USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume IV > Part 35
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It is agreed that the Consistory shall pay you the schoolmoney, as first intended, for twelve children; then, if more are allowed, you will be paid in proportion pro- vided that you set none of the children of the poor, to writing or cyphering, with- out the consent of one of the ministers.
But if you take in any children, without the consent of the Consistory, that is to stand on your own account.
Every quarter you will deliver to the Consistory or to the Deacons, a complete list of the children of the poor, with the names of their parents, and what each one learns, whether reading, writing or cyphering, with a precise bill, and thus make a proper show for your payment.
If any children are absent, you are to inquire if it is with the knowledge of their parents, so that the matter may be attended to, as is needful. And when poor children are absent, without good reasons, if their parents do not apply a remedy, you are to notify the Consistory; and you are to call upon them in any dispute which may arise about your school, or your other duties, and when neces- sary, give notices thereof to one of the ministers.
Thirdly: As to the Baptisms:
1. No illegitimate child, and none whose legitimacy is doubtful, shall be admitted to baptism; nor shall any, without the regular witnesses. When you experience any difficulty in this or other matters, you will delay action, and at a convenient time, seek instruction from one of the ministers; and when it is necessary, obtain an order from the Consistory; and thus do your utmost to maintain Holy Baptism in an edifying manner among us, according to our Church-Order.
2. In order to Baptism, the names of the Father and Mother must be stated, with those of the child or children, and of the witnesses: the women, by their own surnames, stating whether they are wives or widows; and if the latter, of whom.
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If any of these particulars is lacking in the first proposal, you are to complete the statement at the earliest opportunity.
3. You are to repair to the Praeses at the time, every Monday morning, or when it may be convenient to him, and report those who are recorded in the Baptismal Book.
Your salary, as Foresinger, is to commence from the 15th of May last, and as Schoolmaster from the 15th of June.
Finally, the Consistory reserves to itself the Christian liberty, to make from time to time, alterations or limitations in this "Further Statement ", whether in the whole, or in any one of its Articles, particularly for explanation or improve- ment, as experience shall suggest; - as the Commission also stated.
The original hereof is given to you, and you are also to sign it.
Thus done in our meeting at New York, June 13, 1733. Henricus Boel, p. t. Praeses.
The Foregoing Commission and this Further explanation by the Rev. Consistory, of which the original was given me, I undertake, in the fear of the Lord, with thanksgiving.
New York, June 20, 1733.
Gerrit van Wagenen.
Lib. A. 297-300. -
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Manor of Fordham.
New York, July 18, 1733.
There was delivered to the Consistory a writing, signed and sealed, by John Orchard, that he was satisfied for his claim of forty acres for a home lot on the Manor, and renounced, forever, any further right on the Manor. His request was granted for a copy of the above mentioned writing, certified by the President at the time. That was done upon the order of the Consistory, with this underwritten: " The above is recognized as a true copy, in our Consistory Meeting at New York, July 18, 1733. Witness in the name, etc.
Henricus Boel, p. t. Praeses.
Further, the request of John Orchard to have in writing the approval of the Consistory respecting the land laid out for him by Mr. Abrm. Van Wyck is thus satisfied: That this land, thus laid out and described in writing is entirely according to the order of the Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Congregation, and ap- proved in their Consistory Meeting at New York, July 18, 1733.
Witness in name, etc.
Henricus Boel, p. t. Praeses.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Appointment by the Rev. Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Church of New York of Mr. Jan van Arnheim, as Foresinger, etc., in the New Church (Cedar st.) July 30, 1733.
Inasmuch as, on the 12th day of October, 1730, the Rev. Consistory appointed Mr. Jan van Arnheim, Clerk and Foresinger in the New Church (Cedar st.), which service he actually began on the 6th of December following; and on the 20th day of December, 1731, a yearly salary was, allowed him for his faithful service; and finally, on March 21, 1733, it was determined that Mr. Gerrit van Wagenen, called to be Clerk, etc., in the Old Church, (Garden st.), should, on undertaking those offices, record the requests for baptism in the Old Church, and Mr. van Arnheim record only those of the New Church.
