USA > Rhode Island > Washington County > Narragansett > Records of the French Church at Narragansett, 1686-1691 > Part 1
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.
Gc 974.502 N16n 1851480
M. Lo
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGYY LLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01148 5445
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2019
https://archive.org/details/recordsoffrenchc00unse
RECORDS OF THE
FRENCH CHURCH AT NARRAGANSETT
I686-1691
TRANSLATED AND EDITED BY L. EFFINGHAM DE FOREST, M.A., J.D., F.S.G.
THE HUGUENOT SOCIETY OF AMERICA 122 East 58th Street New York, N. Y.
1851480
D 284.56. 61
Reprinted from the July, 1939, October, 1939, and January, 1940, issues of THE NEW YORK GENEALOGICAL AND BIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD
10-21-75R
I
RECORDS OF THE FRENCH CHURCH AT NARRAGANSETT 1686-1691
TRANSLATED AND EDITED BY L. EFFINGHAM DE FOREST, M.A., J.D., F.S.G.
Editor of THE RECORD, Knight of the Legion of Honor, Chairman of the Huguenot-Walloon Commission, Vice-President of the Huguenot Society of America, Membre-associé du Comité de la Société de l'Histoire du Protestantisme Français (Paris), Président d'Honneur du Comité Jean Ribault (Paris), Trustee of the Faculté Libre de Théologie Protestante (Paris), Corresponding Member of the Comité Protestant des Amitiés Françaises (Paris)
The story of the unfortunate Huguenot Colony in the Narragansett Coun- try in the present State of Rhode Island has been told with understanding and sympathy by the late Charles W. Baird, D.D., in his History of the Huguenot Emigration to America (New York, 1885). This unhappy band of refugees had planned with patience and much thought a settlement which would offer prom- ise of permanence. The colony survived the distrust and alarm of some of its neighbors among the English, but was destroyed by the unscrupulous trans- actions in land-titles of others. The plantation, first occupied late in the year 1686, was abandoned in the summer of 1691.
While Dr. Baird consulted the records in France, England, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, he does not seem to have known of the existence of the original register of the French Congregation, which had apparently disappeared. The contemporary map of the settlement reproduced by Dr. Baird shows a plot of ground laid out for the church (la terre pour l'Eglise), and he quoted the physician of the village, Pierre Ayrault, as writing that "Greenwich men . soon pulled down and demolished our Church" (Baird, 2:296, 309). Other- wise, he made no references to the church itself. That deficiency can now be supplied.
In the library of the Huguenot Society of America, in New York City, is a small manuscript record entitled "Papier du Consistoire pour l'année 1687.". It consists of some seventy-odd pages and is bound in parchment. A memo- randum made by the Rev. Alfred V. Wittmeyer, Rector of the French Church du Saint Esprit in New York City and founder of the Huguenot Society of America, states that the original record "was generally supposed to have been irrevocably lost when, last summer, with other valuable Huguenot records, it was quite accidentally discovered among the papers left by the late Rev. Antoine Verren, D.D., for many years Rector of the French Church du Saint Esprit [November 25, 1893]." The manuscript was given to the Huguenot Society by Mr. Wittmeyer and has since remained in its possession, although known to few. The Huguenot Society has generously permitted its publication in THE RECORD.
The complete manuscript was copied by Mr. Wittmeyer, and the present editor has made his own translation from that copy. A reading will show that there are surprising errors in the spelling of some of the family names, but on the whole it seemed wiser to use the names as given. The interested student will be able to arrive at the correct names in many cases by consulting the lists given in Baird's work, already cited.
