USA > Pennsylvania > Historical notes relating to the Pennsylvania Reformed Church, V. I > Part 22
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N. B. The past Monday. Mr. Maurice Gotschy, with wife and chil- dren, together with a considerable number of country people, old and young, took passage on a boat, and started for the so-called Carolina i- land, in the hope of meeting there with better forture than he has found in his native land. He was dissuaded by our gracious officials and the local clergy, but he persisted in his resolution, and took his departure. Directly after another boat followed him, with like. we must say. silly people, making a total for that day of 174 persons, whom many thousands saw depart with manifestations of sincere sympathy, particularly because of their undertaking imprudently, these shortening days, in cold rain and wind, with wife and child, so poorly provided. the dangerous journey of 300 hours. In spite of this, they were presented by kind-hearted persons
17:
HISTORICAL NOTES.
with large quantities of all sorts of articles, she was bread, handkerchiefs. caps, etc. The following day the third boat started off. There were liberally furnished from the office of charities with a large supply of bread, meal, stockings, for nourishment and otherwise. Especially the neighborhood of the exchange showed itself deeply sympathetic; nor will they be likely to forget, what was given them at the Salthouse for bodily
refreshment; in like manner many merchants assisted them. I'mon the last boat were 82 persons, who would have been worthy of more consider- ation had they gone obedient to the glory and will of God. They must bear the consequences of their act, be they good or ill, At the same time. upwards of 20, induced by the wise representations of worthy gentlemen and citizens changed their intentions, choosing the better part: they re- mained here and will be very kindly returned to their homes. Men-
while we should pray God that the great number who have gone on this journey, may either soon return of reach the destination they so much wish for. May He fill their hearts with patience and as many sad hours may embitter their voyage, may He comfort them with the thought that if they remain faithful, a far better life is reserved for them.
( To be Continued. )
After the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes.
Providence had opened to the fugitive from persecution in France three doors of escape, which, could they but he reached. led to a safe retreat. They lay toward the cast, the north, and the northwest. . Happily there remained Switzerland, the Netherlands, and England-all three not only themselves hospitable, but permitting a passage to other and equally inviting regions at a greater distance.
The Swiss Reformed cantons had not waited for the actual recall of the Ediet to give practical expression to their sympathy for her suffering brethren in France. From 1683, and annually for many a year, they made collections for the relief of victims of royal and popular oppression.
Upon Frankfort-on-the-Main a goodly part of the stream pouring out of Switzerland converged, only to be directed from Frankfort to pay another state of the empire. The Queen of Denmark. who, got content with relieving the necessities of all that threw themselves upon her tender compassions, provided generously for their spiritual interests by fostering the establishment of a large and flourishing church and providing for it pastors of marked ability. The refugees were welcome in the Netherlands, to which great numbers succeeded in making their way. All classes of the population in the republic were stirred with in- diga ation at the accounts of cruelties perpetrated upon moffending pro- lessons of the same faith that was held by the majority of the Dutch.
· It was said that fifty thousand Huguenots-but the number is altogether uncertain-found a home in Great Britain, where their de- ascendants have long been recognized as among the most respected all most prosperous of the inhabitants of the Kingdom.
-HENRY M. BAIRD, in The Huguenots and the Revocation.
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HISTORICAL NOTES.
Holland and Pennsylvania.
HOLLAND'S CARE OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN PENNSYLVANIA. [Continued.]
The delegates of the Delft and Schieland classes were instructed to bring the subject before all the classes of the synod. AA pamphlet was issued in which the needs of the Pennsylvanians were clearly and emphati - cally set forth. This was circulated in all the classes of the synod. The effect of this presentation of the case was apparent the following year, 1731, at the annual meeting of the synod at Dordrecht when these "liefde gaven" for Pennsylvania were reported, amounting to fl. 1866 9 0;
Zuyd Holland 11 97 2 'sGravenhage 250 -
Delft en Delfland
BRA -
Woerden
-
Loyden &c
Gouda &c
161 3
Breda 114 12
Schieland
450
Gorinchem
Voorn & Putten 124 --
fl 1866 9
While the synod of South Holland was in session at Dordrecht, in July, 1731, announcement was made that a ship was lying near the city with Palatine refugees on their way to Pennsylvania, and that another was near Rotterdam, and that four of the passengers had come to seek ahus from the synod to enable them to purchase a few comforts for the sick during the veyage across the Atlantic. A collection was made in the synod. and a committee was appointed to visit the two ships, which was done and help was given the poor emigrants.
