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HISTORICAL DISCOURSE 
 
 EE-OPENING AND DEDICATION 
 
 DELIVERED ON OCCASION OF THE 
 
 ' // // 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ^mt §tUmd (§nU\i) €kmA 
 
 AT 
 
 HAOKET«fSAOK, N. J., 
 
 MAY 3. 18 69, 
 
 BY 
 
 REV. THEODORE B. ROMEYN, 
 
 PASTOR OP THE CHURCH. 
 
 NEW YORK : 
 
 BOARD OF PUBLICATION, R. C. A. 
 
 1870.' 
 
 8 
 
^.\ o-ro'?^ 
 
 " Remember the days of old, consider the years of many gene- 
 rations ; ask thy father and he will shew thee : thy elders and they 
 will tell thee.'' 
 
 — Deut. 32, 7. 
 
 -HOSFOED AND SONS, 
 
 STATIONERS AND PBINTERS. 
 
PKEF^OE. 
 
 The publication of the Discourse delivered at the reopening and 
 dedication of the First Reformed Church at Hackensack, May, 1869, 
 has been delayed for various reasons. As the following note will 
 show, its publication was early requested by the Consistory, and it 
 was virtually put in their hands in answer : 
 
 Hackensack, May, 1869. 
 
 Rev. Theodoke B. Romeyn, 
 Dear Pastor — 
 The undersigned were appointed a Committee to convey to you 
 the unanimous thanks of the Consistory, for the very able and in- 
 teresting Historical Discourse delivered at the re-dedication of the 
 First Reformed Church, May 2, 1869, and to request that you will 
 allow them the privilege of having it published. 
 
 W. Habeis, ) 
 
 W. Williams, >• Committee. 
 
 R. W. Fare. ) 
 
 My original purpose was to ignore entirely the Civil History of 
 this locality, and the Discourse as delivered was, as far as possible, 
 a mere history of the Church organization. At that time I had in 
 view the preparation of a Civil History of flackensack, to be used 
 in the shape of a Lecture, supposing it would be of some public 
 interest. But, discovering that very little interest was taken in 
 such matters, by those who ought to be interested as descendants 
 of the early settlers in this region ; that there was scarce any dis- 
 position to furnish what material they may have had, and that at 
 best there seemed to be little of which to make a sketch of much 
 interest, as the past had been left to sink into oblivion, that purpose 
 
was abandoned. I then concluded to gather what material I could 
 and embody it in the Discourse. The delays met in getting some 
 additional matter belonging to the Church's history and that of the 
 Tillage, and especially the pressing duties of a large congregation 
 which have left scarce any leisure, these have kept back its publi- 
 cation. It is confessedly imperfect, and the Civil History very 
 meagre, as it must necessarily be with such imperfect sources of in- 
 formation. My indebtedness to others will be fully acknowledged 
 by the references which are made in the proper places. Large 
 drafts have been made on the " Annals of the Olassis of Ber- 
 gen," by Dr. Taylor. The more extended notices which are given 
 of some individuals than of others, result simply from the fact that 
 of them there was a larger amount of information at hand. If 
 there are any historical errors respecting facts and dates (and 
 doubtless there are) the author of this Discourse would be happy to 
 have them corrected. 
 
 T. B. ROMEYN. 
 Parsonage, First Reformed Church, Hachensack, Oct., 1870. 
 
[TABLET.] 
 
 ORIGINAL ORGANIZATION, A. D., 1686. 
 
 FIRST EDIFICE ERECTED, - - 1696. 
 
 REBUILT, 1738. 
 
 REBUILT, ...... 1792, 
 
 ENLARGED, 1847, 
 
 ENLARGED AND REMODELED, - 1869. 
 
 " My Father's Hotjbe." John — 3, 16. 
 
DEDICATORY SERVICES, May 2cl, 1869. 
 
 SERMON in the Morning by Rev. W. H. Campbell, D. D., 
 President of Rutgers College, fronri Ps. 84. 1. 
 
 HISTORICAL DISCOURSE in the Afternoon by Rev. Theodore 
 B. Romeyn, Pastor of the Church. 
 
 ADDRESSES in the Evening by Rev. W. H. Campbell, D. D. 
 and Rev. B. C. Taylor, D. D., of Bergen, N. J. 
 
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 
 
 For one hundred and eighty-three years a church { /'' 
 of Christ has been organized and sustained in this 
 place. And for this long period, save ten years, has 
 this very spot of ground, on which we gather to-day, 
 been made sacred by having reared upon it a house 
 consecrated to the worship of Jehovah, with the voice 
 of the living teacher, and songs of praise to Him "to 
 whom be glory forever and ever. Amen ! " 
 
 Such is the nature and mission of the Church — such 
 its purpose, power and associations, that a history 
 stretched over nearly two centuries ought well repay 
 study, and be replete with the instructive, the refresh- 
 ing, the admonitory. But old histories are not al- 
 ways the choicest. Familiarity, too, may awaken 
 disrespect. Unwritten histories — teachers whose lips 
 are silenced in the land of darkness, often are valua- 
 ble for their silence. How much will never come to 
 light until the judgment of the great day ! — indeed 
 how very much, whether desirable or not! Time, 
 like a sexton, buries the good and bad, and his bu- 
 rials are many. What a reflection it is upon the in- 
 terest taken in the past — upon memory and upon the 
 reliabihty of tradition, that to this day the locality of 
 
8 
 
 the first church-building erected in this village, in 
 which the fathers worshiped, is not definitely known. 
 Old foundations are disturbed, and bones are flung up 
 by the workman's spade, of which none can give cer- 
 tain account. It may be well perhaps that we can 
 bring to light so little, for the evil as well as the good 
 is hidden from view. What we have, however, it 
 becomes us to use. 
 
 The materials of a history of this Church, though 
 of such long standing, are comparatively meagre. The 
 reason is to be found, probably, in the fact that few 
 events occurred of such striking characteristics as 
 would serve to fix them in the minds of the people, 
 much less make them worthy of record. Beside this, 
 there have been partial records, probably, but they 
 are lost. Even, as will be seen by reference to them, 
 the records we now have of church membership are 
 very imperfect. 
 
 The earliest information we have on the subject is 
 found in the records of this Church, which date back 
 as far as 1686, one hundred and eighty-three years 
 ago. They consist, however, of little more than a bare 
 entry of names. The first entry is that of admission 
 to church membership under the ministry of Dominie 
 PetruB TaschemaJcer, being a list of thirty-three 
 names,* at this date (1686), and in connection with 
 this record, the organization of this Church took 
 place by the minister just named. 
 
 * See Appendix. 
 
