Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1907-09-05
OLD M0RAY|AN CHURCH,
tablet Dwelling.

| OdB 7HuuutSu dHu slAeJ J taic nEOeA 4ettle'
| ful of Moravians, resident in the vicinity,
erected log building on Oldman's creek,
near what is now Porch mill, that they
might worship God according to the die.
tates of their own conscience. The
building was dedicated August 81, 1749.
On July 5, 1889, the log church gave
way to brick building capable of seating
an audience of $50 persons.
! At the April meeting Of the Gloucester
County Historical Society it was resolved
to place an historical tablet on this build
ing, and special committee consisting Of
DR.. Jos. G. Halsey, David B. Bassett and
Charles D. Lippincott was appointed to Sc
cure the tablet. prepare the inscription and
formulate program for proper observ-
anee of the unveiliog of the tablet on the
16Oth anniyersary-Aug. 81, 1907.
That that committee performed Its duty
most admirably, all the five hundred and
more participants in the ceremonies gladly
attest.
aug GuSc O1 was OAC Va tbD AASSp va VIZ
month, nature lending her aid to the COM
fort of those who went to do honor to the
God-loying forefathers.
The church is about mile from Harri-
sonyille station and the good people Of the
neighborhood were present with large
wagons to convey the visitors from train to
the church.
The meeting was held in the open air in
front of the church, benches having been
arranged about the entrance. DIR. Joseph
G. Halsey presided, and in his opening re-
marks said
This assembling Of the people Of Glou-
cester County and vicinity emphasizes the
interest and Importance given TO such a
community as ours-comm0nplace enough
in its current life-by the events OF the
past.
That men of mark left their native lands
and came to our neighborhood-t Bishop
Sneedborg sent his son (the brother Of
Emanuel Sueedenborg) and that be taught
school in what is now Sweedesboro; that
Peter Kahn, the great Swedish naturalist,
came and dwelt here-that above all Count
Zinzendorf himself came and preached and
helped TO establish that religious system of
which he was the patron and earnest sup
porter, if nots founder; that it is the feel
ing Of the Gloucester County Historical So
ciety that they do well to keep alive in the
minds of this and succeeding generations
the fact that these men OF old had ideals
and sacrificed much for them, not thinking
f1a
pal business of life for an immortal soul
all this and more so impress me that /
could not refrain from speaking thus briefly.
The orchestra rendered "Gloria,n and
Rev. G. W. Duane. former Rector at
Swedesboro, led in prayer. Then the
glorious old hymn 'The Church's One
Foundation was sung by Woodbury.
Melody Club, Mrs. George W. Grove,
leader.
In presenting Mr.. Henry shiyler to un-
veil the tablet, DR.. Halsey said:
There is here to-day man who has been
closely allied with this church for more
than quarter OF a century; having held
service here every Sunday for thirty years,
for the children. There is mutual honor
attached to this To him that he has the
privilege to unyeil this tablet To US that
we haye so faithful man to take part in
these ceremonies.
The tablet had been set in the face of the
wall of the church, and was covered by
American flags, these Mr.. Shiyler drew
aside exposing the tablet.
Mr.. Halsey then introduced Hon. John
Boyd Avis, who in presenting the tablet to
the church said
Mr.. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen:--
ana glad indeed to have this oppor-
tunity Of standing upon the soil once pos
sessed by my ancestor, and Of participating
/ in the exercises attendant upon the unyeil-
| ing and presentation Of this beautiful
4 tablet
Usually, monuments are erected and tab
/ let's placed to mark the historic spots made
memorable in the history of our Nation by
deeds OF valor, in combat on the battle
field midst the shedding of blood and the
sacrifice Of human liyes, in battles for free
dom; those in defence of the country't
honor, and in the relief Of the oppressed.
Many such markers distinguish the his.
toric spots OF our Nations history, and We
do well to mark these places commemora-
ting the brave, ,undismayed patriotism, and
the splendid humanitarian instincts OF
those who haye protected our Nation ir
time of danger; who haYe emblazoned hel
banners with victorious honor, and haYs
passed on to receive their rewards for liYes
we'll and honorably spent.
/ But in this instance different condition
has prompted the erection of this tablet
1t is not intended TO mark the site Of great
deeds of valor in war or Of brilliant achieve
ment in time of peace. 1t commemorate
no battle Of cannon, rifle or sword, but il
intended to be expressive Of grateful feel
ing towards those who, emigrating from tbs
land Of the midnight sun and settling in /
wild and new country, beset by hardship
and trials, yet, through it all took the
i Bible for their guide and steadfastly cling
j ing to their religious training, gathered TO-
gether their little company, and in 174f
erected on this site the original log meeting