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Cornell university Library 
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 Golden memories :a historical Si«;S= 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tiiis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924008659025 
 
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 GOLDEN MEMORIES. 
 
 A HiSTdRicA t DlSCOy RSE 
 
 OF .THE 
 
 Eeformed Protestant Dutcli Church, 
 
 QF 
 
 H ARJLEM. N. Y. 
 
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 REV. G. HENRY MANDEVILLB, D;ix: ! 
 
 '-""V "•;'„ l^EW' YORK f , - ""■ '*^"' ■ 
 ., GBAFS,^iS^v*Gg;, Siiites, 'riaii;d:Aye,tirt^eoF.a24th Street. 
 
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The following diseourse was delivered on the evening of April 
 20t}i, 1873. Its publication was requested at the time, by the cou- 
 sistcjry and others, but was delayed in hope of fuller information. 
 For most of the facts relating to the early history, I am indebted 
 to the courtesy and kindness of Hon. James Riker, of Waverly, I^T. 
 y., who, having formerly been a i-esident of this place, became inte- 
 rested in its history, and has been engaged in the preparation ot a 
 volume relating its interesting story. It is to be hoped it will soon 
 appear with fuller details of its civil and ecclesiastical affairs. 
 
 G. H. M. 
 Harlbm, N. Y., Sept. 1st, 1875. 
 
 
 
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GOLDEN MEMORIES. 
 
 Deut. viii. 2 (1st clause).--" Tli on shalt remember all the way 
 the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness." 
 
 This command wonld awaken very many and tender memories 
 in the mind of the devout and pious Hebrew. To live over again 
 in thought the marvellous events in that history of forty years 
 would rouse thrilling emotions in his soul. "All the way the Lord 
 thy God led thee." How vividly would imagination reproduce 
 the stupendous occurrences preceding and accompanying the exo- 
 dus from bondage in Egyyt; the deliverance at the Red Sea; the 
 magnificent and " terrible sight " on Sinai, crowned with clouds, 
 girt with lightnings, vocal with thunders, and reverberating with 
 the sound of a trumpet and the voice of God ; the crystal stream of 
 living water outgushing from the smitten rock ; the daily manna 
 from Heaven dropped gently and silently during the quietude of 
 night around the tents of the slumbering host; the uplitted serpent 
 of brass for the healing of the people ; Israel fighting with Amalek in 
 the valley, with Moses praying on the Mount, and Aaron and Hur 
 sustaining his uplifted hands, till the victory was complete. "All the 
 way these forty years " unto the land of promise and desire. Very 
 pleasant and very profitable would it be to the chosen people to 
 cherish these soul-quickening memories. It would strengthen their 
 patriotism and feed their piety ; establish their faith in God, and 
 in His covenant mercy and faithfulness. 
 
 Asa general principle . this sentiment is of great importance. 
 The people of God should remember all the way in which He has 
 led his glorious church throujih the ages. What a wonderful 
 history has he given to his chosen heritage. How marvellous have 
 been His interpositions for the pi-eservation and prosperity of Zion. 
 How evident is his presence in the midst of her tor a glory and 
 round about her for a covering through all the vicissitudes of her 
 progress, and the mutations of the world. No otherwise can we 
 account for her continuance from Abraham's day unto this, and her - 
 increasing power among the nations, as time onward rolls to the 
 fulfilment of promise and prophecy. The lively remembrance of 
 this historic life, as unfolded on pages inspired and uninspired, will 
 preserve us from the mistake and the wrong of needless departure 
 from " the form of sound words," and will keep us safely and 
 
happily moored in the old harbor ot truth and godliness. It will 
 serve to vitalize onr faith in the changeless verity of scripture, in 
 the promised triumph of the church, and in Jesus Christ, her exaltecl 
 head— the world's sovereign and the soul's saviour. It will enkin- 
 dle our enthusiasm, lire our zeal, and ai'ouse all our energies for her 
 universal establishment. It will enable us joyously to sing with 
 the Psalmist, " God is in the midst of her : she shall not be moved." 
 Zion lives, because, Jehovah Jesus lives in her. 
 
 Each separate church organization, that has had any length of 
 days, has special, tender, clustering memories, that should be cher- 
 ished. In connection with its services sinful souls have heard "the 
 old, old story" of the cross, have been won to Jesus by the truth 
 and spirit of Grod, been helped in their heavenward journey, and 
 ripened for the celestial ingathering. Marriage bonds have been 
 confirmed with the services of our holy religion. Funeral exercises 
 have been rendered when the remains of loved ones were brought 
 forth for burial and committed to the dust. There is something in 
 memories of the sanctuary peculiarly distinguishing them from all 
 others. They are memories of the heart that afl'eetiun will not 
 suffer 10 die. It is right and eminently appropriate that these re- 
 raenibrances should be cherished. 
 
 With these views and feelings, we have east many " longing, 
 lingering looks" into the past of our church-life. "We think we 
 have seen some things that have faded from memory in whole or 
 in part that deserve to be recalled with grateful hearts. The espe- 
 cial object of this dis-course is to present in due form what it has 
 been possible to us to glean from many sources. I trust we shall 
 be profited by thus calling up from the dead past the scenes and 
 forms of ancient times, and somewhat of modern too. 
 
 A few introductory historic statements concerning the eBrly 
 settlement will be helpful to a better appreciation of the statement. 
 
 In 1609 Manhattan Island was discovered by Hendrick Hudson. 
 
 In 1613 a small trading post, connected with the fur-trade with 
 the aborigines was established upon it. 
 
