USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 44
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CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Marriage with deceased wife's sister.
New York, August 25th, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. The marriage of Mr. Jacob Le Roy with his deceased wife's sister was brought up as inconsistent with laws human and divine. Thereupon the Con- sistory unanimously judged that he be denied the Lord's Supper so long as he continues in this relation; and that the Consistory make this known in the tenderest manner possible, and to the least injury of the family. The Elder, Pieter Lott shall do this.
2. (This entry is erased. See p. 358.)
Signed etc.,
J. Ritzema.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
LETTERS.
1766, Sept. 1. Art. 2. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras report that they have received a letter from Rev. Rysdyk, dated April 23, 1766, at New Hackensack, in the name of the Convention, (which tried Rev. Meyer). This body consists of the ministers Kok, at the Camp; Friemoet (Freyenmoet) at Levingstong (Living- ston Manor); and Rysdyk at (New) Hackensack, etc.
Also a letter from Rev. Meyer, dated May 20, 1766, at Kingston. xiv. 98.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Efforts to effect peace.
New York, September, 30th, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. The Consistory considering the divided state of the congregation between the so-called English and Dutch parties, and that there is a rumor spread abroad by many, to which it feels bound to pay attention, that the Consistory does not do its duty in seeking peace, to which however the Dutch party is inclined; there- fore Resolved to send two of their number to Mr. Abel Hardenbrock, with the proposal that if he be really inclined to peace, a number of suitable persons should be appointed by them in the name of the whole number, to meet with the Consistory, in order to make peace on solid grounds.
2. The persons appointed (by us) are to make Mr. Hardenbrock understand that this proposal does not come from fear on their (our) side, but only from a con- viction of the evil consequences which the announcement of the special verdict will have on the whole congregation-not peace at all, but a perpetual division, at war with that love which Christianity requires.
The Elders P. Lott, and Corn. Clopper were appointed.
Signed etc.,
Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1766
New York, October 2, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The Elders made report of their errand to Mr. Hardenbrock, to the effect that he could not trouble himself to undertake anything tending to reconciliation and union.
Signed etc.,
Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
LETTERS. 1766, Oct. 6th. Art. 2 ad 3. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras read to the Assembly a letter to Rev. Rysdyk, minister at (New) Hackensack, etc., which was approved for forwarding. xiv. 101.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Classis of Amsterdam to Rev. Isaack Rysdyck, V. D. M., at New Hakkensak, Scriba of the Assembly which censured Mr. Meyer; Oct. 6, 1766. Vol. 31, page 278. No. 166. Rev. Sir and Brother :-
We have safely received your letter as Scriba of the Conventus held at Kingston upon the case of Mr. Meyer, and the Minutes of that Meeting; also the letters of Rev. Mr. Fryenmoet, and the sald Rev. Meyer; as well as the copy of the so-called " Precepts," whereby Rev. Cock was arrested, and made to take the oath of the " Recognized Relation.".
We reply as follows :- Concerning the censure Imposed on Rev. Meyer: We have pondered the reasons whilch Induced the Rev. Assembly to censure hlm; and after mature deliberation and In the fear of the Lord, we find them of such a nature, especially when the matter Is considered in all Its relations, that they must be fully justified. Wherefore, on the request made to us by you In behalf of the Consistory of Kingston we approve the action taken by your Assembly as there held, In reference to sald censure, and ratify it with our usual seal.
Also, for the same reasons, we are of the opinion that Rev. Meyer, If he con- tinue to refuse subordination, should be removed, and another mlulster called in his place. But however that may be, Inasmuch as Rev. Meyer In other respects bas pralse In the Gospel, we would gladly see your Assembly make further efforts to bring tlils brother, under God's blessing, to the right, by holding before him the reasons of your action; that you only censure him upon the proper and continued request of the Conslstory and the majority of the members of his church; that you did It most reluctantly and with great emotion, and only for urgent reasons; on which account also we approve of it; that your brotherly affec- tion remains, of which you have given plain proofs, by requesting bls Consistory and congregation, notwithstanding the censure, to continue his salary; but that you can never take steps towards hls complete restoration, as long as he refuses subordination; and that such subordination is In harmony with his own proposals and promises formerly made to hiis Consistory, as well as consistent with his clvll oath; for Rev. Cock has taken the same oath, and yet remains subordinate.
