USA > New York > Nassau County > Oyster Bay > A documentary history of het (the) Nederdeutsche gemeente, Dutch congregation, of Oyster Bay, Queens County, Island of Nassau, now Long Island, V. 1 > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44
On the last. We should esteem so much all your actions, when we such of you did inquire.
Lastly. Wish that you with a written answer their own work approve. Please to testify on what grounds, such business can pass, as wholly Ecclesiastic and becoming to be.
Respectfully remain your humble servant,
J. H. GOETCHIUS, D. M.,
on Long Island. 1
N. B. The writing delivered Apl. 30, 1743.
Myn Heer G. D. Bois, to NEW YORK.
THOMAS ROMEYN, SR.
He was the son of Nicholas, and was born at Pompton, N. J., in March, 1729. He married Margaret Frelinghuysen, a daughter of Theodorus Jacobus, who emigrated in 1727. Died at Fonda, N. Y., Oct. 22, 1794. His wife died at Jamaica Dec. 23, 1757.
He appeared in Coetus Sept. 13, 1749, and wished to be recom- mended to the Classis of Amsterdam.
In November, 1752, he preached as a student of theology, for the first time, a trial sermon in Jamaica, accompanied by Freling- huysen, his brother-in-law, and two days after, Nov. 10th, 1752, Jamaica and Oyster Bay united in a call on him, on condition that he should go to Holland for ordination.
The Church had had troubles enough and desired to avoid any more, on account of the irregular ordination of Goetchius.
April 10, 1753, he gave his departing sermon ; arrived safely in Amsterdam, and was ordained Sept. 3, 1753.
April 9, 1754, he had returned, and was inducted Nov. 10, by Domini Verbryck.
-
56
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
After his settlement on Long Island, though a prudent man, he found it difficult to still the troubled waters. His call, also, was not unanimous. In March, 1755, he made a pastrol visitation from house to house, and met with rough handling from the friends of Goetchius.
On April 6, he celebrated the Lord's Supper and admitted six- teen members.
In 1757, at a meeting of the disaffected element another min- ister was called. (See later Paper No. 4).
He preached his farewell sermon on Nov. 30, 1760, from Ephe- sians 6, 24 ; and being a quiet and peaceful man, sought free- dom from the strife in another field of labor, at Minisink, N. J.
57
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
PAPER No. 2.
TRANSLATION.
The Reverend, Thomas Romeyn.
Dear Sir : We of the underwritten Consistories together stand.
The congregation of Success have understood, that your Honor has a call under inspection, for the Revd. Johannes Frelinghuy- sen, nevertheless, so our information is; suppose for the con- gregation of Oyster Bay and partly Jamaica, even with inclusion of the undersigned congregations; a matter to us appearing extremely strange, because we have understood, with us to Success chosen be to inform about church matters, that Domini De Ronde is to be sent by Coetus to Oyster Bay, and together that, fully consenting to, but not Johannes Frelinghuysen; and further request we of you all friendly-like, that we want you ebout with these above said matters, not forward to go.
Thinking that it more shall tend to war than to peace; and if you then with your matter shall forward go, so find we ourselves obliged to go against you therein.
Anno 1753. To Success, the 3d Feb.
[NOTE. ] There were no signatures attached, but the letter was written for the Church of Newtown and Success. It will be noticed that this letter is dated on the same day that Domini Romeyn was ordained in Amsterdam.
The call to Frelinghuysen appears never to have come to a head, probably on account of his death soon after, Sept. 15, 1754.
A FAMILY OF DOMINIES.
The Reverend Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen emigrated to this country in 1727. Died, 1747. He married Eva Terhune of Flatbush. They had issue as follows :
Rev. Theodore. .Married Elizabeth Syms. He preached in New Albany 1746. Supposed to have been drowned on his way to Holland.
Revs. Jacobus and Fredinandus, died with smallpox on their way to this country with licenses to preach, 1753-
58
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
Rev. Henrickus. Minister of the Gospel at Marbletown, Rochester, Wawarsing. Died, 1758. Will recorded in New York ; Liber 21, Folio 94.
Margaret. Married the Rev. Thomas Romeyn, who preached in the Queens County Churches.
Anna. Married the Rev. William Jackson, who in 1757, was preaching on Staten Island.
Rev. John. Baptized at New Brunswick March 26, 1727. Died Sept. 15, 1754, at Jamaica. Married in 1750, Dinah Van- Bergh. He it is who was mentioned in the translated letter No. 2.
