USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 69
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In this letter they say that, in response to the request of the overseers (opzien- ders) of their Church, his Excellency, the Governor of New Jersey, has granted a Charter for the establishment of a "School " in the interest of the Dutch Reformed Church. That the ample Privileges of that Charter give hope of seeing that School grow to be a complete University. They send us a printed copy of the Charter in the English language. They say that that School is named " Queens College" and is located at New Brunswick, and has now been opened under the direction of two Instructors, (leermeesters) who teach the usual lang- uages, arts and sciences, (gewone talen, kunsten en Wetenschappen). They con- ceive that the prosperity of that College depends on the qualifications of the one who is to fill the office of its President. The Trustees (Curatoren) have, therefore, commissioned the undersigned to look about for a capable person who would administer that office on favorable conditions, and to report to them on their commission. These now come to us for refuge, and request that we would be pleased to correspond with the Faculty of Utrecht with a view to obtaining a person who is possessed of the following qualifications:
1. He is to fill the office of a Professor of Theology, for those who want to study Theology.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1772
2. He is to assume the management (opperbestier) of those who are instructed in languages, etc., through tutors, until the time when the Trustees (Curatoren) shall be in a condition to support professors in Philosophy.
3. On the Lord's Day he will have to do more or less of the work of a minister, and so will have to be a member of a higher or lower Church Assembly, con- formally to their adopted Articles. They also ask us, in passing, that we would let them know what salary, we think, that professor ought to have besides the professional residence.
4. He must be a man of tried piety.
5. Attached to the Constitution of the Netherland Church.
6. A man of thorough learning.
7. Well-natured.
8. Free and friendly in conversation.
9. He should be master of the English language, (Hy dient de Engelsche taal magtig te zyn,) because of the increasing prevalence of that language, and because the students understand nothing of the Dutch language. He might dictate in Latin, but he could not satisfy therewith all the requirements of his office as overseer.
10. Finally, he should be pleased to dictate on Mark's Medulla.
By anticipation they say that, if Mr. Professor Bonnet, who, according to well- founded reports which seem to have come to them, had formerly had, and may still have, a desire to build up the churches in their region, could make up his mind to come over to them, it would be most acceptable because his High Rev. has all the required qualifications, and would easily acquire the English language.
They further say that they are well aware of the fact that it will be difficult to induce a person, possessed of the said qualifications, to leave the Fatherland and his friends; but that they set over against that, what they hope may prevail with him, namely,
1. The service that would be rendered to the church-the laying of the founda- tions, upon which it would be built for ages to come.
2. The Trustees (Curatoren) will not scrimp on the salary.
3. Living is cheap, and there is a plenty of everything.
4. Finally, they say that God is able to incline the heart hereto.
In conclusion they ask for an answer from us as speedily as possible; for it is their wish that we may be made worthy of taking part in a matter of so great importance; and that God may guide us in our search, and cause the man, chosen to this work, to come to our hands.
They close with congratulations.
GOVERNOR TRYON TO THE EARL OF DARTMOUTH.
Grants to Dellius, east of Champlain. Rights of New York. New York, January 5, 1773.
My Lord.
Godfrey Dellius's purchase from the Mohocks, and grant under the Seal of New York in the year 1696, is esteemed a memorable proof of the right of this Province, under the Crown, to the lands on Lake Champlain. It comprehends a large Tract extending from Saraghtoga along Hudson's River, the Wood Creek, and Lake Champlain, on the East side upwards of twenty miles, to the northward of Crown Point; and it is thought, a circumstance of no small importance, that this grant was repealed by the Legislature in the year 1699 as an extravagant favour to one subject; which Act would have been a nullity if that territory had not been within the jurisdiction of this Province .*
-Col. Docs. N. Y. Vol. viii. pp. 342, 344-5.
*See also Report on the Boundaries of New York, 1773, pp. 90-118, of same volume. The grants of the Township of Leyden to the Dutch Church of New York, and other grants to Kings College and to Trinity Church, were all within this tract ; but it was ultimately lost to the grantees, by being included in the State of Vermont. See Cor- win's Manual, 1902, article Dellius.
