USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 71
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At the beginning of the present month, inasmuch as the new church in Philadel- phia was not yet ready, we held our Coetus meeting again at Lancaster, where, thanks be to God, everything passed off quietly. Mr. Otterbein hoped to succeed in getting permission from the Coetus to go to Baltimore. But since only twelve or fifteen members there wanted him to come, and the rest were decidedly opposed to him, his request was denied. I subsequently heard that he had resolved to go to Stone Arabia. I do not know what to make of this man in this matter. He is of a very restless spirit.
Of our own circumstances, I have nothing very particular to write. Your rela- tives and other friends are all well. The members of my small family are also well, and send regards to yourself and wife. Give also, if you please, my respectful compliments to Mr. Dr. Levingston.
From your sincere and faithful friend and servant,
Germantown, October 1773.
A. Helffenstein.
[This letter came to me from Miss Sarah Souder, of Philadelphia, who furnished me many papers of Do. Foering. The letter was in German. Do. Foering was in New York at this time, and was probably the party addressed. See Millstone Cen- tennial, 1866. E. T. C.]
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Cost of the New School House.
New York, Nov. 23, 1773.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The account was presented for the New School House, with its dependencies, amounting to £856: 15 : 11/2. On this had already been paid by the Treasurer, Bancker, £544:20., leaving a remainder of £302:13:9. Thus it was stated to me. Mr. Bancker was ordered to take up for the Church so much money as should be required to pay off the workmen, and other necessary claims.
Signed etc., J. Ritzema, p. t. President.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
Act of Appointment of Johannes Vredenburg, as Door-keeper, Bell-ringer, and Grave-digger ; and also as Servant, in and around the Old Church, (Garden street) ; and for further services under the Rev. Consistory of the Dutch Reformed Christian Congregation at New York, Jan. 1, 1774.
The Conditions are in general :
In Respect to the Service of the Church :
I. (Same as under date, Jan. 1, 1767, with the following additions) : Likewise on Sunday evenings, or at other times, when there is preaching in the "New or North Church " (Fulton street), you shall ring at the same time as there is ringing in the other churches.
II-VIII. Identical as those under date of Jan. 1, 1767. All the rest, identical with those under date of Jan. 1, 1767.
The time of this your office and salary, is to begin from Jan. 1, 1774.
Thus done in our Consistory Meeting at New York, Jan. 11, 1774.
So I witness in the name and authority of the Rev. Consistory
(No name.)
I, the undersigned, accept of this appointment, of which a copy has been given to me, in the fear of the Lord, and with hearty thanks to the Rev. Consistory. New York, Jan. 11, 1774.
Johannes Vredenburg.
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CHURCH OF NEW YORK.
New York, January 10th, 1774.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
1. Mr. John Montanye, having resigned his office of bell-ringer, etc., Mr. Jno. Vredenburg was chosen in his place, on the same conditions; with the addition that the collecting of the rents of the pews on the North Church shall be given to Mr. Harry Tiebout. This was accepted by both; and it was Resolved, That an act of appointment should be given to Mr. Vredenburg.
2. Mr. Aaron Stokholm requested to buy, in fee, one of the newly made vaults. This was refused by the Consistory, since they were made for the profit of the church.
3. Mr. Gerrit Abeel brought in two small Kronen. (See Oct. 8, 1764) bought to be hung up, and used in the Consistory Chamber. The Treasurer was ordered to pay for them.
Signed etc.,
Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
LETTERS.
1774, Jan. 11. Art. 7 ad 8. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras read a letter to the General Meeting of the two Provinces of New York and New Jersey; also one to Mr. T. Burman Theol. Prof. at Utrecht. xiv. 333.
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ADMINISTRATION OF LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR CAD- WALLADER COLDEN, APRIL 7, 1774-JUNE 28, 1775.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS OF THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH OF THE PROVINCES OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY, APRIL 11, 1774.
Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you all !
The Minutes of your General Assembly, held the second Tuesday of October, 1772, at New York, reached us just before the meeting of our Synod, which is held in the latter part of July.
