 THE youngest elder in our Church at the present time, has an ancestry of which he is worthily proud. Born at Boardville, N. J., December 9th, 1860, where his mother's family had lived for several generations, he has no difficulty in tracing his blood back to the staunch inhahitants of Wales. Several of his ancestors by the name of Board crossed the Atlantic and settled in that section of New Jersey which has taken its name from the family - Boardville. On his father's side he claimed descent from the hardy, persevering broad-breasted lovers of liberty who came to this country from the Netherlands.
His father, Rev. James Elmendorf Bernart, was born at Millstone, N. J., March 15, 1821. He was educated at Rutgers College and Seminary, both of which institutions are under the control of the Dutch Reformed Church. He was graduated from the college in 1848 and from the Seminary three years later. His second pastorate, which covered a period of twenty-five years, was spent in Boardville, N.J. It was there that he met and married Miss Elizabeth Board, sister of Mrs. Nathaniel Board Roe. J. N. Bernart's father has always been a loyal member of the Dutch Reformed Church.
“Hence,” says Mr. John Bernart, “I was born and reared in the Dutch Reformed Church, and my spiritual nature nourished and fed on the Heidelburgh Catechism. My early education was secured in the district school of Boardville, N. J., and it must have been of the very best quality, for my father was at that time the teacher of the school. My father having prepared me for college, I entered Rutgers, of New Brunswick, N. J., in my 18th year. I took the scientific course to fit myself for civil engineering, and spent three busy and profitable years in my Alma Mater, working for a diploma. But I had another thought in my mind which was stronger than that of civil engineering, and which I had cultivated from childhood--that of agriculture.”
The fascination of the green hills and grassy meadows grew upon him till at length, in 1881, the family bought their present farm. The family at that time consisted of father, mother, sister and brother. He was converted during his last year in college, largely through the earnest prayers of his mother, followed up with a loving letter. As he read those earnest, entreating words and looked up into the face of Christ, he was forever melted and resolved to accept the salvation which Christ was so freely offering, and he united with the Reformed Church of New Brunswick, N. J. In 1881 he united with the Chester Church by letter, and in 1889 was elected a ruling elder, in which office he still continues.
Mr. Bernart is recognized as a very efficient church worker. He is the Clerk of the congregation and had been either Superintendent or Assistant Superintendent of the Sabbath School for more than ten years, or since 1886. A little abrupt in manner among young children, his strong sympathy and sincere desire to do good at all times is fully appreciated by all as existing beneath this exterior. Deeply spiritual, honest and strong in his convictions, a staunch temperance advocate, a conscientious citizen, a loyal Dutch-Presbyterian, he is appreciated and loved by all the people.
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