USA > New York > Ecclesiastical records, state of New York, Volume VI > Part 77
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
1784
IN THE PARTICULAR BODY OF HACKENSACK.
Congregations.
Ministers.
Bergen
Staten Island, North Side do. South Side
Wilhelmus Jackson.
Hackensack
Old congregation. .Dirck Romeyn.
Schraalenbergh
do. Consistory consti- tuted during the W. Kuypers.
disturbances ...
Tappan -
. Vacant.
New Hempstead
Kakiet.
. Vacant.
Paramus
Benjamin Van Der Linde.
Panne
Pompton
Totowa
Hermanus Meyer.
Horse Neck
Aquackanonck
Henricus Schoonmaker.
Persippeny
Vacant.
Second River
Vacant.
IN THE PARTICULAR BODY OF NEW BRUNSWICK.
Congregations.
Ministers.
New Brunswick -
Six Mile Run
Raritan
Vacant.
Bedminster
Millstone
Solomon Frolich.
Sourland
Joannes M. Van Harlingen.
Freehold
Benjamin Du Bois.
Middletown
Conewango
Cornelius Consyn.
North Branch.
Simeon Van Arsdalen.
South and North Hampton, Bucks County . . Vacant.
Walpeck -
Minisink
Vacant.
Mahakemack
IN THE PARTICULAR BODY OF KINGSTON.
Congregations.
Ministers.
Kingston
. Rev. Doll, outstanding.
Marbletown and Rochester. . Rev. Jacob R. Hardenbergh.
Wawarsing
. Vacant.
New Paltz and New Hurley
Stephanus Goetschius.
Shawangunck and Wallkill
. Reynier Van Nest.
Poughkeepsie . Vacant.
Fishkill, New Hackensack . Isaac Rysdyk.
Hopewell . Isaac Blauvelt.
Clove
. Vacant.
Dover
. Vacant.
Rhinebeck Flats.
. Stephanus Voorhees.
Rhinebeck and Camp, German . Dan. Ger. Cock, outstanding.
Red Hook.
. Vacant.
Stissing, German
. Vacant. Outstanding.
Caatsban
Vacant.
. Vacant.
Shannock
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4319
1784
IN THE PARTICULAR BODY OF ALBANY.
Congregations.
Ministers.
Albany do. German Congregation.
Eilardus Westerlo, outstanding.
. Vacant.
Schenectady
Barend Vroman, Emeritus.
Conewango
Thomas Romeyn.
Niskayuna
. Vacant.
Norman's Kill.
do.
Upper and Lower Schoharie.
do.
Stone Arabia
do.
Canajoharie ยท do.
Great Flats. Rosekrans.
Catskill and Coxsackie.
. Joannes Schunema.
Manor Livingston, Greenbush and Tagh- kanick
Nicolas Lansingh.
Claverack
. Gebhart.
Kinderhook.
Vacant.
Schodack
do.
Half Moon
do.
Saratoga
do.
Schaghticoke
Elias Van Bunschoten.
From this catalogue, it appears that there are under the jurisdiction of the Rev. Body almost a hundred regularly constituted congregations, of which fifty-three are provided with the ministration of the Holy Gospel ; that many of the vacant congregations are large and able, and that in them all there is an ardent desire for the Word of the living God ; that several of the ministers still occupied, will, through old age and other causes, apparently not long be able to engage in the work of the Lord ; that the number of additions by reason of the recent lamentable war are very small, and that, consequently, the lack of Ministers is rather increasing than otherwise, there being not more than two licentiates to supply the existing deficiency ; that according to the reports of the Rev. Brethren, for the two follow- ing years there are no candidates to be expected, whilst at the same time, the suffer- ing congregations daily find their danger and affliction increased, partly by the lack of licentiates, and partly by the floods of error, infidelity, and all kinds of irreligion, which are everywhere bursting upon the land. The new settlements which are now occurring in the respective States of this land, and will daily increase, present the most favorable opportunities for the extension of our churches and the diffusion of the pure doctrines of grace, especially since a considerable portion of them are com- posed of persons and families originally belonging to the Reformed Church or heartily devoted to the same, whereby, with a Divine blessing, the number of our congregations could, in a short time, be at least doubled, if we had Ministers who could be employed by the Rev. Body among them as Missionaries, with sufficient means for their support.