In the name of our Classis, we have the honor to inform you that we have read your action concerning the Professorship ; that we have learned from the same, that you have deliberated earnestly and carefully concerning it, and it appears that there is as yet, no expectation to accomplish any result, and that therefore you have dealt with this affair ad referendum; and that you have earnestly urged the matter upon the different brethren, not only to keep the matter alive, and to cherish it with all earnestness, but to recommend it at all proper opportunities as an indispensable requisite for the well-being of the church; and that you have also inquired what ability each one has in his own congregation for the accumulation of a fund for the said purpose, and expect to make report thereupon at the next General Assembly.
But with your above-mentioned report concerning the Professorship our Classis cannot harmonize a letter, received from New Brunswick, dated Dec. 30th, 1772, and signed by J. R. Hardenbergh, J. Leydt, J. M. Van Harlingen, and H. Fischer, although this last name was written somewhat obscurely. This letter informs us that his Excellency, the Governor of New Jersey, has been graciously pleased to grant å charter for the founding of a school for the benefit of the Dutch Reformed Churches in the regions of America. Of this Charter we received a copy. They hope that this school, will in course of time grow into a full University ; that it has been located at New Brunswick under the name of Queens College ; that it has been provisionally opened under the superintendence of two teachers, who will instruct in the usual languages, as well as the arts and sciences. But as the prosperity of this College will principally depend upon the abilities of the President, the estimable Curators had appointed the undersigned and above mentioned gentlemen as a Committee to make inquiries for a person properly qualified to officiate in said office ; to ascertain upon what favorable terms he could be secured, and make report to them upon the matter.
The said Committee refer the matter to us, with the request that we, in connec- tion with the Rev. Faculty at Utrecht, (to whom they have also addressed a letter), should seek out a person, who, according to our judgment would possess all those requirements, which are more fully stated in their letter. The said person is also to assume the office of Professor of Theology. As to character, he must be a man of tried piety, of unalterable attachment to the Netherlands Church-Constitution, of profound learning, good-natured, have a good knowledge of the English language, and be able to lecture upon Marckii Medulla Theologiae Christianae. They empha- size this matter further, in view of the benefit which would flow therefrom to the Church of God.
Our Classis, Rev. Sirs and Brethren, has taken this letter into consideration, but it is of the opinion that it can do nothing in the matter of the Professorship at present, because this letter did not come from the General Assembly of New York and New Jersey, and does not agree with the Minutes of that body, as before quoted. Hence our Classis is still in the dark about this business.
We hope these circumstances will not open the way to new misunderstandings and divisions. We therefore make inquiry whether the General Assembly, (and not a mere portion of it), has really determined anything more definite upon this matter. We ask in order that we ourselves may know how to act. For if that be the case,
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both the Faculty of Utrecht and our Classis will gladly unite to look about for some one who has the necessary qualifications for this position. We solicit a friendly reply.
Furthermore, we pray that the God of peace may give peace among the brethren, so that the churches may always and in every way prosper.
Your humble servant,
R. A. Ten Brink, Dep. & Scriba.
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. The Poor. Township of Leyden.
New York, Feb. 7th, 1774.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
The sum of the collections for the poor, in our three churches, was brought in, and found to be one hundred pounds and three shillings.
Resolved, That the committee appointed for this purpose, Gerrit Rappelye, Nicho- las Bogart, James Bogart, Coenraad Ham and Andries Marschalk, shall make dis- tribution of the same according to the circumstances of those in need. This cannot probably be earlier than the middle of March, and then they are to determine what is necessary.
Mr. F. Weisenvelt's request to domine Ritzema was granted, in so far that the Deacons shall furnish him 40 shillings out of their treasury, and the little that remains over of the collections.
Signed etc., Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
New York, Feb. 8th, 1774.
Consistory held after. calling on God's name.
The committee on the Township of Leyden delivered a map of the same, made by the surveyor, with a description of each portion of the ground ; also the accounts and claims of the surveyor, which were found to be two and thirty pounds, fourteen shillings, beyond the sum agreed upon. Thereupon the Consistory Resolved, That since the work was done satisfactorily besides the £72. which he claims, £28. more should be given him. Thus the Treasurer will pay the full sum of £100.
The committee, the work having been so far accomplished, requested to be dis- charged. This was granted, with thanks for their pains; and the following were appointed in their place : Elders, Zacharias Zikkels, Evert Bancker, Gerrit Rap- pelye : Deacons, Gerrit Abeel, Isaak Stoutenberg and Andries Marschalk.
