Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II, Part 7

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: 740


USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume II > Part 7


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I still remember how I was appointed by your Rev. Assembly to the service in this congregation; how some of your members, to encourage me to accept this call, said to me, that I might try it for three or four years, and if it did not please me, I could


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then return home. Your Reverences will have learned from my letters, repeatedly sent, how I have liked it during these four years and a half which I have been here in the service of this congrega- tion. I know it is not advisable to return home without being sure of a call in the Fatherland, especially for people who have not much means, as is generally the case with those who go to foreign countries. Yet it was not so much poverty, as the bad disposition of certain ones, who ought rather to have sought my promotion, which drove me out of the country. Necessity also may become so strong, that without being able to wait for a call from the Fatherland, I may find myself obliged to come home with my wife and two small children. We will hope for better things, although I have reason to fear the worst.


To remain is also not without danger. If I should become dis- abled, or have to lay down my head, I cannot tell what would happen. The first has not yet occurred in this country ; the other has indeed occurred, but the praiseworthy example of other churches has not been followed here. The widows here are treated to a half year's salary or if they are fortunate, to a whole year's salary, as, I believe, the people at New York and the Esopus have done; but of a further annuity of one hundred or one hundred and fifty guilders they know nothing about here. At the very least, things should be done here as in the Fatherland. The duties here are much harder, and the salary somewhat smaller; we also have to live under English rule, and have no security, in cases like the above; and we cannot expect improvement except from the decision of those from whom we have no appeal, etc. These and similar facts will not easily induce any one to come here, or to remain long after he has come, if he has any chance to make a living elsewhere. I will not now refer to the fact that here one is dependent on the congregation, and is paid by John Everybody, even by those who do not belong to the church. One cannot well express how much trouble is caused by the disinclination of some,


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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


and the tardiness of others. But enough has been said of such things in former letters.


I cannot yet tell how well satisfied Domine Weeksteen is at the Esopus, not having yet received any letter from him. The com- mittee which came to meet him in New York, could not at first agree to pay the Classical expenses. They made some lame ex- cuses, but were finally induced to promise that said expenses should be paid to the skipper by subscription. If the sequel is not better than the beginning, then Domine Weeksteen will fare no better than I have done. There has also been some trouble be- tween Domine Tesschenmaker and his congregation on the South River about the salary, as to its kind and value; but I believe the matter will be amicably settled by the good advice of the brethren. I expect news of this daily. As to other matters in our churches here, things go on tolerably well. The number of members stead- ily increases. We have (on Long Island) about three hundred and sixty; in New York about five hundred; at Bergen, about one hundred and ten; on Staten Island, about fifty. All these at present are under my charge. In Esopus, I think there are about two hundred; at New Albany three hundred and seventy- five; at Schoonechtede one hundred; so that we have here alto- gether about seventeen hundred members, Dutch and French. May God increase them not only in numbers, but also in virtue, etc. For this we pray; and also that he would bless your Rev. Assembly, your persons, deliberations, services and families, with his rich grace, that the glory and the kingdom of our great God and Savior may be increasingly promoted.


Reverend, Pious and Prudent Gentlemen,


Your Reverences humble and obliged Servant and Brother,


Casparus van Zuuren,


Minister on Long Island, etc.


Midwoud, 30th of October, O. S. 1681.


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Correspondence from America.


The Church of Kingston to the Classis of Amsterdam, Oct. 31, 1681. (Extract in Mints. Syn. North Holland; 1652, Art. 11.)


Reverend, Pious, Very Learned, Prudent and Wise Gentlemen, Fathers and Brethren in Christ: -


Your letter of the 2nd of July 1681 was duly received by us, and with it came also the minister whom you had called here, Domine Johannes Weeksteen. We thank your Reverences for your fatherly care in calling said minister. We are very much pleased with his doctrine and life. After his arrival he was for some time weak and ill, but he is now again in tolerably good health. We pray for him, and wish long life to our shepherd, because without a pastor the sheep may go astray. We shall in everything act according to the recommendations of your Reverences, being also confident that our minister will do the same. Closing here with, we remain with cordial and submissive respects, and wishes for God's blessing upon your Rev. Assembly and its delibera- tions, upon your services, persons and families,


Your Reverences willing, obliged and humble friends, servants and brethren in Christ, Wessel (or Stoffel ?) ten Broeck, Jan Elting, Jacop Gertsen (or Nicholas Korssen) W. D. Meyer.


