USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume I > Part 47
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In 1793 Petrus Stuyvesant proposed to the Vestry of Trinity Church the erection of a church upon his land, near or on the site of the former Dutch chapel, and offered eight hundred pounds ($2000.) and a plot of ground one hundred and fifty by one hundred and ninety feet. Trinity Church accepted the offer, and agreed to build as soon as its finances permitted. A couple of years passed before sufficient money was available to begin with, and the corner-stone was laid in 1795 by Bishop Provoost. But the work continued to drag, and the church was not com- pleted until 1799.
As it approached completion, the question arose whether it would not be better to make of it a separate parish, instead of retaining it as a chapel like St. Paul's or St. George's. But as Trinity, by its Charter in 1697, was made the only parish church (Episcopalian) in the City of New York, the proposal to erect another parish raised legal questions, but these were answered satisfactorily, as the Charter of Trinity was superseded by the new Act of Incorporation of 1704. It was decided that Trinity should convey the church and land to trustees in trust for the Cor- poration of St. Marks, when the same should be formed. Petrus Stuyvesant, Francis Bayard Winthrop, Gilbert Colden Willett, Mangle Minthorne, Martin Hoff- man, William A. Hardenbrook and George Rapelje, were appointed such trustees. Mr. Rapelje declined to act.
On September 24, 1799, the Trustees adopted the following resolution:
WHEREAS, It is necessary, in order to carry into effect the complete organiza- tion of this church, that an election of two church-wardens and eight vestrymen should immediately take place; and it being more proper that they should be chosen by the persons composing the congregation of the church than appointed by the trustees, and in order to interest the congregation for this purpose,
Resolved, That the pews in the lower part of the church be sold at public auction on Wednesday next, at eleven o'clock in the morning, on a lease of five years, at the highest rent that can be obtained, payable half-yearly; and that notice be given in the public newspapers in the city of New York, and at every public place about the Bowery.
On October 18, 1799, a meeting was held of the male members of the congregation to incorporate themselves and elect Wardens and Vestrymen, according to the law of March 17, 1795. The following were chosen:
WARDENS.
Petrus Stuyvesant,
Francis B. Winthrop.
VESTRYMEN.
Gilbert C. Willett.
William Ogden.
Martin Hoffman.
George Turnbull.
Wm. A. Hardenbrook.
Nicholas W. Stuyvesant.
Mangle Minthorne.
James Cummings.
See Memorial of St. Mark's Church in the Bowery, 1899.
Opinion of Messrs. Troup, Hamilton and Harison, in the matter of a transfer of lots from Trinity Church to St. Mark's Church:
In consequence of a resolution of the Vestry of Trinity Church, of the ninth of November, instant, (1801), we have considered the subject therein mentioned, and are of the opinion that the Corporation of St. Mark's Church can have no valid pretensions, either at law or in equity, to any part of the property of " The Rector and Inhabitants of the City of New York in Communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the State of New York "; but nevertheless, for greater caution, we ap-
491
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1801
prove of their taking from the Corporation of St. Mark's Church, a deed in the form of that marked "A", when the lots lately set apart for that purpose are conveyed to the said Corporation.
New York, the 21st of November, 1801.
Robert Troup. Alexander Hamilton. Richard Harison.
The deed marked "A " was approved and executed, and is as follows:
"A."
