USA > New York > Ulster County > History of Ulster County, New York, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers. Vol. II > Part 59
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Rosendale was organized the same year that the system of school supervision by town superintendents commenced. The ineumbents of that office in Rosendale until the office was abolished, in 1856, were the following : 1844, Jacob A. Snyder ; 1845-46, James H. Bogardus ; 1847, Jacob A. Snyder; 1848, James H. Bogardus; 1849, E. W. Budington ; 1851-53, Simon Schoonmaker ; 1854, Isaiah Snyder ; 1850, Simon Schoonmaker.
There are several schools of considerable prominence at the present time. At Rosendale village the public school has two departments. At Creek Locks there is a large handsome brick sehool-house. At Whiteport there is also a school of two departments.
The following report by the school commissioners for March, 1880, shows the general condition of the schools in a coneise form :
COMMISSIONERS' REPORT, MARCH, ISSO.
Number of districts. 7
Number of children of school age ...... 1502
Attendance previous year .. 420.426
Public money on the basis of the number of children $692.11 Public money on the basis of attendance .... $22.40
Equal district quota. 523.00
Library moncy. 46.10
VII .- CHURCHES.
REFORMED CHURCH OF BLOOMINGDALE.
In the spring of 1796 the inhabitants of what was then Eastern Hurley and Southern Kingston, near the locality ealled Bloomingdale, " became weary of their various diifi- cuities by reason of their distance from places of Divine worship," and therefore called a meeting to take steps for the formation of a church. A committee to consult with the Consistory of Kingston Church was appointed,-viz., Andries Snyder, Simon Le Fevre, John C. Dewitt. The authorities of the Kingston Church unanimously acceded to their request, and promised their assistance. At a sub- sequent meeting of the friends of a new church the eom- mittee made their report, and the next step was taken by appointing a committee to petition Classis for authority to organize. This committee consisted of Petrus Smedes, Simon Le Fevre, and Samuel Schoonmaker. The petitions set forth the eireminstances of the ease,-their love for re- ligions institutions, the burden of traveling so far to attend public worship, the danger of error in staying away ; where-
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HISTORY OF ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
upon Classis granted the petition, and appointed a committee . to organize the church, consisting of Rev. Stephen Goetchius and Moses Freligh.
The first elders chosen were Samuel Schoonmaker, Petrus Sinedes, Simon Le Fevre, Johannes Van Wagener, the first deacons, Edward Burhans, John C. Dewitt, Jacob Blanshan, Isaac Van Wagenen. Other members not mentioned among the officers were Matthew Blanshan, Jaeob Blan- shan, Cornelia Cantine (wife of John C. Dewitt), Bridget Blanshan (wife of Edward Burhans). Other names ap- pcaring among the members to 1800 are Jonathan Harden- bergh, Abram Van Wagenen, Jacob I. Van Wagenen, John C. Hardenbergh, Jacob Van Wagenen, Hendrick Smith, Jan Freer, Andries Sayder, John Le Fevre, John Keator, Coenradt Le Fevre, Peter Helm.
Feb. 26, 1800, this Consistory met with the Consistory of Cline Esopus Church, at the tavern of Luke Roomer, and agreed to jeintly call Rev. Thomas G. Smith. This call is said to have been unanimous, with the exception that, the call not stipulating what proportion of the preaching should be in the Dutch language, Mr. Jacob Acker dissented.
The first house of worship was erected in 1797. This stood down to Dec. 28, 1846, when it was destroyed by fire. At a meeting held soon after, in the old Bloomingdale school- house, it was voted to rebuild, and a committee to have charge of the work was appointed, consisting of George W. Le Fevre, Abram Van Wagenen.
In connection with the founding of this church, in 1797, the following items are obtained from the records of the euunty clerk's office : Dec. 6, 1797, Abraham Van Wagenen executed a deed for a piece of land containing 3 roods and 38 perches to Samuel Sehoomnaker, Johannes Van Wag- enen, John Freer, Hendrick Smith, Edward Burhans, Isaac Van Wagenen, Jr., Matthew Blanshan, Jr., and John C. Hardenbergh, trustees of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church at Bloomingdale, in the town of Hurley, said land, with the edifices, buildings, and appurtenanees, being for the use of said church forever. This church was incorporated by a certificate bearing the same date as the deed. The in- strument was signed by the elders and deacons mentioned above. It was witnessed by Simon Le Fevre and Peter Blanshan, sworn to before Judge Abram Bevier, and the record attested by George Tappen, deputy clerk.
