USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 50
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4111
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1767
been for eighty three years, or since the year 1767, the silent witness of the growth of New Amsterdam, having long remained among the few relics of her past insignificance.
It was the oldest church edifice in the city, and the congregation originally worshiping in it for a long time flourished under the powerful preaching of the learned Mr. John Christopher Kunz, D. D. It was then known as the "Swamp Church," being situated in a marshy district, (now at the junction of William and Frankfort-streets, east of French's Hotel) and in the region of the "Tan Yards." The foundation stones will be removed in a few days, when it is expected that sundry manuscripts, coins, etc., will be brought to light, forming interesting objects for antiquarian research. Beneath its walls is a large vault, in which were formerly entombed the remains of a number of officers and privates attached to the Hessian army, who fell during the Revolutionary War. History speaks of them as having been buried in their regimentals, with their side-arms, etc., with much pomp and circumstance. They were disinterred, however, some years since, at the same time that the remains of the dead were removed from the old grave-yard which existed in the rear of the church. The " Old Dutch Church " is hallowed by many other interesting associations.
Of late years it has sadly fallen from its former high estate. Since it was vacated by its original occupants, it has been used as a place of worship by a society of colored people, then as an auction house, and lastly as a stable. Its venerable galleries, where once listened the faithful worshippers, were stored with provender, the under portion serving as stalls for horses. The whole has now been tumbled into ruins, and from the site is to rise speedily a large hotel .- N. Y. Journal of Commerce, Dec. 23, 1850.
The Rev. Dr. Kunze, mentioned in the above article, died on 24th July, 1807, aged sixty three years .- Greenleaf's History of the New York Churches.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Building a Third Church.
New York, Feb. 22nd, 1768.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
It was unanimously resolved that the roof of the Third Church, should be laid with tile, and as there is now a good opportunity to obtain them, that they should be immediately bought.
Signed etc.,
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
New York, March 31st, 1768.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
It was proposed to the Consistory to take up Two Thousand Pounds on inter- est, to complete the Third Church. Whereupon a calculation was made how this sum, with the interest from time to time, could be paid. The Consistory were satisfied that it could be discharged in six years. They therefore resolved to borrow £1500 at 6 per cent, which is all that was judged necessary for this year. The Proposal and calculation ran thus, verbatim:
1. A subscription is made amounting to £4000.
2. There is an order of Consistory that, of the collections made at the English service, the Deacons shall appropriate only one half to the alms for the support of the poor members and also to the expenses belonging especially to that service; and the overplus shall be used to pay for the aforesaid Church. This surplus by close computation amounts to £260 yearly.
3. When the Church is completed, there will be another English service be- sides the present, and the collections at that will yield at least £100 more.
4. When the church is completed, the seats will be taxed at a proper yearly rent, which will make an income of at least £250.
5. That the first year's rent of the seats be offered at vendue to the highest bidder, in order to obtain possession, and this first year's rent be immediately paid, by which at least £500. can be raised.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1768
It was further resolved to make out a bond for the sum to Mr. John Van der Spiegel; and that Mr. Isaac Roosevelt should receive the money.
Mrs. Verivey was received as a poor member according to a resolution of Con- sistory made July 21st, 1767.
Signed etc.,
Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE CHARTERED SOCIETY FOR SURI- NAM, MARCH 25, 1768. VOL. 31, PAGE 295, No. 179.
To Their Very Hon. Messrs. Directors of the Incorporated Soclety of Surinam :-
Whereas there has been put into our hands, as Deputies of Foreign Affairs for the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, a certain missive from the Governor and Civil Councils at Surinam, with accompanying documents, for our Inspection and examl- nation, and to serve your Honorables with our deliberation and advice:
We, the undersigned, have, after previous consultation with Mr. Secretary Van Abeel, for our enilghtenment on certain to us otherwise unknown resolutions, cir- cumstances or occasions, and communication with, and approval from the Rev. Classis-the honor, respectfully to give your Honorables our deliberations and judgment (salvo mefiori) on the aforesaid letter and its severni and particular articles.