The Rev. Committee, attentively considering all things, are of the judgment, that this apparent state of our churches necessarily demands that some popular and reasonable measures, agreeable to Christian duty and the nature of the case, should be, in the speediest and best manner, taken for the supply of the existing need, and the extension of the borders of our Church, by collecting and consulting congrega- tions in the new settlements in these and the neighboring States, at least where such settlements are carried forward by those who pertain to the Reformed Church. Not prepared, however, to define in particular what these measures should be, said Rev. Committee humbly desire to resign to the Rev. Body, for their future delibera- tion and determination, this, in their opinion, necessary and weighty subject.
The Rev. Body thank the gentlemen of the committee for the labor they have bestowed, and assume the subject as matter for consideration.
4320
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1784
PROFESSORATE.
The Professorate was taken into consideration, as a subject of great weight and importance. The Rev. Body, heartily lamenting that, by reason of the war, attention to it had been necessarily so long deferred, were unanimously of opinion, that since it had now pleased the Lord to grant the land a blessed and honorable peace, together with a confirmation of our Freedom and Independence, this matter should, with all earnestness and speed, as well as suitable care, be promoted and brought to a consummation. As a means of affording light upon this subject, a letter was presented from the honorable, the respected Trustees of Queens College at New Brunswick, addressed to this Rev. Body, in which they commend that Seminary to the patronage of the Church; at the same time, also a copy of an Act of the Legislative power of the State of New York, in relation to the establish- ment of a University in that State ; whereupon, it was resolved, with respect to each of these subjects presented, that this Rev. Body, desiring to proceed with the utmost prudence as well as zeal, would at present make no definite answer to said letter, nor determine anything in relation to the Professorate at New York; but that each member of the Rev. Body should endeavor to obtain as much light and information on both subjects as possible, and that the definite determination of the matter should be deferred to the approaching October, when a General Meeting shall V. D. be held. In the meanwhile, the Rev. President is directed to reply to the letter of the respected Trustees, comprehending the substance of this resolution, and express- ing the sincere disposition of the Rev. Body to do all in their power for the welfare of the Seminary at New Brunswick, as far as is consistent with the general interest of the Church. But since this subject affects the well-being of the whole Reformed Church, the Rev. Body desire to have the counsel and presence of all the Ministers of the Congregations under the jurisdiction of this Rev. Body. Wherefore, it is ordained, that the Rev. President of all the Particular Bodies be pleased to com- municate to their respective Rev. Bodies, or to their respective subordinate congre- gations, this desire, with the request that each Minister appear with an Elder upon the first Wednesday of the coming October, at New York, in order that then, with the Lord's blessing, this weighty matter may be brought to a desirable issue.
[The ministers of the Reformed Church, with very few exceptions, were loyal to the cause of Independence. See Dr. John Todds Discourse on "The Posture of its Ministers and People during the Revolution." Centennial Discourses," 1876, pp. 107- 139. E. T. C.]
CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
1784, July 19th. Synodalia. Art. 49 ad 50. The Classis has received informa- tion from New York and New Jersey, giving evidence of their watchfulness for orthodoxy of doctrine. This has been obtained through a private letter. xy. 313.
SYNOD OF NORTH HOLLAND, AT AMSTERDAM, JULY 27-AUG. 5, 1784. ARTICLE 49 .- NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY.
Their Hon. Mightinesses, the corresponding delegates and the Classes, would like to have their desires gratified, if it were only to hope for a favorable report about those churches from the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam.
1784, AUG. 26. INCORPORATION OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH AT
ALBANY. Pastors.
Rev. Henry Moeller, 1784-5.
Supplied by Revs. Schwertfeger, Groetz, and Johan Frederic Ernst, pastor of Loonenbergh, (Athens, N. Y.) and Claverack.
Rev. Anthon Theodore Braun, 1794-1800 .- Munsell's Annals, 1. 122-5.
C
G
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4321
1784
GENERAL MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS OF THE CHURCH OF NEW YORK, OCT. 5-8, 1784.
Completion of Ecclesiastical Independence. See Oct. 15-18, 1771. Extracts.
LETTER OF THE REV. CLASSIS OF AMSTERDAM.
A letter from the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, dated 21st July, 1788, accom- panied by the Acts of the Rev. Synod of North Holland, was read to the Rev. Body, and was an occasion for special joy. For this kind attention and care, the Rev. Body heartily thank the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and entertain the pleasing hope that the correspondence for a considerable time interrupted by the war, will, under the gracious providence of God, hereafter be regularly maintained.
