Hardenbergh, James B, Dd

Hardenbergh, James B., D.D.

an eminent Reformed (Dutch) minister, was born at Rochester, N.Y., June 28, 1800. Early converted and consecrated to the ministry, he graduated from Union College in 1821, and from the Theological Seminary at New Brunswick in 1824. His first settlement was at Helderberg and Princeton, N.Y. (1824-25). He was then called to succeed Dr. Isaac Ferris, in the First Church, New Brunswick, N.J., where he remained four years (1825-29).

From thence he went to Orchard Street, New York city, for a single year, when he succeeded Dr. Bethune at Rhinebeck (1830-36), and followed him again in the First Church of Philadelphia (Crown Street), where he 'labored successfully until 1840, and then accepted the charge of the Franklin Street, or North-west Reformed Dutch Church, in New York. Here he remained sixteen years, a healer of old dissensions, and a leader of the people to new and long prosperity. Meantime by his exertions the church edifice in Franklin Street was sold, and a new one erected in Twenty-third Street. In 1856 he resigned his pastorate to seek rest and recuperation for wasted health and strength. After a year in Europe, and two winters in the South, he preached in Savannah and Macon, Georgia. Upon his return from a second visit abroad, he devoted his ample means and willing services to the founding of a city mission on the corner of Madison and Gouverneur streets, New York city. He died January 24, 1870. Dr. Hardenbergh was a man of majestic frame, countenance, and bearing, handsome beyond most men, dignified, graceful, and cultivated. His preaching was earnest, evangelical, simple, direct, scriptural, and practical. "His fervor was intense. At communion seasons his face was radiant with emotion, and his tones thrilling with tenderness. He was loyal to the Church of his fathers, active in her benevolent boards, and held high rank among the first men of his period." He was a trustee of Rutgers College from 1825 till his death, and was president of the General Synod in 1842. See Memorial Sermon, by A.R. Thompson, D.D. (W.J.R.T.)