THE CIVIL HISTORY OE HACKENSACK. 
 
 The civil history of Hackensack antedates, so far 
 •as is known, the church organization but a few years. 
 Thence backward up to 1641 or '2, when Hackensack 
 'was a trading post, there is an almost perfect blank. 
 
 At the above date, according to Brodhead's History 
 <of the State of New York, a colony was established, 
 "whose headquarters were about five or six hundred 
 paces from the Village of the Hackensack Indians. 
 The year previous David Pieterson De Vries, an en- 
 terprising mariner of Hoorn, purchased about 500 
 acres at " Tapaen " (Tappan) from the Indians. He 
 gave his plantation the name of " Vriesendael." " It 
 was beautifully situated along the river-side, sheltered 
 • by high hills ; and the fertile valley through which 
 wound a stream affording handsome mill seats yielded 
 hay enough, spontaneously, for two hundred head of 
 •cattle. Buildings were soon erected and Vriesendael 
 became for several years the home of its energetic 
 owner." Early the next year another colony was 
 established " within an hour's walk" of Vriesendael, 
 by Myndert Myndertsen Van der Horst, of Utrecht. 
 The new plantation extended from " Achter Cul," or 
 Newark Bay, north toward Tappan, and including 
 the valley of the Hackensack River. The headquar- 
 ters of the settlement were about five or six hundred 
 paces from the Village of the Hackensack Indians, 
 where Van der Horst's people immediately com- 
 
10 
 
 menced the erection of a post, to be garrisoned by 
 " a few soldiers."* 
 
 After this, one of the Dutch Colonists, Garret Jan- 
 sen Van Voorst, was murdered by an Indian while 
 quietly thatching a house. The story runs as follows r 
 "De Vries, while rambling, gun on shoulder, toward 
 Van der Horst's new colony at Hackensack, which- 
 was ' but an hour's walk ' from Vriesendael, met aa 
 Indian 'who was very drunk.' Coming up to the 
 Patroon, he stroked him on the arms in token of 
 friendship. 'You are a good chief said the Indian ;^ 
 ' when we visit you, you give us milk to drink for 
 nothing. But I have just come from Hackensack,. 
 where they sold me brandy half mixed with water,^ 
 and then stole my beaver-skin coat.' The savage- 
 said he could scoop the water out of the river with- 
 out buying . it. He vowed a bloody revenge. He- 
 would go home for his bow and arrows and then 
 shoot one of 'thei-oguish Swannekins,' f who had 
 stolen his things. The Indian was true to his word, 
 although De Vries tried to soothe him. Watching 
 this opportunity he shot Van Voorst.";}; 
 
 The chiefs had hastened to seek counsel of De Vries- 
 They 'dared not go to Port Amsterdam for fear Kieft 
 
 * Brodjiead'a Hist. N. T., 313. 
 
 f The Indians called the " Dutch" " Swannekins." 
 
 :]: It is a somewhat suggestive fact, that at a very early date, " Oratany, Chier 
 of the Hackingkeshaokey Indians, and Matano, another Chief, obtained a. 
 warrant to seize any brandy found in the country, and aU persons peddling the 
 same, and to conduct them to New Amsterdam." — N. T. Hist. Miss. (Dutch). 
 
11 
 
 (the Director) would keep them prisoners ; but they 
 were willing to pay two hundred fathoms of wam- 
 pum to the widow of the murdered man, " and that 
 should purchase their peace." They offered the 
 full expiation which Indian justice demanded — a 
 blood atonement of money. At length, persuaded 
 by De Vries, who answered for their safe return, the 
 chiefs accompanied him to Port Amsterdam. Ex- 
 plaining to Keift the unhappy occurrence at Hack- 
 ensack, they repeated their offer of a "just atone- 
 ment." The Director inexorably demanded the mur- 
 derer. Imitating the example of Massachusetts in 
 the case of the Pequods, he would be content with 
 nothing but blood. But the chiefs could not bind 
 themselves to surrender the criminal. He had gone 
 two days' journey off, among the Tankitekes; "and, 
 besides, he was the son of a chief." Again they 
 proposed an expiatory offering of wampum to ap- 
 pease the widow's grief " Why do you sell brandy 
 to our young men?" said the chiefs, "they are not 
 used to it — it makes them crazy. Even your own 
 people, who are accustomed to strong liquors be- 
 come drunk and fight with knives. Sell no more 
 strong drink to the Indians if you would avoid mis- 
 chief" With this they took leave of the Director, 
 and returned to Vriesendael ; and Keift soon after- 
 ward sent a peremptory message to Pacham, the crafty 
 Chief of the Tankitekes to surrender the refugee. 
 The constant and serious depredations of the Indi- 
 
12 
 
 ans led at last to the complete ruin of the settlement 
 in 1643, as we learn from a complaint which was 
 made in that year to " the Assembly of the Nineteen 
 of the General Incorporate West India Company, 
 .at the Chamber at Amsterdam," respecting the pil- 
 lage of the Indians, and the ruin of the Colony at 
 Hackensack or " Achter-col," as it was called.* 
 
 This occurred about the time that the war-whoop 
 rang through West-Chester and Long Island. Not- 
 withstanding the treaty of peace made with the Hack- 
 •ensacks, in April, 1643, they and the Tappans went 
 away grumbling, and before autumn the whole of 
 New Jersey, from the highlands of Neversink to the 
 Valley of Tappan, was in possession of its aboriginal 
 lords. On the night of September 17, the Indians at- 
 tacked Van der Horst's colony. The house was set 
 on fire, and the small garrison, " five soldiers, five bo.ys 
 and one man, after a determined resistance barely 
 escaped in a canoe, with nothing but their arms. The 
 plantation was utterly ruined, "f 
 
 * Achter Cul or Kol was the name given to the sheet of water now called 
 "Newark Bay." It was so named hy the Dutch because it was " achter " or 
 " behind " the great Bay of the North Eiver. It was the "after iay.'' The 
 passage to New York Bay was named Kil-von-Col, from which is derived the 
 present name of " the Trills." The name " Achter-Col " was evidently inter- 
 changed with that of Hackensack. The latter is thought to signify a conflu- 
 ence of rivers, referring probably to the Passaic and Hackensack. The word 
 is spelled in a great variety of ways, some of which are the following : Hack- 
 ensack, Hackingsack, Hachensack, Hackquinsaok, Haghkinsack, Taccinsack 
 Ackensack, Hagensack, Hackensackey, Hackingkeshacky, Ackenkeshacky. In 
 the old church record it is Ackensack. 
 
 t Brodhea,d's N. T., 360, 368 and 608. 
 