4258
1773
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS 1
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
(NEW YORK.)
1773, Jan. 12th. Art. 4. A letter was received from New York, together with their Acta, containing the transactions of the General Meeting held June 16, 1772, and following days. These were read to the Classis. The Classis rejoices in the harmonious and blessed condition of the church, and wishes upon them the Lord's blessing. Also a private letter was received, stating that in October, 1772, sixty-two churches entered into that Union, and with one mind will cherish the best interests of the churches there. In all this the Classis greatly rejoices. xiv. 306.
(NEW YORK.)
Art. 4. With other letters, a letter to New York and New Jersey was read. All these letters are to be found in the Acta Deputatorum and were approved for forwarding. xiv. 306.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE REV. GENTLEMEN CONSTI- TUTING THE "ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED BRETHREN OF THE DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH IN THE PROVINCES OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY." JAN. 12, 1773. VOL. 31, No. 241.
We received with much joy your ever welcome lines, together with the Minutes of the Rev. General Meeting of Ministers and Elders of the Dutch Reformed Churches of the Provinces of New York and New Jersey, held June 16th and fol- lowing days, 1772. Therefrom we learn with much satisfaction, that our letter of January 14th 1772 came speedily to your hands and produced such effects, that the worthy Consistory of New York was pleased at once to make known its gen- eral contents, by circular letter, to the several churches, as well as the approval of the PLAN sent to us; and that all this was done with as much satisfaction as joy. We give our thanks to the worthy Consistory of New York; also to the Gen- eral Meeting, for the declaration of thanks which they were pleased to make through the mouth of their Rev. President (Rysdyck), and for the trouble and lov- ing care taken; while we also pray that their labor of love may ever be remembered of God. We recognize in all this a proof of their hearty and well-meaning zeal for the preservation of the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace. We pray that the Lord will follow all these good endeavors with his blessing, and will enable you richly to enjoy the peaceable fruits of the same. We have already, with gladness, observed that this labor in the Lord has not been in vain, but has resulted in one common gathering of almost all the churches; and through their ministers and elders they have gladly signed the Articles of Peace already approved by us. Only a few are to be expected, who had not yet received sufficient author- ity from their congregations. Meantime we hope to learn that these churches, after they shall have obtained more information, have united themselves, heartily and willingly, to the other congregations, at the meeting to be held in October.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
1773
It causes us joy, if we have by our letters, contributed anything to your edifi- cation, and that you look upon our efforts as a proof of our love, and of the provident care which we have for your churches. But we gladly take this care upon ourselves. We are never happier than when we can contribute our share to the common good. Yea, our joy is increased, if we have done anything to unite our hearts more closely together, and that you are stimulated to complete in the strength of the Lord, your well begun work.
We thank you heartily for the Minutes transmitted to us of the Meeting. We mingle our thanksgivings and our prayers to strengthen that which he has already wrought in you. We cannot omit to inform you how greatly the entire Christian Synod was filled with joy at the good-tidings of the UNION of your churches. The honorable civil Commissioners, with all the members of that Assembly expressed their thankful acknowledgements of God's favor, and their own gladness while every one uttered a heartfelt desire that the God of peace would be with you. Of all this you will become more fully aware by the Minutes of the Synod, which, in proof of our loving care we have the honor to send you. Therein you will find a proof of the joy and satisfaction of us all, as well as in the fact that that High Assembly resolved to have the Minutes of your Assembly, approved by us in its name, incorporated in its own Minutes.
For the rest, we pray fervently that the God of peace may establish the work of peace, follow it with his Divine approval, and bring it to a desirable end, so that all the churches in that land, so far distant from us, may have peace and be established, and the God of peace reign in their hearts; yea, that the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, may keep their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Thus may they have part in the benefits of the Kingdom of the Savior, which is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. May they experience the fulfillment of the Lord's promise, that great may be the peace of the children of the Church; and that he may extend peace to her as a river. Thereto may he bless your labor to the winning of souls, and make your peace like the billows of the sea, and enable you to experience how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. May the Lord command his blessing upon you; even eternal life. May you be blessed in your persons, etc., etc.