FRATERNAL CORRESPONDENCE.
And inasmuch as this Rev. Body, at its session in the spring, passed a resolution, in case the Presbyterian Synod of New York and Philadelphia were so inclined, to appoint a committee who should meet a committee of the Presbyterians, to devise such regulations as might serve as a foundation for fraternal intercourse and Christian neighborship, this Rev. Body further resolve, that the same committee in their name also inform the brethren of the United Reformed Scotch Church of their inclination to avail themselves of any opening for more intimate fraternal Intercourse, and to report more particularly at the next meeting.
FUNDAMENTAL ARTICLES OF 1771-2.
Since the names of the Respective Bodies have associated with them many difficulties and inconveniences in the use of them, especially in the Minutes, and are also to an extent unintelligible to other persuasions, and have thus tended to the discredit of our otherwise respectable Church, the Rev. Body, as now increased by the presence of the advisory members who have been called in from the whole body of our Church, and strengthened by their counsel and assent, have seen fit to change the same in accordance with the provision made in the Articles of the Plan of Union, and henceforth to apply to the General Body the name of SYNOD, and to the Particular Bodies the name of CLASSIS; under this restriction, however, that this change shall in no measure be prejudicial to the Articles of Union, which this Rev. Body solemnly declare shall remain inviolable,
ECCLESIASTICAL INCORPORATIONS.
In the Rev. Body mention was made of an Act of the Legislature of the State of New York for the incorporation of all the religious persuasions within said State, against which some weighty objections have been brought. The Rev. Body, though upon the eve of separation, and unable to bestow suitable attention upon the sub- ject, yet judge, on account of the weight of the objections, that the respective Reformed Dutch Churches within that State should, if possible, not be hasty in availing themselves of this law, but abide a more particular consideration of the subject in the coming meeting, (See April 6, 1784.)
4322
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1784
ELECTION OF A PROFESSOR OF THEOLOGY BY THE SYNOD OF THE REFORMED DUTCH CHURCH, OCT. 5, SEQ. 1784.
The subject of the Professorate, to which it had not been possible to attend for a considerable time, by reason of various hindrance, being taken up at this Meeting, with desires directed to God for necessary guidance and direction in this very weighty matter; to throw light upon the subject, the President not only read all the Acts at the various General Meetings relative thereto, together with all other collateral matter, as namely : an address of the respective Trustees of Queens Col- lege, at New Brunswick, commending that Academy to the care of the Rev. Body; a letter from the Rev. Consistory at Schenectady, containing an advantageous offer for the establishment of a Seminary in that place ; an Act of the honorable Assembly of the State of New York, and a proposal from various inhabitants of Hackensack in relation to the College of New Brunswick, in case of its removal. But for a fuller opening of the subject, the Rev. Brethren gave their advice in respect to what they judged necessary and serviceable for the education of youth in all the preparatory sciences, as well as in the Hebrew languages and the various parts of Sacred Theology.
The Rev. Body, having deliberated upon the subject, saw fit hereupon to appoint a commission to draft the resolutions of this Rev. Body in relation to the Pro- fessorate, and lay them on the table of this Body. Said commission was appointed, viz. : Rev. Messrs. Jacob R. Hardenbergh, Deputatus Synodi, Jo. H. Livingston, Isaac Rysdyk, as also Messrs. Joannes Jansen, Joannes Freer, and Jacobus Swart- woud ; which committee presented the following :
1. " That since, for the attainment of the salutary object had in view in the appointment of one or more Professors, studies preparatory to Theology are absolutely necessary, attention should at the same time be directed to one or more seminaries or schools for the instruction of young gentlemen proposing to apply themselves to theological studies.
2. (a) And since already for many years there has been' a school established at New Brunswick, in the Jerseys, which as early as Anno Domini, 1773, was received under the care of the Rev. Body, but by reason of various obstacles and delays, and of the recent war, it has not been possible to bring matters to a completion, this Rev. Body, deliberating thereupon, finally resolve, according to their ability, in the speediest manner to carry it forward.
(b) As regards the advantageous offer made to this Rev. Body in the name of the respectable congregation of Schenectady, in relation to the establishment there, as a very convenient place and at a proper distance from Queens College, of a Seminary or College under the oversight and patronage of this Rev. Body, the Rev. Body joyfully accept said offer, and resolve in like manner, with the blessing of God, so far as the times and circumstances permit, cheerfully to do all in their power towards the promotion of such a College at Schenectady.
