USA > New Jersey > Hudson County > Bergen > Old Bergen: History and Reminiscences with Maps and Illustrations > Part 10
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The voorleser, besides receiving a salary for that office and as schoolmaster, was likewise paid for his services as bookkeeper and aanspreker, and perhaps re- ceived some token from the people for special services, as at marriages and baptisms.
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" OLD BERGEN."
Rev. Henry Selyn wrote to the Classis of Amster- dam from New York, October 28, 1682 : " At the re- quest of the people of Bergen, I have consented to preach there, three times a year, on Mondays both morning and afternoon, and administer the Lord's Supper. I found there a new church, and one hundred and thirty-four members. At other times, they are accustomed to come over the River here, to the hearing of the Word." Arrangements were made with Mr. Selyn to officiate at regular intervals, and he commenced his services October 2, 1682, and con- tinued to perform his duties faithfully until 1699. DR. DUBOIS. Other ministers, however, officiated on the Lord's Day during this time. In 1699 Rev. Gualtherus Dubois became a colleague with Mr. Selyn in the church at New York, and he thereafter performed the services in the Bergen church for more than half a century. September 2, 1700, he dispensed the Lord's Supper, and continued his ministrations until 1751.
Chapter XXXVI.
THE CHURCH.
IN 1750, the congregation, feeling their need of a stated pastor, determined to use their utmost endeavors to secure one. They arranged with the church on Staten Island to extend a joint call to one who should minister to the two congregations, and finally extended a call to one Petrus De Wint. In his call, the con- ditions were specified as a "righteous half of services and a righteous half of payment," as he was to minister to the two churches, of Bergen and Staten Island. The church at Bergen was to furnish him with firewood and a parsonage, and that at Staten Island was to give him " an able riding horse with all that belongs to it." As, under the church rules, it was necessary for this call to be approved by the Classis at Amsterdam, it was forwarded there for endorse- ment. Meanwhile he commenced his labors, but was never installed, as a response was received from Hol- land, stating that De Wint was an impostor, having presented forged credentials. He was therefore dis- charged June 23, 1752. This experience caused the congregation to exercise great caution in their subse- quent endeavors.
On the 22nd of June, 1753, a call was extended to William Jackson, who was at that time studying at
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"OLD BERGEN."
Raritan. By the terms of this call, he was required to go to Holland to prosecute his studies, and be regularly ordained by the Classis of Amsterdam. During his absence, he was to be paid one hundred pounds by the churches calling him. He accepted this call, with the conditions ; and sailing for Holland, remained there for nearly four years. On his return he was installed in the church at Bergen, September IO, 1757. To show their appreciation of the services of a minister, and their recognition of the obligations they had voluntarily assumed, the congregation had prepared a parsonage for him, so that he might be re- lieved of any anxiety concerning temporal matters.
December 20, 1771, the church was granted a char- ter by the English Crown, and incorporated under the name of "The Minister, Elders and Deacons," as follows :
REV. WILLIAM JACKSON, MINISTER.
Elders.
ABRAHAM DEDRICHS. ROBT. SYCKLES. GEORGE VREELAND. ABRAHAM SYKLES.
Deacons.
HENDRICUS KUYPER. JOHANNIS VAN WAGENEN. JOHANNIS VAN HOUTEN. DANIEL VAN WINKLE.
They were empowered to appoint a clerk, school- master, bell ringer, etc. Thus we see that at every opportunity, and with every advance, the cause of education was brought forward prominently, and fos- tered with great care. In 1773 the church accommo-
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" OLD BERGEN."
dation was found inadequate to meet the wants of the growing congregation, and a new building was erected on the same site. As the accounts of expenditures connected with this building are incomplete, it is impos- sible to state just when the first services were held, or
OLD CHURCH.
when the building was completed. From May 17 to October 17, 1773, about three hundred and sixty pounds had been expended for material and labor.
Dominie Jackson was an uncompromising patriot, and during Revolutionary days his open and emphatic
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"OLD BERGEN."
support of the cause of liberty did much to strength- en its advocates, and prevent the wavering from openly espousing the side of its enemies. So open was his denunciation of King George and his supporters, that he was arrested and taken under guard before Lord Howe, in command at New York. He there admit- ted the charges brought against him, but justified him- self by insisting that he simply performed his duty according to the dictates of his conscience. He was released, and permitted to return to the scene of his labors.