There was a little story connected with Theodorus Frelinghuy- sen, one of the family of ministers, which seems of interest. He preached in English to the soldiers who were sent to Albany for the protection of the frontier. In the spring of 1759, he took strong ground, though with little success, against the spirit of gaiety and fashion which a regiment of royal troops had intro- duced in that city. On one occasion, having preached an un- usually earnest sermon against worldly follies, he found on Mon- day morning at his door, a pair of shoes, a staff, a silver coin, and a loaf of bread. He considered this an intimation to leave, which he in the fall of that year did.
The following letter (being marked No. 3), coming from Am- sterdam, gives the disturbing element somewhat of a "calling down" and endeavors to inculcate a little of the spirit of forbear- ance and also a moral lecture.
59
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
PAPER No. 3.
TRANSLATION.
(The address. )
"Right Honorable Sirs :
The Reverend Ritsma and De Ronde, Ministers and Heads of the Honorable Consistory of the Reformed Congregation at New York."
Right Honorable Sirs and esteemed Colleagues.
We have your letters and the documents received, also that of the Reverend Ritsma dated the 20th of August, 1755, then that of the meeting at Peremus held the 3d of November, 1755, the which on the 25th of November was laid before the Consistory at New York and suppose the conclusion there, undersigned by the Revd. Ritsma as pressser and regulator wherein to disciplin ; that to the purpose of the gathering to Peremus for their advice is extremely well satisfied. Legitimately their intentions have not been able to reconcile wherefore they the former Censure over Goetchius accusing him of ill behaviour and improper in- . trusion, and the meeting of Peremus, &c., have in short referred the whole business to the Classis.
Underwritten with the name of Gerard Haaghoort alike for all the Directors' names. This all finally concluding with a P. S. wherein and by hand confirmed that it be true, and something in respect to the contents of this writing, something concerning the future management of the affairs of Coetus, also undersigned by Ritsma and De Ronde.
After such a bulky, so tedious and for a great part unintelligi- ble sort of matter to have to read, must we confess to be affected with the utmost surprise, pity and indignation. Certainly can not comprehend, how thereof people, how thereof Christian Teachers could changed become to such a kind of proceeding. in the "biting and devouring" of one another, but years after one to single out ; and not the better alone could choose, and with that all conciliatory state, should imitators be of the meek, lowly and charitable Jesus. Even so it seems right to think that char-
60
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
ity, the "livery" of the Christian, is only hate, envy, anger working, vitiating, detestable, eager self-seeking, out of evil is, without a proper conception that enmities, contentions, jealousy, angry disputes and discord, shuts anybody without God's king- dom. Where shall this dear brothers, what shall thereof of this all become.
We can you with assurance tell, that we no part of the world know where it is so in our Church harbored as in New York. So in this, that part alone of the foreign country churches, to the Classis give as much to do as the others together.
Shall there then not harmony to be expected, and an end be to all the old disagreements and disputes, that during so many years have dominated church and state, and households divided, and God's wrath over the community excited.
Shall people not once think that the ordering is difficult over the prevailing conditions, not only in the murmerings but for New York and it particular.
Perceive we not the tempestuous clouds on all sides moving ; reveals He nothing in this wise, of His terrible anger from the heavens, have we reason for to believe that He whose frequent ordering of His household, indulgently us before others shall spare, when in reluctance for the increased light, vigorous when others sin. Nay, beloved brethren, nothing is of it, that we, so we a reasonably sound course of action, could and should bring to such an extravagant inference.
Therefore, praying and supplicating the Lord Jesus we yet about, as for the health of your souls, with the welfare of the congregation, for the bowels of charity, that you all of one accord, right may plan for the understriving fires to suppress, and none to kindle anew or set going, either through instigation or through neglect.
In regard to the letter of the Reverend Ritsma, written the 20th of August, last year, we learn with sorrow of no apparent cessation of the unrest on Long Island out of the removal of Domini Goetchius and the calling of Domini Romeyn to Oyster Bay and Jamaica; and hereto on the devout purpose of the Classis, how earnest they that desire ; is not satisfied the old bargain of the year 1748 to hold fast anew.
61
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
Merits by us on such, not the least remark, and is wise thereof never a business from off the Classis hand to come. Slight cause, so foreign to their complete interest.