The extraordinary statement was made also that in Pennsylvania the number of baptized Reformed people was thirty thousand and the number of members about fifteen thousand ; that these were cared for by but one minister, D". Weiss, besides one Philip Bochum, who was without education and without call to the ministry [benevens nog cenen Philippus Beem. dog die zonder Studie, zonder roepinge sijnde].
The Holland brethren were much perplexed by the magre advices which came from Pennsylvania ; they were contradictory in some cases. and they revealed the existence of discord, discontent and quarrels. Let- ters and reports came from time to time-several during the year 1781- of a discouraging character. These inauspicious manifestations, however. did not divert the Hollanders from the prosecution of the main purpose- the giving of aid to the needy Pennsylvania brethren ; they continued. for the present at least, with undiminished zeal to labor for the promotion of the interests of the feeble churches in the new American province.
The Classis of Amsterdam met on the 23d of July, 17:1. It was re- ported that gifts had been made to the Philadelphia church, as follows:
By the Consistory of Amsterdam By the Deacons By the Classis
150 Guilders.
850 Guilders.
C
Bneren 245 12
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HISTORICAL NOTES.
October 1, 1731, at the meeting of Classis of Amsterdam, D". AAlston reported having received a letter from Borhm in Pennsylvania concerning church matters. The Classis requested Bahn to consult with Weiss con- cerning the matter in his letter. Weiss was supposed by Classis to have returned to Pennsylvania.
The year 1732 was in great maasure one of suspense to the church of Holland, so far as Pennsylvania was concerned. There was unaccountable delay in the receipt of replies to the inquiries sent out for trustworthy in- formation. But while thus waiting the work of collecting funds and of keeping the cause of Pennsylvania before the membership was not relaxed.
In 1732 the Synod of South Holland was held at Delft July 8-18. The Synod of North Holland communicated the collection of Nine hundred and ninety-one guilders for Philadelphia, but that these gifts had not been paid over. The Synod of Stad en Lande reported sixty guilders for Pen- sylvania. Concerning Pennsylvania the Reverend Deputies stated that in conjunction with the Deputies of North Holland Synod, they had done all that was possible, in pursuance of the request of the synod to obtain accurate and sufficient information as to the real condition of the Palatines and other Germans there. For this purpose they had written letters. all dated December 1, 1731, to the Consistory of the Philadelphia church and their minister, D". Georgius Michael Weissins, to D". Philippus Böhm, another letter to Mr. Arent Hassaart, well-known merchant of Philadel- phia and layman of the German Reformed congregation there, and, lastly, to the Consistory of New York, the capital of New Netherland. But no reply having been received from any of these parties, they wrote as re- cently as July 2 another letter to the Consistory of Philadelphia, and sent the letter by Captain Samuel Farra, who was now at AAmsterdam ready to sail for Pennsylvania.
The collections for Pennsylvania reported at the Synod of South Hol- land amounted to Two Hundred and seventy-nine guilders, six stivers, eight pens, viz:
Classis of South Holland 4() 131 .. .. Schieland .. .. Gorichem 15 .. .. Woerden (additional ) . . .. Breda .)
.. From special sources at Dordrecht brought by 1". van Meurs 12 S
279
The deputies having the finances in hand made the statement, that the accumulation of funds in hand for Pennsylvania amounted to nearly three thousand guilders.
Collected year before last (repented in 17:1) which sun was increased by liberal con- tributions ("xansienlijke liefdegaven" ) of the classis of Woerden, of Collections of 1732 as above (To be Continued. )
11 1866 9 0
$34 10 0 279 6 8
176
HISTORICAL NOTES.
Why Does America Favor the Boers ?
Rev. Dr. Henry M. Kieffer in a recent sermon said: "Is it not because our people are persuaded that England is to-day waging a war in South Africa very closely resembling the one she waged against our forefathers a hundred years ago, for the suppression of a republican form of govern- ment? Our fathers fought England to be free, and that is what the Boers are fighting so desperately for now-simply to be free ! And is it any wonder that every American heart that loves liberty turns with profound sympathy toward the heroic struggle now being made by the South African Republics for the very life of republican institutions on that great continent?
"No wonder the once much talked of Anglo-American alliance dare now not be so much as breathed in high places. And they who advocate such an alliance on the ground that the interests of the two English speaking nations are identical, are confronted by the perplexing problem how to account for and reconcile the contrary and utterly opposite na- tional instincts of these two peoples-England being an essentially colonial and imperial power, ever and always seizing additional territory wherever she can or may, and the United States, on the other hand, scarcely know- ing whether to accept additional territory when thrust upon her by the logie of events; the one seeking to subdue the peoples of the world to her almost oligarchical rule, and the other seeking only to protect and defend the peoples forced upon her, until they have been taught and trained to govern themselves."
