Bridgeton pioneer. (Bridgeton, N.J.) 1884-1919, 1909-06-17
FAIRTON MONUMENT
WAS UNVEILED.


The sun shone upon the unveilng OF
the Historic Monument near Falrton
Tuesday afternoon, although the
weather had been threatening all day,
it seemed as if the sunshine should
smile upon such an event.
The roads we're fine and the verdure
beautiful for travelling to such rustic
scene.
On the outskirts of Fairton, near the
banks OF the Cohansey river-with
background of stately trees-stood the
monument ready for the unveiling and
dedication.
This monument is erected on the site
of the Old Fairfield Meeting House and
marks the beginning of the Presbyter
ian Church in South Jersey.
The exercises with Mr.. P. Kennedy
Reeves, Of Bridgeton, Moderator of the
Presbytery of West Jersey, presiding,
commenced soon after 200 p. M, with
prayer by Rev. Joseph L. Ewing, pas
tor of the West Church, Bridgeton
He spoke beautiful words for those
who lived in this community and who
toiled and thought for the Master.
The platform for the speakers was
erected between two aged cedars.
There was an artistic arrangement of
the red, white and blue and the flags.
Rev. Heber H. Beadle read the
Scripture and the audience joined in
singing, the hymn o, God of Bethel
By Whose Hand Thy People Still are
Fed
Then came scholarly paper the His
tory and Decription of the Monument.
by Rev. Frederick R. Brace, D. D.,
Chairman of the Historical Committee
of the Presbytery of West Jersey.
He dwelt upon the..place made sacred
by the men and women who came here
more than century ago-to settle and
live for all that is good-to carry out
the highest ideals of true life.
The first church was log building
but nevertheless house of God. A
one structure does not necessarily make
house of God. The services were
maintained by the settlers and we do
not want to forget the men and women
who brought forth such results, and it
is to honor some of the seed sewers
that we come here to-day.
The paper was full of interest and
if not heard by those interested should
be read in print by them.
The good work commenced when the
Daughters of the Revolution erected a
fence at cost of over 5000 around the
resting place of these great men. AS
soon as $500 was collected a contract
was made with Ogden & Platt and as
a result this splendid monument
mounted on solid concrete founda-
tion now stands with the inscription
and name of the 26 signers.
Over $500. 90 were raised the monu.
ment cost nearly $500, the mound $s.75
and there were a number of other
expenses. However, there is now a
balance of about $100-the interest of
which will be used in caring for this
spot
The dwelling of the Monument was
by Miss Bertha May Bateman, of near
Fairton. Miss Bateman was the only
woman on the platform and performed
the unveiling very pleasingly.
The dedicatory prayer was by Rev,
Luther A. Oates, of the First church.
He spoke of the memorial as the most
lasting the earth affords.
Another hymn was sung: ''Great
God of Nations now to Thee Our Hymn
of Gratitude We Raise"
The historical address following on
the REV. Thomas Bridge and the
signers of the agreement in Fairfield, 4"
by Rev, John E. Peters, D. D., showed
great work and research. He has
labored with such good results that the
chairman Of the Historical Committee
of the Presbytery of West Jersey, to
whom was entrusted the erection of the
monument, spoke of DIR. Peters as being
entitled to q new degree: Doctor
Historian.
DR.. Peters was quick, earnest
speaker, and gave sparkling history
from birth Of Rev. Thomas Bridge,
the first pastor, through all the years
following close his every foot step.
Negotiations began in 1896, and the
historytis teeming with interest. -