 In 162 J was organized in Holland the West India Company. It 
 at once proceeded to inaugurate measures for planting an agricultu- 
 ral setLlement in New Amsterdam, as this Island was then called. 
 
 In 1623, a small number of families were brought over and 
 located. 
 
 • In 1626, Gov. Minuit, for the West India Company, purchased 
 from the original proprietors, the Indians, the entii'e Island. For 
 this great domain he paid the sum of sixty guilders, say $25. This 
 was 66 years prior to William Penn's famous treaty "with the In- 
 dians at Shackawaxon," and this priority gives a peculiar interest to 
 this event in the annals of the early civil history of New York. 
 
This settlement was located at the lower extremity of the Island, 
 since called the Battery. In l(i'2fi a horse mill was buiH there, 
 having a large iip]>er room in wliieli divine worship was conducted 
 by tlie Ziel-erdrooster, two of whom had arrived with Gov. Minuit. 
 
 In 1628 the first minister of ihe Reformed (/Inirch in America, 
 Eev. Jonas Michaelins, arrixed. lie formed the first church with 
 two elders. At the first administration of tlie Lord's Supper, there 
 were fifty communicants, and Michaelins addressed the Hollanders 
 in Dutch, and the French and Walloons in French. He returned 
 to Holland after serving fi om four to five years. 
 
 In 1633, Kev. Everardus Bogardus arrived with Gov. Yan 
 Twiller. Soon after a plain wooden edifice, with a dwelling house 
 and stable for the Dominie's use, was erected, situate on the East 
 Eiver, near what is now Old Slip. 
 
 The extensive and fertile plain on this end of the Island must 
 very S001 have engaged the attention of the colonists, who could 
 not fail to be reminded by itof their native land, so much of which 
 had been wrested from the sea. In 1636 a settlement was begun 
 here by emigrants just ai-rived from the city ot Leydeu, being of 
 French descent and bearing the name of De Forest. They were 
 shortly followed by others, until several boweries or farms were 
 occupied. But the effort was not successful. The settlers were too 
 widely separated and hence greatly exposed to assaults trom the 
 Indians. Their crops were destroyed, their buildings burned, and 
 themselves not .unfrequently swept off. This continued for twenty 
 years. ■ Then all efforts to cultivate these acres ceased for a time. 
 The risks were so great that no one was willing to venture. The 
 Go'-ernment, also, to prevent loss of property and life, forbade its 
 continuance. The only evidences which remained, that the hand of 
 man had ever attempted to interfere with the native wildness of 
 these broad acres studded with trees of the forest, were slij,ht marks 
 ■ of a partial cultivation, and the more striking and painful marks of 
 the torch of the incendiary. 
 
 The purpose, however, was not wholly abandoned. The goodly 
 soil, so capable of easy tillage and yielding so abundantly to the 
 labor of the husbandman, had strong attractions. A new system 
 was devised, called a Concentration, or the planting of a compact 
 village, whose inhabitants, by reason of their contiguity, might be 
 better able to resist the depredations of the savages. Accorcliuglv 
 Gov. Stuyvesant and Council on March -tth, 1658, resolved for the 
 purpose of promoting agriculture and establishing a place of amuse- 
 ment for the citizens ol New Amsterdam, to form a new village to 
 be called Xew Harlem, at the northern part of Manhattan Island, 
 in the vicinity of the lands of Jochein Petersen Kuyter, deceased. 
 A good road was to be made '' so that it might be made easy to come 
 hither and return to that village on horseback or in a wagon ;" a ferry 
 
established across to Long Island; a court organized, and "a good 
 orthodox Clergyman" settled as soon as twenty-five families should 
 have located. Two years rolled by. The requisite number of fami- 
 lies had settled in the new village. On August 16th, 1660, the 
 Governor and Council, by ordinance, established for them an "in- 
 ferior Court of Justice." Three magistrates were appointed with 
 limited and subordinate jurisdiction. 
 
 The settlers were composed of Hollanders and French Hugue- 
 nots, in about equal numbers. These of course belonged to the 
 Reformed Church of Holland. There were also a few Scandinavi- 
 ans. Danes, Swedes and Norwegians, who were mostly Lutherans. 
 ■ What wonderful changes have been wrought iu two and a halt 
 centuries. Then a few dusky savages chased the deer in its iorests. 
 ]Srow a million and a quarter of people, gathered from nearly every 
 nation on the face of the globe, are packed on its surface. Then a 
 few wigwams of the aborigines were scattered over its hills, and a 
 few mud houses or Yog cabins of the early settlers appeared on its 
 extreme point. Now you behold scores of miles of vast warehouses 
 and magnificent stores and palatial residences. Then a tew birch 
 canoes were propelled by the brawny arm through the swilt 
 waters, as from one fishing-ground to another the tawny fisherman 
 sought his finny prey. Now almost numberless majestic vessels, by 
 a power whose utilization was then undreamed of in the world, 
 drive their prows in every direction at all hours of the day and 
 night. Then $25 bought 'the entire Island. Now would the silver 
 and gold ot the world pay for it ? 
 
 I now turn to sketch the history of our church, so far as I have 
 been able to gather it. ,. • 
 
 The first settlers doubtless attended divine service for a time at 
 the lower end of the Island. This privilege .could have been en- 
 joyed only occasionally. In those days there was no rapid transit, 
 not even a Third avenue horse-car. About the time of the organi- 
 zation of the village, Gov. Stuyvesant erected a chapel on his bow- 
 erie in the neighborhood of Stuyvesant Place. Eev. Henry Selyn 
 arrived in 1 660, as minister for the Eeformed church in Brooklyn. 
 He also ofllciated in the afternoon or evening at this chapel. _ The 
 people of Harlem attended there for several years, especially tor the 
 enjoyment of the sacrament of baptism for their children, and ot 
 the Lord's supper. When they did not attend there, they hstened 
 to a service conducted by the Voorleser, whose duty was to'read 
 the scriptures before sermon, and to line the psalm before singing, 
 and in the absence of a preacher to read a sermou. 
 