Dr. Kieffer, who uttered these stirring words, is himself a veteran of the Civil War, and the author of that widely road book, The Drummer Box of the Rebellion. He is pastor of the First Reformed Church of Easton.
Massacre of the Vaudois, April 24, 1665.
ULVENGE, O Lord ! the slaughtered saints, whose bones Lie scatter'd on the Alpine mountains cold: Even them kept thy truth so pure of old. When all our fathers worshipped stocks and stones. Forget not: in the book record their groans.
Who were thy sheep, and in their ancient foll Slain by the bloody Piedmontese. that roll'd Mother with infant down the rocks. The moans The vales redoubled to the hills, and they To Heaven. Their martyr'd blood and ashes son O'er all Italian fields, where still doth -way
The triple tyrant: that from these may grow
A hundred fold, who, having learn'd thy way Early may fly the Babylonian woe.
-Joux MITTox.
HISTORICAL NOTES
RELATING TO THE
PENNSYLVANIA REFORMED CHURCH.
VOL. I. NO. 12 April 10 1900. $1.00 PER ANNUM.
Edited by Henry S. Dotterer.
Perkiomen Publishing Co., 1605 N. THIRTEENTH STREET, PHILADELPHIA.
Close of Volume One.
The present issue of Historical Notes completes Volume One. With this Num- ber goes a title page and an index. We shall have bound the surplus numbers leit on our hands. Most of these will be distributed among the leading libraries of Pennsylvania and elsewhere A few bound copies will be retained and will be sold at Two Dollars each. With the issue of the present Number and the comple- tion of the Volume, the publication of Historical Notes will be discontinued.
A Sorry Showing.
The United States should be the mighi- iest stronghold of the Reformed Church. To New York came in the earliest years of its settlement, the Hollanders. To Pennsylvania came the Germans, the Hollanders and the Swiss, amongst them a large percentage of the Huguenots, the Walloons, and the Piedmontese. History tells us that of the hundreds of thousands of Huguenots who took refuge in Hol- land, Switzerland and Germany, great numbers changed their names and their language to conform to the speech of the countries in which they were befriended. 1 much larger infusion of Huguenot blood courses through American veins than is popularly recognized. Many of the Waklenses or Vaudois escaped to Switzerland and Germany, and, in sub- sequent generations, joined in the great exodus to our shores. The membership of the Reformed Church of Pennsylvania is a composition of the descendants of the persecuted and tortured victims of the Spanish inquisition in Holland, the martyis for the faith in France, the
slaughtered Protestants of the Italian valleys, and the impoverished Palatinate survivors of the horrors of the Thirty Years' War.
Where in modern history can be found a nobler combination of Christian ances- try than ours in Pennsylvania ? Where can be found a panier leadership than has been ours the past century and a half ?
Prof. William J. Hinke.
In the History of the Reiff Case, con- cluded in this number, is furnished a specimen of the valuable work Prof. Hinke is doing in disentangling the Colo- nial history of our Church. Thorough and untiring in his researches, alert in detecting the bearings of discovered facts, conversant with numerons languages, and clear in statement, he is placing before the Church markedly important informa- tion through its several publications. It will interest our readers to know some- thing of our contributor's history.
William J. Hinke was born, in 1871, at Dierdorf, near Coblentz on the Rhine. He received most of his college training at the gymnasium (college) in Elberfeld. Iv 1887 he came to America ; attended Calvin college, Cleveland, Ohio, where he was graduated in 1890, after which he spent two years there as professor of Latin and Greek. He then took two years at Ursinns theological seminary, graduating in May, 1894. After taking one year's post-graduate work at Prince- ton seminary, he was appointed instructor of Hebrew at Ursinus in 1895, and pro- fessor of Old Testament Language and Literature in 1897. He was ordained April 26, 1896, and had charge for one
TYTRIN
178
HISTORICAL NOTES.
year of Trinity Reformed church in Allen- selves.' They would not entertain the town, Pa. He was naturalized April 5, suggestion ; they wished to come with us ; and they are regular, usemnl mem- bers here." 1897. He speaks English and German ; and has a reading knowledge of Dutch and French among the modern, and Latin, This conversation occurred about two years ago, in the city of Philadelphia. Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Arabic among the ancient languages.
