USA > New York > Dutchess County > Poughkeepsie > Anniversary discourse and history of the First Reformed church of Poughkeepsie > Part 8
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
* Ano 1740. Sunday ye 19 of October, Mr. Robertson an English pres- peterian minister preched and Mr. Abraham De Graeff and I Colected from ye people and In ye Contribution we gott in all the sum of sixteen shillings & # penny and we offered it to Mr. Robertson but he refused it.
108
History.
The records, however, are almost exclusively in Dutch until the ministry of Dr. Livingston, which began in 1781, and ended in 1783. Then, for the first time, the English begins to appear to any noticeable extent, and, so far as the records are concerned, with the close of his ministry the Dutch totally disappears. A new book of records was begun by his successor, Mr. Gray, and of this book the contents are exclusively in English, with the exception of the title, which is in Latin.
With respect to the change of language in public wor- ship, the heading of the subscription paper for the calling of Rev. Andrew Gray shows that preaching in Dutch and English was desired and stipulated for in 1790. * The following also appears in the minutes of consistory, June 5, 1793 :
" The consistory having taken into consideration the great declension of the Dutch Language, and conceiving that, by continuing the service in that Language so frequently as hereto- fore observed, would not only be injurious to the edification of the Congregation at large, but tend rather to its decrease than growth."
"The Consistory therefore direct, that henceforward the Service be performed in the Dutch Language every third Lord's Day in the forenoon, and service at all other time in the English Tongue."
From the action thus taken, it is evident that even then, the English language had been for some years en- croaching upon and displacing the Dutch. In the call which was extended to Mr. Brouwer, less than one year afterward (February 3, 1794,) there is no mention what- ever of the Dutch Language, and it is stipulated that he is to " Preach twice every Lord's Day in the Church in Poughkeepsie in the English Language" ; from which it may be inferred that, in the brief intervening period, the displacement had become substantially complete.
* See page 69.
Formation of the Second Reformed Church. 1847. 109
FORMATION OF THE SECOND REFORMED CHURCH. 1847.
The Second Reformed church was organized chiefly by members dismissed from the First Reformed church for that purpose.
If was at first proposed that the two churches should be Collegiate; that is, should constitute one church and ecclesiastical corporation, having one consistory, but with two congregations, and worshipping in two edifices.
As the project matured this proposal was abandoned, and it was decided that the two churches should be separate organizations. The history as contained in the records of the First Reformed church, is substantially as follows :
At a meeting of the consistory held August 2, 1847, it was " Resolved, that in the opinion of this consistory, it is expedient now to make an effort towards building a new church."
At the same meeting a committee was appointed "to confer with members of the church and congregation, and others who are friendly to the object of building a Second Reformed Dutch church, and obtain their views and feelings on the subject, and that the said committee open a subscription for the purpose of ascertaining how much money can be raised for said purpose."
The committee reported, August 26, 1847, that they had secured $7,150 ; whereupon it was " Resolved, that consistory, while they feel desirous of promoting the building of a new church, do not feel willing to take the responsibility of building a Collegiate church without the advice of the congregation."
At a meeting of the congregation, duly called and held August 31st, 1847, it was " Resolved, that in the opinion of this congregation, it is expedient and proper for the
110
History.
consistory to adopt the necessary measures for the immediate erection of a Collegiate church."
Notwithstanding this expression of opinion by the congregation, at the next meeting of the consistory (September 5, 1847), a resolution offered, "That in the judgment of this consistory it is expedient to build a Collegiate church," was decided in the negative. At the same meeting a committee was appointed to "ascer- tain whether consistory have a right to give to a new Re- formed Dutch church any part of the property of this church, and also to confer with the subscribers for pews in the new church, to ascertain whether they, and which of them, will organize and build a new Reformed Dutch church."
After hearing the reports of the committee, the con- sistory, September 16, 1847, resolved to convey the real estate lying west of the parsonage lot, "in trust, to use the same towards the building of a Second Reformed Dutch church in the village of Poughkeepsie, and for the support and maintenance of public worship therein, provided consistory have a legal right so to do." A committee was also appointed to make application to the Supreme Court for power to convey the said real estate.
It was also resolved, that in case the court should de- cide that consistory had no legal right to convey, then "Consistory will lease the property for a term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years, at one dollar per year, to said new church, when duly organized and incorporated and the house of worship completed."
The records in the office of the county clerk show that the property was conveyed November 10, 1847, under an order from the Supreme Court, and on condition that a church building should be erected within two years.
