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 5
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But shall this indulgence of the Classis have no place as long as the Coetus by the bond of love, peace and harmony, not becomingly with one another is united.
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Let therefore Right Honorable Sirs and much loved brethren, our pacific opinions and counsel only thereto unjust about, with the co-operation of the God all merciful, the welfare of the newly planted congregations, the underlying foundation to free confi- dence, by it the true faith in Christ to promote.
We will hope and wish that none of you were in the disorders and thereout shall draw, wanting independence of his colleague's, pleasure, and in place of the wound to heal, the same unpleasant to make, more, much more that this our answer the ground might lay to a hearty union.
If we God's honor, the extension of Christ's holy kingdom, the interest and establishment of the particular Congregations to heart got, and we thereto blessed instruments will be, how hard must we then not pray for the spirit of love and moderation and watch against any imperious Spirit of Diotrephes, and thereto all wrong purposes abominate and sinful passions suppress, also, that all some varnish and assumption might have of good ardour, for us the Lord's approval thereto to set.
It becomes you therefore then, in our behalf, on it heartily to pray, and as married brethren, the hands in one to strike, the several bonds to reunite, and therefore as loyal sons of the truth, to have the love to the true.
Will then with reverence one the other surpass; the one the other exceedingly esteem ; then themselves each other's burdens bear and also the law of Christ fulfill.
This shall our subject for thanksgiving be, to the God of peace ; our joyful consolation, and the reward be for our brotherly and well meaning counsels.
We conclude with the wish prayer of Paul to the Romans, 15, 5 & 6, and commend you and the congregations to the protection of God and His blessed word.
We remain with true affection, Right Honorable much loved colleagues, your obedient servants and brothers. In the name of the Honorable Classis of Amsterdam.
In our Classical gathering the 13th January, 1761.
R. Perizonius, V. D. M.
Dep, ad res ext : t. Praeses.
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E. P. G. Van Essen,
Deputt. ad res exteras. Scribe.
"The Honorable Coetus acknowledge no copy but that by Do. Joh Leydt with his own hand undersigned."
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PAPER No. 6, (SUPPLEMENT.)
[TRANSLATION. ]
To the Low Dutch Reformed Consistories and Congregations in our land.
The Coetus wish the peace, happiness and salvation of Jesus Christ.
Whereas a letter has come from the Honorable Classis of Am- sterdam to the Consistories in this remote region, and earnestly advising the union in one Coetus, the two hindering articles to decide, for the good of our Church to forward.
So is it, that the Coetus have thought good, to the better arous- ing and complying, to make service of the letter of the Honor- able Classis through the usual copy, and with this to declare. their sincere intention and earnest desire for universal peace and union with the brethren that without the Coctus be, in one Coetus to acquire.
Whereunto the Coctus desires not otherwise, than that every- thing should orderly become after God's word, Constitution of the Low Dutch Reformed Church and lawful Coetus, and so follow quickly the love and unity.
All this done to New Brunswick the 6th of October, 1761.
Signed in the name and by the instruction of the Honorable Coetus of New York.
Reinhart Erechson, p. t. Praeses. J. R. Hardenbergh, p. t. Scriba.
ABRAHAM KETELTAS.
Was born in New York in 1733. Preached in New Jersey from 1757 to '60. Died Sept. 30, 1798.
' The writer has been told that he was the great grandfather of Recorder Hackett (Abraham Keteltas Hackett) of Manhattan. By the " old people" the name was pronounced Kittle-tas.
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From a historical discourse delivered by Sylvester Woodbridge, Jr., pastor, at the dedication of Christ's First Church Chapel, Raynor, South Hempstead, Nov. 29, 1840.
"In the year 1762 the Revd. Abraham Keteltas supplied the Congregation for a short time.
"He was accustomed, says an aged and highly respected member of the Church, who relates from memory, to preach alternate Sabbaths at New York and Hempstead. In the city it was said that he preached in French. It is recorded on the stone which marks the place of his burial, that he had frequently officiated in three different languages, having preached in the Dutch and French languages in his native city of New York. He was a graduate of Yale College in 1752, and was ordained by the Presbytery of New York, in 1758.
"He possessed unusual talents, which were improved by profound erudition. The increase of the Congregation, which was rapid under the labors of Mr. Keteltas, received a great check at the Revolution."
He preached as a "supply" in the Dutch congregations from 1760 to 1762, and on April 28, 1762, a regular call was extended to him. See Paper No. 7.
The call was accepted by him and after the first sermons he was paid, as per paper No. 9. On April 18, 1763, he receipted for his half year's salary, £16.5.