13 
 
 The tribe of what was called the Hackingkeshacky 
 Indians "seems to have been of considerable impor- 
 tance, and quite notorious, judging from certain 
 references to them in the colonial documents of the 
 State of New York. Their Sachem was named Ori- 
 tany, and we find him figuring largely. On one oc- 
 casion he is invested with a plenipotentiary commis- 
 sion from the neighboring tribes, and appearing at 
 Fort Amsterdam. Again we find him liberating 
 fourteen, and at another time twenty-eight " Chris- 
 tian" prisoners, asking for some poAvder and ball in 
 return. The exchange of prisoners was not, how- 
 ever, according to the usual practice of the red man. 
 At another time he appears as a mediator with the 
 Esopus Indians. On another occasion he presents 
 Meorouw Kierstede with a large tract of land on the 
 west side of the North River, he having often acted 
 as an Indian interpreter. His tribe appears on one- 
 occasion at Pavonia one thousand strong,* they 
 made up a part of the band that attacked New Am- 
 sterdam in J 655, and passing over the river perpe- 
 trated the massacre at Hoboken, Pavonia and Staten 
 Island. In 1657, their rights to Staten Island were 
 repurchased together with those of the " Tappans." 
 
 The Dutch were slow to make inland settlements. 
 This arose primarily, perhaps, from their preference 
 for a life on, or by the larger bodies of water, than 
 
 * Brodhead, 349, 606, 641. Staten Island was called " Eghguaous." 
 
14 
 
 out of fear of Indian depredations. The latter cause, 
 probably, had much to do with the indisposition to 
 get away from the seaboard where they were better 
 protected. Insufficient inducements had, likewise, 
 much to do with it, and a want of such government 
 as would serve the interests of settlers. 
 
 The earliest date which we have discovered con- 
 nected with the settlement at Hackensack, is found in 
 "Whitehead's East New Jersey under the Proprietors," 
 which is 1640 ; but there is nothing beside this bare 
 reference.* 
 
 The first settler of whom we have any definite 
 knowledge was Alberdt Saboroweski, who immigrated 
 to this country from Poland in the Dutch ship Fox 
 in 1662. f He is said to have married a Miss Van 
 Der Linde, and settled in Hackensack. The title to 
 the patent called the " New Paramus Patent," con- 
 taining 1,9 T7 acres, was obtained by him from the 
 Indians. He had five sons, viz : John, Jacob, George, 
 Henry, and Christian. The Indians stole his second 
 son Jacob at seven years of age, and it was some 
 time before he was found. When discovered, the 
 Indians gave as an excuse for stealing him that they 
 wanted him to learn their language, which he after- 
 ward did. As an evidence of their kindness, they 
 gave his father the title to the land. He is said to 
 
 * SettlemeDtswere made on the Millstone River as early as 1642. — {Oortnn's 
 Centennial, 1). 
 
 t Dog. Hist. N. Y. 
 
15 
 
 "have studied for the ministry in the Lutheran Church ; 
 "but not being satisfied with this calling, he was pressed 
 into the army, and soon availed himself of the oppor- 
 tunity to come to this country. He was, at this time, 
 about twenty years of age, and became the ancestor 
 of the large family of Zabriskies in Bergen County.* 
 
 One David Demarias (Desmaretz) was another of the 
 very early settlers of whom, at least, something is 
 known. He emigrated from France in or about 1676, 
 belonging to that large family of Huguenots which 
 came to this country to escape the heretic's doom and 
 enjoy "freedom to worship God." With him were 
 three sons, David, John, and Samuel. As far back 
 as 1820, one interested in this family found, by search, 
 seven thousand names connected with it — branches 
 of the original stalk. Two or three other families 
 settled with him in the same locality, which, however, 
 removed thence a short time afterward, f 
 
 It is said that when Demarias came to this country 
 he settled at first on Manhattan Island, where he pur- 
 chased the whole of Harlaem. But soon afterward 
 he disposed of that property, and moved within the 
 present Hackensack Township, where he purchased 
 2,000 acres, extending along the easterly side of the 
 river, from New Bridge to a point beyond Old Bridge, 
 and easterly so far as the line of the Northern Railroad. 
 We are informed that he and others with him, were so 
 
 * Winfield's Hiat. IMscourse. 
 f Land Papers, State of N. Y., 4, 19. 
 
16 
 
 harassed from time to time for half a century by dif- 
 ferent individuals who laid claim to the land, that it 
 was purchased by them no less than four times. The 
 original deed on record at Amboy is dated June 8th,. 
 1677.* 
 
 It seems, according to authentic records, that the 
 original grant to David Demarias of 3,000 acres of 
 land was made by Philip Cartrick, the Governor of 
 New Jersey, in view of his declared purpose of 
 making a settlement of thirty or forty families to be 
 transported from Europe. There was, however, a 
 prior claim of 2,000 acres of this same grant on the 
 part of John Berry ; but his claim was waived at the 
 request of the Governor, in view of the prospective 
 settlement, and Berry was promised a like grant iu 
 some other locality. Demarias failed, however, to ful- 
 fill his obligations, and Berry then (July 1, 1709,) peti- 
 tioned the " Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief 
 of the Province of New Jersey and New York, &c., 
 to listen to a demonstration of the invalidity of a^ 
 pretence of John Demarest & Company to 3,000 acres 
 of land which they received from the Indians." Th-e 
 Governor subsequently withdrew the grant from the 
 sons of David Demarest according to Berry's repre- 
 sentation, and gave them a smaller grant, a part of 
 which included the 2,000 acres of Berry.f 
 
 * John Van Brunt, Esq., from a letter from David L. Demarest to Rev. C. T.. 
 Demarest. 
 
 f (Land Papers, State N. T.) 
 
 Note. — ^We append a few of the names of the earlier settlers, as far as we have- 
 
17 
 
 The tract held by said Samuel Demarest was desig- 
 nated '• The French Patent." On it, according to his 
 will, were located two corn-mills called the "Great 
 Corn Mill " and the " Little Mill," also a saw-mill. 
 These stood on the Hackensack River (then called at 
 that part of it Demarest's Creek, or Kill) a little 
 above " Old Bridge," about one hundred feet. There 
 are those who have, at low water, seen the old piles 
 belonging to the dam. We believe that they are still 
 standing, although partly sawn off, having obstructed 
 navigation. 
 
