USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 21
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 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92
That, after mature deliberation, the Rev. Classis had decided that the call on Domine Boehm, on account of the uncommon desire of the brethren in Pennsylvania for his services, and which call had originated from the very body of the Church itself, must be considered as valid: and that all the duties done by him as a minister (under such circumstances) must be regarded as legal. This action was taken on account of the lack of the usual means of obtaining an ordination at the new planting of a church in such a distant region; and also because the ministry of the Word was so necessary there; Domine Boehm had there-
2480
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1729
fore done well in complying with the urgent desire of his breth- ren, (in assuming, informally, the ministerial office) :
That the Rev. Classis decreed that the ordination should now be performed in the most convenient manner possible, by one of the ministers (in New York) who had been in correspondence with them. Therefore the Rev. Classis had authorized said min- isters, in their name, to approve the call, (lit., lay the last hand upon the call) of Domine Boehm, and with all freedom to ordain him to the ministry; to be done in New York or elsewhere:
That it was the further determination of the Rev. Classis, that Domine Boehm, before the ordination is performed, shall make a declaration to those ministers who have been in corre- spondence with him, that he accepts the Heidelberg Catechism and all the Formulae of Unity as the strict rule of his teaching; that he submits to the Church-Order of the Synod of Dort; and that, by God's grace, he promises to strive properly to perform all the duties of the ministry: That upon these conditions the Rev. Classis most cordially wishes the Divine blessing upon his person and work, and also requests that he will maintain corre- spondence with the Rev. Classis:
That the Rev. Classis further resolved, that the brethren of the Consistories of the said congregations (in Pennsylvania) shall bind themselves, each in his official capacity, and their successors shall do the same, from time to time, to act according to the foregoing (eight) Rules, in unison with the congregation and Domine Boehm; that the Rev. Classis finds the said (eight) Church Rules, (as found in letter of Classis to the Brethren in Pennsylvania, of June 20, 1729; vol. xxix, page 37, No. 5,) useful and edifying, and has no difficulty in allowing the use of them in the government of the Church; that, although under the circumstances, the Rev. Classis approves the call on Domine Boehm, they expect that nothing similar will occur again:
That therefore they accept of the proposition of the Pennsyl- vania brethren, that when hereafter a new minister may be
1729
2481
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
needed, that they will send to them (the Classis) for one that is competent and duly qualified; that the Pennsylvania brethren must see to it, that according to the arrangements made, Domine Bochm is ordained by one of the ministers in correspondence with them living at New York, who are requested and authorized to do this act; and that they are submissively to accept the kind offer of the Rev. Classis to render them counsel and help in all circumstances, and especially when a new minister is required:
That it was also unanimously resolved and agreed to, accord- ing to said (eight) Church Rules, that the ruling elders and deacons of the three congregations, after they have made known the letters of the Rev. Classis, and have secured the ordination of Domine Boehm should, at the first opportunity, each in his own congregation, as well as others who are similarly inclined, kindly request and urge a new, voluntary yearly subscription, according to the ability of the people, for the payment of Domine Boehm's salary, at such times as the Consistory may approve: That the ruling elders and deacons shall also, from time to time as may be convenient, use their utmost exertions to collect from the subscribers what each has promised for the support of Domine Boehm and to pay him his exact salary promptly when due :
That also in reference to the points of the (eight) Church Rules sent by the Pennsylvania brethren to the Rev. Classis, and by that body approved, and now enlarged, as above, that the newly chosen members of the Consistory shall, from year to year, be- fore entering upon their duties, for the surer performance of their engagements, subscribe all this,- namely, to adhere strictly to the Heidelberg Catechism, the Formulae of Unity, and the (Church-Order of the) Synod of Dort. And in order that every one, in his office or station, may obey as far as possible the foregoing Rules, these (eight) Church Rules as now revised by the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, shall be publicly read before the Churches, yearly, when a new Consistory is chosen or ordained.
2482
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1729
IN VIEW THEN OF ALL THE FOREGOING,
WE, the undersigned elders, authorized by the Ruling Consis- tories of the said three German Churches at Falkner's Schwamp, Schippack and Wit Marche, together with Domine Boehm, hereby declare:
That the Commission, dated in Pennsylvania, November 4, 1729, authorizes us, in the name of all, to ratify by our subscrip- tion, all that the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam has directed, for the ordination and maintenance of Domine Boehm in the holy ministry among us, for the benefit of the said three churches; as well as whatever other action is taken and decided on, with us, according to Church-Order, by the ministers in correspondence with us -the Ministerium - at New York, and to keep the same always in full force, in our churches.
