USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 10
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PATROONS. 1629, June 7.
Freedoms and Exemptions granted by the West India Company to Patroons in New Netherland, for the purpose of planting colonies .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 551-7.
1629, June 7. In reference to religion.
XXVII. The Patroons and colonists shall in particular, and in the speediest manner, endeavor to find out ways and means whereby they may support a Minister and Schoolmaster, that thus the service of God and zeal for religion may not grow cool and be neglected among them, and they shall, for the first, pro- cure a Comforter of the Sick there .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 557; Laws and Ordinances of New Neth. 9.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT HOORN.
1629, Aug 20, et seq.
Article 13. Instrument of Contract for Ministers going to the East Indies.
The contents of Article 15, treating of the instrument (act) of contract, was further recommended to the brethren, in order that it may be put into practice; especially in those localities where there are Chambers, (of the East and West India Company,) in reference to ministers who are sent to the East or West Indies.
Article 17. English Synod.
As far as concerns Art. 20: the Deputies presented as their report, that no English Synod was to be held this year; and they remained enjoined in this matter, as heretofore, to exercise dili- gence that the (sessions of the) said Synod should henceforth be omitted.
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Art. 19. Care of the Churches under the Cross.
The Brethren Deputies asked to make some report as to Art. 27: Speaking of the care of the Churches under the Cross, in Flanders and adjoining quarters, they declared, that they had found a capable person, who had been ordained by the laying on of hands, after evidences previously ascertained of his fitness; and that he had been sent thither, furnished with a proper letter of commission.
Art. 35. Church Regulations for the East and West Indies.
In reference to Art. 51, referring to the Church Regulations of the East and West Indies: The delegates of the Classis of Amsterdam inform the Synod, that the ministers and siecken- troosters going from Amsterdam to the East Indies, are sent in conformity with the regulation contained in this article; that the Directors of both the East and West India Companies gave perfect satisfaction to the members in this particular. As re- gards the notes on the Church-Order of the East Indies, prout in actis: The Deputies from the corresponding Synod of Overys- sel stated, that some notes had been drawn up by them; and that the same had been communicated, by means of the respective Deputies of Synod, as expressed in the acts of their Synod; and had been briefly taken ad notam by this Rev. Synod, to be ex- amined more fully at a later time. Likewise some things were handed over by the Deputies of the Classis of Amsterdam, which had been sent from the East Indies, touching " Church Regula- tions for the East Indies ". These were read, in further com- munication, to this Synod, in order to ascertain the mind and decision of the Synod thereon.
First: The question was asked, whether it were advisable, and whether it could be understood as approved, in the case of children whom they do not as yet find to be fit for baptism and whose parents are heathen, that a blessing and confirmation
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might be used, with the laying on of hands, instead of baptism. It was learned from the Acta handed in that this had already been done. The Synod having given heed, in the fear of God, to this matter, it was decided and understood, that what was pro- posed, ought not to be done. Such a practice was not Christian, and was not in conformity with the Word of God. It should not be done, especially, because of its effect. Adoption into the Christian Church in such a way, would produce evil consequences, and could in no sense be justified by the example of Christ's lay- ing his hands upon the children of the Jews; inasmuch as those children were partakers of the covenant. Therefore, instead of such a confirmation and blessing, the children should be diligently instructed in the fundamental doctrines of Christianity.
In the second place, at the suggestion of the delegates from the Classis of Amsterdam, the question was taken up, whether the English mode of responsive reading and singing, could be per- mitted, as edifying, to the Church in the East Indies, where wor- ship is conducted in the Malay-Japanese, (Malees Japons.) This point, having been maturely considered by the Synod, the Synod is of the opinion, that the following is most expedient in refer- ence to this particular matter: Inasmuch as the Church of the East Indies is altogether one with the churches of our land, they should conform themselves to the Church of this land: Because not only where the worship is in Dutch, but even where it is conducted in the Malay and Japanese (Maleesche en Japaneesche) languages, a marked difference is offensive. In case the officers are convinced that the reading aloud would be very useful among the heathen, the Synod thinks that, quite as suitably, an entire Psalm might be read continuously for instruction and edification, whether in prose or rhyme. This could be done as the rulers and officers of the Church there might consider the most edifying way for the church there; but as for reading line by line alter-
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natively, the sense often depends upon the preceding - (line be- ing correctly read.)
