Bridgeton pioneer., 1891-08-06
THE GREAT ANNIVERSAR AT
DARETOWN.

Historical sketch by DIR. Brown:
and Historical Sketches by
/ - Others--A Great Con-
DARETowN, Aug. 2.-The 15Oth an
niyersary of the organization of the
Pittsgrove Presbyterian Church, was
elaborately celebrated to-day. The
commodious brick structure was
crowded with people at each service.
Nearly 1000 were present this morn
Ing. Over 200 carriages were grouped
around the church, persons driving
long distances to attend. Rev. DIR.
John Ewing, the pastor, presided, and
a historical sermon was delivered by
Rev. DIR. Allen H. Brown, of Camden.
Addresses were made by Rev William
A. Ferguson, of Marysville, Ohio, and
Rev. DR.. Newkirk, of Philadelphia
The pastor presented the need of a
chapel in connection with the church,
and fund was started FORTS erection
Rev. DR.. Shields. of Bristol, and
Rev. Mr.. Ferguson were the speakers
tonight, indulging largely in personal
"Reminiscences They are two of the
three living ex-pastors of the church.
The third, Rev. j. D. Randolph, was
unable to be present, but sent note
of congratulation
| We append the following detailed
report of the services of the day, as
taken for the PIoNEER:
The second day of August, 1891, will
be remembered by many people as the
day set apart for the 15Oth anniversary
of the Presbyterian Church, Pitts
grove, where Rev. John Ewing, D. D.,
is the present beloved pastor. The
day dawned bright and beautiful, and
the ride from Bridgeton to Daretowp,
a distance of 10 miles, passes through
one of the finest agricultural portions
of Salem county. '. ...-
| DR.. Browns address stated that in
1913, Rev. Daniel Buckingham, trav.
elling missionary, visited this part Of
New Jersey, and organized society.
In 174l, a log church was built on land
purchased of Louis Dubois, and the
Presbytery of Philadelphia installed
Rev. David 1vans as it's first regular
pastor, who served several years.
| During the pastorate of Rev. Nehe.
miah Greenman, another pastor, in
the year 1857, a second large brick
church was built, and is yet stand
ing in good repair, considering its
very great age, and is occasionally
used for extra occasions. The
third large new church in which
the congregation now worships, was
built during the pastorate of Rev. Ed
ward P. Shields, and dedicated in 1867,
just one hundred years from the build.
ing of the second church. The latter
is large and beautiful edifice with
end gallery, steeple and bell, orig
inally erected at a cost of about twen-
ty-eight thousand dollars, and is one
of the finest country churches around.
| At this village the late Rev. George
w. Janvier spent nearly AZ years of
his ministry. During that period of
time, Thomas Dubois, Jonathan L.
Swing, John w. Janvier and Henry
Harding were leaders of the choir of
thirty voices, the writer of this report
being one of that happy number.
Many eventful scenes transpired here
during the one hundred and fifty years
of Church history.
Revs. Edward P. Shields, Vim. A.
Ferguson, Allen H. Brown. DR. John
Ewing and DR.. Newkirk occupied seats
on the platform, the recess and pulpit
being richly decorated with evergreens
and flowers, and large figures repre-
sented the years
174l 1891.
Rev. Allen H. Brown, of Camden,
delivered the historical address, which
was listened to with profound atten-
ton, by the large congregation of
people, while $50 carriages and 400
horses surrounded the church and
adjacent grounds
Rev. VIM. A. Ferguson followed DIR.
Browo, and in his address said, lady
asked him if this was the anniversary
of his own birth. ''Oh NO" he replied,
this represents much more interest.
ing and important event.
During the 10 years of my ministry
in this place, all my children except
one, was born here, and I think my
last child regrets not being born here,
as Pittsgrove is good place to be
born in"
He did not wish the congregation to
miss anything on this joyful anniyer.
sary, not even their dinner. nor their
o0cnomut v,ioc pocoincp IN bo ,,,iI -