 §xqmlmtim. 
 
 In 1660 John La Montague was appointed, by vote of the con- 
 gregation, Deacon. From this time must be dated its organic 
 
existence. It is not probable that any siieh formal organization as 
 is now customary in the instituting of new churches ever took 
 place ; but from this first step and around this one deacon, gradu- 
 ally grew the varied appcjintments of an organized congregation. 
 He was succeeded in 1662 by Daniel Tourneur. 
 
 In, 1 660 a young man by the name of Zayperus, a student of the- 
 ology, arrived with his family from Curacoa, a Dutch island in the 
 West Indies. In the autumn of this year, at the same the deacon 
 was appointed, he was engaged as voorleser, and preached, though 
 withoiit authority to administer the sacraments. He served three 
 years. After his departure Montagne succeeded to the office. 
 
 In 1665 the erection of a small house of worship was commenced, 
 under the direction of Montagne, Tourneur and Jonannes Verveelen. 
 Labor and materials were contributed by the people. The mechanics 
 were John GuHck, Neels Watson and Hendriek Karstens. It was 
 probably constructed of logs and was situated on the north side of 
 the principal street, formerly known as " the old church lane," not 
 tar from where my present residence is in 124th street. The knowl- 
 edge of it has wholly faded from memory ; but its existence is a 
 matter of record. It was several years before completion, the work 
 being prosecuted as funds were found in the treasury. (These 
 worthies do not seemed to have entertained the modern theory of 
 the advantages ot a debt on a church edifice.) Here services were 
 held with considerable regularity. Collections were taken up in 
 seawant, or Indian money, which averaged about two florins per 
 sabbath, equivalent at present valuation to a little over three dollars. 
 On sabbaths when regular preaching was expected, or elders and 
 deacons were to be ordained to office, or the sacraments of Baptism 
 and the Holy Supper were to be administered, the custom was to 
 send a wagon for the dominie who was to officiate ; his service 
 being rendered, his return was by a similar conveyance. A very 
 important arrangement also, was to provide beer and wine for his 
 entertainment while with them. This building became eventually 
 too small and was taken for a sciioolhouse. 
 
 The second edifice was built in 1686. It was situate on the 
 opposite side of the lane and further east or north of east. ' The 
 corner-stone was laid with considerable ceremony, March 29th. The 
 first stone was put in place by Re solved Waldron. and the second 
 by Johannes Yermilye. The builder was Wm. Helliker, of New 
 York. On the 80th of September, Rev. Henry Selyn preached 
 the first sermon in it, and administered the Lord's supper. Harlem 
 seems to have been regarded almost like a miss^ion station of the 
 church in New York. 
 
The subscriptions for this building amounted to 1365 florins.* 
 This building was laid in ruins during the revolutionary war. 
 On the same site, however, those of the inhabitants who survived 
 the war and returned to their devastated homesteads, as soon as 
 their poverty would admit, began the erection of the third church 
 edifice, probably in 1789 or 1790. The subscriptions for this build- 
 ing accordmg to list, amounted to £63, 4s.t Besides this, Benjamin 
 Benson collected and gave £95, 198. Id. A note of £100 and another 
 for £84 were collected from Widow Storms and applied to the same 
 object. Pews were sold, and " the money arising from the sale is 
 to be applied for paying tor building, and painting the pews." 
 Every purchaser was to have his pew the first year without rent. 
 Andrew McGown appears to have attended to this part and to 
 have paid to consistory £73, 10s., as the amount thus obtained. 
 '* On Sunday, ye 13th of Nov., 1791, divine service was performed 
 in Haerlem church by Eev. Mr. Jackson for the first time." This 
 stands by itself in the minutes, with nothing to indicate whether 
 this was the first service in the new church, or the first time Eev. 
 Mr. Jackson preached, probably the latter, we think. 
 
 This edifice sufficed for the needs of the community for a third 
 of a century. Meanwhile the village had grown away from the 
 church, and it was therefore deemed advisable to secure a new site 
 and erect a new edifice. Thefiret formal step to this end was taken 
 at a meeting of consistory, held August 4-th, 1823, in this act: " Re- 
 solved, that an attempt be made to raise funds by subscription to 
 erect a new church in this village, and that the following caption 
 be adopted for a subscription book to be forthwith circulated." 
 Then follows the customary formula. 
 
 On 6th of May, 1824, at a sale of property by Gov. Wilkins, a 
 plot of ground was purchased by consistory. It was 75x130 feet on 
 Third avenue, for |195, and 70x100 on 121st street, for $104, mak- 
 ing $30(.) for the whole. The building was commenced in 1824, 
 and dedicated September 18th, 1825. Its total coSt was about 
 $6,500. The plan was drawn by Martin E. Thompson, who was 
 employed as superintendent. The building committee were the 
 consistory : — Joseph Mott, John Adriance, Thomas Brass, elders ; 
 David Wood, John S. Adriance, James Bogert, Jr., deacons. The 
 last named deacon was treasurer. 
 
