second year of hi
pastorate the Annual Conference
again met in Bridgeton at Commerce
street church. Bishop Morris presided
Nicholas Vansant served the church
as pastor in 1S54-55, and then came
Phillip Cline two years.
In 1S5S-59, Charles E. Hill was ap
pointed. During his term the chape
on South Pearl street was erected, anC
much prosperity prevailed in the
church.
Joseph B. Dobbins was pastor il
1S6061. He was an able minister, anC
during his pastorate many persons
were added to the church.
In 1862 Charles H. Whitecar came
He was an eloquent preacher, ano
made a deep impression on his hear
ers. He served one year only being
made Presiding Elder.
In 1s63-64, John Hickman, Jealous
Christian minister was pastor. His
term of two years was one of the most
successful in the history of the church.
In March, 1864, the Annual Confer
4 L.. .nt,.1A 1A<.4