Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I, Part 46

Author: New York (State). State Historian. cn; Hastings, Hugh, 1856-1916. cn; Corwin, Edward Tanjore, 1834-1914, ed. cn; Holden, James Austin, 1861-
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Albany, J. B. Lyon, state printer
Number of Pages: 812


USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 46


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1660, August 9.


Whereas the Honorable Director General and Burgomasters have last year allowed to and ordained the Rector Carolus Curtius to take six guilders per quarter school money for each boy, and Burgomasters had, on these conditions allowed him a yearly salary from this City of two hundred guilders and whereas it has come to the Burgomasters ears, that the Rector, of his own pleasure takes one beaver per quarter from each boy which is contrary to the order; Burgomasters do, therefore hereby give him warning and notice, not to take any more, than what is fixed upon by the Honorable Director General and Burgomasters, or through neglect thereof Burgomasters shall retain his Yearly Stipend, which the Rector receives from this City and he shall receive no further allowance from this City. Done Amsterdam in New Netherland, the 9th August 1660 .- Records of New Amsterdam, Vol. vii. p. 257.


SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT ENCKHUYZEN.


1660, Aug. 10 et seq.


Art. 29. Extract from a letter dated September 10, 1659, at New Amsterdam, in New Netherland.


The Brethren relate that the Lutheran pastor (Phar-heer) John (Ernest) Goetwasser had been thrown into jail by Governor Stuy- vesant, inasmuch as he was unwilling to heed the command of the authorities to cease to hold Lutheran conventicles; and that in the spring he had been sent to Holland in the ship the Bruynvis.


That the Lutheran conventicles had thereby been stopped, and that the Lutherans now again come to the meetings of the Reformed. Rev. Everardus Weelius had died in New Netherland.


There have been sent as ministers to New Netherland Rev. Hermanus Blom and Rev. Henricus Selyns.


As yet no English candidate has been found to preach also in the villages, among the English in that language. Further effort will yet be made.


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


479


1660


PETITION OF REV. HERMANUS BLOM AND REV. HENRICUS SELYNUS FOR AN ALLOWANCE FOR BOARD AND LODGINGS, WHILE DE- TAINED AT NEW AMSTERDAM ON THEIR WAY TO THEIR PLACES OF DESTINATION, RESPECTIVELY ESOFUS AND BROOKLYN. GRANTED.


Thursday September 2 (1660.)


Present in Council the Honorable Director General Petrus Stuyvesant, Messires Nicasius de Sille and Johan de Deckere, Councillors.


To the Right Honorable Director General and Council of New Netherland.


Whereas we, the undersigned, have left home in the service and employ of the right Honorable Lords Directors of the Incorporated West India Company, Depart- ment of Amsterdam, to preach the Holy Gospel and by God's grace have safely arrived in New Netherland, but could not be immediately forwarded to our places (to wit Esopus and Brooklyn, where we were ordered by their Lordships to take charge of the divine service and propagate the knowledge of God) Except upon a proper and solemn order of your Honorable Worships and have especially at the Manhattans, where we took up our provisional residence, waited with sincere desire for the time and opportunity of being forwarded and introduced into the service of the Church, Therefore we, the petitioners, request with all respect and due rever- ence, that your Honorable Worships will please to take upon themselves the pay- ment of our expenses for board and lodgings, according to the laudable instructions given by the Honorable Assembly of the XIX and delivered to us, the petitioners, with new signatures by the Lords Directors, reading: Article XV the preachers etc.


By doing this, your Honorable Worships will oblige the petitioners and animate them in their service of the Word, in the meantime they hope for a favorable reso- lution and remain,


Your Honorable Worships' faithful servants, (signed) Hermanus Blom,


Pastor at Esopus.


Henricus Selyns, Pastor at Breuckelen.


The foregoing petition having been received and read, the following decision was made:


For as long a time as the petitioners have been here at this place from their arrival until this day one bever per week shall be allowed to them for board and lodgings. Date as above .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 186, 187.


THE FORMAL INTRODUCTION OF REV. HENRY SELYNS TO THE CHURCH OF BROOKLYN. LETTER OF GOV. STUYVESANT TO THE CONSISTORY, SEPT. 3, 1660.


To the Church Council at Breuckelen :-


The church of Breuckelen, requested the Director-General and Council, that on account of the fatigue of the journey from Brooklyn to Midwout, and the great age of Rev. J. Pol- hemus, to whom it proves burdensome, a preacher should be


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1660


provided for them for the promotion of true religion and their edification. Their request was deemed reasonable, and it was ordered that it should be sent to the Hon. Directors of the West India Company, with the expectation that it would be granted.


