Guide to the Minute Book of the Baptist Church of the Middle Precinct of Cape May 1766-1792 MG 1236
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Guide to the Minute Book of the Baptist Church of the Middle Precinct of Cape May1766-1792MG 1236Inventory prepared by Stephen Yautz as part of the “Farm to City” project funded by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.
 1766-1792 The New Jersey Historical Society
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Newark, New Jersey 07102
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The New Jersey Historical Society, Publisher
Inventory prepared by Stephen Yautz as part of the “Farm to City” project funded by a grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission.
Finding aid encoded by Danielle Kovacs. March 2004. Production of the EAD 2002 version of this finding aid was made possible by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Finding aid written in English. Historical NoteThe Baptist Church of the Middle Precinct of Cape May was established in Cape May Court House, New Jersey in 1712. The first pastor of the new congregation was Reverend Nathaniel Jenkins; he remained there until his resignation in 1730. His son, Reverend Nathaniel Jenkins II, succeeded his father to the pastorate. Other pastors that served the congregation include John Sutton, Peter Peterson Vanhorn, and David Smith. In 1741, a brick church was built to house the congregation, and was used until it was destroyed by fire in 1854. A new church was erected, where it still stands at Main Street in Cape May Court House, New Jersey. Return to the Table of Contents Scope and Content NoteThis collection consists of the minute book of the Baptist Church of the Middle Precinct of Cape May, spanning the years 1766-1792. The minutes cover topics such as disciplinary actions taken by the church for infractions committed by church members, such as drunkenness, card playing, lewd behavior. Other topics mentioned in the minute book include the maintenance of church property, the creation of a new church at “Tucaho, ” as well as problems with the church’s pastor, Reverend Peter Peterson Vanhorn. One of the disciplinary measures taken by the church was to excommunicate Thomas Stites for “following the business of a horse jockey.” Also, Rebecca Scot was cited for card playing and lodging with other men. On another occasion, Elyhu Smith, ” overtaken and overcome with liquor at a public vendue, to the disgrace of the Church,” was summarily dismissed from the congregation. Reverend Peter Peterson Vanhorn, the pastor for the congregation, is shown on the record in the minute book expressing his displeasure at not being paid the salary owed to him. After discussing the issue in several meetings, it was agreed between the church board and Reverend Vanhorn that the pastor would receive whatever proceeds were received from a new series of subscriptions from members of the congregation. This arrangement, the minute’s state, was satisfactory to all parties involved. The last entry, dated March 4, 1792, records that Richard Crafford was paid the sum of nine shillings and six pence for work done for the church. Return to the Table of Contents RestrictionsAccess RestrictionsThere are no access restrictions on this collection. Photocopying of materials is limited and no materials may be photocopied without permission from library staff. Use RestrictionsResearchers wishing to publish, reproduce, or reprint materials from this collection must obtain permission. The New Jersey Historical Society complies with the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code), which governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions and protects unpublished materials as well as published materials. Return to the Table of Contents Return to the Table of Contents Related MaterialFor related collections on the Baptist churches and organizations in the area of Cape May, see: Manuscript Group 259, Philadelphia Baptist Association Records Return to the Table of Contents Administrative InformationPreferred CitationThis collection should be cited as: Manuscript Group 1236, Baptist Church of the Middle Precinct of Cape May Minute Book, The New Jersey Historical Society. Acquisition InformationThis collection was purchased from Joseph Felcone, Inc., July 1986. Return to the Table of Contents BibliographyStevens, Louis Townsend. The History of Cape May County, New Jersey from the Aboriginal Times to the Present Day. Cape May City, New Jersey: Lewis T. Stevens, 1897. Return to the Table of Contents |