 An agreement by the sons of Samuel Demarest,. 
 John, David, and Samuel, on occasion of dividing the 
 property willed by their father, runs on this wise : 
 
 "It is agreed, also, that to avoid all contentions 
 for the future, that the inhabitants who are settled on 
 this side of the river, whereon the little mill is situated, 
 shall carry their corn to the little mill to be ground, 
 as those who shall come from the other side of the 
 river shall carry theirs to the great mill, which is situ- 
 ated on the other side of the river. 
 
 been able to get them together, with dates, though not vouching for their cor- 
 rectness. This may lead some person to make further investigations and fur- 
 nish more exact data. As yet, there seems to be Uttle or no interest in the sub- 
 ject, and there is good cause for the incompleteness of this hst : Alberdt Sabo- 
 roweski, 1662; Lawrence, 1682; Lowrie, 1685; Kipp, previous to 1695; 
 Houseman, 1695; Van Buskerk, 1691; Van aieson, 1689; Andressen, 1619; 
 Facounier, 1109; Dismarie, 1695; Venderbeck, 1Y15; Provoost, 1709; Hopper, 
 1709; Romeyn, 1690; Davis, 1109; DeveaUj Slott, Douglass, Christiasjsen, 
 Jacobs, Jansen, Westervelt, Brower, . yan Hor^, Niooll, Dury, Labagh, 
 Lubbe>tsa, Epke, Bantfi, Albertsa, Roelifife, Bougart, Fryokei), Hendriks, Acker- 
 man, Egberts, Pouelee, Van Der Linda. These latter, twelve in number, pre- 
 vious to 1686. 
 
18 
 
 "Finally, it was agreed that in time of scarcity of 
 water the said mills shall grind each his turn- -that is 
 to say, that they shall divide the water by equal por- 
 tions, and that not being able to grind both at oncei 
 they shall grind one after another during an equal 
 space of time."* 
 
 Previous to 1 68G there must have been a consider- 
 able settlement at Hackensack, or near it, from the 
 fact that at that date the Church was organized, con- 
 sisting, as already stated, of thirty-three persons who 
 were members of it.f 
 
 In 1668 Captain William Sanford obtained posses- 
 sion of all the land lying seven miles north of the 
 intersection of the Hackensack and Passaic rivers, 
 together with all south of said line, paying for the 
 Indian title by the usual articles of purchase, includ- 
 ing, of course, the inevitable beer or brandy.;}; This 
 tract contained 15,308 acres of up and meadow land. 
 It took the name of New Barbadoes, from the fact 
 that the subsequent purchaser, Nathaniel Kingsland, 
 had orginally been sergeant-major in the Island of 
 Barbadoes. I The firsl, settlers of New Barbadoes 
 were Edward Ball, Nathaniel Wheeler, and one Bald- 
 
 * This agreement was made at Essa, (?) Oct. 16, 1693. 
 
 f In the New Jersey Historical Society is an abstract of a deed for land laid 
 out for Alberdt Saborowaski west by Overpsok (English) Creek, in 1681. 
 
 Peter Faconnier purchased of William Davis in \109, on the east of Hacken- 
 sack River, 2,424 acres. —(iaftd Papers, If. Y., 4, 131). 
 
 i Whitehead, p. 41. 
 
 I " Bergen and the out plantations are most Dutch, and were settled from New 
 York and the United Provinces. They are pretty equally divided into CalvinLst 
 
19 
 
 win, three of the first inhabitants of Newark ; but 
 they did not remain long, finding that Sanford and 
 Kingsland had a prior claim. 
 
 In 1669 Captain John Berry (Berrie) and associates 
 received a grant for land lying north of Sanford's " six 
 miles in the country," including the present site of 
 the Village of Hackensack, and extending from the 
 Hackensack River to what is now " Saddle River."* 
 North of this was the " New Paramus Patent." 
 In the same year a grant was made to Captain Berry 
 of land lying between Hackensack River and Over- 
 peck (now English) ('reek, bounded on the south by 
 lands of Wm. Pardons, and running north, containing 
 .about 2,000 acres. This seems to have included New 
 Hackensack and Teaneck, so far as the patent reached.f 
 
 As early as 1680 the following statement was made 
 respecting this locality as being within the northern 
 limits of what was called " East New Jersey." 
 " Here is a Town Court held by Selectmen or Over- 
 
 aiid Lutheran. They have one pretty Uttle church, and are a sober people. 
 There are a few English Dissenters mixed with them. 
 
 Aqueckenonck was peopled from New York too. They are Dutch also, and 
 generally Calvinists." — Oov. Morris to Bishop of London, IVOfi. 
 
 In 1679, on the 28th of March, Capatahem, an Indian Sachem, executed a 
 deed for " Haquequenunck" to Hans Dederick, Gerrit Garretson, Walling Jacobs 
 Hendrick George & Company of Bergen, and another deed from the Governor 
 and Council for the same tract is dated March 16, 1684. — East Jersey under 
 the Proprietors, p. 49. 
 
 * See Map Whitehead E. K J. 
 
 f The original deed is in possession of Chancellor Zabriskie, bearing on it the 
 Provincial seal. Other purchases were made by Captain Berry from the Indians, 
 as we learn from deeds dated respectively 1686, 1677, 1671, 1679, and signed 
 by the Indians in their characteristic marks of birds and beasts. The name of 
 Alberdt Zoborowsky is affixed to some of them as interpreter. 
 
20 
 
 seers, who used to be four or more as they please to* 
 choose annually to try small causes as in all the rest of 
 the towns, and two OmiHs of Sessions in the year^ 
 from which, if the cause exceed 20 lib., they may ap- 
 peal to the Governor, and Council, and Court of 
 Deputies in their assembly, who meet once a year.. 
 The town is compact, and has been fortified against 
 the Indians. There are not above seventy families in 
 it. The acres taken up by the town may be about 
 10,000, a-nd for the out plantations 50,000, and the 
 number of inhabitants may be computed to be 350, 
 but many more abroad. The greatest number of the- 
 inhabitants which are in this jurisdiction are Dutch,. 
 of which some have settled here upward of forty 
 years ago."* 
 
 A tradition locates the first dwelling-house on the land 
 now occupied by Mr. Garret Ackerson. Recent grad- 
 ings on the land just opposite the c'lurch, on the other- 
 side of the creek, brought to light evidences of build- 
 ings having stood there of A'crv ancient date. An- 
 other of the earlier dwellings is said to have stood 
 on what was called the Varick pvcjperty. 
 
 Tt is said that the first record of a court-house or 
 jail in this place is found in the year fGS. The first 
 item on the minutes of the Board of Freeholders was 
 an act providing for the erection of a jail not to ex- 
 ceed in cost £95. This building stood on what is now 
 
 * Whitehead, B. J., 216. 
 