Kingstowne, in the Esopus, the 31st of October, 1681.


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


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1681


CONTRACT BETWEEN THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE DUTCH CHURCH AT NEW YORK AND HENRY SELYNS, AS MINISTER THERE. 1681, Dec. 10.


This day, December 10, 1681, before me, Jacob Lansman - a public notary, admitted by the courts of Holland, residing at Amsterdam, and in the presence of the witness herein after named - appeared Messrs. Gillis Van Hoornbeck and Cornelius Van Ruyven, on the one side; being requested and empowered by the Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Church of the city of New York, through special letters of February 25th, June 29th and September 17th 1681, in consequence of the death of William Van Nieuwenhuysen, their late minister, to procure from Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, an orthodox teacher, called according to the Church-Order of the United Netherlands; and especially to ob- tain, the Reverend, pious and learned Mr. Henry Selyns, at pres- ent preacher at Waverveen and Waveren, in the Classis of Am- sterdam; who by his former faithful service there (in America) produced very deep impressions on the minds of the said congre- gation - and the said Mr. Henry Selyns, on the other side; and these two parties declared, after various interviews and transac- tions, that they had agreed upon the following terms, which, at the proper time are to be communicated to the Classis of Amster- dam, to wit:


1. That the party of the second part, shall receive for his Sun- day services in the Church at New York, a yearly salary of one thousand Carolus guilders, Holland money, or the equivalent of the same, in quarterly payments, according to the custom of this Hollandish Province.


2. That the said salary shall begin, according to the letters of June 19 and Sept. 17, 1681, with the sailing of the party to the second part from his place (Costi) ; that is, with his departure from Holland.


3. Meanwhile - although the letters say that they (the New'



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York Consistory) paid promptly (the salary of the former minis- ter) up to the day of Domine Nieuwenhuysen's death, which is a proof of their custom in this respect - the party of the second part relies on the custom of our Netherlandish Classical churches, that the widow of a minister shall receive the full salary of the quarter in which her husband died, together with the salary of the entire half year following. This cannot be a matter of doubt on either side, since the purpose is to call a minister according to the Church-Order of the Netherlandish churches.


4. Provided also, that the party of the second part shall also have free transportation for himself, his family and his goods, without paying duty on his books and household goods, if such duty must be paid; and further, shall have a house free of rent and fire-wood, as these things should be.


5. As to the preaching on Wednesdays in New York, and twice a year in the villages of Bergen and Harlem, it is thought best to leave that matter, since no compensation is specified, to be here- after adjusted by his Reverence with the respective Consistories of the said city and villages.


6. And since the wife of the said party of the second part, would, on his death, (in the Netherlands), according to the custom of the country, receive the ordinary widows pension of one hun- dred guilders per year, the party of the second part and his wife cannot agree to give up this Hollandish provision for widows, un- less it be arranged that his widow, whoever she may be, shall re- ceive, once for all, a payment of one thousand Carolus guilders, whether he dies on the way, or after his arrival there (in America) - to be paid within a year after his death.


7. And inasmuch as the breaking up here of the party of the second part must be attended with great damage and loss, the sum of one hundred silver ducats (about $100.) is claimed by him; and to this the party of the first part agrees; fifty ducats to be paid here, and the rest is promised on the approval of the Con- sistory ; not doubting of the fitness and justice of all this, or that


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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


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it will be acceptable to the Consistory and the entire congregation at New York, because of their sincere regard to his person and office.


8. Thereupon the party of the second part, being asked by the party of the first part by virtue of their Commission, has promised and does promise, on the approval of all this by the Classis of Amsterdam, to accept the same, (this call and contract), accord- ing to the Church-Order of the United Netherlands, and to repair thither (to New York) by the first fitting opportunity in the com- ing spring. He avers that, putting flesh and blood aside, he is moved by no other reasons so much as by his love for the said congregation and a sincere desire for the extension of Gospel truth in those remote Provinces. All this is thus concluded, without artifice or craft, in the said city of Amsterdam, in the presence of Abram Van Gargel and Thomas Breda, as witnesses. Quod attestor.


J. Lansman, Notary Public, 1682.


Subsequent Approval of the above Contract and Articles in New York.