Must their resolution there over, which your honor is acquaint- ed with, undimished remain, stand sustained, and concerning we entreat you and request on it all emphatical, that you to the out- working of the same will co-operate and not there against, besides the least appearance, by lending an ear to, will give, of together combining with the disobedient.
On the last mentioned writing to Peremes, on ordered ; the further action can by your honor's Classes ; that in a great part can not be understood for the obscure style and language, bad spelling and out drawn prolixity. No other answer given than that all the procedure and the censuring of the one the other side, for unlawful and null declared.
And in the matter nothing can be done before that men a law- ful Cetus hence hold, the matter therein differently be treated, and a short, exact and plain account do to the Classis, legal proof of must be, alone of essential business. We request that you there- fore due knowledge please to give to the heads of these together coming to Peremas, that this matter before your honorable Con- sistory before have brought, and on which we order on account of nothing, either soundly to write.
Herewith your honors, the peace, the love, the unity and orderliness once again admonished about thereto, to pray for the light and influence of the Holy Spirit. So sign we with sincere love, right honorable Sirs and esteemed colleagues, in our Classi- cal gathering, your willing and affectionate colleagues.
The 13th June, 1756.
In the name of the Honorable Classis of Amsterdam.
W. PIEFFERS, Dep. Cl. Pregs.
R. SCHULL, Dep. Cl. Scribe.
62
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
PAPER NO. 4.
TRANSLATION.
Addressed to
"The Right Honorable and very learned gentleman, Mr. Eggo Tonkus Van Hoevenberge, Right Reverend preacher in the Reformed congregation of Cti of Rynbeek."
Instrument of the calling for the Right Honorable Eggo Tonkus Van Hoevenberg.
VERY HONORABLE SIR.
We, Elders and Deacons of the three Low Dutch Congregations, Newtown, Jamaica and Hempstead in Queens County, on Long Island, in the province of New York, with each other are united and together met in the name of God, in order to, in the fear of the Lord, an Orthodox Shepherd and Teacher in our beforenamed Low Dutch Congregations to call ; and whereas we have been given abundant testimony of your honor's great ability ; so, according to the desire of the three congregations in our gather- ing, it is unanimously settled, for the Right Honorable Hur Eggo Tonkus Van Hoovenberg, present preacher of Rhinebeck to call for our Shepherd and Teacher.
Simultaneous, we then subscribed also in the name of the congregations and in the presence of the Right Honorable Sir, Lambertus De Ronde, preacher in New York, who our congre- gations at different times has served. In the name of the congregations ; you, Honorable Domini, Eggo Tonkus Van Hoovenberg, call for regular shepherd and teacher in these our Low Dutch congregations of the Reformed Church, for the sure word of God among us to preach ; the Holy Sacrament, instituted by Christ to administer ; and further, everything to perform that the office of a true servant of the Lord Jesus Christ demands, according to His Holy Word and the good order of the Church requires, and conducting everything as much as possible after the ways of the Low Dutch Reformed Church here in this country customary ; according to the Synod of Doodrecht, held in 1618, 1619.
63
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
Though yet a little further to determine, about your honor's preaching service, the congregations so appoint ; your honor, us not alone the service to perform on Sunday, but also on the so called feast times and the *preparatory sermon for the Sacrament, according to the custom among us ; also with the fast and prayer days, and over which order of observance of the service and how often in either congregation the Consistories further shall speak on your honor's arrival.
But to encourage you in the acceptance of this our call, so promise we Consistories and our successors, to your honor to give a yearly salary of the sum of one hundred pounds, New York money, and that every half year the just half, and that continued as long as your honor the above mentioned service among us shall observe.
To WIT : That the Congregation of Newtown for your honor's service shall pay the half of the salary, the which is £50. Also with the half of the fire wood, free from all cost.
Jamaica {30 and Hempstead {20, as also their ratio of their payment for your honor's service, the fire-wood and cost.
Above that, shall your honor have free lodging, and a piece of land for two cattle and a horse for all service ; with which last they supply your Honor in performance of the office in the separate congregations ; the which are, from Jamaica to Hemp- stead. 8 English miles, and from Jamaica to Newtown, 5 English miles. Further, shall fulfill in regard to such, your Honor, as we become indebted to a sincere teacher.