He ministered unto the congregation with much acceptability, until there were indications of mental disturbance, and his faculties failing ; the two churches requested that they be relieved from the obligation of their call, and be permitted to call a new minister. The church at Bergen secured to him, however, the use of the parsonage they had built for him, during his natural life, together with four acres of land adjoining; and probably the church on Staten Island likewise made some provision for him.
The great inconvenience being recognized of attempting one pastorate over these two churches, they being so widely separated, arrangements were made by the churches at Bergen and English Neighborhood for . uniting in a call to some minister who could acceptably meet the wants of the two growing congregations. Consequently, on the 28th of November, 1792, they made a joint call on John Cornelisen, who accepted and entered on his ministry. Until this time, all the services in the Bergen church had been rendered in the
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"OLD BERGEN."
Dutch language, and the church register was continued in the same until 1809.
By the terms of his call, Dominie Cornelisen was to preach in Dutch at Bergen on Sabbath mornings, while at English Neighborhood he was required to preach in that language only occasionally. When he was officiating at the latter place, the voorleser conducted the services at Bergen.
Chapter XXXVII.
CHURCH CONTINUED.
THE old parsonage, on the site of the present church, and before alluded to, being in possession of the Rev. William Jackson, in 1793 the consistory purchased the Sip homestead, in the town of Bergen, situated on the northwest corner of the Square. The house was of stone, of the antique model, long, low, and only one story in height, the window frames on the exterior being surmounted with ornamental brick work. Mr. Cornelisen occupied this building from the time of his marriage until his death. It was then raised to two stories in height, and otherwise improved. The lot on which it stood contained two acres, part of which is now the property of Mr. Geo. B. Wilson.
The care of this large parish, extending from Ber- gen Point to within three miles of Hackensack, a dis- tance of eighteen miles, was soon found to be too much for a single clergyman, not only on account of its great area, but also because of the growth of both congrega- tions. The duties of the pastor multiplied greatly, and it became evident that a separation must be effect- ed. The interesting account of Prof. Demarest, of the conditions and experiences of the early congrega- tions, is specially applicable here.
" I would that I could give an authentic account of
OLD PARSONAGE.
=
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"OLD BERGEN."
the church-going habits of these people" (English Neighborhood) "during their connection with the church of Bergen. Doubtless they were all in atten- dance, on every Communion Day, whether it were the Lord's Day or Monday.
" They would make all their preparations on Satur- day, or the day previous, so that they might start early in the morning, for the distance was nearly twenty miles, the roads not macadamized, the wagons spring- less, and the farm horses not very fleet. Besides, it was desirable to have, after so long a journey, a half hour's rest before the service, for the good of body, mind and soul.
" The proximity of the Inn to the church, customary in those days, was not an unmixed evil. Perhaps after the services, some Van Horn, or Van Winkle, or Van Riper, Van Wagenen or Vreeland, would insist on taking the company home to dinner, for nothing pleased the Dutchman of that day so well, as to have his table crowded on a Sunday, by people whom he respected. Sometimes very little of the day, especially in the winter, would be left after the close of public worship, for the Communion Service occupied hours ; and then they would tarry till morning, and on the Monday wend their way homeward.
"They were not so driven and hurried in their worldly business as men now are. Perhaps they often brought their lunch with them, and having been re- freshed by it, started on their tedious journey for home, which they would not reach until after nightfall. We may well believe, too, that the forests through
-
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"OLD BERGEN."
which they passed, in going to and returning from the house of God, were made to ring with the psalms of Marot and Beza."
It was at last deemed judicious to dissolve the bond that united these two churches, and on November 21, 1806, the consistory at Bergen arranged for the entire services of the pastor, and on December 1, is- sued a new call to him. The next day this was ap- proved by the Classis, whereupon the connection was dissolved, after an existence of fourteen years, and Dominie Cornelisen assumed entire charge of the church at Bergen. He was to receive $450 yearly, " together with the parsonage, and a lot of land, con- taining about thirty-two acres, the building and fences to be kept in good repair; also thirty loads of fire-wood, forty bushels of grain, and three free sab- baths each year."