The following deed appears in the records of the town of Hurley :
" July 7, 1798, the trustees of the town of Hurley granted unto the Reformned Protestant Dutch Church of Bloomindall, then represented by Samuel Schoonmaker, Johannis Van Wagoner, Hendrick Smith, Jan Freer, Edward Burhans, Isaac Van Wagenen, Jr., Matthew Blan- shan, Jr., and John Hardenbergh, a tract of land described as fol- lows :
" Lying and being within the limits and bounds of Hurley, afore- said, beginning at a stone set in the ground, on the North westerly side of and near to the public highway leading from King-ton 1 , Paltz, at the North easterly corner of a lot of land belonging to Johanni& D. Krot ; from thence running along said Jot North sixty- reven degrees thirty-six minutes, west fourteen chains ; then north thirty-three degrees, cost five chains, to a white pine sapling marked ; thra worth sixty-one degrees and thirty minutes, east one chain ; then north thirty-five degrees, east four chalus forty links, to a stake set in the ground1; then South fifty-seven degrees, cast four chains ; then south sixty-seven degrees thirty-six minutes, east eight chains aud about eighty links, to a black-oak sapling marked, and n heup of
stones laid around them ; sonth two Degrees, west about three chains and fifty links, to the public highway aforesaid ; then South westerly ulong snid highway to the place of beginning; containing thirteen acres of land."
Among the elders and deaeons of the carlier years there may be mentioned, besides those already named, the follow. ing : Cornelius Krom, Jonathan Le Fevre, Wm. A. Dewitt, Cornelius Sammons, Abram Helm, John Freer, John E. Hardenbergh, Johannis J. Du Bois, George Davis, Fred- erick Sannons, John P. Keator, Cornelius J. Ehnendorf, Abram Summons, Jacob A. Snyder, Jacob Blanshan, Jona- than Le Fevre, Jr., Jacob I. Keator, John C. Hardenbergh, John Blanshan, Jonathan Schoonmaker, Benjamin N. Dewitt, John Jas. Snyder. These were all before 1820. New names appearing after that date to 1850: Johannis S. Schoonmaker, Jacobus Hoffman, Johannis Van Wagener, Jr., Benjamin W. Dewitt, Abraham Auchmoody, Jonathan Krum, Aurt Wood, Benjamin 1. Van Wagenen, John Blanshan, Diederick S. M. Suyder, Peter F. Freer, A. P. P. Snyder, Wm. Du Bois Van Wagenen, Jacob Peters, Al- exander II. Heermance, James W. Durban, Levi Le Fever, Matthew Hoornbeck, John Ostrander, Jr., Abram Long- year, George Van Wagener, Garret K. Heermance, Charles Krm, T. F. Tillson, A. Relyen, Abraham Weaver, George W. Le Fever, Abram M. Van Wagenen, Peter S. Freer, Benjamin F. Snyder.
List of Pastors .- Revs. Thomas G. Smith (with Esopus), 1799-1808; J. R. H. Hasbronek (with Esopus), 1809-13 ; Benjamin Van Keuren (with Esopus), 1825-35; James McFarlane (with Rosendale), 1844-45 ; T. C. Strong (with Rosendale), 1845-49; B. J. Snyder, 1850-52; James R. Lente (with Rosendale), 1855-63; Augustus Blauvelt, 1866-71; M. F. Liebenan, 1874-80.
The present officers (March 1, 1880) are: Pastor, Rev. M. F. Leibenau, commeneed October, 1876, and now in the fourth year of his pastorate ; Elders, Abram N. Van Wag- enen, Daniel Black, Henry Hoffman, Simon Peter Freer ; Deacons, Horton Elting, Harvey Hoffman, David Keator, Theron Auchmoody ; Sunday-school Superintendent, Geo. Millham. Number of communicants about 178. The new house of worship was erceted nearly two miles north of the first one. The society also have a conveulent parsonage near the church.