The matter, of necessity, was referred to the Classis of Am- sterdam, with what result, will be revealed further on.
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PAPER No. 7.
[TRANSLATION. ]
THE CALL TO ABRAHAM KETELTAS.
The Elders of the four united Congregations of Newtown, Jamaica, Hempstead and Oyster Bay, being together assembled on the 28th day of April, in the year of our Lord Jesus Christ 1762, about a Reformed orthodox minister to call, for our four above mentioned Reformed Congregations, situated in Queens County, in the province of New York.
Whereas, be it known, that (by our request) the very honor- able and godly gentleman, Abraham Keteltas, residing being in the County above mentioned ; his preaching to our congrega- tions, appears to have given very good satisfaction, and to hear, have in the general crowded in.
Therefore, have the congregations, the Elders of the four congregations, on encouraged ; and they are, just now, Elders and congregations with heart and soul agreed.
And we, the Elders of the four congregations are commanded that into their care the business shall take, and exhorted by their Elders office the honorable Mr. Abraham Keteltas, shepard and teacher to call, to the end, for their regular shepard and teacher to be.
He in the first place, promising himself to submit to the Arti- cles of the Low Dutch Reformed Church and the Honorable Classis of Amsterdam. We underwritten Elders of the four con- gregations, find ourselves obliged for the Christian Church of this place, without any neglect, to provide that honorable persons Christ teach, and the work of the free full grace, to the salvation of sinners, with us constantly be taught.
Therefore, we Elders with heart and soul, so call you, very honorable, learned Sir, Abraham Keteltas. Yea, we call your honor with this, by virtue of, and in the name of all our congre- gations. We call your honor, in the fear of the Lord our Chris- tian congregations of this place to supply ; with a full blessing of the gospel, to their all upbuilding in the fear of the Lord, and
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that your honor, it request, with a heavenly manner, and thus endeavor to allure and to draw, in order to a heavenly minded life to lead, and that after you following, God will incline your heart to come to our help and grant you as God's favour, enough of the power of his sanctifying spirit.
That we, you appoint (with good health) two times each month in the year, on either day of the Lord to preach out of the power that God gives you, and that four months, once on either day of the Lord, and also on the feast days, to be done according to our church customs of this place ; and also preparation sermon for the Holy Sacrament.
The congregations of Newton and Jamaica commune together in a body, as also the congregations of Hempstead and Oyster Bay, turn by turn; and that every three months, there you , the Sacrament serve, there must you visitations do, and the Elders in the other village the visitations do, where you no Sacrament serve.
Further, must you the discipline exercise, with the advice of your Elders, and all carefulness to usage, and if necessary with a neighboring minister to consult; in this manner also the cate- chising ; consulting you your Elders, where and how, the time and place to set ; the sick in their need, thereto visit with relief, and their faith to sustain ; and whatever God, of his upright and faithful man-servant demands; and this is all to the honor of God's Holy name and to the salvation of all true believers. Amen.
We the Elders of the four united congregations, promise and assure you, very honorable sir, Abraham Keteltas, a salary of New York money, and a house and lot, with all the neces- sary appurtenances, situated in Jamaica, bought and set for a Low Dutch shepherd and minister.
We underwritten Elders bind ourselves by our hands, every half year, you Heer Keteltas to pay the half of the above men- tioned sum, and we question not of our following the same shall do, from time to time, as long as you shall serve on these condi- tions.
We hope that you freely and cheerfully this call shall accept and take, with a full blessing of the gospel, and we shall you Heer Abraham Keteltas with esteem, honor and love, embrace and welcome. Day and date as above.
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PAPER NO. 8.
(Translation.)
To the Congregations of Queens County.
Honorable Brethren. According to a request, the undersigned have come together, to consider the acceptability of Domine Keteltas ; which is undertaken by us in the fear of the Lord.
Whereby we found that Domine Keteltas on an important point of Doctrine with us did not agree, and whereto, we (according to Synodal Resolutions) could not abdicate from.
Wherefore it is necessary that the consummation of our busi- ness, yet a little while shall be put off, the more, as that Do. Ke- teltas himself willingly has offered thereover for himself further to inform, or to permit instruction.
Whereto, we, his honor all assistance have offered ; wherefore we request you people, Do. Keteltas nor us not to take amiss, that we could not bring the matter to an end, for that Do. Keteltas nothing against his conscience can properly do, nor we also not, and since by the delay, no prejudice to the matter even is. So are we necessitated to a further convincing ; us to set at rest, in the hope and expectation that God this darkness shall clear up.