Rev. Henry Selyns having come in answer to the above request, to proclaim the Gospel there, and to administer the sacraments, his Honor, the said Director-General, after several conferences and a suitable contract with the delegates from Breuckelen, has sent thither the said minister, accompanied by the Hon. Deputies, Nicasius De Sille, Councilor and Fiscal of New Netherland, and Hon. Martin Krieger, Burgomaster of New Amsterdam, in New Netherland, in order that he might be presented and installed as minister, with the following missive:


Honorable and Dearly Beloved :-


This short and open letter serves as an introduction to the bearer, Rev. Henry Selyns, by the Honorable, the Director of the Chamber at Amsterdam. He has taken upon himself the ministerial office at your request in your correspondence, in order to fulfill whatever pertains to said office in the town of Breuck- elen, wherein you reside. We commend him to you. Receive him with affection; hold him in honor and respect; attend on his services with readiness and punctuality; and provide him with a comfortable dwelling house according to your promise; to the end that he may be increasingly encouraged in his ministry among you, to the glory of God and your salvation. For this object may the good God send his richest blessings. With our salutations, we join our prayers, that God would keep you all under his divine protection, and defend you.


Your affectionate friend, the Governor,


Peter Stuyvesant.


Done at Fort Amsterdam,


New Netherland, Sept. 3, 1660. 1


:


1


481


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


1660


This letter was read by the said Honorable Fiscal before the consistory and schepens of Breuckelen. They returned their thanks to the Honorable, the Director-General, and those whom he had deputed, and acknowledged Rev. Henry Selyns as their lawful minister. Whereupon Domine Selyns, in the presence of the Deputies, proceeded to deliver a sermon, introductory to his ministry. In this he declared his devotion to the people now entrusted to his care.


THE CONSISTORY OF BROOKLYN TO DOMINE POLHEMUS.


1660, Sept. 7th.


It was suggested whether it would not be right and proper for the consistory of Brooklyn to address a letter to Domine John Polhemus, returning to him their thanks for his faithful ministry and singular diligence, which he has so zealously exer- cised, notwithstanding his great age. The consistory highly approved of this, considering it their duty to furnish an appro- priate testimonial of their gratitude. The following letter was prepared and sent :-


Rev. and respected brother in Jesus Christ :-


As the salvation of men renders requisite the preaching and hearing of the Gospel, and the use of the precious Sacraments, we desire not to be in any wise unthankful. In the name of the God of heaven and earth, we thank you that you have dispensed his word to us in such a faithful and paternal manner, and (ex- hibited his) spirit in our congregation. We also thank you for your devoted labor and acceptable instruction. It must be our own fault, if we bring forth no fruits of repentance and holiness. Having taken into consideration your great age and the burden- some character of the services, we have requested from the Hon. Director-General, and the Directors of the West India Company, your dismission from us, and by God's favor, have obtained the same. At the same time they have sent to us Domine Henricus


31


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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1660


Selyns, who was introduced at Brooklyn, by the Hon. Fiscal, Nicasius de Sille, and the Burgomaster, Martin Krieger, with a letter from the Hon. Director-General; and he has been accepted by the congregation. Receive then, Rev. and respected brother, the assurance of our gratitude, while we cordially commend you, and the churches which have been under your care, to the pro- tection of the Most High.


Brooklyn, Sept. 7, 1660.


Joris Dirkse. Willem Bredenhaut.


1660, Sept. 12th.


Joris Dirckse, elder, represented that he had communicated the letter of thanks to the Rev. Johannes Polhemus, which was very acceptable to him. Domine Polhemus handed to him the follow . list of members within the jurisdiction of Brooklyn.


Joris Dirkse, Susanna Dubbels, Albert Cornelison, Tryntje Hudders, William Garretse Van Couwenhoven, Aeltje Joris, Pe- ter Montfoort, Sarah de Planck, Jan. Evertse, Tryntje Symons, William Bredenbant, Aeltje Brackunde, Jan Pieterson, Grietje Jans, Teunis Nysser, Femmetje Jans, Adam Brower, Magdalena Jacobs, Johannes Marcus, Elsie Hendricks, Teunis Janse, Bar- bara Lucas, Jan Jorisse, Jan Hyber [or Hibbov], Guertruut Barents. (25).


CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Correspondence from America. Rev. Gideon Schaats to the Classis of Amsterdam, Sept. 22, 1660. (Abstracts, Acts of the Deputies, xx. 421. )


The Peace of Christ !


Dear Brethren in Christ and Colleagues in the work of the Lord. May God grant you his grace and peace for Christ's sake, Amen !


The reason which induces me to write to the dear Brethren, is partly the advice of the Brethren at New Amsterdam, and


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


483 1660


partly, because the Lutherans are now again, as before, making up subscriptions for the salary of a Lutheran preacher. They say, or pretend, that this has been allowed to them by the gen- tlemen of the West India Company. But if he should come, which may God prevent, it would create a great schism among us here in our congregation, which is now at peace, especially, because there are several (Lutherans) here, who are members of our church, which numbers at present about two hundred mem- bers. There are also other Lutherans who are gradually being led to us. Some of these are on the point of becoming members, who were at home of different opinions. But there are some unstable Lutherans, who do not seem to like any other form of baptism than that according to Luther, and his religion. They have not the least comprehension of the difference, and are satis- fied, as long as the hope of obtaining a Lutheran preacher is de- ferred. They were indeed somewhat restless about it, when they first heard of it, but having quieted down a little, they come again to church. But when a renewed hope is excited in such people, then these rainless clouds and this tempestuous sea again begin to move by the (renewal) of the hope, given them several times before. We trust that the dear Brethren will do their best in this matter to protect Christ's sheep against the wolves and foxes, and catch also the young foxes, that they may not in- jure the vineyard of the Lord - the vines which are still very young and tender in this country, and especially in this place. Trusting to the Reverend Brethren, as faithful guardians of the Israel of God, we commend you to God and the word of his grace.


Your fellow worker, Gideon Schaats, Preacher at Beverwyck near Fort Orange, in New Netherland.


Done this 22nd of Sept. 1660, at New Amsterdam.


484


1660


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


Correspondence from America.


1660, Sept. 29th.


Rev. J. T. Polhemus to the Classis of Amsterdam.


Rev., Very Learned and Pious Sirs, the Ministers of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam :-


After offering you all, collectively and individually, my re- spectful salutations, I would inform you by this of my welfare. I still continue in the discharge of my duties, in my church at Mid- wout and Amersfort, in New Netherland. I regularly preach every Sunday morning at Midwout, and alternately at each place in the afternoons. I thank God who gives me strength and be- stows his blessing upon me, and upon my brethren in the ministry in this country. If it please God to assist me, I shall continue in my work, faithfully performing my service according to the forms and customs of the parent church of the Netherlands. I remain meanwhile,


Yours affectionately,


Midwout,


Johannes Th. Polhemus:


Sept. 29, 1660.


COUNCIL MINUTE. THE CHURCH AT MIDWOUT, LONG ISLAND.


September 30, 1660.


Before the Council appeared Domine Johannes Theodorus Polheym, preacher at Midwout, on Long Island, and Jan Strycker, elder and churchmaster of the same place, who informed the Council, that the Church at Midwout was almost com- pleted, except the windows, and requested that the Director General and Council would present the said Church with one or two windows. After considering the request, a window for the Church was promised on behalf of the Company. Date as above.


To the Noble, Very Honorable, Very Pious Director General and Council of New Netherland:


Show with due respect we, the undersigned, that for the building of our Church at Midwout we have collected in the communities of Fort Orange, New Amsterdam and here on Long Island the sum of fl.3437.12 .- of which amount we have expended fl.3433.9 .- but we still owe


To Jacob Lourens, carpenter fl.230


" Isaac Foreest for nails and hinges " 117


" Tyde Syricks, mason . " 215


" Sander, the skipper, for freight of boards 81


Aucke Jansen, carpenter, for outside work as appraised by arbi-


trators . 100 fl.743 There is still due us from Claes Notelaer on a note. " 119


so that we are still indebted fl. 624


455 1660


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


In the name of our whole community we therefore humbly request, that on behalf of the Noble Lords Directors of the Privileged West India Company, our high masters and for the support and propagation of the holy gospel in this country the above stated sum may be supplied as a present. Which doing we shall always remain,


Your Noble Honors' obedient and faithful servants, Johannes Th. Polhemius, Jan Strycker.


The foregoing petition was received and read and the annexed statement of the moneys collected in the community and of the expenses having been examined, it was found, that the receipts did not cover the expenses. Whereas on behalf of the Company as yet nothing has been contributed towards building said Church, it is resolved, to disburse to the petitioners, on behalf of the Company, for the present, for completing the work four hundred florins, common currency, and the following answer was given:


When the treasury is in funds, four hundred guilders shall be advanced to the petitioners on behalf of the Company for completing the work. Date as above .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 482, 483.


CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.


Correspondence from America, 1660, Oct. 4th. Rev. Samuel Drisius to the Classis of Amsterdam. (Abstract, in Acts of Deputies, xx. 421.)


Rev., Pious, Very Learned Fathers and Brethren in Christ :-


We have received your letter of the first of March, 1660, from which we learn of your continued zeal and labor for the welfare of the Church of Christ in this province. For this we tender you the expression of our gratitude. Domine Blom and Selyns ar- rived here safely, and have entered upon their duties in their re- spective charges, to the great gratification and satisfaction of the inhabitants. Domine Selyns is at Brooklyn, and Domine Blom at Esopus. Each has a very good prospect, God's blessing, of building up and increasing the church of Christ.


We have already, for some years past, written to your Rev. body, that the Hon. Directors of the West India Company, have desired that we should, for the sake of conciliation, be somewhat more moderate, and meet the Lutherans half way, by omitting the word " here ", (alhier), ordinarily used in the second question to the parents and sponsors, (in the Form of Baptism). Our hope was that your Hon. body would have mediated with the Hon.


486


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1660


Directors in this matter, so as to obviate this (difficulty), but we cannot perceive this from your letter, much less from that of the Hon. Directors. We see, indeed, that you exhort us to adhere to the Formula; but this does not change the opinion of the Hon. Patroons, that we indulge in no unnecessary precision in matters of indifference; neither does it regain their approbation, or meet the intentions they have expressed. For their Lordships have required the Director-General to declare to us, in their name, that they simply demand that the old Formula should be used and ob- served by us, without any farther orders from Amsterdam, and without any farther opposition. For several ministers in the Fatherland had judged it to be indifferent whether we use or omit the word "here." (alhier); and it may happen here that greater evils may arise, and easily bring greater injuries to the church, by the formation of separate assemblies of other denomi- nations. The Hon. Directors have therefore, not only sent over some books which contain the old Formulas, to be used by us, but they also write that Domines Blom and Selyns had consented and promised to use them. On this account, we also deem it best; and with the design of avoiding any division in the churches in this country, we shall hereafter, according to the order of the Director-General, use the old Formula.


There is present here a man, aged thirty years, baptized by the Mennonists, at Amsterdam. He attends church punctually, be- haves well, is diligent in learning the principal doctrines of the Christian religion, and desires to partake with us of the Lord's Supper. Some of the principal members of our church think, that he should abide by the baptism he has received from the Mennonists. Others, on the contrary, contend, that baptism by the Mennonists is not proper baptism, as their ministers are a miscellaneous lot, who teach grievous errors concerning the Holy Trinity; that they do not acknowledge or believe that there are three persons in the Godhead, but hold them to be mere names.


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


487 1660


They think this doctrine to be no better than that of Jews or Turks, who also acknowledge the Divine existence, but not the distinct persons. The man himself desires not to be baptized again. We request therefore that you would give us your advice, and inform us of the usual custom at Amsterdam in such cases, that we may know how to proceed in this matter, and that no dis- sentions may spring up. Finally, we commend you to God and the word of his grace, praying that it may please him to bless you in your field of labor, and also us here in America, that we may bring many souls unto Christ. 1


Yours dutifully, Samuel Drisius.


Amsterdam, in New Netherland, Oct. 4th 1660.


Correspondence from America. 1660, Oct. 4th. Rev. Henry Selyns, Minister at Brooklyn, L. I., to the Classis of Amster- dam.


Reverend Wise and Pious Teachers :-


We cannot be so forgetful as to omit to inform you concerning our churches and services. While at sea, we did not neglect re- ligious worship, but every morning and evening we besought God's guidance and protection, with prayer and the singing of a psalm. On Sundays and Feast-days the Holy Gospel was read, when possible. The sacrament was not administered on ship- board, and we had no sick people during the voyage. God's favor brought us all here in safety and health. Arrived in New Nether- land, we were first heard at the Manhattans; but the peace- negotiations at the Esopus, where we also went, and the general business of the Government necessarily delayed our installation (or presentation) until now. We have preached here at the Esopus, also at Fort Orange; during this time of waiting we were well provided with food and lodging. Esopus needs more people, but Breuckelen more money; wherefore I serve on Sundays, in


488


1660


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


the evenings only, at the General's Bouwery, at his expense. The installation at Brooklyn was made by the Honorable Nicasius de Sille, Fiscal, and Martin Kriegers, Burgomaster, with an open commission from his Honor, the Director-General. I was cor- dially received by the Magistrates and Consistory, and greeted by Domine Polhemius. We do not preach in a church, but in a barn, (Korenschuur;) next winter we shall by God's favor and the general assistance of the people erect a church.