1. In relation to the Resointion of the Court, of Jan 7, 1692, concerning a certain present for the first minister's son born in that country, as also the Resolution of Feb. 13, 1758, in regard to furnishing a slave for each parsonage, both of which It is now contemplated to annui: we have reasons to think that it would be best, if those resolutions continued in force, so ns ruther to encourage capable ministers by such presents.
2. In regard to restoring the Don. Gratuit. in case a minister wants to be dis- charged from his service within the time of four years, we judge that that would be the falrest thing to do; because such an engagement for service in the Foreign Churches ought to be fixed not merely for four years, but rather for six, In order to avold putting the churches to so many Inconveniences, troubles and expenses.
3. As to the further matter, that the State Houses (landshulsen) which at present serve as parsounges, should be sold, and, as an offset, the ministers allowed for salary, honse rent, etc., nothing excepted, once for all-the first two years two thousand Duteh florIns, the two following years two thousand, two hundred Dutch florins, and after that two thousand, five hundred Dutch florins, each year-we have to advise that such un annual salary would indeed be sufficient and profitable; but we do wish, for more than one reason, that, since those parsonages are there now anyway, they might as well continue to be used ns such hereafter; provided the ministers at Paramaribo might, besides the said personages, have the benefit also of the above mentioned salarles.
4. As to whether, when a minister comes to die, leaving behind a widow, the latter should have the full salary for the year in which the minister's death occurs, we think that it is understood, or ought to be understood, that it Is a year and six weeks after the death of the minister, generally called "a year of grace", as Is customary In this country.
5. The fixing of the salary for the widows at 500 Dutch florins a year is very good; only we take the liberty of suggesting to your Honorables, if it might not be well and for the advantage of unfortunate widows, If they were permitted to live on the said salary elsewhere, in their Fatherland, or wherever they pleased; seeing that for many of them It would be exceedingly Inconvenient, for the sake of enjoy- Ing the use of this salary, to be obliged to continue their residence nt Surinam, the land of their pilgrimage.
6. That the minister, whom the Court locates at the River should have 800 florins less than one at Paramaribo; as an offset to which he would have the use of the parsonage with the slaves belonging to It; if we suppose that the ministers at Paramaribo stili continue to enjoy, besides their salaries, the free use of the par- sonages, we take it to be a difference altogether too great. It might be a more proper arrangement to let the River ministers have 300 florins less than those at Paramaribo.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1768
7. Having understood that, in the Rev. Consistory at Paramaribo, frequent dis- sensions and quarrels have been occurring between the Dutch and French Churches, we feel very sorry for that; and we do wish that the brethren there would live together in unity, peace and love, for the edification of the church and in order that the name of the Lord may not be blasphemed among the heathen. We have great reason to fear, however, that that offense will not be removed, if, as the Governor and the Councils request, those two Consistories were separated and remained combined in the yearly convention only. The Rev. Classis cannot well give its consent to that, fearing, as it does, that at any time such a plan may have bad results. It looks strange to us also, if such a separation is thought to be an efficient means for stopping dissentions and offenses, that neither the Dutch nor the Walloon part of the Consistory has made any proposition or request in regard to it. We should like to get their judgment on the matter first. What further keeps us back from giving our approval or consent, are the complaints and accusations of the Rev. Convention of Surinam against Rev. Suquens on account of excessive offenses of various kinds. We are most inclined to think that, were Rev. Suquens cor- rected and his offenses removed, the dissensions and quarrels in the combined Consistories would come to an end.
8. Finally, as regards the complaints of the Rev. Coetus Deputatus about the Lutheran minister, Zegerquist, on account of his baptizing children who do not by rights belong to his church, etc. as also on account of his instructing and receiv- ing as members, young people who have not yet come to years of judgment or dis- cretion, and who can in no way be reckoned as belonging to the Lutheran church :- such a thing looks to us like a bold intrusion or undermining of the right of the Reformed Church.
The reasons advanced by the said Rev. Convention, for checking such excessive license by royal Edict and for securing some fixed regulation, appear to us well- founded and fair. We, therefore, join in the wish expressed in their request, that for preventing further bad consequences, conformably to the Edict of the country, certain stipulations may be made by your Honorables and sent to the Rev. Con- sistory of Paramaribo, for their guidance in such cases as that of whch they now complain. For certainly, cases like this are usually of such a nature that they increase and grow worse from time to time, especially when in addition, as is intimated in the inference of the Rev. Coetus, it becomes a point of honor and greatness to have one's children baptized at one's house-which can be done among the Lutherans, but is, according to Church Order, not permitted among the Reformed; and the interest in religion on the part of many grows very much less from time to time.
