USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 41
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 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65
That some protestant English clergy may be encouraged to dwell for some cer- tain time with those people to endeavour their conversion to the Christian Religion. Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 183, 184.
Sept. 8th 1696.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. Henricus Selyns to the Classis of Amsterdam, September 30th 1696. Extracts xxi. 374.
Reverend, Pious and Very-Learned Gentlemen and Brethren in Christ Jesus :-
I have written you almost every year, and given you all informa- tion as our Mother-Church, to keep you acquainted with the state of the church and the progress of the Gospel here; but I have received no answer from you in two or three years. Perhaps our letters have been forgotten; or perhaps they have been captured by the French, which is more probable. During that time, indeed, the Classis has done well, in calling and sending over two excellent ministers, Domines Nucella and Lupardus, for the churches of Kingston and Long Island. Whether Domine Nucella and his Consistory have written yet, I do not know ; but Domine Lupardus and his Consistory have written, to express their thanks to the Classis, and to give information as to the state of their churches, and the satisfaction of both parties. Our number is now full, consisting of five Dutch Reformed Ministers; myself at New York, Dellius at Albany, Nucella at Kingston, Lupardus on Long Island, and Bertholf in New Jersey. The Lord grant that this ministry may prove effectual to the conversion of sinners in this far distant west.
My Consistory and I have for a long time labored, and taken much trouble to secure certain privileges for our Reformed Church .
here. These we have at length obtained in a very satisfactory instrument, which is also confirmed with the King's seal. It is
1172
1696
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
entitled " THE CHARTER OF THE REFORMED PROTEST- ANT DUTCH CHURCH IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK, GRANTED A. D. 1696." Its contents are in respect to the power of calling one or more ministers; of choosing elders, deacons, chorister, sexton, etc .; and of keeping Dutch-schools, all in con- formity to the Church-Order of the Synod of Dort, Anno, 1619; also, the right to possess a church, a parsonage and other church property as our own, and to hold them in our corporate capacity, without alienation. Also the right to receive legacies of either real or personal property, and other donations, for the benefit of the church, etc. This is a circumstance which promises much advan- tage to God's church, and quiets the formerly existing uneasiness. The arrearages of salary due to me, are paid from time to time, and matters are in a more favorable train in this respect, than they were some time since.
In the country places there are many English preachers, mostly from New England, having been ordained there. They have been in a large measure, supplied by the High School at Cambridge. In July last ten were graduated in philosophy, and eight in higher studies. There are two English churches here. One is already built (rebuilt) in the Fort; (the Chapel) and the other is in course of erection in the City (Trinity Church). Both are con- structed of stone and are neat edifices. All this has been done since the building of our new church here, (in Garden street.) There are two Episcopal ministers here, who temporarily preach in our church, respectively, after my morning and afternoon ser- vices. With them we live in most friendly relations. Domine Daillè, recently the French minister here, has been called to Bos- ton, and ministers in the French church there. Domine Perrot, a man of great learning, formerly a minister in France, now servee the Church of God here. Domine Morpe (or Morpo) labors in the more distant places in the country. Domine Brodet, (Bondet, ) who was formerly professor at Salmur, (Saumur,) and who has lived and preached for eight years among the Indians, has been
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1173 1696
called to New Rochelle, five hours from here, where he gives great satisfaction by his gifts and holy life. Thus the Church of God moves prosperously forward on the waves of the New World.
The war has also been very disastrous to our land. Many of our vessels have been taken on the high seas, or in the West Indies ; public morals have been greatly corrupted, and many crimes introduced by strangers and privateers. The inhabitants are also fearing an attack by sea or by land. The French, our enemies, have sought to make such an attempt from Montreal and Quebec, in Canada. Undoubtedly our dangers arise from the bot- tomless pit of our own great sins. Our city is extending, high houses are being erected, and the shores are being docked in. Indeed, since my last coming here, the city, houses and inhabitants have increased fully two-thirds. Although our sins are like unto those of Sodom, let us not, O God, become a Sodom, under thy judgements, yet our sins are rising up against us.
But not to detain you from more important matters, I shall here conclude, being satisfied to have briefly sketched the present state of the Church - your daughter in this land. We commend your persons and ministries to the Lord and to the Word of his grace; and ourselves and our unworthy services to your prayers. Your letter to us will be safely forwarded by Mr. William Bancker, my correspondent, who is known to the brethren of the Classis; or by Domine Roland, who has annually paid my quotum to the Widows Fund. Valete.
