Rev. Barnabas King, D.D.

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: J. Percy Crayon, Rockaway Records of Morris County, N. J. Families, (Rockaway, N.J., Rockaway Publishing Co., 1902)

The following sketch written soon after the death and burial of Rev. Barnabus KING by his colleague, Rev. Joseph F. TUTTLE, very clearly illustrates the life, death and character of the worthy pastor. No greater or more worthy tribute, could have been written and as far as I know, has never before appeared in print. J. P. C.

Died on Thursday, April 10, 1862, at 10:30 a.m. at the residence of his colleague, the Rev. Barnabus KING, D. D., in the 82^nd year of his age. He preached for the first time in Rockaway, Jan. 26, 1806, began his stated labor here Oct., 1807, and was installed pastor Dec. 27, 1808, which relation continued until death dissolved it. On the day he was taken sick his resignation was offered to the congregation, which was not accepted; the Parish by a unanimous vote declined to receive it.

He was buried on the Lord’s Day, April 13, a multitude being present, hundreds of whom could not get into the church. His colleague in compliance with his wish preached from the text, 1 Gor. 15, 10. "By the grace of God, I am what I am; and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; for I labored more abundantly than they all; yet not I but the grace of God which was with me."

The Rev. Barnabus KING was born of pious parents in New Marlborough, Mass., June 2, 1780. From childhood he was noted for sobriety of manners and the diligent improvement of his limited privilege at school. In his fourteenth year he was about to be apprenticed to a cabinet-maker when Dr. CATLIN, of Marlborough, in visiting the school which he was attending, became interested in his proficiency in study and offered to take him in his own family and fit him for college in four years in consideration of his services on the farm during the summer. At the age of eighteen he made a profession of faith in Christ. In the spring of 1802, he attended the Sophomore Class of Williams College and was graduated in 1804. During the next year he taught school and studied Theology with Dr. CATLIN. On the 15^th of October 1805, he was licensed to preach by the Berkshire Association. Having failed to secure settlement in his native county he was about to start for Western New York, then a new country, when a letter coming from a classmate led him to New Jersey.

From Jan. 7, 1806 to Oct., 1807, he preached at Sparta and Berkshire, when he became the stated supply of Sparta and Rockaway. Very soon a blessing attended his labors, and in the midst of a revival which resulted in the addition of eighty members to the church he was ordained and installed pastor of the church at Rockaway Dec. 27, 1808. Of the Presbytery of New York which performed this service, Dr. John McDOWELL who preached the sermon alone survives. Then the Licenciate became pastor after a probation of three years, a trial which probably did much to prepare him for his future usefulness.

The region upon the care of which the young pastor thus happily entered was extensive and destitute, sparsely settled and cursed with ignorance, intemperance, Sabbath-breaking and kindred vices. The church was very feeble, consisting of only thirty-five members among whom were found but three men who ever prayed in public, and twelve were widows.

He commenced his labors in a sincere and prayerful spirit, giving himself wholly to his work, and seeking success by patient continuance in well doing. He became a practical missionary in the district of which his church was the center. He preached in school houses and private dwellings, and visited much from house to house. For continuous periods he arranged ten sermons a week. During the whole time of his ministry but one year passed without additions to the church. In the fall of the year 1817, began a great revival which brought 151 into the church. Numerous revivals, some very extensive and powerful, rewarded his labor.

For forty years he continued his plain, unobtrusive but useful course, retaining the constant and growing affection of his people.

In 1847 when nearly 70, he received a colleague in his son-in-law, Rev. Joseph F. TUTTLE. From his fortieth anniversary sermon preached Dec. 31, 1848, we learn that he preached 1,200 times, solemnized 417 marriages, baptized 547 children, attended ___ funerals, received in the church 680 members, fourteen of whom became ministers. In the field of which he first had charge there are now five Presbyterian and five Methodist churches for all of which he in some measure prepared the way, and some of which sprang directly out of his church.

For the last fourteen years he had given up the active duties of the charge to his colleagues, performing such services as occasion demanded, and his strength permitted, but always keeping up a lively interest and exerting a healthful influence in the affairs of the parish, and maintaining a happy co-operation with the junior pastor.

The evening of his life was calm and peaceful and amidst the kind attentions of those who knew and loved him, because they and their fathers had proved him, he gently passed away when the last summons came he welcomed it, and with his mind in perfect peace and clearness without a doubt or fear he departed to his rest while his whole people mourned for him as children for a father.

Father KING was not according to common acceptation a great or learned, or brilliant man. His preaching never drew admiring crowds, but it instructed, interested and molded generation after generation. His pulpit was occasionally occupied by such men as McDOWELL, and RICHARDS, and GRIFFIN, and FRALEY, whose preaching was highly appreciated by the people, but it was common to hear the admiration of the stranger qualified by the remark, ‘but after all, I would rather hear our own pastor,’ showing that in the judgement of his people whatever superiority to him others might display in brilliancy was more than made up in him by some substantial excellence. His style of preaching was very simple , scriptural, earnest and affectionate. He was a good man, consistent I his life, ‘of good report of them who are without,’ satisfied will and faithful in his pastoral work, ever making it manifest to the flock that he sought not this but them. The success of his ministry is another proof that God uses unpretending but fitting instrumentality to accomplish great results. A remarkable characteristic of his preaching was its perfect orthodoxy and freedom from speculation so that he never had to take anything back.

This sketch would be incomplete without honorable mention of the conduct of the parish of Rockaway towards their venerable pastor. The very day he was stricken with hi last sickness, his resignation was tendered in consequence of his colleague’s acceptance to the Presidency of Wabash College, and his unwillingness to be in the way of settling a successor, he had done the same thing when his colleague was called. But the congregation with a noble spirit refused to accept his last resignation, as they had the first, giving as a reason their wish that he should die their pastor, and be buried among his people.

(For the family of Dr. KING, see BEACH Family.)

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)