Perth Amboy evening news., 1911-08-29
PARISH HISTORY
AT SPOTSW0OD
Reformed Church Celebrates
Anniversary 90 Years Old.
Special TO the EVENING NFws.

Spotswood. Aug. 29:-Rev. F. T.
B. Reynolds, minister of the Reform
ed church, and his f~ast-growing con-
gregation celebrated the Goth ami
versary of the organization of the
church at both morning and evening
services Sunday. The subject of
Rev. Mr.. Reynolds text in the morn
ing was of historical nature, but in
the evening he gave a splendid talk
on "Our Church Home" There was
a large attendance at both services,
although the rain inteTfered with the
minister's plans in the morning.
1t was the minister's intention to
have present Mrs. Helen Gilltland,
of Gilland, who Joined the church
in 1857. She is the Oldest living
member on record. The first menu
bers of the church were: John Har-
denberg, @. Johnson, j. Outlet and
D. and J. Combs.
Rev. Mr.. Van Hoff came from the
seminary at New Brunswick for six
months in 1919, and held services
here IN May 10, 1920 a handsome
white church building, As feet by
60 feet, was started. The corner
stone was laid by Rev. Mr.. LiVings-
ton, seventy years old, of New Bruins
wick. The church was completed in
1921 and the church organized on
August 5, 1921, by Prof. John Lud-
low, Of the New Brunswick Semin-
airy. The church building was dedl-
Gated on August IA or q, 1921, by
Prof. Ludlow. OF the ministers men
toned in the following history only
one is buried in the Reformed church
cemetery, adjoining the church. 1t IS
the late Rev. Mr.. Willis.
The first minister was Rev. j. Nc
Clure, who came here In 1922. Rev.
H. l.. Price came in 1925 and was
followed by Rev. ]. c. Van Lieu in
1884. Rev. Mr.. Van Lieu conducted
a private school in which is now
known as the Welsh House and was
tutor Of the late DR.. Dewitt Tai
mage, the noted Brooklyn pastor. In
1912 Rev. W. ]. Belts came to this
parish and stayed for five years. He
was succeeded by Rev. j. H. Man
ming in 1847, who left in seven years
to make way for Rev. A. Van Derwa-
ter, who stayed for thirteen years.
1t was during Rev. Mr.. Van Der
waters p~astorate that the present
bell was purchased and hung in the
tower. The ladies' society of the
church was instrumental in securing
this Improvement, which was accom-
plished in 1868. Rev. William Ril-
ley, of New York, came here in 1857
to lay the corner stone of the new
church, which is a part of the pres
ent edifice. DR.. Fountain, of Brown
town, father of Former Freebooter
Asbury Fountain, was treasurer OF
the church at this time.
In 1869 the church was completed,
during the p~astorate Of Rev. Ralph
Willis, father of County S~uperinten-
dent H. Brewster Willis, of New
Brunswick.
1t was completed at a cost of S.
900 and a source of much praise to
the members of the congregation.
Rev. Mr.. Hommond was minister in
1881 and continued until 1890, at
which time Rev. 8. Spalding took
charge of the little flock.
Mayor and Mrs. A. B. Appleby, of
this place, were married by Rev. Mr..
%Spalding.
But in 1888 a cyclone struck the
large and lofty church steeple, blow
ing 1t into the body Of the church.
The huge bell dropped to the base
ment, but was not damaged and now
peals out as of old. The building
was a complete wreck. Services were
held for some time in Whitney Hall,
placed at the disposal of the congre-
cation by Whitney Lodge, No. 191t
I. o. o. F.
Rev. T. Morton came in 1891 an
was followed by Rev. j.. T. Harr1