We, the undersigned, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Christian Dutch Congregation in the City of New York, together with the former Elders of the same, who by a special act of Feb- ruary 21, 1680-1 (1681) were empowered to send for a minister, hereby certify and declare that We, with previous consent of all the members whom we have advertised of the business, are en- tirely satisfied with the above contract and call, made by our Commissioners, the Messrs. Gillis Van Hoornbeck and Cornelis Van Ruyven, with Domine Henry Selyns, and confirmed before the Notary, J. Lansman, and certain witnesses, under date of De- cember 10, 1681, at Amsterdam, in Holland. Accordingly, we, the undersigned, for ourselves and as representatives of the con- gregation, praise and approve the foregoing Contract and Act of Call with all the contents, clauses and points thereof. We hereby


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promise the esteemed Domine Henry Selyns and his widow, who- ever she may be, to give the same full effect, as rightfully bound thereto.


In testimony thereof, signed in New York, November 15, 1682.


Cornelius Steenwyck r


Conraedt Ten Eyck 1 Former


Stephen van Cortlandt Boele Roelofszen


Elders. Joh. Van Brug


Peter J. Marius


Elders.


Nicholas Bayard


Thomas Laurenszen Johannes Kerfbyl


Jacob Leydsler


Peter de la Noy


Deacons.


Jacob de Key Ger. Van Tricht Former Deacons.


Jan Herbendinck


Alof Stephens Cortlandt


Jan Der Val )


Eng. Translation, Lib. A. 28-31.


" THE FRAME OF GOVERNMENT " OF PENNSYLVANIA.


Extract as to Religion. 1682.


" That all persons living in the province who confess and acknowledge the one Almighty and Eternal God to be the Creator, Upholder and Ruler of the World, and that hold themselves obliged in conscience to live peaceably and justly in civil society, shall in no way be molested or prejudiced for their religious per- suasion or practise in matters of faith and worship, nor shall they be compelled at any time to frequent or maintain any religious worship, place or ministry whatsoever.


1682


801 1682


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


J. CHURCHILL'S REPORT TO THE COMMISSIONERS, CONCERNING REVENUE OF THE DUKE OF YORK, UNDER ANDROSS'S GOVERN- MENT.


1682, Jan.


Fines to be employed toward building a church.


" That several fines which were imposed on several persons and ought to come to his Royal Highness were directed to be em- ployed towards the building of a Church, and that Sir Edmund Andross had 200 li in his hands, and Mr. Antill said he heard the Governor owned that he had about 200 li thereof ". But the Governor declared that the Mayor and Aldermen had the benefit of the fines, that he never received a penny of them, but the town treasurer received them from the Sheriff .- Col. Docs. N. Y. iii. 315.


CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acts of the Deputies. New York.


1682, Feb. 16th.


Stood within Mr. Cornelius van Ruyven. He handed in a let- ter from the church of New York. Therein was enclosed a copy of their former letter, already read in our session on July 23, 1681. To this they now make reference, and request, that if the desired call had not yet been made out before the arrival of this letter, that such call should by all means be attended to as speedily as possible. This was signed at New York, June 29, 1681, in the name of the elders and deacons of the Reformed Church of New York by Jacobes, Elder. And whereas the people of New York indicate, in their said letter, their inclination to- wards Rev. Henricus Selyns, at present minister at Waverveen ; and that he had already let the invitation have so much effect upon him, that he had agreed to take counsel about it with God, and with good friends; and inasmuch as Rev. Selyns, has been fur- ther heard upon this subject, and has expressed himself in such


S


51


.


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a way; the Rev. Assembly has deemed it unnecessary to look about for another minister for the said congregation. It is ex- pected that the said Rev. Selyns, when the whole case comes be- fore the Classis, will declare himself more completely in refer- ence to going to that church. This was announced to Mr. Corne- lius van Ruyven. xxi. 216, 217.


Acts of the Deputies. New Albany.


1682, Feb. 16th.


A letter was received from the Magistrates of New Albany, formerly Fort Orange of a similar nature, dated June 7, 1681. In this they ask that there may be sent to them a good, orthodox pastor, sound in doctrine, pious of life, to take charge of the work there, in connection with Rev. Gideon Schaats. He on account of his age, which is now seventy three years, is feeble, and unable to carry longer the burden of that congregation. He is called on a certain salary, together with a free dwelling. They would like to have an understanding with the minister who shall come over to them, that he should bind himself to remain with them all his life.