We, therefore, who are upon this Commission, declare that we have carefully considered all the foregoing, seriatim, according to the action of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and with the advice of the corresponding ministers - or Ministerium - at New York, and that we ratify and adopt the same, in full, for ourselves and our successors, and we promise submissively to obey it, each in his respective office, and by God's grace to main- tain the same inviolably.
In testimony whereof, we hereby subscribe the same with our own hands, as Commissioners, at New York, November 18, 1729.
Frietrich Antes, Commissioner of Falkner's Schwamp. Gabriel @ Scheiler's mark, Com. of Schipback. William De Wees, Commissioner of Wit Marsch.
So also, in testimony of all this, I, Domine Johan Philips Boehm, do solemnly declare that all that herein concerns me, I will, with God's help, perform to the best of my ability, subscrib- ing my name hereto, at New York, November 18, 1729.
JOHAN PHILIPS BOEHM.
2483
1729
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Be it, therefore, known to all hereby, that the foregoing mat- ter of fact - declared to be very important by the Classis of Amsterdam, and committed by them to the consulting ministers, Domines Du Bois, Antonides and Boel, to be accomplished; also our letter to the Rev. Classis, and their reply to us; and the foregoing action of the brethren in Pennsylvania and of Domine Boehm; after calling upon the name of the Lord, was distinctly presented to the Rev. Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Church, in their meeting, in New York, on November 20, 1729:
And that thereupon, that Consistory unanimously resolved, that the said ministers had herein acted with strict regularity, as correspondents, according to Church Rules; and that inasmuch as the Rev. Classis had been pleased to entrust them with such authority, namely, the ordaining of Domine Boehm, on said con- ditions, that they were under obligations to do the same:
Therefore, notwithstanding that they, with the entire Con- sistory, by a definite resolution, that nothing of the kind should ever be undertaken or performed hereafter, without an express order from the Classis :- still, upon the authority now conferred, the business must be formally consummated by them in the pres- ence of this church, and in the face of any opposition.
Be it known then, that this ordination was thus performed by Domine Henricus Boel, and the consecration by the laying on of hands by Domine Gualterus Du Bois, in the presence of said Consistory, publicly, in the Reformed Dutch Church in New York, on Sunday afternoon, November 23, 1729. And that thereupon, the forenamed Consistory gave order to enact an Act in reference to the same, in testimony of the truth thereof, which should be confirmed, as is proper, by the seal of the Church - as is hereby done, at New York, November 25, 1729, by me,
In the Name and by the Authority of the Rev. Consistory,
Henricus Boel, p. t. Praeses. L. S.
2484
1729
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
N. B. The substance of the foregoing proceedings with Domine Boehm and his (church officers) on November 18; and of what was done in the Consistory on November 20th, was, for the confirmation of the same, publicly read from the pulpit to the congregation by Domine Boel, beginning thus :-
Beloved in the Lord:
In order that the Solemn Service, unusual here, which we are about to perform, wholly apart from any seeking of our own, at the command of the Classis of Amsterdam, and under the oversight of the Rev. Consistory of this Church, may, with the blessing of the Lord, be unto edification, and not to be misunder- stood.
Be it known to you, etc., etc.
[Lib. A. Ch. New York, 275-280.]
ACCOUNT OF THE RECONCILIATION BETWEEN DOMINE JOHAN PHILIPS BOEHM AND DOMINE GEORGE MICHAEL WEISS, FORMALLY EFFECTED, NOVEMBER 24, 1729, AT NEW YORK, THE DAY AFTER THE ORDINATION OF SAID BOEHM.
(Portfolio "New York." Vol. i.)
When Domine Johan Philips Boehm, under the pressure of the three Reformed German Churches at Falkner's Schwamp, Schipback and Wit Marshe, in the year 1725, assumed the office of being a minister to them, without any ordination according to the custom of the churches, there arose in 1727 a complaint con- cerning this. Some in the church of Schipback were led to ab- sent themselves from Domine Boehm's ministerial services, and to accept as their usual minister, Mr. George Michael Weiss, who had come over from Germany (in 1727 .. ), and was recognized by them as a regularly ordained preacher, inasmuch as he was settled over the Reformed German Church in the city of Phila- delphia, and also at Germantown.
