MORGAN'S HISTORY OF THE NEW JERSEY CONFERENCE Page 244
Paterson Mission, like the above, was not only dead but was buried. But there were a few names in Sardas, and through the Presiding Elder of the First District and the pastor of Orange, we hear that the dead is alive, through the report of Bro. Jordan Christmas, acting pastor.
At Newark charge I found the work in a fair condition, but heavily in debt. A mortgage of $3,700, with back interest and floating debts, amounting to about $300.
Our people were almost discouraged, and had begun to fall back and to say "we can't;" but we took a hold where our predecessor left off, trusting in God, and with the watch-word, "Do the best you can;" the result was that our reports are as good, and are said to be the best ever coming from this charge.
God has blessed us, and the work has prospered in our hands throughout the district.
Trenton, N. J., April 20th, 1887.
At the close of this, the second year of a very pleasant service in my charge and district, I have the pleasure of submitting my second report to your honorable body. The winter has been long and severe, but general success has attended the labors in the several administrations.
Trenton Station is in a good spiritual and financial condition. The services are generally well attended with earnest Christian worshippers. The members are loyal and true to African Methodism, and a more liberal and generous people are seldom found anywhere. There is no debt on the church property, and the many scattered, floating debts which were like so many little foxes, have nearly all been paid. We have paid this, including current expenses, $10.00. We had conversions and accessions to the church. The Sabbath-school is large and well attended; and the superintendent and teachers are faithful in trying to advance this highly important work.
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