John Stites snr. - Scotch Plains Baptist Church

"The first meeting house erected by the Baptists in this place was probably commenced in the year 1743. The managers engaged in its erection were John Stites, Wm Lines, and Wm Darby" ....... "in the course of the year 1759, the house was much enlarged,....This improvement was made under the direction of Recompence Stanbery, John Stites Esq., ...."
[Source - 'A centenial discourse : containing a history of the Scotch Plains Baptsist Church' unknown 1847. pg.31]

"John Stites was chosen (as a Ruling Elder) on the 29th July 1761. He, therefore, must have occupied this position for over twenty years. Mr. Stites was a man of large property, and was eminent in the political, as well as the religious world. He resided in the neighbourhood of Elizabethtown, and was for some years the Mayor, or Chief Magistrate of that place. Two of his daughters were married to Dr. James Manning and John Gano, two of the most eminent ministers of the Baptist denomination in their day. He filled his place in the church with great assiduity, and by his counsel and liberality, contributed much to its usefulness and respectability." 
[Source - 'A centenial discourse : containing a history of the Scotch Plains Baptsist Church' unknown 1847. pg.25]

"The land now known as the parsonage ground, was purchased on the 8th of September 1775, by Messrs. John Stites,.....who acted as a committee from the church and congregation.......Toward paying for the land, ... the prominent subscribers, to which, were John Stites £12...."
[Source - 'A centenial discourse : containing a history of the Scotch Plains Baptsist Church' unknown 1847. pg.32]

30 Jul 1777 - The Church as usual met to consult the affairs of the same for the glory of God and the good ordering of the same being opened by prayer John Stits Esq. chosen Moderator.
[The records of the Baptist Church at the Scotch Plains in East New Jersey in the year of our Lord 1747. pg.73.]

Back