At the meeting of consistory, November 2, 1847, Elder C. P. Adriance tendered his resignation of office, "with a
111
Formation of the Second Reformed Church. 1847.
view of connecting himself as an elder to build up a Second Reformed Dutch church in this village," and his resignation was accepted, with expressions of min- gled regret for his departure, and approval of the step he had taken. At the same meeting, Charles P. Adri- ance, Abraham G. Storm, Joseph H. Jackson, James W. Bogardus, Caspar D. Smith and Albert Brett were dis- missed, "for the purpose of enabling them to unite with others in the formation of the Second Reformed Dutch church in Poughkeepsie."
At a special meeting of Classis, held in the church of Poughkeepsie on the evening of the same day, the action, as recorded in the minutes of Classis, was as fol- lows :
The object of the meeting was stated by Rev. A. M. Mann, and an application presented for the organization of a Second Reformed Dutch church in the village of Poughkeepsie. The committee, consisting of Nathan Jewett, Tunis Brinkerhoff, and Joseph H. Jackson, who had been previously appointed by the congregation to make arrangement for securing this organization, pre- sented the names of Abraham G. Storms, Charles P. Adriance, Tunis Brinkerhoff and Joseph H. Jackson for elders, and James W. Bogardus, Caspar D. Smith, Albert Brett, and John P. Flagler for deacons, and requested that they be organized into a church as early as practic- able. Whereupon, after receiving their certificates of dismission, Classis
Resolved, That the request be granted, and that we im- mediately proceed to effect the organization.
Resolved, That Rev. F. M. Kip preach the sermon, Rev. A. Elmendorf read the form prescribed for ordaining elders and deacons, and that the Rev. A. M. Mann ad- dress the officers when ordained. All of which was attended to in accordance with the above resolution.
112
History.
The elders and deacons, having been thus ordained, were in a position to receive members from other churches, and the report of the First church to the Classis, April 5, 1850, shows that, in the preceding year, twenty-seven members had been dismissed from the First church, in order that they might connect themselves with the Second church.
Thus the Second Church was established as a separate organization, but although separate organizations, the two churches have ever been closely united, not only by the ties of denominational communion, but also by those of fervent brotherly love.
MISCELLANEA.
ARMEN KAS AND ARMEN GELT.
In the older records frequent mention is made of the " Armen Kas," which means, literally, the "Chest of the Poor." There are, however, no entries showing that money was paid out of it for the poor ; and probably there was no need of such payment, for, although nearly all the people were in circumstances more or less straitened, they were able to support themselves, and self respect restrained even the poorest from seeking pecuniary aid from the church. Hence the Armen Kas came to be virtually the treasury of the church, and in that sense the term occurs constantly in the records. So, in like manner, the collections taken up from Sunday to Sunday are called the "Armen Gelt," signifying, liter- ally, "Money for the Poor," but, nevertheless, were evidently turned, for the most part, into the general treas- ury of the church. There is still preserved a little book containing the account of the "Armen Gelt," or collec- tions, from 1739 to 1741, and the following extracts from it are interesting, as showing the financial condition of the people, and the manner of holding public service.
113
Miscellanea.
During these years the church was without a pastor, and it will be observed that it was only occasionally that the people had the privilege of hearing a sermon from a neighboring minister, and that, generally, the service was conducted by a Voorlezer (Fore Reader) chosen from among themselves.
Anno. 1739, May de 31 .- In presenties van de Kerickeraden Van Pockepsinck mett Namen Johannes Van Kleeck, ouder- ling, Elias Van Beenschoten ouderling, Henry Vanderburgh Diakon, Johannes Tappen Diakon, Abraham De Graff Diakon, heben wy De Kass Geteld En Vonden Dare In de Some Van dree pont In Coper Geldt En Twe Schelings En Sixpence. £ 3-2-6
An Sewant De Some van Darteen Schellingen en Negen Pence. .
0-13-9
Translation .- In presence of the consistory of Poughkeepsie, named Johannes Van Kleeck, elder ; Elias Van Beenschoten, elder ; Henry Vanderburgh, deacon ; Johannes Tappen, deacon ; Abraham De Graff, deacon; we have counted the chest, and found therein the sum of three pounds in copper money, and two shillings and sixpence. £ 3-2-6 In Sewant (wampum) the sum of thirteen shillings
and nine pence. 0-13-9
Ano. 1739, Augustus de 5 .- Sondagh en morghen yonge Bartolomeus Hoogeboom Versoght Voor Veur te Lassen, en ben Ick Rontgegan en Kreegh en het Sackie Tweentig pence half penny. 0-1-8}
Translation .- 1739, August 5. Sunday morning, young Bartolomeus Hoogeboom requested to act as Voorlezer, and I went around and took in the bag twenty pence halfpenny. 0-1-82
Ano. 1739, Augustus de 19 .- Sondagh en morgen Mr. Vander Lyn Las Voor ; ben Ick om gegan en Kreeg Twe Schellengs en Twe pennys en Twe Stuffers. 0-2-2
Translation .- 1739, August 19. Sunday morning, Mr. Van- derlyn Voorlezer ; I went about and took two shillings and two pennies and two stivers. . 0-2-2
Ano. 1739, September de 9. Sondagh en morghen Mr. Van- der Lyn Las Voor ben Ick om gegan en Kreeg Drie Schellingen en five penns en en half penny. 0-3-5₺
114
History.
