USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 23
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We could not consent to this until we had ascertained the opinion of our people. We therefore spoke about it to all our members, and learned their unanimous readiness to write to Hol- land for a Dutch minister. We accordingly released from his office our esteemed and greatly beloved pastor, Rev. Morgan, since there was nothing else to do, although we did it reluctantly. We did this also, because the youth and the uninstructed needed to be taught the Catechism in Dutch; but this could not be expected to go on very smoothly with Rev. Morgan, who had not a perfect mastery of the Dutch. Mr. Morgan also expressed the opinion that it would tend to the prosperity of the Gospel among us, if the Dutch Church should have a Dutch minister, and if he (Morgan) should preach in English only. He has also given us a declaration in writing that he fully relinquishes his services among us and voluntarily resigns his office, for the rea- sons mentioned, as regular pastor and teacher of the Dutch Church of Freehold and Middletown; although as our nominal pastor, he will still occasionally hold services among us, and ad- minister the sacraments, until a minister shall arrive from Hol- land, inasmuch as he will, until then occupy the nearest relation to us.
Inasmuch then, as our congregation desires, under God's Provi- dence, the happiness of having, as soon as possible, like the other Dutch Churches in this country, a Dutch minister from Holland, able, orthodox and pious, that they may enjoy the ministrations of the Gospel; and
Inasmuch as we, the undersigned elders and deacons are au- thorized thereto by the whole congregation; for we have obtained the necessary signature of every member for this purpose, and have also the full consent and approval of Rev. Morgan, as appears from his subjoined signature hereto; and also with the advice and counsel of persons of intelligence, and in the presence of Rev. G. Du Bois; and, finally, after calling upon the name of God, we adopted fully this our resolution:
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To forward these, our letters of authorization and determina- tion of a call to your Reverences, and to convey to you every required power, right and authority, which belong to us as the Consistory of the Dutch Church of Freehold and Middletown; in order that, unanimously, if possible, or at least by a majority, you may make out a full call for us, as occupying our place:
Even as we do, by these presents, perfectly convey to you all the requisite power, right and authority aforesaid, to call a capable person, not over thirty five years of age, whether married or unmarried, orthodox according to the teachings of our Re- formed Church, being learned and of good deportment in life, and prudent in his intercourse:
To occupy among us the office of the ministry, having these required qualifications,- as the regular pastor and teacher in the Dutch Reformed Church of Jesus Christ at Freehold and Mid- dletown, on the Navesinks, in the Province of New Jersey, situ- ated in America and bordering on New York ;- and as such to conduct preaching services and catechization, to administer the sacraments, and wisely to exercise church discipline in connection with the other overseers of the congregation; and furthermore, to do everything that belongs to a faithful and diligent perform- ance of the ministry of the Gospel according to the Constitution of the Dutch Reformed Church, and the Synod of Dort, 1618-19.
Our particular demands are as follows:
1. The said minister must hold his preaching services in two different places, namely, at Freehold and Middletown, being dis- tant from each other about an hour and a half's journey, preach- ing on one preaching day in the one, and on the next preaching day in the other, although the two constitute only one congre- gation, being usually called the Church on the Navesinks, and having also only one Consistory.
2. From the beginning of November to the end of February, he need not hold more than one service on a preaching day; but
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during the remainder of the year, twice every Lord's Day; as also on New Year's Day, Ascension Day, and Pentecost, as is generally the custom here; but on Christmas, but once, on the first day, as also on the second (day of Christmas).
3. In that part of the congregation where he preaches on Sunday, he shall hold catechetical classes during the week, if the weather permits, at such time and place as best suits the community.
4. Once every three months the Lord's Supper shall be cele- brated, one quarter in the one Church, and the next quarter in the other Church. The preparatory sermon shall always be de- livered on the Thursday before the Supper; but house to house visitation shall only take place twice a year.
