The First Presbyterian Church Early History

In June, 1944 the Reverend Dr. Herbert J. Allsup of the First Presbyterian Church of Franklin presented his resignation to the congregation. Dr. Allsup had been with our church for 20 years, the longest-serving pastor in our history.

Dr. Allsup had been was born on April 6, 1878 in Lancastershire, England. He and his parents came to the United States in 1880 and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio where Herbert attended public schools. He graduated from the College of Wooster, Ohio (a Presbyterian College) in 1909 and Princeton Theological Seminary in 1911. Prior to his years in Franklin he served churches in Trenton, South Amboy, and Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania. The College of the Ozarks awarded him the Doctor of Divinity degree in May 1931.

During his pastorate the congregation grew and, at one point, our Sunday school was the largest in Sussex County. Dr. and Mrs. Allsup were not only tireless workers for the church, but were very active in community affairs.

On April 6, 1934 a celebration service was held to commemorate Dr. Allsup's 10th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the church. At that time, with the financial assistancy of many merchants, Dr. Alsup published a book entitled "A Brief History of Church Life in Franklin, New Jersey". The book outlines the history, not only of our church, but also of the many faiths of the people of Franklin.

Upon his retirement, Dr. and Mrs. Allsup went to live with their son, Reverend Frederick James Allsup (better known to our congregation as "Tommy") and his wife Margaret. At that time Tommy was pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Chester, N.Y.

*Sylvia Hadowanetz, Church Historian, researched this article from a 60-year old newspaper clipping, probably from the Herald part of the collection of Mrs. Mabel Rowe, a deceased member of our church. Her granddaughter, Terry Ingler Clabbers sent it to us.