USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 43
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Jacob Boelens,
Johannes Kip,
Dirck ten Eyck,
Isaacq Kip,
No. 6. Consistorial meeting, held on the 30th of March 1698, in order that the documents and the subscription lists may be de- livered to us for the satisfaction of the congregation, in regard to a second minister.
The Rev. Consistory held a special meeting to demand the re- port and the papers from Capt. Joh. de Peyster, Mr. Samuel Staets and Mr. Isaacq de Riemer. They by request and appointment dated last September, had been asked and deputed to make a can- vass concerning the call from Holland of a second preacher. But, although demanded several times, it was again refused to the Rev. Consistory. We must therefore regretfully complain that we are not able to do anything at all. Done at New York, the 30th of March 1698. This was signed by,
Henricus Selyns, Pieter Jacobszen Marius,
Johannes Kip,
Dirck ten Eyck,
Jan Harbendinck,
Jacob Boelen.
The undersigned Deacon acknowledges that said papers were re- fused to us to-day.
Signed, Isaacq Kip.
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No. 7. New Commission and Authorization. Report and pa- pers having been refused, it was resolved to request and employ the Elders of our church, who are creditors, (subscribers ?) for making a canvass concerning the call and salary of a second min- ister.
Whereas, the late and the present Consistory of the Reformed Dutch Congregation in the City of New York, at the request of some members, on the 19th of August last, consented and resolved, as appears from the signatures of the Consistory on the 7th of Sep- tember last, to call from Holland for the service of our church, a second minister and orthodox pastor, according to the customs and the Church Rules of the National Synod of Dort :
Therefore the undersigned, Minister and Consistory, in harmony with the action of the late Consistory, after calling upon the Lord's name, consider it necessary and agree to have a new canvass made, as to how much money or voluntary subscriptions, (subsidies) can be obtained from our congregation for this pious work. The pres- ent Consistory have therefore requested and deputed, as they here- with do request and depute, Mr. Pieter Jacobszen Marius, Capt. Johannes Kip, Mr. Jacob Boelen and Mr. Jan Harbending, all at present Elders, on this business. They have accepted it qualitate qua, and have promised to do it, for the best peace of Christ's Church here. They will receive the voluntary promises of our congregation, by persuading them by every means within their power. They will let every one subscribe for himself, what he may wish to contribute for this pious work. But inasmuch as Mr. Pieter Jacobszen Marius may probably not be able, because of his age, to walk about himself, he shall have the right to substitute somebody in his place. Thus we hope by doing all that is in our power, the call may be made out, and we may ask for a preacher from Holland, and obtain him. The said Deputies are requested, to make an early report to the Rev. Consistory. If it is satisfac- tory, then a minister shall be asked for, and called, by virtue of our first and settled resolution. But if it is not satisfactory, then
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all efforts shall be broken off, and the matter deferred to a better time. Done in our Consistorial meeting at New York, the 25th of April 1698.
Signed, In the name and by special order of the Consistory, Henricus Selyns.
No. 8. Document of Call to a second preacher for the service of the Dutch Reformed Church of Jesus Christ in the City of New York.
Jehovah, as Lord of the harvest, was pleased to advance his church in the early days of the Gospel, and to spread it abroad to the ends of the world. He now uses in this place the service of Henricus Selyns, our pastor, who has here held his office above, and attended to its duties among us, for these sixteen years. He preaches every Sunday and Wednesday, catechises, etc. Since his coming among us the number of our members, under God's bless- ing, has increased from four hundred and fifty to fully six hundred and fifty. It must also be remembered that at his age, sixty two and a half years, death is rapidly approaching, and his powers are also diminishing. It is perhaps a disadvantage to this church that it is so far from those of Europe.