In order now to search for such a pastor - a person not over thirty five years of age, either married or unmarried, We the Undersigned, Elders and Deacons of the Church on the Nave- sinks, do promise the one called by you, so long as he shall per- form the above mentioned ministrations in a manner becoming a minister of Christ:
1. For his sole use an entire farm of one hundred acres, being as good, arable land as any in Freehold. In this a family can properly subsist. For such a farm, Rev. Morgan made on an average, at least thirty pounds in money, besides his own bread wheat. If the minister should, at first, be unacquainted with farming, and not have hands for that purpose, he can rent the farm, at first, drawing one third therefrom; or else could rent it out fully for at least fifteen pounds. Nevertheless, by the aid and instruction of the well disposed - of whom, we believe, there will be no lack - there can be but little doubt that in a few years he could manage the farm himself.
2. But we promise him therewith, an annual salary of seventy pounds good current money of this Province, (one hundred and
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seventy five dollars), of which sum shall be paid each half year, the just half - and this shall be done every year.
3. We also promise him a good and suitable parsonage on said farm, which is located in Freehold, about half a quarter of an hours distance from the Church there, which is about the centre of the congregation. The people are scattered over an area of about five quarter hours travel in width, and fully three (Dutch) miles (twelve English miles) in length. The people will repair the Parsonage in which Rev. Morgan lived, to the new minister's satisfaction, as soon as he arrives among us, and will keep it in good repair thereafter. The parsonage is distant from the water, (Shrewsbury Inlet) about five quarter hours travel. It is our idea that within a few years the church will be moved close to the parsonage.
Finally: We promise to provide him, on his arrival, with a good riding horse.
Memorandum.
In order further to explain the promised salary referred to herein, it is deemed proper to add that the minister is given his choice as follows: If instead of the farm and seventy pounds, he prefers eighty pounds and free firewood, to be delivered at his house - (he may have it so). But if he should choose this, which we do not expect he will,- he must then know that the parsonage will have to be in another place. But his choice will be given him after his arrival, as only then will he be able to make such a choice.
All this we promise in this form, namely:
1. That we, and all the individual members of the Church have each one for himself, (lit. each head for head) promised, voluntarily, a certain sum, by subscription, which is to be given by them, from time to time, for payment, to the minister. These
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sums, together, properly make up the promised salary of the minister.
2. That we agree, with all sincerity, and with all proper dili- gence, always to gather this promised sum against the appointed time, or will see that it is collected at our order; and that the promised salary shall be paid to the minister, promptly.
3. That we, the undersigned, pledge ourselves to comply with these two just mentioned articles, by our signatures hereto, qualitate qua, (officially), as the present Elders and Deacons; even as this shall also be done by all, and severally, of those who shall be elected, from time to time, after us, as Elders and Deacons of our Church; and, that before their installation in their respective offices, namely: by also signing this instrument of call. This is to be done, according to the unanimous resolu- tion of our Great Consistory.
In the meantime, we assure our minister that we will hold him in such love, honor and esteem, as is due a sincere minister of the Holy Gospel.
And as we do not doubt but that you will encounter some capable person, and persuade him to undertake this call, in the fear of the Lord, on these conditions and promises; and to come over to us, to minister to our people, among whom may be won a rich harvest for Jehovah by a diligent worker; so do we also hope that after he shall have accepted of our call, he will, with- out delay, do everything in his power to start out on his journey as quickly as possible, and on the first suitable opportunity; and our prayers shall ascend to God that he will preserve him from all dangers and make his journey prosperous.
For thus do we pray to the Great Shepherd of the sheep :- that it may please him, according to the abundance of his good- ness, to follow up this call, executed in his fear, with his Divine
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blessing; that it may tend to the magnifying of his Most Holy Name; to the upbuilding of his Church; and the winning and salvation of many souls.
Thus done at New York to-day.
Elders.
John Kouwenhoven,
Cornelius Wykhof,
Gerrit Schenck,
Elbert Willemse,
Deacons.
Dirk Borkloo, Henry Hess, his John [E V M] Van Meteren,
mark William Couwenhoven.
This Authorization and Determination, (statement of terms?) of a Call, took place with my full consent and approval, and of my own motion, for reasons mentioned therein. I have fully given up my office and have both verbally and in writing resigned my office, as the regular pastor and teacher of the Dutch Church of Freehold and Middletown. To this I attest.