To all to whom these Presents shall come or may in any wise concern: We, the rector, church-wardens and vestrymen of the Protestant Episcopal Church of St. Mark's in the Bowery, in the City of New York, send greeting: Whereas, the Cor- poration having the name and style of "The Rector and the Inhabitants of the City of New York, in Communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the State of New York ", have, from their zeal to promote the cause of religion and piety, contributed largely to the expense of building St. Mark's Church aforesaid, and to the support of a clergyman to officiate and perform Divine Service therein, accord- ing to the rites and ceremonies of the said Protestant Episcopal Church, and have agreed to convey to us thirty lots of land, part of their real estate, for our own use and the purposes aforesaid; and, whereas, it may be deemed expedient by the said Corporation of "The Rector and Inhabitants of the City of New York, in com- munion of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the State of New York ", to obviate and prevent any possibility of a question as to the residue of their real estate, or any claim or demand being ever made by us, or our successors, of, in or to the said estate, or any part, parcel, or member thereof, for or by reason of our belonging to the Protestant Episcopal Church; Now, therefore, know ye, that We, " The Rector, Church-Wardens and Vestry of St. Mark's Church in the Bowery, in consideration of the premises, and in order to prevent any doubt upon the question aforesaid, and to remove the possibility of any dispute or controversy that may in any manner disturb or interrupt the harmony, concord and affection which ought to prevail, and which we sincerely pray may prevail among the members of the said church, and also for, and in consideration of, one dollar to us in hand paid by the Rector and Inhabitants of the City of New York, in Communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the State of New York, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, DO expressly, for us and our successors, disclaim and renounce all right, title, claim and demand whatsoever, of, in or to the real estate of the said Rector and In- habitants of the City of New York, in Communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church, of the State of New York, and of, in and to every or any part, share, property, or proportion thereof whatsoever, except what hath been voluntarily given and conveyed by them to us. And that all possibility of doubt upon the said subject may be removed, we do, for the consideration aforesaid, hereby clearly and absolutely renounce, release and grant unto the said Corporation having the name of the Rector and Inhabitants of the City of New York, in Communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the State of New York, all the right, title, interest, share, property, claim and demand whatsoever, both at law and in equity, which we now have, or which we, or any successors, may at any time or times hereafter have, challenge or claim, of, in and to the estate, lands and tenements belonging to the said Rector and Inhabitants of the City of New York, in Communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the State of New York, or possessed by them or their tenants, or any of them, so that neither we nor our successors shall ever here- after have or claim any part of the said property, except such as we may have by the grant and conveyance of the said Rector and Inhabitants of the City of New York in Communion of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the State of New York, as aforesaid.
In witness whereof, etc.
See Memorial of St. Mark's Church in the Bowery, 1899.
492
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1660
Form of Baptism.
1660, Oct. 5th.
Rev. Koningsvelt, about to go as minister to Kajana, asks the advice of Classis in regard to the Form of Baptism, as to the word " Here " (Alhier), in order to know how he is to regulate him- self; inasmuch as he has understood that the Directors wish to have that word left out of the formula. He was told that he would have to abide by the customary Form, and if anything should come before him in that connection, he must communi- cate with the Classis per letters. vi. 210. xix. 69.
LETTERS FROM STUYVESANT TO THE DIRECTORS IN HOLLAND
ENGLISH VILLAGES ON LONG ISLAND WITHOUT
PREACHERS ; PLAN AND SKETCH OF NEW AMSTERDAM ; ..
Copies of the representations and requests made by the English villages, which have been deprived of religious instruction for some time and now take advantage of the departure by the " Bonte koe " of a minister from New England, Mr. William Leverets, are sent herewith and will inform you of their wishes. We have no doubt you will reply as favorably as possible.
The two preachers, lately arrived, Domines Blom and Selyns, have been placed conformably to your directions and their call. In the meantime three or four other villages still need preachers, and are deprived of religious services; namely New Utrecht and Gravesend on Long Island; New Haerlem on this Island; and the newly planted villages of about thirty families across the North River, (Bergen.) Neces- sity therefore requires, that two pious and learned candidates be sent over besides the desired English preachers.
Fort Amsterdam in New Netherland,
the 6th of October 1660 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv, 483, 485; Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 189.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies. (New Netherland, Curacoa.) Michael
Siperus (Zyperius). 1660, Oct. 25th.
(That one of the Deputies) stated that Michael Siperus without previous examination, and without a certificate of church membership, being moreover of an evil life, had preached; and that now he has been sent by the Directors to New Netherland without testimonials: that he had also later understood that the said Siperus had been admitted to the service of preaching, and would be ordained as minister.
493
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1660
That those who were with the multitude in the fort, were pun- ished outside of the same.
That a sort of placard against , drunkenness and scan- dalous sabbath breaking had been issued there with good results. (At Curacoa. See Doc. July 8, 1661.)
That during his time the number of members had grown from six to thirty. He also writes that the schoolmaster, Geert Scaets had arrived there, and was doing a good work with his instructions among the Dutch children.
The instruction of the children stands entirely still. They live without God in the world, like beasts.
There was there a negro, who gave them some instruction in the Spanish language; but his wicked life gave occasion rather to the blaspheming of God's name than to its glorification.
Writes to have used the Indians for the beastly .. afore- said.
That since he had found with certainty that the children were baptized, he had also baptized their children, about fifteen in all, causing the formula to be read to them in Spanish, for fear that otherwise they might have been baptized by Papists, who some- times arrive there.
Writes that there is needed in the highest degree for the instruc- tion of the same a pious and godly man, versed in both languages, about which he had indeed written to the Company, but had as yet received no reply.