It will be noted that the Huguenots first met for their church services in the house of Major Richard Smith, and it is of singular interest that this house still stands and the rooms in which the French services were held remain much as they were at that time. Richard Smith, Sr., was the first settler in the country of the Narragansett Indians, and built a fortified trading-post. This was at a
2
Records of the French Church at Narragansett, 1686-1691.
place called Cocumscussuc, a little north of the present village of Wickford, R. I. Richard Smith, the elder, died in 1666. His son of the same name took over the trading-post. During King Philip's War, when the English fought the Narragansetts, the Smith house was a rendezvous for the English and the Indians burned the place down soon after the war had ended. Richard Smith, Jr., rebuilt the house, apparently about 1684, and that building still stands today and is occupied by his descendants, although the house was "modern- ized" between 1735 and 1740.1
Record of the Consistory for the year 1687
IN THE NAME OF GOD.
The king of France, Louis XIV has exercised such horrible persecution in his kingdom against the Protestant Religion, that one ought not to be surprised to see french people withdrawn into these wilds; we have come here to seek freedom for our Religion, that is the only reason that has brought us to this place, and the only condition under which we have accepted this new settle- ment. It is therefore in this way that we began on arriving here. Since we have been here we have carried out our exercises on every Sunday as we were accus- tomed to do in france: And as we had not yet a Temple built, we have made our devotions in the house of Major Smith for the space of about three months: after which God having given us the grace to see the number of our people multiplied, we have built a temple in the french settlement where Monsieur Carré our minister preaches to us every Sunday, and has prayers every Wednes- day, so that having resolved to follow our religion in accordance with the dis- cipline of france, we intend to make here an exact transcript of everything that we think of service for posterity, for the promotion of the Church, and to the glory of God. AMEN.
Today the fifth of December, one thousand six hundred eighty six, was baptized in the house of Mr. Richard Smit, after the sermon, Aquille Kech, natural son of - Kéch, and of priscilla Watkins presented for baptism by Mr. Richard Smit, and baptized by Mr. Carré, minister.
The said child was aged seven years or thereabout.
Carré-french minister of Naraganset
Pierre Bonyot, witness and secretary of this act.
Acts. Of the french settlement of Naraganset.
We have partaken of the sacrament for the first time in this place on the second of January first sunday of the year one thousand six hundred eighty seven to render thanks to God for this new settlement
Pierre Bonyot, elder. Carré, minister. Jacque Many, elder.
The twenty seventh of march of the above said year we celebrated the holy communion in the french settlement of Naraganset, and Mr. (sieur) berton gave the wine and served the table.
Pierre Berton, elder.
Pierre Bonyot, elder.
On the same day and year, the people having assembled after the prayer, we have agreed to what follows.
Although by the contract made with the lords [proprietors] of our lands-
1 D. B. Updike, Richard Smith, First English Settler of the Narragansett County, Rhode Island (1937); W. Updike, A History of the Episcopal Church in Narragansett (2d rev. ed., 1907); Isham and Brown, Early Rhode Island Homes (1895), 61-64; Downing, Early Homes of Rhode Island (1937), 4, 25, 36, 39, 41, 172, 174.
3
Records of the French Church at Narragansett, 1686-1691.
a free gift was given for the establishment of Monsieur Carré our minister in this place of two hundred and fifty acres of land; namely-first 150 acres of land given for him and in his own name, because that he was the first to pro- claim the gospel of JESUS CHRIST in this place.
And besides this, one hundred acres to enjoy and to have the usufructu- ary (usufruitière) disposition of. However wishing to establish him among us in the most respectable manner possible-we the consistory and heads of families assembled, wish to settle on him a pension besides this of 50 crowns (écus) or thereabouts, testifying our regret that we cannot carry out further our efforts-begging Monsieur Carré to content himself with that for the present hoping some day to give him a more creditable support through the increase of private individuals who will in time join themselves together to take land in this place, who will be obliged to contribute to his support on their signing the contract for their lands; however those who contribute at present, and who have been taxed by the Consistory and the heads of families are men- tioned on the reverse page.
Pierre Bonyot, elder. Pierre Berton, elder. Jacque Many, elder. Jeremiee Many.
Pierre Traverier. Moyze Le Brun. Jean Chadeayne. David Surrel.
Gallais. P. Bertain. Carré-minister.
