USA > New York > Kings County > Flatbush > History of the Reformed Church of Flatbush, N.Y., 1807-1907 > Part 6
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ORGANIZATIONS.
Peter Davis and his brother John, Solomon Hen- dricks and his brother Peter, Robert Burhans and his brother James Abram, Peter B. Osterhoudt and Peter Whitaker. These with others would conduct meetings in different parts of the Flatbush field and in places outside, as Plattekill and Barrytown.
Prayer meetings were sometimes held in the church before the morning service. For many years they were held regularly Sunday evenings either in the church or the Flatbush school house.
One night in a season of revival, when the prayer meeting was in the school house, a number came under conviction of sin, and they went across the road to the house of Joseph Davis, where " they continued all night in prayer to God."
The church prayer meeting is now on Thursday evenings in the church except in the winter when cottage prayer meetings are held.
SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
These " nurseries of the church " were begun early in the Flatbush congregation, when we remember that the American Sunday School Union was not organized until 1824, and "reports of Sunday schools do not appear on the minutes of General Synod until 1835.'
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REFORMED CHURCH OF FLATBUSH, N. Y.
Flatbush. This school was organized by Peter Davis some time in the thirties. He and his brother John superintended both this and the middle district Sunday school. Altogether, Mr. Peter Davis was a Sunday school superintendent more than thirty years. Among those who succeeded him were R. P. Milliken, D. Brodhead Hendricks, Allen Griffin, Clarence E. Davis, grandson of Peter Davis and Albert J. Myer.
South Flatbush. Organized in 1831. The first su- perintendent was Philip V. Hendricks followed by Martin Hendricks and later by William Wynkoop. Mrs. H. A. Mills and Mrs. George Smith were the last two superintendents. Owing to removals and other causes this school has been closed for several years.
Glasco *. A union Sunday school was organized there in 1823 by Major Lewis B. Hale, a Methodist, and James Delany, a Baptist. They opened their own homes for the accommodation of the school.
From this union school the present Methodist and Reformed schools were formed. The Reformed school was organized in 1860, Simon Welch being the first su-
Rev. Peter A. Overbagh, during the latter part of his ministry, had a Sunday school at Glasco which he conducted at eight o'clock Sunday mornings, stopping there on his way to the preaching service at Flatbush.
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ORGANIZATIONS.
perintendent and John Maginnis, assistant. Andrew J. Keator succeeded Mr. Welch. The sessions were held in the school house till 1871; after that in Im- manuel Chapel. At this time James Welch became superintendent, which office he held almost continuously until 1889. Mrs. Sarah Maginnis had charge of the school for a time. At the beginning of the present pastorate, James C. Dederick was superintendent ; he was followed by Julius Bartels, the present incumbent. The secretary and treasurer is George Myer.
Glenerie. Organized in 1854, it is believed, by Peter Davis of Flatbush. While the lead works were in operation it was a flourishing school. Though much smaller now it is still maintained. Among its superin- tendents have been Elijah Felter, Mrs. Cornelius Brink, and, of late years, Miss Eliza Hervey and Miss Fannie Nott.
Katrine or Pine Bush. This is a union Sunday school though reported among the four schools of the Flatbush church. It was organized in June, 1831, with Henry E. Legg, superintendent, and Tunis Osterhoudt, secretary. Later Stephen Osterhoudt was elected su- perintendent and served a number of years. He was succeeded by Tunis P. Osterhoudt, who held the office for a long time and was interested and active in the work of the school until the end of his life. The pres
144 REFORMED CHURCH OF FLATBUSH, N. Y.
ent superintendent is Joel Brink, secretary and libra- rian, Ralph J. Kieffer.
LADIES' AID SOCIETY.
Mrs. B. I. Osterhoudt, the secretary of the Ladies' Aid Society, has furnished us with the following article : The ladies of the congregation met at the home of Mrs. Tjerck Wynkoop, November 17th, 1842, and there organized the "Female Benevolent Association." Its officers were a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer, together with eight managers. These officers
were elected annually. The object of this association was to benefit the church, particularly "the preaching of the word, the extension of her borders and the gen- eral promotion of her interests." They were also to look after the poor of the church and do what they could to relieve them. Meetings were to be held every month at the residences of such members as were willing to entertain them. Article VI. of the constitu- tion strictly enjoined that members giving entertain- ment to the association should furnish only plain and simple food.
