USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume V > Part 56
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
CORRESPONDENCE IN AMERICA.
Rev. John Ritzema to Rev. Ulpianus Van Sinderin, May 22, 1755.
No. VIII.
New York, May 22nd, 1755.
Very Rev. Sir and Brother :-
Inasmuch as I have understood that Rev. Curtenius has partly declared himself as to the acceptance of the call to Long Island, but that first, two Articles of Pacification would be laid before you and your adherents, and which are to be either accepted or rejected, but which will, nevertheless, make no difference in the matter; therefore I take the liberty of sending your Rev. these few lines, on condition that they shall be for your Rev. alone, as they relate to your own welfare.
Your adherents may, in this matter, do whatever they think they can answer for. I am of opinion, however, that even if your Rev. must differ with them, the safest thing now for your Rev. is to take care of yourself. In case your Rev. should deem it necessary to communicate this with proper restrictions to your nearest of kin, I am willing, because I aim in this letter at nothing else save your own well being.
Yesterday, Rev. Curtenius assured me, that he does not want your Rev. to drop the arrears which are due you. Therefore, your Rev. if I understand matters correctly, had better observe due prudence in your answer, if such a demand should be made on you. He has promised me that, if your Rev. will conduct yourself toward him as a brother, he will at once go with you from
3546
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1755
house to house, through the whole congregation, and cause all disputes to cease; so that it will no more be said, I am of this party or of that party, but all will be in accord with one another. In that way also your Rev. would be provided with your full salary. Moreover, his Rev., when peace is restored, will do everything in his power for the arrears due you, in a way that shall at the time seem most fitting. May your Rev. accept this advice of mine with the same heart with which I send it to your Rev !
With greeting, your Rev's. obedient servant,
J. Ritzema.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK, MAY 23, 1755. PROCEEDS OF SALE OF PARSONAGE.
The six hundred pounds for domine Boel's house, in the hands of Theodore Van Wyck, were, by a resolution of consistory, lent on interest to Jno. Forman, Jr., Tunis de Nays, Jonathan Forman, commissioners of the County of Monmouth, Province of New Jersey, and Joseph Forman of the city of New York. Their bond is in the hands of the deacons, dated April 5, 1755, in the double sum of twelve hundred pounds, current money of the Province of New York, with the condition underwritten, that the sum of six hundred pounds shall be paid on or before the fifth day of April next, with lawful interest, from the date of the bond.
The witnesses on the bond were Garret Noel, Adolph Bras, Jr.
This set down according to the resolution of Consistory, May 23rd, 1755.
J. Ritzema.
In the same consistory, after calling on God's name, it was considered what answer should be given to domine (Theodore) Frielinghuysen, concerning his written proposal, presented March 2, 1755.
This consistory came to this conclusion-
"Myn Heer :-- We cannot now answer you, until we have received letters from the Classis." This resolution domine Ritzema shall make known in writing to his Reverence.
This done etc., signed etc. J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
THE AMERICAN CLASSIS AND ACADEMY.
Convention held at New York, at the call of Theodore Frieling- huysen, for taking action in reference to a Classis and an Academy, on May 27-30, 1755. [See April 17, 1755.]
Portfolio, " New York ", Vol. ii. Extracts, Vol. xxiii 432-3.
Minutes. Tuesday, Forenoon. [May 27.]
Pursuant to a proposition made to the several churches, a fraternal Conference was held at New York, on the 27th of May, 1755.
The object of it was to request the Very Rev. Synod of Holland to take measures to have the [Dutch] Coetus in this country transformed into a Classis, in an
ap
de th W of
b
th b
t d
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
3547
1755
ecclesiastically legal way; also to give its help and advice in the matter of estab- lishing an Academic Institution for educating young men, etc.
There assembled, as ecclesiastical members:
Ministers.
Elders.
Rhinehart Erickson
Daniel Polhemus
Place. Navesink
Benjamin Meinema
Poughkeepsie
George W. Mancius
Jacobs. Elmendorf
Kingston
Ulpianus Van Sinderen
Jan Lott
Long Island
John H. Goetschius
Hendrick Brinkerhoff
Hackensack
John C. Freyenmoet
Theodore Frielinghuysen John Leydt
Hendrick Visser Jan Heering
Tappan
David Marinus
Joh. Van Winkelen
Acquackononck
Barent Vrooman
Jacobs. Meyderse
Schenectady
Catskill
John Schuneman Thomas Romeyn
Cornelis Hoogelandt Elders from Vacant Churches.
Oysterbay, etc.
Symon Van Aersdalen
Raritans, etc.
