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Gc 974. 702 N422net 1721785
M. L
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01150 2884
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofschoolo00newy_0
HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL
OF THE
REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH,
IN THE 90.21.
City of New-york,
FROM 1633 TO THE PRESENT TIME.
BY
HENRY WEBB
DUNSHEE.
With an Introduction
BY
REV. THOMAS DE WITT, D.D.
Published by the Authority of the Consistory of the Collegiate Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, of the City of New-York,
New=Fork : PRINTED BY JOHN A. GRAY, 95 & 97 CLIFF, COR. FRANKFORT ST. - 1853.
Entered, according to act of Congress, in the year 1853, BY HENRY WEBB DUNSHEE, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.
1721785
PROLEGOMENA.
-
THE preparation of an inscription for the tablet intended to be placed in the front of the new edifice erected for the school of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, in the city of New - York, led to the inquiry : " In what year was the school established ?"
To this question no satisfactory answer could be obtained. History, indeed, informed us that the establishment of a school by the Dutch in New-Netherland was synchronous with the founding of a colony ; and from this circumstance, the opinion was entertained by some that the germ of this institution was planted in New-Amsterdam at an early period in its history. But the generality of those who were acquainted with the school, supposed that the date of its origin could be traced to a period subsequent to the Revolutionary War.
The traditionary knowledge of the school leading its Trus- tees to the belief that it was one of antiquity, that body, on the motion of MORTIMER DE MOTTE, Esq., one of its members, requested the Principal to compile such information with re- gard to it as authentic sources might furnish. The present work is the result.
Identified with the history of the city from its settlement, and with the most ancient church established therein ; per- petuated by our worthy ancestors, to whose children and children's children, even to the present day, it has afforded a religious and intellectual training; endeared by associations of a most interesting character to numerous members of the
iv
PROLEGOMENA.
Dutch Church now living, descendants of the original stock, and partakers in youth of its benefits ; an interest attaches to it, at once peculiar and delightful.
Induced by these considerations, and with the view of pre- serving, in substantial form, the history of this the oldest educational institution existing at present in the Western World, the Consistory of the Collegiate Church, with its accustomed liberality, made provision for its publication.
The materials for this work were principally derived from the Colonial Records of New-Amsterdam, preserved in the archives of the City and State Governments ; the Corre- spondence of the Classis of Amsterdam ; the Consistorial Min- utes of the Collegiate Church, (the Rev. Dr. De Witt ren- dering the translation from the Dutch language, in the two latter ;) Brodhead's New-York, the Documentary History of the State, and the Minutes of the Board of Trustees.
The Author acknowledges with kindness his lasting obli- gations to Hon. James W. Beekman, E. B. O'Callaghan, M. D. ; James B. Brinsmade, Esq., of Albany ; A. D. F. Ran- dolph, Esq .; David T. Valentine, Clerk of the Common Council ; Theodore Nims, Jr., Esq .; Samuel W. Seton, Esq .; and to the Librarians of the Historical Society, Mercantile and Society Libraries of this city, for the facilities they so cordially afforded him in the prosecution of his researches.
Extracts from the Minutes of the Board of Trustees and of Consistory :
New-York, May 29, 1848.
" On the motion of Mortimer De Motte, it was unanimously
"Resolved, That Mr. Henry W. Dunshee be requested to investigate the records of our church, and gather together from them, and from such other sources as may be presented to him, all the facts attainable, in connection with and relative to the School of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, in the city of New-York, for the purpose of preparing its history.
THOMAS JEREMIAH, Sec. Board of Trustees.
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PROLEGOMENA.
Upon the completion of the work, it was approved by the pastors of the Collegiate Church and the Board of Trustees, before whom it was read, May 24, 1852.
At a subsequent meeting of the Board, June 28, " Messrs. Van Nest, Oothout, and Dunshee were appointed a commit- tee, with reference to the publication of the work."
" Oct. 25th .- The draft of a memorial was presented at a meeting of the Trustees, by Mr. Van Nest, in behalf of the above committee, and it was on motion
"Resolved, That the said memorial, signed by the officers of this Board, be presented to Consistory."
GEO. S. STITT, Sec.
In Consistory, February 3, 1853.
" On the request of the Trustees of the School of the Church, to publish its history for gratuitous distribution,
"Resolved, That the sum of six hundred dollars be appro- priated for that purpose.