Signed etc.,
Lambertus de Ronde, p. t. President.
CHURCH OF SCHENECTADY.
1774, Feb. 15. William Tryon, Governor.
Assembly sent a Bill to Council, entitled, "An Act to include within the district of Schenectady a tract of land within the county of Albany, granted to Fred. Morris and others, commonly called Corry's Brook or Bush; and likewise all the lands that do now belong to the corporation of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Schenectady. Council Journal, 1912. Read, committed, etc. 1912, 1913. (No further action.)
CHURCH OF NEW YORK. Rev. Lambertus De Ronde.
New York, March 4th, 1774.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
A representation in writing, from the Rev. Lambertus de Ronde, dated Feb. 21st, was delivered and read. Therein he, for reasons stated, requested that the resolu-
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1774
tion of Consistory of the 3d of August, 1772, might be repealed, and that he should receive his full salary during his absence from the congregation. This being maturely considered, the Consistory resolved that they could not depart from the said resolution, and consequently could not comply with his Reverence's request. Signed etc.,
Archibald Laidlie, p. t. President.
New York, March 6th, 1774.
Consistory held after calling on God's name.
Mr. Alexander Anderson offered, in respect to his house in Maiden Lane belonging to the Dutch Reformed Church, in case they would give a title for one foot and nine inches, which he has in front on the street, more than belongs to him, that he would give a like writing to the Church for two feet on that end of his lot which is over against the old Brewhouse. This was agreed to.
A plan of vaults in the yard of the North Church was laid before the Consistory and approved, with this limitation, that the vaults there should be of the same size and price as those in the yard of the New Church.
The Deacons were appointed a standing committee in relation to the poor children who are now maintained in the school.
Signed etc., J. H. Livingston, p. t. President.
APPLICATION FOR A CHARTER BY THE CHURCH OF POUGHKEEPSIE, MARCH 22, 1774.
At a meeting of the Reformed Dutch Church at Poughkeepsie, held at the house of Clear Everitt, the 22nd day of March, 1774, it was conceived advisable to petition his Excellency, William Tryon, Esq., for a Charter of Incorporation of said church, etc., and for that purpose have prepared a petition, and delegated Rev. Stephen Van Voorhees. one of the Ministers, and Gilbert Livingston, one of the Elders of said congregation, to wait upon his Excellency and present the same: and the said Minister and Elder to apply to the Consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church at New York, in order to obtain their favor and assistance in the premises.
(Gov. Tryon sailed for England, April 7th. Perhaps this was not presented, therefore.)
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acta of Meeting in New York and a Letter.
1774, April 11th. Art. 10. The Rev. Depp. ad res Exteras report that they have received the Acta of the General Meeting of New York, together with a letter. This was read, and is to be found in the Acta of the Deputies. It was resolved that they should write to the Messrs. Professors at Utrecht, that if they had a capable person for Professor, they would be kind enough to mention him to the Rev. Depp. xiv. 342.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE HIGHLY REV. PROFESSOR BURMANNUS, AT UTRECHT. APRIL 24, 1774.
Rev. and Highly-learned Sir :-
I have the honor, in the name of our Classis, and in fulfillment of my promise in my letter of Oct. 6th, 1773, to inform you, as Dean of the Very Rev. Theological
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1774
Faculty at Utrecht, that our Classis has received a letter concerning the Professor- ate, from the General Assembly of New York and New Jersey. I send herewith the letter, (together with the Minutes of that Assembly, from which the Theological Faculty may gather the meaning of those brethren), with the humble request, nomine Classis, that the Faculty would be kind enough to suggest some person whom our Classis could recommend to fill said Professorship. The Classis then will express its opinion upon it.
I request that the letter with the Minutes, referred to above, may be sent back to me, as the same must be put on file.
Hoping that this letter may find you in prosperous condition, I have the honor, while praying for the Lord's most precious blessing upon the Rev. Faculty, and upon yourself especially, to remain with all esteem,
Your humble servant,
R. A. Ten Brink, Dep. Scriba.
THE THEOLOGICAL FACULTY OF UTRECHT TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, MAY 4, 1774. SIGNED IN THE NAME OF THE FACULTY, BY G. BONNET, FAC. H. T. VOL. 33, P. 453, No. 501.