To the same end, serves the enclosed letter from Rev. Gideon Schaats, minister at New Albany. It is of the same contents as that of the Magistrates. It makes mention also of the period for which the church desires to have a minister, namely, not for a few years, as was wont to occur heretofore, but for his whole life. They then also promised that the salary shall continue during his whole life. This letter was dated June 9, 1681. xxi. 237, 238.


Acts. of Classis of Amsterdam.


Rev. Petrus Vas.


1682, March 16th.


Rev. Petrus (Vas,) van Gent, candidate of S. Theology, of whom (mention was made) in the Acta of Oct. 6th, 1681, repeated


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


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his previous request to be received as an expectant of the Rev. Classis, (but not for the churches of other lands). This was granted him after he had given proofs of his gifts with reasonable satisfaction ; and he signed the usual formulae of Concord. vii. 313.


(See, another Peter Vas, of Esopus. They can hardly be the same individual.)


Rev. Selyns to New York. 1682, March 16th.


Whereas the case of the church in New York, of which men- tion was made in the Acta of July 21st, and Sept. 1st, 1681, is now judged to be in a shape to be thoroughly considered, and to be brought to an end; therefore the Reverend Domine Henricus Selyns, a worthy member of this Assembly, and to whom, accord- ing to the desire of the said vacant church, their call has been already offered through the Rev. Deputies, was requested to be pleased to declare himself more fully in regard to it. This he no longer withheld himself from doing, having had sufficient time to consider everything maturely. He accordingly made a frank, and not less pious declaration upon the subject. This was listened to with profound emotion, and the Rev. Assembly, by unanimous vote, added unto (toegevoegt) Rev. Domine Selyns, at present minister at Waverveen, a church and congregation at New York, and wished him the Lord's rich blessing in his approaching labors. The Rev. Deputati are further authorized to execute nomine Classis, what may belong to the dismission of his Reverence from his church at Waverveen. vii. 314; xix. 204.


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The Fort Orange.


1682, March 16th.


The Rev. Brethren ad res Maritimas, made known to the As- sembly that they had received a letter from the church at Fort Orange (alias, Nova Albania) stating that this church would like to secure a second minister, in addition to their now aged, and Reverend minister, Rev. Schaats, thro the care (providence) of the Rev. Classis, inasmuch as Rev. Schaats was no longer able to conduct the services among them as they should be conducted, without assistance and aid. To this fair and Christian request the Assembly gladly acceded; and also, especially, in order that the Christian believers at Schoonechstade (Schenectady) might also enjoy some ministrations from that second minister, until such time that they should be provided with a pastor of their own. But no one offered whose inclinations reached out thither. The business was therefore postponed to another session, and the Deputies ordered to look about for a fit person. vii. 314; xix. 204.


AN ACT CONCERNING THE COMPLETING OR THE RENTING OF THE MINISTER'S HOUSE.


1682, March 29.


At a meeting of the Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Chris- tian Congregation of this City of New York, the undersigned, the former Elders and Deacons being present, the existing resolu- tion was presented by Domine Selyns, whereupon it was resolved, that on the first opportunity, there should be made, by the Elders on the one side and by the Deacons on the other, a contract of rent for the house which is built, according to which the Elders should be bound, in the name of the congregation to pay to the Deacons the sum of eight hundred guilders, provided that the Deacons retain the right, according to the existing resolution, to have a Deacons Chamber in the said house, and to use the same whenever occasion demands. And what remains to be done in the


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


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kitchen, in the cellar, and in the laying out of a bleaching ground, shall be completed by the Deacons as soon as the state of their treasury will permit.


Actum, New York, March 29, 1682.


Signed by,


Henry Selyns, Minister. r


P. J. Marius


J. Kerfbyl


Elders.


Brant Schuyler Hend. Wessels Ten Broeck B. Bayard John Kip


¡Deacons


J. Van Brug


Jac. de Key


Is. Van Vleck


N. Bayard


P. de la Noy


Old


T. Laurenszen


Elders.


Step. van Cortlandt Pieter Stoutenberg Cor. Ten Eyck Boele Roelofszen


Old Deacons.


John Darvall


John Harbending


According to the original,


Henry Selyns. Lib. A. 40.


Acts of the Deputies.


Selyns.


1682, March 31st.


Arrangements were made to request the dismission of Rev. Hen- ricus Selyns, called to New York, from his church at Waverveen. For this are commissioned Rev. Ruleus and Rev. Peter Wolprig. To this Committee are intrusted the instrument of call, and the regular credentials. xxi. 238, 239.