"Resolved, That the Rev. Dr. De Witt be requested to aid the Trustees in the said publication."
Extract from Minutes.
CORNELIUS BOGERT, Clerk.
June 29, 1853.
"Resolved, That Messrs. Warner and Beadle be a special committee to superintend the publication of the History of the School." GAMALIEL G. SMITH, Sec.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OF THE SCHOOL OF THE REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH, IN THE CITY OF NEW-YORK.
1853.
PETER R. WARNER, Chairman.
GAMALIEL G. SMITH, Secretary. EDWARD L. BEADLE, M.D.
JOHN VAN NEST.
GEORGE S. STITT.
CHARLES S. LITTLE.
JOHN I. BROWER.
TEACHERS.
HENRY WEBB DUNSHEE. JAMES T. GRAFF. MISS HARRIET PARKER.
MARIA JOSEPHINE ROGERS.
" ELSIE J. NICHOLSON.
INTRODUCTION.
A HISTORICAL SKETCH
OF THE
PAROCHIAL SCHOOL SYSTEM IN HOLLAND
SUBSEQUENT TO THE REFORMATION.
BY REV. THOMAS DE WITT, D. D.
THIS volume gives the History of the School of the Re- formed Dutch Church in this city, as far as it can be ascertained from surviving documents in various sources. This school was co-eval with the first settlement by Hollanders here, and has continued, to the present time, an instrument of much good in training the children, especially of the poorer class, under a direct religious influence. It has proved, under the Divine blessing, a nursery to the Church, gathering many into her communion ; and it has introduced a very large proportion as useful members of society. It was the custom, after the Reformation in Holland, to send out with emigrants going to any of its colonies, however few in number, a well-qualified schoolmaster, who was a member of the Church, and accredited by his competence and piety to take charge of the instruction of children and youth. During the absence or want of a minis- ter, he was bound to conduct public worship, by reading a-ser-
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HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE
mon, offering prayers, etc., on the Sabbath, and on other occa- sions. With the earliest agricultural settlement of Manhattan Island and its vicinity, such a schoolmaster and voorleser was sent out, and from the earliest period the School has conti- nued to this day.
The importance of the religious element in early education cannot be too highly estimated in reference to the formation of character, and the direction of the future course of life. Under the Old Testament economy, the Divine direction was : "These words shall be in thine heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." In the early Christian Church, particular attention was paid to the scriptural and religious instruction of youth, and con- stant reference is made to the office and exercises of catechists and catechumens. The witnesses for the truth in the dark mid- dle ages of the reign of Papal usurpation were remarkable for their faithfulness in the religious instruction and discipline of their children. The excellent and devoted Waldenses were probably indebted, under God, to their peculiar diligence in the discharge of this duty for their remarkable success in keep- ing their body together, under the influences and persecu- tions that pressed upon them ; in transmitting their testimony from generation to generation, and in remaining continually a beacon-light amid the prevailing darkness, for the admira- tion and guidance of the Church in future times. History informs us that they bestowed constant and careful attention on the religious instruction of their children and youth, that they were in the habit of preparing excellent and appropriate catechisms and formularies, and that the pastors made the religious training of their youth a leading and unceasing object of their labors.
9
PAROCHIAL SCHOOL SYSTEM IN HOLLAND.
At the period of the Reformation, the different parts of the Protestant Church made this a prominent object of their care and efforts. Formularies of divine truth, and cate- chisms adapted to different ages, were early introduced. Many of them obtained ecclesiastical sanction and authority, and were directed to be explained in the pulpit and the , schools. It would be interesting to trace the history of the introduction and use of catechetical instruction in the churches and schools, from the earliest time of the Reform- ation, by the Church of England, the Church of Scotland, the Reformed Churches of France, Switzerland, Germany, and Holland, etc. Measures were taken in Scotland, at an early period of the Reformation, leading to the institution of parochial schools, widely diffused, under the supervision of the churches, and making religious instruction a pervading and distinguishing element.