Requests also a large Bible for the Church. Two Psalm-books, in quarto. A good number of small testaments with psalm-books for the soldiers. Writes also that as yet there is no material for making a consistory, and that he shall wait for a good opportunity.
Requests instruction and advice of Classis how he shall con- duct himself with regard to the negroes and their children in the matter of baptism, as also in regard to the Indians.
Concludes with a wish for God's blessing.
Also resolved to write to Rev. Piljardus the resolution of
494
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1660
Classis of February 9 (or 4), 1658, as to a certain catachising book in Malay. xix. 415, 416.
1660, July 4.
Order appointing a Committee for [English] Plantation Affairs. Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 30.
1660.
Patent of King Charles II. constituting a Council for Trade. Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 30-32.
1660.
Commission of Charles II. for a Councill for Foreign Planta- tions. Col. Docs. iii. 32-34.
1660, Dec. 1.
Instructions for said Councill.
AS TO RELIGION.
10. You are most especially to take an effectuall care of the propogacon of the Gospell in the severall Foreign Plantacons, by provideing that there be good en- couragement settled for the invitacon and maintenance of learned and orthodox ministers, and by sending strict orders and injunccons for the regulating and re- forming the debaucheries of planters and servants, whose ill example doth bring scandall upon Christianitie, and deterr such as yet are not admitted thereunto, from affecting or esteeming it. And you are to consider how such of the natives or such as are purchased by you from other parts to be servants or slaves may be best invited to the Christian Faith, and be made capable of being baptized there- unto; it being to the honor of our Crowne and of the Protestant Religion that all persons in any of our Dominions should be taught the knowledge of God, and be made acquainted with the ministries of Salvation.
11. You are lastly required and impowered to advise order settle and dispose of all matters relating to the good Government improvement and management of our Forraine Plantacons or any of them, with your utmost skill direccon and prudence. And in all cases wherein you shall judge that further powers and assistants shall be necessary, you are to address yourselves to us (or) our Privy Councill for our further pleasure resolucon and direccons therein .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 36.
LETTERS FROM THE DIRECTORS TO STUYVESANT :
MINISTERS FOR THE ENGLISH VILLAGES ON LONG ISLAND; ENGLISH SETTLERS IN NEW NETHERLAND; CHURCH BELL FOR BROOKLYN ;
The 24th of December 1660.
Honorable, Prudent, Dear, Faithful. We shall also consider the request for two or three suitable candidates or ministers, to be located in the English and Dutch villages; we are inquiring for such persons, that both nationalities and churches may soon be properly provided.
495
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1660
We have been pleased to receive the map of New Amsterdam: we noticed, that according to our opinion too great spaces are as yet without buildings, as for instance between Smee Street (William Street,) and Princes Gracht (Broad Street above Exchange Place;) or between Princes Street (Broad Street above Exchange Place), and Tuyn Street, (Exchange Place between Broadway and Broad Street); also between Heeren Street (Broadway) and Bevers Gracht, (Beaver Street) where the houses apparently are surrounded by excessively large lots and gardens; perhaps with the intention of cutting streets through them, when the population increases, although if standing closer together, a defense might be easier. We leave this to your consideration and care.
As Domine Selyns has asked us, to send a good bell for the Church at Brooklyn, which could be used to call together the country people in times of distress, we have resolved to send it if possible with this ship; also another for the Esopus; that they may use them on proper occasions .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiv. 486, 488, 489.
THE DIRECTORS TO STUYVESANT.
" We will consider the petition of Mr. Evert Pietersen, late schoolmaster and chorister in the colony of the city, to be employed again in the Company's service, and return thither with his wife, and inquire about his character, conduct, and abilities; when we shall communicate the result to your honor." - Dunshee, 27.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE OF THE VILLAGE OF WILTWYCK, IN- CLUDING THE BUILDING OF THE MINISTER'S HOUSE.
Income of Wiltwyck Village.
From 525 morgens.
The land pays fi 2.10 st. per morgen in general, which computed
gives a total of
The house lots, not paying land tax, have brought in
In wampum 272 fl 136
fl 1312.10 coin
In coin In coin 136.
The excise on wine and beer, farmed out, has fetched so far, that is to the 21st of November 1662 1003.18. 1505.17.
In wampum
In coin 669. 5. 6
The revenue is altogether Remains a balance of
2117.16. 6 SS9.11.10
The outlays for the Minister's house.
Bricks, tiles, lime, boards, wainscoting, slating, iron, hinges, locks and nails and every thing required for it
In wampum . In coin All reduced to coin
680. 5. 953.13.