With such arguments as these, one of our beloved brethren here, to whom Rev. Meyer has written on this subject, will endeavor, though not officially In our name, to induce lilmi to submit, so as to prevent, if possible, his removal. We
*See Doc. Hist. (4 to. ed.) III. 599, Centennial Discourses, pages 89, 90. Cock took the oath of alleglance to Great Britain on Oct. 10, 1764. A "Precept" In Eng. Law 18 a written command ; a species of Writ or Process. The "Recognized Relation" seems to mean the Relation to English Sovereignty.
1766
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
would also like to know what action the Assembly of all the North American Dutch Reformed Churches, called together by Rev. Meyer has taken in his case. We expect also, that YOU, by the grace of God, will continue to defend and sustain the established Church Order, prudently and courageously, bearing all wrongs patiently, and even doing good to your enemies.
Finally, we thank you heartily for your wished-for blessings upon us, and we hope that the same may be granted richly to yourselves, to your families and churches. May the God of all grace, who hath called you unto his eternal glory, by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile make you perfect, stablish, settle, strengthen you. To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever, Amen. Etc., etc. Wm. Vanden Brock, Praeses. A. Becol, Scriba.
In Classis, Amsterdam, Oct. 6, 1766.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, October 9th, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Twelve articles were read, to be proposed to the brethren now at variance. Upon these the Consistory is inclined to end all dispute and establish a firm and lasting peace. These were approved by the Consistory in the hope and expectation that thus the desired end would be gained. Further, Resolved that these Articles should be inserted word for word in the church-book, and that the Elders Livingston and Clopper deliver them to the opposing party.
Signed etc., Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
ARTICLES OF PEACE PROPOSED BY THE CONSISTORY TO THE " DUTCH PARTY," OCT. 9, 1766.
Articles proposed by the present Consistory of the Dutch Congregation of the City of New York to compose the dispute now existing in the Congregation.
1. The Rev. Archibald Laidlie is recognized by both parties as a minister in full communion of said church, the same as the present Dutch minister. Still he shall not have the least enjoyment or control of the church-estates given and confirmed for the support of the Dutch ministers, but shall receive his salary from the sub- scriptions which have been or hereafter shall be made for that purpose, unless the subscriptions should fall short, in which case the deficiency shall be made up out of the collections at the English service.
2. Although the church-estates given for the support of the Dutch ministers are sufficiently secured for that end by the wills of the respective testators, the Charter, and the Act of Assembly, yet every one who may hereafter be chosen to church office shall be obliged when he subscribes the book for the salary of the Dutch ministers, to bind himself that he will use none of the church estates above mentioned directly or indirectly, for the behoof of the English service.
3. The collections made as well at the English as at the Dutch service shall be alike for the support of the poor members of the congregation as customary ; and what remains over of the English collection shall be for the use of the English service.
4. The English service shall continue fixed for morning and evening in the New Church as is now usual.
5. If hereafter the English brethren shall see fit to call another minister to preach in English he must be commissioned according to the Constitution of the Church of Holland.
6. Since the Consistory regrets the present division in the congregation, and are ready on their side to remove it, and give all possible satisfaction to the opposing brethren, they agree that the so-called Dutch brethren may at the next election propose eight persons for Elders, eight for Deacons, and four for Church Masters, out of which double number the Consistory promises to choose four Elders, four
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS .
1766
Deacons, and two Church Masters to serve in the Old Church, and not be bound to change plans from the Old to the New as is now usual, but to have their freedom therein ; which persons so chosen shall every year (until it is agreed to mutual satisfaction otherwise) propose their successors to be chosen by the whole consistory in their place ; and of the Elders and Deacons so chosen, one half shall go out of office after one year's service, so as to pave the way for choosing every year one half new members of consistory, according to the old custom of this Congregation.
7. There shall always be four Elders and six Deacons, and two Church Masters for the service in the New Church, of whom one Elder, and two Deacons shall be chosen at the next election by the present Consistory ; two Elders and three Deacons shall yearly go out of office in the New Church, and an equal number of new Elders and Deacons together with the necessary Church Masters, » .all in place of the outgoing members. be proposed by the Elders and Deacons doing service there, to be chosen by the whole Consistory as in the foregoing Article ; and thus from year to year one half shall go out and be chosen, so long as it is agreed to mutual satisfaction.