21 
 
 the public green on Main street. It was occupied 
 until 1730. A new jail was then erected nearly op- 
 posite the present one, and stood until 1780, when it 
 was burned by the British. Upon this building was 
 placed in the tower a town clock and a bell, which 
 were imported from England at a cost of £50. A 
 -court-house and jail were then erected for greater 
 -.safety in the upper end of the county at Yanpough. 
 It was located on the east side of the road leading 
 from the Ponds church up the Ramapo river, on land 
 then owned by Andrew Cole. Subsequently a new 
 jail was erected on the property now occupied by Mr. 
 R. P. Terhune, which was occupied for thirty years. 
 The old court-house was ordered by the justices and 
 freeholders, Jan., 1730, to be sold, and land purchased 
 near the Dutch church by Hackensack River. It was 
 ;Sold to Henry Brass for one hundred and fifty pounds 
 hj Col. William Provoost and Poulis Vanderbeck.* 
 The present court-house was built in 1819. f It is 
 .an item of interest that the first meeting of the 
 Trustees of Queens (now Rutgers) College:^ ^^^ 
 ■ordered to be held at or near the County House 
 of New Barbadoes or Hackensack town, in Bergen 
 County, on second Tuesday of May, 1767, in order 
 •that "the said Trustees might be properly and 
 duly qualified by any one of the Justices of the 
 
 * Freeholders' records of County. 
 
 \ B. Co. Democrat. 
 
 4 The College was chartered Nov. 10, 1766. 
 
22 
 
 Supreme Court or Judges of the Inferior Courts 
 of Common Pleas of the colony of New Jersey before 
 they proceed to business." The call for such meeting 
 was made by Rev. J. H. Gloetschius, then pastor of 
 the Dutch Reformed Church of Hackensack, and pub- 
 lished in " The Mercury," dated April 4, 1767. It 
 is a document of considerable interest.* The meet- 
 ing took place in accordance with it. For some 
 time afterward it was debated whether the college 
 should be located at New Brunswick or Hacken- 
 sack, but it was decided at last in favor of the 
 former place. 
 
 Among the few reminiscences of the earlier history 
 of this locality is that contained in the following para- 
 graph which occurs in a newspaper of the year 17G7, 
 " The Mercury:" "Oct. 26, last Thursday week the 
 negro that murdered Tuers was burned at Hacken- 
 sack, agreeable to his sentence." 
 
 This murder was committed on one Nicholas Tuers, 
 by a negro man named Harry ^ belonging to Hendrick 
 Christian Zabriskie. According to a statement in 
 the "Hackensack Newsman" of 1822, the special 
 
 *" It also pleased the King of kings, in whose hands the hearts of kings are,, 
 and who promised that their kings should be nursing fathers and their queens 
 nursing mothers to the Church, to favor the humble address of the Ministers" 
 and Elders to his Excellency William Franklin, Esq., Governor and Commander- 
 in-Chief in and over his Majesty's Province of New Jersey, &c., whereby they 
 have obtained his Majesty's Letters Patent and Charter, or Royal Grant, bearing 
 date the 10th day of Nov., 1766. to erect a College called Queen's College in the 
 Province of New Jersey, and a Corporation or Body politick, together with all 
 the Privileges, Powers, Authorities, and Rights, belonging thereunto, as is cus- 
 tomary and lawful in any College in his Majesty's realm of Great Britain," &c. 
 
23 
 
 evidence against him, previous to his confession, was 
 that derived from the effect produced, when, in the 
 presence of the Coroner's jury, the prisoner touched 
 the dead man's face, whereupon blood flowed from 
 the nostrils of the dead man, and the people immedi- 
 ately charged him with being the guilty one.* 
 
 The Freeholders' records of Essex County have 
 the following: "June 4, 1741, Daniel Hansom sent in 
 liis account of wood carted for burning two negroes 
 —allowed, £0. Us. Od. Feb. 23, 1741-2, Joseph 
 Hedden's account for wood to burn the negroes — 
 allowed, £0. 7s. Od." 
 
 Among the Acts of the General Assembly of the 
 Province of New Jersey, was a law making certain 
 crimes committed by a negro or Indian punishable 
 by death, subject to the judgment of those empowered 
 to judge the case. These crimes were murder or 
 conspiring to kill, rape, wilfully firing dwelling house 
 or barn, or stable, or outhouse, stacks of corn or hay, 
 or nmtilating, or maiming, or tormenting any of 
 her majesty's liege people not being slaves." This 
 law was passed March 17, 1713, and repealed 17(J7 
 or '8.f For the crime of murder the austere Judges 
 in their cases^ consisting of three or more Justices of 
 
 * Ihe Freeholders' records of Bergen Co. contaiu the trial of Jack, negro o 
 Albert Van A^coieze, and Een the negro of Demeck Van Horn, and their 
 sentence to be burned en the 5th of May, (IIH), until dead, at the Yellow 
 Point, at (he other side of the Hackengsack River, near tl:e house of Deweck 
 Van Horn. Ihe crime was that of firing; seven barns. 
 
 f Chap. 41, Acts of General Assembly of Province of Xew Jersey. 
 
24 
 
 %la.e Peace, and five principal freeholders, thought 
 iburning was a worthy punishment, 
 
 There is a story which has been told us as illustra- 
 ting the " tender mercies" of the Hackensacky Indians 
 Tunning thus : " That certain of them were burdened 
 with an old female whom they were compelled to 
 carry about with them, as she was unable to help 
 herself; and in order to rid themselves of her, they 
 •dug a hole in the ground, dragged her to it as her 
 quarters, put her in it, with a bowl of mush at her 
 side, then covered her over with boughs and earth, 
 and left her to die. In vain she threw out her hands 
 .and struggled, beckoning them not to leave her. She 
 was buried alive. 
 
 REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 
 
 The proximity of Hackensack to New York and 
 the Hudson River, made it a point of some special 
 interest during the Revolution. Not, however, to 
 such an extent that it was the seat of any very im- 
 portant events. The tide of political feeling rose 
 very high and ran furiously.* Families were divided, 
 alienations formed and traitorous schemes concocted 
 ■and carried out. Toryism had very considerable 
 strength, and developed itself in the very worst of 
 forms. The consequences of which were, that after 
 
 * Dr.. Van Burcn's testimony is, that the greater proportion were patriots. 
 
25 
 
 the war confiscation of property took place, evidence 
 of vvhich events are now in the public records. Many 
 were forced to flee the place, among whom was the 
 pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church, Dr. Dirk 
 Romeyn. A looking glass which formed part of the 
 load of his moveables, when he fled, is now in the 
 possession of the family of Dr. Lewis C. Beck, at 
 New Brunswick. The whole region hereabouts was 
 ■a field for the enemy's foraging parties, and the 
 farmers suffered severely from their inroads. Sallies 
 were made from the Hudson River, and the Hacken- 
 ;sack waters were used to advantage.* 
 
 At one period many fled from New York to Hack- 
 ensack as a place of refuge. Such was the character 
 of many of the refugees, that they brought with them 
 literary and social influences which left their marks 
 upon the place for many years afterward. 
 