And, moreover, since by order of the Consistory on the 6th of June, notice of this was published on June 10th from the pulpits of both churches, and a formal Acte concerning his services, was placed in the hands of Mr. van Wagenen; and therefore Mr. van Arnheim requested the Rev. Consistory to give him a like written Acte for himself.
This being deemed reasonable was granted by the Consistory at their meeting, July 10, 1733, and is as follows:
The Rev. Consistory hereby declares that they have fully appointed you, Mr. Jan van Arnheim, to be Clerk and Foresinger for our congregation in the New Church; and that you have, from the 6th of December, 1730, to the present time, per- formed edifyingly those duties according to our expectation.
Wherefore, at your own request, the Rev. Consistory passes this Acte:
1. That you are Clerk and Foresinger in the New Church, to render the service there on all occasions of public worship on Sundays, or at other appointed times, according to the edifying custom of our Reformed Dutch Church; and in case of the sickness or absence of the minister, to read the Forms of Prayer, and a Sermon, from an approved, orthodox book, according to the order fixed by the Consistory in such a case, so as in all things to conduct yourself to the edification of the congregation.
2. You shall suitably record (the names of) all who are to be baptized in the New Church, in this manner:
(1) No illegitimate child, nor any whose legitimacy is doubtful, shall be received by you; nor any others, without the required witnesses to the Baptism. In cases where this occasions you any difficulty, you will delay action, and at a convenient time, notify one of the ministers, and seek direction; and when it is necessary, receive orders from the Rev. Consistory; and so do your best to maintain among us the Holy Baptism in an edifying way, according to our Church-Order.
(2) The names of the Father, Mother, and the child or children who are to be baptized, and of the witnesses, must be recorded in full; the women by their names and surnames, and also whether they are wives or widows, and if so, of whom. And if any of these facts is lacking in the first statement, you are to supply the deficiency at the earliest opportunity.
(3) You are to report to the Praeses for the time being, every Monday morning, or whenever it may be most convenient to him, all the names, which shall then be recorded in the Baptismal Book.
So it remains, that
1. That your yearly salary as Clerk and Foresinger, shall be - as the Consistory has hitherto allowed and paid you during your faithful service in the Old Church from year to year - twelve pounds ten shillings, New York money.
2. Besides, you may receive for recording each person baptized in the New Church, at least a half-quarter, and as much more as any so disposed may give you. Finally, the Rev. Consistory reserves to itself the Christian freedom to make, if necessary, any explanation or improvement of this Acte, for the benefit of the Congregation. The original of this is given to you that you may subscribe to the proper performance of all.
Thus done in New York, July 30, 1733.
Henricus Boes, p. t. Praeses.
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The foregoing Acte, of which the original is given to me, I, in the fear of the Lord, undertake to perform, with thanksgiving to the Rev. Consistory.
Jan van Aernem.
New York, August 27th, 1733.
DUTCH CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Manor of Fordham.
New York, Aug. 21, 1733.
The persons authorized to direct the Manor, gave answer upon the foregoing Act of May 28, 1733, and the Consistory approved their doings thus far.
As to what concerns Hendrick and Reier Michiel, this could not be carried out, but would be attempted at the first oppor- tunity. Also, as Mr. Bruyn was dead, they would agree with his widow or son about the rent, as soon as Mr. Beekman went to the Manor.
It is also reported, that there is not wood enough to make the fence ordered on the Manor. Therefore, Resolved to postpone this until a future occasion.
1733, Aug. 26. Rev. J. T. Frelinghuysen to the Complainants. Copy sent to Classis ef Amsterdam, but not found. xi. 157. Extracts, Vol. xxii. 277-281. (See under date, 1734.)
1733, Sept. 27. Complainants to Rev. Frelinghuysen. Copy sent to the Classis of Amsterdam, but not found. xi. 157. Extracts, xxii. 277-281. (See under date, 1734.)
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to the Ministers of New York, October 5, 1733. xxix. 124. No. 27.