List of those who contribute yearly to the salary of Monsieur Carré-our minister :
ch.
[chelling, shilling]
Monsr. Berton .
35
Monsr. Boniot
25
Monsr. hereau .
20
Monsr. Bauchampts
20
Mr. Amiant t
20
Mr. Jouneau Ť
15
Capt. Magny
IO
Meitre fourestier-5 bushels of maize (blé dinde) or
IO
Mte. Chadaine.
6
Daniel Targé .
6
Mr. Buffereau t
I5
Capt. trauerier
12
Mr. Robineau
8
Jacque Targe.
Mte. David Surel-4 bushels of maize.
4
Mte. La Ronde 4 bushels of maize.
4
M le gendre
2 bushels of maize.
2
Mte. la vigne one week of day's work
8
Made. Gallais .
8
Mte. Rambert.
8
Mte. Coudret.
8 sch.
Mons. Tourtelot .
8
The widow Arnaut.
32 sch.
Monsr. Colin .
16 sch.
Mons. Rattier
8
Mr. Brun
IO
Mte. David-five days work or.
6
Mte. Jeremie Magny one week of work.
IO
Mte. Girard six days work or
25 P
t These crosses are in the MS.
-
4
Records of the French Church at Narragansett, 1686-1691.
ch. 12 sch.
Monsr. Bellair .
Jacques Ravar f one week's work The widow Perlir t
8 sch.
The widow Nodin .
8 p
André Arnaud VI days work or .
x p
Mr. Le Moyne VI days work or
8 p
t Menardeau VI days work or .
8 p
Pierre fougère .
8 p
Lambert. .
x sch.
Mons. Lafon
List of those who have contributed towards the building of the temple:
Mr. Boniot 6 Mr. Boffereau 3
Mr. Berton
3
Mr. hereau 3
Mr. Jouneau .
3
Mr. Amiant.
2
Mr. Beauchamps I12
M. Gallais 200 nails
Mr. Robineau . I
Capt. Magny
I
The two Targes 4 days' work
La Ronde.
I
Mte Surel & son-in-law 2
Mte. fourestier I
Mte. Chadaine. I
Mte. La vigne.
I
Capt. Trauerier . I Mte. David one day's work
Mr. Brun
I
Mte. Jerimie Magny
I
total 3212
Which sum has been placed in the hands of Messrs. Carré and Bouffereau for which they bought planks for 24 [shillings] and have given 7 shillings for the transportation of 700 lb. have cost six p. for expenses and for the shilling that remained have bought 2 lb. of lead for tokens 2 8 p.
Balance 4 p.
For a second tax to complete the temple.
Mr. Berton twenty five feet
of lumber & the cartage of
200 feet from the saw mill. 2 p
La Ronde
6
Mr. Colin I
6
Levie David. 6
Mr. le Brun .
Mr. Jeremie I day's work
Coudret I day's work
Mr. Rambert I day's work
La Vigne I day's work
P. Trauertier . 6
Jouet . . 3 F
8 1
Mr. Girard I day's work
Mr. Many
Mr. Galais I schelin
Mr. Rattier.
6 р
Mr. Lambert
6 р
Arnaud I day's work
Foretier I day's work
The widow Nodin. I day's work .
We the Consistory and heads of Families assembled wishing to make here a fixed establishment, desiring above all that peace and order should reign here, agree to regulate all our ecclesiastical affairs by public assemblies convoked by a notice read in the temple in order that no one should be ignorant of it, and there, after having acted by the majority of voices, and the exercise of the
* A token was required for admission to the communion.
8 sch.
Me. Jouet one week's work.
8 schelins
Josue David the son
8 sch.
Mr. Galais t
8 p
Mr. Bauchamp
6
Mr. David I day's work
The Targés I day's work
Mr. Ballier .