Moreover. We then alike with all affection, your Honor, Domini Eggo Tonkus Van Hoevenberg, this our call intrust with. So we desire your Honor, also with all importunity, that your Honor the same in the fear of the beloved Lord to promptly accept of, in consideration of the need of our community, and who for a considerable time have been devoid of a qualified, regular Shepherd and Teacher, and so lamenting that we the word on the appointed time of God's service cannot hear for the welfare of the spiritual Zion.
, In the mean while, with all love and esteem, we implore your
*Dutch-"de proef predikatie voor het Nagtmaal." Literal translation -- " trial sermon for the night meal."
64
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
honor to come, and that it shall please the Great Shepherd to behind follow the reaper with his godlike mercy, and so tend to the great making of His all Holy name, and in winning to salvation of many souls.
All this done in our church gathering to Newtown.
Newtown, Jan. 11, 1757.
Elders of Newtown.
Pieter Luyster. Tunis Brinckerhoff. Daniel Rappalje. ( Jan Wyckoff. Daniel Durye.
Elder of Jamaica,
Elders of Hempstead.
( Jan Hegeman. 1 Minne Schenck.
Abraham Rapalye.
Deacons of Newtown.
Jeromus Remsen
Hendrick Brinkerhoff.
Cornelis Monfoort.
Deacons of Jamaica.
Johannes Willemsen.
John Johnson. Rem Remsen.
Jacobus Monfoort.
Deacons of Hempstead,
Meichel De Mot.
Harmanes Hendrickson.
In the presence of me,
Lamb. De Ronde, V. D. M.
[NOTE. ] Van Hoevenberge appears to have declined the call. Oyster Bay not joining with the others, being, perhaps, still loyal to Romeyn. Only one Elder from Jamaica signing, viz : Daniel Durye.
The congregation at Jamaica being very much at loggerheads with each other, as would appear from the Paper No. 5 following, written to Classis of Amsterdam. One other fact to emphasize the feelings of the Dutch people regarding the troubles in Jamaica : The Baptismal Register there contained no entries after 1753 for forty years, while the Oyster Bay Church Register was continued and the people who had attended at Jamaica had their children baptised in the church at Wolver Hollow.
The next paper No. 5, written to the Classis of Amsterdam, needs no comment, as it speaks for itself and with a meekness of spirit perfectly in keeping with the Dutch characteristics.
.
-
-..
"65
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
PAPER No. 5.
[TRANSLATION. ]
Right Honorable, Highly learned Sirs, Father and Brethren.
Whereas, the Consistory of Jamaica, have on a friendly request, for us to give testimony of the truth of their matter, that they imputing to errors, upon your table bring with protest, concern- ing their wronging and oppression.
So having, we in this will not in neglect remain, but therein to speak sincerely to proceedings, and as much as we are conscious of, in this your honors, to communicate and conscientiously testify, and thence shall look, from your honors the righting of unjust treatment by Coetus and to your Classis here in this land.
It is then history, after the removal of Domini Goetchius, that the Classis had decreed, that therefore a new Consistory in Jamaica should be chosen, out of both parties ; but whereto that party that it with Domini Goetchius holds, would have nothing to do, and properly with the other party together a Consistory to choose ; so that these were necessitated to go on with the choosing of a Consistory according to the rules of the Honorable Classis of Amsterdam.
That Consistory in an Ecclesiastical way was chosen, and also inducted by the Honorable Sir, Domini Arondeus as being lawful preacher, and although they obey the commands of the Classis afterwards in every respect, whereon the other party by Goet- chius it not let assent to.
But Domini Ritsema, preacher in New York, successfully per- suaded for yet a similar Consistory to choose, opposed to that other already made, and whereas the other party, proceeding against the protest of the lawful Consistory, moreover have fear- lessly done, although in an unexcellent way against all equity and right, but courageous continue, and their chosen Consistory was permitted to be installed in the English Presbyterian Church; thereupon did they further go, and with Domini John Freling- huisen, who them therein was willing to concur, although against the orders of the Classis ; calling one Thomas Romeyn therein
66
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
with the Congregation of Oyster Bay, that by Domini Freling- huisen persuaded be thereto ; and somewhat also to such an un- orderly procedure, the Honorable Domini De Ronda, also preach- er in New York, had labored for it to come, and advised the congregations, themselves, not from one to separate, but with each other to remain, that had jointly one preacher equally to call as before, and can us not assist.
But men covet craftily for the three congregations, beforehand. And so is Romeyn there come, and with his coming has affected great schism and discord in Jamaica, as also with us, and also in Newtown, that formerly quiet and peaceable our God's service could perform.