Joseph Morgan.
I testify that all this took place in my presence, at the request of the Rev. (Joseph) Morgan, as well as of the Elders and Deacons of Navesinks.
G. Du Bois.
A note on the back of this letter says - (Rev. Ger. Haegoort, examined in the Classis, April, 1731.)
Haegoort accepted this call.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND.
1730, July 25 - Aug.
Article 2.
Philadelphia.
As to help for this church the Corresponding delegates of (the Synod of) Gelderland reported, that for certain reasons it
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had been refused by them. (The Synod of) South Holland had contributed florins 79. The delegates read a letter which they had received simply setting forth the necessity of helping this church, urging the matter with strong reasons, and presenting, in an agreeable manner, the benefits of liberally contributing thereto. There are in that locality already 15000 old Palatinate Reformed confessors, and 600 persons more had recently sailed by way of Rotterdam on their voyage thither. Hence our dele- gates heartily recommended that church to the Classes; and the Classis of Amsterdam declared, that hereafter, it neither would nor should hold itself aloof. (The Classis of) Hoorn had con- tributed florins 10; Enkhuysen florins 20 for itself, and florins 20 from the deacons, and promising florins 40 more from the deacons. (The Classis of) Alkmaar, florins 200, while (the Classis of) Haarlem 100 .- Vol. 60, p. 8.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.
1730, July 17th. Classis has already done its part, and fur- ther promises all possible aid. As regards the subsidium, the Classis has not yet been solicited therefor by this church, and therefore leaves it to the Committee to act therein pro re nata. xi. 15.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Rev. Beum (Boehm) in Pennsylvania.
1730, Sept. 4th. Rev. George Michael Wys (Weiss), minister at Philadelphia in Pennsylvania, with an elder from Schiebach, were presented. They made known that the church of Schiebach, from which was also received a letter signed by several indi- viduals, is much disturbed and in great confusion. That church refuses to acknowledge as a lawful minister, Rev. Beum (Boehm), ordained by order of this Classis by the ministers of New York. See Acta, January 11, 1729. He (Weiss) requested that the
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Classis would make some provision in reference to this matter, so that that church may be restored to quietness. Whereupon the Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras were requested to examine this case carefully, and to furnish the Assembly with their pre-advice. Furthermore, his Reverence requested a donation for the building of a church in Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania. This church is accordingly recommended to the benevolence of all the churches under the jurisdiction of this Classis. xi. 25.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Rev. Beum (Boehm) in Pennsylvania.
1730, Oct. 2nd. The pre-advice of Rev. Deputati ad res Ex- teras regarding Rev. Boehm in Pennsylvania was adopted and made into a resolution of Classis, and the Clerk was directed to give a copy thereof to Rev. Weys (Weiss) at his own charges, (dechargie.) It is of the following contents:
Rev. Boehm must be looked upon as a lawful minister in Pennsylvania.
1. Because he is recognized as such according to resolution of this Classis.
2. He has been qualified and installed by the ministers of New York, who were authorized thereto by this Classis.
3. Because he was installed with the consent of the delegates from the three churches, in the presence of Rev. Weys (Weiss).
4. By reason of the agreement that exists between Rev. Weys and Rev. Boehm, whereby a particular congregation was assigned separately to each. If the entire work is not to fall into dis- order, this must serve as a rule of action.
5. Over against the letter from many individuals of the church of Schibach, protesting against this (ordination of Boehm) is placed the letter from the consistories of the three churches; and especially the letter from the ministers of New York, in which an accurate report is given of the entire transaction.
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The Assembly has moreover resolved that a letter shall be sent on its behalf to the church of Schibach, to pacify it and to admonish it, that it must by all means recognize Rev. Boehm as its lawful minister. xi. 27, 28.
New Netherland.
Further, the Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras made report regard- ing the dispute in New Netherland between Rev. Frielinghuysen and certain others. The Assembly requested them carefully to investigate this whole case, and to lay it clearly before this As- sembly. xi. 28.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, Oct. 6, 1730.