Translation .- 1739, September 9. Sunday morning, Mr. Vander Lyn Voorlezer, I went about and took three shillings and five pennies and one half penny. 0-3-5}
Ano. 1739, October de 14. Sondagh en morgen Johannes Rynders Las Voor ben Ick om gegan en Kreeg En Schelige en Twe pence half penny en 3 wetis. 0-1-23
Translation .- 1739, October 14. Sunday morning, Johan- nes Rynders Voorlezer, I went about and took one shilling and two pence half penny and 3 (white wampum beads ?) 0-1-2}
Ano. 1739, November 4. Sondagh en morgen Johannes Rynders Las Voor ben Ick om gegan en Kreeg En Schelige en Drie pence half penny en seven wetyes. 0-1-3%
Translation .- 1739, November 4. Sunday morning, Johannis Rynders Voorlezer, I went about and took one shilling and three pence half penny and seven (white wampum beads ?) 0-1-3}
Ano. 1739, December de 2. Sondagh Johannes Vermanus Van Basten predichte gang Ick om en Kreeg five Schelinge in pennys en Ses en Twentigh half pennys en wy gaven de fife Schellingen an Domine Van Basten. 0-1-1
Translation .- 1739, December 2. Sunday Johannes Ver- manus Van Basten preached. I went about and took five shil- lings in pennies, and six and twenty half pennies, and we gave the five shillings to Domine Van Basten. 0-1-1
Ano. 1739, December 23. Student Van Basten predichten. Ben Ick om gegan En Kreegh Twe Schelingen en Negen pence en fifeteen half pennys, maken samen De Soma Van Drie Schellingen En Drie pence halfpenny. 0-3-33
Translation .- 1739, December 23. Student Van Basten preached. I went around and took two shillings and nine pence and fifteen half pennies, the same making the sum of three shillings and three pence half penny. 0-3-33
Ano. 1740, March ye 2. Ben Ick om gegan en Kregh four- teen pence halfpenny. 0-1-2% Translation .- 1740, March 2. I went about and took four- teen pence halfpenny. 0-1-2}
Anno, 1740, May ye 8. Domine Vass Boout predicase op Dondedag. Ben Ick om gegan en Kreegh five Schelengen en Veerpence. 0-5-4 Translation .- 1740, May 8. Dominie Vas preached a peni- tential sermon (Preparatory lecture) on Thursday. I went about and took five shillings and four pence. 0-5-4
115
Miscellanea.
The foregoing extracts from August 5, 1739, to May 8, 1740, are in the order in which they occur in the Armen Gelt book, and are all that are in the book for that period. The Record of Baptisms (in another book) shows that on the day following the penitential sermon above mentioned, (May 9, 1750,) Domine Vas baptized twenty- six children. After that date there is in the Armen Gelt book no mention of preaching again until October 8, 1740, when the following occurs :
Ano. 1740, October ye 8. Domine Vas predickte En wy Kereck Raden betalde hem fiftigh Schellingen Voor Syn dienst En Dare Resterde Ses Schellingen en Five pennys half pennys. 0-6-2}
Translation .- 1740, October 8. Domine Vas preached, and we, the consistory, paid him fifty shillings for his service, and there remained six shillings and two pence half penny. 0-6-2}
Correspondingly, in the Record of Baptisms, there are no entries again until October 8, 1740, when nine children were baptised. It must be inferred that during the five months intervening, no neighboring minister preached in the Church, and the only services were those conducted by the Voorlezer.
PALLS.
The records show that, soon after its organization, the the church owned two palls, one large, (Dood Kleed,) for grown persons, and one small, (Kleine Dood Kleed,) for children, and that the church was paid for their use at funerals. The following are some of the entries bear- ing on this subject :
DUTCHESS COUNTY, June ye 4th, Ano. 1739.
Then Received from Henry Vanderburgh, Decon of the Church of Pockepsinck, the Sum of Twelve Shillings, and Thirty Two Shillings and Six pence formerly Received of Hendrick pells, which is In full for a Black Cloath ; to Bury the Dead ; I Say Received In full per me.
FRAS FILKINS.
116
History.