Yea ; so far got their tyranny with the before-named Thomas Romeyn, that whenever we with Newtown and Jamaica another teacher would call, be they at every turn at once to oppose, and that men us after following with shameful leugens and lasteringe in so far even, our Church home and land to take away may, that we already ten years among ourselves had, and having received nothing out of their hands.
HONORABLE SIRS,
This is "the not otherwise" than perfectly true, without the particular things done to us.
In the end we hope and wish, that we yet equal rights may find in your exalted assembly, and that your Honors this mature- ly shall consider, that we, not longer every day about to run, like wandering sheep without a shepherd. .
The blessing of the Lord be over your people and highly Hon- orable Assembly.
Remaining with all high esteem, Right Honorable, very learned Reverend fathers and brethern
Your honors'
Servants and brethren.
Success, the 20th March, 1759.
The paper No. 6, following the one written to Amsterdam by . Success, might be taken as a reply, but not so; it comes as the Apostolic utterance of the Church, and is sent by Classis that met at New Brunswick to the different Congregations.
67
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
PAPER No. 6. [TRANSLATION. ]
To the Right Honorable Consistories in the Province of New York.
Right Honorable and much loved Colleagues.
Your letter signed by D. D. Erichsen and Leydt at New Bruns- wick the 27th of June, 1760, with the annexed document, is well to our hand come ; wherein the event is given to us exactly and according to truth; concurring with the information that we, have received from the other brethren.
It serves to our complete satisfaction that the Christlike and very cordial arousing done by our former letter, for the hurtful schisms and miserable discord to abandon, so inconsistent with the teaching of the gospel of the meek Saviour ; and themselves mutually in one Coetus to unite, in so far the attention, and the effect it has had with the Honorable Brethren of the other side, that they themselves have manifested a disposition for the estrangement to take away and there-over with each other to enter into negotiation.
But to our greatest regret, we at once perceive that these so desiring reunion, and not loyally come to a stand, but interrupt, or at least put off, is because the men who will first determin over the Articles and conditions, those men in either party will not be able to agree.
The brethren that style themselves the Conferentie gathering, demand that the decision in important matters, whereabout are differences, with the Classis shall rest, and the whole matter in such a case shall before be carried by both parties.
The present Coefus answers that the matter of the old hostility with superiority of votes ought to be settled in compliance with *Article 31 of the Ecclesiastical Rules. The Coetus asserts the
* The 31st Article says: "If any person conceive himself aggrieved by the decision of a lesser Assembly, he shall have the liberty and right of appealing to a higher ; and that which is determined by a majority of voices in such assembly shall be held decisive and binding unless it can be demon-
. strated to be contrary to the Word of God and these Articles."
68
A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY.
legality of the examinations and promotions of the students ; that the already done promotions, so few hence done may be, as any lawful baptisms, that the former and the rest with the con- gregations, absolute, further then therefrom not to abdicate.
The Conferentie assembly maintain that these powers to the Coetus do not appertain, whereas the Classis, never a Coelus, have avowed and conceded unanimously their sub-authority and right by express proviso, for to examine and to promote and to sentence about the doctrin, as evidence out of their letter of November, 1739, and right because the same is reserved for the Classes by the Dordse Synodus.
The substance of the "both sides" letters, has been referred to the Honorable Classis, and by the same maturely considered, and the same have instructed us on the union of both parties once again on it earnestly on to urge ; and concerning the points in dispute, that the union delays, her feelings to you to com- municate.
The Honorable assembly is of judgment concerning the first, that the superiority of the votes must certainly have place ; it is properly the nature of any gathering, also ecclesiastical advance. By means of that the convoked members of the Classis freely settle honorable protests. It likewise serves to bring the sub- ordination by inferior to greater Church assemblies.
Concerning the second and important, can we the already done promotions well not approve, as wherein those finished on the vows with the Lowlands church, but will also thereover accord- ing to much rigorousness not judge or endeavor to annul, only · for peace sake in condition allow and the before finished hold.
It is also so, that the Classis can grant no liberty to the Coetus about the examinations, which alone belongs to a lawful Classis, though the Classis will well in case an extraordinary question may come before all yieldingness exercise for the matter to be instructed about por re nata to act, while the Coetus the same ; a laudable testimony of such person to furnish concerning his ability and knowledge according to truth in the Holy Theology.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.