The Late Nathan Berkenstock.
The First Church of Philadelphia re- cently lost, in the death of Nathan Berk- enstock, a useînl, faithful, active member and officer. For a quarter of a century he was the president of the board of cor- poration of that congregation, whose or- ganization dates back to 1727 and whose charter was granted in the Colonial time. For many years Mr. Berkenstock sang basso in the choir, and almost up to the time of his decease he was the chairman of the committee ou music. He was one of the trustees of the church-a position of great importance in this congregation, which is the owner of properties requir- ing close attention in order to make them productive of revenue.
Mr. Berkenstock was widely known among the merchants of interior Penn- sylvania. Frank in maner and npright in dealings, he enjoyed the respect and confidence of those with whom he had business intercourse.
He was deeply interested in the welfare of his church. He gave liberally of his money to support it. . He devoted his talents, his time, and his energies to its advancement.
Not Properly Pastored.
"Of what denomination are you a mem- ber?" asked one of the most successful clergymen of America formed Church," was the reply of the individual addressed. "That Church is not properly pastored in this city. Yon- der is a pew occupied by seven persons, members of your Church. When they came to me to apply for admission to my congregation, I said to them : 'Why do you not start a congregation of your own comumnion ? You would be a neleus for a new organization ; and you could gather around you others who feel like your-
Successful Church Work.
In Philadelphia the Reformed Church has a natural constituency of large pro- portions upon which the congregations may draw to replenish their membership, enlarge their influence. By a "natural constituency" we mean that portion of the population belonging by birth to the Reformed Church. Of course, those born outside the limits of our Clunch, and holding membership in no other, are also (ligible to membership in our congrega- tion-if they can be reached. One might suppose, in view of these facts, that a langnishing Reformed church in Phila- delphia must be a thing unknown. Yet we do hear of weak congregations.
These reflections followed the perusal of a circular issnett for Palm Sunday by the pastor of the Deutsche-Evangelisch- Presbyterischen Zions Kirche, of Phila- delphia. The attennated title of this church conveys a correct indication of the congregation's origin. In another part of the cirenlar we are told : "On delightfully developed evangelical Pres- byterian Zion congregation was establish- ed by Lutheran and Reformed German Christians. The name 'Presbyterian' was willingly taken, because it was the Pres- byteriau synod which in the first years gave thousands of dollars towards the ad- vancement and support of our congrega- tion, which none of the old German
"Of the Re- churches of the city conld or would do."
A congregation favored by none of the old German Churches, it wonkl scem. could have small hope of gathering mem- bers. The energetic minister of this church shows the contrary. He gives the names of the Confirmanten this year: they number 21 Knaben,and 30 Maedchen -a total of 51. This large mumber he gathered from among those Germans whom the Lutherans and the Reformed cannot reach or hold.
179
HISTORICAL NOTES.
Goetschy's Colony. BY HENRY S. DOTTERER. [Concluded.]
Ludwig Weber was the name of the disheartened member of Gutschy's colony, who returned to Zurich, and exposed the leader's shortcomings to the extent of his ability. The title of his pamphlet, a 12mo of 30 pages, was:
Der Hinckende Bott von Carolina. Oder Ludwig Webers von Wal- lissellen, Beschreibung seiner Reise von Zürich gen Rotterdam, mit der- jenigen gesellschaft, welche neulich aus dem Schweizerland in Carolinam zu ziehen gedachte. Zürich, bey Joh. Jacob Lindinner. MDCCXXXV.
The title in English would appropriately have been: The Disgruntled Messenger from Carolina; or a Description by Ludwig Weber, of Wallis- sellen, of his Journey from Zurich to Rotterdam, in the company which recently purposed moving from Switzerland to Carolina.
Weber was the father of a family of nine living children. One son he took with him, intending, if all went well, to have his wife and re- maining children join him. He was in the party of 96 persons who left Zurich on the morning of October 5, 1734. Weber, in his pamphlet, gives much information of what happened on the journey from Zurich to Rotterdam.
WEBER'S STORY.