Rev., Learned and Godly Gentlemen and Beloved Brethren in Jesus Christ our Lord :-
Your very agreeable and lengthy letter of 3/12 May, 1733, we safely received. We also read it, with all the documents enclosed, being extracts from letters and other papers. We especially thank you for the accurate and straightforward ac- counts contained in your communications. Thereby we are fully convinced of the trouble you have taken, and the zeal you have manifested for the order and peace of the church in your regions. We hope that God will give his favor to your holy purposes, and establish the work of your hands in these efforts; yea, may he abundantly reward you for your labor of love, which you have shown toward his holy Name. In all things that you have done we recognize new proofs of your
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fidelity to us, long tried as it is, as well as your readiness to maintain unbroken correspondence with us which is most praiseworthy in you. All this is evident from the fact that you have frankly told us all that has happened and of the progress made by you towards these ends, namely, to obtain submission . to our decisions, and acceptance of our advice on all difficult questions. You have also promised to labor to get all the churches to correspond with us, so that church government may be more uniformly conducted. You have even induced the Rev. godly and learned George William Mancius, pastor at Kingston, to offer to correspond with us, and which offer we have accepted. You may expect, Rev. Brethren, always to find in us a readiness to do all in our power to make our correspondence useful to you, and we hope that it may long continue unbroken.
You speak of the Minutes of the Synod which are sent over for the use of your own and the other churches; that they should be distributed with prudence, so that evil minded persons may not make a wrong use of them. We entrust it to your discretion and fidelity, to extend the use of these Minutes only so far, as you deem will be for the best interest of your own church, and the other churches, and will most surely accomplish the object of our correspondence. We will be guided' hereafter by your wishes in regard to the address, so as the better to protect you from all suspicion. We can the better do this without exciting the prejudice of even your own Consistory, since in the letter under the signatures of you all, they appear to have full confidence in all your acts.
As regards your principal request, dear Brethren, as to the character of the reply you should make to the letter of the Very Rev. Mr. Ostade, in the name of the Highly Rev. Deputies of the Synod of South and North Holland, sent to you and the other members of the Dutch Church at New York, (we answer):
The Rev. Classis has the best of reasons to give you and your Consistory full liberty to act according to your own preferences and judgment. But as we intimated above, we will, on our part, strictly carry on the correspondence, and maintain it according to all its articles. We have also perfect confidence in you, that you will never do or permit anything, which in your judgment would mili- tate against the Correspondence on either side. So far as we understand the intentions in the letter of the Deputies of Synod and of the Clerk, the request is, not to maintain a regular correspondence with their High Reverences, but to give special information in this particular case, so that the condition of the churches in Pennsylvania may be exactly known. Neither do we think that anything is sought or required of you or the Consistory of New York which is beyond your power. Each knows best the constitution of his own church and does well to regulate himself thereby. You, having determined to communicate to us, to whom you are immediately subordinate, according to your own state- ment, information about the state of the churches in Pennsylvania, which you receive from others; so, we assure you, we will communicate the same to the Synod of North Holland, even as we shall make use of what is contained in the accompanying extracts from the letters of Captain Lamorence (Lawrence?), Rev. Bohm and others.
The care of the churches of Pennsylvania, Rev. Sirs, was not referred to Heydelberg; but the object was to seek there an able man, who could serve the German churches, and also learn, from close observation, the character of the church organization of the German Palatinate churches. But all this, is as yet, only an idea of Synod, and still far from execution. In regard to the latter part of the object of this mission, the more distinct and accurate the reports which Synod receives concerning those churches, the less necessity will there be for such a mission. One thing among others which has given Synod occa- sion to entertain such an idea, is, that the sending of the German ministers to Pennsylvania, has heretofore taken place directly from the Palatinate, and through the Consistory of Heydelberg.
That you were able to give us so much commendation concerning Rev. Boehm, is a source of much pleasure to us, especially because the accounts heretofore received, somewhat indirectly, were not so favorable respecting his conduct. As our tried friends, we depend upon your statements, for you are men of truth and trust. In all things, even when they relate to the advantage or disad- vantage of ministers, you consider first, the edification of the churches. There-
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fore we are sorry on his account that, owing to the divisions in his congregations, it is possible that such complaints should be concocted and received.