J. H. Eck, Dep. Praeses. S. Claver, Dep. Scriba.
Amsterdam,
Jan. 12, 1773.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Chorister.
New York, Jan. 21, 1773.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
.
1. The Deacons inquired whether they should pay the salary of the late Mr. Welp up to this day?
Resolved, That since the son of Mr. Welp has hitherto provided for the pre- centorship, the full sum of six pounds, ten shillings and nine pence shall be given.
2. Whether the payment for the Consistory Chamber shall now continue? Resolved, That since Mr. Welp owed a note of £20., of which five pounds are still due, which would be discharged by twice fifty shillings, ending with May 1773, the note should be surrendered as paid, and henceforth no rent be paid for the Con- sistory Chamber.
3. Whether the expenses of Mr. Welp's funeral should be paid by the Deacons ? Yes; the account should be called for and paid.
4. Should Anthony Welp continue in the service? The Consistory at present can make no new appointment. But as Anthony Welp has now taken charge of the service, he is allowed to continue therein until further orders. For each Sunday he shall receive four shillings, and also have the recording of the (baptisms of the) children in the Old Church. Still if in time any one comes forward to execute his gifts for once he shall apply to domine Ritzema, and in such a case Anthony Welp shall' give place. Further the widow with her family shall remain in the church house until May 1773 without charge.
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1773 4260
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
An account was presented by Messrs. Abeel and Byvank for &5:2:1; by Mr Gerardus Duycking for £8:12:5. These bills Mr. Evert Bancker was directed to pay.
Signed etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Prisoners for Debt.
New York, March 17th, 1773.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
An oral request was made in the name of Isaac van Hoek, now in prison for 8 debt of &25., for the payment of this sum, with the promise that it should be after ward be deducted from his salary ; asking also for the payment of two years salary when he would be able to retrieve his affairs. The Consistory resolved, that although they felt a Christian sympathy with him and his, this was quite out of their power.
Signed etc., Archibald Laidlie, p. t. President.
NEW SCHOOL TEACHER.
New York, March 19th, 1773.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. A proposition was presented for a new school-master in place of Mr. Welp, deceased. This was considered by the Consistory and is as follows :
Since Mr. Nicholas Welp, our free school-master, has died, it is highly necessary to appoint another to instruct thirty poor children, in reading, writing and cypher- ing, both in English and in Dutch. And upon inquiry we have found a fit person in Mr. Peter van Steenberg, who is competent to instruct children in both languages, if the Consistory is so inclined. The present school-house and Consistory Chamber is also so decayed that it cannot stand much longer. It is therefore suggested to the Consistory, whether it would not be advisable to take down the old school-house at once, and put up a new one, several feet longer, and several feet broader than the present ; and also make it one story higher for a Consistory Chamber and Catechising Room. Thus would the dwelling house and the new building be brought under one roof. The building should be a frame building, with a brick front, which can be built before the new school-master can be ready to come.
If then the Consistory think it necessary to call the aforesaid school-master, it is suggested whether the following would not be a proper provision for his salary : 1. For the instruction of thirty poor children in both languages as above ten shil- lings per quarter, for reading, writing and cyphering,
£60: 0:0. the 8 : 0: Sc 5 : 0:0. rec
2. For fire-wood for the same each year
3. For books, paper, ink, quills, etc. yearly
4. Consistory Chamber and Catechists room, kindling of fires, and lighting of candles, 8 : 0 :0.
£81: 0:0.
N. B. Fire-wood and candles to be provided by the Deacons.
5. The school-master to have a house and garden free, and the privilege of Instructing so many other children, not above thirty, as he conveniently can, and also keeping school in the evening.
The Consistory immediately resolved to carry out these suggestions as being the best thing they could do under present circumstances.
2. It was further Resolved to appoint a committee to prepare a call on Mr. van Steenberg, for one year, in accordance with this proposition. The President and Elders, Lott, P. Lott, Brinkerhoff, Rapelye, and Duryee were appointed thereto.