REV. SELYNS DISMISSED FROM THE CHURCH OF WAVERVEEN, AND FROM THE CLASSIS.


1682, April 6th.


Rev. Deputati ad res Maritimas reported to the Assembly in regard to their commission at Waverveen. The dismission of Rev. Henricus Selyns from his church was effected by them, for


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which they were thanked. It was further resolved to send (give) along with Rev. Selyns (not only) his dismission from the Classis, but a letter to the Consistory of New York, in reply to theirs to this Rev. Classis.


Waverveen.


Gerbrand vande Cade, elder, and Roeland van Doorenstruyck, deacon, at Waverveen, requested that after the departure of Rev. Selyns, they might enjoy ministrations in their church, as per custom of the Rev. Classis with regard to vacant places. This was granted them.


Acts of the Classis of Amsterdam. Kingston, on Esopus (Creek.)


A letter was read by Rev. Deput. ad res Maritimas from Kings- ton on the Esopus, dated Oct. 31st, 1681. In this the Rev. Classis is thanked for their trouble in calling Rev. Weeksteen as minister of said place. Whereupon the Deputies aforesaid were ordered to send off a letter in reply, thither. vii. 318; xix. 206.


Rev. Van Zueren.


1682, April 6th.


Again there was read by the said Deputies an extract from a letter from the Rev. Clasper (Caspar) van Zueren, minister on Long Island in New Netherland, dated June 25th, 1681, (who had been) installed at Midwoud. In this he complains of great un- pleasantnesses and troubles, which are being caused him by his schoolmaster and others. He requested that Rev. Classis as op- portunity permitted, would have him in mind, in reference to a change of place. This was accepted. vii. 318; xix. 206.


807 1682


OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.


Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence. The Classis of Amsterdam to the pastor, Rev. Gideon Schaats, of New Albany, April 6, 1682. xxvii. 150. Rev. Sir, and Colaborer in the service of the Lord :-


Yours of June 9th, of last year (1681), has been transmitted to our Classis, and delivered to us in good order. We have learned with pleasure from both your letters, and that of your Magistrates, your holy interest in that Church of Christ, committed to your care and guidance now for so many years; (and that you desire a colleague), both to help you govern the church in your advanced age, and who shall be able, after your decease, to feed and nourish the same with the healthful words of life, the heavenly manna of Christ, to their further growth and sanctification. Nothing could have been more pleasant for us than to fulfill your desire as quickly as possible, and thus support your exhausted powers; but to our hearty sorrow, we are obliged to say that after all our efforts, we have not yet been able to find any one inclined, or capable of being induced, to undertake the journey, and go to your help.


We shall, however, look about continually, and remember your church, and send some one over to you as soon as practicable. Meanwhile, we fervently beseech Him who gives courage and power, and increases strength to him who has no might, that it may please Him to be your rod and staff in your advanced age, and enable you, through the power of His Spirit, to declare His righteousness in the congregation. Therewith we commend you to God and the Word of His Grace. We remain,


Rev. Sir and Colaborer,


Your obedient servants and colaborers in Christ, Rudolphus Rulaeus, Dep. Clas. p.t. Praeses. Gualtherus Bodaen, Dep. Clas. p.t. Scriba. Michael De Hertoghe, Dep.


Amsterdam, Apr. 6, 1682.


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Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.


The Classis of Amsterdam to the Magistrate of New Albany, April 6, 1682.


Honorable, Wise and Prudent Sirs :-


Yours of June 7, 1681, came safely to hand. We have learned with joy therefrom the holy desire of the venerable Rev. Schaats, now worn out in the service of the Lord, to see the sheep com- mitted to him, transferred to the care of another faithful pastor and minister, even before his decease; as also your true-hearted and wise concern, as Foster-fathers of the Church of Christ.


We heartily wish that we were able to fulfill your desire, es- pecially also because other churches are destitute of ministers. We must say, however, with sorrow, that hitherto we have been unable to find or induce anyone to accept the work of the min- istry among you, and go over.


However, we will not neglect to think constantly of your church, and will embrace every opportunity to satisfy your holy concern and care for the church as soon as possible. Meanwhile, we pray the Lord, the Chief Shepherd of the sheep, that it may please Him to strengthen the aged sire and servant, Rev. G. Schaats, in his faculties, and to multiply his years, to the edification and prosper- ity of your church, and the salvation of many. Commending your Honorable persons to God and the Word of his Grace, we remain, with our respects,




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