 Twenty years now rolled rapidly past. At a meeting of con- 
 sistory held September 21st, 1852, a petition was received fi?om 
 members and pew-holders of the church for its enlargement. It 
 was voted to be done and Elder L. I. Belloni and Deacon James 
 Crawford were appointed a building committee, with instructions to 
 proceed forthwith ; and elders D. P. Ingrahara and D. Fanshaw, 
 with Deacon G. A. Rollins, were appointed a finance committee. 
 
 • Note 1. t Note 2. 
 
The church was raised and enlarged, the front altered, and the base- 
 ment fitted up for a prayer meeting and sabbatli-school roona. The 
 cost of this improvement was Sll/^57.89. 
 
 On January 8th, 1854, consistory adopted this resolution: " Ee- 
 solved, that the thanks of this consistory be given to Elders Belloni 
 and Crawford for their indefatigable exertions in procuring for us 
 such a comfortable and beautiful house of worship ; and especially 
 does this consistory feel indebted to Elder Belloni, for his personal 
 sacrifice in neglecting his own business for many weeks, that he 
 might attend to the building, fitting up and furnishing the church, 
 that we might obtain early possession." At a subsequent meeting 
 a bible was voted to each as a " testimonial of regard for their ser- 
 vices." At the same meeting the thanks of consistory and a bible 
 were voted to Judge D. P. Ingraham, " as a token of esteem," and 
 for the " able and devoted manner in which he has for many years 
 discharged the daties of Treasurer." 
 
 The organ was purchased in 1850 ; in the spring of 1865 it was 
 enlarged and removed to the rear of the pulpit ; at the same time the 
 present galleries were built and other alterations made, at an expense 
 as per contract of $2,800, less donation by builder of $225. This 
 work was done by Jessie "W. Powers, and upon its completion, con- 
 sistory Api-il 10th, 1865, adopted this : " Whereas Jessie W. Pow- 
 ers, truly interpreting the universal desire of our congregation for 
 the shortest possible suspension of Divine Worship, has, at increased 
 cost to himself, completed the construction of the galleries in our 
 church much sooner than was expected ; and whereas this act has 
 been crowned by another equally unselfish in donating to this con- 
 sistory the entire profits accruing from his contract ; now, therefore 
 be it Besolved, that in accepting the said gift, this consistory tender 
 to Mr. Powers an expression of their high appreciation of his dis- 
 interestedness, and desire to bear their united testimony to the work- 
 manlike and rapid manner in whicli his contract has been com- 
 pleted." A copy of '• Harper's Illuminated Bible " was also voted 
 aim. 
 
 In 1864 alterations were made in the basement for the better 
 accommodation of the Sabbath School at an expenseof §850, under 
 the supervision of Rev. Dr. Lord, Elder Patterson, J. C. Giffing 
 and A. B. Demarest as a joint committee from consistory and school. 
 In 1861 the building in the rear of the church was erected for 
 the accommodation of a Mission Sabbath School. 
 
 These are the leading facts in regard to the structures that have 
 been used by this congregation. We shall now group some other 
 facts under the heading of the 
 
 The chui'ch during its entire history has been characterized by 
 
s 
 
 a good degree of unanimity and harmony. It has had very few 
 cases of severe discipline among its members. Seldom has its peace 
 been disturbed by serious strifes and contentions that so weaken the 
 influence of a church, and make it a'reproach among men. Yet it 
 has not been wholly free from internal dissensions; occasionally 
 violent ones. 
 
 One such occurred very early in its history. Owing to the var- 
 ied nationalities of the settlers, it struggled long and hard for its 
 existence. The services were usually conducted in Hollandish,which 
 was not satisfactory to those speaking the French language, nor in- 
 deed to the Lutherans. Some of the Huguenots were so much dis- 
 contented that when the French church in New York obtained a 
 minister they refused absolutely to support the Dutch Yoorleser, 
 and suffered their goods to be attached by the magistrate. Among 
 them were two ancestors of well known American families : De 
 Lamater and Demarest. The latter became so disgusted that he 
 and his whole family left the town and removed to Hackexisack. 
 Whether he enjoyed. French preaching in that community of Hol- 
 landers does not appear. 
 
 Gov. Cornbury, who was a very strong churchman and a great 
 stickler for prelacy, during his administration, which extended from 
 1702 to 1708, attempted to impose an English Episcopal minister 
 upon the Reformed Dutch Church at Harlem. This caused great 
 commotion. ' The people persistently refused him a support, or any 
 countenance, and the effort was finally abandoned as hopeless. 
 
 Another great excitement existed at the time of the well known 
 Coetus and Oonferentie controversy that distracted the entire de- 
 nomination. The Oonferentie party were determined that the 
 church in this country should continue its connection with and 
 subordination to the C'lassis of Amsterdam, in Holland, that had 
 existed trom the first settlement. The other party, with clearer 
 foresight and better reason, insisted upon the right of the church 
 here to ordain its own ministers and to generally manage its own 
 afi'airs. The controversy was fierce. In the church at Harlem, 
 those who adhered to the Coetus were the most numerous and em- 
 braced largely the spirituality and progressive element of the church. 
 They so far prevailed as to give a call in the year 
 
 1765 TO THE Eev. Ma-etinus Schoonmakee. 
 
 He accepted, and in 1772 attended at the council of the churches 
 in New York and subscribed the articles of organization of the 
 synod of the Reformed Dutch Church ; likewise his Elder, Benjamin 
 Benson ; and also on the part of the Oonferentie, Elder Adolph 
 Myer. Thus was this serious breach happily and permanently 
 closed. 
 