Your affectionate and willing colleague and servant, Henricus Selyns, Minister at New York. Above sixty years old.
[The signature of this letter has been stolen, since it was deliv- ered to me at Amsterdam, says Mr. John Romeyn Brodhead, in a pencil note on the original. The above signature has been sup- plied by the duplicate sent by way of England.]
1696
1174
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
REPORT OF THE LORDS OF TRADE ON THE NORTHERN COLONIES IN
AMERICA.
Whitehall, Sept. 30, 1696.
But because the Quakers inhabiting some of these provinces out of mistake or pretence of conscience refuse their personal - aid in the use of force against his Majesties and their enemies, it may be left to the prudence of the said Captain Generall to receive from them in money their share of assistance for the support of those men, whom he shall at any time find necessary to raise and imploy in their and their neighbouring defence.
And lastly that effectuall means should be taken for the conversion of them to the protestant faith; for among these here, as well as all other men, Religion has been found to be one of the strongest bonds of union. To this good use we humbly conceive the Governor and Company here in London for propagation of the Gospell in New England, and the parts adjacent in America, will be very ready to apply their stock, and Revenue when they shall be made to see, that the converting the Mohaques, and others of the Five Nations (to which they have already contributed some small matter) is of the greatest importance imaginable for preserving of those of the protestant religion who are in those parts, as well as for the gaining new converts to it .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 227, 229, 230.
At a private Meeting of the Sachims of the Five Nations at Albany the 3rd of Octo- ber 1696.
Present - His Excellency Col. Benjamin Fletcher, etc.
Col. Nich. Bayard
Wm. Pinhorne, Esq. 3 of the Council.
Major Peter Schuyler Matt. Clarkson, Esq., Secretary. (Mr. Dellius, Major Wessells, the Mayor of Albany.)
Brethren.
In the meantime I have appointed Major Schuyler, Mr. Dellius, Major Wessells and the Mayor of the Citty of Albany to receive your propositions upon any occa- sion that may happen in my absence .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 239, 240.
ACTION OF THE CITY VESTRY, ONLY SAMUEL BURTE BEING AB- SENT. CALL OF WILLIAM VESEY.
1696, Nov. 2.
" Wee, ye Church Wardens and Vestrymen elected by virtue of ye said Act, hav- ing read a certificate under the hands of the Rev. Samuel Myles, Minister of ye Church of England, in Boston, in New England, and Mr. Gyles Dyer and Mr. Benjamin Mountfort, Church Wardens of ye said Church; of the Learning and Education, of the Pious Sober and Religious behaviour and conversation of Mr. William Vesey, and of his often being a Communicant in the Receiving ye most Holy Sacrament in the said Church, have called the said William Vesey to officiate and have the care of Souls in this Citty of New York. And ye said William Vesey being sent for, and acquainted with the Proceedings of this Board did return them his hearty thanks for their great favor and affection shewed unto him, and assure him (assured them) that he readily accepted their Call, and would with all con- venient Expedition Repair to England and Apply himself to the Lord Bishop of London, in order to be ordained according to the Liturgy of ye Church of England, and would return to his Church here by the first convenient opportunity " .- Dix's Trinity Ch. i. 90.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1175
1696
LOAN OF MONEY, BY THE CITY VESTRY, TO MR. VESEY, TO GO TO ENGLAND FOR ORDINATION.
1696.
" Ordered that the Justices and Vestrymen doe direct a warrant to the Church Wardens for to pay Mr. William Vesey (called to officiate as minister of this Citty), the sum of ninety five pounds, Current Money of New Yorke, itt being Money now in their hands Raised by virtue of an Act of General Assembly for ye Maintenance of a minister, and itt being to be lent to the said Mr. William Vesey toward the defraying of his Expenses in his Voyage for England, for ye procureing his Ordina- tion according to ye Liturgy of ye Church of England, and that he give bond for the same " .- Dix's Trinity Ch. i. 90.
EARLY FACTS ABOUT REV. WILLIAM VESEY, BY HIMSELF. CALLED
TO TRINITY CHURCH, 1696, Nov. 2.
Rev. William Vesey to the Society for the Propagating the Gospel, Sept. 1710. Vol. 24, p. 461.