In 1741 there is a charge of one shilling and sixpence for the use of the little pall, (cline clet,) and from 1741 to 1747 there are several charges of three shillings for the use of the large pall. Mr. Jonathan Pearson, in his history of the church in Schenectady, says that, in that church, the charge for the use of the large pall was three shillings, and for the use of the little pall, one shilling and sixpence. The foregoing citations show that the charges in Poughkeepsie were the same, and it may be inferred that these were the customary charges through- out an extensive region.
SUBSCRIBERS FOR CALL TO HOLLAND.
It has already been' stated that the call, which was sent to Holland in 1744, was accompanied by a sum of money, for the payment of the minister's passage to this country. It appears, from various bills and receipts, that this money was advanced by Mr. Joris Brinkerhoff, of New York, and was repaid in small installments, and that the last installment was not paid until 1753.
Meanwhile efforts were in progress to procure the money, as appears from the following :
Augt den 7 dagh Anno 1745, dan hebben wey de name van de Lest van die die Beloft hebben an et beroep dat na hollandt is voor een domini.
Translation .- Aug. 7, 1745, then have we the names of the list of those who have promised for the call to Holland for a minister.
Inasmuch as most of the earlier records of the county were destroyed in the burning of the Court House, in 1785, the list of subscribers is here given, as being probably one of the most complete lists now extant, of the heads of families then residing in this portion of the county. It is as follows :
117
Miscellanea.
£ sd
£ sd
Lewis Dubois, . 1 00
Johannis Palmetir, . 0 30
Geisbort Pele, 0 16 0
Frances Hegeman, 0 5 6
William Sifer, . 0 10 0 Hendrick Hegeman, . 0 50
Markus Van Boml, 0 10 0
Barent Band, 0 30
Jacobus V Boml, . 0 50
Magil Pels, 0 . 50
Samuel Mettus, 0
60
Mosas Degraef, 0 8 0
Jeams Luckey, 0 50
Baltus Kep,
.
0 30
Cristopel Van Boml, 0 90
Lendert Lewis, 0 30
Francis Jacobs, 0 3 0
Cornelus V d bogert, 0 . 4 0 Lawerens Gerbrands, 0 12 0
Piter Lassing, 0 2
Anthony Jelverton, .
0 4 0
Thomas Sanders, ·
0 4 0
John Gay, 0 4 0
Boudewin Lakounta, . 0 12 0
William V Vlet, 0 10 0
John Tenbrock, . 0 16 0
Matthew Van Kurren, 0 10 0
Hendrick Osterom, .
0 80
John Littel, . 0 .
20
Mindert V d bogert, . 0 9 0
Cornelus Arsen, ·
0 60
Jacobus V d bogert, Jun., 0
3 0
Johanis V Benthussen, 0 8 0
Piter Van debogert, . 0 30
Henry Levingston, 0 10 0
Nensi Wittenton, 0
3 0
John Canklen, . 0 13 0
Ellixzander Grigx, 0
60
Piter Windevort, . 4 0
0
Joris Cock, .
0 2 6
Abraham Freer, Jun., 0 10 0
Johnis Bogert, .
0 4 0
JacobusVandenBogert, 0 15 0
Jacob Low, .
0 80
Borth : Noxon, . 0 50
Elias V Bontschoten, Jun., . 0 30
John Mecferling, 0 60
Elias Van Bontschoten, 0 15 0 Francis Laroy, 0 10 0
Piter Van Kleck, 0 8 0 .
Tunnis Van Vlit, 0 7 0
Bengamen Pele, 0 20
. Anderis Pele, 0
20
Jacobus Van Kleeck, 0 4 0
Piter V d burgh, . 0 20
Simon Freer, 0 16 0
John Van den burgh, . 0 4 0
Augustinus Turck, 0 8 0
Joseph Herris, 0 60 .
Rechard Vandrburgh, 0 80
Johannis Tapin, 1 00
Barnardus Swartwout, 0 90
Isack Cromel, .
0 30
Jannatie Doyo, .
0 1 6
Henry V d burgh, Jun., 0
60
Magil Palmetie, Jun., 0 80
Johannis Lewis, . 0
60
Jeams Aggemody, ·
0 60 Robert Kidny,
0 8 0
Piter Palmetir, . 0 13 0 Elisabet Kep, 0
2 0
Mindert Palmetir, 0 30
Hendrick Pels, 0 8 0
Piter Palmetir, Jun., . 0 30 Evert Pels, 0 10 0
Jacobus Palmetir, . 0 3 0 Francis Filkin,
1 00
Jeams Mecgorog, 0 3 0
Jeams Lechal, . 0 60
Johannis Swartwout, 0 80
Hannis Van Kleeck, . 0 15 0
Mateues Kep, . 0 50
Henry Vandrburgh, 0 16 0
·
Dollif Swartwout,
0 10 0
Henry Wilson,
0
8 0
118
History.
