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Bordentown area history
The area was settled in 1682 when
Thomas Farnsworth, an English Quaker, moved up river from Burlington to
make a new home for his family on a windswept bluff overlooking a broad
bend in the Delaware River. Farnsworth Landing then became the
center of trade for the region. Joseph Borden, for whom the town is
named, arrived here in 1717. By May 1740 he had a line of stage
coaches and boats traveling between New York and Philadelphia.
With patriots Francis Hopkinson (a signer of the
Declaration of Independence), Colonel Kirkbirde, Colonel Hoagland and
Thomas Paine in residence, the area became a hotbed of revolutionary
fervor. In retaliation, the town was occupied by the Hessians in
1776 and pillaged and burned by the British in May and June of 1778.
Other famous residents included Joseph Bonaparte,
ex-king of Spain and Naples and brother of Napoleon and Clara Barton, who
in 1843 started the first free public school in New Jersey in the original
schoolhouse which still stands near the center of town. Ms. Barton
later founded the American Red Cross.
Although the town hosts a rich history, it is also a
modern community with much to offer residents and visitors alike.
Situated at the northern tip of Burlington County and bordering Hamilton
Township, it is located at the crossroads of the American Revolution and
today's modern highways. Serviced by the New Jersey Turnpike, Routes
130 and 206, and Interstates 295 and 195, Bordentown enjoys easy access to
the cultural and commercial advantages of Princeton, Trenton, New York and
Philadelphia. The revitalized
business district of the "little city with a lot of charm" offers visitors
a pleasant diversion. The town's beautiful and historically
significant architecture houses many interesting shops and restaurants, as
well as a friendly and caring community.
Our church's history
On April 25, 1848, a committee was
appointed by Rev. Henry Perkins, Rev. John Hall, D.D., and Rev. Daniel
Deurelle following the acceptance of a petition to organize the
Presbyterian Church of Bordentown by Rev. Charles Hodges, D.D. of the
Presbytery of New Brunswick. This committee met in Bordentown on May
14, 1848 and proceeded to organize with the following committee persons:
On profession of faith, John Wilson, Agnes Wilson, Mary Wilson, and John
Jordan; on certificate from other churches, John Allan, Margaret K. Allan,
Margaret Thomas, Mary Ann Mathlen, Mary Monroe, Janet Baird, Margaret
Baird, Amos Baird, Elizabeth B. Scovel, Alfred B. Seymour, and Mrs.
Seymour. At this time, John Allan was installed as the ruling elder,
having been previously ordained in Scotland. The Rev. A. Scovel
became the stated supply and served until 1861. During Rev. Scovel's
ministry, the first house of worship was constructed on the corner of Park
and Second Streets in 1851 and was entirely free from debt. Our
present church building was built and ready for occupancy and was
dedicated on January 15, 1869. The old church was moved to a lot
opposite Park street and was used for years as an opera house. There
have been many renovations throughout the years which included a new pipe
organ and steam heat. On September 14, 1914 it was determined that
it would be necessary to remove the steeple which had been struck by
lightning on a number of occasions.
Our first installed pastor was Rev. Joseph
Greenleaf, Jr.. Rev. Greenleaf, Jr. was born in New York City.
He graduated from Columbia University in 1860, attended Princeton
Theological Seminary from 1860 to 1863 when he graduated. He was
installed on May 8, 1866 by the Presbytery of Burlington.
The first method for generating funds or donations
was to rent a pew. The pastor was first permitted to rent a pew for
his family and then all of the families in the congregation were permitted
to make their choice. This method of raising money was discontinued
in 1879 and was revived for a brief period and then finally discontinued
October 1, 1906. Our church is
rich in history and we continue to update the church and supporting
buildings while always looking back with admiration at those who dedicated
their lives to forming this congregation through faith and prayer.
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