First Baptist Church
First Baptist Church, also known as the Fourth Street Baptist Church, is located at 28 North 4th Street in Camden. The congregation was organized February 5, 1818, making it the oldest Baptist church in Camden. Its founding members were Silvanus Sheppard, Phoebe Sheppard, Richard Johnson, Ann Johnson, Isaac Smith, Hannah Ludlam, and Eleanor Sheppard, all coming by letters of dismissal from the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia.
Over the years, the church gave rise to several daughter congregations: the Second Baptist Church of Camden in 1848, the North Baptist Church in 1859, the Tabernacle Baptist Church in 1861, and the Trinity Baptist Church in 1872. In April 1872 the First and Tabernacle congregations united under the title “Fourth Street Baptist Church of Camden,” and on April 16, 1883 the corporate title was changed to “The First Baptist Church of Camden, N. J.”
1886 Illustration
First Baptist Church — illustration published in 1886.
The First Baptist Church of Camden
By Rev. Isaac C. Wynn, D.D. — From George Reeser Prowell’s History of Camden County, New Jersey — 1886
Early in the present century a few Baptists from Cohansey settled in Camden. They promptly united with the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, and, notwithstanding the difficulties and dangers of crossing the Delaware (with the rude facilities of the time), regularly attended its services. But provision for their own spiritual needs did not exhaust their sense of obligation. Loyalty to God and His truth, and an ardent desire for the salvation of men, demanded of them the preaching of the gospel to their own townsmen.
The Village Academy, located at Sixth and Market Streets, was their first public meeting-place. There, under the occasional ministry of Rev. Henry Halcomb, D.D., of Philadelphia, and others, began the work of the Baptist denomination in what is now the city of Camden. Soon a strong opposition revealed itself, that closed the doors of the Academy against the little band, whose only offense was faithful adherence to Scriptural teaching and practice.
Though subjected to great inconvenience by this privation, they pushed forward the work to which they believed God had called them with undaunted purpose and unabated ardor. Private houses were opened, and in them the villagers were invited to meet for prayer and conference, and to listen to the preaching of the gospel.
The first church organization was effected February 5, 1818. Its constituents were Silvanus Sheppard, Phoebe Sheppard, Richard Johnson, Ann Johnson, Isaac Smith, Hannah Ludlam and Eleanor Sheppard. These all came by letters of dismissal from the First Church of Philadelphia. At the same time Silvanus Sheppard and Richard Johnson were elected to the deaconate and ordained. Before the close of 1818, through the self-sacrificing efforts of this heroic little band, the first modest meeting-house rose on the site now occupied by the First Church.
At this time the cause received valuable aid from the frequent visits and earnest labors of Rev. John Sisty, of Haddonfield. In the early years of its history the growth of the church was greatly hindered by the frequent change of pastors, and by long pastor-less periods. From the year of its constitution (1818) to 1832 it was identified with the “New Jersey Baptist Association,” and at the end of that period reported a membership of thirty-seven. The church then withdrew from the New Jersey Baptist Association and became a constituent of the Central Union Association of Pennsylvania, organized July 31, 1832. In 1839 it returned to the association in New Jersey, with a membership of one hundred and fifty-eight.
The year 1842 witnessed the completion of a two-story brick building on the site of the modest structure that for more than twenty years had been the home of the church; and the little company of seven had grown to two hundred and ten. The pastorate of Rev. Thomas E. Taylor began in 1843 and continued to 1854. It was a period of prosperity and growth to the church. Other pastorates had been efficient, considering their brevity. Mr. Taylor’s incumbency was the first that was sufficiently protracted to establish wise methods of work in the church, or to measure the pastor’s personal influence upon the community.
In 1848 forty-four members were dismissed to constitute the “Second Baptist Church of Camden.”
In the twelve years from 1864 to 1866 five pastorates were crowded. Notwithstanding the frequent change of leaders, the church continued to prosper. In 1859 it gave thirty-seven members to constitute the “North Baptist Church.” In 1861 one hundred and fifty-five communicants withdrew to constitute the “Tabernacle Baptist Church.” In 1860 the second house was razed, and the present substantial and commodious building was completed and dedicated in 1864.
In 1871 a number of communicants withdrew and constituted the “Trinity Baptist Church,” perfecting their organization in 1872.