 Rev. M. Schoonmaker was \\\q first minister called and settled 
 
as pastor of the chtirch. For one hundred and five years from the 
 election of the first deacon, the people had depended upon their 
 Voorleser, with such occasional services as might be rendered by 
 the neighbonng clergy, Selyn. Drisius, Eitzema, &c. Sturdily and 
 steadfastly, however, they adhered to their church and its principles. 
 
 Dominie S. divided his services between this church and that at 
 Gravesend, Long Island. The revolutionary war caused an entire 
 suspension of his labors. He was an ardent patriot, and with many 
 of his people was coiupelled to take refuge within the American 
 lines. "With the acknowledgement of our national independence, 
 after seven years of exile, they retiimed only to find their home- 
 steads laid waste and their sanctuary in ruins. Dominie S. remain- 
 ed until 1785, twenty years after the date of his call. He was very 
 highly esteemed, and so great was the confidence in him, that on 
 his word and statement to the congress in session at Harlem, a sus- 
 pected tory was liberated Irom arrest. " Courteous and polite, he 
 was a relic of the old school of Dutch dominies. In his eightieth 
 year he said he could not complain of a single bodily infirmity, 
 even his sight and hearing being perfect. His labors for the Mas- 
 ter were very arduous, but he never fainted in the work. Few men 
 have gone to the grave with a character more unblemished, or who 
 have been more universally respected and beloved." 
 
 The church now passed through' a period of great trial and dis- 
 couragement. They were without an edifice, and worshipped, when 
 they had service, in Mr. Benson's barn, which adjoined the church 
 yard. The oldest member ot our church to-day, was baptized in 
 this barn. She remembers how in her childhood the matrons and 
 maidens came to church with their black skirts, white short gowns 
 and check aprons. What a contrast to the dresses of to-day. For 
 six years they were destitute of a pastor. After this trying experi- 
 ence, they, in connection with ihe church at Tarrytown, on the 9th 
 of November, 1791, called 
 
 Kev. John Feelinghtjtsen Jackson, 
 who accepted and was ordained to the ministry and installed as pas- 
 tor. His relation continued for thirteen years and five months. His 
 farewell sermon was preached on the first sabbath in April, 1805. 
 He was descended from a worthy ancestory of Scotch Presbyterians, 
 and is said to have been a most excellent man. At the close of his 
 pastorate, the consistoij resolved, " That he has faithfully fulfilled 
 the obligations of his call m preaching the gospel in its purity, 
 catechising, administering the sacraments, visiting the congregation, 
 in which he has been exemplary ; and that now, having by mutual 
 consent resigned his pastoral charge, he leaves the church in the 
 sa,me good standing. We sincerely pray that the Lord may prosper 
 his ministerial work, and render him extensively useful in what- 
 ever part ot his vineyard he may hereafter be called to labor." He 
 
10 
 
 possessed ample resources, and continued to reside in his family 
 mansion in 114th street, still occupied by his daughter, who has 
 for so many years labored for the cause of Christ in the church 
 served by her honored father. He rendered largely gratuitous " 
 ministerial services, preaching for many years in the Manor church 
 in Fordham. By an act of christian munificence to the church 
 formerly in 21st street, New York, bestowing the land on wliich it 
 was erected, he exhibited his attachment to the church and its 
 Master. In person he was tall and slender, with black liair curling 
 down his neck. "He was a man of sound, experimental, practical 
 piety ; of great simplicity of character and singleness of heart, and 
 of self-denying humility." '' When on the edge of the grave, he 
 was all self-renunciation, humility, taith, gratitude, hope and joy." 
 He died in March, 1831, aged 68. Rev. Dr. Dewitt, Brownlee and 
 others officiated at his funeral. 
 
 EEV. JEREMIAH EOMEYN, 
 
 then settled at lied Hook, IST. T., was called as his successor. He 
 began his labors on the 28th of September, 1806. Some disagree- 
 ment arising, of what character does not appear from the minutes, 
 he tendered his resignation to consistory, Boveraber 5, 1813, and 
 requested them to unite in an application to Classis for a dissolu- 
 tion of the pastoral tie. When the consistory unanimously " Re- 
 solved, that regretting as we do the unhappy state of things which 
 has prompted him to make this request, we believe it to be our 
 duty to yield a compliance with it ; explicitly declaring that we 
 esteem him a sound and good preacher, and praying fervently that 
 the Lord will have him and his family'in His holy keeping, and 
 make him a distinguished blessing to that people, among whom 
 Providence may cast his lot." Similar testimony is reiterated on 
 December 22d, following. They also pay him a year's salary, and 
 accord him the use of the parsonage until the succeeding April. 
 He is represented in Sprague's Annals as a very superior preacher, 
 with profound thought and scholarship in his sermons. " He was 
 a man of imposing personal appearance, of full habit, grave, digni- 
 fied and graceful. His head was finely formed ; his visage dark, 
 with a dark-blue, powerful eye, and set under an expanded brow ; 
 his countenance florid ; his hair full and white (1812), and usually 
 powdered when entering the pulpit, or associating with gentlemen 
 of the olden school." 
 
 On August 21st, 1816, 
 
 Bev. Coenelius C. Vekmeule, 
 who was Professor of Languages at Queen's (now Kutger's) College, 
 New Brunswick, IST. J., and who had for several months been 
 preaching for them as Stated Supply, was called. He accepted ; 
 and on the 13th of November following he was by the Classis ot 
 
11 
 
 Xew York ordained to tlie ministry, and installed pastor of the 
 church. He continued to serve this congregation until October 
 6th, 1836, when he tendered his resignation on account of impaired 
 health. The consistory accepted it, and voted " as a mark of our 
 respect and esteem for oiir pastor that a year's salary be paid to Dr. 
 Yermeule on the dissolution of the connection with this church." 
 The older members still cherish his memory with grateful affection. 
 He was tall and slender in appearance, grave, reserved and digni- 
 fied in manner, a good preacher, and an earnest and faithtul 
 pastor, "of more than usual modesty and humility of spirit, and of 
 great tenderness and sensibility of feeling," and continued to the 
 end of life to exhibit his " love and devotedness to his Saviour." 
 He finished his work at the ripe age of 72 years, January 1 5th, 1859. 
 