Now, we, the aforesaid minister, with the Elders and Deacons whose names are subscribed, representing at present the Dutch Church in the City of New York in America, after calling upon God's name, with the consent and advice of many prominent mem- bers, and by virtue of our charter and our ecclesiastical privileges secured thereby, have chosen and called as our second minister, the Reverend, Pious and Very Learned Domine Hieronymus Ver- dieren, at present minister at Bruynesse, on the Island of East Duyvelant, in the Classis of Ziericksee. He is a man, as we are informed, of excellent reputation, having good testimonials. He is to perform his duties in all parts of the congregation in con- junction with Domine Selyns our present pastor. He will be per- sonally informed of the call, while the call itself shall be sent to
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the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, which shall also be requested and urged to use all possible means to induce him to accept it and come over. If however the said Mr. Verdieren has died, or has removed away, or is not inclined to come over here, and accept our service under such favorable conditions; then full power and authority are given to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, to call some one else, after consultation with Messrs. Livinus van Schaick and William Banckers, natives of this place, and merchants in Amsterdam, be he preacher or licentiate. He must be of good habits, sound in doctrine, friendly in conversation, able to enter upon the duties, being possessed of proper qualifications, and must attend, as an orthodox pastor, to the service generally, according to the rules of the National Synod. The Rev. Classis and the parties mentioned will oblige us by doing their share in this business, and we engage to do our share to the best of our abilities.
The salary of the second preacher will be the same as that of the first, be it accepted by the said Mr. Verdieren, or by some one else who may be called by the Rev. Classis. The sum of one thou- sand guilders, Holland money, ($400.) shall be paid yearly to the first as well as to the second minister. The weekly turns of ser- vice will be satisfactorily arranged. Free fuel, or instead, sixty guilders ($24.) yearly, will be given him, married or unmarried ; he shall have free transport, with wife, children and goods, as well as free quarters. As to his salary, it shall immediately begin when he goes to sea, and be paid on his arrival. For the expenses of the call and of the coming over, a draft of fifty guilders, Holland money, is given, to be paid to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam by Mr. William Bancker; and the sum of one hundred and fifty guil- ders, to be sent over, may also be obtained from said Mr. William Bancker, making a total of two hundred guilders Holland money, (or $80.) Finally, we, the present Elders and Deacons of said Dutch congregation, oblige ourselves, qualitate qua, that everything shall be done by us or by our successors, eadem qualitate, to take care and diligently to endeavor, that the salary of the first and of the second minister shall be paid, one fourth part every quarter,
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which is to be taken to them, as is proper : or, if anything be lack- ing, to make it up and pay it from our church property, revenues and collections ; without, however, specially binding ourselves per- sonally, our heirs or properties.
This done in our Consistorial meeting at New York, the 21st of July, 1698. Signed,
Henricus Selyns, Minister.
L. s. Pieter Jacobszen Marius, Jacob Boelen,
Johannes Kip,
Jan Herperdinck,
Dirck ten Eyck, Isaacq Kip.
No. 9. Eight approvals to the call of a second minister for the Church of Jesus Christ in the City of New York, by the neighbor- ing Dutch churches in this Province of New York and Albany.
I The approval of the Consistories at New Albany and Sche- nechtade.
The Rev. Consistories of New Albany and Schenechtade have seen and considered the foregoing document of call by the Rev. Consistory of New York to the Rev. Mr. Hieronymus Verdieren, minister at Bruynesse, under the Classis of Ziericksee, and find the same to conform to the laudable rules of the Dutch Reformed Church. They approve said call in all its parts, and wish to the church of New York, as well as to the minister called, all possible happiness and blessings. Thus done at our Consistorial meeting in New Albany, the 4th of August, 1698.
Signed Godfridus Dellius, Minister. Anthony Bries
Dirck Wesselszen Jan Vinhaegen
Johannes Bleecker
Albert Ryckman
Isaacq Swits
Jan Lansing
Adam Vrooman
Abraham Cuylder
Herman Vedder
Willem Groesbeeck
Abraham Mynot.
II Approval, received from the Rev. Consistories of New Ames- fort, Midwout, Breuckelen and New Uytrecht.
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The Rev. Consistories of New Amersfort, Midwoudt, Breuckelen and New Uytrecht have seen the foregoing instrument of call, is- sued to the Reverend, Pious and Very Learned Mr. Hieronymus Verdieren, minister at Brunesse, on the Island of East Duyvelant, under the Classis of Zierickzee, and approved of it as good and praiseworthy. They hope that the Lord of the harvest will bless this undertaking, and provide his church there (New York) with such an excellent pastor as the Rev. Consistory of New York has called; or if he declines, with another teacher of not less reputa- tion, learning and piety. Thus done in our Consistorial meeting, on the Island of Nassau, the 21st of August 1698.
Signed,
William Lupardus, Minister.