FRIENDS' MEETING, ROSENDALE PLAINS (ORTHODOX).
This is supposed to have been established about the year 1800. Among the families of Friends the Tillsons and Coutants were especially aetive in the work. The meeting- house was probably built not long after the formation of the society. It is a venerable building, and around it naturally cluster many memories of the carly times, Near it is the old burial-place where the pioneer Friends are buried. The first reconnuended minister was Phehe Tilson. Hannah Fry, of Milton, and Samuel Ileaton, of Clintondale, were also approved speakers of later years. The society ceas .... to hold meetings for a time, but in later years has been re- vived as a branch of the Milton Monthly Meeting. Ste- phen Tabor and George HI. Tabor, of Milton, are the minis- ters who speak at Rosendale at the present time. The rec- ords belong to the Monthly Meeting at Marlborongh and the officers chosen by that society. A Sunday-school has
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been opened at Rosendale and maintained for some years past, not always continued during the winter. The last superintendent was Lewis Van Nostrand. The number of members of the Rosendale meeting may be stated at about 20.
FIRST ASSOCIATE BAPTIST SOCIETY IN THE VILLAGE OF ROSENDALE.
A society with the above title was incorporated by a cer- tificate bearing date May 22, 1840. The inceting for or- ganization was held at the assembly room of Abraham De- graff, and the record of the proceedings was signed by Peter Cornell, John Allcorn, Sahnon Cotton, and Silas Smith. The trustees chosen were Peter Cornell, John Seaman, John Allcorn, Silas Smith, William W. Krom, Alexander Petrie, Ezekiel Maynard, Sahnon Cotton, and Jacobus Dietz. The instrument was witnessed by Jacob A. Snyder, and verified before him as commissioner of deeds.
The commencement of Baptist operations in Rosendale was a few months earlier than the above-named organiza- tion. In March, 1839, Elder D. Morris, pastor of the Kingston Baptist Church, came to Rosendale at the request of Peter Cornell. His first Baptist sermon was preached in a room over a horse-shed connected with one of the public- houses, and the text was fiom Luke xxiv. 47. Services were thereafter regularly held once a fortnight. The first baptisms were April 5, 1810. At that time and soon after the following persons were received by baptism into the fel- lowship of the Kingston Church : John Allcorn, Ezekiel Mayuard, Solomon Cotton, Lewis Stringham, Lewis Van Nostrand, Hadenbergh Anderson, William W. Krom, Charles Hardenbergh, Jane Allcorn, Eleanor Maynard, Jane Mowell, Mary Jane Mowell, Elizabeth Cornell, Betsey Huston, Rachei Krom, Elizabeth Chambers, Margaret Fur- man.
A subscription to ereet a meeting-honse was circulated in the summer of 1841. The lot was donated by Jacob A. Snyder. The house was completed in 18-12, and was dedicated October 17th of the same year. The sale of the pews took place November 4th of that year. The trustees in 1811-42 were Jacobus Dietz, Ezekiel Maynard, Salmon Cotton, John Allcorn, William W. Krom, John Seaman, Silas Smith, Peter Cornell, Alexander Petrie.
For about four years from the commencement of Elder Morris' labors, in 1839, the members constituted virtually a part of the Kingston Church. It is stated in the records that the church of Rosendale was constituted November, 1842, but in the roll of members the first are mentioned as being received under date of Jan. 9, 1843. The following are supposed from that record to have been the constituent members : David S. Ogden, William Mowbray, Abraham Morningstern, William D. Johnson, John Huston, Philip II. Warsine, Lewis Snyder, Adam Morningstern, Tully McAllister, John Vandemark, Christopher Dietz, Michael Dietz, Daniel Bodley, Mary Ogden, Ann Eliza Grant, Ann E. Vandemark, Mary Jane Stubbs, Isabella Allcorn. This list numbers 18 only, while the organization in November is said to have consisted of 26 members.