So sign we your loving servants.
J. RITZEMA, L. DE RONDE, W. VAN SINDEREN, JOH. CASP. RUBEL.
Flackebos, the 15th July, 1762.
N. B. This important point, is the succeeding generations of the sons, from the father, us thereunto bound. The Synodal Resolution is to be seen in the Church Rules Book. Page 378.
PAPER NO. 9.
(Translation.)
Jamaica, July 16th, 1762,
Received on this day, from Mr. Minne Schenck, Elder, thesum of Eight pounds New York money, being for the four first ser- mons which I have preached to the four Low Dutch Reformed Congregations in Queens County. By me
£8.0.0.
ABRAHAM KETELTAS.
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PAPER NO. 10.
(Translation.)
(Being an original letter addressed to the Right Honorable Consistories of the four United Congregations of Queens County. ) .
Right Honorable Sirs and Brethren, comprising the Consistories of the four united Congregations of Queens County.
Your missive concerning the call of Domini A. Keteltas to preach in your Congregations, is us well to hand come.
We have the contents broadly answered in a letter to the Revd. Ritzema, de Ronde, Van Sindere and Rubel, and in one to the Revd. Keteltas, who the same will direct to your Honors com- municate.
We have us therein with regard to it (the proposal to us) plainly executed, and so we trust, with all carefulness and discretion in- terpreted, and hope that the business, according to our prelude, may be completed to mutual satisfaction.
That it not otherwise our intention, than the welfare of your souls, as of all other Foreign Country Churches that with us maintain brotherly correspondence, a subject of gladness shall be.
Wherewith we now pray for all prosperity and blessing on your honorable members and congregations, and with all affection and esteem remain right honorable Sirs and Brethren, your honors' obedient servants in the name and cause of the Honorable Classis of Amsterdam.
JON. JAE. KESSLER, Deputy, Official " Ad res exterus" to the President. JOHANNES DE LANGE, V. D. M. Amstd. Deputy Classical " Ad res exterus." Sketch Writer. Amsterdam, the 18th March, 1763. (The letter was written by de Lange.)
FROM HOIE'S KINGSTON RECORDS.
"In 1766 arose the memorable contest in the Kingston church, between the two factions known as the Coetus and the Conferentie. "The former party, generally speaking, advocated separation from and the latter connection with and subordination to, the
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Classis of Amsterdam, in Holland, in all matters relating to ec- clesiastical procedure and government.
"The contest resulted in an open rupture in the Kingston church, the majority of its membership being in sympathy with the 'Conferentie,' while the minority, under the leadership of Domine Meyer, advocated the cause of the 'Coetus.'
This was followed by the remarkable trial and suspension of Domine Meyer ; his withdrawal with a portion of the Congregation and the maintenance of religious services apart from those held by the 'Conferentie' in the old church edifice."
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PAPER NO. 1I.
(Translation.)
A COPY OF DOMINI BOLEN'S CALL.
To the Most Reverend and very learned Fathers in Christ.
Since it not alone is certain that the whole world by nature in wickedness lies, but even is foredoomed before God ; and it has after pleased God almighty out of His good pleasure, a means to salvation for fallen man to find out, and thereof blessed know- ledge to give, through the preaching of the Holy Evangelist, that the faithful one eternally might be saved.
So is then above all things necessary that to solicitude be, that where the Gospel cannot be proclaimed by reason of the lack of a minister, that that lack of, elsewhere may be supplied, that the Evangelist there also his support might have. On that account is it then that we undersubscribed Consistories of the four united Congregations in Queens County on the Long Island Nassau, in the Colony of New York ;
namely
Jameca, Nieutoun, Heempste, Oesterbay.
solicit and humbly request you, Exalted Reverends, for our four united Congregations about to look, after an orthodox minister for us and our youth, necessary and proper for this place the work of a true minister of the Gospel to perform, in the preaching, cat- echising and administering of the Holy Sacrament, and to the same qualified according to Church regulations, and us speedily towards to send a lawful teacher for our service and Church, be- cause the call made on the Honorable Mr. Keteltas have not continued in, for the Honorable Classis it abandoned, as his Honor, touching the Eternal Sonship of God's Son can not sub- scribe to.
And since a laborer, according to the saying of the Saviour, " is worthy of his hire," Luke 10, 7, and it is not too much that those sowing the spiritual to reap the material. So promise we on our
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part to a yearly salary of one hundred and fifteen pounds, New York money, whereof the half, every half year promptly shall be paid.
