USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 55
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
. We would further, however, ask the Rev. Classis what we desire from the depth of our hearts-that, in case no minister has yet been obtained for us, it send us, with the call. a written release from Rev. (Hermanus) Meyer.
It is to reach your Revs. in some way now, that we send your Revs. this letter in which we have set forth our aim and disposition. We heartily desire that the Rev. Classis may have early knowledge thereof, and kindly ask for its help in our distress. And, having received so many palpable evidences of your Revs. zeal for the progress and welfare of God's Church, and for its good order, we rejoice the more in the hope of not being refused by your Revs. We shall consider ourselves exceed- ingly obliged to you for granting such help, and reward it with all gratitude.
Further we desire that the God of grace may, out of the fulness of His Treasure, pour out upon your Revs. abundantly His Spirit and Grace. We commend your Revs. in love to His gracious protection. Rev. Sir, much respected Friend, Your Hons. willing servants, The members of the Church belonging to the Consistory at Kingston, In the name of all,
Kingston, April 15, 1769.
Abraham Low.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Heirs of Harpending.
New York, April 29th, 1769.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Hendrick Harpending, of the Raritan, the heir of a legacy of £50. from Mr. John Harpending, which he has already received, being in great need, desired, although making no claim, that the Consistory would think of him in his poverty and supply his present need, in view of the kindness Mr. John Harpending had shown to the Church. Resolved That £10. be given him by Mr. Jus. de Peyster, out of the income of the grounds.
The Deacons presented a request of Cornelis van Holk, his wife and her sister, for an alms for the present, they being in great need. Resolved to give him 30 shillings.
Signed etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
JOURNAL OF THE COUNCIL, NEW YORK. MAY 1769.
Bill for Naturalizing all Protestants-passed.
Bill for incorporating all Protestant churches north of Westchester-rejected. Bill to repeal the Ministry Act-rejected.
1769, May 2. Sir Henry Moore, Governor.
4150
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1769
General Assembly sent to the Council a Bill entitled, "An Act declaring that all persons of foreign birth heretofore inhabiting within this colony, and dying seized of lands, tenaments or hereditaments shall be ...... .. esteemed to have been naturalized; and for naturalizing all Protestants of foreign birth now inhabiting within this colony. Council Journal, p. 1692. Committed, 1694. Amended, Passed, 1701. Enacted, 1701. Sent to the House.
REFORMED CHURCHES ESTATE HOLDING BILL.
1769, May 11. Council Journal, 1698. An Act to enable every church or con- gregation of Reformed Protestants that are or may hereafter be set up in that part of this colony which lies to the northward of the counties of Dutchess and Ulster, without discrimination to take and hold real estates to the value of one hundred pounds sterling per annum, given to them for the support of the Gospel, and for the use of schools for the instruction of youth. Sent from the Assembly to Council but rejected by the latter. Journal of Council. Brought up and read, 1698; committed, 1699, 1700; motion for leave to report, negatived, 1706. (May 19).
1769, May 16. Sir Henry Moore, Governor.
The General Assembly sent a Bill to the Council, entitled, "An Act to exempt all Protestants in the counties of Westchester, New York, Queens and Richmond from any taxation for the support of the Ministers of the Gospel," and desired the con- currence of the Council. Council Journal, 1702. Read first and second time, 1702. Committed May 19, p. 1704. Motion for third reading, negatived, and Bill rejected, May 19, W. Smith, Jr. dissenting, p. 1706.
I.
THE COETUS OF NEW YORK TO THE BRETHREN OF THE CON- FERENTIE, MAY 3, 1769.
Rev. Gentlemen and Dearly Beloved Brethren :-
The Rev. Coetus has lately received a missive from the Rev. Classis of Amster- dam, [of Oct. 3, 1768,] containing a communication concerning a certain Plan [of Union] proposed by them. They, indeed, zealously urge a general Union. The Rev. Coetus is at present assembled at the residence of Mr. Jacob Van Wagenen and takes occasion hereby to express to the Rev. Brethren of the Conferentie, her heartfelt pleasure that the Rev. Classis seems at length to have cleared away the stumbling blocks, which have for so long a time disturbed the peace of our Church. At the same time she wants to know from the Rev. Brethren, whether they are not now inclined to enter with us into a Covenant of Peace, in accordance with the contents of the letter referred to, to which we, for our part, are altogether inclined.
We remain, Rev. Gentlemen,
Your Obedient Brethren,
In the name, and by order of the Rev. Coetus. Samuel Verbryck, Pres. p. t. David Marinus, Sect. p. t.