Marbletown, etc.
Wallkill
Gravesand
The Paltz
Johannes Hardenberg Johannes Garritse Adam Lanks
Staten Island
Stone Arabia
The meeting having been opened with an edifying prayer by Rev. Theodore Frie- linghuysen, the Rev. Rhinehardt Erickson was chosen president and Rev. John Leydt, scribe.
After a thanksgiving prayer the meeting adjourned.
At 2 o'clock in the afternoon the meeting was opened with an impressive prayer by the president.
The meeting took up for further consideration the great matter and chief object, namely, a Classis and a Seminary. The personal signatures from the different churches to the document relative thereto were brought to the table. It was found to be the opinion and purpose of these churches to put these matters in operation, and to further them. In this matter, the members representing the churches, were of one mind, with the exception of Rev. Mancius and his elder, and Willem Smith, elder from the Wallkill. These men were in favor of a Seminary; and also of a Classis, provided matters of business were never to be decided by a mere majority of votes; but, in case of there being no unanimity, the matter must be referred to the Synod, etc. To all the other members this point seemed to be unecclesiastical. Thereupon these men left the Assembly.
The previous questions having been decided, the question was discussed as to how these matters should be presented to the Synod. It was resolved to do this through a delegate provided with proper instructions and credentials. Rev. Theo- dore Frielinghuysen was chosen as such delegate, by a unanimous vote. A paper was drawn up and signed by the Assembly, for defraying, in part, Rev. Frieling- huysen's traveling expenses.
Rev. Frielinghuysen, while declaring himself disposed to serve this Assembly, and the Church in general, in this matter, stated certain difficulties with reference to his own congregation. The Assembly, well understanding the precious and tender relation existing between ministers and their congregations, declared that it had no desire ever to bring about any misunderstanding or any kind of separation; but, on the contrary, it would always heartily seek to preserve such relationships in every way, and have them grow richer in love. It was, therefore, by no means the wish of the Assembly that his Revs. congregation should be entirely deprived of service during the time of his Revs. absence across the sea; but, if it should meet with its approval, that congregation should, as far as possible, be supplied by the brethren.' Whereupon his Rev. gave answer in the affirmative, [that he would go]. But, to meet further conditions, a committee was appointed, consisting of Revs. Fryemoet,
81
Joris Brinkerhoff Joh. Daeken
( Schralenburg Minnesink
Albany
New Brunswick, etc.
Samuel Verbryck
Jacob Hoornbeek Willem Smith Roelof Terhune
3548
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1755
Marinus, Vrooman and Leydt, and the elder Fisher, to draw up petitions, instruc- tions and credentials.
. After thanksgiving the Assembly adjourned to meet again at 10 o'clock the next morning.
Wednesday Forenoon, May 28.
The Meeting having been opened with prayer, a messenger brought in a letter from Rev. Ritzema, which was addressed to the Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen. Enclosed therewith was a protest from Rev. Haaghoort against this Conference, as to whatever it might do now, or at any time hereafter; also another from Paramus, signed likewise by himself, the minister being absent. Accompanying these [pro- tests] was another also from the so-called Trustees of Hackensack and Schralenburg.
A paper, however, was now read, declaring that it was the purpose [of the mem- bers] of this Assembly, both now and hereafter, to act in unison, in promoting and keeping up the interest in these matters about a Classis and a Seminary, etc. This was approved and signed by the [members of the] Assembly.
After thanksgiving the meeting adjourned.
Afternoon.
The Meeting was opened with prayer. The question was then further discussed, as to how the delegate, who might be sent on this business to Holland, could be most surely and satisfactorily compensated for his trouble, or, at least, guaranteed against loss. It was agreed that, besides the traveling expenses, the promise be made to Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen, that, on his return home, he should receive such compensation as the success of the cause, and our ability resulting therefrom, should warrant, according to the reasonable judgement of this Assembly. In this action both the Assembly and Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen acquiesced.
Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen was still somewhat anxious about the feeling of his church. It was, therefore, resolved that, in the name of this Assembly, an earnest and friendly letter should be written to the Consistory of Albany, requesting them to consent to his Revs. going across the sea, although he was their minister; for it would be done with the expectation of their enjoying his ministry again on his return. The letter should give the reasons, at the same time, why the Assembly gave his Rev. the preference over others, and why it would be right for him to accept, and for them to consent. It should also declare its purpose that their congregation should by no means be left without service.