£ s d
£ sd
John Mexfild, 0 60
Denie Relye, . · 0 30 .
Thomas Lewis, 0 60
Joseph Gonsallusdock, 0 5 0
John d Graef, 0 30
Zagharias Vlegelar,
0 50 .
Jacobus Stoutenburgh, 0 12 0
Barent Lewis, .
0 15 0
John Emens, 0 50
Mosas Ver Veelen, . 0 12 0
Barrent V Kleck, 0 18 0
0 Gidiyon Vr Veelen, 60
Lowerens V Kleck, 1 00 Johannis Ruger, 0 12 0
Arry V Vlet, 0 10 0
Ezegil Masten, 0 12 0
Swerris V Kleck, 0 10 0
Simon Pels, 0 10 0 .
Abraham de Graef, 0 18 0
Mannul Gonsallusdock, 0 3 0
Isack Hegeman, 0 10 0
Joseph Hegeman, .0 80
Baltus Van Kleck, 0 11 0
Isack Filkin, 0 12 0
Cornelus Vr Wiye, . 0 30
Simon Vlegelar,
0 80
Abraham Swartwout, 0 9 0
Henry Filkin, . 0 10 0
Abraham Provort, . 0 4 0
Stipen Crego, 0 50
William Grigx, 0 4 0
Johannis Buis, Jun., .
0 3 0
Gerret Daveds, 0
4 0
George Elsewort, Jun., 0 5 0
Jacob Van Wagene, 0
8 0
George Elsewort,
0 10 0
John Grin, . 0 2 0
Hendrick Thomas, 0 2 0
0
4 6
Barent Kep, 0 20
Cornelus Masten, 0
50
Simon Laroy, 0 10 0
Harman Rinderse, 0 30
Matthaus Dubous, . 0 14 0
William Freer, 0 60
William Smith, . 0 8 0
Arry Cool, . 0
60
Eferom dubois, 0 60
Bortho : Crennel, 0 10 0 .
John Laroy, 0 8 0
Thomas Voos, 0 .
9 0
Rollif Ostrom, ) 11 0
Elizabeth Lewis, 0 80
60
Hendrick Kep, 0 60
60
Hendrick Lot, 0 10 0
Bengemen Bertlit, 0
60
Hendrick Hegeman, . 0 10 0
Jacob Schouten, .
0
30
Jan Hegeman, 0 90 .
Borth : Hogeboom, 0
30
Jacobes Schut, ·
0 7 0
Jacob Dolsen,
.
0
60
Baltus Jos Van Kleck, 0 7 0
Abraham Dolsen, . 0
8 0
. Baltus Ls Van Kleck, 0 60 Gaberel Werit, 0 4 0
Jan Meckinni, . . . 0 4 0 Johannis Buis, 0 80
Lendert Van Kleck, . 0 4 0 Hendrick Bertlit, 0 5 0
.
Harmanis Rinderse,
Jun., . 0 13 0
Mindert Vilen, 0 11 0
William Herris, . 0 10 0
Gidiyon dubois, 0 8 0
. Jerimiya dubois, 0 80
Johannis Rinderse,
0 10 0 .
Jan Osterom, 0 77 0
Daved Relye, 0 30
Piter Heiyer, 0 .
Gerret Van Wagene, .0 40
Nicklas Van Wagene, 0 7 0
. Frans Cool, . 0
Daved Daveds, 0 40 .
Art Masten,
0 60 Henry Smith, . Isack Germon, 0 30 .
119
Miscellanea.
£ s d
£ sd
Jacob Scherpenston, . 0 4 0
Hendrick Boos, . 0 4 0
Piter V Campen, 0 60
Jan Van Campen, ·
. 0 60
Abraham fontin, 0 5 0
John Edwards, .
0 4 0
Sander Brouwer, 0 60
Lawrence Delong,
0 60
Damen Palmetir, . 0 10 0
Peter Laroy, . .
0
5 0
Piter Vilen, . . 0 12 0 .
Ragel Swartwout, 0 5 0
MosasBengemenFranks, 0 5 9
Phillip Harmensen, . 0 30
Johannis Davitson, . 0 4 0
Kasparis Westervelt, . 0 15 0 Cornelius Osborn, 0 5 0
Frans Hageman, . 0
5 0
Charles Doughty, 0 50
Seimon Frayer, Jun", . 0 4 0
Andres Suuck, ·
0 30
Petrus Low, .
.0 20
FIRST THINGS.
First Baptism.
The names of the first elders and deacons have already been given. On the day on which they were installed (October 10, 1716), the minister who installed them, Rev. Petrus Vas, of Kingston, baptized Marytjen, daughter of Frans De Lange and Marytjen Van Schaak, in the presence of Johannes Van Kleek and Aaltjen ter Bos, as witnesses. This is the first baptism recorded in the church book.