His dwelling house will be to Jamaica, there one Bogaart is. We for one horse and one cow beast of three.
Firewood shall to his dwelling be provided.
What the expenses belonging to the hither coming, according to account, those shall at his coming over be paid. Whensoever, after the first sermon, his Honor shall be presented with a half year's salary, beginning from that time of the acceptance of his'call.
We the authorized Consistories, present Elders and Deacons of our congregations, underwritten this call as our own act about all what therein mentioned and is expressed, faithfully to fulfill alike, as also our successors, that in our place chosen shall be in con- tinuation, from time to time the same to do.
Jan Hegeman, Isaak Remsen,
Minne Schenck,
Jeromis Bennet, Henderick Hendrekse, Joseph Hegeman,
Jacobus Monfoort, Johonnes Bennet,
Daniel Durje,
Harmen Hendriske, Johonnes Willemse,
Abraham Polhemels, .
Rem Remsen, Rem Loot,
Douwe Ditmaase,
Jan Lammerse, Elbert Hooglant,
Abraham Rappelje,
Bernardus Reyder, Jeromis Remsen,
Teunis Brenkelhof,
Samuel Waldron,
Daniel Rappelje, Hendrick Brinkelhof,
Jan De Bevois, Isaak Lott,
Jacob Rappelje,
Williem Laton.
Done the 4 Nov., 1763.
U. VAN SENDREN, V. D. M. to Flatbush in Kings Co.
JOH CASP. RUBEL, V. D. M. in Kings Co. JOH RITZEMA, V. D. M. New York. LAMBARTUS DE RONDE, V. D. M. in N. York.
HERMANUS LANCELOT BOELEN.
In answer to the urgent necessity of the Congregations, a man was found to "hazard the call" in the person of Domini Boelen. He arrived from Holland Feb. 2, 1766, and on the 4th deliver- ed his introductory discourse, from Psalms 34 : 12.
Was inducted Feb. 16, 1766, by Domini Van Sinderen (who wrote the call), with a text from Hebrews, 13 : 7.
c
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He was a widower, accompanied by his daughter, and his language is said to have been too pure and high-flown for the people. He was of small stature but had a stentorian voice.
During his ministry the contentions in the Church were settled, by a convention of ministers and elders, held in New York Oct. 15, 1771. He did not attend. .
The wounds were not healed. Apparently he was released in 1772. During the Revolution he was a Tory, and his warm prayers for the king exasperated the Whigs. He returned to Holland in 1780.
SOLOMON FROELIGH.
He was born at Red Hook May 29, 1750. Studied under D. Romeyn and J. H. Goetschius. Was licensed to preach in 1774, and the Queens County Churches were his first charge. He was ordained and installed at Jamaica June 11, 1775.
He married Rachel Vanderbeck in 1771; and died Oct. 8, 1827.
He was early impressed, under the preaching of Schuneman, and begged his father, who was a farmer, to give him an educa- tion. Through his mother's influence, he finally prevailed.
He was an ardent Whig, and was so outspoken in the pulpit that when the British entered Long Island he was compelled to flee from his congregations, narrowly escaping. He went to Hackensack, and accompanied Dr. Livingston on horseback to the north on the west side of the Hudson.
He became prominent in the councils of the Church, and strove to heal the wounds made in former conflicts; and his preaching at Hackensack resulted in more than two hundred being admitted to the Church in 1800 on profession. He was made D. D. in 1811 by Rutgers College. De Ronde reports to Synod in 1775 that on Sunday, June II, he had assisted at the installation of Froeligh, who in the afternoon preached his in- troductory sermon from Isaiah 62 : I.
Sometime after the service, it is said, De Ronde asked the Rev. Abraham Keteltas, a Presbyterian minister present, "who is this Froeligh ? What is his father's occupation ?" Keteltas re- plied, "He is a farmer's son." De Ronde rejoined, "Oh, these farmer ministers have no dignity." Keteltas replied, "Why I am surprised, dominie ; this morning you told us it mattered not
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whether a minister was a son of a Boer or Burgemeester." "I said so, indeed, in the pulpit," rejoined De Ronde, "I must say something there for the ears of the people, but feel differently."
William P. Kuypers (a brother to Zachariah, who was called later to Queens County), laboring under a misconception, accus- ed Mr. Froeligh of defrauding a man on Long Island of a watch, which was explained by his hasty flight when the British entered the Island, allowing no opportunity for him to pay for it. This question about the watch resulted in a Church trial on April 25, 1800, in Wolver Hollow, the account of which here follows :
At a meeting of the Consistory of the Church of Oyster Bay at the house of Jacobus Van Voorhis on Friday the 25th of April, 1800.