Thereupon certain matters were committed to different brethren: such as the drawing up a petition to the Synod of Holland; preparing a subscription list, etc .; also to request Revs. John Ritzema and Lambertus de Ronde to attend the extra session of the Coetus, which is to be shortly called etc .; also a request that the special scribe would bring the Minute Book of the Coetus, its papers, etc. As for the rest of the absent members, Revs. G. Haaghoort, J. Schuyler and B. Van der Lynden, they could not now be informed [of this suddenly called meeting of the Coetus. ]
Inasmuch as grave complaints had been brought forward by Revs. Benjamin Meynema, John H. Goetschius and U. Van Sinderen, and the holding of an extra session, of the Coetus was strongly urged, because the matters could not brook delay; and inasmuch as the Assembly heartily desired to prevent further mischief, and to heal, if possible, that which might already have been caused; and inasmuch as there was a sufficient number of the members of the Coetus present: the request was granted, and a Coetus was called to assemble the next morning, May 29th, at 9 o'clock, at the house of Neys Hegeman, in New York.
Hereupon the meeting adjourned.
[Extra Session of the Coetus. ] Thursday, Forenoon, May 29.
The Meeting was opened with prayer. It was to act as an extra session of the Coetus. The former president and scribe [of Sept. 19, 1754, Ritzema and Verbryck] were elected to take again their respective offices.
3549
1755
At this Meeting there was present:
Rev. R. Erickson
B. Meanima
U. Van Sinderen
J. H. Goetschius
Hendrick Brinkerhoff
Johan Decker
Johs. Heering
Johs. Van Winkelen
60
At the request and desire of the following ecclesiastical persons, the Assembly consented that they should become members; and they became such by signing their names:
Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen, elder
Barent Vrooman
Jacobus Meynerse
Johannes Schuneman
" Thomas Romeyn
Cornelis Hoogland
From Vacant Churches.
elder Simon Van Aersdaalen
Jacob Hoornbeek
Roelof Terheune
Johannes Hardenbergh
66 Johannes Garritse
66 Adam Lancks
The answer from the New York ministers was then brought in. Revs. Erickson and Leydt reported: that Rev. Ritzema had said that he must consider this mecting of the Coetus illegal, etc. and, therefore, would not attend it; neither would he bring the Coetus Minute Book and papers. When pressed with reasons, he asked that the matter be urged no further. Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen reported: that Rev. de Ronde had said that he would have attended the meeting, if the communi- cation of the New York Consistory had not been sent to the Classis; now an answer had to be first awaited. Revs. Menima and Freyenmoet, having been sent, in the name of the Coetus, to repeat the request for the Coetus Minute Book, obtained the same and brought it with them. Revs. Vrooman and Schuneman having been sent to the special Scribe, to inquire whether any Classical letters had come, addressed to the Coetus, did not find him at home, but received answer from his wife, that she did not know of any; she thought not.
The petition addressed to the Very Rev. Synod, telling of the appointment of Rev. Theodore Frielinghuysen, was approved, and received the personal signatures of the entire Assembly.
A Plan for soliciting contributions toward the establishment of an Academy was now read, approved, and declared authoritative.
After thanksgiving the Assembly adjourned, to meet again at 2:30.
Afternoon.
The Meeting was opened with prayer. Rev. J. H. Goetschius with his elder and five other members of consistory, namely, Hendrick Brinkerhoff, elder, Peter Sabriske, deacon from Hackensack, David Van Orden and Joris Brinkerhoff, elders from Schralenburg, appeared with a grievance and complaint against certain mem- bers of the aforesaid churches. They called themselves Trustees, and were sus- tained by Rev. G. Haaghoort. They had resolved to organize a new consistory in some way. This consistory had already been chosen and was on the point of being installed. An enclosed writing gave the particulars of the complaint. The com- plaint was found to be both of grave moment and of dangerous character, so that, although it could not be settled now and here, it could not bear to be postponed. So it was resolved to send a Committee thither in the name of the Coetus. As such a Committee was appointed:
Rev. J. C. Freyenmoet
J. Leydt
T. Frielinghuysen
B. Vrooman
elder Johs. Gerritse
Simon Van Aersdalen
Johs. Decker
T
?
e
ch st st
the
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
elder Daniel Polhemus
Jan Lott
J. C. Freyenmoet
J. Leydt
S. Verbryck
D. Marinus
3550
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1755
It was resolved, also, that this Committee meet at Hackensack, in the Church, on Monday, June 2, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon; and that the Trustees of Hackensack and Schralenburg, as also Rev. G. Haaghoort, their adviser [consulent], be notified, and earnestly warned against proceedings in their course; and that they be sum- moned to appear at the time and place before mentioned. Rev. B. Menima was appointed to write such a notification. The Committee is to have further instruc- tions in regard to this matter.