Their very Revs. inform us that they have duly received our letter of April 24, with the Acts of the General Meeting of New York and New Jersey, and the letter written by that Meeting to our Classis.
They return the Acts with the said letter with thanks; and, since, in aforesaid Acts, Art. 9, the recommendation of a Theological Professor is solely entrusted to the Classis of Amsterdam, their Revs. leave that matter entirely to us, not doubting but that our Classis, will, as it has so laudably done hitherto, in the best way take care of the interests of the Church in those regions, and that in respect also of this weighty concern.
ACTS OF THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM. Acta of Meeting at Kingston.
1774, June 6th. Art. 7 ad 10. The Rev. Depp. ad res Ex- teras report that they have received the Acta of the General Meeting of Ministers and Elders held at Kingston, 1773: Also a letter, which they read. The draft of a letter in reply to the former was also read; all to be found in the Acta of the Deputies. In these the Classis takes pleasure. xiv. 348.
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO REV. PROFESSOR BONNET AT NEW UTRECHT, JUNE 8, 1774. VOL. 31.
Reverend and Learned Sir :-
. Yours of date May 4th 1774, greatly honoring us as coming from the Faculty, I received in due time, and communicated to the Classis yesterday. I have the honor once more, to request, in the name of the Classis, and in a most friendly spirit, of the Rev. Theological Faculty, that they will have the goodness to name certain persons to us, who in their opinion, have the required abilities for the PROFESSOR- SHIP in the provinces of New York and New Jersey.
Our Classis has ordered me to write to the General Meeting (in America) that there was needed a more solid footing for us to work upon, if we would hope to secure any fruit to our labor here in this land, (in reference to the Professorship in
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America. ) We want to know what would be the fixed salary, and how much would be allowed for the removal hither. I hope as soon as possible to comply with this request. But before all other persons, Rev. Mr. J. Livingston who studied at Utrecht, and there obtained his degree of Doctor of Divinity, occurs first to our minds. It would be most agreeable to us, to learn from the Theological Faculty at Utrecht, to whom he is well known, whether you judge Dr. Livingston competent for the Professorship. If so, I have a charge from the Classis to suggest that gentle- man's name to the General Meeting (in America.) If he should be acceptable to the brethren there, much expense would be saved.
May I now take the liberty respectfully to request that I may receive an answer to this communication at the earliest opportunity. If this proposed suggestion should be agreeable to that gentleman, this important matter could soon be settled, and many difficulties which might otherwise arise, would be removed.
After prayer for all,
Your humble servant R. A. Ten Brink, Dep. Scriba.
Amsterdam, June 8, 1774.
PROFESSOR G. BONNET, OF THE UNIVERSITY OF UTRECHT TO THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM, PER REV. R. A. TEN BRINK, ETC., DEPUTATI, CONCERNING THE PROFESSORSHIP IN AMERICA. JUNE 9, 1774.
Rev. and Learned Sir :-
This morning I first laid the letter you addressed to me before the Theological Faculty, and this evening I transmit a letter to you in their behalf. In their name I inform you that they are unanimously of opinion with the Classis of Amsterdam, that Dr. Livingston must be regarded above all others as best adapted for the Professorship in New York and New Jersey, on account of his qualifications for the office, his peculiar acquaintance with the languages, names, and peculiar circum- stances of the country, which in reference to the successful prosecution of the office, must all be taken into account. In these he must greatly excel any one who might be called from here, though superior in learning. The Faculty also coincides in judgment with the Rev. Classis, that in case Dr. Livingston should not be acceptable to the General Synod, or in case he should be himself disinclined to accept the office, more definite information respecting the salary, etc., should be transmitted, before we can present the matter to any one in this country with hope of success.
Having thus complied with your request, I have the honor, with prayer for a rich divine blessing upon the Rev. Classis, in her transactions in reference to this important matter, to subscribe myself yours, with great respect and affection,
G. Bonnet.
THE CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM TO THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE
REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH IN NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY, JUNE 15, 1774 .- VOL. 31.
Reverend, Learned and much Respected Brethren, constituting the General Synod of the Ministers and Elders of New York and New Jersey :-
We received the minutes of your Convention held at Kingston, Oct. 5-8, 1773, with the accompanying letter, written at that time, in due season. We have read them with great satisfaction, as the fear which we expressed in our last is at. once removed, because the brethren in both the provinces of New York and New Jersey are of one mind on the subject of the Professorate.