From this time Mr. Cornelisen's labors were confined to Bergen, and he was obligated to perform his services in Dutch and English on alternate sabbaths. He was a man who enjoyed the full love and confidence of his people, and as was the custom in the olden days, his advice and counsel were much sought after and heeded. He considered the colored people under his charge ( at that time slaves), as committed specially to his care and protection. He instructed them in religious truths, and a number were admitted to church fellow- ship. During his ministry, the church services changed from Dutch to English. Singing in Dutch was first discontinued in 1809. Preaching in that language continued some time later. The history of his minis-
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"OLD BERGEN."
try is one of continuous growth, and great acceptability to his congregation. He died March 20, 1828, and Benjamin C. Taylor was called on the 26th of May the same year, and installed July 24.
Chapter XXXVIII.
LATER HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
AT this time there were in what is now the County of Hudson, three churches, the Reformed Dutch in Bergen, the First Presbyterian Church in Jersey City, and a small Methodist Church at Five Corners. St. Matthew's Episcopal congregation worshipped in the old Town Hall, then used for school purposes, and located near the site of its present building in lower Jersey City.
The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church previous to this had worshipped in the old Town Hall for some years, but losing their pastor ( Rev. Mr. Ol- cott ) , they determined to become a Reformed Dutch Church ; by a unanimous vote they decided to unite with the Bergen Classis, and on the 16th of February, 1830, the church became thus duly constituted. The property on Grand Street, now occupied by the Free Reformed Church, which had been deeded by the Jer- sey Associates to the First Presbyterian Church of Jersey City in 1828, became thereupon the property of the Dutch Church.
But soon a demand arose for increased church ac- commodation, and the community began to discuss the propriety of the erection of other houses of wor- ship. As the population increased and settlements
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"OLD BERGEN."
were formed in the outlying territory, it was deter- mined to erect churches in such localities as to accom- modate, to a great extent, those families who lived at a distance from the mother church. Hence Dutch churches were established at Jersey City in 1807, and Bergen Neck in 1828 ; and as the demand continued, these were followed by others. Nor was this the only church growth. As there were many gathering within the territory belonging to other denominations, the need was felt for suitable accommodation for them ; and from time to time, in accordance with the demand, other churches were established, until at the present time the confines of " Old Bergen " are studded with the spires of churches belonging to every denomina- tion. Dr. Taylor was closely identified with what might be called the formative period of Old Bergen. When he com- menced his ministry, the habits and customs of the Fatherland prevailed to a very great extent, and the rustic population dwelt apart from the follies and vices of the neighboring city, in genuine old Dutch DR. TAYLOR. simplicity. He lived,
however, to see many changes effected, and the beginning of many of the improvements and advance- ments which he predicted, and which have transformed
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the country garden into town lots, and the quiet, staid farming community into a busy, bustling city.
That the " Faith of the Fathers" has been kept in all its purity, is not surprising, when it is considered
PRESENT REFORMED CHURCH, BUILT 1841.
that it was incumbent on the minister to present once cach Sabbath, some portion of the Articles of Belief. As this was divided up, according to the Heidelberg Catechism, into fifty-two "Lord's Days, " every year the congregation were regaled with a complete discus- sion and review of the tenets of the faith, and were thereby strengthened and confirmed in its doctrines.
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"OLD BERGEN."
During the pastorate of Doctor Taylor, the present church edifice was erected (in 1841). The original church parsonage stood on this site, for July 12, 1841, the consistory " Resolved that the old parsonage be taken down to make room for the new " (the present) " church edifice, and that the building Committee use the materials to the best advantage they can." Dur- ing the erection of this church building, the Columbian Academy was secured for Sabbath morning worship, the teacher agreeing to vacate the second story for the sum of $5 per quarter. Just south of the church, con- venient and substantial sheds were built, for the pro- tection of the horses of those who lived at a distance and still adhered to the "Old Church ; " while the tavern, but a few feet further south, was resorted to by some, during the interval between the services, for their noonday meal.