The Rev. Classis will seriously ponder your request concerning the reconcilia- tion of Rev. Peter Van Driessen, with the Rev. Vas and the delegates from Kings- ton. Everything which you have proposed, decided and accomplished in this case, is approved, and hearty thanks are offered you for the broad deductions which you make of all that has occurred, and for all the trouble you have taken therein.
From our last letter to you, you have learned what has been done in the case of John Van Driessen. Surely you have no longer any reason for taking umbrage at the misrepresentations which have been circulated about you from other quarters, as if you had done anything contrary to Church Order in ordaining Rev. Boehm. We know, as well as yourselves, that you did nothing except by our order, and therefore we only are responsible.
In reference to the affairs in the church of Rev. Frielinghuysen, as well as in reference to himself personally, there seems to be great confusion. We scarcely know how to begin, in seeking a decision in that case, and keeping to truth and conscience. But about this and other points in your letter, we will deliberate further and communicate results hereafter.
Rev. Sirs and Brethren, we commend your dear persons, families, and ministry which is so important, to God and the word of his grace. May he keep you and yours in his most holy keeping, and pour out upon you his most precious blessings.
We are, etc., etc.
Leonard Beels, Praeses, etc. Thomas Van Son, Scriba, etc.
Amsterdam, October 5, 1733.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. George M. Weiss, October 5, 1733. xxix. 145.
Reverend Sir :- Your letter of August 12th 1732, from Catskill, was safely re- ceived. We were pleased that you expressed your sincere wish to fulfill all that you had promised upon your return to Pennsylvania, and that you had all the letters sent by the Classis. We are also happy to learn that these were re- ceived with joy. We only wish that we could have seen better results; for peace seems yet far from being established. We fear that all have not yet co-operated equally towards these objects; but happy are they who have a good conscience in reference thereto. We notice that still other confusions arose during your absence, by the ordination of a candidate. This is truly a sad condition for that church. And then your departure for Scrokkerry (Schoharie?) and later for Catskill, in addition to these other matters - all those things do not improve the condition of affairs. For is not the account of the funds collected, very confused? And are there not complaints over there that they can get no proper reports, because of your absence and distance from them?
We hope that you may find in your present settlement abundant blessing, and that God may turn a favorable eye upon his church in those far distant regions, that his name may be known and feared. May his peace reign in the hearts of all his ministers, and all professing Christians. Then will there be hope that peace may blossom out in the congregations. We commend you to God and the Word of his grace.
In the name of all,
J. Bekker, Dep. Cl. Amst. ad res Exteras.
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CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Acts of the Deputies and their Correspondence.
Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. George William Mancius, Pastor at Kingston, October 5, 1733. xxix. 146.
Rev. Sir and Brother :- Your letter of April 14th, 1733, came to hand in due time. May these lines serve in reply.
It is very agreeable to us to find in you such a willing disposition to correspond with the Classis of Amsterdam even as do the ministers of New York, and other brethren of those regions; and to submit to its decisions in important ecclesias- tical disputes; and this not only under your present relations to the church at Kingston, but wherever you may subsequently be called. With the same cor- diality with which you offer it, do we accept it, and recognize you as one of our correspondents. Whenever you may need our counsel and judgment for your- self, for your Consistory, or congregation, we will give our brotherly assistance. We trust you will find your Consistory always as ready to yield themselves to our decisions in cases concerning which they may make request, as we will endeavor to deal faithfully with you and them, according to our experience.
Furthermore, Rev. Sir, we would kindly advise you, since you were first led to make request for this correspondence through the Rev. Ministers in New York, who are our confidential friends, to address yourself to them, should you need any light in ordinary cases. For they, by long experience, and an unin- terrupted correspondence with the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, are thoroughly versed with former actions of Classis.
We conclude with a prayerful wish that the God of all grace will pour out the most precious of blessings upon yourself and family, as well as upon your ministrations; and may He lead many, through your labors, to know the Name of the God of Truth. The Lord grant to the church under your care peace and grace, and unite us all by one Spirit in one hope.
We sign ourselves in the name of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
Your Brethren, Leonard Beels, Ecc. Amst. Praeses. Thos. Van Lou, Ecc. Amst. Scriba.