 Clnfortunately the revolutionary traditions are very 
 few, and almost all of them are comparatively of lit- 
 tle importance. Washington's Revolutionary Corres- 
 pondence furnishes two or three letters dated from 
 Hackensack in Nov., I776.f When after the fall of 
 Fort Washington, Lord Cornwallis crossed the Hud- 
 
 * In the "Mercury" of Oct. 8, 1178, is the following paragraph: "The 
 ^nemy in force among their friends at Hacliensaclc. Four of their vessels 
 returning to New York were destroyed by our whale-boats, and had we an 
 opportunity to work we should not be idle." (Letters from Aquackenonck.) 
 
 •f About this time the Federal troops laid between the Hudson and Hacken- 
 sack Rivers in a very cramped condition. 
 
26 
 
 son (landing at Closter, Nov. 18, 1776,) in order to 
 capture Fort Lee, the garrison escaped to the main 
 army at Hackensack, and then Washington com- 
 menced his retreat to Philadelphia. Hackensack was 
 taken in the way by the enemy in their pursuit to. 
 Newark. The Federal army escaped over the bridge, 
 losing, however, "several hundred barrels of flour, 
 most of our cannon and a considerable parcel of tents 
 and baggage." * An eye witness has given the fol- 
 lowing statement: "After the evacuation of Fort 
 Lee in Nov., 1776, and the surrender of Fort Wash- 
 ington to the British, Washington, at the head of his 
 army, consisting only of about 3,000 men, having sent 
 on his baggage to Acquackenonck, crossed the New 
 Bridgef into the town. It was about dusk when 
 the head of the troops entered Hackensack. The 
 night was dark, cold and rainy, but I had a fair view 
 of them from the light of the windows as they passed 
 on our side of the street. They marched two abreast^ 
 looked ragged, some without a shoe to their feet, and 
 most of them wrapped up in their blankets. Wash- 
 ington then, and for some time previous, had his 
 headquarters at the residence of Mr. Peter Zabriskie, 
 a private house, now called 'The Mansion House,' 
 the supplies for the General's table being furnished 
 
 * Washington's Rev. Cor. 4, 189. 
 f This crossing was made at a point now called •' Old Bridge," about four 
 miles north of Hackensack Village. At that time there was no bridge at the 
 village nor at New Bridge. Other public communication was kept up below 
 by way of a Ferry at what is now called " Little Ferry," about two miles 
 south of Hackensack. 
 
27 
 
 by Mr. Archibald Campbell, the tavern-keeper. The- 
 next evening after the Americans had passed through, 
 the British encamped on the opposite side of the river. 
 We could see their fires about 100 yards apart gleam- 
 ing brilliantly in the gloom of the night, extending 
 some distance below the town, and more than a mile 
 up toward the Now Bridge. Washington was still 
 at his quarters, and had with him his suite, life-guard, 
 a company of foot, a regiment of cavalry and some 
 soldiers from the rear of the army. In the morning 
 before the General left, he rode down to the dock 
 where the bridge now is, viewed the enemy's encamp- 
 ment about ten or fifteen minutes, and then returned 
 to Mr. Campbell's door and called for some wine and 
 water. After he had drank and Mr. Campbell had 
 taken the glass from him, the latter with tears stream- 
 ing down his face said, "General, what shall T do? I 
 have a family of small children and a little property 
 here ; shall I leave them ? " Washington kindly took 
 his hand and replied, "Mr. Campbell, stay by your 
 family and heep neutral ;'''' then bidding him good-bye 
 rode off About noon the next day the British took 
 possession of the town, and in the afternoon the 
 Green was covered with Hessians, a horrid frightful 
 sight to the inhabitants. There were between 3,000 
 and 4,000, with their whiskers, brass caps and ket- 
 tles, or brass drums. A part of these troops were 
 taken prisoners, two months after, at Trenton * 
 
 * Historical Collections. 
 
28 
 
 Respecting the retreat, one who was with the arnij: 
 •writes thus: "Our first object was to secure the 
 bridge over the Hackeasack, which laid up the river 
 between the enemy and us; about six miles from us, 
 and three from them. General Washington arrived 
 in about three-quarters of an hour, and marched at 
 the head of the troops toward the bridge, at which 
 place I expected we should have a brush. However, 
 they did not choose to dispute it with us, and the 
 greater part of our troops went over the bridge, the 
 rest over the ferry, except some which passed at a 
 mill on a small creek between the bridge and ferry, 
 and made their way through some marshy ground up 
 to the Town of Hackensack, and there passed the 
 river. We brought off as much baggage as the wag- 
 ons could contain, the rest was lost." 
 
 In December, 1776, it Avas reported that there 
 were at Hackensack about one thousand of the 
 enemy, and the suggestion of Huntingdon to Major- 
 General Heath, was to intercept them In their forag- 
 ings. The latter, on the 14th, expressed his purpose 
 to sweep the village, which he did the next day. 
 Making a forced march by way of Tappan, he came 
 upon the inhabitants with surprise ; but the enemy 
 had left. He says: "The enemy had left the town 
 some days since, except five, whom we took, two of 
 them being sick. We have taken about fifty of the 
 disaffected, and about fifty or sixty muskets, the 
 greater part of which had been taken from the Whigs, 
 
29 
 
 it is supposed, and stored. At the dock we found 
 one sloop loaded with hay, house-furniture, and some 
 spirits, etc., which we have this day unloaded^ etc. 
 A brig, loaded, ran down the river about seven miles, 
 and grounded. I am afraid we shall not be able to 
 secure the effects. A schooner loaded with hay, fur- 
 niture, etc., which had sailed from the dock, ran on 
 the bank of the river, the wind being very fresh, and 
 in the night over-set, by which the goods were 
 damaged if not lost. Two or three companies have 
 been raising here and in the vicinity, and field offi- 
 cers appointed ; one Van Buskirk, Colonel. At his 
 house we found fifty barrels of flour, a number of 
 hogsheads of rum, and at one Brown's, who is Lieu- 
 tenant-Colonel, about 1,000 lbs of cheese. One Ten- 
 penny is Major. They are all gone down to New 
 York to have matters properly settled, get ammunition, 
 arms, etc., and were to have returned yesterday. I 
 believe we have luckily disconcerted them. Such in- 
 habitants as are friendly received us with joy, but are 
 almost afraid to speak their sentiments, and indeed 
 little or no intelligence can be got from the inhabi- 
 tants," etc.* The brigantine which grounded just 
 below the village, was subsequently boarded but was 
 retaken by the enemy. Among other articles taken 
 from her was a large chest of plate said to belong to 
 a Mr. Yates, but it had been put in his possession for 
 
 * American Archives, 3, 123 — 4. 
 