First Marriage.
The first marriage record bears date thirty years later. During all those years, the church was without a pastor, with the exception of the brief period (1731-3) covered by the pastorate of Dominie Van Schie. The records of both baptisms and marriages by him, during that brief period, have been lost. For the rest of the thirty years, the record of baptisms is nearly continuous. Mothers, being unable to travel, with their babes, through the
Jan Oasstrom, (son of Hendrick), . 0 2 0
Myndert Vandebogart, (son of Frans), . 0 60
Cathenah Stenbergh, . 0 16
John Van Dormaln, . 0 30 Moses, son of Abraham Degroff, . 0 50
Cornelius Vealy, 0 30
120
History.
forest to the minister at New Paltz or Kingston, waited for the minister to come from Kingston or New Paltz to Poughkeepsie, and, consequently, the baptisms took place at Poughkeepsie, and were recorded in the book of the church of Poughkeepsie. But, for the same years, there is no record of marriages in the book of the church of Poughkeepsie, and the presumption is, that those of the Poughkeepsie congregation who wished to be married, went for that purpose to the minister of some one of the neighboring churches, and that the marriages are record- ed in the books of those churches.
The first record of marriage in the church book of Poughkeepsie is in the handwriting of the second pastor, Benjamin Meynema, and is as follows :
Register der getrouwde Perzonen na 3 afroepinge :
Ao. 1746, d. 31 January, zyn huwelyks geboden aangete- kent van Petrus Freer jongman geboren in de Palts en Cornelia Oostrum jonge dogter geboren in Pakeepsie, en beyde woonag- tig aldaar, en syn getrouwt de 25. Febr. 1746.
Translation .- Register of persons married after three publish- ments :
Anno 1746, January 31, were registered the marriage banns of Petrus Freer, bachelor, born in the Paltz, and Cornelia Oostrum, spinster, born in Poughkeepsie, and both there resid- ing, and were married, February 25, 1746.
First Receipt for Salary.
Among the loose papers preserved are receipts for salary, in the handwriting of all the early pastors. One, in the handwriting of the first pastor, Cornelius Van Schie, is as follows :
Ik ondergeschreven bekenne uyt handen van de E. Kerken- raadt op Pakeepsie ontfangen te hebben voor de waarneming van myn dienst aldaar de somma van seventien ponden en tien schellingen Nieuw York gelt ter afbetaling van myn half jaar
121
Miscellanea.
tractement t welk verschenen was de negende December, Anno seventien hondert twe en dertigh. Pakeepsie, den 25,
Jany, Anno 1732-3. item 15 schell.
CORN. VAN SCHIE, V. D. M. ibidem.
voor paarde voer.
Translation .- I, the underigned, acknowledge to have re- ceived from the hands of the Rev. Consistory of Poughkeepsie, for the performance of my ministry there, the sum of seventeen pounds and ten shillings, New York money, in payment of my half year's salary, which was due the ninth of December, Anno seventeen hundred and thirty-two.
Poughkeepsie, CORN. VAN SCHIE,
January 25, 1732-3. Minister of the Word of God there. item, 15 shillings for horse feed.
In the call which was accepted by Dominie Van Schie, the salary promised was seventy pounds a year, and three pounds additional for horse feed, one-half to be paid by the church of Poughkeepsie, and the other half by the church of Fishkill ; and consequently the sums specified in the foregoing receipt were precisely those which were due from the church of Poughkeepsie for the half year.
Seats in the First Edifice.
It has already been stated, that the seats in the first edifice for worship were assigned by the church masters, in August, 1723. The following is given as a fair speci- men of the assignments :
Peter Palmetier-1 seat in No. 1 for himself, 36-0
2 seats in No. 3 for his wife and daughter, 50-0
1 seat in No. 8 for Michael Palmatier, 30-0
1 seat in No. 6 for Myndert Palmatier, 30-0
1 seat in No. 12 for Elizabeth Palmatier, 19-0
The prices are in guilders, each one being equal in value to a New York shilling. The highest price marked
122
History.
for a single seat is 36 guilders ($4.50), and the lowest price is 19 guilders ($2.37}).
From the extract given above, it is evident that the members of the family did not sit together; but were distributed to no less than five separate pews; and this seems to have been the case with the majority of fam- ilies. It does not appear, however, from the record, that the men and women were separated, for there are a few cases in which a pew is assigned to a man and his family, and there are many cases in which seats in the same pew are assigned to both men and women of different fam- ilies.
Deed Conveying First Property.