Paid for wages of the carpenters and masons, hod carrier, for freight of bricks, tiles, boards to this place,
In wampum 1387. 5. 570. 1263.12. S
In coin
Reduced to coin
1293.15. 8
496
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1661
Board for the carpenters, masons and the hod carrier altogether In coin Total in wampum Total in coin
fl 2067.10 1973.13
450.
The wampum reduced and added to the coin makes it
f 3007. 8
Besides the above there must be paid to the Court Messenger, for the making and keeping in repair of the gates, to Juriaen Westvael for hire of the house of Domine Hermanus Blom, who lived in his upper room, 80 florins .- Col. Docs. N. Y. xiii. 229, 230.
Return of Moneys paid for the Colonie on the Delaware River.
Return of the monthly payments here by the Directors for the government of the Colonie of New Amstel, in New Netherland, from the 18th of November, 1659, to the 3rd of November, 1662.
Domine Everardus Welius, clergyman, No. 49, fl. 800. 0. 0 1660, December 24th.
1661, January 26th.
Domine Everardus Welius, clergyman, No. 59, fl. 1,713. 6. 8 .- Col. Docs. N. Y. ii. 179, 180, 181.
COUNCIL MINUTE. PROCEEDINGS AGAINST QUAKERS AT JAMAICA, LONG ISLAND. LAND AT FLATBUSH.
Anno 1661. In the name of the Lord, Amen. (First entry in the Council Minutes for 1661.)
Whereas some inhabitants of Rustdorp have urgently requested that one of the clergymen of this City come over some day, to preach and baptize several children; and whereas his Honor, the Director General, has been informed by letters from said village and from Vlissingen and Middelborgh, that members of the sect, called Quakers, have uncommonly free access to the house of one Henry Touwensen of said village, who was therefore arrested a few days ago.
Domine Samuel Driesius and the Under Schout were to-day sent there with the following letter, to obtain better information about it.
Lovinge Friends:
Uppon petition of sum of yow beeinge desirous that theyre Children might be Baptysed, we have sent one of our Ministers, to witt: Mr. Samuel Driesius and Whereas we credibly were informed that if the quaeckers and other sects contra to Order and Law private Conventickles had been kept, We have sent our substi- tute Scholt and one of our Clercques for to tacke notice of it - Requiringe and Orderinge you by these presents that you shall give unto them, an Exact account and true Information ware it wath house, such unlawful conventicles ware kept, and wath persons therein had Exercysed, wath persons - men, or womman there had been present - and which person the meetinge did call, and further of all Circumstances belonginge to it. So after my Love I shall Rest.
Your lovinge friend and Governour Amsterdam in the New Netherland, this 8th day of January Anno 1661.
Domine Drisius, Resolveert Waldron, the Provost and Nicolaes Bayard, Clerk, proceeded pursuant to the foregoing letter to Rustdrop, last Saturday, the 8th of January, where they arrived in the evening. Domine Drisius preached twice the next day and baptized eight children and two aged women. The Under Schout
497
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1661
had meanwhile been informed, that a meeting of Quakers was being heid at Gravesend, and in Company of Nicolaes Bayard went there early on Monday morn- ing, but the Quaker had escaped. They returned to this place in the evening, bringing with them the Quaker's cioak and Sam Spycer, because he with several others had not only followed and listened to the Quaker in several conventicies, but also entertained him in his mother's house. They further brought the foilow- ing notice and the list of persons who were present at the Quaker meeting:
Notition of the names that have been in the meeting of the quaecker, named, N. N. in the house of Henry Townsen given up to us by Mr. Ritchard Everett and Nathaniell Denton:
1 Henry Towensen hath been a warninge the people from doore to doore or they would nott come to his house for their was a learned man.
1 Sam Spicer
1 Goedie Tilton of Gravesande.
1 Sam AndriesĀ®
1 Ritchard Harcker :
2 Samuel Deen and his wife
2 John Townson and his wife
1 Ritchard Brittnell
1 Ritchard Chasmoor
persons 11
Thus testifyed in the presence of Resolveert Waldron in the house of Ritchard Everett att Rustdrop this 9th of January Anno 1661. was underwritten Richard Everett Nathaniell Denton.
1
Nota: The name of the Quaker above mentioned is George Wilson.
January 13th, Thursday.
Present his Honor, the Director General Petrus Stuyvesant, and the Councillors Nicasius de Sille and Johan de Deckere.