We have the honor also hereby to make the observation that their High Mighti- nesses, according to their great wisdom and foresight concerning evil consequences in such cases, have in the year 1651, for the maintenance of the true Christian Reformed Religion, taken this action, reading-that the sects and denominations, which are excluded from the public protection, and are simply tolerated, shall, during such toleration, be kept in perfect order and quiet, under rules against all excesses; and that henceforth they shall be allowed in no other places than where they at present exist.
The undersigned think that herewith they have, as well as they could, answered your Honorable's good intentions.
Adrianus Becol, V. D. M. Amst. Deput. Classis ad res exteras, h. t. Praeses. Wilh. Koolhaas, V. D. M. Amst. Deput. Classis ad res exteras, h. t. Scriba.
March 25, 1768.
WILLIAM LIVINGSTON TO REV. SAMUEL COOPER, MARCH 28, 1768. IN REFERENCE TO BISHOPS IN AMERICA.
Dear Sir :-
I am glad to hear that Dr. Chauncey has undertaken an answer to Dr. Chandler's Appeal. As the latter began already to construe our silence on the subject into
4114
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1768
an acquiescence in his project, it is bigh time the appeal was answered. But though your venerable brother may strip our Episcopalian champion of his tri- umphai trappings, I think It cannot have the same salutary effect towards defeat- ing the scheme at home as a course of weekly papers inserted in the public prints. These are almost universally read, and from greater latitude one may there give himself, will prove more effectual in alarming the colonies. For I take It that clamour is at present our best policy, and that if the country can be animated against it, our superiors at home will not easily be induced to grant so arrogant a claim, at the expense of the public tranquillity. With this view a few of your friends here have lately begun a paper under the name of the American Whig, which they purpose to carry on tlii it has . an universal alarm. A num- ber of gentlemen will shortly open the ball in Philadelphia. I should be so glad the same measure was pursued in Boston Without some such opposl- tion, I am apprehensive the ministry may be prevailed upon to gratify the lawn- sleeves by way of recompense for so often voting against their conscience for the court.
As this country is good enough for me, and I have no notion of removing to Scotland, whence my ancestors were banished by this set of men, I cannot without terror reflect on a bishop's setting his foot on this continent. Pray, my dear sir, bestir yourself at this critical jnnetnre, and heip us to ward off this ecclesiasticai stamp-act, which. If submitted to, will at length grind us to powder.
I beg your acceptance of the enclosed (the letter to the Bishop of Liandaff), which I wrote out of reni affection for the New England colonies, and a sincere regard for truth. Dr Chauncey had, 'tis true, so fully refuted the bishop's calumnies that anything further might weil have been dispensed with. But I thought he had treated that hanghty preiate rather too tenderly, and that he deserved a little severer correction.
I must, dear sir, repeat my earnest solleltations that you exert yourself in this Interesting canse. We are debtors to our country-debtors to posterity-but, above ali, debtors to Him who will not suffer a competitor in the supremey of the church.
I am, dear sir,
Your most affectionate friend, and humble servant, Willlam Livingston.
-Sedgewick's Life of Win. Livingston. pp. 136-8.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
Proposition in regard to the restoration of union in the Churches of New York.
1768, April 11th. Art. 4. The Rev. Kulenkamp proposed to the Assembly whether it were not expedient to appoint a special Committee, to examine the documents which have reference to the Church of New York, and to see if some plan can not be formu- lated for the betterment of that Church, and the restoration of its connection with ours. This he urged for several reasons and cer- tain circumstances.
This proposition was approved, and the Rev. Depp. ad res Ex- teras were invited to prepare such a plan. To them were added the Rev. Kulenkamp, Longueville, and Buurt. xiv. 145.
4115
1768
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
LETTERS FROM NEW YORK.