 Bet. Riohaed L. Sohoonitakee 
 was called, and began his labors in March, 1838. He resigned Sep- 
 tember 7th, 1847. Consistory accepted. Beside the present in- 
 cumbent he is the only one of the pastors of this church now living. 
 
 On Maech 20, 1848, Rev. Jeremiah S. Loed, D. D. 
 was called. He accepted and was installed on the evening of the 
 second Sabbath of May following. He continued to serve until the 
 2d oi April, 1869, when he ceased from his labors and entered into 
 his rest, being the only pastor of the church who has died while in 
 its service. The consistory passed resolutions of respect and affect- 
 ion for the dead, and sympathy with the bereaved friends.* His 
 tuneral drew together a large concourse of people, and many of the 
 clergy. Rev. Dr. T. W. Chambers and others conducted the exer- 
 cises. 
 
 To very many of you his memory is fragrant and precious. The 
 bonds that knit you to him grew in power and tenderness with each 
 year of his ministry. His unusual social qualities, his personal in- 
 terest and tender sympathy in all your experiences, the fervor and 
 unction and deep devotedness that characterized all his pastoral and 
 ministerial labors, all served to endear him to your hearts and give 
 him power with you as a preacher of the Everlasting Gospel. The 
 congregation erected a monument over his remains in Greenwood, 
 and the Sabbath School placed a tablet to his memory in the church. 
 With a generous offering to his family the consistory crowned their 
 tribute to his long and f9,ithful services. The influence of Dr. Lord 
 will live for many years among this people, while in many hearts 
 here and elsewhere his name will be cherished with tender affection. 
 
 The Peesent Pastoe, 
 the seventh only in more than a century, was called in October, 
 and began his labors November 1st, 1869. Only three and a half 
 
 * See Note 3. 
 
12 
 
 years have passed since we were most singularly brought together 
 by divine Providence. Yet have they been to me most eventful 
 in experience. It was to me a new field, amid new and untried 
 iniluenee", and was to be undertaken after a prolonged service 
 by one who had few superiors as a pastor. The Providence of God 
 also visited with sore trials, removing by death a deacon just pre- 
 vious to my arrival, and just after, the Sabbath School Superintend- 
 ent (who was likewise a deacon), and other active workers. These' 
 with other circumstances, seemed sufficient to crush the bravest 
 spirit and defeat the best plans and most devoted energy. But 
 to the praise of our Jesus, on whose promise we have rested, we 
 testify that His strength has been made pertect in our weakness. 
 The great difficulties have been surmounted. To-day we are a 
 united, peaceful and prosperous congregation, with good promise of 
 a growing, golden future. To-day we " thank God and take cour- 
 age." (To-day, when near the completion of our sixth year, as we 
 re-enter our old church repaired and beautified, we may with em- 
 phasis reiterate the declarations above.) 
 
 Under date of June 22d, 1816, 1 find the following : " Whereas 
 it has been represented to the consistory that some of the ladies of 
 this place are desirous to establish a Sabbath School in this village, 
 to become a branch of the parent school in the City of New York, 
 and wish the approbation and sanction of this body to further their 
 laudable undertaking, therefore Eesolved, that as it meets our ap- 
 probation, Rev. Mr. Vermeule be requested to announce from the 
 pulpit next Sabbath day their design, requesting the females of this 
 congregation and neighborhood, who are disposed to aid their un- 
 dertaking, to meet them next Tuesday afternoon at 6 o'clock, at the 
 Town School House; and that Mr. Vermeule open the meeting 
 with prayer." It was then on Tuesday, June 25th, 1816, that the 
 organization of the Sabbatn School was eiiected. Its work commenced 
 immediately. In its commencement, and for several years subse- 
 quenty, very efficient workers were John Adriance, Jas. Redfield, 
 Mrs. Vermeule, Mrs. Jas. Baily and Miss Letitia Doughty. For 
 more than half a century it has steadily pursued its beneficial work, 
 and thousands have been blessed through its influence. Its superin- 
 tendents, as nearly as I can collect them haye b^en ; Mrs. Jas. Baily, 
 Miss Letitia Doughty, Mr. Howell, Mr. H. S. Van Buren, Judge 
 
 D. P. Ingraham, Edgar Ketcham, Wm. Welsh, Dean, D. Van 
 
 Doren, M. D., Augustus EoUins, John Rollins, L. I. Belloni, 
 Thomas Sproul, A. B. Demarest, Samuel Holmes, Peter Walters, - 
 C. A. Demarest, and John 0. Giffing the present incumbent. 
 
 During the first years of its history a large colored department 
 was connected with it, under the care of some of its most devoted 
 
workers. These gradually, and at length altogether ceased from 
 attending. 
 
 Its first sessions were held in " The Old Tied School House," 
 which formerly stood about midway the block, between 2d and 3d 
 Avenues, and 122d and 123d Streets, on the road that ran diago- 
 nally across the plains. Thence it was transferred to the Lecture 
 Koom of which we have spoken, and finally to the basement of the 
 church. 
 