(c) With reference to one or more Professors in Theology, this Rev. Body resolve to appoint a Professor of Theology in the City of New York; and since, through the unfavorable nature of the times, the Rev. Body is not in condition to call a Professor upon a sufficient income, it is hoped that the Rev. Consistory of New York will make the best arrangement in relation to it.
(d) The Rev. Body, considering the necessity for a knowledge of the Hebrew language to the proper discharge of the holy ministry, resolve for the assistance of the Professor and the instruction of the students in that sacred language, to appoint for the purpose one of the ministerial brethren who shall be judged best qualified, to whom the students of Theology shall, if possible, resort."
The Rev. Body having thanked the gentlemen of the committee for their labor, and carefully considered the draft presented, accepted it, and resolved respecting the particular points contained in it, as follows:
1. That for weighty reasons stated, the Rev. Body is of opinion that the removal of Queens College is impracticable; and from the fact that the Rev. Body have received it as an object of their care, they recommend to the Trustees to employ all diligence and care to keep alive, and according to opportunity, to promote the. upbuilding of said College, until, in Providence, an increase of funds can be. procured, to which the Rev. Body promise to render assistance.
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4323 1784
2. For the accomplishment of the matter relative to Schenectady, the Rev. Body appoint a committee to be associated with the Rev. Consistory of Schenectady in promoting and carrying into effect said business in the speediest and best manner. The Rev. Messrs. Jacob R. Hardenbergh, Eilardus Westerlo, Thomas Romeyn and Elias Bunschooten, are appointed said committee.
3. As regards the third point, the Rev. Mr. Johannes H. Livingston, Doctor of Sacred Theology and Minister at New York, is by this Rev. Body unanimously appointed Professor of Sacred Theology in the city of New York, under whose care the students will be required to place themselves for the study of Sacred Theology, or at least the completion of their studies. From this Professor, students of Theology shall be required to bring a certificate whenever they desire to be admitted to the preparatory examination, for which certificate, as a suitable honorarium the students shall present to the Professor at least five pounds ; and in case any students have commenced their studies at other places, it is enjoined upon them to exhibit to said Professor a certificate of the commencement of their studies, with, however, this restriction, that no certificates shall be received by the Professor which are given by persons who do not belong to the body of our Church as members of this Ecclesiastical Assembly. Of the said Professorate, a regular Diploma is executed, approved, and placed in the hands of the Rev. Professor.
And since the services which this Rev. Body, in their call of the Rev. Mr. Liv- ingston, as Professor of Sacred Theology, have imposed upon him, necessarily will require some dispensation from his otherwise necessary ecclesiastical functions, this Rev. Body ordain, that a respectful address be presented in their name to the Rev. Consistory of the Reformed Dutch Church in this city, by a committee to be appointed for that purpose, informing them of the Professorial call made upon their highly esteemed pastor, and requesting them to make every possible arrangement to afford him opportunity, according to the demands of duty in that position, to accomplish the salutary object of the Body, for the advancement of the welfare of our beloved Church, in hope that they will also contribute all in their power for the support of our Dutch Reformed Church in this portion of the world; on which business the Rev. Messrs. J. R. Hardenbergh, Isaac Rysdyk, Isaac Blauvelt, and Benjamin Du Bois are appointed a committee.
4. With respect to the appointment of one of the ministers as Instructor of the Students in the inspired languages, Dr. Hermanus Meyer, Minister at Pompton and Totowa, is appointed thereto.
[On May 19, 1785, Dr. Livingston delivered his Inaugural Address, as Synod Pro- fessor of Theology, in an elegant oration, in Latin, in the old Dutch Church in Garden street, New York City. The topic was "THE TRUTH OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION." He began with a happy reference to the results of the Revolution; then the importance of religion to the nation. He then gave a general view of all religion, true and false. He then treated of Natural Religion, and its insufficiency, and of Revealed Religion, as necessary to salvation. He then presented arguments to prove that the Bible is a Divine Revelation.
This Discourse was printed at the time. In 1876, very few copies could be found, and it was suggested that it should be reprinted in "Centennial Discourses." This was done in the first edition, but omitted in the second edition, to make room for an Index. E. T. C.]
CORRESPONDENCE FROM AMERICA.
The Synod of New York and New Jersey, per Rev. Dr. John H. Livingston, as its President, to the Classis of Amsterdam, Oct. 8, 1784. Vol. 34, page 94-97. No. 39.