S. If any Elder, Deacon, or Church Master should die before the day of annual election, whether of the Old or New Consistory, another shall be chosen in his place as is stated in Articles 6th and 7th.
9. The persons thus chosen for the Old Church and the New Church shall make one consistory in name and fact, and be one body according to the Charter, and the Act of Assembly concerning our congregation ; and further, all new Consistories shall be alike ordained in one church, and by one form, as always hitherto lias been the case.
10. The election and nomination of new Consistories shall always be, and remain in the Ruling Consistory, as has always been customary, according to the Constitu- tion of our church.
11. The suit brought against the Consistory by Mr. Abel Hardenbrock strait cease, and all discord and strife be forgotten, and brotherly love and affection take their place.
12. Since there has been much dispute in the Dutch churches of this land con- cerning the Assemblies known as Coctus, and Conferentie, with which this Congre- gation hitherto has had nothing to do, and since it must undoubtedly be for the advantage of the Congregation not to join with either, the Consistory, proposes to the brethren to agree that this Congregation, together with domine Laidlie, shall stand aloof from said Assembly and recognize no one as Competent Judge over it except the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and that on the same footing as this congre- gation stood upon before Coctus or Conferentie was thought of, in order thus to ward off the quarreis, disputes and divisions which abound elsewhere. Still it is not meant by this to hinder the Dutch ministers of this congregation from attending the Assembly to which they already belong, since that is marked as an Assembly subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam.
Signed etc. Lambertus De Ronde, p. t. President.
ARTICLES OF PEACE PROPOSED BY THE DUTCH PARTY TO' THE CONSISTORY, OCT. 15, 1766.
Articles presented by Jakobus Stoutenberg, Huybert van Wagenen, Jno. Harden- brock and Van Geiden appointed by that part of the Dutch congrega- tion of the City of New York, which calis itself Dutch, for the reunion of the same.
1. Domine Archibald Laidlie must receive his salary from the subscriptions which have been, or shall be made, and shall have no enjoyment or control of the church properties given for the support of the Dutch ministers or poor members, determined by the respective wills, Charter, and Acts of Assembly and Confirmnation, to which use said properties shail always be applied, so far as shaff or may be necessary.
2. The English minister shall not meddle with any disputes, if such there be, of the Dutch brethren, nor the Dutch ministers with those of the English brethren ; nor shall the English minister sit as Preeses when any matter touching the Dutch
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1766
brethren is handled, nor the Dutch minister, when a matter belongs to the English brethren is handled.
3. Domine Laidlie shall bind himself not to depend upon or claim a right to the succession appointed by the Charter, to which also any minister hereafter called to preach in English shall bind himself, and such minister must have a commission like the Dutch ministers, according to the Constitution and direction of the Synod of Dort.
4. The English service shall be limited to the New Church, morning and evening, as usual, and the Dutch minister shall occupy the afternoon.
5. The collections' in both services shall be for the support of the poor members as usual, a like sum for each; and what remains of the Dutch collection shall be for the Dutch service, and the overplus of the English collection for the English service.
6. The Dutch schools and catechizings shall be restored.
7. There shall always be in the Old Church and in the New an equal number of Elders, Deacons and Church Masters, one half of whom shall go out every year, and the names of their successors proposed by the Dutch brethren to the Ruling Consis- tory for their consent and approval to serve in the Old Church ; and in like manner shall be done by the English brethren for the service in the New church; which persons so proposed for the Old Church, and the New shall always be nominated and approved by the Ruling Consistory ; and the Elders and Deacons thus nominated shall together with those already in office make one Consistory in name and fact, and one body according to the Charter of the Congregation. Yet this nomination shall not be by the appearance in person of all the members of the church but by a committee, by a subscription of said members, made, or from time to time, to be made, for the purpose.
8. If any of said Elders, Deacons, or Church Masters, whether for the Old Church or the New, shall die before the day of the annual election, the Ruling Consistory shall appoint a day to put another in his place in the same manner as aforesaid.
