Entries from the Flemingon Presbyterian Church Records Book

FLEMINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

A July 12, 1822, entry notes:

An application was made by a colored woman called Leah, a slave belonging to Charles Bonnell, to be received into the communion of this church. After a careful examination as to her views and experience on the subject of religion, as well as to her motives in joining the church, it was unanimously agreed that she be permitted the rights and privileges of a member in full standing in this church.

A few years earlier, an entry reads:

Flora, Margaret and Phebe, colored slaves” accepted for membership on May 17, 1816. An October 17, 1817, entry mentions Thomas, a man of color, and is followed by many others, all with given names only and presumed to be slaves. “

It was noted that on December 24, 1825, Jane Schenck and Joseph, a man of color, were admitted by Certicate of Transfer from the Pennington Presbyterian Church.  It is assumed Joseph was owned by the Schenck family.  As late as August 12, 1843, we find Catherine Bonnell, wife of A.V. Bonnell, presented a Certificate of Transfer from the Presbyterian Church of Clinton and accepted by Session Alson.  Maria, a woman of color, presented a certificate from the aforesaid church and was accepted.  Maria lived in Flemington in 1843 and was still enslaved.