The audience is passably large, coming from Middlewout, New Amersfort, and often Gravesande increases it; but most come from the Manhattans. The Ferry, the Walebacht, (Wallabout,) and Guyanes, (Gowanus,) all belong to Brooklyn. The Ferry is about two thousand paces from Breuckelen, and it is about four thousand paces across the river, or to the Manhattans, from the Breuckelen Ferry. I found at Breuckelen one elder, two deacons, twenty four members, thirty one house-holders, and one hundred and thirty four people. The Consistory will remain for the present as it is. In due time we will have more material (to choose from) and we will know the congregation better. Catechizing will not be held here before the winter; but we will begin it at the Bouwery at once, either on week days, or when there is no preaching service there. It will be most suitable to administer the Lord's Supper on Christmas, Easter, Whitsuntide and in September. On the day following these Festival-days a thanksgiving sermon will be preached. I might have taken up my residence at the Manhat- tans, because of its convenience; but my people, all of them, evinc- ing their love and affection for me, have provided me a dwelling (at Brooklyn), of which I cannot complain. I preach at Breucke- len in the morning; but at the Bouwery,* at the end of the catechetical sermon. The Bouwery is a place of relaxation and pleasure, whither people go from the Manhattans, for the evening service. There are there forty negroes, from the region of the negro coast, besides the household families. There is here as yet no Consistory, but the deacons from New Amsterdam provision-


* Stuyvesant's Bowery.


489


1660


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


ally receive the alms; and at least one deacon, if not an elder, ought to be chosen there. Besides myself, there are in New Neth- erland, the Domines Joannes Megapolensis and Samuel Drisius at New Amsterdam; Domine Gideon Schaats at Fort Orange; Domine Joannes Polhemius at Middlewout and New Amersfort; and Domine Hermanus Blom at the Esopus. I have nothing more to add, except to express my sincere gratitude and to make my respectful acknowledgments. I commend your Reverences, wise and pious teachers, to God's protection, and am,


Yours humbly, Henricus Selyns, Minister of the Holy Gospel at Breuckelen.


From Amsterdam, on


the Manhattans, Oct. 4, 1660.


[It will be found somewhat amusing to compare this transla- tion with a former one, (an extract,) to be found in Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 72 (4to. ed. ) ]


STUYVESANT'S CHAPEL - 1660.


Peter Stuyvesant, soon after he became Director-General of New Netherland in 1647, began to acquire lands on Manhattan Island in the vicinity of Third Avenue and Tenth Street. A little settlement soon sprung up at this place, known as " Stuyvesant's Bouwerie " or farm. For the accommodation of these people, as well as his own family and negro slaves, of which there were about forty, the Governor built a little chapel, and here, about 1660, Domine Selyns, minister at Breuckelen, began to officiate on Sunday evenings. For this service Stuyvesant gave him two hundred and fifty guilders ($100.) a year, to supplement his meagre support in Brooklyn. This arrangement lasted from 1660-1664, when Selyns returned to Holland. He was succeeded at this Bouwerie chapel, by Rev. Samuel Megapolensis, minister in New York, and who was also a physician, and he remained likewise for four years, when he returned to Holland.


Stuyvesant died in 1672, and was buried in the vault under this chapel. His' widow died in 1687, and by will, left the chapel to the Dutch Reformed Church of New York, to dispose of as they saw proper, provided the vault be preserved.


The Consistory of the Dutch Church do not seem to have continued services in the chapel; or the bequest may have proved unavailable as Mrs. Stuyvesant had only a life interest in the property. The building soon fell into decay, and after a while nothing remained except the foundations.


The Stuyvesants finally joined the Episcopal Church, the name appearing among its vestrymen from 1760 and onward. With the return of prosperity, after the Revolution, the population of the City increased; but the frequent recurrence of yellow fever from 1791 to 1800, drove many out of the City northward to find rural homes. Churches slowly followed, but until St. Marks was built in 1799, the only


490


ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS


1799


Episcopal Churches in New York were Trinity, St. Paul's Chapel, St. George's Chapel in Beekman Street, and Christ Church in Ann Street.




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