RESOLVED : That Mr. Suydam bring forward his evidences to support the charge alleged against Mr. Hoogland. The evi- dences were as follows :
First. To all whom it may concern, this serves to certify that Tunis Hoogland did inform the Rev'd Wm. P. Kuypers that the Rev. Solomon Froeligh had purchased a watch of Mr. Abraham Schenck, for which he had not rendered satisfaction. I told him further, that after the conclusion of the war, the Rev. S. Froeligh came upon the Island and as soon the said Mr. Schenck heard of it, went unto him and asked him for payment for the said watch. Mr. Froleigh answered him that he could take the said watch back again ; then Mr. Schenck said that he had had the watch so long in his possession that he would not take it again, but in- sisted upon the money ; then Mr. Froeligh told him that if he would not take it he should neither have the watch nor the money ; to this Mr. Schenck replied that if he would be so bad as that, he might keep the watch and money both for he could live yet without either of them.
I testify this to the truth, as witness my hand.
Wm. P. Kuypers.
Cornelius Suydam saith he heard Tunis Hoogland say that Solomon Froeligh had bought a watch of Abrahamn Schenck and that Mr. Frocligh went over the other side and returned after the war and he said that Mr. Schenck asked him for the money ; he told him he must take the watch. Mr. Schenck told him he could
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not take the watch he had had it so long ; he Mr. Froeligh told him he should not have the watch nor the money. Mr. Schenck told him he could live without the watch or the money ; this conversation was about as he says three years ago or a little more.
Johannes Kashow saith that Tunis Hoogland came to his house and told him he was willing to leave his dispute and Mr. Suydam's to the Consistory ; he saith that he and Mr. Suydam went to Tunis Hoogland some time after and Hoogland then denied that he had said he would leave it to the Consistory but that he was not afraid to leave it to them.
Barnt Snediker saith that being on the Marsh or Commons at South and Tunis Hoogland and his brother Cornelius he told him he wanted all the grass for himself and Cornelius ; he asked him if Floyd had not grass enough for him; he said no, Cornelius wanted a freight for himself but that Tunis had all the hay ; he says it was two years last fall.
Peter Hegeman saith the same as Barnt Snediker he thinks it to be two years.
Rem Hegeman saith that he and his wife being at Mr. Suy- dam's, Tunis Hoogland and his wife came there ; his wife asked Mr. Hoogland if the wench came there if he would send word. Mr. Hoogland said if Mr. Suydam requested it he would. Mr. Suydam desired he would, he Mr. Suydam saith he has had no word.
Jacobus Van Vorhis saith that he heard Tunis Hoogland say that the wench had served her time out, and would have nothing to do with her.
To the foregoing charges Tunis Hoogland saith he is not guilty.
Gabriel Duryea saith being present at the conversation be- tween the Rev. Wm. Kuypers and Mr. Hoogland, he the said Mr. Kuypers said that Mr. Froleigh frequented Courts and horse- racing and that he had money of the Congregation in hand. Tunis sayd that Mr. Froleigh had bought the watch of Abraham Schenck, and that Mr. Froeligh preached at Success and there he offered the watch to Mr. Schenck for he had no money to pay for the same; then Mrs. Schenck made reply, let him keep the
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watch he will pay for it some time or other, then Mr. Hoogland said Mr. Schenck had better take the watch than run the venture of the money ; he says the conversation was four years or more.
Phebe Duryea saith the same as Gabriel except she says it was five years.
Abraham Snediker saith that he and Mr. Hoogland was at Johnnes Kashow's the evening, the next morning Kashow's son came to Mr. Snedikers and asked him if he remembered that Hoogland had sayd he would leave their dispute to the Consis- tory. Snediker sayd there was nothing said about the Consis- tory.
Cornelius Hoogland saith that the hay cut on the Marsh he mowed for himself but after mowing his meadow he had more hay than he needed, he then sold it to Tunis Hoogland.
Jerome S. Luister saith that he was at Mr. Suydam's and Mr. Suydam told him he was advised by a certain person to complain of Mr. Hoogland. If it had not been for that he would not have complained ; the person was Johannes Kashow.
Isaac Bogart one of the Consistory saith that Mr. Suydam said that Johannes Kashow had complained and Suydam was asked he sayd if it was worth notice he say'd he thought it was.
The Consistory after Mature Deliberation :-
Resolved that Tunis Hoogland ought in their opinion to be instated in the said office of Elder.
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