Court Stephensen
Symon Janszen
Lucas Stepenszon
Jan Albertszen ten Huyneu
Hendrick Wickof
Pieter Montfoort his Pieter X Janszen mark Adrian Reyerszen Rem Remszen
Jeronimus Remsen
Engelbert Loth
Roelof Verkerck
Isaacq Hegeman
Gerrit Courten
Cryn Janszen van Meteren Joost van Vrundt.
III Approval by the Consistory of New Harlem.
We, the Minister, Elders and Deacons of New Harlem have seen and considered the foregoing instrument of call, and being satisfied with everything, approve of it in all its parts. We also hope that our church, being the nearest to New York on this Island, will thereby also receive and enjoy more services. May God the Lord, give his blessing to this call, and thus also send, upon proper summons, other able and pious teachers to this distant country. Done in our Consistorial meeting the 30th of August, 1698. Signed Henricus Selyns, Minister at Haarlem.
The mark A.M. of Adolf Meyer Jan Dyckman
Pieter van Oblinius Samuel Waldron.
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IV. Approval of the Consistory of Bergen.
We, the Minister, Elders and Deacons at Bergen in New Jersey (Yarsey), having seen and considered this letter of call, are very happy to approve it, as it altogether conforms to the Rules of the National Synod, and of the Dutch churches. We pray that God May bless it, and we hope that we, hitherto served by the minister at New York, may by these means have more frequent services." Done in our Consistorial meeting, the 30th of August, 1698. Signed,
Henricus Selyns, pastor at Bergen.
The mark X of Helmick Roelofszen
Cornelis van Vorst
The mark X of Marcelis Pieterszen
Robbert Sickels
Isaacq van Giesen Enoch Michielszen,
being absent and sick.
Memorandum. The eight approvals of the Dutch churches in this Province of New York and Albany, are as follows :- namely, by the churches and consistories of New Albany, Schenechtade, New Amersfort, Breuckelen, Midwout and New Uytrecht with New Haerlem and Bergen.
No. 10. Not approved by Domine Nucella and his Consistory at Kingstouwne.
The Rev. Consistory of the Congregation of Jesus Christ at Kingstouwne, in Ulster county, have been well informed
A. That the Rev. Consistory of the Congregation of Jesus Christ at New York does not fully agree in regard to the foregoing letter of call, issued by the Rev. Mr. Selyns and six members of the Consistory there:
B. Further, that the majority of the members at New York have refused for satisfactory reasons, but not given, to contribute to the salary of a second minister to be called from Holland, or from one of the seven Provinces :
C. And further, that the said letter of call is not made in
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proper form, with proper requisitions and stability, (demand and firmness. )
They therefore find themselves under too great embarrassment to approve it; in the meantime, however, they wish the Rev. breth- ren and the Church of New York the blessings of the Most High. Done in our Consistorial meeting at Kingstouwne, the 4th of Sep- tember, 1698.
Signed, Peter Nucella, V.D.M. at Kingstouwne.
Egbert Hendrickszen
Jacob du Bois
Henricus Beeckman Theunis Eliassen Elders.
Jacobus la Moth
Mathys Stecht 7
Theunis Oosterhout 7 r Deacons
The mark of Corn. Cool
Reply by Henricus Selyns and his Consistory at New York.
Mr. Nucella, who tried to intrude himself here (upon our church), with his Consistory, has refused to approve of, and sign this our call. He is answered as follows, viz :
A. This call has been issued by seven members of our Consis- tory, against two. This gives it a majority of votes. It has been approved by eight churches, against one, that of Kingstouwne. This gives it the approval of a majority of the churches. It was also endorsed by the former Elders and Deacons, who were invited to come and consider the call, and suggest amendments.
B. Our Elders, who are creditors, (lenders ?) have taken the trouble, to go about the congregation, and have found that three fourths were willing to have a (second) minister, to be called from the Fatherland, instead of Mr. Nucella. This settles the fact of the majority of the people.
C. Is anything more required ? God's name has been called upon, our charter has been obeyed, and everything has been done that could be done, pursuant to the customs of the Dutch Church. We are therefore astonished that the Rev. Consistory of Kings- touwne has refused to approve, unless perhaps they were willing
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to have him (Nucella) leave. Done at New York, in a meeting of the former and the present members of the Consistory, this 18th of September, 1698, and signed by order of the same.
Henricus Selyns, Minister at New York.