Datum.
New York, May 3rd, 1769.
[See under May 9, 1769, for ii, iii, iv, v.]
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4151
1769
REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, NEW YORK.
Plan for selling or renting Pews in Fulton st. church.
1769, May 3. Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Evert Byvanck presented the conditions on which the pews in the North Church, above and below, should be rented. These were approved by the Consistory, and were as follows :-
The conditions agreed upon by the Reformed Dutch Church for the annual rent of the pews in the North Church: [Fulton st.]
1. That the annual rent for every pew be fixed as hereunder annexed, to every number.
2. That as there will be several persons that will fix on one and the same pew, it is agreed that the pews be put up at vendue [for possession], and be struck off to the highest bidder-the possession money to be paid within twenty days, to Messrs. Jakobus Roosevelt, (Jacob's son), and John De Peyster, in order to lessen the debt of said church. That the first yearly rent to all those that purchase at vendue, shall begin at and from, June 1, 1770, and be paid within six months after commencing the year, and so from year to year, unto said Messrs. Roosevelt and De Peyster, or to any other person or persons the Consistory shall appoint; and on failure of payment, such pew to be let to the first proper person that applies for the same.
3. That the sales of the pews shall begin on Monday morning, May 29, 1769. Done in Consistory Chamber, May 3, 1769.
Annual Rent of the Lower Pews.
No.
Price.
No.
Price.
No.
Price.
1
48/
45
48/
89
48/
2
48/
46
48/
90
44/
3
32/
47
50/
91
44/
4
32/
48
50/
92
44/
5
Old Daecons.
49
50/
93
42/
6
Strangers
50
Ministers
94
40/
7
66/
51
50/
95
36/
8
32/
52
50/
96
36/
9
30/
53
50/
97
34/
10
20/
54
50/
98
32/
11
25/
55
50/
99
30/
12
30/
56
70/
100
22/
13
Mayor and Aldermen.
57
44/
101
22/
14
25/
58
40/
102
20/
15
25/
59
38/
103
15/
16
25/
60
36/
104
15/
17
25/
61
34/
105
15/
18
25/
62
50/
106
20/
19
25/
63
26/
107
20/
20
25/
64
26/
108
20/
21
25/
65
26/
109
20/
22
20/
66
Free
110
20/
23
20/
67
Free
111
20/
24
20/
68
26/
112
20/
25
20/
69
26/
113
25/
26
20/
70
26/
114
25/
27
20/
71
50/
115
25/
28
15/
72
34/
116
25/
29
15/
73
36/
117
25/
30
15/
74
38/
118
25/
31
20/
75
40/
119
25/
32
22/
76
44/
120
Governor.
4152
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1769
No.
Price.
No.
Price.
No.
Price.
33
22/
77
70/
121
30/
34
30/
78
50/
122
25/
35
32/
79
50/
123
20/
36
34/
80
50/
124
30/
37
36/
81
50/
125
32/
38
36/
82
50/
126
66/
39
40/
83
80/
127
Strangers
40
42/
84
50/
128
Old Elders.
41
44/
85
50/
129
32/
42
44/
86
50/
130
32/
43
44/
87
48/
131
48/
44
48/
88
48/
132
48/
Annual Rent of the Gallery Pews.
No.
Price.
No.
Price.
No.
Price.
1
30/
12
16/
23
2
24/
13
22/
24
3
22/
14
24/
25
4
20/
15
26/
26
5
22/
16
32/
27
6
24/
17
26/
28
7
26/
18
29
8
32/
19
30
9
32/
20
31
10
24/
21
32
11
20/
22
THE PLAN OF UNION.
New York, May 4th, 1769.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
A committee of the Coetus assembled in New York, May 4th, 1769, brought in a statement of the letter of Classis, concerning a Project [Plan] presented by the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam to the Synod of North Holland, which Project still lies on the table of the Synod. [See Oct. 3, 1768]. Therein they represent their heart-felt inclination for peace, and that the Consistory would please to act, accord- ing to their ability to promote that desirable end.
To this proposal the Consistory say, that they also have a heart-felt inclination for peace ; but since the Project relates peculiarly to them, the proposers, they should state how they regard it, whether they approve it; and if not, if they have any observations to make thereupon, and if so, what. And they are requested to impart this information at the earliest moment, so that Consistory may be in a situation to contribute to the attainment of the desired end. [See May 9.]
Arch. Laidlie, p. t. President.