Whereas, in the same Church Regulations of the East Indies, mention is made of still another method of blessing and confir- mation, employed with baptized children of ten or eleven years: therefore, the Synod, after having properly given heed thereto, deems it best and advisable, although the custom, in itself, is harmless, that this confirmation by the laying on of hands be omitted on account of its evil tendencies toward superstition. The Synod thinks that the confirmation should be accomplished by in- struction in the principles of Christian doctrine. Accordingly the Church of the East Indies shall conform itself to the custom- ary way of doing in the Reformed Churches in this land. Mean- while the Synod commends the excellent and praiseworthy care of the Churches of the East Indies, by their officers, in the propa- gation of the Christian religion, and the education of youth, exhibited in these particulars.
1630
PATROONS, 1630.
Freedoms and Exemptions granted by the States-General, ex plenitudine potestatis, to all persons of condition, as Patroons in New Netherland, for the purpose of planting colonies, etc.
In reference to religion we find the following:
28.
The Patroons shall also particularly exert themselves to find speedy means to maintain a Clergyman and Schoolmaster, in order that Divine Service and zeal for religion may be planted in that country ; and send, at first, a Comforter of the Sick thither.
30.
Their High Mightinesses shall exert themselves to provide the Patroons with persons bound to service, who shall be obliged to serve out their bounden time, in all obedience, for their board and
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clothing only, which being done, on bringing to this country a certificate thereof from the Patroons or their Commissaries, such persons shall be here restored to their former state and freedom. (Vagabonds and outcasts, who live on alms, and in idleness and crime, are hereby meant.)
31.
In like manner, the Incorporated West India Company shall allot to each Patroon twelve black men and women out of the prizes in which Negroes shall be found, for the advancement of the Colonies in New Netherland.
33.
All private and poor people (onvermogen personen) are ex- cluded from these Exemptions Privileges and Freedoms, and are not allowed to purchase any lands or grounds from the Sachems or Indians in New Netherland, but must repair under the juris- diction of the respective Lords Patroons .- Col. Docs. N. Y. i. 99, 100.
1630, Oct. 1st et seq. SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT ENCKHUYZEN.
Art. 7. Preachers for the East and West Indies.
It is understood that the 13th Article, referring to the sub- scription by preachers going to the East and West Indies, is being observed.
Art. 11. The English Synod.
As to the 17th Article, relating to the English Synod, it remains as before, for the vigilant supervision of the Deputies.
Art. 17. Church-Order in the East and West Indies.
On taking up the 35th Article, referring entirely to the Church- Order of the East and West Indies: It is understood that the
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
injunction, with the advise of this Synod, was sent over by the Church of Amsterdam, according to the requirement in the afore- mentioned Article. There was also read a letter from the Ecclesiastical Assembly, at Batavia, on Java-Major, dated No- vember 23, 1629, to this Synod. Also one of the same contents was sent to the Synod of South Holland. In these advice is asked, in reference to the matter of the laying on of hands; in reference to a fixed rule, in the sending of ecclesiastical persons and sieckentroosters; and in reference to the transmission of our annual Synodical Acta, to aid them in the government of their churches. The first has been acted on before. In regard to the second, it has been resolved by the Seventeen to allow a rule to be enacted by the several churches. In regard to the third, it was resolved to cause the Deputies of our Synods to transmit to the churches of the East Indies, annually, the substance of our Acts, so far as they might be serviceable to these churches. (This was all done, in those days, by transcription.)
Art. 26. Sieckentroosters for the East and West Indies.
III. Whether the Sieckentroosters who are sent to the East and West Indies, as well as to Guinea, ought not to subscribe to the Confession, the Catechism, and the Canones Synodi Nationalis lately held at Dordrecht? Answer: Yes; and that the respec- tive churches where there are Chambers (of the East and West India Companies) shall pay proper attention to this matter.
Art. 28. Office of Sieckentrooster.
Questio particularis Classis Amstelodamensis: Whether the Sieckentrooster's office is not a purely ecclesiastical office; and that a member of the church cannot accept of it until he has had a previous ecclesiastical call? Answer: Yes.
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1631
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Art. 36. Order of Extracts.
It is found advisable that henceforth the extracts from the respective Synods be so registered inter acta of our Synod, that the resolutions adopted thereon in matters of importance can at once be ascertained.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND. 1631. Art. 8. English Synod.
The matter of the English Synod Art. 11, remains in terminis prout in actis.
Art. 13. Church-Order in the East and West Indies.
As to the 17th Article, bearing in summa, on the Church-Order of the East and West Indies, it was resolved, in conformity with the resolution of the Synod of South Holland, to request the Assembly to act on the church affairs of the East Indies.