To their Honors, the Director General and Council of New Netherland.
Nicasius de Sille, ex-officio Plaintiff against Henry Townsend and Sam Spicer, prisoners. 1
The plaintiff asserts and proves by trustworthy witnesses, that Henry Townsend has not only lodged Quakers, but also informed his neighbors and others, that a Quaker was at his house and asked them to come and hear him. He has admitted, that the Quaker preached at his, Townsend's house in his presence and that the said Sam Spicer was present at the meeting of the Quakers not only in Rustdrop, but also at Gravesend and that he lodged them in his mother's house, contrary to the placat, published against conventicles and separate gatherings. The planntiff therefore, demands, that the prisoners be condemned to a fine of six hundred fiorins each, conformably to the placat .* The defendants were asked, whether they acknowledged, what the Fiscal charges against them, and answered that they would not criminate themselves, but the charge had to be reproved. The Fiscal having done it, they brought forward many frivolous excuses; that they had only called on their friends, that no law forbade friends to meet each other, etc. As they gave no pertinent answer, the Fiscal was directed to give them a copy of his charge and demand for sentence, to which they are to give answer on the next court day. They were then taken back to their confinement. Date as abovet
* Law of Feb. 1, 1656. Laws of New Netherland, p. 211.
7 Other fines: Henry Townsend was condemned to a fine of 25 pounds Flemish; Sam Spicer, 12 pounds; John Tilton of Gravesend and John Townsend of Jamaica were banished and Mrs. Micah Spicer, Sam's mother was acquitted, not knowing George Wilson was a Quaker.
32
498
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1661
Loovinge Friend.
Whereas the Experiancy from tyme to tyme to our great displeasure and Con- tempt hath shewed us that our act and Orders, set forth against all the separate Conventicles were not kept and observed, according to the tenor of our good Inten- tions, Especially among you in the Towne of Rustdrop, moore that some in whom we had put trust and authority doth connive with the Sect called quaeckers, giving Entertainment unto their Scatteringe preachers, leave and way unto their unlaw- ful meetings and prohibited Conventicles; all which doeings tending to the Sub- version of good Lawes Orders and of the protestant Religion, and Contempt of our Authority, for the Maintenance whereof we are necessitated to put such per- sons, in the Roome of others amongst you as wee hope and are perswaded that will for the good of the Country and protestant cause, (See our acts and Orders better kept and observed videllicit) and by name Ritchard Everett, Nathaniel Denton and Andrew Messenger, which persons are ordeyned and lawfule Magis- trates yow all shall give due Respect and obedience, and Lykewise all assistance and helpe Uppon their command in the Maintaining of our aforementioned Orders, sett forth against all private and unlawful Conventicles, for the better helpe and maintenance of the premises and for hindering all prohibited Conventicles soo in the Town of Rustdrop as others there about If need and occasion should Require, Wee have also sent halfe a dossyn of our Souldiers, which you are to furnish with Convenient Lodgeinge and diet untill further order, So after our love we rest. Your Lovinge Friend and Gouernour, P. Stuyvesant.
Amsterdam in the
New Netherlands this 24th
of January Anno 1661.
Wee whose names are underwritten doe by these presents promise and engage that if any meetings or Conventicles off quakers shall be in the Towne of Rustdrop, that wee know, we shall give information to ye authority set up in place by the Gouernor and alsoe assist ye authority off ye Towne against any such person or persons called quakers as need shall require. Witness our hands this eleventh off February Anno 1661 stylo novo.
Thomas T ffoster
Richard Everitt
Luke Wattson
Nathaniell Denton
Sameiall Smith
Andrew Messenger, his mark
Rodger X Linas
Richard R Chasmore
Samuell Mathews
John
Rhodes
Henry Steres
Morace Smith
William Horten
George M Mills Thomas T Wiggins
Written by Daniell Denton, Clarck.
Right Worshipfull.
These presents are to sertefy your honoure that acordeing to your derections we have proseded and called the Towne together and propownded unto them acordeing as you may see written and desired them to set to their hands: and accordingly as they was willing they dide subscribe as you may see in the Inclosed which are more in number than we dide exspect but the course that your honoure has taken to prevent such meetings of quakers amongst us hath formerly bene we judge has caused many to doe that which otherwise they would not have done: yet notwithstanding there are many that have not subscribed whose names if your honoure desire to know we shall send them downe at your request: soe akcownet- ing ourselves much obliged to your honoure for your diligent care taken for the preventing of the quakers for haveing any interment or liberty to divulge theire
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