3. The Elders, Brinckerhoff, Duycking and Beekman, and the Deacons, Abeel and Hoffman were appointed a committee for the erection of the building.
Signed etc.,
Arch. Laidlie, p. t. President.
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OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4261
1773
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Call of the Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Church of New York on Mr. Peter van Steenburgh, at present school master at Flat- bush on Long Island. (March 20, 1773. )
On account of the death of Mr. Nicholas Welp, school master of the Dutch Congre- gation in New York, the school is broken up. On this account the children of the poor of our Congregation are destitute of the necessary instruction. Also daily experience teaches us that the English language in this land is gaining such prevalence that the Dutch language is continually diminishing, and is going out of ise. The Consistory of New York, therefore, have deemed it proper to call a person who is qualified to instruct and educate the children in the English as well as the Dutch language. This will open the way to induce the children of the poor of our congregation to receive instruction in the language which they or their parents may choose. The Consistory having had many favorable testimonials of your gifts and qualifications, and also having seen some proofs thereof, have inanimously agreed that you were a proper person to whom a call should be presented. Learning also that you are favorably disposed to undertake the service of school master, if an adequate support should be given, they have resolved to make a call upon you, and they humbly do call you to instruct the children of the poor of our congregation, to the number hereafter named, both in the English and Dutch languages, as may be required, and to teach them reading, writing and arithmetic ; also the questions in the Heidelbergh Catechism or such other as is conformable to the doctrine of our Dutch Church. The scholars are to be instructed ind exercised therein at least once a week. The school is to be opened every morn- ng, and also closed, with prayer, in order that everything may be conducted with order and to edification, and prove a good example to all present. We promise to Day you for the service thus rendered :
First; For the instruction of thirty poor children in the Dutch or English lan- guage, as above stated, in reading, writing and arithmetic, the fourth part of which shall be paid every three months, £60.
Second, Firewood for one year, £8.
Third, Books, paper, ink, quills, etc. for one year, £5.
Fourth, For taking care of and cleaning the Consistory and Catechising Chambers, ind the making of fires and lighting candles when required, £8.
N.B. The wood and candles for the said Chamber shall be furnished by the Deacons.
Fifth, For your encouragement, you shall have a dwelling house and garden free, ind also a good room for the school.
Sixth, It shall be allowed to you to instruct as many other children as may offer themselves to you, but not beyond the number of thirty, and also to keep an evening chool.
This our agreement with you, shall, according to your request, be for one year, reckoning from the first day of June next. If, then it shall not be agreeable to you o continue longer our school master, you shall be bound to give notice to Consistory, hree months before the expiration of your labors, that they may, during that time, provide another teacher. But if, then, the Consistory should be satisfied with your nstruction and service and be desirous that you should longer continue our school naster, farther stipulations may be made.
We hope the above offer will meet with your approbation.
Wishing you and your family all prosperity and blessing, we remain, with great espect,
In the name and by order of Consistory,
Your servants,
Archibald Laidlie, President, p. t. Jacob Duryee Gerrit Rapelye
Abraham P. Lott
Dirck Brinckerhoff
This was accepted by Mr. van Steenburgh. New York, March 20, 1773.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1773
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. (Arondeus.)
1773, April 5th. Art. 8. The Depp. ad res Exteras read a letter from Rev. John Arondeus, from New York, dated December 2, 1772. xiv. 310.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. New School House.
New York, May 3rd, 1773. Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The committee appointed for the building of the new school house, represented that money was needed to buy materials for the same.
Resolved, That the treasurer shall furnish such sums as may be necessary, from time to time, for the building of the said school house, provided the amount does not exceed four hundred pounds.
Signed etc.
Archibald Laidlie, p.t. President.
New York, May 24th, 1773.
This being the quarterly meeting, it was Resolved, That the widow of Mr. Nicholas Welp shall receive from the Consistory the sum of twenty pounds for her yearly support.
TOWNSHIP OF LEYDEN.
New York, June 2nd, 1773.