6 р
5
Records of the French Church at Narragansett, 1686-1691.
suffrage, the decision will be executed with all regularity. Also in order to regulate the troublesome and obstinate ones they will be reprimanded by the magistrates [of the church] if they prove refractory towards the church. Done in the temple of the french settlement of Naraguensset the twenty second of May one thousand six hundred and eighty seven.
Carré -- minister
Pierre Bonyot, elder. Jacque Many, elder. P. Berton, elder.
Gallais. P. Arnaud. Jeremiee Many. P. Bertain. Jean Chadeayne. Isaac Girard. Moyze le Brun. Pierre Trauerier. David Surrel.
On the said day was established as secretary of the Consistory Pierre Bonyot and Mr. Jacques Maigny to be the Syndic of the said consistory.
Carré, minister. Pierre Bonyot. Jacque Many, elder.
Today the twenty second of the said month were received publicly in the temple before the whole congregation, after the three ordinary proclamations, those nominated, Pierre bonyot, Pierre berton and Jacques Magny for elders and they signed our confession of faith and the discipline of our Church. Carré, minister. Pierre Bonyot, elder. Jacques Many, elder.
Pierre Berton, elder. .
On this said day the consistory and the heads of families, assembled for the election of a schoolmaster to teach reading writing and arithmetic, have given their attention to Mr. Sansson Gallays, who had offered to them his services for this employment; in consequence of which he will enjoy the privi- leges accorded by the contract made with the inhabitants of the french colony of Naraganset. Which he has accepted, promising to acquit himself of his charge with all the assiduity which shall be possible to him. In witness thereto we have all signed.
Carré, minister. Pierre Berton. Gallais. Jacque Many.
Etienne Robineau. Le Brun. J Chadeayne. Jeremiee Many. Pierre Bonyot, Secretary.
On the said day was established the cemetery of the french community; a place situated in front of the temple on the south side which spot will be at once en- closed by a fence which will be made by those who having newly come have not worked on the building of the temple.
Carré, minister. Pierre Berton, elder. J. Many. P. Bonyot; secretary.
Tuesday the 3Ist of the month of May there was buried in the cemetery of the french settlement of Naraguenset the body of Pierre Arnaut, aged about thirty five years. The undersigned assisted at the funeral.
Carré, minister. Pierre Berton, elder. Pierre Bonyot. Gallais.
On the fifth of June 1687 six sous were collected at the church door for the poor. Carré, minister. J. Many, elder.
On the said day, 5th. of June, our leaders, having recognized that irrever- ence in the temples was one of the principal causes of the judgments that God visited upon us in France, they have resolved to make an end to these abuses in this place. For that purpose they exhort by this act all those who may find themselves in our assemblies to keep their heads uncovered when listening to the word of God in order to show the respect they have for this great God, who speaks to them in the Scriptures in a much more formal manner than in the sermons. They also order that during the prayers everyone shall kneel on the ground before Him whom the angels adored with so much humility and whom the true faithful revere with so much submission: And as this is the way to bring the blessing of God upon this new establishment the Consistory gives warning to all those who show themselves disobedient to this act that they will- be proceeded against by all the severity of the church discipline, even to the
6
Records of the French Church at Narragansett, 1686-1691.
absolute suspension of the sacrament; and so that everyone shall know it, the present act shall be publicly read Sunday before the service. Done at french- town in the consistory in the temple of the said place this fifth of June 1687.
On the 12th of June 1687 collected at the door of the temple for the poor five sous.
Carré, minister. J. Many, elder.
On Friday the twenty fourth of June after the sermon there assisted at the sessions Messrs. Pierre bonyot pierre berton and Jacques Magny, and of them Mr. Bonyot was named to distribute the bread and the wine of the holy supper and to read the word of God during the communion, Mr. Berton to serve at the table, and Mr. Magny to receive the tokens for the communion; of whom Mr. Bonyot is charged with the distribution until the end of his year.
Carré, minister. P. Berton, elder. Jacque Many, elder.
Today first day of July 1687 there was buried in the cemetery of frenchtown at Naraganset, the body of Marie Debou native of La Rochelle in France aged about 43 years. Mr. Carré, minister, assisted at the said burial and the under- signed witnesses.