 A Mission School was commenced in 1858, that grew to be very 
 strong and flourishing. The building in rear of the church, as al- 
 ready intimated, was erected for its accommodation. It was ulti- 
 mately merged in the Ghnrch School, which is now, with its 450 
 scholars and 50 teachers and officers doing a very promising work. 
 Its future, we trust, will be even more glorious than its past. 
 
 Thus have I endeavored to retrace in outline, the way in which 
 divine Providence has led this congregation through the two hun- 
 dred and thirteen years of its existence. Owing to the absence of 
 records it is not so complete as I could wish, and especially in refer- 
 ence to its spiritual history. There are few churches in our coun- 
 try of a more venerable antiquity. The record calls for devout 
 gratitude, and the remembrance of it should abide with us. 
 
 It is true I have been compelled to deal largely in statistics and 
 names. But these are eloquent and suggestive. Of the several re- 
 vivals of religion that have occurred in its history, I have not spoken 
 particularly ; nor have I presented the numbers on the roll of its 
 membership at difl'erent periods. It needs however, little imagina- 
 tion to contemplate the spiritual forces- thpt have been moulding 
 character and maturing souls for Heaven, week by week, and month 
 by month, through all the years of its history. It may be frankly 
 acknowledged that the church has not accomplished' all that was 
 possible to have done. No church, no christian does that. But it 
 may with confidence be claimed that the history of this community 
 would have been vastly diflerent, but for the power of this church 
 in past years. The influence of a christian church, even in pecuniary 
 and civil interests, more than compensates for its cost ; while its 
 social, moral and spiritual benefits are beyond calculation. Occu- 
 pyingthis field alone for so many years, great responsibility rested 
 upon It. Its power for good will only be known in that day, when 
 the Lord of the harvest shall garner its sheaves. 
 
 Of the future it does not become me to speak at large on this 
 occasion. You will permit me, however, to say that, at this time 
 with a population in a strong, swelling tide of transition, the future 
 ot our beloved church emphatically rests on us as thehiiman instru- 
 mentality. We cannot be too deeply impressed with a sense of the 
 important interests that in great measure will be determined by our 
 action. Sustained by the accumulated torce of more than two hun- 
 
14 
 
 dred years of chureh-life ; quickened by tte inspiration of these 
 holy memories ; roused to sacred enthusiasm by the prospect of the 
 beckoning future ; and constrained by the love of precious souls and 
 of our precious Jesus ; let us gird ourselves for nobler service and 
 ha/rder work in the cause of our Master and Lord. Let us embrace a 
 more comprehensive policy of church work. Let us cultivate a more 
 earnest consecration to Ohirst and a more active aggressiveness upon 
 the world. Let us cherish a more liberal, large-hearted spirit, and 
 be more fervent in prayer. Tf, in the light of the past, I read the 
 future of this section of our city aright, though without a prophet's 
 ken, I believe you as a congregation have the opportunity of making 
 your future greatly more glorious than your past in church exten- 
 sion and spiritual power. Only appreciate the altered and altering 
 circumsta,nces of the community. These days are not as past days. 
 I have said to you, remember the past ; I now say to you, forget 
 the past, the things that are behind. The present and the future 
 demand your attention, and energies and prayers. Be alive to the 
 requirements of the day. Keep all your church enterprises abreast 
 of the times. Stand firmly for the truth of C-irist crucified, and 
 still be awake to every new movement and alive to every interest, 
 and every call of duty. Be conservative by being progressive. You 
 are entrusted with very important interests. V ery gi-ave responsi- 
 bilities rest upon you. The Master expects great things from you. 
 Encouraged by the remembrance of the way in which God has led 
 this church in past generations, " quit you like men, be strong." 
 Thus with faith inviolate, and truth unsullied, and a church strong 
 and sound, because pure, and faithful, and united, you will transmit 
 to your successors a heritage rich in its memories, rich in its resources 
 and rich in its promises for a longer and more fruitful luture. To 
 be prosperous and successful you must be a unit, a body fired with 
 one purpose and glowing with one inspiration, the salvation of men 
 and the upbuilding of the Redeemer's Kingdom. Individual pref- 
 erences and conveniences must be cheerfully yielded to the general 
 good and the largest and longest prosperity. While we scsrve our 
 own generation to the best of our opportunity and ability, we are 
 also to have regard to the good of " generations yet unborn." Ov/r 
 work will be soon done. " Our fathers, where are they ? And the 
 prophets, do they live forever \ " They have passed to the land 
 beyond the river. We shall soon follow. It becomes us to labor 
 so to perform our life-work, that when the Divine Master-workman 
 inspects it He may say : "Well done, well done ; enter into the joy 
 of your Lord. "There remains very much land to be possessed." 
 Let us not fail to seize the opportunity, and use well our advantages. 
 With humility, yet with joyful confidence and courageous heart, 
 let us unitedly say, " in the name of our God will we set up our 
 banners." Let every one keep step to the music of the cross. Let 
 
15 
 
 us march shoulder to shoulder and show a united front as we press 
 to the conflict with sin in the strongholds of Satan. Let us hear the 
 voice of our great commander, who cries, " go fonvard," and who 
 assures of complete victory. To every soldier he says : " Be faith- 
 ful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life." Then, in 
 that celestial Temple, of which the Lord God and the Lamb are the 
 light and the glory, and whose joyous memories ever center in the 
 Cross on Calvary, we shall join the blood-washed multitude in the 
 new song, " Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins 
 in His own blood, be wisdom, and honor, and riches, and glory, and 
 blessing. Alleluia ! the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Amen and 
 amen."* 
 
 * See Note 6. 
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 Note 1. 100 florins were given each by Daniel TonrDeor, John Dyckman, 
 Cornelins Jansen, John Low Bogett, JobnMmiasksSsA£iBSOt>xt^ohii Nagle, 
 Joost Oblinns and Besrived^SIalfegB < 90 nonns" were given by Adolf Meyer, 
 and 75 florins by JoCnlDelaiuater and Arent Harmensen Bussing — very liberal 
 donations for those days. Here yon have the names of nearly all the old families 
 of Harlem — the Bensona having not yet located here. 
 
