Page:History of West Hoboken NJ.djvu/91

 and Clinton avenue, and in the old township school at the intersection of the Weavertown road (now Boulevard) and Kerrigan avenue.

The work of building was begun early in 1850, and Mr. Bradford being a member of the Third Presbytery of New York, assured the people that they would receive the sympathy and help from that body should they consent to become connected with the Presbyterian Church. Their assent was at once and heartily given, and their request to be organized as a Presbyterian Church was sent to the Presbytery and was immediately granted, and the organization was accomplished on the 12th day of June, 1850. Thus it was that this congregation became a Presbyterian Church.

The size of the original edifice was 28 by 50 feet, and its cost, exclusive of the ground and bell was $2,590.27.

In connection with the church the property was held by what was known as the West Hoboken Lyceum and Library Association, and so involved and intricate was the relations thus established that embarrassments were continually springing up, until, having raised the money for the purpose, the congregation purchased the sole ownership of the property at a cost of $2,200. The church was dedicated on June 25, 1851. Among the ministers who officiated at the dedication was the Rev. Dr. Burchard, Rev. Dr. Campbell; Rev. Dr. Taylor, of the Bergen Reformed Church; Rev. Mr. Hatt, of the Baptist Church of Hoboken, and the Rev. Mr. Wiswell.

The first communion service was held in the basement of the church on July 14, 1850, the Rev. E. T. Hatfield officiating, and from this time on for five years the church was served by stated supplies, among whom may be mentioned the Rev. Messrs. Howe, Mandel and Parker.

On Sunday, the 8th day of April, 1855, the Rev. Jas. C. Egbert, while yet a student at Cornell University, preached for the first time in this church. On Wednesday of the same week, the 11th, Mr. Egbert was licensed by the Third Presbytery of New York and was ordained to the gospel ministry on the evening of the same day in the Allen Street Presbyterian Church of New York. Having received a unanimous call from this church, and on June 13, 1855, he was installed as pastor.

The church in 1855 consisted of sixteen members, among whom may be mentioned the following:—Mrs. Amanda Parker, Mr. Alsop Purdy, Mrs. Ellen Scott, Mrs. Helen Ryerson, Miss Elizabeth E. Dailey, Mr. Robert Campbell and Eliza, his wife, Mr. John Briggs and Marcella, his wife, Mr. John Robson, Mr.