2485 1729
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Thereupon some estrangement arose between Domine Johan Philips Boehm and Domine George M. Weiss. Meanwhile, how- ever, the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam approved the entire minis- terial work of Domine Boehm, done before his ordination, on account of the great zeal of the churches in his behalf; and saw fit to authorize the Revs. Gualterus Du Bois and Henricus Boel of New York, and Vincentius Antonides of Long Island, the accustomed correspondents of that Rev. body, (in Pennsylvania,) to perform, in their Name, the ordination of Domine Boehm, according to ecclesiastical usages, and put it beyond all criticism. This was done with the full approbation and consent of the Rev. Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Church at New York, and under their oversight, publicly in the presence of the Church on November 23, 1729, and in the presence also of Domine Weiss, who had come to New York at that time.
Therefore We, George Michael Weiss and Johan Philips Boehm, with the Commissioners of the said three churches of Domine Boehm, upon the conciliating good counsel of the Rev. Ministers, the correspondents, have jointly and cordially come to this firm conclusion, and bind themselves to recognize it, as we hereby do: namely,
That the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam has, in this case, decided justly, and the Rev. Ministers, the correspondents, have acted rightly, as they were in duty bound, to execute the directions of the Rev. Classis, and consummate, (lit. lay the last hand on,) in an ecclesiastical manner, the ordination of Domine Boehm:
That, from Christian love, and for the peace and welfare of the churches, we jointly testify, with the mutual giving of the hand to each other, that we heartily forgive each other whatever offence we may have given, and promise to forget it, and never again to make it a matter of dispute :
That Domine Weiss recognizes Domine Boehm as the lawful, the ordained and the regular minister of the said three churches: that Domine Weiss will absent himself from Schipback, and will
2486
1729
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
make declaration that he leaves that church and the other two churches, entirely to Domine Boehm, as their lawful minister, that he may peacefully pursue his work in the said three churches :
That henceforth brotherly friendship shall exist between Domine Boehm and his churches on the one hand and Domine Weiss on the other; that they will each act as ministers of the Lord toward each other - Domine Weiss being solicitous for the honor of Domine Boehm's ministry; and Domine Boehm being solicitous for the honor of Domine Weiss's ministry at Philadel- phia and Germantown:
That if any other Reformed Churches besides the three of Domine Boehm and the two of Domine Weiss, should desire the services of Domine Boehm or Domine Weiss, separately, or of both, by turns, for their minister, that both shall render to such churches, mutually, their brotherly aid:
That Domine Weiss makes declaration of his hearty desire to become subordinate to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and re- quests the ministers corresponding to inform the Rev. Classis thereof. He testifies that he is ready and willing to comply with their ecclesiastical orders when these are sent over to him. Also that Domine Weiss obligates himself to strive to bring his churches in Philadelphia and Germantown into the same subordi- nation. Furthermore, that both Domine Weiss and Domine Boehm obligate themselves, if other churches desire either of them as their minister, not to consent thereto, unless said churches, by their Consistory or Consistories, subordinate them- selves to the Rev. Classis; in order that ministers, Consistories and churches may exhibit conformity among themselves, as is proper among churches:
Furthermore, Domine Boehm with the Commissioners of the three churches, and Domine Weiss, made request that they might hold and maintain, at every favorable opportunity, correspond- ence with the three ministers, Du Bois, Antonides and Boel, that they might conduct themselves to the best advantage of the
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2487
1729
churches. To this the three ministers gave their ready consent, in hope, with God's help, of his gracious blessing:
That finally, proper notice of all this shall be given to their respective churches by Domine Boehm and his (officers), and by Domine Weiss, and his (officers), in order to anticipate any opposition.
Thus agreed to, in the City of New York, November 24, 1729. George Michael Weiss, Minister at Philadelphia and Germantown. Johan Philips Boehm, Minister of the three churches of Falkner's Schwamp, Schipback and Wit Marsche.
Frietrich Antes. Gabriel . Schuler's mark.
William De Wees.
We, the undersigned upon the request of the Ministers and Commissioners, declare that the foregoing was thus enacted in our presence, as witnesses.
