Elders

The second subscription, in 1798, "for the use of the meeting-house" amounted to L737 12s., or $1844. It was a large enterprise, and there was little wealth. All were workmen,— Samuel Laurence Ward was the architect, and Josiah James, of Newark, also superintendent of construction; Aury King, chief mason, associated with Henry Cadmus and Henry King. The managers of the building were Simeon Baldwin, Nathaniel Crane and Joseph Davis. The trustees in 1797 were Samuel Ward, Ephraim Morris, Oliver Crane and Joseph Davis. Gen. Bloomfield made a visit in 1797 in recognition of the honor done him in giving his name to the town, was publicly welcomed by the people, and contributed one hundred and forty dollars to help on the building. Mrs. Bloomfield presented a pulpit Bible and psalm-book. The services began in the edifice in 1799, before the windows were in or the floors were laid, and the first Sunday of the new century opened with the new pastor. The building has since been twice enlarged. Fifteen feet were added in length in 1853, and a handsome transept Sunday-school room was completed in 1883.

The original elders and deacons in 1798 were Simeon Baldwin, Ephraim Morris, Isaac Dodd and Joseph Crane; the original membership, eighty-three persons.