A proceeding of the Esopus Circle was read. The Assembly acquiesced in the action taken on the transference of Rev. B. Vrooman, and accepted the matter of Rev. Henricus Frielinghuysen for reference.
After thanksgiving the Assembly adjourned to meet in the morning at 9 o'clock.
Friday, Forenoon, May 30.
The Meeting was opened with prayer.
Rev. Menima presented a draught of the letters to be addressed to Rev. Haaghoort, the Trustees, etc., at Hackensack and Schralenburg, requesting and ordering them to appear before the Committee. The Assembly found the letters, which his Rev. had been commissioned to write, satisfactory, and authorized their transmission.
At their own request, the Messrs. Mauritius Goetschius and Henricus Frieling- huysen were permitted to come in. They presented ecclesiastical and other testi- monials, besides the calls extended to them. They requested the Coetus to aid them in securing from Holland or from the Classis of Amsterdam, the privilege of receiv- ing ordination [promotion] in this country. The elders, delegated by the churches also strongly urged the request. In view of the urgency of the reasons, the Rev. Assembly agreed to attend to this matter. As to their liberty of continuing in preaching and catechizing, in which the gentlemen before mentioned had already been engaged, that, the Rev. Assembly took for further consideration.
Report was made by the Committee, consisting of Revs. R. Erickson, A. Curtenius and D. Marinus, which, on Sept. 19, 1754, had been sent to Fishkill. The matter was taken for further consideration.
The Assembly adjourned to meet at 2:30.
Afternoon.
The Meeting, having been opened with prayer, the action of the Committee was further considered. With thanks to the gentlemen, the Assembly acquiesced with what they had done.
Rev. B. Menima had a number of complaints and grievances to present. His Rev. Had received a letter from thirty-eight persons, all members of Consistory [?] dis- charging him, and declaring themselves no longer willing to recognize him as their minister, or to pay him his salary, etc. They demanded also the Church Book, etc. and threatened to get it by law, etc. Such a procedure was unheard of, unecclesi- astical and utterly unusual. There was also a written complaint from the consis- tory, etc. It being impossible to take measures in the case at once, the Assembly, in accordance with the proposition made in the letter, agreed that Rev. Menima should have the liberty to choose a Committee for dealing with the case; either three ministers and [three] elders, or three ministers only; or more if need be, as they together shall agree upon, and as shall best serve to lead, in some way, to a reconciliation, and a good understanding. Of this proposition Rev. Menima was informed in writing, in the name of the Rev. Coetus.
At his request, Abraham Cateltas [Kateltas] now came in. He asked for an appointment as Candidate, to preach in the Dutch Churches in the English lan- guage. He showed certificates of church-membership and of a course in college studies. Upon due deliberation, answer was given to the effect that the Rev. Assembly was not in a condition to grant the request, on account of his not having a theological testimonial; and also an expression of desire from some church, [to call him], etc .; as also on account of the limitations enjoined on us by the Rev. Classis; as well as the fact that his church-membership was of too recent date.
Rev. U. Van Sinderen presented his complaint. It was chiefly this: That Rev. A. Curtenius had accepted a call of the followers of Arondeus, in some such way as the latter had done, either through the consistory, or through members, etc., against warnings and protests; that he had been also installed by Rev. Ritzema; against
t
t
3551
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1755
which the last named, too, had been warned by Rev. Van Sinderen. All this, as Rev. [Thomas] Romeyn says, has made matters worse than ever, in both Kings and Queens Counties. The Assembly decided that Rev. Curtenius shall be informed of the fact, that the Complaints are of such a nature that the Coetus will have to act on them at the proper time and place, and follow them up before the higher Assemblies.
Whereas the signing of documents, etc., and certain other matters of business pertaining to Rev. Frielinghuysen's Commission, were still unfinished, the president and scribe were, by consent of all, given power to complete that business.
It was resolved also that a Committee be appointed on the Long Island matter. As such a Committee there were appointed, Revs. B. Menima, S. Verbryck and J. Schuneman. Written instructions, duly signed, were given them. The determining of time and place, and the issuing of summons being left to them.
Revs. B. Menima and J. C. Freyenmoet, who were to return the Coetus Minute Book, were charged to request the special scribe, in the name of the Coetus, to put on record the Minutes of last year's session, and to send a copy of the same to the Classis of Amsterdam as early as possible. This he agreed to do.
After thanksgiving the Assembly adjourned in love.
Done thus in special session of Coetus, at New York, May 30, 1755.
