Bridgeton pioneer., 1886-03-11
BRIDGETON N. j., THURSDAY MARCH II, 1886.

AeoAipy WI = oCbpCA5 OllC gave
long sigh, and remarked-'t was
a very long and severe operation.n
The result was that the family never
afterward disturbed public worship by
entering late. Thomas Neal and Ed
ward Page were the preachers in 1919;
Thomas Ware and Thomas Neal in
1920; Thomas Ware and Samuel J. Cox
in 1921; Edward White and James Ak
ins in 1922 Thomas Ware was a man
of remarkable ability, and very sue
cessful pastor. He filled the Office of
Presiding Elder for a number of terms,
and was one Of the delegates that com
posed the celebrated ''Christmas Con-
ference" held at Baltimore, in 1884,
when the Methodist Episcopal Church,
of America, was first organized and
where the eloquent Asbury was or
dained Bishop. Mr.. Ware was native
of Greenwich, this county.
Bridgeton was separated from the
Circuit in 1928 and took the name and
title of station. Rev. Charles Pitman,
D. D., was appointed pastor Com
merce street church had at this period
about rs members. Pitman was a
famous preacher, but he was unknown
in Bridgeton where his fame had not
preceded him. The Bishop had or
dered him sent to Wilmington, Della
ware. but Pitman was a modest man,
and hesitated about assuming the du-
ties of such responsible charge. To
satisfy him the Bishop transferred
Henry King, (who had been set down
for Bridgeton,) to Wilmington, and
sent Pitman in his place. This ex-
change was opposed by several leading
members of the church, because Pit
man was a stranger to them. They,
however, decided to let him preach
once, and then declare their purpose.
that they concluded to hear him again.
The evening sermon completely capti-
waited them, and all opposition ceased.
He attracted large audiences of people
every Sabbath during his pastorate,
and greatly strengthened and built up
the church. He was one of the most
eloquent preachers of the day, and
carried bis hearers with him by magic
spell, as it were.
During Mr.. Pitman's terms of service
in Bridgeton, he several times, by re-
quest, baptised new converts by i'm
mersion, in the Cohansey river. The
first baptism by this mode, he an
nounced from his pulpit the Sabbath
previous. AS a Methodist minister SEX
dom baptised anyone by immersion,
the report soon spread, and as a con-
sequence large assemblage of people
were attracted at the appointed hour.
A Baptist clergyman having some can
didates for membership in his church,
and knowing of Pitman's baptism, its
time and place, also arranged for a
baptism at the same place, but a
few minutes earlier the same day.
When Pitman arrived, he found a large
congregation present, and, among the
number, this Baptist minister, who
was then engaged in his baptismal ser
vice. Mr.. Pitman was very much sur
prised at what he saw, but remained 6
quiet observer of all that was said anC
done. During this first service, some
illusions were made to the Methodist
minister and those waiting to receive
baptism at his hands. When the eX
ercises had concluded, and the bene
diction given, Pitman at once extended
an invitation to one and all to remain
to the close of the service now to fol
low. AS he proceeded, he first of all
gave an explanation of the novel scene
before them, and in that explanation
exposed the singular course the Bap
tist minister had willfully pursued t(
interrupt him in his solemn service
The expose and rebuke was effectual
as the cause for it never again existed
DR.. Pitman was succeeded oy Rev
Walter Burroughs, who remained one
year.
In the years 1S26-27, Rev. John Pott
was sent to Bridgeton. He was an in
tellectual man, able and argumenta
tive. In pulpit controversy with {
pastor of sister church on the doc
trine of limited atonement, he so an
swered his opponent as to receive the
approval of both the church and com
munity.
Mrs. Phebe Sayre, a lady of means
willed to the church in 1897, a brick
building on Commerce street to be
used as parsonage. 1t is still stand
ing. and is located near the residence
of John r. Graham, Esq. 1t was oe.
cupied by the ministers until the par.
sonage on the church lot was erected.
James Smith was appointed pastor
in 1928, and remained one year. Robt.
Gerry followed him, he in turn being