G. Du Bois. V. Antonides. Henricus Boel.
Also in Lib. A. Ch. N. Y. 281-4; and Mercersberg Review, 1876.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
The Documents about Ordination of Domine Boehm to be recorded in the New York Minutes.
November 20, 1729.
The Commissioners from the High-Dutch Reformed Christian Churches of Falkner's Schwamp, Schipback and Wit Marshe, in
2488
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1729
Pennsylvania, with their Domine, Johan Philips Boehm, were admitted to a hearing in our Consistory. Their correspondent, Domine Vincentius Antonides of Long Island was also present, besides Domines Gualterus Du Bois and Henricus Boel, our ministers.
After invoking the Name of the Lord, the particular business about their churches was introduced. This related to their let- ters to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and the replies of their Reverences to the same; also as to what had further been done in this country in this matter.
Thereupon it was resolved unanimously, in order to guard so unusual and remarkable proceedings from discredit, that this whole business with the Acts of our (New York) Consistory on the matter, and the accomplishment of the same, should be re- corded in full in a certain Act-Book of the Church. This was done in the Dutch language. (See Letters under date of July, 1728, August 15, 1728, December 1, 1728, and three letters dated June 20, 1729.) - Lib. A. 261.
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN ALBANY.
1729, Nov. 29. Whereas Gerrit G. Lansingh has according to agreement with the corporation made a bridge over the Rutten Kill near the Leuteren church for the sum of four pounds.
Resolved that the said Gerrit G. Lansingh be payd the said sum by the corporation .- Munsell's Annals of Albany, Vol. ix. p. 53.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, Dec. 18, 1729.
Consistory held. Present: Both the ministers and all the mem- bers now in office: Elders: N. Roosevelt, A. Rutgers, T. Cruger and H. Van Spiegel; Deacons: P. Richard, F. Van Cortland,
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2489
1729
C. Le Rou and H. Rutgers; Church Masters: Wm. Van Zandt, G. Beekman, P. Fuey(?) and G. Roos.
Of the Great Consistory: Th. Kip, A. Marschalk, J. Harden- brook, P. Van Cortland, T. Goelet, A. Mann, H. Abrahamse, J. Van der Huil, B. Wyncoop, J. Roosevelt, C. Bancker, W. Roseboom, G. Keteltas, A. Leffers, A. Van Vleck, Jac. Roose- velt, B. Smit, H. Cuyler: Absent, were Jan v. Cortland, L. K. de Klein, S. Bayart, Cor. de Peyster, H. v. Gelden, Wm. Pro- voost, G. v. Imburg, J. v. Hoorne, G. Horne, Ab. v. Horne, A. Keteltas, C. Louw, Jac. Moonen, M. Vaegten, C. v. Horne, zoon and Abm. v. Wyck.
After calling on God's name, it was Resolved, at first, by a majority, but afterwards, unanimously,
1. The shape of the seats in the New Church shall be made after the improved pattern prepared by Mr. Tiehout; being so made that each sitting place shall be 30 inches wide without the clear.
2. Men and women shall sit separate, men by themselves, and women by themselves in the same manner as hitherto in our Old Church; and as is usual in all the Dutch Churches in Holland.
3. All the sitting places shall at once be sold to the highest bidder. Each seat shall belong to the purchaser for life. At the owner's death it shall revert to the church and be sold again according to the plan now pursued in the Old Church.
4. Before any seat is sold to the highest bidder, the Con- sistory shall put upon it a certain fixed price, at which they shall buy it back on the death of the purchaser.
5. No one shall hold a seat in the New Church, (whether he has come to it, by inheritance, by its having become vacant, by purchase, or by mere occupation), in any other way than has al- ways been customary in our congregations, and according to the established order of our Old Church.
6. Finally, when any one buys a seat in a pew, he shall have
2490
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1730
the preference to buy still other seats in that pew, at the same price, for whomsoever he chooses, but always under the con- ditions already expressed.
G. du Bois, p. t. Praeses.
FRELINGHUYSEN'S SERMONS. 1729.
Two Sermons on 1 Peter 4:18. " If the Righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? "
Preached by Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen, Minister of the Reformed Dutch Church on the Raritan. Printed in New York, 1729. [See April 4, 1729.]