New York, May 30th, 1769.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Evert Bancker brought in a bond of Daniel Thompson for the sum of £200., principal, one of the securities of which had arrested the giver of the bond, in order by that means to be discharged from his suretyship. This would work great injury of Mr. Thompson. The Consistory were offered a new bond for £180. with good security ; and £20. with the interest due, to be paid down. The carrying this out was referred to Messrs. Bancker, Keteltas and Lott, in the name of the Consistory.
Signed etc.,
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4153 1769
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Coetus of New York to the Classis of Amsterdam, May 5, 1769. Vol. 33, page 146. No. 412.
Reverend Gentlemen and Highly-Esteemed Brethren :-
Your communications of May [June ?] 6 and October 3rd, 1768, were duly received by us. The contents of the same gave much satisfaction and joy to all those who are truly sincere, and who take a deep interest in the welfare of the Church of God in these regions. They hope and expect that those things which are proposed by you will effectually serve to the promotion and accomplishment of the univer- sally desired peace. It is a prospect that pleases us very greatly indeed, especially because it seems to promise a continued Union and Fellowship with the Church of the Netherlands. This has always been sincerely and earnestly desired by us, for the Church of the Netherlands is one whose doctrine and discipline, without the least exception, each one of us fully approves ; indeed, each one of us, who is a minister, has solemnly suscribed to its Formulae, composed and approved, as they were, in the Netherlands, and have sincerly accepted the Constitution of that Church. And our subscriptions and acceptance thereof, we are always ready most fully to repeat, in case there should arise any doubts about our orthodoxy in any of the churches of the Netherlands. To guard these Formulae most carefully and conscientiously, and to defend them steadfastly-especially if this be done in the closest Union and Fellowship with the churches of the Netherlands-will, by the blessing of God, be the most powerful instrumentality of preserving and extending the Dutch Reformed Church in these regions, in the midst of an engulfing flood of errors.
Concerning the Plan of Union communicated by you :- We have taken this into careful deliberation, according to your desire, accompanied with an earnest desire for peace. We have used every means which we considered serviceable for the accomplishment of that end. Both the Coetus and the Conferentie were called to meet in New York on the second day of May. We flattered ourselves that the result desired was at hand. We awaited the opportunity for communicating our suggestions or deliberations on the said Plan, so that if there were any objection to said Plan, on the one side or the other, some agreement might be reached, and we might conjointly, deliver to it your consideration, with our request that you would lay it on the table for the consideration of the High Rev. Christian Synod of North Holland.
But upon our arrival at the time and place of meeting, we found to our sorrow, that the Conferentie brethren would not be on hand, inasmuch as the invitations to them for said meeting had been recalled by Rev. Ritzema. Nevertheless, the Coetus brethren, having learned that some of the Conferentie brethren were in the city, sent to them a communication, which is marked No. 1, of the accompanying papers. To this, they replied, that they had concluded not to make any answer to any proposition which we might make. Thereby we were deprived of any oppor- tunity for further conference with them. But inasmuch as your communication was an exhortation to a general peace, we considered it our duty to present to the Consistory of New York, a communication, marked No. 2. To this they replied, No. 3. We then sent to them, No. 4, and received, in conclusion, No. 5. [See under May 9.]
From these several documents, your Consistory (Classis?) will be able to under- stand our efforts for peace. These, we aver to be entirely sincere. You will like- wise perceive how the said Plan appears to our Coetus body.
Although your deliberations and advice about the possible Union with the Scotch Presbyterian Academy at Princeton do not seem to have reached a stage for reply, yet we may, provisionally, say to you, that it appears to us to be encompassed with many difficulties. If peace could only be secured and we permitted to live in friendly relations and fraternal correspondence with the Church of the Netherlands, we would be better able to support an Academy than any other denomination in these Provinces ; and besides this ability of ours would gradually-(auresieeren ? develope ?) It appears to be the unanimous opinion of the Trustees (Curatoren) of our Charter, that we must obtain a Professor from the Netherlands.
119
4154
1769
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
Our views concerning the government of the Church we have expressed in No. 4, although very briefly. We leave in that form for the present. We would ex- press also our willingness to accept the requirement to support close ecclesiastical connection or rather Union (with the Netherland Church), although a regular Appeal from our country to the Church of the Netherlands, on account of the peculiar civil and ecclesiastical. reciprocity on either side, never can take place. This lack, however, is somewhat remedied, by the (two kinds of) Assemblies which you recommend to us, whereby, when necessity arises a regular appeal from a lower to a higher Assembly can take place.