The first deacons, chosen July 15, 1813, were John W. Craig, E. W. Buddington, David Woolsey. The first clerk
was David S. Ogden. The list of pastors comprises the following : Elder David Morris, 1839-44; Elder Eliphaz Fay, 1845-48; Elder N. D. Benedict, 1848; Elder James M. Hope, 1852-53; Elder Len W. Maek, 1855, resigned Feb. 17, 1856; Elder Benjamin Carto, 1857; Eller F. Hartwell, 1859-62; Elder George W. Barnes, November, 1862, to April 2, 1865 ; Elder J. N. Smith, not settled, but filled various appointments for a year or two ; Elder J. L. Bement, commencing May 1, 1867; Elder Van Vradenburgh labored for a time, and the society failed to hold regular meetings for a time, 1872-73.
In the winter of 1875-76 a great revival took place under the labors of Rev. J. L. Benedict. Previons to this Rev. 4. Grinnell and Rev. James Cooper had preached here at intervals. As the result of the revival a large number became interested in the support of the church ; 30 united" as members, 20 of them heads of families. The sacrament of May 7, 1876, was a day of glad tidings, and the church was thoroughly reorganized.
They executed a new certificate of incorporation May 1, 1876. John C. Van Tassel aud S. H. Snyder were in- spectors of the election. The trustees chosen were John Krom, John T. Anderson, Clement Keator. The proceed- ings were verified before J. V. V. Keuyou, notary public." The chairman of the meeting was J. L. Beuediet, and the secretary Lewis C. Bowen .*
The next pastor was Rev. A. J. Adams, who remained about two years. He was succeeded by Rev. William F. Tell, who preached for a few months, closing his labors August, 1879. Since that time no pastor has been ob- tained, though services have been maintained. Arrange- ments are now in progress (April, 1880) for the settlement of a pastor.
The present officers are John Krom, James T. Anderson, George Freer, Trustees; Stephen N. Snyder, John Krom, George Millham, Deacons; Edward Sammons, Treasurer ; J. H. Sammons, Clerk; Stephen H. Snyder, Superintend- ent of Sunday-school.
During the time when church work was suspended, a large Sunday-school was maintained at Creck Locks ly George Millham.
REFORMED CHURCH OF ROSENDALE.
This society executed a certificate of incorporation Nov. 28, 18443. The paper was signed by Rev. J. MeFarlave, by Abram Auchmoody, Benjamin W. Dewitt, Aurt Wood, elders, and by Timothy F. Tillson, Garton J. Keator, John I. Van Wageuen, deacons. It was witnessed by A. S. P. Snyder, and verified before Judge James O. Linderman. The preliminary steps to secure the formation of a church, and the full organization of the same, are shown by the following petition to Classis and the other proceedings given below, as furnished by Jonathan Anchmoody :
First Petition.
"To the Revs Classis of the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church of Ulster, Humbly Shewith .-
" That whereas, your Petitioners, taking into Consideration the Institution of the Means of Grace in the Village of Rosendal. County of Ulster, have Erected a House of Worship to the Honor of
៛ Naine changed to " Baptist Church of Rosendale."
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HISTORY OF ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK.
Almighty God in that place, & whereas, by the Articles of our agreement, & according to the feelings and dictates of Our Con- cionces, the Said House was to be devoted und dediented to the dis- semination of the doctrines of the Reformed Dutch Church;
"We, your petitioners, request that your Res4 Classis will take the usuial Steps to organise us into a Church, that we may be regu- larly in Corporated, in persuance of the Statute in such Case made & provided.
" Rosendale, Novm 15th 1843. " AURT WOOD, " TIMOTHY F. TILLSON, " JACOB H. DAVIS, " Wy. II. SNYDER,
ANDW. S. P. SNYDER, WILLIAM H. BEGORDEZ, ABRAHAM AUCHMOODY.
"J. MCFARLANE, S. S."
Second Action of Classis .- The committee appointed by the Classis of Ulster for the purpose of organizing a new Dutch Reformed Church in Rosendale met in the Baptist church, in the village of Rosendale, on the 22d day of November, 1843. Present, Rev. Henry Ostrander, of Kaatsbaan ; Rev. John IT. Van Wagenen, of Kingston. A sermon was preached by the chairman, the Rev. H. Ostrander, from Ephesians v. 26, 27, and the committee proceeded to the organization, the Rev. J. II. Van Wag- enen officiating as secretary.