No. 11. Approval and Ratification of the new call for a second minister, given by the present and the former members of the Con- sistory at New York, the 18th of September, 1698.
The present governing members of the Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Congregation in the City of New York have invited for their advice, the former Elders and Deacons. They have met together to consider the new call for a second minister for the said congregation, which has been issued to the Rev. Domine Hieronymus Verdieren, now minister at Bruynesse, on the Island of East Duyvelant, in the Classis of Zierickzee, Zealandt; or in case of his death, or refusal, which is to be issued to such person, as, after consultation with Messrs. Levinus van Schaick and Willem Bancker, merchants of Amsterdam, it shall be sent by the Classis of Amsterdam, according to the letter of call written on the 21st of July, Anno 1698. This letter of call was read at this joint-meeting, after calling upon God's name, and was unani- mously approved and ratified, as they do hereby approve and ratify it in all its parts, as they are more specifically expressed in said letter of Call.
The same meeting, in addition, unanimously resolved and deter- mined, in pursuance of a former resolution adopted at (a meeting to decide about) the building of the church, dated the 22nd of December 1691, that all collections hereafter made in the church by the Rev. Deacons, shall, as formerly, be for the support of the poor in the congregation and also for the general use of the church and the church service, and were to be at the disposal of the Con- sistory, in office at the time; also that the Elders and Deacons newly entering upon office, shall from time to time, upon request, sign this resolution as the governing Consistory had done. A copy
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of the same shall be given to the Deacons that they may regulate themselves accordingly in their accounts. Done in our Consistorial meeting at New York, this 18th day of September 1698. Signed, Henricus Selyns, Minister.
Peter Jacobszen Marius
Jacob Boelens
Jan Harperdinck Johannes Kip
Dirck ten Eyck
Nicholas Bayard
Steph. van Cortlant
Brandt Schuyler
Boele Roelofszen
Isaacq de Foreest
Balth. Bayard
Jac. van Cortlandt
Carsten Luersen
Peter de Riemer
Theunis de Key Jacobus Kip
Elected Deacons since and signed
Johannes van Giesen ) 27th of
David Provoost Jun. 5 Oct. 1698.
No. 12. Some Extracts from our Church records and the Charter.
A. From a certain resolution adopted by the former and the present Consistory, dated the 22nd of December, 1691. (Mar. 9, 1692 ?) That the moneys of the Church, apart from those of the Deacons, and the moneys of the Deacons apart from those of the Church, or the moneys collected at any Church-meeting, shall all be brought into a common purse or treasury ; and the Deacons are directed to contribute to the laudable and necessary work (of building the New Church) as much money as is possible, without doing injury to the poor.
B. From the charter or special privileges, granted to our Dutch Church, obtained in the eighth year of his Majesty's reign, the 11 of May, 1696.
" And our further will and pleasure is, and we also hereby de- clare, that it shall be legal for the Deacons of said church, or some other persons, properly authorized by them, at any time when they are met in said church for divine service, to gather and collect the
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free and voluntary alms of the members of said church there con- vened, which may be used by the minister, elders and deacons (N. B.) for such pious and charitable purposes as they and their successors, in their discretion, shall deem proper or necessary." Both agree with the original.
Henricus Selyns, Minister at New York.
No. 13. Consistorial meeting, held for the election of Elders, Deacons and Church-Masters, at New York on the 27th of Octo- ber, 1698.
After calling upon God's most holy name, the election of Elders, Deacons and Church-Masters for our Dutch church was entered upon, and Boelen Roelofszen and Capt. Jacobus van Cortlant were elected Elders; and Johannes van Giesen and David Provoost, Junior, Deacons; and Colonel Charles Lodewyck with Abram Kip, Church-Masters. They were as usual summoned and asked if they accepted, which they did, in the presence of the members, standing. They were welcomed, in token of our approbation, by a general shaking of hands and congratulations. Their names were published on the following Sunday, (for the approbation of the Church.)
No. 14. Protest against the call of a second minister, and against the election of one Elder, and the Church-Masters of our church, by Messrs. Samuel Staets, Johannes de Peyster and Dr. Joh. Kerfbyl; without date. [For explanation of this, see letters of Ap. 24 and Sept. 14, 1698 et seq.]