EVERARDUS BOGARDUS .* 1632
First Extract from Minutes of the Classis of Amsterdam.
1632, Juni 7.
Everardus Bogardus, die voor siekentrooster is geweest in Guinea, heeft syne testimonia naar den Classis gepraesenteert, dewelcke seer goet syn; en daarby versoeckt van den Classis peremptoir geex- amineert te worden, welck ver- soeck hem is toegestaen, en sal toecomen Maandach geexamineert worden van D. praesidie; met Con- rado Clevio, die oock goede ge- tuygenisse overgeleveert heeft. iv. 22.
1632, June 7. Everardus Bogardus, who was formerly a Comforter of the Sick in Guinea, presented his Testi- monials to the Classis, which are very excellent. He then requested to be examined by the Classis per- emptoir, (finally, for ordination), which request was granted him. Next Monday he will, accordingly. be examined by the Rev. President, together with Conradus Clevius, who has also handed in good testi- monials. iv. 22.
* He matriculated in the Leyden University, July 17, 1627, as a student of Letters. He was then twenty years of age, and was therefore born in 1607, and was of the village of Woerdan. The Leyden General Catalogue shows 22 other students of the Latinized name of " Bogardus ", and more than 40 of the name of Bogart or Bogard. See " Album Studiosorum Acadamiae-Lugduno-Batavae " 1575-1875, published by Martinus Nijhoff, at the Hague.
6
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Bogardus and Clevius.
1632, Juni 14.
Everardus Bogardus heeft een propositie gedaan over de woorden Pauli, Gal. 5:16, en is daarop tot examen togelaten worden. Con- radus Clevius, die met hem soude geexamineert worden, en beyde mogen tot den H. dienst gepromoteert worden. iv. 23.
1632, June 14.
Everardus Bogardus treated a proposition (preached a sermon) on the words of Paul, Gal. 5:16 .- Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh - and was thereupon admitted to the examination. Conradus
Clevius who was examined with him .. and both are to be promoted (or- dained) to the Holy Ministry. iv. 23.
1632, Aug. 17 et seq.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT ALCKMAER.
Art. 10. English Synod.
The matter of the English Synod, Art. 8, in regard to which nothing has as yet revealed itself, remains further recommended to the Rev. Deputati Synodi.
Art. 37. p. 19. Generalia, extracted from the Acts of the Synod of Utrecht, Anno, 1631. Offices of Minister and Schoolmaster.
It was requested of the States of (by?) Utrecht, that the Minis- ters of the English Church in this land, be subjected to the Church Regulations; and particularly to all Regulations in use in Utrecht.
That some alumni of the (University of) Utrecht be sent to France and England, so that having become expert in the use of the French and English languages, they may minister to the French and English churches in this land.
Art. 38. Ministerial Changes. In the Classis of Alckmaer:
Called:
Peter Serooskerke, in de Koogh, on the Texel. Samuel Echtenius, at Warmanhuysen.
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1632
Transferred: Nicholas Johannis, from Schoorl to Sluysduynen. Abraham Jacobi, from Huysduynen to Schoorl.
Died : Removed:
In the Classis of Haarlem : Rev. Samuel Ampsingh, Minister at Haerlem. Leonard Todinaens, from Wormer to Delft. Booritius Silema, from Oostzanen to Schiedam.
In the Classis of Amsterdam.
Died: Removed: Entered:
Rev. Rolandius, Minister at Amsterdam. Rev. John Bantius from Waverveen to Diemen. William Henricides, at Waverveen. Everardus Bogardus, sent to New Netherland. Conrad Cleyerus sent to Pharna bruck.
Died: Arrived:
In the Classis of Hoorn. John Adriaensse, Minister at Hanwart. John Goethals, Minister at Schellinck houwe.
Removed: Entered:
In the Classis of Edam. Cornelius Lemannus, from Broek to Bois-le-Duc. Cornelius Lettingh, installed at Oosthuysen. Maurice Hantius, called from End in Friesland, to the church of Broek in Waterland.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1633- 1647
THE ADMINISTRATION OF WOUTER VAN TWILLER.
1633-1647.
Note from Brodhead as to his arrival, and the arrival of Do- mine Bogardus.