Consistory held in the North Church, after calling on God's name.
The committee appointed for the settling of the Township of Leyden, presented certain propositions upon which they thought that it could be conveniently peopled; but the Consistory upon further consideration did not think it best that the whole tract should be settled at once; but that the committee should send Mr. Cockburn or Mr. Gale to lay out the whole, in lots of two hundred acres :- first, one town plot in the most suitable place, and in it a piece of ground for a Court house; also for a farm for a minister; acres for a school master, etc., etc.
New York June 4th, 1773.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. Instructions were presented for Mr. S. Gale, the surveyor, in laying out the Township of Leyden. These were read and approved, and referred to the com- mittee to make agreement with him.
2. Resolved, That an order be given to the Treasurer to pay two and seventy pounds to the said land measurer for his use.
3. An account of Mr. Henry Sikkels for repairs of domine Ritzema's house, amounting to £13:19:1, was presented, and ordered to be paid by the treasurer.
4. An identure for the vault of Mr. Nicholas Anthony in the church yard of the Old Church was presented and approved, and it was ordered that the seal be affixed.
Signed etc.
J. H. Livingston, p. t. President.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4263 1773
THE GENERAL MEETING OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY, PER
REV. JACOB R. HARDENBERGH OF RARITAN, TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, JUNE 3, 1773. VOL. 33, PAGE 417. No. 486. (Abstract.)
They say in this letter, that the reason why we received the previous letter only after such a long interval of time, was owing to the inconveniences of navigation between their country and Holland. The letter had remained at New York, and was not sent until three weeks ago, and then by way of England.
They further inform us, that copies of the letters sent to us (the Classis) were delivered and unanimously approved, while the writer was instructed to inform us of the late receipt of the letters (to them ?)
They hoped that we would consider the letters sent us as coming, not from the committee only, but from the entire respected Assembly, and thus judge them to be of the more weight; and that the trouble we are asked to take may not prove wearisome to us.
The writer, too, begs pardon for not enclosing the Charter (of Queens College) in the first letter, the omission being due to haste. He closes with a request for a speedy answer.
In a Postscript, written in English on a small bit of paper, we are advised as to directing our answer.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Quit rents remitted for Township of Leyden. New York, June 22nd, 1773.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
A letter was delivered, enclosing a full remission from our gracious Sovereign, King George III, of the quit-rents of the Township of Leyden, in consequence of a petition made to his Majesty by this Church. This was received with especial joy by the Consistory, who charged the committee on this matter to prepare and forward a suitable address of thanks to his Majesty, as also to his Ministers of State, by whose influence this was obtained; also to Mr. William Killy who has been our agent and correspondent in this matter.
Further, Resolved, That this committee make a full report of all their proceed- ings in relation to the obtaining of the remission, so that it may be recorded in the Book of the State of the Township of Leyden.
Resolved, That thanks be tendered to the treasurer, Lott, for his special pains in this matter, and he being present in the Consistory as a Ruling Elder, this duty was performed forthwith by the President.
An account for £12:16:9, was presented for a silver salver, given by the Elders to the learned, T. Th. Wilhelmus Maas, Minister at St. Croix, for his acceptable service at various times last winter, to the great satisfaction of the congregation. This was accepted and an order given to the treasurer, Bancker, to pay it.
Signed etc.
J. H. Livingston, p. t. President.
New York, July 2nd, 1773.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The King of Great Britain's warrant for the remission of the quit rents upon the Township of Leyden, forever, or so long as the same was in possession of the Dutch Reformed Congregation of Jesus Christ in the City of New York, was pre- sented and read. Also (a letter) from Mr. William Killy, who sent over the warrant to us and to whose discreet and zealous efforts we are especially indebted for this favor of our gracious Sovereign.
Addresses of thanks to his Majesty, and to different gentlemen around his throne, were presented by the committee. These being read, were approved and ordered to be forwarded.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1773
Resolved, That £60. sterling, to be paid by Treasurer Bancker, for the costs of the remission of the quit rents of the Township of Leyden.
Signed etc.
J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
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