The following were considered proper: "Tea and coffee, or either, bread or its substitute, smoked beef or its substitute, two kinds of cake, one of which should
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ORGANIZATIONS.
be molasses cake. If desired, two kinds of preserves could be used. Fruit was prohibited unless raised by the one entertaining." At every meeting the president would select a gentleman to read a portion of scripture, or some religious work. The treasurer would exact the sum of one shilling from each one present. All money raised by this association during the year 1849 was to help erect the Flatbush " Parsonage House."
In 1865 it was resolved that each one present at the meetings should pay twenty five cents instead of one shilling ; also that all money raised during the ensuing year be used to defray the church expenses. Everyone was ready to help the cause along, and sociables were held every month at the homes of different members of the congregation. The families giving the sociable would provide the supper and the expense was deducted from the proceeds. The amount raised from June, 1866, to June, 1867, was $556.45. The expenses for entertainment that year $153.22. This association is supposed to have been discontinued in 1869, as no further minutes have been found.
February 9th, 1879, the Ladies' Aid Society was organized, and was reorganized March 25d, 1887. Mrs Richard DeWitt revised the constitution in March, 1892, under which the socieity is still active. Its object is very similar to that of the former society, viz: "To
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REFORMED CHURCH OF FLATBUSH, N. Y.
promote the material and social interests of the church." All the ladies of the congregation constitute the membership. The officers consist of a president, three vice-presidents, one for each of the three districts into which the congregation is divided, secretary, treasurer and two or more solicitors in each district. Money is raised in various ways. When socials are given, the supper is furnished by the district in which the social is held. The society makes repairs and improvements to the church and parsonage its special work, and always stands ready in emergencies to give of its funds for the expenses of the church, and salary of pastor, when needed.
MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
The secretary of the Woman's Auxiliary, Mrs. Edmund Osterhoudt gives the following account : The auxiliary of the church of Flatbush, Ulster county, was organized February 9th, 1879. It was reorganized March 23d, 1887, and was called "The Ladies' Missionary and Tract Society of the Reformed Church of Flatbush, Ulster County, N. Y." It then became auxiliary to the Women's Executive Committee of Domestic Missions. In March, 1892, our constitution was revised and the name changed to the " Woman's
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ORGANIZATIONS.
Missionary Society," which name it still holds. Its object is to aid the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Boards by prayer, by contributions and by the spread of information ; to seek in every way to further the cause of missions in our own and foreign lands. The society is divided into districts, which are canvassed by collectors, whose duty is to collect the subscription of members quarterly and return the same to the treas- urer. Our meetings are held monthly ; our society numbers thirty-five at present, and the average amount raised is $60 annually.
A Young Woman's Branch of the Woman's Mis- sionary Society was organized June 27th, 1905, under the leadership of Miss Maye Osterhoudt. The officers are : President, Anna Osterhoudt ; Vice-President, Mabel Casselle; Treasurer, Mary Osterhoudt; Secre- tary, Phebe Cheshire.
KING'S DAUGHTERS' CIRCLES.
The " Whatsoever " Circle of King's Daughters was organized at Glenerie, February 2Ist, 1890. Miss Eliza Hervey was elected President and Mrs. Cornelius Brink, Vice-President. Devotional meetings are held every two weeks at the homes of the members. Its object is to promote the spiritual life of its members
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REFORMED CHURCH OF FLATBUSH, N. Y.
and to help those in need. It contributes annually to the Mission Boards of our denomination. It assisted in the repairs to the Flatbush church in 1905 ; has donated articles at different times to the Children's Home in Kingston, and to the Summer Sewing Guild ; ministered to the sick and helped in many good works. It has at present a membership of 18. The President of the Circle is Mrs. George Moe; Vice-President, Mrs. P. S. Beekman ; Secretary, Mrs. William Moe ; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Cornelius Brink ; Treasurer, Mrs. Edward Brink.
Katrine. This Circle was organized in November, 1904, with 18 members. It has given clothing and provisions to needy families in the neighborhood, and has sewed for and donated articles to the Kingston Industrial Home. The President is Mrs. William L. Brink ; Treasurer, Miss Emma Brink.
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR SOCIETIES.
Flatbush. On Sunday, May 15th, 1892, the young people organized a Christian Endeavor Society with fifteen active members. At first the meetings were held on Sunday evenings, before the general prayer meeting. The latter was presently discontinued, the Christian Endeavor meeting taking its place. Three
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ORGANIZATIONS.
committees were appointed : Prayer Meeting, Lookout and Social. In 1894, the two-cent-a-week plan of giving to Missions was adopted. The society is now contributing about $20.00 annually, which is equally divided between Home and Foreign Missions. At present the society numbers twenty active and nine associate members.