In Consistory: After calling on God's name, the desires of some in the Congregation were mentioned:
1. That family pews, for men and women together, should be sold in perpetuity; provided that a yearly quit-rent should be paid to the church for every seat; that the seats should descend only in the direct male or female line; that if the succession ex- pired, the pew should revert to the church; and that this should apply to the two blocks (or pews) in front of the pulpit.
2. Or; Family pews, for men and women together, should be sold for a life time; and in case of death be sold again by the church, to another person.
3. Or; Each one shall sit separately, and yet buy a place for life. The second and third articles to be according to the Old Church Orders concerning the sittings.
4. Provided that every one buying, shall continue bound to pay for the minister, or else forfeit his pew or seat to the church, within a year and six weeks.
Resolved, to meet again on this matter at the first opportunity. - Lib. B. 93.
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DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, Oct. 8, 1730.
In Consistory: After calling on the Lord's name, the forego- ing business (Oct. 6) was taken into consideration. It was thought that to sell family seats for men and women together, in perpetuity, would yield agreeable profits to the church. There- fore these conditions were imposed.
1. The seats shall descend only in the direct line, male and female, and the line dying out, they shall revert to the church. In case payment for the preaching is refused for one year and six weeks, or the occupant moves out of the city, the church shall have the right to hire it out again, until they return; yet the widow of a purchaser shall during her widowhood, retain her place in the pew.
2. No pew shall be made larger, higher or smaller than it now is; yet on the inside some change is allowed for convenience, the owners bearing the expense; provided that the whole change is made by the Church Masters, or with their consent.
3. The family pews thus sold forever, shall be put up at these prices, and not less, if possible. The best appraised at forty shillings, on either side of the pulpit, each seat being appraised at £27. Those set up at thirty-six shillings, being appraised at £25; and those at thirty-four shillings being appraised at £22.
A yearly quit-rent shall be paid to the church for a whole pew of four (seats), or each seat at six shillings, New York money. For all the rest, thus sold forever, the yearly quit-rent shall be five shillings, New York currency.
4. The family seats, for men and women together, which are sold for life, are subject to the conditions of the Old Church, and are thus to be set up for sale, according to the appraisement .- Lib. B. 95.
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DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 1730.
In Consistory: After calling on the Lord's name, the forego- ing (pew business) was taken into farther consideration. In case of the difficulty that two or more persons wanted to buy the same pew, one in perpetuity, and the other for his life time, it was thought best that the latter should have it. Still, if he who has bought it for life, desires to have it in perpetuity, then he shall pay one hundred per cent more than he has already paid.
Resolved: That inasmuch as the Deacons will have more work, in consequence of the new church (two churches), their number shall be increased at the next election to eight in all, by electing six in addition to the two who remain in office. And the num- ber of Elders shall be increased by six, by electing four, in addi- tion to the two who remain in office.
Hereafter, an equal number of Elders and Deacons shall be chosen each year. Of the six Deacons now to be chosen, the two who are oldest in service, shall serve only one year, and go out, with the two still remaining in office. And so of the four Elders now to be chosen, the oldest one in service, shall serve only one year, and go out, with the two Elders still remaining in office.
John van Aarnheim is appointed clerk and foresinger in the New Church; and Arent van Hoek shall be requested to be door- keeper and bell-ringer therein.
It was represented that the funds from the congregation are very scanty, and always fall short of sufficiency to pay the minis- ters. Nevertheless, the ministers preach twice, regularly, on Sundays in each church; and it seems reasonable that an increase of service should bring an increase of salary. When it was pro- posed to abolish the Wednesday preaching, the ministers proposed to continue it still this winter. This toil of theirs deserves more compensation than formerly.
The ministers have declared to the congregation that they would give the weekly preaching this winter, on condition that in
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the spring, the week-day service shall cease, until it shall again be found necessary for the congregation, and means be provided, that agreements may be made with the ministers for the same. Meanwhile, the ministers shall leave to the reasonable judgment of the meeting, what they shall have more for their double ser- vice on Sundays. To this they agreed.