In April, 1871, negotiations began looking to the union of the First and Tabernacle Churches. The latter, under the pastorates of Rev. A. Earl, Rev. P. L. Davis and Rev. Isaac C. Wynn, had enjoyed ten years of harmonious and successful activity, and reported a membership of two hundred and seventy-nine.
Pending the final decision of an involved legal issue and necessary legislation, the two congregations worshipped together in the house of the First Church from June 4, 1871, to April 1, 1872, when the union was consummated, under the title of the “Fourth Street Baptist Church, of Camden,” with an aggregate membership of three hundred and fifty-one. On the 16th of April, 1883, the corporate title was changed to “The First Baptist Church of Camden, N. J.”
The beneficent influence of this union has been felt beyond the limits of the resultant church. It has lessened necessary home expenses, and liberated funds to be applied to the mission work of the denomination. Since the union the life of the church has been healthful and vigorous. Its financial interests have been efficiently managed; $66,202.73 have been expended in the improvement of the property of the church and in the maintenance of its ministries at home, and $9,696.81 have been devoted to the various forms of benevolent activity abroad.
During the period from April 1, 1872, to July 31, 1886, the accessions to the membership have been: By baptism, two hundred and sixty-seven; by letter, two hundred and seventy-one; by experience, twenty-two; by restoration, sixteen,—total, five hundred and seventy-six. The reductions have been: By death, ninety-eight; by letter, one hundred and sixty-nine; by erasure, thirty-four; by exclusion, sixty-six,—total, three hundred and sixty-seven. The net increase has been two hundred and nine, giving a present membership of five hundred and sixty.
The church has given special emphasis to Bible school work, and in addition to its home school has, for the last five years, sustained a flourishing mission in the southern part of the city. They have an enrollment of seventy officers and teachers, and six hundred and thirty scholars.
Register of Pastors
Daniel James — May, 1818, to November, 1818
John P. Cooper — December, 1818, to March, 1819
Thomas J. Kitts — December, 1819, to March, 1822
Charles J. Hopkins — March, 1822 to July, 1824
Robert Compton — September, 1829, to September, 1832
Amasa Smith — January, 1833, to September, 1833
William S. Hall — November, 1833, to May, 1834
Thomas C. Teasdale — January, 1835, to October, 1835
Joseph Sheppard — August, 1836, to May, 1838
N. B. Tindall — August, 1838, to September, 1841
William W. Smith — December, 1841, to September, 1842
Thomas I. Taylor — November, 1842, to January, 1854
John Duncan — May, 1851, to 1857
S. H. Mirick — December, 1857, to 1858
George R. Darrow — from 1859 to 1860
G. G. Ferguson — from 1860 to 1862
B. F. Hedden — from 1862 to 1865
F. B. Rose — from 1866 to 1870
Isaac C. Wynn — from 1870
Present Officers: Pastor, Isaac C. Wynn, D.D.; Deacons, Adam Angel, David Lack, Ellwood K. Fortiner, Stacy Gaunt, Charles E. Young, E. M. Howard, M.D., Morris W. Hall; Trustees, Volney G. Bennett, E. A. Armstrong, A. S. Morton, Edward H. Bryan, S. F. Rudderow, C. K. Middleton, William C. Scudder; Clerk, Charles A. Morton; Treasurer, Samuel G. Rudderow.
Briefs About Town
Philadelphia Inquirer —
BRIEFS ABOUT TOWN
Rev. J. W. Lyell, pastor of the Cavalry Church of Albany, N. Y., has been called by the First Baptist Church of Camden.
Andrew Eckert, sentenced to six years for killing Thomas McDonough, at Pavonia last summer, was taken to the State Prison on Saturday.
The Prohibitionists of Camden have decided to keep their campaign headquarters open the entire year.
The Harrison Union Veterans, of Camden, have elected the following officers: Colonel, William H. Sherman; lieutenant-colonel, John Sargeant; major, David M. Spence; adjutant, George E. Martin; quartermaster-commissary.
The Orphans’ Court of Camden have appointed Jonas S. Miller a special master to take testimony in the contested will case of the late Dr. Thomas Wescott. The estate, which is valued at $40,000, is contested by the deceased’s 16-year-old daughter Lela.
