Williams Howland 1882-1892 

The Rev’d Williams Howland came to Saint John’s from a parish in Flushing, New York in October 1882.  It is recorded that he told the vestry that only $600 was needed to pay off the mortgage and, therefore, be able to consecrate the church.  Also, during his rectorate (in 1884) the Diocese of Northern New Jersey (now Newark) assessed the parish $100 for the building of a residence for the bishop.  This was paid in three installments.  It was during the tenure of Williams Howland that the pledge system was adopted over the rental of pews.  Mr. Howland resigned as rector effective Easter Monday, 1892, at 12 Noon.