Art. 7. The Rev. Kessler read a letter from New York con- taining principally the following:
The minister John Michael Kern, and the elders of a German church at New York, address themselves to the Classis of Amster- dam, to which they subject themselves. They ask for some as- sistance, inasmuch as they have become involved in heavy debt. This has occurred first, by the purchase of a building for worship; afterward, by alterations; and finally when that building became quite dilapidated, by the erection of a new church building. This debt even yet after taking up a collection ostiatim [?] at New York, which brought six hundred pounds, amounts to thirteen hundred and fifty one pounds. The church complains also that it can scarcely support their pastor ; and that their alms are devoured by the interest on the debt-capital. This letter was handed to the Depp. ad res Exteras, with the request to bring in a pre-advice at the next Classis. xiv. 147.
REV. SAMUEL COOPER TO WILLIAM LIVINGSTON, APRIL 18, 1768. IN REFERENCE TO BISHOPS IN AMERICA. THE AMERICAN WHIG.
Dear Sir :-
I intended to have wrote you largely, but Miss Bradford, the lady who is so kind as to take the charge of my packet, setting out sooner than I expected, I have only time to acknowledge the receipt of your very friendly letter and the pamphlet that accompanied it, for which I returned you my warm thanks. I was highly pleased when I found you engaged in this public service, by the advertise- ment of your letter in the New York paper, and have been more so in reading it. The whole is clear and animated, and the New England colonies are much indebted to you for so handsome a vindication. I ... ... . for the Bishop of Llandaff, and wonder the missionaries do not blush for themselves, when it so clearly appears that by their false
and gross misrepresentations, they have so greatly abused their superiors, and led them to expose themselves to all the.
You have treated his lordship as I have wished to see him treated upon this occasion-not indecently, but with spirit and manly freedom.
You are not alone in your opinion of Doctor Chauncey's performance. The Doctor, however, deserves well. His heart is engaged in the cause, and he has a clear head .. .
I have been much entertained with what I have read of the American Whig, and am glad to find our friends at New York exerting themselves in this important controversy with so much spirit, and to so good effect; your plan and execution of it, so far as I have seen, is well adapted to rouse and awaken; the alarm spreads, and I hope will be soon universal. There are but few of the laity of the Church of England among us who really wish to see a bishop in America, and the ministry must be infatuated to introduce a new ecclesiastical power here, at such
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1763
a distance from the check of the throne; a power that the ... .authority has always found so hard to control and keep within bounds, not easily attempered to the original constitution of any of the colonies, and directly opposite to some of them, and greatly heighten the difficulties attending the administration of them already. Chandler and the Episcopal ciergy are utterly mistaken in thinking the present a favorable season for opening their pian; they could not have hit upon one more unpromising to their cause; and myself that the appeal, contrary to the design of its author and friends, will have some happy influence towards estabilshing civil and religious liberty in the colonles. How it is with you I cannot say, but among us, I think I can already discern some such effect.
The American Whig, could it be pubilshed in our papers, considering what Dr. Chauncey has wrote, would render such a work among ourselves altogether unneces- sary. But this, though the printers are ready to do it, and many eagerly desirous of It, cannot be obtained. Mr. Parker, who I am toid has the control of the post- office, has given his mandate against it, and threatened our printers that if they presume to publish any part of that paper, they shall have nothing conveyed to them by the post, without paying the postage. This appears to me a very extraordinary measure: and discovers, with a witness, what our poor America is Ilkeiy more and more to feci, the insolence of office. This has disgusted people here, and wlii dls- appoint his design of enlarging the number of his subscribers among us
I am, sir, With much affection and esteem, Your obedient humble servant, Samuel Cooper. -Sedgewick's Life of William Livingston, pp. 138-140.
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. MAY 2,
176S.
Letter, with Acta Synodi, to be sent to St. Eustatius.
There was read, by the Deputies ad Res Exteras, a letter to be sent with the (Acta of the) Synod of North Holland, to St. Eustatius ; which was approved.
PLAN FOR THE REUNION OF THE CHURCHES IN NEW NETHERLAND. HOW IT CAME TO BE DEVISED.