Doctor Taylor contin- ued his active pastorate until the infirmities of advancing age made " the grasshopper a burden." The consistory recogniz- ing his failing physical powers, declared him " Pastor Emeritus," and issued a call to the Rev. James L. Amerman, who was installed May 7, 1871. A remarkable degree of mutual confidence and
REV. JAMES L. AMERMAN.
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"OLD BERGEN."
sympathy existed between these two, and thus were happily combined the buoyancy and strength of youth, with the wisdom and experience of age. What might be called the joint administration of the two clergymen continued as long as the " Old Dominie " was able to actively cooperate. He died Feby. 2nd, 18SI. Doctor Amerman continued to minister faith- fully to his congregation until June Ist, 1876, when, feeling that he was called to perform active, personal missionary work among the heathen, he was at his own request dismissed, and became a missionary to Japan.
He was followed by the Rev. Doctor Cor- nelius Brett, who was installed August Ist, 1876, the church being without a regular pas- tor only two months, June and July. He still continues his pas- torate, having minis- tered faithfully and acceptably to his peo- REV. DR. CORNELIUS BRETT. ple for over a quarter of a century. He presents the faith of the Fathers in all its purity and simplicity ; yet recognizing the change of conditions, he preaches rather the doctrine of love than that of retributive justice.
Chapter XXXIX.
CHURCH CUSTOMS.
THE church has always exercised special care of the poor, and the contributions for that purpose have been liberal. About 1675, the expense of the Poor Fund was so small proportionately, that there existed a considerable surplus. Whereupon, that the fund might not diminish, but rather show some- what of an increase, the surplus was invested in cows, which were placed in the charge of responsible members of the congregation, at a yearly butter rent of twelve pounds of butter, or its equivalent in money. In 1679 the price of butter was so high that thirteen guilders and four stivers rent was received from one cow, something over $6, or an average price per pound of butter of over fifty cents.
After 1715, the deacons quit the butter business, and confined themselves to money-lending as a means of increasing the revenue ; and we find that people for miles around came to Bergen to borrow money. This was given on proper bond, or on receipt and custody of sufficient personal property. The fund was also increased by collections taken at weddings. and on special occasions, such as birth-days, recovery from sickness, etc.
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" OLD BERGEN."
"On Wednesday, November 6, 1678, Siebe Epkse (Banta) and Maritze Aryanse Sip, were united in marriage, in the Village of Bergen, by the voorleser ; collection 2 florins, 19 stivers." This entry occurs in the deacons' book, showing that collections for the poor were, sometimes at least, taken up at weddings. As the currency of the day was mostly in seawant or wampum, the receipts and expenditures were calculated from that standpoint. An English pound was worth forty florins, seawant; an American dollar was worth eight florins.
Another singular source of revenue was the renting of the pall. This was used to cover the coffin, and was owned by the consistory, and rented out as required on funeral occasions. The first pall was procured in 1678, and was used on the occasion of the burial of Engelbert Stuynhuysen, the cost of which is specified in the deacons' accounts, as follows :
IO El. of Black Cloth, at 24 g. per El., 240 guilders. A linen cover to protect the pall, 14
Total, 254
An entry December 25, 17II, shows that the receipts for the use of the pall to that time amounted to 864 guilders and 17 stivers, or $352.40 of our money. We find, however, that notwithstanding the utmost care, the Deacons' Fund was at times subjected to losses ; borrowers died bankrupt, and securities, as now, depreciated in value, and there is in the hands of the church treasurer a large amount of money of Colonial and Continental issue.
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" OLD. BERGEN."
In the early days, as was usual in many rural communities, family burial plots were located in some convenient part of the farm, and the territory was dotted with the little enclosures, made sacred to the memory of the dead.
But soon after the custom was established of burying church members, especially, in close proximity to the church, which doubtless accounts for the existence of the old cemeteries at Tuers and Bergen Avenues and Vroom Street, as the old churches were located on these two plots; and it became the recognized custom to perform most of the burials there.
An itemized account of the expenses incurred at a burial in 1690, not only informs us of the cost of such ceremony, but suggests something of the customs of the day.
Coffin and spirits, 25 g., 10 st. Aanspreker, 19 g., 10 st.
¿ Keg of Beer, 15 g., 16 st. Carting the goods, 3 g., oo st. Flour and Milk, 6 g., 5 st. Sundries, 15 g., 05 st.