The following persons presented certificates from the Consistory of the church of Bloomingdale, and were ae- cepted by the committee : Abraham Auchmoody and Catharine Hoffman, his wife; Aurt Wood and Wontjei Snyder, his wife ; Timothy F. Tillson and Phebe Wood- maney, his wife; John I. Van Wagenen and Nelly Maria Le Fever, his wife ; John Morton and Mary Slaver, his wife ; Thomas Morton, Garton Keator, Hardenbergh Delemator, Benjamin W. Dewitt; Anna Dewitt, wife of David Davis; Sarah Wood ; JJane Wood, widow of Charles C. Harden- bergh ; Catharine Dietz, wife of Garton Keator; Cornelia Anu Davis; Hannah M. Bodley, on certificate of the Re- formed Dutch Church of the Clove.
It was resolved that three elders and three deacons be elected to constitute the first Consistory of this church, and the following persons were chosen : Elders, Abraham Auchmoody, Benjamin W. Dewitt, Aurt Wood; Deacons, Timothy F. Tillson, Garton J. Keator, John I. Van Wag- euen. The above-mentioned elders and deacons were then ordained to their respective offices according to the forms and ceremonies of the Reformed Dutch Church.
It was further resolved unanimously that this church be known and designated as the Protestant Reformed Dutch Church of Rosendale.
The meeting to effect incorporation was held at the house of Solomon Relyea, Nov. 28, 1843, and the certifi- cate executed as already noticed. The call to the Rev. James MeFarlane to become the first settled pastor was made December 1st of the same year. It may be proper to add, as constituting a portion of the founders of the church, the names of those admitted Dec. 16, 1843: Andrew S. P. Snyder and Elsie Auchmoody, his wife, by certificate ; Sally Maria Hermance, wife of James Hill, by certificate ; Dunean Petrie and Catharine Gray, his wife, by confession ; Eliza Andersou, wife of Rev. James MeFarlane, by certifi- cate ; Francis Morton : Margarie Sammons, wife of Peter Hermance, on confession ; l'eter Hermance, by certificate ; Mrs. Margaret Petrie, by certificate.
The house of worship was erected in 1843. It had a seating capacity of 300, and cost about $2500. The successive pastors of the church have been Rev. James McFarlane, Rev. Thomas C. Strong, Rev. Henry Eckel, Rev. James R. Lent, Rev. James W. Beardsley, Rev. John HI. Bevier, Rev. M. F. Liebenau, Rev. Isaac S. Schenck, The members at the present time number 11S. The present officers are : Elders, Andrew B. Snyder, Nathan Keator, Moses Keator, Lewis Auchmoody ; Deacons, Lo- renzo Le Fever, Moses Burr, Ephraim Dewitt, Peter Kelly.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ROSENDALE.
This is a recent enterprise. Services were first held by the Episcopal clergyman of Stone Ridge in the house of worship belonging to the Baptists at Rosendale. These were continued for two years, and resulted in the organiz ?- tion of a parish in 1877. The church was built the same year, at an expense of about $2000. It is small, seating about 150, but it is a handsome specimen of unique church architecture, both in its style and in the materials used. It stands at the lower eud of the village, upon a site of ample dimensions. Robinson & Elting were contractors upon the carpenter work.
Among those especially active in establishing the church were Dr. Robinson (now deceased), Simon Van Wagenen, Alfred Atkins, Edward Codwise, John Carnight, and Mr. Clearwater. Rectors preaching here and at Stone Ridge have been Rev. George W. West, Rev. Alfred Johnson, Rev. William H. Tomlins, Rev. Francis J. Clayton. The last named officiates at the present time, assisted by Rev. Mr. McGuire.
CHURCH OF ST. PETER (CATHOLIC).