We can here only make a brief reference to the Church of Holland. No where was the struggle for the principles of the Reformation so severe and (we may say) so crushing. Charles V., who held the crown of Spain, and the patri- monial inheritance of the Netherlands, was elected Emperor of Germany. He found it his policy to treat the Protestant princes, and the professors of the Protestant faith there, with comparative indulgence ; while in the Netherlands, heredita- rily devolving upon him, he introduced his Spanish armies and the Inquisition. The page of history is replete with the account of the severity and extent of the religious persecu- tions by Spanish and Papal power. Thousands upon thou- sands lost their lives, while many more fled for refuge to other parts. But then the Word of the Lord took deep root. The first religious societies of the Reformed faith called themselves "De Kerken van Christus onder het Kruys :" " The Churches of Christ under the Cross." In 1566 the 1*
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HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE
first Synod met at Antwerp, minutes of which have not been handed down. The noted and cruel Duke of Alva succeeded to the Viceroyalty of the Netherlands in 1567. He boasted that during his seven years' regency, eighteen thousand had been put to death by him for heresy. The Reformed held their Synod at Wesel, now in Rhenish Prussia, on the Rhine, in 1568; and at Embden, in East Friesland, in 1571; not being able to find a place of safety in the Netherlands. They called themselves "Believers under the Cross scattered throughout the Netherlands." At these Synods, particular reference was made, and provision secured, for the Christian education of the young. At subsequent Synods, held in Holland, before and after the Union of Utrecht, in 1579, the subject was carefully considered, and plans adopted. The principles thus adopted became more fully developed and matured in the action of the well-known Synod of Dort, held in 1618 and 1619. In the seventeenth session of that Synod, November 30, 1618, the subject of the instruction and education of youth, and of catechising, was under dis- cussion. In the result, the following resolution was adopted, and minute made. The whole is inserted, as worthy of being read and well weighed :
" In order that the Christian youth may be diligently instructed in the principles of religion, and be trained in piety, three modes of catechising should be employed. I. IN THE HOUSE, BY. PARENTS. II. IN THE SCHOOLS, BY SCHOOLMASTERS. III. IN THE CHURCHES, BY MINISTERS, ELDERS, AND CATECHISTS ESPECIALLY APPOINTED FOR THE PURPOSE. That these may diligently employ their trust, the Christian magistrates shall be requested to promote, by their authority, so sacred and necessary a work; and all who have the oversight of churches and schools shall be required to pay special attention to this matter."
.
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PAROCHIAL SCHOOL SYSTEM IN HOLLAND.
" I. The office of PARENTS is diligently to instruct their children and their whole household in the principles of the Christian religion, in a manner adapted to their respective capacities ; earnestly and carefully to admonish them to the cultivation of true piety ; to engage their punctual attend- ance on family worship, and take them with them to the hearing of the Word of God. They should require their children to give an account of the sermons they hear, espe- cially those on the Catechism; assign them some chapters of Scripture to read, and certain passages to commit to memory; and then impress and illustrate the truths con- tained in them in a familiar manner, adapted to the tender- ness of youth. Thus they are to prepare them for being catechised in the schools, and by attendance on these to encourage them and promote their edification. Parents are to be exhorted to the faithful discharge of this duty, by the public preaching of the Word ; but specially at the ordinary period of family visitation, previous to the administration of the Lord's Supper; and also at other times by the minister, elders, etc. Parents who profess religion, and are negligent in this work, shall be faithfully admonished by the ministers ; and, if the case requires it, they shall be censured by the Consistory, that they may be brought to the discharge of their duty."
"II. SCHOOLS, in which the young shall be properly instructed in the principles of Christian doctrine, shall be instituted not only in cities, but also in towns and country places where heretofore none have existed. The Christian magistracy shall be requested that well-qualified persons may be employed and enabled to devote themselves to the service ; and especially that the children of the poor may be gratuitously instructed, and not be excluded from the benefit of the schools. In this office none shall be employed but
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HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE
such as are members of the Reformed Church, having certifi- cates of an upright faith and pious life, and of being well- versed in the truths of the Catechism. They are to sign a document, professing their belief in the Confession of Faith and the Heidelberg Catechism, and promising that they will give catechetical instruction to the youth in the principles of Christian truth according to the same. The schoolmasters shall instruct their scholars according to their age and capa- city, at least two days in the week, not only by causing them to commit to memory, but also by instilling into their minds an acquaintance with the truths of the Catechism. [An elementary small Catechism, the Compendium, and the Hei- delberg Catechism are those specified to be used by the differ- ent grades of children and youth.] The schoolmasters shall take care not only that the scholars commit these Catechisms to memory, but that they suitably understand the doctrines contained in them. For this purpose, they shall suitably explain to every one, in a manner adapted to his capacity, and frequently inquire if they understand them. The school- masters shall bring every one of the pupils committed to their charge to the hearing of the preached Word, and particu- larly the preaching on the Catechism, and require from them an account of the same."