Convulsed His Audience
Camden Daily Telegram —
CONVULSED HIS AUDIENCE
Lecturer Conwell Crammed his Hearers Full of Knowledge and Advice.
Russell H. Conwell delivered his famous lecture, “Acres of Diamonds,” at the First Baptist Church last evening to a crowded house. It was full of merriment, knowledge and advice, and all who were fortunate enough to be present decided it one of the best evenings they ever spent. He said that the success in business is to find out what people wanted and then got it, and there is no better way of finding out than to consult your own families wants.
Do not go afar off for wealth, he said, as it is so near some times that you look over it. Several cases to illustrate his points were cited. If a man cannot get rich in Camden, he will not get rich anywhere. It all lies with the person.
Mr. Conwell spoke for two hours and a half and the audience could have listened all night. They were convulsed time and time again by the humorous speaker.
The Christian Endeavor Society are to be congratulated on securing such good talent for their courses.
Children’s Day Exercises
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The children’s day exercises that were postponed on account of the rain the Sunday previous were held yesterday in the following churches: Union M. E., Wiley M. E., First M. E., Union American, Bethany M. E., First Baptist and First Presbyterian. The churches were prettily decorated. Rev. Edward F. Hann, of Pennington Seminary, preached last evening in the Union M. E. Church.
Staley—Toone
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Staley—Toone
Miss Florence Clayton Toone, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac C. Toone, of 503 Benson street, was married last night to Harry Raymond Staley, in the presence of several hundred guests, at the First Baptist Church, Camden, by Rev. John W. Lyell, the pastor. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Laura Estelle Toone, as maid of honor. Miss Elizabeth McCully and Miss Bertha Pearce, the latter of Long Branch, as bridesmaids, and Miss Margaret Riggs as flower girl. Davis Draper was best man, and the ushers were Howard G. Toone, Percy England, Charles Austermuhl, Burrough Robertson, of Camden; Eugene Haines and Harry Bullock, of Mt. Holly. Mr. and Mrs. Staley will reside at 704 Linden street.
Camden News Notes
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden News Notes — Rev. Dr. Wayland Hoyt, of Philadelphia, preached at the First Baptist Church yesterday in the absence of Rev. John Lyell, who is on his way to the Orient with a Baptist Mission.
Camden at a Glance
Philadelphia Inquirer —
CAMDEN AT A GLANCE
In the absence of Rev. John W. Lyell, who is recuperating after an operation for appendicitis, Rev. Herbert Henry Middleditch preached at the First Baptist Church yesterday.
Members of Running Deer Council No. 62, Daughters of Pocahontas, Mountain City, were addressed by Rev. William Grum at the Trinity M. E. Church last night.
Delegations from Trimble Lodge of Masons, Neighbors, Charles A. Phillips Tribe of Red Men and other organizations yesterday attended the funeral of William I. J. Phillips, at various local homes. Burial was at his home at Third and Arch streets. Interment was made at Sharptown, Md.
Beginning tonight, members of the Andrews Baptist Church Bible School will conduct evangelistic services all this week. Well-known spiritual workers are scheduled to address the meetings.
Recruiting “Drive” in Camden Churches
Philadelphia Inquirer —
RECRUITING “DRIVE” IN CAMDEN CHURCHES
National Guardsmen Visit Three Edifices, Seeking New Members. Wescott Chides Slackers
In an effort to arouse something like enthusiasm among the young men of Camden, recruiting sergeants of the Third Regiment, N. G. N. J., were stationed at several of the churches yesterday. In the morning they were at the First Baptist Church and at night at the First Presbyterian Church. Others spent the day at St. John’s P. E. Church. The sergeants had application cards which were distributed among the men, several of whom expressed their intention of joining.
Every effort is being made to infuse something akin to war time enthusiasm in the young men of the city, but the recruiting has been very slow, both for the Guardsmen and the regular army service. At the big rally held in the Third Regiment Armory, Saturday afternoon, Attorney General John W. Wescott chided the young men, who he declared, would apparently sooner have a good time than respond to their country’s call.
Major Harry G. Kramer, who is trying to get together enough men to compose an engineering corps, has obtained the names of about eighty from Camden county. As soon as he has a sufficient number he will organize them. His campaign has been the most energetic of any and yet he has experienced the greatest difficulty in getting responses to his appeals.