Total, 85 g., 06 st.
The aanspreker was an official whose services were absolutely necessary, at all well regulated funerals in the Fatherland, and as the early settlers retained and followed closely the customs of the old country, a description of the duties devolving upon him will be found interesting. Of course, it could not be ex- pected that the people of the little country village should follow every detail of all elaborate ceremonies, but such was their love of the old home, that they
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"OLD BERGEN."
would not relinquish any of their old customs and habits, unless compelled thereto by the force of cir- cumstances. ·
" On the occasion of a death, the aanspreker was notified, and immediately appeared at the house of mourning. He there received his instructions, and thenceforth assumed complete charge of the whole affair, donning his official dress, which consisted of łow shoes, black stockings, black knickerbockers, a black cutaway coat covered by a long, flowing black mantle, a white cravat or bands, and a queer-looking three-cornered hat or steck, from one corner of which, to the right, floated a long black crêpe, like a streamer, while on the left corner a rosette had been pinned, showing the sex, and condition (married or single) of the deceased.
" If the latter was very rich or prominent, some- times ten or twenty aansprekers were employed in announcing his death, and one, usually an old ser- vant of the family, went in the middle of the street, clothed in similar dress, walking along with head bowed, his face buried in a large mourning handker- chief, and led by two aansprekers, one on each side, while the others were making the announcement at the homes. At the time appointed for the funeral, the nearest relations first appeared and partook of some refreshments, generally consisting of a glass of beer or spirits, and smoking a long clay pipe.
" After the arrival of all who were invited, the chief aanspreker ·spoke a few words of consolation, or of- fered up a prayer, after which the body was carried
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" OLD BERGEN."
out on the bier, and was followed in accordance with these directions : 'The relations will please follow, according to rank, the younger members of the family coming first.' All the mourners and bearers were dressed in the same garb as the aansprekers, or else had rosettes pinned to their sleeves, or the lapels of their coats, the aansprekers wearing black or white gloves, according to the sex of the deceased, two of them heading the procession, while the others im- mediately followed the bearers.
"As the procession wended its way to the cemetery, every one meeting the train stood still uncovered, and stood with bowed head until it had passed. At the grave, the chief aanspreker again spoke a few words, or offered a prayer, and after the burial, led the procession in the same order as before, back to the sterfhuis, or house of the deceased. Here beer or spirits, and food, had been prepared for them by the women, who as a rule, did not go to the cemetery. The long clay pipes with tobacco, were on the table, and the mourners ate, drank and smoked, in honor of the deceased. After a short interval, all except the immediate relations departed, and left the bereaved ones alone with their grief."
The requirements of church membership in the early days were positive, sometimes somewhat arbi- trary, and discipline strict. Probably on account of the lack of civil courts, many matters considered the proper subjects of legal judicature, were then sub- mitted to the consistory, and consequently, we find them dealing with ordinary crimes as well as with
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"OLD BERGEN."
matters that might be considered as pertaining to spirituality.
They were rather intolerant in those days. Meth- odism and dancing were regarded with equal abhor- rence, and subjected to the same punishment, viz., suspension from the church ; while intemperance and other crimes were denounced, and the transgressors subjected to special discipline. In 1790 four regular meetings of the consistory were appointed for each year, and a fine or forfeit of two shillings was ex- acted from any member absenting himself without a good and reasonable excuse. In 1797, an additional resolution was adopted, which compelled those who did not punctually attend the ordinary meetings, to pay to the consistory the sum of one shilling for every hour elapsed after the time appointed. As the meet- ings were called for 2 p. m., it was possible to receive considerable income from this source.
Chapter XL.
THE CHURCH.
THE church always occupied a prominent place in the consideration of the early settlers, and its services were always regarded as important events in life's ex- periences, and were well attended. In those days the dominie had almost arbitrary power. On account of his superior learning, his counsel and advice were sought after, and his decision settled all disputed neighborhood matters. It being his duty to instruct and catechise the children, he did so by visiting not only the school, but at intervals, the homes, which were always open to him; and woe betide the un- fortunate delinquent, for the dominie's cane was hard, and his right arm strong.
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