Katrine. For the following facts we are indebted to Mrs. William L. Brink : This society was organized in April, 1900, with thirty members. On account of removals and deaths the membership is now a little less than that number. Its offerings amount to nearly $20.00 each year, which is divided equally between the Foreign and Domestic Boards of our denomination ; last year between the Arcot Mission in India and the Indian Work in Oklahoma. Its officers are : President, Albert H. Kieffer ; Vice-President, Miss Edna Finger ; Secretary, Edward Burhans; Treasurer, Miss Emma Brink ; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. David Kieffer.
Glasco. Organized February 27th, 1903, with a large, active and associate membership. Since its organization it has raised funds by socials and collec- tions, which it has expended in re-roofing the chapel, insuring its property and providing for its running expenses. The society has still a snug sum to its credit in the Saugerties Savings Bank.
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REFORMED CHURCH OF FLATBUSH, N. Y.
The present officers are : Rev. P. S. Beekman, President and Treasurer ; J. A. Bartels, Vice-President ; Mrs. J. A. Bartels, Secretary. On committees are : Mrs. George Maclary, Mrs. Harriet Robinson, Mrs. A. Fisher, Miss Lucy Lent and Miss Nina Low.
JUNIOR CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR SOCIETIES.
Flatbush. April 20th, 1894, Mrs. Richard De Witt, who had been appointed by the Senior Christian Endeavor as Junior Superintendent, met at the school house with the Assistant Superintendent, Miss Van Alen, and the Junior Committee. The Junior Society was organized that day with eighteen active members. Judson Osterhoudt was elected President. They have occasionally held socials, the proceeds of which have been used for Foreign and Domestic Missions and the Home Church. Recently they donated $20.00 towards the repairs of the church.
Glasco. February 23d, 1905, a Junior Society was organized in Glasco, with eleven members. Miss M. Freda VanAlen, Superintendent.
A LOOK FORWARD.
Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. I Sam. 7-12. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Ps. 122-6.
T HE Reformed church of Flatbush has been, gen- erally speaking, successful not only in its tem- poral interests, but also in its spiritual life, growth and service. This appears from our review of its history. We enumerate some elements to which, under God, its success has been due, and which, we believe, are essential to its future prosperity.
Spirituality. This is the basis of the enduring suc- cess of any body of believers. It is manifested by the spirit and practice of prayer, diligent hearing and study of the word of God, faithful use of the sacraments, a Christ-like life and humble dependence on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Evangelism. The winning and upbuilding of souls, whether inside or outside of the borders of the congre- gation, is the great business of any church of Christ. This calls for pastoral labor, personal work and the proclamation of the gospel in home and foreign fields. Like our divine master we must go forth to seek and save the lost wherever they may be found.
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REFORMED CHURCH OF FLATBUSH, N. Y.
Liberality. The liberal church like the liberal soul shall be made fat. Showers of real blessing are poured out upon those who " bring all of God's tithes into his store house." Money given to the needy and for the support and extension of the church is the best invest- ment for time and eternity. This is true of our invest- ments of time, thought, talent and toil, as well as of treasure.
Unity. Like a house, a church divided against itself shall not stand. "There should be no schism in the body, but the members should have the same care one for another. Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
Loyalty. Members of the church should " take pleas- ure in the stones of the Zion" of their spiritual birth and nurture. We should think well and speak well of the church with which we are connected. Loyalty to our own church and denomination never lessens our love to the church universal.
Sociability. "One is our Master even Christ, and all we are brethren." For all who are or who may come within our bounds and for all who enter our doors our welcome should be hearty, our interest kindly and our intercourse helpful.
Charity. Christian love is the crowning grace of a church's life. It keeps bright and beautiful the light,
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A LOOK FORWARD.
which she sheds within and without. It " covers a multitude of (others) sins, suffereth long and is kind, envieth not, and never faileth."
Finally, we should recognize " the good hand of our God upon us" during the century now ended and have faith in Him for the century before us; and " according to our faith it shall be done unto us." Remembering the motto of our Church, Nisi Dominus frustra " With" out God all is in vain," let us still rely on His favoring providence and "be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as we know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. O Lord revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known. O Israel, hope in Jehovah from this time forth forevermore."
11
SUCCESSION OF ELDERS AND DEACONS.