The following is a copy of the deed conveying the land on which the first edifice for worship was built :
TO ALL CRISTIAN PEOPLE To whom these presents Shall or May Come Greeting Know Ye That I Jacobes Van Den Bogert of Dutches County in the Colonia of New York Yoman for and in Concederation of Divers good Causes and valuable Consederations by Me Recevid of Cap't Barendt Van Kleeck, Mr. Myndert Van Den Bogert Mr. Pieter fielee and Mr. Johannes Van Kleeck ALL yomen in the above said County the Recep't whereof I Do hierby acknowlidge And therewith fully satisfied and Contentid and thereof and of every paert And parcell thereof Do Exonerate aquitt and discharge the Sª Barendt Van Kleeck Myndert Van Den Bogert pieter fielee and Johannes Van Kleeck there heirs Executors and Administrators for Ever by these presents HAVE giveing grantid bargained sould Alinenatid Convaied Confurmed and by these presents Do freely fully and absolutly give graent bargain Sell Alline Convey and Confurm unto the said Barendt Van Kleeck Myndert Van Den Bogert pieter fielee and Johannes Van Kleeck there heirs and assigns foreEver one Cartaine pies or Lott of ground Scituated Lyieng and being in pochkepseng in the afore said County, butted and Boundett Vz on the Nort Sid to the Rood that Runs to the Eastard to the forsaid Cap't Barendt Van Kleecks and on the west along the Rood that Runs to the Sout to Mr. Jonar La Roy's to the Sout and to the East to the Land
123
Miscellanea.
of the Said Jacobes Van Den bogert it beieng a Corner Lott and in Lenght one hunderid and fifty foot and in breth one hun- derid and fifty foot beieng a four squaer Lodt To HAVE AND TO HOULD the said grantid and bargained premoses with all the appurtenances and prevoleges and Commoditis to the same belongeng or in any wise aportaneng To them the said Barendt Van kleeck Myndert Van Den Bogert pieter fielee and Johannes Van Kleeck there heirs and assigns for Ever FOR THE PROPER And onely use benefitt and behoof of the Inhabatance and Naberhod of pochkepsen afore said to bild and maentaen a proper Mieteng hous to worship the one and onely Thrieeonely God Acording to the Ruels and Methods as it is agried and Concludett by the Sinode National kept at Dordreght in the Year 1618 and 1619 and that in the Neder Dutch Lingoo and manner as it is now used by the Classes and Church of Amster- dam with the benefitt of the Mietenhous yaerd for a Bureall place of Christian Corps to the same belongeng with all the benefits and behoef for Ever and I the said Jacobes Van Den Bogert for mee my heirs exekutors and adm'rs do Covonent promes to and wid the said Barendt Van kleeck Myndert Van Den Bogert pieter fielee & Johannes van kleeck there heirs and assignes that before the ensealeng heir of I am the true soul and Lawfull owner of the above bargained and grantid premoses and am Lawfully seized and posesed of the same in my one proper Right As a good perfeckt and absolute estate of En- haretance and have In my Self good Right full pouer and Lawful autorety to graent bargain Sell Convey and Confurm the Said bargained and grantid premises in a manner as above Said and that the Sd Barendt Van kleeck Myndert Van Den Bogert pieter fielee & Johannes Van kleeck there heirs and assignes Shall and may from time to time and at all times for Ever hier after for the use afore Said by vertue of these presents Lawfully peaceably and quiatly have hould use occupy possess and in Joy the said Demised and bargained premoses with the appurtenances free and Clier and freely and acquitted Exon- erated and Dischaerge of and from all and allmanner of former gifts graents bargaeins Seals Leases Mortguages wills Entaeils joynters Dowries Judgements Executions incumbrances
Troubles whatso Ever and I the said Jacobes Van Den Bogert Do further bind my Self my heirs Exekutors and Ad- monestrators furmly by these presents to warrent and Defend the Sd Barendt Van kleeck Myndert Van Den Bogert pieter fielee & Johannes Van kleeck there heirs and assignes in quiatt and peasable possession of all and Singular the Sª granted
124
History.
premoses aginst all Lawful Claim of any parson or parsons by from or under mee IN WITTNESS whereof I the Sd Jacobes Van Den Bogert have hier unto sett my hand and Seall this 26 Day of Desember in the year 1716.
Sined Selied and Delivered In the
Presents of US
Barendt nukerck.
Matijs ven Stenbergh.
JACOBES VAN DEN BOGERT. [SEAL. ]
DUTCHIS COUNTY, May the 6 Annog Domney 1718.
Then appereth before me Leonard Lewis one of his Magis- tyes Gusteses of the Peace Mr. Jacobes Van Den Bogert and declareth this within Enstrument which he has Signed Sealled and Delivered to be his Volentary act and deed.
LEONARD LEWIS.