9. The newly chosen Consistory as well for the Old Church, as the New, shall be ordained in like manner, and with one form in the Old Church.
10. The suit brought against the Consistory by Abel Hardenbrock shall cease, and all means be used to remove all strife and discord, in the hope to replace them by the former love and unity.
Thus done in our Assembly, October 15th, 1766.
Huybert van Wagenen. CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Possibilities of Peace.
New York, October 16, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The ten Articles signed by Huybert van Wagenen were presented. The Consistory lacked time to consider them properly, (since the period for the election was just at hand,) and so gave a satisfactory reply to the brethren ; but they saw that if they were compared with the twelve presented by them to the brethren, it was possible for a suitable number of moderate brethren to hit upon an accommodation, and they therefore requested that the negotiation for peace might not be broken off by the election which must now be had, but undertaken anew when the election was over.
Signed,
Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
ELECTION OF NEW CONSISTORY ACCORDING TO USAGE AND THE CHARTER BY THE OLD CONSISTORY.
New York, October 16th, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The following were chosen in place of the outgoing members; Elders : Pieter Marschalk, Cornelius Bogart, Theodorus Van Wyck. Deacons: Gerrit Abeel, Isaac
114
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1766
Roosevelt, Nicholas Bogart, Adrian Bancker, Jr., Gerrit Rapalye, Jakob Durye. Church Masters : Jno. Anthony, Jeremiah Brower. Whereupon the Consistory went into the church and read the following to the entire assembly of both parties.
" The Consistory are entirely of opinion that they have an incontrovertibie right according to the Constitution of the church to nominate and elect their successors unhindered according to oid usage, the Charter and the Act of Assembly ; but since at present an action has been brought against the Consistory, disputing their right as above mentioned, and we are informed that some of the members of the Congre- gation intend on this day to vote for new members of Consistory, contrary to the above stated usage, etc. : therefore the Consistory will not hinder such members as think they have a voice in the election, from giving their votes, although they abso- lutely deny that the members of the congregation have any such right of election, but claim in every respect such right for themselves, for the reasons aforesaid."
Whereon the votes were taken in the presence of two Notaries, and it was found that by far the majority of members gave their approval to the election of the Consistory, and so the above named were recognized in the offices to which they had been nominated, and chosen, and subsequently were ordained.
New York, October 21st, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
It was resolved to take up another £500. to complete the Old Church, and the matter was committed to the care of Elders Cornelius Clopper and Jus. Brevoort, and the Deacon, Evert Bancker.
Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
QUEEN'S COLLEGE-FIRST CHARTER, NOV. 10, 1766.
First Charter of Queen's College is dated Nov. 10. 1766. This is referred to in various documents and letters, and a copy of it was sent to Holland ; but it does not seem to be on record at Trenton. N. J. neither was a copy found in the Archives at Amsterdam, when these were thoroughly searched in 1807-8. Yet copies must be in existence somewhere. A careful study and comparison of the allusions to this Charter, in these documents, and the Charter of May 20, 1770, may be suggestive. See April 4, 1767 .- E. T. Corwin.
PETITION FOR A CHARTER FOR THE DUTCH CHURCHES OF MARBLE- TOWN, ETC., IN ULSTER COUNTY. Nov. 11, 1766.
To HIIs Excellency Sir Henry Moore, Baronet, Captain General and Governor in Chief of the Province of New York and the Territories thereon depending in America, Vice Admiral of the same etc., etc.
In Council.
The l'etition of Dirk Romeyn. Minister of the Churches of Marbletown Rochester and Wawarsink in Uister County ; Jacob Haasbrouck, Solomon Van Wagenen and Levi Pauling. Eiders of Marbletown ; Abraham Konstable, Hendrick Smith, Fred- erick Shorter and Cornellus Tack, Jr., Deacons of Marbletown ; and Johannes Smith and Hrle Tack, Kirk-Masters of Marbletown ; Nicolas Keter. Jacob Hoornbeek, Dirk Hoornbeek & Ellas Depuy, Eiders of Rochester ; Frederick Shenigh, Isaiah Robinson, Cornelius Oosterhoudt and Benjamin Merkell, Deacons of Rochester ; Lodewyck Schoonmaker and Jacobus Bush, Jr., Kirk-Masters of Rochester ; Johannes Gerardus Hardenbergh and Johannes Bevier, Elders of Wawarsink ; Stephen Dewitt and John Egbertse Dewitt, Deacons of Wawarsink ; and Andries Bevier and Benjamin Bevier, Kirk-Masters of Wawarsink.