ASSUMPTION OF ECCLESIASTICAL INDEPENDENCE.
Reverend Gentlemen and dearly beloved Brethren :---
Among the many unspeakable blessings which have been granted us by the Lord, such as his bringing the war in our land with all its awful consequences to an end, and giving us the ability to establish our dearly purchased liberties upon a firm and honorable basis; we may, nevertheless, justly consider the preservation
4324
ECCLESIASTICAL RECORDS
1784
of his Church, and the restoration of our spiritual privileges, the most important of them all, yea, the grandest and the most valuable. We have again been per- mitted to assemble with all our membership, in delightful security, and to hold our Ecclesiastical Meetings without fear of being disturbed by the sword of a ruthless enemy. It was also a peculiar pleasure to us, at our reunion, to be honored with a letter from the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, dated July 21, 1783. This was received with special delight, as the first fruits of peace, and an un- mistakable evidence of the unbroken attachment and love of the Lord's Church in the Netherlands to this portion of his Vineyard. During the war, when our Ecclesiastical Meetings could be but partially attended, we not only held them every year, but endeavored also, as far as possible, to remember our highly esteemed Church in the Netherlands. We frequently sent letters to her, although, as we feared at the time, none of them were received, with the exception of one of October, (8), 1778.
The Acts of our more recent Meetings which we have the honor of forwarding to the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam with this letter, are those of October, 1783, May, 1784, and October, 1784. From these you will learn the condition of our churches. The number of our ministers has been diminished by death, since the beginning of the war. We are the more grieved at this, not only because there were eminent men among them, but because the number of vacant congregations has thereby been increased. However, the " MEASURES AND THE APPOINTMENTS " which we have now made, appear in our judgment, to be the means best adapted, under the blessing of God, to heal the breaches and promote the future prosperity of our churches. They are such measures and appointments as we trust will meet with the unanimous approbation of the Church in the Netherlands. The recogni- tion of this by the Very Rev. Synod of North Holland and the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, we will receive with great satisfaction .*
Inasmuch as our Church and Doctrine are highly esteemed by the different Protestant Denominations, our present circumstances and relations in this country give us a well-grounded hope that we will be able not only to provide ministers for our own churches, where they are lacking, when our plans shall have reached maturity, but also serve as a means for preserving and spreading the truth and purity of doctrine, among other Denominations. However, the destructions and dreadful consequences caused by the war, are still so wide spread and so apparent among us, that but little can be done immediately toward the accomplishment of these great purposes. We are obliged to wait in faith, until the good hand of Him, who has already performed so many wondrous deeds in our behalf, shall open the way and afford us the necessary assistance.
There have been no changes in our circumstances or names, which will occasion even the least change in our love, esteem and adherence to the Church in the Netherlands, or cause our correspondence to languish. On the contrary we will thankfully acknowledge every year the receipt of the Acts of the Synod of North Holland, and we prefer to continue to receive them through the kind hands of the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam; for we know from long experience how much care and labor and love, the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam has bestowed upon our churches. We also engage, on our part, punctually to observe the now renewed Correspon- dence, being willing not only to communicate the state of our churches here, and all our circumstances, which we will do with the greatest pleasure; but we will also gladly receive the wise counsels of our esteemed brethren. We will also ever open arms and affectionate hearts the oppressed children of Zion who may flee to our Pella.
May the Lord preserve the brave inhabitants of the Netherlands from further sorrows, and in mercy forbid the fires of war from causing new desolations among them. May He bless the Church of the Netherlands, and cause truth and pure
*These "Measures and Appointments" involved very much. The "General Meet- ing" or "Body" now assumed the name of "Synod," which had been a matter of earnest debate for many years; and the "Particular Bodies" assumed the name of "Classes." A "Professor of Theology" was now appointed by the Synod, without further correspondence on the subject. The Classis of Amsterdam would understand from the perusal of the Acts of the American Synod sent them, that complete inde- pendence was now assumed, yet the statement in this letter is couched in most courteous terms. "The recognition of this by the Rev. Synod and Classis we will receive with great satisfaction "There have been no changes in our cir- cumstances or names which will occasion the least change in our love, etc."
OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
4325
1784
religion to increase and become ever more triumphant. May He bless the Very Rev. Synod of North Holland and the Rev. Classis of Amsterdam, and make all our hearts glad with good tidings concerning His precious Zion on all the different Continents.
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.