Praying for the most precious blessing of the Lord upon you, we remain,
Your Brethren,
Samuel Verbryck, President, p. t. David Marinus, Scribe, p. t.
By Order of the Coetus of New York, May 5, 1769.
P. S. Amid all the difficulties that seem, at present, to impede the attainment of peace, there is none greater than the introduction of ministers into churches, in opposition to their wishes. This is a practice which, from time to time, the Coetus has carefully avoided, although, repeatedly, opportunities have occurred for an opposite course; yet we have resisted the practice even in reference to some of the most important churches. Now since you greatly urge the duty of a most general peace, covering every locality, we desire and hope that you will dis- countenance the introduction of ministers in churches where such introduction would surely widen the breach, and render the accomplishment of peace impossible.
Permit us, Brethren to recommend to your special consideration the singular case of Rev. (Harmanus) Meyer, although he does not belong to the Coetus. It is indeed true that he has been disciplined by a limited meeting (a circuit), but by a more general Assembly he has been relieved. He is a minister who is unblamable in conduct, and orthodox in doctrine. This is evident to all. We are of opinion that the differences in relation to his case can easily be remedied by the brethren when united. We leave it to your judgment whether the introduction of another minister into that church (Kingston) would not make the adjustment more difficult of accomplishment. We desire that the sending of a minister to those churches might be postponed until at least the result of this general effort after peace may be seen.
If the Classis thinks it proper to favor us with an answer, be kind enough to direct it to
Mr. Dirk Brinkerhoff, Merchant, New York.
ACTS OF THE DEPUTIES. FALL OF 1769.
Certain Members of the Conferentie to the Classis of Amsterdam, May 5, 1769, Vol. 33, page 145, No. 411. (Abstract.)
A letter from certain members of the Conferentie, dated New York, May 5, 1769 ; signed by Johannes Casperus Freyenmoet, Gerhardus Cock, Isaak Rysdyk and Johannes Michael Kern, ministers respectively at the Manor, at the Camp and Rhinebeck, at Poughkeepsie, and at New York.
They thank us for our missive of Oct. 3, 1768; as also for our continued watch- fulness over the American churches, manifest at this time, in the drawing up of a Plan for uniting the Conferentie Assembly with the so-called Coetus -- which had by us (the Deputies) been placed on the table of the Christian Synod of North Holland.
They declare, however, that they could have wished that this Plan had been previously communicated to them for consideration; first in their Consistories, and afterwards, in their Conferentie Assembly, the result to be communicated to us.
4155
1769
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
Their complaint is, that this Plan has now, in nearly all the churches, given occasion for an unusual amount of confusion-which also, besides the unfavorable- ness of the season, was the reason why several of their brethren had not come down to attend the Conferentie Assembly ; and, as signers, had not been able to act with those of the Coetus who were assembled at New York at the same time. They were the less in a condition to do this because they had not been com- missioned by their Consistories beyond drawing up, and sending over their cbser- vations on this Plan, as they had understood the matter from the accompanying letter addressed to the very Rev. Synod; which they now ask the Deputies to lay before the Synod.
They declare, finally, that, much as they desire Union, they have resolved to remain true to the constituion of their Church.
They conclude with congratulations.
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
Rev. John Ritzema to the Classis of Amsterdam, May 9, 1769. Vol. 33, 157. No. 415. To the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
Rev. Gentlemen, Fathers and Brethren in Christ :-
I thought at the time that my letter of March 24, would be a sufficient reply in reference to the Plan [of Union] proposed to us. I understood the Plan was only offered for our general consideration, but not that we should then take definite action upon it. For the Rev. Classis, at the close of its communication, expressly states that we must wait, in common with them, for the decision of the Synod. There are contained in that Plan, however,-for it was proposed without any [alternative] modifications as I understand-there are contained in it certain things, which would be in the highest degree disadvantageous to the condition of our Church. On this account, I made bold to communicate my suggestions to the Rev. Classis, with the request that they might also come upon the table of the Very Rev. Christian Synod, for its consideration.