(Reprinted with other Sermons of his, by the Board of Publi- cation of the Reformed Church in America, 1856.)
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK. January 1, 1730 ..
Act of Appointment of Jan de la Montagne, as Doorkeeper, Bellringer and Grave-digger; and also as Watchman, in and around the Old Church; and for any other services under the Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Church in New York.
Inasmuch as Jan de la Montagne, Sr., until his extreme old age, has rendered faithful service to our Church, as Doorkeeper, etc., and during his sickness, his son, Jan de la Montagne, has now for some time performed the same duties: and the father having died, the son now requests the Rev. Consistory, to give him succession in his father's place, under such conditions and engagements as may be proper: the Rev. Consistory, after calling on the name of the Lord, have taken into consideration, the satisfaction given by the son in this service, and the necessity of
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2491 1780
having a competent person to fill the place: it was unanimously agreed to appoint Jan de la Montagne to this position, under the following conditions and engagements :
The conditions in respect to the General Service of the Church, are
1. That you ring the bell three times, and sufficiently long, before service on Sunday mornings and afternoons, and on the annual Festival-days; on Wednesdays, and at the preparation for the Lord's Supper on Fridays; that you for the minister who is to preach, either before the second or the third ringing, as he shall desire, except for the evening service; but then, you are to see that an hour elapses between the first and the third ringing. Before the catechizing in the Church, you are to ring twice; also before the close, when it is desired; and so on other occasions.
2. You shall keep the pulpit neat and clean, as well as the chairs of the Elders and Deacons, acting, or formerly in office; also of the Governor and other officials, together with all other chairs and benches through the whole church.
3. You shall, in season, set the Table, seats, etc., and prepare all necessary things for the Lord's Supper; and take what is left over, of the bread and wine, to the Deacons; and place everything in order again, as shall be required from time to time.
4. You shall also provide pure water in the baptismal bowl at the proper time and place.
5. You shall, according to your ability, remove from the church, either before, during or after service, dogs, etc .; and prevent any disorders of negroes or children.
6. You shall carefully and seasonably attend all catechizings, according to directions, and not interfere with the same by bell- ringing, or any other work, in or around the Church.
7. You shall do all which any one would be bound in con- science to do, for the good of the building; keep the seats in order; report at once anything which is perplexing to the Church-
2492
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1730
Masters; see that neither dogs nor persons remain, after service is over; keep a look out against fire; preserve whatever of value you may find in the Church, and keep it for its lawful owner; open and close doors and windows at proper times, and be the last to leave the building.
8. When any repairs are made in the Church or Churchyard, and when the Church receives its yearly cleaning, you are to be present, open and close the building, and give a full account to the Church Masters when required, without drawing any pay for these things, unless the Church Masters employ you by the day, when your wages shall be according to agreement.
In respect to the Rev. Consistory:
1. You shall with all diligence and courtesy collect all moneys for any public services, according to the orders of the Elders, Deacons and Church Masters, and faithfully deliver the same to them, and render an excellent account.
2. You shall always, on the requirement of the minister, sum- mons the members of the Consistory, present or former ones, to attend their meetings at the proper time and place.
3. You shall courteously attend all Ecclesiastical meetings in general; or the particular meetings of the Elders, or Deacons, or Church Masters, or any Committee of the Consistory, at the place where they assemble for the discharge of any ecclesiastical business; and you shall diligently carry out whatever any of the above mentioned may require, touching the Church, the divine service, or the poor.
4. You shall always seasonably apprize the Church-Masters of any seats that become vacant.
In respect to digging graves.
1. You shall not dig a grave or break ground except with the consent of one of the Church-Masters. You shall, therefore, give timely notice of the name of the deceased, with the dates of death and (proposed) burial.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
2493
1730
2. You shall make the graves, whether under the church or in the churchyard, sufficiently deep, and carefully fill them up again. You shall keep the bier in the shed made for it in the churchyard; and send it in due time to the house of the deceased.
3. You shall ring the bell for burials either four times, with pauses between, according to custom, or continuously, as may be desired by the friends of the deceased.
4. The money for interments you shall diligently and courteously demand; and when received, you shall deliver to the Church Masters at their ordinary session, and render account as follows:
For a burial place in the church, with or without the bier and pall; for a person over
£2.10 s.
And for the new cloth pall, an additional
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.