As early as 1840 and 1841 Father Smith, of Pough- keepsie, faithfully looking after the wants of scattered Cath- olie families through all this section of country, was in the habit of making sick-calls through Rondout and Rosen- dude. As soon as Catholie services were established at Rondout the Catholies of Rosendale, cherishing a tender love for the forms of worship to which they and their fathers had been accustomed, were wont to walk to Rondont to at- tend mass. Father Maxwell, of Rondout, celebrated the first mass in Rosendale in Petrie's cooper-shop, afterwards the well-known dwelling-house of James Lee,-a yellow building torn down some years since. Father Burke was assistant priest with Father Maxwell, and often came to Rosendale. Father Martin, then pastor at Rondout, in November, 1849, came to Rosendale, and celebrated mass at the house of Walter Dehnar, who was a master-cooper in the cement-works at Lawrenceville. John Hogan brought the priest from Rondout to hold these services. At this time Rosendale was an out-mission of Rondout. From the time of the visit in November services continued to be regularly hell, and immediate steps were takeu to build a house of worship. Before the completion of the edifice mass was once celebrated under a tree that is still standing near the old church. A temporary altar was erected, and there was realized Bryant's beautiful line, ---
" The groves were God's first temples."
The convenient building was completed in the summer
ST. PETER'S R C. CHURCH, RECTORY. ... HALI
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of 1850, and the first mass within its walls was celebrated August 15th. Father Martin, under whom this work had ben carried on, was a man of great energy, thoroughly de- voted to his sacred work, and remarkably successful in gathering Catholic congregations and founding churches. His life was full of pious labor. He continued in charge . of the Rosendale Church during his pastorate in Rondout. Hle was afterwards pastor of the Catholic Church, Tomp- kins Square, New York City, the Church of the Holy ('ross, Forty-second Street, and St. James' Church, James Street. Ilis death occurred while pastor of St. James'. He was an intimate friend of that eminent prelate Arch- bishop Hughes, and enjoyed his confidence. The Catholic congregations of Rondout, Rosendale, and other places re- vall with tender memory his life and labors among them, and his name is an honored one in the annals of the Amer- ican Church.
Other pastors from Rondout labored for varying periods in Rosendale, among them Father Massen, Father MeNier- ney, now Bishop of Albany, Father Farley, now of St. James', New York, the present vicar-general, and perhaps others. The first resident pastor at Rosendale was Rev. Father Lynch. He came in October, 1855, and remained about six months, after which he removed to Yonkers. For a time this congregation was again in connection with that of Rondout, and Father Farley again labored here. It is remembered as an event of interest that in 1860 he secured a visit from Archbishop Hughes to Rosendale.
The second resident pastor, who came in December, 1860, was Rev. Father O'Toole. He stayed in Rosendale until November, 1864. The third pastor was Rev. Patrick Brady. His services extended from November, 1864, to July, 1874. Soon after his arrival at Rosendale steps were taken to effect incorporation under the laws of the State. The certificate was executed April 29, 1865. It was signed by Rev. John MeCloskey, Archbishop of New York ; Rev. William Starr, vicar-genera !; Rev. Patrick Brady, pastor of the Rosendale Church ; and by two lay- men, James MeGranaghan and Dennis King. The instru- ment was verified in part before Dives Carolin, commissioner of deeds, New York, and in part before Hon. Augustus Schoonmaker, and was recorded in the office of the county clerk, June 13, 1865. Father Brady's pastorate was long and successful. He was followed by the present pastor, Rev. Father M. A. O'Flaherty. His labors among this people commenced July 26, 1874. The old church was too small for the increasing congregation. It was associated with many sered memories, but it was necessary to secure a more spa- cious edifice. It was wisely determined to build in such a Inaiher as to meet the wants of many years to come. Accord- ingly, the plan included ample dimensions, substantial work, and architectural symmetry that might delight a refined and cultivated taste. The result was the present hand- Aume edifice, adorning the beautiful plateau that overlooks the village of Rosendale and the deep valley of the Ron- dout. The architect was Arthur Crooks, Trinity Building, New York City. His services are highly appreciated in Rosendale. His thorough qualifications, his unquestioned integrity, and his absolute fidelity to his employers' inter- thats are all mentioned in terms of high praise. The new
church was completed in 1876, and the first, mass celebrated in the edifice on Christmas day. For a further description
Martin. O.O Blakely
we add the following article, written at the time of the con- secration of the church :
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