But my fraternal communication of these suggestions, to the Revs. Fryenmoet, Cock and Rysdyck, involved me in new difficulties. For Rev. Rysdyck took it upon himself to send me a very uncharitable reply. It was by no means pleasing to him, that I quietly forwarded my suggestions (to Classis) so as not to create any excitement here about them. He came out, however, with such expressions as these: that "he would not come to an Assembly without Elders on such a weighty matter." Yet he knew very well that our Elders had for years past kept themselves aloof from the [Conferentie] Assembly. He also said: What will become of us if we differ upon the principal point? I therefore found it neces- sary to communicate my suggestions to the Long Island Ministers, to Van der Linde, etc. These were very glad that I had already forwarded them to you. It was impossible for me to consult with Revs. Schuyler and Rosenkrantz, on account of their great distance from me. Thereupon I politely answered Rev. Rysdyk, requesting him and the above-mentioned brethren not to come down, lest we widen the breach that already separates us; for, according to his writing, we differed on the principal point. I also gave, as another reason, the plans of the Coetus brethren, of which I had incidentally become aware; for these portend nothing very favorable to me. This simple and truthful statement, I was obliged to send in advance, in order that what follows may be rightly understood.
They came down, however, with their elders, and dragged the German minister [Kern] into their counsels. They then also wrote to the Synod and to the Classis, as I am informed. How far their views of these matters vary from mine, and from that of the other brethren, the Rev. Classis, and the High Rev. Christian Synod will best be able to judge.
The Coetus Ministers and Elders came to New York on the first Tuesday in May, the day which we had previously determined upon for this meeting. They came with the notion that they had now been requested by the Rev. Classis, to unite with the Conferentie, and to forgive and forget everything; and that nothing
4156
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1769
was left to be done, but to make a united effort, to further the establishment of a new Academy-Nota Bene. The Classis is now no longer the Pope, because she approves of all the illegally examined men, and of their introduction into the churches against the expressed wishes of a very great number, and gives them [the Coetus] the right to examine and ordain. They further made every attempt to pursuade the abovementioned [Conferentie] brethren, that they should also appoint a meeting, and, as they said, thus fulfill the object of the Classis. But this, those brethren very properly refused to do, because the Plan (of Union) had not yet become a Synodical resolution. The result of all this was, that they sought to make me suspected in my congregation as the disturber of the peace. Finally they entered a complaint against me to the President of the Consistory requesting him to appoint a meeting of that body, and then compel me to come to terms of peace. In this they were supported by Rev. De Ronde. After less than half an hour's previous notice, I was summoned to appear before the Con- sistory, on Thursday, May 1st, at one o'clock, without having the remotest knowl- edge of anything. Six delegates of the Coetus, three ministers, and three Elders there appeared, who read this letter, which runs, word for word, as follows:
II.
LETTER OF COETUS TO CONSISTORY OF NEW YORK, MAY 4, 1769. [SEE MAY 3.]
Highly Esteemed Gentlemen and Dearly Beloved Brethren .- Whereas, the Rev. Coetus some time since received letters from the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, con- taining the substance of a certain Plan [of Union] proposed by their Rev. Body, and laid upon the table of the Christian Synod of North Holland, for considera- tion-a Plan calculated to effect the removal of the long continued differences in the Dutch Reformed Church in our parts, they strongly urged, and the sooner the better, the establishment of a General Union and peace. In consequence of which the Rev. Coetus has assembled at the house of Jacob Van Wagenen and communicated to some of the members of the Conferentie the contents of this letter. They express also, at the same time, our perfect willingness to enter with them upon terms of peace, in accordance with the purport of the letter referred to. Furthermore, the Rev. Coetus declares to Your Rev. Body, that she ever remains ready and willing, to cooperate, in the promotion of the General Union and peace, as far as possible; and hopes and desires that Your Rev. Body also, may do what lies in your power, to cooperate with us, for the accomplishment of this end, so greatly to be desired. In case, your Rev. Body should be desirous of any further information, upon anything, the Gentlemen of the Committee will be ready to give it. We remain, as ever, Your obedient Servants.
In the name of and by the authority of the Rev. Coetus. Samuel Verbryck, President, p. t. David Marinus, Secretary, p. t.
Dated, in our Coetus Meeting May 4, 1769.
Thereupon they read their letter from the Rev. Classis. They were then greatly complimented by the President [of Consistory] because they had had the goodness to honor them by asking their concurrence [in these efforts for union]. But this was something which I did not thus understand at all. Thereupon I boldly answered, that I took a different view of the matter, inasmuch as we were not requested either by the Classis or the Synod to do such a thing; although the idea of Union was the first thing in the Plan; indeed, this very thing lay at its very foundation. Furthermore, that they [the Coetus] had no right to [charge] the Conferentie members with having refused, from year to year, to appoint elders to that body, etc .; until the President [of Consistory] finally took it upon himself to appoint four Elders, who should take with them four Deacons, and that they should together prepare Articles of Peace, etc. The President also
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.