Choral Group of Organ Club Has New Name
Camden Courier-Post —
Singers Form ‘Musical Art Society’ According to Plans Made at Founding
The Choral Association of the Camden Chapter, National Association of Organists, has become a separate organization. From now on it will be known as the Musical Art Society.
The group, at its start here, was sponsored by the Camden Chapter with an aim to establish it as a separate group as soon as a successful working basis was reached.
Patronage has been forthcoming which has assured the society of a place in the musical activities of the community. The plan is to develop a sound choral group, capable of producing serious choral works in artistic manner.
The society’s membership list is still open. Voices, both male and female, are needed. Singers with ability at reading are especially urged to make themselves known. Applications, under the new society’s plan, should be sent to Edna M. Llewellyn, Fourth Avenue and Kings Highway, Haddon Heights.
Rehearsal will continue at the First Baptist Church here on the first, second and third Mondays of every month.
Present patrons are Wilfred W. Fry, Mrs. Fry, Charles K. Haddon, Mrs. Walter J. Staats, Hon. E.G.C. Bleakly, Mrs. Elwood A. Harrar, Mrs. F. Morse Archer, A. Wilbur Nash, Dr. Edward M. Sullivan, J. Walter Levering, Dr. Joseph E. Roberts, William G. Moore, Mrs. Mary L. Neer, Mrs. J. Harry Knerr, Mrs. Ada M. Eckenhoff, Mrs. Charles A. Reynolds, and Joseph D. Brisby.
The former choral association will retain its officers under the new title of the Musical Art Society, with the exception of the post of secretary. Miss Llewellyn will replace Walter M. Smith temporarily.
The officers are: Henry S. Fry, director; Miss Llewellyn, treasurer; Ada M. Eckenhoff, librarian; Robert M. Haley, president; Marion V. Taylor, Evelyn Lawrence, Stanley Nelson, Harry W. Schwartz, Marjorie Riggins Seybold, F. Marie Wesbroom-Dager and Howard S. Tussey, executive board.
The society will present at least two public concerts in the spring, one in April at the North Baptist Church and the spring concert, which has been tentatively scheduled for May and will probably take place in the First Baptist Church.
Baptist Moderator
Camden Courier-Post —
Baptist Moderator — REV. DR. ELWOOD A. HARRAR — Pastor of First Baptist Church, who was installed last night as moderator of the Camden Baptist Association at the closing session of the annual meeting.
DR. HARRAR INDUCTED AS MODERATOR HERE
Installation Marks Final Session of Baptist Association’s 43d Conference
Dr. Elwood A. Harrar, pastor of First Baptist Church, elected moderator of the Camden Baptist Association, was installed last night, at the close of its forty-second annual session. More than 100 Baptist ministers and laymen of South Jersey attended the meeting, which opened Tuesday in Linden Baptist Church. Dr. Harrar succeeds Rev. R. B. Mahoney.
Yesterday’s session started with worship at 9:30 a. m., followed by reports submitted by Rev. John G. Fryer, treasurer and preacher; Hinson V. Howlett, resolutions; Mr. Hayne, evangelism; Rev. Raymond P. Wilson, permanent council, and F. I. Sigmund, obituaries.
There was a talk by Mr. Hayne, followed by an address by J. Milnor Wilbur, whose topic was “The Baptist Institute for Christian Workers.” Kate S. Thompson spoke on “Baptist Home for the Aged.” A symposium and discussion on Bible school work followed.
The afternoon session was opened with a report of women’s work by Mrs. Thomas N. Martin. Nannie Burroughs, president of the National Training School for Women and Girls, also spoke. The meeting concluded with a pageant, “A Dream With a Mission,” by the Missionary Society of North Baptist Church.
Last night’s meeting opened with a praise service, after which the new moderator was installed. A report of the committee on religious education was given by Rev. C. W. Dannenhauer, followed by a symposium on church problems.
Rotary Club Hears Washington Eulogy
Camden Courier-Post —
Rev. Elwood A. Harrar Reviews Life of First President
An address on the life of George Washington featured a luncheon meeting of the Camden Rotary Club at the Hotel Walt Whitman yesterday.
The speaker was Rev. Elwood A. Harrar, member of the club and pastor of the First Baptist Church of this city.