Amsterdam, October 5, 1733
PETITION OF CONSISTORY OF THE DUTCH CHURCH OF ALBANY TO THE MAYOR AND ALDERMEN, FOR THE CONFIRMATION OF CERTAIN LANDS.
1733, Oct. 6. The humble Petition of the Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Dutch Church of the city of Albany was presented to this Board and is as follows, viz:
To the worshipful the Mayor, Aldermen and Comonalty of the city of Albany.
The humble Petition of the Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Albany sheweth, That the predecessors of your wor- ships' Petitioners, continually, for many years now last past, have been as your Petitioners now are, quietly seized and possessed of their church and ground thereto belonging in the said city of Albany, and also of all that certain parcel of land commonly called and known by the name of the Pasture; scituate, lying and being to the southward of the city of Albany, within the limits thereof, being limited, butted and bounded as in the church charter, or Letters Patent thereof, dated the tenth day of August Annoq. Domini one thousand seven hundred and twenty, is and are particularly mentioned, expressed and described; and also of the old highway from the end of the pasture called Schermerhoorn's pasture,
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and of the Beavers Kill, together with the land thereunto belonging and ap- pertaining, scituate, lying and being to the southward of the said city of Albany, being limitted, butted and bounded as by certain deed from your worships' predecessors, dated the twelfth day of December Anno Domini one thousand six hundred and ninety nine is particularly mentioned, expressed and described; and your Petitioners being by the above mentioned charter or Letters patent made and created one body corporate and politick in fact and name, do there- fore humbly pray that your worship will be pleased for the more assurance in the law, of the premises, to conform unto your Petitioners and their successorø and assigns forever the before mentioned and rented lands and premises accord- ing to the tenor, purport and true intent of the said charter, and also to grant unto your Petitioners all the certain parcell of ground or burying place which for many years past, and now, is in the possession of your Petitioners, lying and being on the south east part of the city, containing length on the east side twelve rod, on the west side twelve rod nine and a half foot, and in breadth on the north by the street nine rod and nine and a half foot, and on the south ten rod and two foot all Rynland measure, and your Worships Petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray, etc.
Albany, the 6th day of October, 1733. (Signed)
Petr. Van Driessen. No. Sien deu.
In behalf of the Petitioners.
This Board having read and considered of said Petition think it reasonable for divers good causes and considerations as also for the sum of five shillings to grant the Petitioners' prayer.
Resolved that the mayor for the time being in behalf of the mayor, aldermen and comonalty do execute such deeds or writings as may be sufficient to grant and confirm unto the Petitioners, their successors and assigns forever, what in the above petition is prayed for and to cause the seal of the city to be thereunto affixed .- Munsell's Annals of Albany, Vol. x. pp. 38, 39, 40.
NEW YORK COUNCIL JOURNAL.
1783, Oct. 31. William Cosby, Governor.
Assembly sent to Council a Bill, entitled, "An Act to empower the Vestry of the Parish of Jamaica in Queens County, to dispose of sixty pounds, now in the hands of the Church Wardens of said Parish for the use and benefit of the Parish. Council Journal, 628. Read, Enacted, 628, 629, 630.
An Act to Impower the Vestry of the Parish of Jamaica in Queens County to Dispose of Sixty Pounds Now in the Hands of the Church Wardens of the Said Parish for the Use and Benefit of that Parish.
(Passed November 1, 1733.)
WHEREAS after the Death of Mr. Poyer Late Minister of the Parish of Jamaica and before the Induction of Mr. Colgan the present Minister thereof there was Rais'd in the Parish of Jamaica Aforesaid Sixty pounds and Paid to the Church Wardens of Said Parish & no Person Intitled to Receive the Said money and it Lyeing Useless to the Inhabitants thereof & cannot be apply'd Without a Law for that Purpose Now for the Enabling the Inhabitants in that Case.
Be it enacted by the Governour the Council & Generall Assembly and it is hereby Enacted by the Authority of the Same that the Vestery of the Said Parish of Jamaica are hereby Impowered to Receive the Said money from the Church Wardens who are hereby Required to pay the Same to them accordingly. And upon Such payment to the Said Vestery are hereby Impowered & Required to
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