" I have been a communicant of the Church of England ever since I was fifteen years old, and after I had my degree in the College of New England (Harvard), by advice of some of our churches (not being of age to receive orders) I preached six months at Sag and two years at Hempstead in this Province, where, I persume, my Life and Doctrine were no Disservice to our Church; and after three months, in the Church at Boston, at the request of Mr. Miles and the Church Wardens; and then, being in the twenty fourth year of my age, I was called, November 2nd, 1696, by the Church Wardens and Vestry of the City of New York to officiate as Minister pursuant to an Act of Assembly, as will appear by the enclosed minute of said Assembly and Vestry. Accordingly, I departed hence for England; there, was honored by the University of Oxford with the degree of Master of Arts, July 12, 1696 [1697?] Ordained Priest ye 2nd of August following, and the same year I returned to the City of New York " .- Dix's Trinity Ch. i. 99, 105.
ON THE CALL OF REV. WILLIAM VESEY.
A letter of Col. Heathcotes, on the Call of Mr. Vesey, 1696, although written June 13, 1714, may properly be inserted here.
" We had no sooner begun the Subscriptions of our Church, but our next care was to get us a minister, while we had a Vestry in our favor, and (there) being, at that time, no Gentlemen in Orders, except one Mr. Smith, a Person of but an Indifferent Character, our Vestry had nevertheless, (I happening to be out of town), Resolved to call him to the Living, in which they were only opposed by one Gentleman; but he did it with so much warmth that he prevayled with them to adjourn their meeting till my return; ffor the dispute betwixt him and the rest of the Vestry, was not whether Mr. Vesey or Mr. Smith was fittest for the Place, there being unanimous in their opinions for the fformer; but Col. Ffletcher had so passionate a desire to have Mr. Vesey for his Chaplain, that he had influenced the Vestry to make choice of Mr. Smith, telling them that the other could not be called to the Living. After my return to town, having a very good interest with the Governor, I was not long in making him sensible of his mistake, and the inevitable Ruin that he would bring upon the Church by it; whereupon he yielded to my proposals, which was,- That the Vestry might have leave to call Mr. Vesey, he solemnly promising and obligeing himself to go to England, and receive Orders without Loose of time, and that upon his return he should be inducted. This piece of news was very welcome to the Vestry, who received it with an uncommon satisfaction, and proceeded immediately and unanimously in their Choice; by this means was the Church Established in this City, and Mr. Vesey settled in it, who hath ever since continued with great faithfulness in the discharge of his duty. His life and conversation has likewise been very regular, and with-
1176
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1696
out the least stain or blemish as to his morals: He is not only a very excellent Preacher, but was always very careful never to mix in his sermons anything improper to be delivered out of the Pulpit. And the good Providence of God having continued him so long among us for a thorough settlement of the Church in this Place, where, although the Presbyterians have made several attempts, they have not been able to break in upon us, a Happiness no City in North America can boast of besides ourselves. The account I have herewith given you of Mr. Vesey is not grounded on Reports, having said nothing but what I very well know and have observed from a sixteen or seventeen years Acquaintance with and knowledge of him '
Archives of S. P. G., Vol. ix., No. 19. Also The Church Press, March 27, 1886 .- Dix's Trinity Ch. i. 90.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. 1696, Nov. 18.
A request from Dellius, at Albany, in the name of his Con- sistory, for aid of certain persons there, who have been robbed of everything by Indians and the French.
" Considering the fellowship of the saints in relation to help and brotherly assistance, the feeling was altogether inclined to this pious and necessary work, and that in such a case we should do to others what, in like circumstances we should want done to us " etc., whether as gift or loan. The Consistory, therefore, loaned thirty pounds to the Consistory of New Albany. Lib. A. 91.
ACTION OF THE CITY VESTRY. FINAL CALL OF REV. WILLIAM
VESEY.
1696, Dec.
" Pursuant to the directions of an Act of General Assembly of this Province, entitled an Act for the Settling a Ministry and Raising a Maintenance for them in the City of New York, this Board doe unanimously Call the said Mr. William Vesey to officiate and have the care of souls within the City of New York, and the said William Vesey personally came before this Board and informed them that he was ready to exercise the Function he was called to when he shall be inducted into the same " .- Dix's Hist. Trinity Ch. 96.
CHOICE OF "MANAGERS OF THE CHURCH OF ENG- LAND" IN NEW YORK CITY, AFTER THE CALL, NOV. 2, 1696, OF REV. MR. VESEY.