On the ensuing Thursday afternoon, at one o'clock, the Great Consistory shall be called together to consider the desired altera- tion in the mode of selling the pews; and whether men and women shall sit separately. This to be done, since it was resolved other- wise at the meeting of the Great Consistory, held Dec. 18, 1729. So the matter is not further considered now.
STATEMENT OF REV. JEDEDIAH ANDREWS, PASTOR OF THE PRES- BYTERIAN CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA, CONCERNING PROBABLY REV. GEORGE MICHAEL WEISS.
October 14, 1730.
" There is in this province a vast number of Palatines, and they still come in every year. Those that have come of late are mostly Presbyterians, or as they call themselves, Reformed. They did use to come to me for baptism, and many have joined with us in the other sacrament. They never had a minister till nine years ago, who is a bright young man and a fine scholar."- Dr. Good's Hist. Refd. Ch. 117.
This may possibly refer to Boehm, though it is not very probable; it probably refers to Weiss, who was pastor in Philadelphia; but it is difficult to make out that he was there in 1721. The word " nine " is probably a slip of the pen for " three ".
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Pennsylvania.
1730, Dec. 5th. The Rev. Deputati ad res Exteras read three letters: one to the church of Schiebach; one to Rev. Beum, (Boehm); and one to the consistories of Rev. Beum, to promote rest and peace in the churches of Pennsylvania. These were approved.
They also announced that they had arranged with Rev. Weys (Weiss) and his elder, to lend a hand towards that salutary ob- ject, (the erection of a church in Pennsylvania); and that Rev. Weys had received therefor, from the Diaconate of Amsterdam f. 600, ($240.) and from the Consistory f. 150, ($60). He had
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also obtained from their Noble Great Estimables, the Messrs. Burgomasters, permission to collect f.600, ($240.) xi. 29, 30.
New York.
1730, Dec. 5th. A letter had arrived from the ministers of New York in regard to their fulfilled commission in reference to Rev. Beum (Boehm). To this the Rev. Deputati had replied, with the approval of this Assembly. On motion of Rev. Deputati it was resolved to send yearly the Acta of Synod to the ministers of New York as a grateful recognition of them, and for the gen- eral benefit of all the churches in America. xi. 30.
(These Acts of the Synod were always in manuscript, and were quite elaborate. Probably from twelve to twenty copies were transcribed each year for distribution to other Synods, to certain Classes, and to the several Colonies.)
Raritan.
1730, Dec. 5th. The Rev. Deputati also reported in regard to the difficulty in New Netherland between Rev. Frielinghuysen and some excommunicated members there; that Rev. Frieling- huysen having been robbed of his reason, (by sickness), all nego- tiations for peace with the excommunicated at North Branch and Three Mile Run had been broken off; that these members have requested of this Classis to be released from their excom- munication, and to be allowed to unite themselves with the church of Milston (now Harlington), so that together they may enjoy the services of a minister; that for this purpose, they have com- missioned four ministers of Amsterdam, namely, the Revs. Van de Wal, Hagelis, Beels, and van Zon, and ask that this Classis would please to give the said committee permission to make such a choice for them. The Assembly finds this business to be of such great importance, that they refer it to a committee. For this purpose are appointed the four gentlemen mentioned, in ad- dition to the regular Depp. ad res Exteras. xi. 30.
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Pokeepsie and Fishkill.
1730, Dec. 5th. They further reported that the people of Pokeepsie and Vishkill had also commissioned four ministers of Amsterdam, to choose a minister for them. This was granted. xi. 30.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Rev. John Philip Boehm, December 5, 1730. xxix. p. .. . No. 11.
Rev. Sir, and Beloved Brother :-
From your letter of June 29th, 1730, we learned that the let- ters of Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, to the Consistory, as well as to yourself, were duly received, and that they tended to re- vive you, because the Classis takes such a hearty interest in the welfare of the churches in Pennsylvania.
We not only thank you for your kind wishes towards us, but we express our sympathy with you in your poverty. Especially do we do this, because we are informed,- and to which we refer in no abscure terms to your Consistory,- that schisms and divisions still exist among you, and that many discontented ones - especially in the church of Schipback - still stand aloof; dissatis- fied with your service, and unwilling to acknowledge you as their pastor and teacher.
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