30 
 
 safety at Hackensack, by Mr. WiTIiam Wallace. It 
 was worth about £1,500. 
 
 It was just above the Village of Hackensack, about 
 two miles, in September, 1777, that Col. Burr played 
 a very active part which gave him his first military 
 reputation. Hearing, at the point where his regiment 
 was lying, that the British had marched out of New 
 York, and were devastating the country, and were 
 within thirty miles of him, he started to meet them 
 with his small force. About ten o'clock in the even- 
 ing, when within three miles of Hackensack, he re- 
 ceived certain information that the most advanced of 
 the enemy's pickets were only a mile distant. His 
 men having marched thirty miles since breaking camp, 
 and being extremely fatigued, he ordered them to lie 
 down and keep silent until he returned. In a few 
 moments they were all asleep. In the meanwhile. Col. 
 Burr went forward alone to reconnoitre. Stealthily 
 he felt his way toward the picket, and found them 
 lying on the ground guarded by two sentinels. He 
 was near enough to hear their watchword. He ascer- 
 tained by making a wide detour that this picket was 
 so far in advance of the main body as to be out of 
 hearing. In gaining this information, so much time 
 was spent, that it was within an hour of day-break 
 before he returned to his regiment. Quietly and 
 quickly waking his men, he informed them of his pur- 
 pose to attack the enemy's picket, and ordered them 
 to follow at a certain distance, and forbade any man to 
 
31 
 
 speak on pain of instant death. So accurately had 
 the Colonel noted the locality and calculated the posi- 
 tion of the sentinels, that he was able to lead his men 
 between those two unsuypecting individuals at the 
 moment when they were farthest apart; and he was 
 almost upon the sleeping picket before a man of it 
 began to stir. When at a distance of ten yards, Burr 
 was challenged by a sentinel, whom he immediately 
 shot dead, and then gave the word of attack. One 
 officer, a sergeant, a corporal and twenty-seven pri- 
 vates fell into their hands, on this occasion. Only 
 one of the pickets besides the sentinel made any re- 
 sistance, and he was overpowered after he had received 
 two bayonet wounds. He attempted to march away 
 with his comrades, but after going a short distance 
 was compelled to lie down exhausted and fainting 
 from loss of blood. 
 
 " Go a little further my good fellow," said Burr, 
 *' and we will get a surgeon for you." " Ah," ga.sped 
 the dying veteran, " all the doctors in America can 
 do me no service, for I am a dying man ; but it 
 grieves me sore to the heart that I have served my 
 king upward of twenty years, and at length must die 
 with a charged musket in my hand."* 
 
 Northward from Hackensack a few miles, some of 
 the most serious depredations were made. Among 
 these was a tory raid of an hundred men, led by one 
 
 * Parton's Life of Aaron Burr, 101. 
 
32 
 
 Col. Van Buskirk, who, on the 10th of May, 1T79, 
 entered by way of Closter, and carried off a number 
 of inhabitants, firing buildings, outraging females as 
 Avell as destroying life. Another detachment swept 
 desolation on the 17th, and not a house of a Whig 
 escaped.* 
 
 Thore is in the Library of the New Jersey Histori- 
 cal Society, an old copy of a petition or protest to 
 the proper authorities, signed by a long list of names 
 (328) of citizens of Bergen County, against the 
 usurpation of the Crown of England, in which the 
 patriotic element glows out with fiery brightness over 
 the signatures of Westervelts, and Zabriskies, and 
 Demariases, and others. There was an association in 
 Bergen County, of freeholders and inhabitants, which 
 was organized May 12, 1775, the President of which 
 was John Fell. He was kidnapped by the Tories, 
 and together with Capt. Wynant Van Zandt ("a young 
 gentleman of great magnanimity and merit "), carried 
 to New York and imprisoned. In retaliation Walter 
 llutherford and James Parker were arrested and held 
 until the former were set at liberty.f 
 
 * In the first of these raids CorneUiis Tallman, Samuel Demarest, Jacob 
 (!ole, George Buskirk, were captured. Cornelius Demarest was killed, and 
 llendrick Demarest, Jeremiah Westervelt an'.": Dow Westervelt were woundgd. 
 The buildings of Peter Demarest, Matthew Bogert, Cornelius Huyler and 
 Samuel Demarest were burned. 
 
 In the latter, xibram Allen and George ("lampbell were murdered. Joost 
 Zabriskie was stabbed in 15 places, and two negro women were shot down. — 
 (Gordon's History New Jersey.) 
 
 f Moore's Diary of the Revolution. 
 
33 
 
 I u is an item of interest that during the period that 
 the army, laid at Paramus, it met with the loss of one 
 of its most worthy officers, in the death of Brigadier- 
 General Poor, who was buried in the graveyard of 
 the Reformed Dutch Church, at Hackensack. A 
 military journal of the day says, at date of Sept. 10, 
 1780 : " We are now lamenting the loss of Brigadier- 
 General Poor, who died last night, of putrid fever. 
 His funeral solemnities have been attended this after- 
 noon. The corpse was brought this morning from 
 Paramus, and left at a house about a mile from the 
 burying-yard at Hackensack, whence it was attended 
 to the place of interment by the following procession : 
 A regiment of light infantry in uniform, with arms 
 reversed; four field pieces; Major Lee's regiment 
 of light horse ; General Hand and his brigade ; 
 the Major on horseback ; two Chaplains ; the horse 
 of the deceased, with his boots and spurs suspended 
 from the saddle, led by a servant ; the corpse borne 
 by foui^ sergeants, and the pall supported by six 
 general otficers. The cofl&n was of mahogany, and a 
 pair of pistols, and two swords crossing each other, 
 and tied with black crape, were placed on the top. 
 The corpse was followed by the officers of the New 
 Hampshire brigade, the officers of the brigade of fight 
 infantry which the deceased had lately commanded. 
 Other officers fell in promiscuously, and were followed 
 by his Excellency General Washington, and other 
 general officers. Having arrived at the burying-yard 
 