In the name of all, Reinht. Erickson, p. t. Praeses. Joh. Leydt, p. t. Scribe.
Copia Vera collata concordat. "245. ii "
Commission of Rev. Theodore Frelinghuysen, by the Coetus, to proceed to Holland, to try to raise funds for a University for the Dutch Church. May 30, 1755. (He did not go until 1759.)
Omnibus has Literas Lecturis, Salutem in Domino. Quia expediens est, ad gloriam Dei summi numinis, salutemque generis humani conducens, in illis Terrae finibus nupere inhabitatis, SEMINARIA VERAE SOPHIAE, de- mum aequae doctrinae erigere, ut filiorum hominum sapientia, virtute, infucataque pietate imbuerentur:
Ideo nos, pas- tores, et Presbyteri Reforma- tae Ecclesiae utriusque prov- inciae, nempe Novo Eboraco, et Caesariensis in America Boreali, pacto internos uni- tate foederis, in coetu con- gregati concludimus in hisce temporibus criticis summa niti ope, in timore Dei, Acad- emiam, seminariumve plantare ad juventutem studiis destina- tam in linguis doctis, arti- bus liberalibus, scientiisque philosophicis instituendam sitque schola Prophetarum in qua juveniles Levitae, et Nazarei Dei ad sacrum minis- teriali munus in ecclesia Dei
Our Salutation in the Lord to all who may read this Letter. Inasmuch as it is expedient for the glory of God, and conducive to the salvation of men, to establish in these recently inhabited ends of the earth SEMINARIES OF TRUE PHILOSOPHY as well as of sound doctrine, that men may be imbued with the principles of human wisdom, vir- tue, and unostentatious piety : Therefore we, pastors and elders of the Re- formed Church of both provinces- viz., of New York and New Jersey, in America-being assembled in a Coe- tus, and having established an alli- ance among ourselves, do resolve in these present critical times to strive with all our energy, and in the fear of God, to plant a univer- sity or seminary for young men des- tined for study in the learned lan- guages and in the liberal arts, and who are to be instructed in the philosophical -sciences; also that it may be a school of the prophets in which young Levites and Nazarites , of God may be prepared to enter upon the sacred ministerial office in the church of God.
3552
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1755
obeundum preparentur.
Enim-
vero dum regio nostra ad huc nova est, et non tanto aere praedita est, quantum ad opus praescriptum requiritur, ideo magnopere petimus ab omnibus bene dispositis, imploramus- que eos velint nobis argenti succurrere manu dando aliquid ad promotionem magni, et max- ime necessarii operis suscepti.
Et nos delegamus, et auctoritate hisce literis munimus Reverendum Dominum Theodorum Frelinghuysen, Al- baniensis ecclesiae Reformatae Pastorem fidelissimum, peti- tionem nostram humillimam, ubicunque, Providentia Dei viam pandet, proferre, ration- es ponderosas hujus propositi plenius explicare, dona acci- pere, et in omnibus sic agere ut illi utile, et necessarium videbitur ad promotionem rei predictae; daturus fratribus unitate faederatis de omnibus accuratam rationem.
Oramus
igitur, velit Deus Omnisuffi- ciens iter suum trans Oceanum felix, et prosperum reddere, animos, et manus bene disposi- torum aperrire, et eorum dona nobis collata largiter remu- nerare in hoc, et in seculo futuro.
Actum in caetuali conven- tu nostro habito Neo Eboraco, die trigesimo mensis Maii An- no Domini Nostri Millesimo, Septingentesimo, Quisquagesimo quinto.
Ex nomine, et auctoritate totius Coetus.
Indeed, because our country is yet new, and not possess- ed of so great wealth as is required for the work prescribed, therefore we earnestly beseech all the well disposed, and implore them to be willing to help us with the power of money, by giving something for the promotion of this great and peculiar- ly necessary work which we have un- dertaken;
and we hereby delegate and do appoint, by our authority and this present instrument, the Rev. Domine Theodore Frelinghuysen, the very faithful pastor of the Reformed Church at Albany, to present our most humble petition wherever the providence of God may open up a way, and to explain more fully the weigh- ty reasons of this our proposition; to receive donations, and in all circumstances to act as may seem good to him and necessary for the furtherance of the matter above men- tioned. He will also give, in behalf of the brethren united in this alli- ance, an exact account of all things. We therefore pray that the all-suf- ficient God will give him a pleasant voyage across the ocean and a pros- perous return, and will open the hearts and the hands of the well disposed, and bountifully reward them for their gifts contributed to us, both in this world and in the world to come.
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.