This Transport is Recorded In Dutchis County the 20th day of August Anno Dom. 1718 In Pages 1 and 2 at Pochkepsing by Henry Van Derburgh Clark.
CHRONOLOGICAL, CONSPECTUS.
EVENTS. PASTORS.
1716. Organization.
1716. First Recorded Baptism
1716. Deed of Jacobus Van de Bogart.
1717. First edifice begun.
No Pastor till 1731.
1723. First edifice finished and seats assigned.
1730. Union with Church of Fishkill.
1730. First call sent to Hol- land.
1732. First Parsonage built.
1741. New roof and gallery for first edifice.
1746. First recorded marriage
1760. Second edifice built.
Cornelius Van Schie, 1731-3.
No Pastor, 1733-45. Benjamin Meynema, 1745-56. Jacobus Van Nist, 1758-61. Henricus Schoonmaker, 1763-74.
125
Chronological Conspectus.
1774. Union with Fishkill
dissolved.
1789. Incorporation.
1791. Second Parsonage built.
1793. Seal adopted. 1793. Dutch preaching only every third Lord's day. 1794. Preaching all English.
1822. Election of Elders and Deacons by male mem- bers of Church. 1822. Third Edifice built. 1825. Sunday School first mentioned, but men- tioned as previously existing. 1835. D. R. Thompson, Super- intendent of Sunday School.
1844. Third Parsonage built. 1847. Second Reformed Church of Pough- keepsie formed. 1854. Third Edifice renovated. 1857. Third Edifice destroyed by fire. 1857. Fourth Edifice built. 1863. John H. Mathews, Su- perintendent of Sun- day School.
Isaac Rysdyck, 1765-72. (Two Pastors for seven years.) Stephen Van Voorhis, 1773-6. Solomon Froeligh, 1776-80. John H. Livingston, 1781-3. No Pastor. 1783-90. Andrew Gray, 1790-4.
Cornelius Brouwer, 1794-1808. Cornelius C. Cuyler, 1809-33.
Samuel A. Van Vranken, 1834-7.
Alexander M. Mann, 1838-57.
George M. McEckron, 1858-67.
126
History.
1871. Election of officers by all the members of Church. 1875. Henry S. Jewett, Super- intendent of Sunday School.
1876. Milton A. Fowler, Su- perintendent of Sun- day School.
1878. Spire taken down.
1887. Interior renovated.
1891. Election of officers by all members of Church of age of eighteen or over.
A. P. Van Gieson, 1867 -.
PRESENT ORGANIZATION.
The present organization of the Church is as follows, viz: CONSISTORY.
Pastor-REV. A. P. VAN GIESON.
Elders.
David C. Foster,
Deacons. Charles D. Johnson,
Daniel R. Thompson,
Chester A. George,
Milton A. Fowler,
James M. Hadden,
Charles C. More,
George W. Polk,
Marvin O. Dutton,
Henry E. Losey,
John W. Pelton,
Charles R. Dickinson.
Clerk,
Milton A. Fowler. John W. Pelton.
Church Masters,
Charles D. Johnson, Chester A. George.
Music Committee,
George W. Polk, Marvin O. Dutton.
Charles C. More,
Finance Committee,
Henry E. Losey.
SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Superintendent, Milton A. Fowler.
Assistant Supt.,
Chester A. George.
Secretary, . Leonard C. Miller. Charles Klady.
Librarian,
-
James E. Dickinson,
Assistant Librarians,
William R. Vail.
Manager of Primary Department,
Mrs. Josephine Pardee.
Treasurer,
128
Present Organization.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE.
President, J. Elting Deyo.
Vice-President,
Nettie Wilson.
Secretary,
. Carrie E. Betz.
Treasurer, . Edgar D. Van Nosdall.
Membership, 111.
LADIES' SOCIETY.
President,
Mrs. M. O. Dutton.
Vice-President,
Mrs. M. A. Fowler.
Treasurer,
Mrs. E. R. Williams.
Secretary,
Miss M. D. Van Gieson.
Executive Committee.
Mrs. Samuel H. Brown,
Mrs. Jane H. Mandeville,
Miss Nettie Farnum,
Mrs. B. W. Van Wyck,
Mrs. Samuel L. Dearin,
Mrs. Smith L. De Garmo,
Mrs. Warren S. Foster,
Mrs. C. D. Johnson.
Home Mission Committee. Mrs. Samuel H. Brown, Mrs. C. D. Johnson, Mrs. Smith L. De Garmo.
FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
President, Mrs. Samuel W. Buck.
Vice-President, Mrs. William A. Miles.
Secretary, Mrs. Floy M. Johnston.
Treasurer, . Mrs. J. H. Mandeville.
Cor. Sec., Mrs. J. R. Reynolds.
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.