 Note 3. £8 was subscribed by Samson A. Benson ; £5 each by Benj. Benson, 
 Lawson B. Benson and James Depeyster ; £4 by John tfyerand John Sickles ; £8, 
 4s. by David Waldron : £3 by Peter Benson and John Hardenbrook ; £2, IDs. by 
 Hendrick Van Bremer ; £2 by Dr. Abraham Beekman, Jacob Nagle, John Adri- 
 an ee and John Hopper ; £1, by Peter Montfort, Widow Susannah Myer, Caleb 
 Hyatt, CJornelins Horsen, Barney Bowers, Wm. Watkins, David Halsey and Gasper 
 Scymbler ; 10s. by Jacob Moore. 
 
 In this connection this is of interest, adopted October 22d, 1790 ; "Whereas, 
 Benjamin Benson of the Township of Harlem, has collected from the year seven- 
 teen hundred and eighty-eight to ninety, with a great deal ot fatigue and trouble, 
 of sundry well-disposed persons from several of the United States, to the amount 
 of eighty-nine pounds, six shillings and sixpence, and has disposed of the same 
 toward furnishing the church of such township in manner following (here follows 
 a list of disbursements), and has given as a further volunteer gift to said church 
 six pounds, twelve shillings and seven pence, a table and cup," this was ordered 
 on record. 
 
 August 6th, 1819, occurs the following: "Eesolved that the thanks of the 
 consistory be presented to Mr. Samuel Benson, Jr., for his valuable and pious 
 gift of a set of plated ware for the communion service in Harlem church." This 
 set is still in use. 
 
 Sept. Ist, 1820.— "Whereas the congregation is disturbed on the sabbath 
 during divine service by the bleating of sheep that graze on the burying-ground, 
 and, whereas, the grazing of sheep and cattle thereon is otherwise offensive ', 
 resolved, that in future no sheep, cattle or other beast be allowed to pasture or 
 graze on the burying-ground adjoining the church, and that the sheep now pas- 
 tured there be removed "by the sexton." This was only fifty years ago. 
 
16 
 
 Oct. 7th, 1839. " Resolved that the persons desirous of haviDg a ohoir be 
 
 . permitted to form one, on condition that the church will pay $50 per annum and 
 
 that the persons forming it shall engage to continue it for one year." Previous 
 
 to this the precentor had stood in front of the pulpit and conducted the singing 
 
 according to the custom of " ye olden dales." 
 
 Out. 3d, 1844, is the following, showing the catholic character of the church : 
 " An application was made by the Baptist church for the use of the church on 
 Thursday evening next week, for the purpose of organizing their congregation, 
 and whereupon it was resolved, that the use of the church for that night be 
 granted them," 
 
 Daring its history, with the growth of population in various localities in 
 these later years, other churches have been organized, into which have gone 
 many members from this church— the Presbyterian Church of Harlem, the Re- 
 formed Church at West Farms, Mott Haven, Xorkville, &o. 
 
 Note 3. " Whereas our Heavenly Father has, in His all- wise but mysterious 
 Providence removed by death our much loved pastor, Eev. J. S. Lord, D. D., 
 
 Eesolved, that though we feel overwhelmed by this great affliction, yet we would 
 bow in submission to the will of Him " Who doeth all things weU.'" 
 
 Resolved, that in the death of our beloved pastor, we have lost a devoted and 
 sympathetic friend and brother; oar church an earnest and faithful shepherd, who 
 has for more than a score of years labored among us with a zeal in the cause of 
 his Master, which has been crowned with great success in advancing the interests 
 of our Redeemer's Kingdom ; and our community one who was beloved for his 
 examplary and christian character." 
 
 Other resolutions were of condolence and of arrangements for the funeral. 
 
 Note 4. The bell, which still rings its silvery tones to call worshippers to the 
 house of God, was brought from Holland and has this inscription : — Amsterdam, 
 Anno. 1734 z ME FECIT. 
 
 Note 5. The territory origmally covered by this congregation was very large, 
 reaching southward below Yorkville, and northward across the river almost indefi- 
 nitely. The people would come from their farms, sometimes walking for miles ; 
 and in warm weather carrying their shoes and stockings in their hands, unto the 
 river, when feet would be washed and clad before entering the sanctuary. 
 
 Note 6. I may add to the above that the design of erecting a new church on 
 this spot has been abandoned. The pressure of the times made it impolitic, if 
 not imposible, to purchase immediately another site and erect a new house. Yet 
 the old demanded repairs that should make it at onee more comfortable and 
 attractive. These have been made under the careful and efficient superintend- 
 ence of Elders James W. Colwell and Thomas S. Brooks,and speak for themselves 
 of their oxcelence and beauty. At the time of this writing the cost can not be 
 known exactly, but I estimate them in the neighborhood of $6,000. No more has 
 been done than was necessary ; but for comfort and desirableness all our appoint- 
 ments are well adapted. Let us unitedly seek the baptism of the Holy Ohost. 
 " O Lord, revive thy work." 
 

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