By the same Deputies to whom, in this matter, were added Revs. Kulenkamp, Longueville and Buurt, was also iald upon the table a pre-advice, concerning the most suitable means whereby the churches of New Netherland, under God's blessing, may be preserved, both as regards the simpie Confession of the Truth, and adher- ence to the Netherland Church Order; and the extreme schisms and dissensions removed out of the way so far as possible. Thereupon it was resolved by the Rev. Classis, to let the pre-advice ile over, for the inspection of all the members, for a month, in order to dellberate on It more fully at the ensuing Classis in June ; and, provisionally, notice shall be given hereof to those churches in a letter.
Voi. xxiv. 110?
SUSPENSION OF REV. WARMOLDUS KUYPERS, BY THE GOVERNOR AND CONSISTORY OF THE ISLAND OF CURACOA.
Further, there appeared in the meeting Rev. Warmoidus Kuypers, minister on Curacoa. He complained of a sentence pronounced against him, by the Governor and Consistory there. By this, as is stated in the minutes of that Consistory, and by reason of multiplied complaints, as well as about his evll conduct testified to under oath, he was suspended ; yet in fact, he was absolutely (plenarie) deposed. He
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4117 1768
handed in therewith copies of the accusations brought in against him, and also several declarations which are in his favor. This case was placed by the Rev. Assembly in the hands of the Deputies ad Res Exteras, in order to render them a pre-advice at the ensuing Classis in June.
Vol. xiv. 111 ?
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
CHURCHES OF NEW YORK.
1768, May 2nd. Art. 3 ad 4. By the Committee ad hanc causam a report (pre-advice) was read. It was resolved to thank the Messrs. Committee for their great pains, and to leave that paper (their report) sealed, in the care of the sexton, so that each member may read it and may give his advice upon it at the next classis. Then a resolution shall be adopted in regard to it. xiv. 148.
LETTER TO REV. KERN OF NEW YORK.
Art. 4. ad Art. 7. To the letter of Rev. Kern, whose contents were given at the Classis of April 11, 1768, No. 7, a reply was read written by Rev. Kessler in the name of Classis. This was approved. xiv. 148.
(WARMOLDUS KUYPERS. )
Art. 5. Rev. Warmoldus Kuypers minister on the isle of Curocoa, complains that he had been suspended by the Consistory of Curacoa. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras read extracts from the papers which the said Rev. Kuypers had submitted to them in reference to this matter. They report that the Consistory had given no account thereof to them; that they had written to the Consistory of Curacoa last year for a report regarding the con- duct of Rev. Kuypers; that they had also conversed with several people who had come from Curacoa, and who testified that, while many were against Rev. Kuypers, yet many also gave excellent testimony in his behalf. In the letter which the Consistory of Curacoa had written to the Depp. of February 5, 1768, they give no explanation of this affair, but state only that they have re- ported it to the Messrs. Directors.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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1768
The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras are thanked for the great trouble they have already expended on this case, and they were requested to confer further about it with representative Directors; and to make it clear to them how such conduct of a Consistory in sum- marily suspending a minister, would make it very difficult ever again to secure a preacher for Curacoa. They were further to investigate what accusations are brought against this minister, and then to make further report to Classis, whether there is proof concerning them, or whether they are unfounded, etc. xiv. 148.
ANGELICAN CHURCH AT ALBANY.
Petition of the Rector etc. of St. Peter's Church for a Charter. May 18, 1768.
To His Excellency Sir Henry Moore, Baronet Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province of New York and the Territories thereon depending and Chan- cellor of the same etc.
The Petition of the Minister Church Wardens and Vestry of Saint Peters Church In the City of Albany.
Humbly Sheweth
That His Excellency Robert Hunter His Majesty King George the first Governor of this province on the 21st October 1714 by Letter Patent under the Broad seal did grant unto the Rev. Thomas Barclay Peter Mathews Esq. and John Dunbar a certain plece of Ground therein particularly described for to erect and Build a Church for Public Worship agreeable to the Rules and Regulations of the Church of England as by Law Established, that soon after a Church was Built on the said Ground and publick worship has been performed according to the mode of the Church of England. And your Petitioners conceiving It may be for the Interest and advantage of the sald Church to have It Incorporated.
May It therefore please your Excellency to Grant unto your Petitioners a Charter for the Incorporation of the sald Church In such manner as unto your Excellency shall seem most proper.
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