The names of these are given in the order of their first election, no mention being made of re-election.
ELDERS.
1807 John Osterhoudt
1832 John Langendyck
Abram Burhans 1833 John Winne
Abram Osterhoudt
1834 Adam France
John Kipp
Levi Myer
1809 Jacob Turck
Cornelius Legg
1810 Isaac VanAken
John P. L. Osterhoudt
Tjerck Schoonmaker
1813 Peter I. Osterhoudt
1836 Peter Legg
1816 Peter Cole
1818 Jonathan Myer
1838 Abram Hendricks
William T. Brink
Philip Carle
1820 John T. Schoonmaker
1821 John Felter
Tjerck Hendricks
1822 Lawrence Osterhoudt
" Harmon Dederick
1823 Abram DeWitt
Peter Myer
1831 John E. VanAken
1840 Abram Overbagh
1842 John S. Wigram
Samson Davis
1843 John E. Osterhoudt
1844 John V. L. Overbagh
1835 Peter Hendricks
Martin Snyder
1819 Matthew Carle
66 Benj. VanSteenburgh
William Cunias
1839 Tjerck Wynkoop
Cornelius Osterhoudt
155
SUCCESSION OF ELDERS AND DEACONS.
1845 Jacob Hendricks
1878 David D. Addis
1846 John Maginnis
Peter Whitaker
Abm. L. Osterhoudt
1880 Jacob Snyder
1881 Jacob Kieffer
1882 Alanson Osterhoudt
1885 Lawrence Osterhoudt
1888 Erastus Osterhoudt
1889 Willis Burhans
Elijah Felter
1890 Titus Osterhoudt
189 1 Cornelius Longendyke
Herman Tenbroeck
1858 Joel Osterhoudt
1860 Henry Fries
1861 Cornelius B. Tipp
1862 Peter Davis
Hiram Davis 1893 Lewis I. Burhans
1894 James VanAken
1895 Edward L. Griffin
1896 William L. Brink
1897 David Griffin
Peter Hendricks 1903 Benj. I. Osterhoudt
1872 James Welch
1875 Jacob Brink
1876 Erastus Myer
" James Hendricks
James Dederich
1905 Henry Fonda
Elliot Griffin
1907 Abram Hornbeck
1848 Peter B. Osterhoudt
1849 William C. Legg
1851 Isaac Decker William P. Brink
1854 James Burhans
1855 Jacob P. Hendricks
1856 William Maginnis
1857 Peter Turck
1892 Andrew Brink
1865 Jacob W. Brink
1866 David Griffin
1868 James Wells
1871 John Keener
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REFORMED CHURCH OF FLATBUSH, N. Y.
DEACONS.
1807 John Hendricks
1831 Peter Legg
Jacob Turck
1832 Reuben Brink
Abram Burhans, Jr.
William Brink
Joseph Davis 1834 Henry Schoonmaker
1809 Peter I. Osterhoudt John Kipp, Jr 66 Martin Snyder
Zachariah Cunias
1810 John P. Osterhoudt
John E. Osterhoudt
1835 Matthew Osterhoudt
George France
Peter Hendricks
1836 John Maginnis
Jacob Hendricks
Peter A. Burhans
1818 Benjamin Burhans, Jr.
Matthew DuBois
1819 John E. Van Aken Levi Myer
1838 Jacob P. Hendricks
1820 John P. L. Osterhoudt
Abram Hendricks
Abram M. France
Henry Schoonmaker
David Burhans
1822 Sampson Davis
" Roswell Bradly
1840 William C. Legg
1823 Abram Van Steenburgh
John V. L. Overbagh
" Samuel Legg
1841 John E. Hendricks
Peter Turck
1830 Henry Pleugh
66 Philip Carle 1842 Henry Swart
1831 John Davis
Benjamin Felter
1821 John Langendyck
Cornelius Legg
Andrew DeWitt
1837 Peter P. Whitaker
. . Barent Van Aken
1816 Jonathan Myer
Laurence Osterhoudt
1813 John T. Schoonmaker
William Cunias
Joel Osterhoudt
I839 Peter Davis
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SUCCESSION OF ELDERS AND DEACONS.
1843 Philip V. K. Hendricks 1860 Jacob M. Snyder
66 Peter B. Osterhoudt 1861 Allen Griffin
1844 Henry Fries 1864 James Hendricks
Isaac Decker 1867 Titus Osterhoudt
1845 James Burhans
Charles Burhans
Peter Whitaker, Jr. 1868 Ephraim Burhans
1846 Peter B. Osterhoudt
Alanson Osterhoudt
Cornelius B. Tipp
1869 James Welch
1847 Peter Hendricks, Jr.
" James H. Van Aken
Abram Whitaker, Jr.