Carré, minister. Jean Chadeayne. Ettiene Robineau.
On the 3rd July 1687.
Monsieur Carré, our minister, having complained to the consistory and to the heads of families assembled in the temple of the fact that they did not carry into effect the decision which had been made the 15th of June last to build him a house, nor the verbal promise that was made to him on the first of the follow- ing July, to commence it; we have determined to make no further postpone- ment; and we all pledge ourselves to commence it for him on the first of August next; and we are all of one mind to build it on his own ground, not only for the reasons that he has given but as it is a gift that we make him personally. As however it is not our intention to give it to any one but himself, the said Mr. Carré pledges himself and promises, that in case he dies within ten years, the ownership of the said house will be returned to the Church that had caused it to be built, provided that he has not contracted a marriage between now and that time. After which he will be the absolute master to enjoy it always. Done in the temple after the prayer.
Carré, minister. Pierre Trauerier.
Jacque Many. J. Rattier.
Isaac Girard. P. Bertain. Paul Collin. P. Bonyot
Jean Beauchamps. E. Beller.
Moyze le Brun
On the 19th July 1687
Monsieur Carré our minister having represented to us that the church of boston had asked him to go to preach once every month among them during the ab- sence of Monsieur bonrepos their minister, we willingly grant the request that these gentlemen make of us, understanding that this action is necessary for the instruction of their church, hoping that they would do likewise for us should we find ourselves in the same state, and looking especially to the communion of saints which we wish to maintain, and to the glory of God which ought to be our principal aim. Done in the temple after the prayer.
Carré, minister. Jacque Many. J. Rattier. Isaac Girard. P. Traurier. P. Bonyot.
Today the eighteenth of August 1687 was baptized by Monsieur Carré our minister Pierre son of thophille fourestier and Jeanne gouin, who was presented in baptism by Pierre tauerrié and elisabet de faucquemberque, who have de- clared that the said child was born last night, and that the said fourestier does not know how to sign his name.
Carré, minister. Pierre trauerier. E. de Facquambergues. P. Bonyot.
7
Records of the French Church at Narragansett, 1686-1691.
Today the twenty-first of August was buried in our cemetery the body of Isaac Girard, son of Isaac Girard and of Marie Robin, who have declared the said child to be aged about five months. The undersigned assisted at the burial. Isaac Girard. Moyze le Brun.
Today the twenty-third day of September 1687, Monsieur Carré our minister has blessed the marriage of Josué David and Marie Audebert after the three publications had been made of it before this church, in faith of which they and the witnesses whose names appear below, have signed. Done at the temple of this place after the sermon the said day as above.
Carré, minister. Josue David. Marie Oudebert. P. Berton, elder. Jacque Many, elder. J. Rattier. Jean Chadeayne.
On the said day there assisted at the communion Mr. Berton and Captain Many, of whom Mr. Many is charged to give the bread and the wine of the holy supper, and to serve at the table, and Mr. Berton to read. Mr. le Brun will receive the communion tokens during the absence of Mr. Bonyot. Jacques Many, elder. Carré, minister. Pierre Berton, elder.
Today the twenty-fifth of September 1787 Mr. Carré our minister having as- sembled us this evening after the service represented to us the sad state of the Church of God in these days, and proposed to us a solemn fast to try to turn away from us the judgments of God by our repentance. This the Consistory and the heads of families have found very necessary. For this purpose they have set aside the twelfth of October (old style) as being very appropriate as it is the day of the fatal declaration that extinguished the public exercise of our religion in france, in abolishing the Edict of Nantes, destroying our temples, banishing our pastors, etc .- so much so that this terrible day shall be after this for us a day of mourning and of tears, and will be observed annually by fasting and public mortification until it shall have pleased God to relight his torch in france. And the present act shall be read in full assembly the two Sundays before this solemn occasion and the ministers shall be asked to prepare the people for such a serious matter. Done in the temple of frenchton the day and the year as above by the united consent of the pastor and the people, in faith of which they have signed.