"III. In order that due knowledge may be obtained of the diligence of the schoolmasters, and the improvement of the youth, it shall be the duty of the MASTERS, WITH AN ELDER, and, if necessary, with a magistrate, to visit all the schools, private as well as public, frequently, in order to excite the teachers to earnest diligence, to encourage and counsel them in the duty of catechising, and to furnish an example by questioning them, addressing them in a friendly and affectionate manner, and exciting them to early piety and diligence. If any of the schoolmasters should be found
13
PAROCHIAL SCHOOL SYSTEM IN HOLLAND.
neglectful or perverse, they shall be earnestly admonished by . the ministers, and, if necessary, by the Consistory, in relation to their office. The ministers, in the discharge of their public duty in the Church, shall preach on the Catechism. These sermons shall be comparatively short, and accommo- dated, as far as practicable, to the comprehension of children as well as adults. The labors of those ministers will be praiseworthy who diligently search out country places, and see that catechetical instruction be supplied and faith- fully preserved. Experience teaches that the ordinary instruction of the Church, catechetical and other, is not sufficient for many, to instil that knowledge of the Christian religion which should, among the people of God, be well grounded ; and also testifies that the living voice has very great influence ; that familiar and suitable questions and answers, adapted to the apprehension of each individual, is the best mode of catechising, in order to impress the princi- ples of religion upon the heart. It shall be the duty of a minister to go with an elder to all capable of instruction, and collect them in their houses, the Consistory-chamber, or some other suitable place, (a number particularly of those more advanced in years,) and explain familiarly to them the articles of the Christian faith, and catechise them according to the circumstances of their different capacities, progress, and knowledge. They shall question them on the matter of the public sermons on the Catechism. Those who desire to unite with the Church shall, three or four weeks before the administration of the Lord's Supper, be more carefully and frequently instructed, that they may be better qualified and be more free to give a satisfactory account of their faith. The ministers shall employ diligent care to ascertain those who give any hopeful evidence of serious concern for the salvation of their soul, and invite them to them ; assembling
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HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE
ยท those together who have like impressions, and encouraging to friendly intercourse and free conversation with each other. These meetings shall commence with appropriate prayer and exhortation. If all this shall be done by the ministers with that cordiality, faithfulness, zeal, and discretion that become those who must give an account of the flock committed to their charge, it is not to be doubted that in a short time abundant fruit of their labors shall be found in growth in religious knowledge, and holiness of life, to the glory of God, and the prosperity of the Church of Christ."
In the above we find evidence of alliance between Church and State. to some extent, from which we are, happily, wholly free. But it suggests sentiments, and marks a course bearing upon the religious education of children and youth, well deserving the attention and approbation of the Church and Christian community. It is deeply to be regretted that with the extension of common school education through the entire community, under the patronage and by the provision of the State, certain influences have successfully operated to divest them of a Christian character. Some time since, the Romanists raised an organized opposition to our common schools as then conducted, demanding the alteration and excision of our school-books, and afterwards proceeded to object to the use of the Bible and the offering of prayer in the schools, until they are deprived of the semblance of religious character. Succeeding in this, they raised the cry that the schools were godless and infidel, and claimed for themselves their proportionate part of the public moneys to support their own denominational schools, confounding the doctrines and rites of their own Church with religion. While the system of universal education, under the patron- age of the State, is to be preserved as of the highest importance,
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PAROCHIAL SCHOOL SYSTEM IN HOLLAND.