1870 David D. Addis
1848 Robert Burhans
Lawrence H. Osterhoudt
1849 Erastus Myer
Solomon Turck
Andrew Brink
1872 Elijah Felter
1873 Richard P. Milliken
Daniel Hamlin
1851 Andrew Simmons
1852 John O. Legg
1853 William Maginnis
1875 Edward L. Gri fin
1876 Jacob Kieffer
David Griffin
James Wiley
1855 Thomas Webster
1877 Erastus Osterhoudt
1856 James S. Whitaker 1878 Hiram Brink
Thomas V. S. Whitaker 1880 William L. Brink
I 857 Uriah Van Etten Erastus Myer
1858 Jacob W. Brink
Jeremiah TenBroeck
. 1859 George C. Taylor
John Keener
1881 Willis M. Burhans
Robert S. Streeter
1882 Frederick Keener
1883 Philip Tipp
Herman TenBroeck
Hiram Davis
1850 Charles Dederick
Anthony Fries
1874 James Low
1854 Jacob A. Brink
1871 Uriah Carle
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REFORMED CHURCH OF FLATBUSH. N. Y.
1884 William H. Swart 1894 Charles Cramer
1885 Andrew J. Keator 1895 William Cheshire
1886 Charles Nicolls 1897 John TenBroeck
Andrew DuBois Relyea 1898 Erastus Turck
D. Brodhead Hendricks 1898 Willis Osterhoudt
1889 Clarence Davis 1899 John Terwilliger
1890 William P. Kieffer 1900 Frank Brink
" John France 1903 Henry Fonda
1891 Lewis Burhans
Arthur Osterhoudt
1892 Elliot Griffin 1904 John Zimmer
1893 Abram Hornbeck 1905 Thomas Ketterson
James Dederick " Joel Brink
1894 Albert J. Myer 1907 Elias Plass
PRESENT ORGANIZATION.
CONSISTORY.
Pastor
Elders.
REV. P. S. BEEKMAN Deacons.
JACOB KIEFFER
WILLIAM H. SWART
HIRAM DAVIS
JOHN ZIMMER
LAWRENCE H. OSTERHOUDT
ABRAM HORNBECK
JOEL BRINK ELIAS PLASS
Organist .
MISS MAYMIE OSTERHOUDT
Treasurer
LAWRENCE H. OSTERHOUDT
Financial Secretary ARTHUR OSTERHOUDT WILLIS OSTERHOUDT Sexton
SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Superintendent . . ALBERT J. MYER Assistant Superintendent . . BENJAMIN I. OSTERHOUDT Secretary . HARRY D. CARLE
Librarian
GILBERT TURCK
Assistant Librarian
FRANK KIEFFER
Organist
ANNA OSTERHOUDT
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR SOCIETY.
President . ARTHUR OSTERHOUDT Vice-President . ALBERT J. MYER
Cor. Secretary CLARENCE E. DAVIS
Rec. Secretary . MRS. ARTHUR OSTERHOUDT
Treasurer . MISS AGNES RAPPLEYEA Organist . , MISS MAYMIE OSTERHOUDT Assistant Organist . MISS MABEL J. CASSELLE Junior Superintendent MISS AGNES RAPPLEYEA
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REFORMED CHURCH OF FLATBUSH, N. Y.
LADIES' AID SOCIETY.
President MISS EMILY GRIFFIN
MRS. ARTHUR OSTERHOUDT
Vice-Presidents
MRS. ABRAM HORNBECK
MISS IDA BRINK
Secretary . , MRS. B. I. OSTERHOUDT
Treasurer MISS MAYE OSTERHOUDT
WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
President MRS. ABRAM TURCK
Vice-President MRS. P. S. BEEKMAN
Secretary MRS. EDMUND OSTERHOUDT
Treasurer , MRS. ELLIOT GRIFFIN
GLASCO CHAPEL.
Treasurer . MRS. AUGUSTA FULLER
Organist . . MISS LUCY LENT
Assistant Organist . . MISS NINA LOW
GLASCO SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Superintendent . JULIUS BARTELS Secretary and Treasurer GEORGE MYERS
Assistants . ERNEST WEEKS, BESSIE TURCK Organist . MISS MAUDE MACLARY
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