Van Twiller arrived at Manhattan in April, 1633, having sailed on the Company's ship "Soutberg", of twenty guns, with a mili- tary force of one hundred and four soldiers. He had married a niece of Van Rensselaer, and had been employed by the Patroon to ship cattle to his colony. Such were his recommendations. A Spanish caravel, the St. Martin, was captured on the voyage. Rev. Everardus Bogardus, and Adam Roelandsen, the first schoolmaster, came over with Van Twiller .- Brodhead, i. 222-3.
Note from O'Callaghan as to the arrival of Domine Bogardus.
After referring to the members of the Council of Director Van Twiller, he says: "Claes Jacobsen van Schagen acted as overseer at Fort Amsterdam, at which place the Rev. Everardus Bogardus officiated as minister of the Gospel .*
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT HAARLEM.
1633, Aug. 9, et seq. Art. 9. p. 5. English Synod.
In regard to Art. 10. The Rev. Deputati reported their doings in the prevention and stopping of the English Synod.
* Hol. Doc. ii., 88; ix., 187; Alb. Rec. ii., 328, GG, 31, 57. The earliest mention I find of Rev. E. Bogardus is in Alb. Rec. ii., where reference is made to a letter from him to Van Twiller, dated 17th June, 1634. It is to be presumed that he came out with that Director General. He is the first clergyman of whom we have any mention in New Netherland. Where he came from originally, I have not been able to ascertain, but his brother, Cornelius Willemsen Bogaerdt, resided at Leyden, in South Holland, in 1647-8. Possibly he, also, might have been from that place. He married, about 1637 or 1638, Annetje, relict of Roeloff Jansen, of Masterlandt, the daughter of Tryn Jansen, midwife at Amsterdam, and a connection, by marriage, of Govert Lookermans, surgeon Hans Kierstede, and Pieter Hartgers. The Rev. Mr. Bogardus was proprietor of a tobacco plantation on the island of Manhattans, which he rented, in 1639, on shares, to Richard Brudnel .- O'Callaghan's History of New Netherland, Vol. i. 142.
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And the same are enjoined henceforth to keep a watchful eye, so that no abuses against the order of the churches here in this land may creep in.
Art. 33. Preachers exercising the practice of medicine.
II. The question was asked, whether heretofore it had not been decided, that ministers should not undertake to act also in the capacity of physicians; that nevertheless the custom increas- ingly continues; that those who are in the pastorates of churches assume to themselves also the practice of medicine. The ques- tion, therefore, arises, whether this present Synod ought not to take action, to maintain its former resolution in reference to this matter, and to enforce it.
Answer: That the previous resolution is sustained; that is, that each preacher keep himself within the limits of his calling; and, moreover, that the matter be recommended to the supervision and discretion of the respective Classes and churches, which are hereby enjoined to execute this action, each within its own borders.
THE FIRST CHURCH BUILDING IN NEW AMSTERDAM.
1633.
In the mean while, the authorities at Fort Amsterdam were actively engaged plan- ning various forts and buildings, suitable to the growing trade and wants of the country. Orders were issued for the thorough reconstruction of the principal fort at New Amsterdam, to which place was now attached the privilege of "staple right," whereby all masters of vessels trading along the coast were obliged to unload at this port, or pay, in lieu, certain fixed duties. It was determined to build a guard- house and a small barrack for the soldiers within that fort, and near it, on the East River, a church for general worship,* with a dwelling and stable adjoining, for the use of the Rev. Mr. Bogardus; a residence for the Honorable Mr. Gerritsen; a new bake house; and a small dwelling " for the midwife." An appropriate mansion was ordered to be raised, " on the plantation," for the Director-general; on farm No. 1,
* The site of this ancient church, (the first ever erected in New Netherland,) is determined by an entry in Alb. Rec. x., 355, anno 1656, as follows: " The house, lot, and appurtenances called 'the old church,' standing and situate on the East River, next to the alley which lays betwixt the house of Attorney General Van Tienhoven and this house, and opposite the house of Mr. Hendrick Kip, are ordered to be sold to the highest bidder." Hendrick Kip lived, in 1665, in Bridge street .- Paulding's New Amsterdam. Speaking of this church, Judge Benson says, (Hist. Mem. 34,) " The site of the first church is perhaps not to be now further ascertained than as a piece of ground once called the Oude Kerck, (old church,) and afterwards the house of Allard Anthony, lying between Customhouse street (the portion of Pearl street between Whitehall and Broad streets) and Bridge street, and fronting on Broad street." [Now known as 100 Broad st.]