The first day, October 5, we proceeded as far as Lauffenburg. There Hans Jacob Kuhn, of Rieden, and his wife, beeame dissatisfied, secretly left the party, and returned home. At Rheinfelden the passengers had to show their passports. The same evening we arrived at Basel, and here we overtook those who had started the day before us, also those who had travelled on foot to Basel, of whom there were about 28 persons, from Buchss. At Basel all had to wait until a passport through France was obtained at Strassburg. This cost 44 guilders, but gentlemen at Basel paid it. We were delayed two days at Basel after this. Here the wife of Conrad Naff, of Webers dorf, escaped and started for home, but having no passport she was brought back to Basel. Several of the emigrants re- fused to wait for the passports, and a tailor from Liebtensteg suggested that it were better to travel through France, and offered himself as guide if his expenses were paid. As he spoke French, 31 persons went with him. Nothing more was heard of this company. From 40 to 50 others. from Buchse, Esch and Mettmenstetten, resolved to travel through Lorraine. via Namur, to Rotterdam. These fortunately obtained ahus at several places, and arrived at Rotterdam eight days after the main party. After leaving Basel frequent rains and severe cold made the journey uncomfort- able. Many were poorly clad.
Eighty Piedmontese refugees joined us at Basel, but sailed in a special vessel. On our two boats were 194 persons. Our first night encampment
180
HISTORICAL NOTES.
was under the clear heavens, upon an island covered with trees and shrubbery, in the middle of the Rhine. Some nights we could not go ashore, but remained in the boat, although we could not sit up, to say nothing of lying down. It was most pitiful with the children, who kept up heart-rending eries. On the boat no cooking could be done, yet we had to remain in it day and night. When we could go ashore, we warm- ed and dried ourselves and cooked, as best we could, in the open air. The poor women sobbed for their warm rooms at home. Most of the passengers thought they would not have to pay for meals from Basel on; but they were disappointed. They were consoled with the promise that the commissary with the money would soon arrive, but he did not make his appearance. Many would gladly have returned to their homes. But as armies lay on both sides of the Rhine, they dared not venture. Lam- entations arosc. The men blamed their wives; the women their hus- bands. Mrs. Gotschy thus complained, and one day snatched his cane from her husband's hand, and struck him on the back. On one side of the Rhine, quite near us, we saw the camp fires of the Imperial troops and on the other side those of the French. This caused great fear among the passengers. We feared an attack from one or both at any hour, and in consequence preserved perfect silenec.
At Alt-Breysach the boats were halted, and all our chests were open- ed and examined. When Goetschi called on the commandant of the fort, the latter warned him to sail instantly, saying he could see through his field glass the French, on the opposite side of the Rhine, aiming three field pieces at the boat. The master of the boat made off with all possible speed. At Unter-Breysich a child of John Heid, tailor, from Greiffensec, died.
Gotschy stated that it was necessary and proper to establish a system of good order among the passengers. At one of the landings he directed the fathers of families to form a circle, and he selected from them four Ehegaumeren (a sort of stewards ) :
1. Abraham Bünninger, of Bachenbülach.
2. Abraham Weidmann, smith, of Luflingen.
3. Rudolf Weidmann, tailor, of Rimlang.
4. Hans Gut; chief of the guard, of Esch.
Getschy also selected eight judges, two of whom, chosen by lot, should serve under the Ehegaumeren. These were:
1. Jacob Näff, from our dorf.
2. Jacob Schellenberg, of Flunteren aus dem Spiegelhoff.
3. Heinrich Gallman, of Mettmenstetten.
4. Hans Maag, of Hochfelden.
5. Jacob Dentzler, tailor, from Diebendorff.
6. Conrad Keller, our carpenter.
7. Was myself.
8. Hans Grob, of Zwillikon.
18
HISTORICAL NOTES.
Goetschy, poor man, though a minister, had most of the time in his mouth his tobacco pipe or the wine glass. But Heinrich Scheuchzer, of Zurich, read a prayer, morning and evening. Several days after the or- ganization, Gotschy preached a sermon on the boat, in which he made allusions to the Ehegaumer, which gave great offense.
At Cetch the hussars of the. imperial army seized the boat, and man- ifested unfriendliness. In consequence, Mr. Wirtz, of Zurich, as our commissary-which title he assumed without our knowledge or desire- went to Heidelberg to obtain a passport, which cost thirty guilders. On the way the hussars took his tobacco pipe. We had to pay two ducats
for both vessels. They rode after us nine miles below Mayence. We should not have gotten rid of the hussars so leniently, if the leader had not been of the Reformed religion. They took the meat from Gutschy's plate, and as they ate it swung their sabres about his head-whereby he quite lost his appetite. When the fare for passage on the boat was called for, 40 to 50 had not the money to pay; and they left the boat, and went afoot. At Mayence a detention of four days occurred, owing to a failure to agree with the boat captains as to the price to be paid. Finally, it was agreed to pay to Rotterdam 3 guilders for adults and half-price for children. Things now went better.
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