Carré, minister. P. Bonyot, elder. Jacque Many, elder. P. Berton, elder. J. Rattier. P. trauerrier. Moyze le Brun. Jean Chadeayne. E. Beller. Jean Beauchamp. Paul Collin. David Surrel. Moise moine.
Today the ninth day of October 1687 was baptized by Monsieur Ézéchiel Carré our minister Pierre, son of Jean Coudret and of Marie Guitton, who was presented in baptism by Pierre Trauerier and Marie Arnaut who have declared the said child to have been born the eighth of the said month. In testimony of which we have all signed with the exception of the father who has declared that he did not know how to do so. Done in the temple after the morning service.
Carré, minister. P. trauerrier. Marie Perlin.
Mr. Bonniot elder of this church has made a gift of the bell for the temple, hoping to find himself able some day to give a larger one and of better quality. The 10th of the present month and year. Carré, minister. P. Bonyot.
Today the thirtieth of the month of October was baptized by Monsieur Carré our minister, Marthe daughter of Pierre Bonyot and Elizabet de faucquem- bergue, presented in baptism by her father in the place of Mons. Pierre Assailly, and Marie tanneron who have declared the said child to have been born Thurs- day the 27th of the said month and have signed.
Carré, minister. P. Bonyot. Marie Tanneron.
8
Records of the French Church at Narragansett, 1686-1691.
The elders will be named in turn to read the word of God in the temple. Mr. Bonniot will read during all the month of November and Mr. Many will during the said month notify our minister of the hour of the assembly. P. Bonyot. Carré, minister. Jacque Many, elder.
Today the twentieth of November 1687 Messrs. pierre tauerrie, Moyze le Brun, and estienne robineau have been named elders, according to the usual forms and have signed the discipline of our churches, promising to observe it. Done in the temple on the above said day and year, in testimony of which they have signed the present act ..
Carré, minister. Estienne Robineaux. Pierre trauerrier. Moyze le Brun, elder.
The Consistory knowing that the observance of the day of rest is one of the principal parts of our creed, and one of the most striking features of our Devo- tion, recommends that the day should be observed in a most particular man- ner. This is why it prohibits by this act, to employ any part of Sunday in the chase, in promenades, at drinking houses, or in games whatever they may be; not even to cut wood to warm oneself. Declaring that those who fall into such errors shall be severely censured; and in order that no one shall be ignorant of it the present act will be publicly read next Sunday at the end of the service. Done at frenchton at a meeting of the Consistory on the said day the 20th November. 1687.
P. Bonyot, elder. Carré, minister. P. trauerrier. Jacques Many, elder. Moyze le Brun, elder.
Mr. maigny is chosen to read during the month of December, and Mr. Moyze le Brun to notify Monsieur Carré of the hour of the assembly in the temple. This 27th November 1687.
Jacque Many, elder. Carré, minister. Moyze le Brun, elder.
Mr. giraud having scandalized us by his shameful manner of begging in Rodeiland which he has accompanied by lying to persuade people that he is in the deepest poverty and weighed down with a family of seven children, which is contrary to the truth-we have cited him before this company to answer to these charges, and Mr. pierre tauerrie has orders to cite him on Sunday next, after the prayer. Done in the temple the day and the year as above.
Carré, minister. Pierre trauerrier, elder. Jacque Many, elder.
P. Bonyot, elder. Moyze le Brun, elder.
sunday, fourth of the month of december of the present year Mr. girard having appeared before this company we have judged him meriting of a severe repri- mand for the base action he committed accompanying it with falsehood, his way of begging. Not being willing to accept our reproofs and having answered back with a great deal of anger and irreverence we have dismissed him to ap- pear in fifteen days before this company-hoping that God will touch his heart, and that he will come before us again with more submission and modesty. Done at the temple the said day as above.
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.