and no denominational claim should be allowed, it is most desirable and important that in the Christian community the Bible should be preserved in our schools, and that God should be acknowledged in them. But beyond this it is the province of the Church, from her own resources and means, to devise the best methods of providing an enlightened, sound religious education to her children, in a way the most practicable under existing circumstances. The minute extracted from the acts of the Synod of Dort furnishes principles of great value and enduring excellence, which, with some variety in the details caused by a change of circumstances in our posi- tion, should be carefully kept in view by the Church, to be faithfully carried into execution. The high importance of selecting or forming schools exerting a religious influence need not be dilated on. Parents should be led with greater fidelity to impart domestic instruction in the great truths of the gospel as embraced in our standards, and should accom- pany it with salutary guidance and example. Ministers and officers of the Church should pay particular attention to the young, in their early religious training, and seek to win them to the faith and service of the Redeemer. Is it not to be feared that in the facilities which modern times afford in the spread of universal education, the institution of Sabbath-schools, and the multiplied and cheap issues from the press, there is yet a decline in the careful attention of the Church, in the use of the various meaus exhibited in the article quoted from the acts of the Synod of Dort, for the acquisition of sound and well-digested religious knowledge found among the children of the Church in earlier days ?
This volume, giving the history of the school of our Reformed Dutch Church in this city, is not without its interest to the general reader as a research into the "olden times," and connected with the earliest period of our city's
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HISTORICAL SKETCH.
history. But it bears peculiar interest to the friends of our Church, and all who feel the importance of the religious training of the children of the Church, particularly of those who might otherwise be neglected. This history has been prepared by the present Principal of the school, after careful investigation of remaining sources of information. It is to be regretted that so few materials as to some periods have been preserved. In the school there has ever been preserved a course of instruction in the branches of knowledge adapted to prepare for practical life, while sound religious instruction has been carefully imparted. The happy and salutary influ- ence of the school has been experienced through its continued existence, and it is now flourishing under the wise and faith- ful direction of the present Principal, who has prepared this volume at the request of the Board of Trustees appointed by the Consistory.
NEW-YORK, Sept. 20, 1853.
THOMAS DE WITT.
14
HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL
OF THE
REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH,
IN THE CITY OF NEW-YORK,
CHAPTER I .*
A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT OF NEW-AMSTERDAM : 1609-1633.
SPECIAL preconcerted efforts, authorized by Government or induced by religious persecution, led to the settlement by the English of ten out of the thirteen original colonies, extending on the sea-coast from Maine to Georgia, inclusive. How, then, did Holland obtain a foothold on this continent, and how came the Dutch Government, with its Church and School, to be the first established in the Empire State ?
A brief outline of the circumstances which led to the dis- covery and subsequent colonization of New-Amsterdam will not only afford a solution to these questions, but also demon- strate the fact that a public school was established therein as soon as the circumstances of the settlers permitted it.
The discovery of America by Columbus while attempting to reach China and Cathay by a westward passage, did not
* The contents of this chapter were culled from the first eight chap- ters of Brodhead's New-York; and here, as elsewhere throughout the work, his language has at times been appropriated.
18
OUTLINE OF THE DISCOVERY
in the least repress the efforts prompted by the commercial spirit of the age, to accomplish that undertaking. The voyages made for that purpose resulted in the exploration of most of the large rivers and estuaries on the entire eastern sea-board of the continent. The southern route, discovered by Magellan in 1520, affording no advantages over the ac- customed route through the Indian Seas, a passage was sought for on the north-west. Foremost and most persevering in this enterprise, was England ; no less than thirty voyages, with this design, having been undertaken by British naviga- tors ; among whom was Henry Hudson. Failing to achieve the object of his ambition in the two attempts made by him in 1607 and 1608 in behalf of the English "Association for the Discovery of the North-west passage," he offered his ser- vices to the East India Company of Holland ; and, on the 6th of April, 1609, departed in the " Half Moon," from Texel, with instructions to "explore a passage to China by the north-east or north-west." Prevented by the ice from proceed- ing eastward toward Nova Zembla, he touched at the island of Faro, sailed thence to the Banks of Newfoundland, ran down the coasts of Nova Scotia, Maine, and Massachusetts ; and failing to find an opening to the west, put to sea again. A fortnight after, he made land off the capes of the Chesa- peake, whence, sailing northward along the coast of Mary- land, he entered Delaware Bay. Proceeding thence cautiously up the eastern coast of New-Jersey, he entered the Narrows, and, on the 11th of September, anchored in the lower bay. Subsequently, in prosecution of his main design, he passed up the river, which now bears his name, to the vicinity of Albany ; and, having ascertained by soundings that no far- ther advance could be made, he reluctantly returned to the neighborhood of Hoboken. On the 4th of October he weighed anchor for the last time, and having re-crossed the
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