Reverend Harrar, an authority on Washington, stressed the precepts of character of the first president which are not as well known as those exploits embraced in history books.
The pastor spoke of Washington, the scientist; Washington, the farmer; Washington, the humanitarian and Washington, the reverent, respectful religious man alive to the will of God.
“There were four foundation stones in George Washington’s character,” said the speaker. “These were humility, integrity, self-control and religion.”
Quoting many authorities, Reverend Harrar said: “Washington’s word was his bond. Honesty was his principle. The good of the common man was his concern. Justice was his monitor. We are told that he had a fiery temper but that he held it in reserve.
“Gracious toward all men, his was a quiet, modest dignity which at once demanded respect.
“In religion, Washington was ever mindful of the will of God and the highest tributes that have been paid him have brought out his reverence, his interest and his humble submission to the God in whom he devoutly believed.”
First Baptist Church Begins 120th Anniversary Celebration
Camden Courier-Post —
REV. ELWOOD A. HARRAR
Congregation Organized in Camden in 1818; Seminary Head Preaches
REUNION SERVICE TO BE HELD FRIDAY
Organized February 5, 1818, when Camden was a village of fewer than 900 residents, the First Baptist Church of Camden yesterday began celebration of its 120th anniversary. It will continue with special services and music Wednesday and Friday nights. The program was arranged by Rev. Elwood A. Harrar, pastor since 1922.
A large congregation attended the opening anniversary worship service at 10.30 a. m., in the church edifice, Fourth and Arch streets, which succeeded the first meeting house built in 1818 and the second erected in 1839.
The anniversary sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. James H. Franklin, president of Crozier Theological Seminary, Chester, Pa., of which Rev. Harrar is a trustee.
Citing the physical changes that have occurred in 120 years Dr. Franklin pointed out that the needs of man in respect to his moral character and human relationships have not changed and that the church is as necessary today as it ever was.
“The message of the church today must deal with all phases of human relationships, social, economic and political, as well as religious,” Dr. Franklin declared.
At this service there was music by the junior and senior choirs of the church.
Celebration in the Bible School, also in the morning, was prefaced by greetings from Randolph Cramer, president of the Camden County Council of Religious Education.
Mrs. Bennett Speaks
Mrs. Harold W. Bennett, wife of City Commissioner Bennett, spoke on missionary activities and exhibited curios from the Congo, Africa, where she was born, a daughter of missionary parents, and where a sister and a brother-in-law are now engaged in mission work. Rev. Chester A. Pennington was soloist and Miss Grace Hill violinist in a musical program.
The night service was a “Celebration in Music,” at which Rev. Harrar spoke on the place of music in religion. The Baseler Harp Ensemble, one of Philadelphia’s notable musical organizations, and the church choir provided the musical features of the celebration.
On Wednesday night the program includes a spiritual fellowship service, reception of new members and communion service.
Reunion Service Friday
Rev. Ivan Murray Rose, D.D., pastor of the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, mother church of the Camden body, will address the congregation at an anniversary reunion service Friday night. Greetings will be received from the churches which have grown out of the Camden church. These greetings will be extended by the pastors of the various churches. They are as follows:
Rev. Walter S. Dunlop, North Church; Rev. Walter L. Hunt, Tabernacle Church; Rev. Culbert G. Rutenber, Linden Church; Rev. C. W. Dannenhower, Parkside Church; Rev. Antonio Galloppi, Italian Church; Rev. Paul Bramball, Laurel Springs Church; Rev. David J. Davis, Oaklyn Church, and Rev. Gilbert L. Guffin, Merchantville Church.
Officers of the First Baptist Church are Atlie M. Ward, president of board of trustees; F. Y. MacCullough, president board of deacons; Frank B. Gail, treasurer; Ida M. Subers, financial secretary; Howard H. Westcott, clerk; Raymond B. Heston, organist and director of choir and J. Alpheus V. Harker, Sunday School superintendent.
Two Ways of Living
Camden Courier-Post —
“Two Ways of Living” will be the topic of the Rev. Elwood A. Harrar at union services in the First Baptist Church, Fourth street below Market street tomorrow at 7.30 p. m. The congregation of the Centenary Tabernacle Methodist Church will take part. The Rev. Carlton R. VanHook is the pastor.