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1634
a barn, dwelling, brewery, and boat house, "to be covered with tiles; " a goats' stable " behind the five houses," besides dwellings for the smith, the cooper, and the corporal; and several mills, one of which was to be adapted for grinding corn. "An elegant large house with balustrades, and eight small dwellings for the people," were directed to be raised at Fort Orange; two houses at Pavonia; and one large house in Fort Nassau on the South River .- O'Callaghan's History of New Nether- land, Vol. i. 155, 156.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT AMSTERDAM.
1634, Aug. 14, et seq.
Art. 55. Under Ministerial changes, occur among many items, the following:
Classis of Edam:
Entered: Domine Johannes Bocardus, at Warder.
Classis of Alckmaer:
Entered: £ Joannes Megapolensis, at Wieringerweert.
1635, Aug. 14, et seq. SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT HOORN.
Art. 7. Printing of the Newly Translated Bible.
It was reported by the Deputies of Synod, that the revision and the translation of the Old Testament, whereof, see in Actis 4, has now been completed; and that the revision of the New Testament had been brought down to the Epistle of James; also that good progress had been made in the printing and correcting of proof, of the same; that the proofs are examined three times; and that there is no doubt that the same will be published next March. Therein the Synod expressed its pleasure. The Depu- ties remain charged, in conjunction with the Deputies of the Synod of South Holland to give careful attention to the correct printing of the same .*
* This is the version which came into general use in New Netherland for the next century and a half.
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1635
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Johannes Theodorus Polheim.
1635, Dec. 3rd.
There appeared in Classis the Rev. John Theodore Polheim (Polhemus,) formerly a preacher in the Palatinate; (then subse- quently at) Meppel, in Overyssel, and later, again in the Palati- nate; but on account of renewed persecution, he was forced to leave (the latter field) a second time. He requested that he might be appointed a minister in the West Indies, (America). Accord- ingly his testimonials from both Meppel and Wieten were read by the Deputies on Indian Affairs, who also made report thereon. The Assembly resolved, to appoint the said individual, as soon as possible, to that field, through the instrumentality of the Deputies. iv. 66.
CHURCH IN VIRGINIA, * [NEW NETHERLAND. ]
A letter was read from the Consistory in Virginia, (New Netherland,) making the request, since their minister (Bogardus) was about to return to the Fatherland, that their congregation there might be provided with another pious person. The Depu- ties on Indian Affairs will greet the Directors of the West India Company thereupon. iv. 67.
Lubbertus van Dincklagen.
1636, April 7th.
Lubbertus van Dincklagen formerly ficare, (schout-fiscaal, legal officer) of New Netherland, handed in to the Assembly (of Classis) a lengthy paper, containing an accusation against Everardus Wil- helmus Bogaert (Bogardus.) minister there. It referred to his bad government of the Church, as well as his conduct and walk.
* The general name " Virginia " is often used, especially in early times, as refer- ring to the whole American coast. In a certain Index, Vol. 37, Michaelius is re- ferred to as " late minister to Virginia."
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
It was resolved that the said paper be referred to the Brethren on Indian Affairs, (to be by them) read and examined. This was done by their Reverences, and they have briefly explained the contents thereof to the Assembly (of Classis); but since the minis- ter is yet in New Netherland, the brethren resolved to postpone further action until his return. iv. 71.
Committee to draft Articles for the Colonial churches.
1636, April 7.
Also certain brethren were commissioned by the Assembly to draw up certain Articles and Orders of (government for the Indian churches). The brethren commissioned for the said duty will have to regulate (these churches) hereafter. The Articles shall be drawn up by Rev. President, Rev. Jacobinus Lauristius, Rev. Rudolphius Petri, Rev. Hermannus Antonideus, and Rev. John Bantius; and the said brethren shall bring in these Articles at the first Classical gathering, that they may be ex- amined by the same. iv. 71; xxxix. 19.
Acta Classicalia:
Regarding the Churches in the East Indies and West Indies, and in other regions.
1636, April 17th.
Deputati ad res Indicas .*
The Rev. Goldorpius is released from the care of the Indian Islands. This burden he has borne for two years, and is thanked for his services. The number of the Committee was now en- larged by the addition of two brethren of Classis from without (i. e., outside the city of Amsterdam). iv. 75; xxxix. 19.
* See second item under April 7, 1636. It might have been well to have copied the names of the " Deputati ad res Exteras " (or ". . . ad res Indicas ", or ". . ad res Maritimas ",) as they were variously called, as a portion of this Committee was chosen anew each year,- especially as they were the official cor- respondents with all the colonies; but as it would have considerably increased the size of this work, they were omitted.
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