The Frelinghuysen family has been very influential in not just NJ’s history, but also that of the country. There has been a Frelinghuysen in Congress since the Continental Congress. Currently Rodney P. Frelinghuysen serves the 11th District of New Jersey. His father was also a Congressman. If you ever get a chance to visit DC and drop by his office, you’ll see campaign posters of Frederick Theodore Frelinghuysen from the early 1800s. Original desk to the floor of the House of Rep. And much much more.

But I wonder which Frelinghuysen is the namesake. Theodorus Jacobus had seven children. The five sons became pastors and the two daughters married pastors. Frederick Frelinghuysen (1753-1804), the grandson of Theodorus Jacobus, helped frame the NJ constitution and was a member of the Continental Congress. His son, Frederick Theodore Frelinghuysen (1817-1885),graduated from Rutgers and served as a U.S. Senator from New Jersey and later as the U.S. Secretary of State. Frederick Theodore’s uncle, Theodore Frelinghuysen (not Theodorus Jacobus), was Attorney General and a Senator from NJ. Theodore also ran on the Whig ticket as VP with Henry Clay and served as President of Rutgers from 1850-62.

In other words, the Frelinghuysen family tree has been very important in the history of New Jersey and Rutgers. Theodorus Jacobus worked hard to see a college established in New Jersey (besides Princeton). His dream was realized when Queens College (now Rutgers) was chartered, after his death, in 1766. The school was initially affiliated with the Dutch Reformed Church.

I am African American pastor. And I grew up in the Christian Reformed Church, early 80s. And Frelinghuysen concerns then have had prophetic signficance for the denomination.

During my time there it was evident that many had their security in tradition rather than a dynamic of grace rooted in a divine experience.

It is admirable when one of their own ethnicity champions the cause of Christ glory by the Church.

May his labors bear fruit in this 21st Century.