[These are to be distinguished from the Civil Vestry of the Ministry Act of 1693. Their names are as follows :]
Samuel Burt, John Crooks, Jas. Emott, Jas. Evetts, Caleb Heathcote, Robt. Lurten, Nat. Marston, Th. Meahan, Wm. Mer-
I a
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1177
1696
rett, Wm. Morris, John Tudor, Henry Willson. ( See under date March 19, 1696.)
PETITION FROM N. ROCHELLE.
[1696?]
To his Excellency Coll. Benjamin Ffletcher Governor in Chief and Captain General of ye Province of New York and Dependences, etc.
The humble petition of ye inhabitants of New Rochelle.
Humbly Sheweth:
That your petitioners having been forced by the late persecutions in France to forsake their country and estates, And flye to ye Protestant Princes. Their Majestyes by their proclamation of ye 25th of April 1689, did grant them an azile in all their dominions, with their Royall protection; wherefore they were invited to come and buy lands in this province, to the end that they might by their labour help the necessityes of their familyes, and did spend therein all their smale store, with the help of their friends, whereof they did borrow great sums of money. They are above twenty
(MS. torn.); tles and cloathing, much
poor and needy, not able
they did hitherto beare above their
thereby reduced to a lamentable condition,
as having been compelled to sell, for that purpose, the things which were most necessary for their use. Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray.
That your Excellency may be pleased to take their case in serious consideration, and out of Charity and pity to grant them for some years what help and priviledges your Excellency shall think convenient.
And your petitioners in duty bound shall ever pray, etc.
Thauet Elei Cothouneau. - Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 560.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
A Letter from New York.
1697, May 6th.
A letter was read from Rev. Zelyns, of New York, thanking the Classical Assembly for their kind care in sending them two such pious and useful (edifying) men as Nucella and Lupardus. Furthermore he gave information of the state of the church in the district of New York and other churches in the vicinity. The Deputies on churches in foreign lands were requested to despatch again to Rev. Zelyns at the first opportunity a courteous letter in reply. viii. 261.
1178
1697
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
THE MANAGERS OF THE ENGLISH CHURCH PETICON FOR A CHAR- TER; MAY 6, 1697 ..
To His Excellency Benjamin Fletcher Captain Generall and Com- mander in Cheife of his Majesty's Province of New Yorke and Territories thereon depending in America and Vice Admirall of the same, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Commander in Cheife of the Cities, fforts and places of strength by sea and land within his (Territories).
The humble Peticon of Caleb Heathcott, William Merritt, John Tuder, James Emott, (Henry) Wilson, Thomas Wenham, James Evetts, John Crooke, Robert Lurten, Samuell Burtt, William (Morris ?) Nathaniell Maston, present Mannagers of the Affaires of the Church of England in the Citty of New Yorke.
Sheweth --
(That by virtue) of an Act of Generall Assembly made in the ffift yeare of his Majesty's Raigne (1693) Entituled An Act for settling a Ministry in the Citty of New Yorke, etc. Amongst other things therein menconed. It is enacted that there shall be (called inducted and Established a good Sufficient) protestant Minister to officiate and have the care of soules, in the said Citty and that for his Encouragement (there shall be assessed) Levyed Collected and paid for the maintenance of the said Minister the sume of one hundred (pounds).
And whereas at the same time that the said Act was made there was noe Publick Church or building (for the) said Minister to officiate his said duty in the Publique Worship and Service of God According to (to the practice of the) Church of England Estab- lished by Law whereby the intent of the said Law was likely to be frustrated (as well as the will) bounty and Encouragement of your Excellency who by your Excellency's Pious Example has in- fluenced many to contribute severall sumes of money for the erect-
1179
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1697
ing a Publique Structure and Church for the Publique worship which have been employed by your Excellency's Petitioner's who have within this Citty built a Church and Covered the same but (still need your Excell. countenance) and Pious favour Continued to it - Therefore your Excellency's Petitioners most humbly pray that your Excellency would be (pleased to grant the same) unto your Excellency's Petitioners in trust for all those that now are or hereafter may be in the (Communion of the Church of) Eng- land as now established by law. And that your Excellency would be pleased to order the same (to be one body) Politick in deed fact and Name, by Name of the members in Communion of the Church of England Established by Law. And that as such they and their Successors may have hold use occupy (and possess all the) Advan- tages, Priviledges, Immunityes, Mortuaryes and Appurtenances as are usually held (used occupied and possessed by) Churches of the Church of England within his Majesty's Realme. And also that your Excellency (will grant the said) Church the aforesaid yearely Maintenance by the Aforesaid Law Established, (and for the bene- fit and) for the Charitable and Pious use of the same what Quan- tity of Lands thereunto (neer or adjoining that of your Excel- lency's and) the Councill shall be thought fitt.