To the Rev. Domine Henricus Selyns, Minister, and the other members of the Rev. Consistory in this City :
We, the undersigned, with all proper respect, do show, for our- selves and in the name of the majority of the members of this con- gregation, (as follows :)
Whereas, during the last year, we could not obtain an oppor- tunity either upon our respectful request or upon repeated friendly
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demands, of being heard, in presence of the late Consistory, in regard to what we wished to say; while, at the same time, Domine Selyns with six members of his Consistory, took it upon them- selves to call a second minister, without following the ancient custom, of consulting the members of the former Consistory, as well as the principal members of the congregation ; doing all this under the pretence of a certain clause of the Charter of Incor- poration :
Therefore we were compelled to address ourselves to his Ex- cellency, the Earl of Bellomont, our Governor, with a circum- stantial petition, saying that we did not desire to refer our church affairs to his Excellency, but only that he would prevent by his mediation, that the quarrel should become any more bitter; or else we should be forced to write to the Classis of Amsterdam. His Excellency thereupon promised to offer us a helping hand, but has been prevented by sickness. Meanwhile it happened that two ships were ready to sail, with letters of call from this place for Holland, without notice thereof having been given, as is usual, to his Excellency. His Excellency therefore gave orders to write in his name to the Rev. Classis, as we now do by these ships and by other channels, that the Rev. Classis would not proceed with the overhasty call, but await his Excellency's letter, with ours. Such letter his Excellency will undoubtedly write to the Rev. Classis by the Man-of-War, the Detfort, soon to sail from Boston for England. This will be done in a few days.
Meanwhile it happened that Domine Selyns and some of the Consistory again made some mistakes, to wit: First, two per- sons were elected to the office of Elder by an equal number of votes ; and according to former usage, it then should have been decided by lot which of these two should be the Elder; but in- stead of this, Domine Selyns claims, that under a pretended new law, it rested with him to choose between them, and this he did. Although we have nothing to say against either of them, Domine Selyns makes it appear otherwise by his act. We all, however,
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protested against this unbecoming method of procedure, and de- manded that the lot should decide in this case, or else we would not recognize the Elder as such when his name was published.
Secondly, another mistake was made in appointing two persons as Church-Masters who were elected by the former Church-Masters together with the Consistory, against the expressed words of the Charter of Incorporation. These, therefore, we do not and will not recognize as Church-Masters. We therefore requested for ourselves that we might be heard without delay in the Consistory, in order to make our objections before the second publication of these names should be made by the minister. This was in order that all scandals and ruptures - which, may God prevent, for they are very injurious to the church - might be prevented. Which doing, etc. Written by the hand of Dr. Kerfbyl, and signed by Samuel Staets, Joh. de Peyster and Johannes Kerfbyl.
No. 15. Advice taken of the Minister and Consistory of the French Church in this City. Translated, and dated at New York, the 10th of November, 1698.
This meeting has been asked for advice, concerning some differences which have arisen between the Consistory and some private members of the Dutch Church here, because of the call of a second minister, issued in the usual form; and the nomina- tion of an Elder by majority of votes. The latter, however, was done under these circumstances, that the minister presiding gave the decision (upon a tie) by his own vote, as his Reverence has done repeatedly before, without any opposition. These circum- stances - both the call for a (second) pastor, as well as a certain nomination of an Elder, caused some opposition. Certain private parties then demanded to be heard, to present the reasons which they had against the acts of the Consistory, both about the actual call of a pastor, and the recognition of said Elder.
This meeting advises as follows: In regard to the call: the Dutch Church already wrote to the Classis of Amsterdam, some months ago according to their resolution then taken. There is
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therefore now no opportunity for them to pay any attention to further opposition. The whole difference may be safely left to the judgement of the Classis, to which the opponents may address themselves if they think proper. In regard to the nomination of the Elder above referred to: The opponents should be heard by the Consistory of the said Church on every point they may have to offer, that their reasons may be considered. If the Consistory finds them just, the nomination becomes null and void; but if the nomination is found to be according to good order, the reception of the nominated Elder into the Consistory should take place. Done in our Consistorial meeting by the Minister and Elders of the French Church at New York this 10th day of November, 1698.
Petrus Pieret, Minister Elias Boutinoth, Elder
Gabriel le Bouteux 66
Paul Droilhet 66 Jean Barberie 66
No. 16. Consistorial meeting held in the presence of the former Elders and Deacons at New York, the 11th of November, 1698.
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