Humbly Sheweth
That this Province was originally settled by Emigrants from the United Provinces subject to the States General in Europe, many of whom set themselves down in the said County of Ulster, and their Descendants have long since planted the Churches abovenamed, and have decent Edifices, in which the worship of God is carried on according to the Usages of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Churches of the United Provinces in Europe.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4075 1766
That the said Churches of Marbletown, Rochester and Wawarsink each enjoy small Real Estates given by well disposed Persons for the Maintenance of the Wor- ship of God, and the members of the same being unable at present to support more than one Minister thro' the Discouragement to farther Benefactions for want of Corporate Powers to hold Estates to pious uses & preserve and hand them down to Posterity secure against any secular Applications of the same; And being very desirous of the privilege of an Incorporation so often granted to Episcopal Churches and other Dutch Churches of their Perswasion both in this and the Province of New Jersey
Your Petitioners who Appeal with the utmost Confidence to the whole Govern- ment for the Fidelity and Loyalty of the People of their Perswasion, most humbly pray your Excellency to grant them His Majesty's Letters Patent under the Great Seal of this Province creating them a Body politic and Corporate in Deed and in Name by the Name and Style of The Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Reformed Protestant United Dutch Churches of Marbletown, Rochester and Wawarsink; and that they and their Successors may thereby be enabled to acquire and hold a com- petent Real Estate and injoy such other Power and Privileges as may be necessary for the pious Purposes aforesaid nearly similar to those granted to the Low Dutch Protestants of the Cities of New York and Albany, and Townships of Kingston and Schenectady and other Places to be specified in a Draft of a Charter which they beg leave hereafter to present-Or that Your Excellency would be pleased to grant them such other aid in the Prosecution of the laudable Design abovementioned as to your Excellency shall seem meet. And your Petitioners presuming upon the wisdom, Generosity & Impartiality of the Government under which they live will ever pray, etc.
D. Romeyn, Minister r On Behalf of Themselves Levi Pawling Jacob Hornbeek Johannis Bevier
7 New York, 11th November, 1766.
I the rest of the Peti- tioners by whom they are impowered.
-Doc. Hist. N. Y. Vol. iii. pp. 600, 601.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Publication of Banns. Record of Baptisms. The Organ. Psalm Book.
New York, November 24th, 1766.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. Mention was made of several irregularities which frustrate the true design of the publication of bans in our church. Wherefore the Consistory thought proper that hereafter no one shall be proclaimed in our church, unless there be first a proper request made or the marriage be lawfully entered upon with consent of parents, guardians or friends ; and further that none be announced twice in one day, but on three successive Sundays and if it be necessary, during the week, and that only, of such persons as belong, either the man or the women to our congrega- tion. A copy of this shall be given to each minister.
2. Also to each clerk shall be given a copy of the order that he shall record no children, unless the father or the mother, or at least one of the witnesses present at the baptism be a member of our congregation.
3. Since on the 20th and 21st of November the organ in the Old Church was robbed of some pipes, the fact shall be stated in the newspapers, and a reward of £20. offered for the discovery of the robber that he may be brought to justice.
4. Domine Ritzema shall write a letter to Mr. Jacob Goelet, declining his pro- posal in the most courteous way, and promising as soon as our Psalm-book is printed, to present him with one or two copies.
Signed,
J. Ritzema, loco praesidis.
1
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1766
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
LETTERS.
1766, Dec. 2nd. Art. 5. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras have received the following letters.
One from Kingston, dated August 13, 1766, signed by Frymoet and Kok; and one dated August 21, 1766, signed by Meyer. xiv. 102.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Publication of 1800 Psalm Books, with Music; and Liturgy. New York, December 8th, 1766. Consistory held after calling on God's name.
It was agreed with Mr. Breestede that he should finish the Inside work of the Old Church to the satisfaction of the Conslstory for the sum of £60. New York currency.
Signed etc., Arch. Laidlie, p. t. President.
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