And your Excellency's Petitioners as in Duty bound, etc.
The petition of the managers of the English protestant Church called Trinity Church was read and granted: Ordered a warrant issue for the drawing of their Charter of incorporation the quit- rent to be one pepper corne as desirs. (Counc. Min.) - Doc. Hist. N. Y. iii. 248, 249.
May 6, 1697. The Charter of Trinity Church, New York City.
[See under date of May 11, 1696, for this Charter, where it is placed by the side of the Charter of the Dutch Church, for com- parison. ]
Note to the Charter of Trinity Church.
The adjacent land asked for in the above Charter, was the King's Farm, which on August 17, 1697, was leased by Governor Fletcher for seven years to Trinity Church. This Farm lay between Fulton and Chambers streets, and Broadway and Hudson River. Originally, it was known as the West India Company's Farm, and
1180
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1697
was to be tilled for the benefit of the Company's servants. Upon the English conquest it became the property of the Duke of York, and became known as the Duke's Farm. North of this was the Domines Bouwerie, extending from Chambers to Christopher streets. This was originally conveyed by Director Van Twiller to Roeloff Jansen, and is generally known as the Anneke Jans property. This tract was confirmed unto Anneke Jans, or Mrs. Bogardus in 1654, by Peter Stuyvesant.
Subsequently, by purchase of the heirs of Anneke Jans, the Duke's Farm took in the Anneke Jans property. In 1685 when the Duke became King, as James II., this property was known as the King's Farm; but after 1702, with the accession of Queen Anne, as the Queen's Farm
Note on Trinity Church Grave Yard.
The Northern portion of Trinity Church yard through which it was proposed in . 1847 and again in 1854, to extend Albany street, so as to connect with Pine street, "is the most ancient cemetery in this city, and probably in this country. It was established by the Dutch on their first settlement, and as a burial ground, it is nearly a century older than the other sections of the yard. It was originally a valley, about thirty feet lower at its extreme depth than the present surface, and has undergone successive fillings, as the density of interments rendered it neces- sary, to raise the land until it reached the present surface; so that the earth now, to a depth of several feet below the original, and thence to the present time of interment, is in truth filled with human remains, or rather composed of human ashes. The bodies buried there were those of many thousand* persons of several generations, and of all ages, sects and conditions, including a large number of the officers and soldiers of the Revolutionary War, who died whilst in British captivity; and almost every old family that is or ever was in this city, has friends, relatives or connections lying there ". Report of Com. of Aldermen, 1847, against opening Albany street through Trinity Church yard.
REPORT OF THE LORDS OF TRADE AGAINST THE ACT DECLARATORY OF THE RIGHTS, ETC., OF THE PEOPLE OF NEW YORK.
Whitehall, 11th of May, 1697.
Fourthly and lastly, one Entituled, an Act declaring what are the rights and Priviledges of their Majesties subjects inhabiting within their Province of New York which doth in our humble opinion give unto the representatives of that province, too great and unreasonable priviledges during the sitting of the Assembly; and to all inhabitants (except Inholders) such an exemption from the quartering of soldiers as we conceive may be inconvenient to His Majesty's service there, and contains also several large and doubtful expressions. For which reasons we are humbly of opinion that the said act be repealed, and that instead thereof (for satisfying the mindes of the inhabitants of that province) the effect of a Charter granted by his late Majesty King Charles the Second to the Colony of Virginia, according to the annexed copy, may be proposed to the General Assembly there, to be by them enacted and then transmitted hither for his Majesty's Royal approbation. - Col. Docs. N. Y. iv. 263, 264.
REPORT OF SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR BUILDING TRINITY CHURCH.
1697, May 28.
A committee of the Vestry was appointed, consisting of Mayor William Merrett, Mr. Thos. Clarke, Capt. William Morris, and Capt. Tudor, (absent in the service,) who, on the 20th of June 1697, made a return, that according to order, they had spent a day in getting subscriptions and in collecting money for erecting Trinity
(* Estimated to be between thirty thousand and forty thousand.)
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1181
1697
Church. The members of the corporation generally encouraged the good work also by their own example, not only in the cheerful payment of their lawful dues, but by their free will offerings.
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.