As it respects this important subject, beloved brethren, we have earnestly directed our considerations to proper means; but we needed a firmer footing on which to go to work, before we could prosecute it in any way with hope of success.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
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1774
We ought previously to know, first, on what certain salary a Professor might be called ; secondly, whether there would be any other emoluments besides the salary, as a dwelling, etc .; thirdly, how much would be allowed for the removal of a Professor and his goods; fourthly, what are the particular services which would be required of a Professor ?
Without knowledge as to these points no one will be disposed to leave his fatherland; but when we receive intelligence on these points, we shall be able to act on this subject efficiently.
In the meantime we submit to the consideration of your reverend Body, whether the Rev. J. H. Livingston, S. S. Th. D., who is held by us in high reputation, would not be deemed by the brethren qualified for the office. Our Classis will gladly give her approbation.
It appears to us, as it does to the Rev. Theological Faculty of Utrecht, to whom we wrote on the subject, that Rev. Dr. Livingston would be best adapted for this work on account of his suitable qualifications for the work, his knowledge of the language, and the peculiarities of the people, as well as of the circumstances, all of which should be taken into consideration in prosecuting this matter. In these respects he has many advanages over any one who could be called from Holland. Besides, considerable additional expense would thus be avoided.
But if the appointment of Dr. Livingston should not be acceptable to the Synod, or, if he should himself be disinclined to engage in so important an office, then we shall need more minute information, to propose the subject to some one here. It will be gratifying to receive a letter from the brethren on these points.
In relation to other matters we desire a reference to the 8th Article.
That the Consistory of Kingston had approved the two-fold plan of reconciliation between them and Dr. Meyer, and also between them and the part of the congre- gation which adheres to Dr. Meyer, and we request the brethren further to urge this subject upon them.
ARTICLE 5 AD 15.
That the churches which shall stand aloof should sign the Articles of Union as early as may be, and that the difference in reference to the 15th Article may be adjusted in love as soon as possible.
ARTICLE 18
When the list shall be received by us, care will be taken that it be placed in the " Naam Register." May the Great King of the Church have his eye over you and your Church for good. Our heartfelt prayers are that many among you may be born in Zion, and that they may be established and edified. With assurance of high respect, we remain yours in brotherly attachment, Rev., beloved and respected brethren. Your obedient servants and brethren.
In the name of the Deputati Classis Amste., ad res exteras,
R. A. Ten Brink, Eccles. Amst., P. pt. dep., ad res ext.
Amsterdam, June 15, 1774.
GERMAN REFORMED CHURCH, NEW YORK.
Call of the Rev. John Gabriel Gebhard, June 29, 1776.
Our much beloved and respected pastor, Rev. C. F. Foering, having received and accepted the call of a congregation at Millstone, he having informed the Elders and Deacons of the same last Monday, the 27th inst., and who believing that the vacancy if not soon filled, might be the cause of great injury to the Church, We the undersigned, Deacons and Elders of the German Reformed Church, called the congregation together on the 28th inst., and made known to them the resigna- tion of the Rev. C. F. Foering; when the members of the congregation proceeded in the fear of the Lord to elect another minister, when the choice fell upon the Rev. John Gabriel Gebhard, without one dissenting voice. And as we, the Elders and Deacons, cannot but acknowledge the finger of God in such a peaceable election,
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ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
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we with great pleasure and confidence in God proceed to call you the Rev. J. G. Gebhard, in the fear of God and in the name of our church, and with the acquiescence of the Rev. C. F. Foering, to be a regular Shepherd and Pastor of our said German Reformed Church in New York, in the trust, that you will accept this our call, in the fear of God, and will send unto us, in the words of St. Paul to the Macedonian, " that you will come, and that quickly."
1st. You will be expected to preach the Word of God pure, according to the grace which God will give unto you, in the German language, twice every Sunday, and once in the week, Wednesday evening. On Sunday morning the text to be taken from the Bible, and in the afternoon the sermon to be from the Heidelberg Catechism.
2nd. We shall expect the customary feast and preparation sermons.
3rd. That you will administer the Sacrament, at such time as has been cus- tomary.
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