34 
 
 the troops opened to the right and left, resting on 
 their arms reversed, and the procession passed to the 
 grave, where a short eulogy was delivered by the 
 Rev. Mr. Evans. A band of music with a number of 
 drums and fifes played a funeral dirge, the drums 
 were muffled with black crape, and the officers in the 
 procession wore crape round the left arm. The regi- 
 ment of light infantry were in handsome uniform, and 
 wore in their caps long feathers of black and red. 
 The elegant regiment of horse, commanded by Major 
 Lee, in complete uniform and well disciplined, ex- 
 hibited a martial and noble appearance."* 
 
 On the tablet which cover his remains is to be seen 
 the following inscription : 
 
 " Washington, Lafayette, and a portion -of the American army 
 attended the funeral of General Poor. In 1824, Lafayette revisited 
 this grave, and turning away much affected, exclaimed, 'Ah 1 that 
 was one of my Generals.' "f 
 
 Tn March of the year 1780, a party of about 400 
 British Hessians and refugees passed through Hack- 
 ensack, on their way to attack some Pennsylvania 
 
 * Thacher's Journal, 212. 
 f Brigadier-General Enoch Poor was a native of New Hampshire. He was 
 a Colonel in the Continental army in the expedition against Canada, in 1776, 
 where he served with distinction. He was afterward at Crown Point, and 
 was one of the twenty-one inferior officers who signed a remonstrance against 
 a decision of a council of officers then consisting of Generals Gates, Schuyler, 
 Sullivan, Arnold and Woedtke, when it was resolved that the post was un- 
 tenable, and that the army should retire to Port Independence. He was ap- 
 pointed Brigadier-General in 1777. He was in camp at Valley Forge, and at 
 the battle of Monmouth. — (Moore's Diary of the Revolution.) 
 
35 
 
 troops at Paramus. It was about three o'clock in the 
 night when they entered the lower part of the town. 
 All was quiet. A small company of militia, under 
 •Captain John Outwater, had retired for the night to 
 the barracks, barns and out-houses, where those 
 friendly to the Americans generally resorted to rest. 
 One-half of the enemy marched quietly through. 
 When the rear, consisting mostly of Hessians, arrived, 
 they broke open the doors and windows, robbed and 
 plundered, and took prisoners a few peaceable inhabi- 
 tants, among whom was Mr. Archibald Campbell. 
 This gentleman they forced from his bed, where he 
 had been confined for seT eral weeks with rheumatism, 
 -and obliged him to follow them. He is said to have 
 escaped at New Bridge, by hiding under the bridge 
 and standing, as one version of the affair has it, for 
 some time in two feet of water, which hydropathic 
 treatment may account for the fact that he was cured 
 of his painful disease, unless we may suppose that 
 vigorous bodily exercise for two miles at the point of 
 a bayonet, or a good thorough fright could serve as 
 well as a curative. 'The Hessians burnt two buildings 
 .and the Court-House. The latter stood on the west 
 side of the Green, on the opposite side of the street 
 east from Campbell's tavern. The wind being favor- 
 able, the sparks and flames were drawn over the 
 Green, and the tavern saved by the family throwing 
 water on the roof. By this time the militia became 
 aroused and the troops at Paramus were alarmed. 
 
36 
 
 When the enemy arrived at. Red Mills, about four 
 miles from Hackensack, and there learned that the 
 Americans were en route to meet them, they then 
 retraced their steps toward Hackensack, but turned 
 northward to New Bridge.* Arriving there they 
 found the planks torn up from the bridge, and were 
 about two hours replacing them, during which time skir- 
 mishing was going on with those in pursuit. Finally, 
 having crossed the river, they passed down on the 
 east side through the English Neighborhood to Ber- 
 gen woods within their lines. The enemy lost many 
 in killed and wounded, but on the Patriot's side none 
 were killed. A young man of the town is said to 
 have been wounded by a spent ball which cut his 
 upper lip, knocked out four front teeth, and was 
 caught in his mouth. Captain Outwater received a 
 ball below the knee, which he carried with him to 
 his grave. f 
 
 * Old Bridge. ■)• Hist. Coll. N. J.. 
 
37 
 
 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 
 
 We find in the records of the church membership 
 for a few years subsequent to its organization, such 
 familiar names as Westerveldt, Demaree, Van Winckel, 
 De Vouw, Ackerman, Bougardt, Hoppe, Mandeville, 
 Powels, Banta, Van Derlinda, Housman, Bertholf, 
 Terhunen, Blinkerhof, Zabroischo, Lozier, Kip and 
 Homeyn. 
 
 The first and only names in the baptismal list for 
 1686, are Jaenis Simson, who was baptised on con- 
 fession of his faith, and Ohristyna the child of MattTiys 
 Hoppe and Antie Pouls, the witnesses being Garrit 
 Van Dien and Meyno Powels. 
 
 The first names on the marriage records, which be- 
 gins at date of January 16, 1695, are those of Albert 
 Slingerland and Hester Brickers, both from Albanie. 
 
 The original church officers at the organization, 
 were Hendrick Jorese and Albert Ferense, Elders ; 
 and Hendrick Epke and Volkert Hansen, Deacons. 
 
 In the same year, Dominie TascTiemalcer was present 
 at a meeting of elders, on the 29th of July, when 
 six more were added to the Church. He continued 
 to administer the Lord's Supper to them as he had 
 •opportunity until sometime in 1689. He was settled 
 during this period at New Amstel (now New Castle), 
 on the Delaware River, and consequently this minis- 
 tration to the flock at Hackensack must have been 
 
38 
 
 rendered at very great inconvenience. Subsequently 
 lie removed to Schenectady, and became pastor of 
 the Reformed Dutch Church at that place. He was 
 such at the time of the great Schenectady massacre, 
 by the Indians, on the 8th of February, 1690, and 
 was one of the victims, together with his wife, twa 
 colored servants, and many of. his people, thus falling 
 a martyr to his Master.* His head was cloven open^ 
 and it is said, was carried on a pole into Canada, and 
 his body burned to the shoulder-blad-es. We know of 
 no reminiscences of his personal character, except 
 such as are given by the Labadists, Jasper Bankers 
 and Peter Sluyter, in their journal. From this it 
 seems that Dominie Tessemaker came originally from 
 Utrecht. In September, 1679, he was a candidate 
 for ordination; and about that time was probably ex- 
 amined and ordained. He was then expected to 
 preach at South River. On Sunday, October 29th,, 
 1679, he preached at Bergen. These Labadist tourists 
 give a very wretched account of his preaching and 
 character. They said they "never heard worse 
 preaching," and stamp him as a "perfect worldling, "f- 
 But this is the judgment of two of the most censori- 
 ous men who ever joined two censorious natures 
 together, and then vented their spleen. Had the 
 Dominie been a Labattist^ he would doubtless have. 
 
 * Taylor's Annals, 170. R. D. Ch. Mag. v. 2. 328. 
 f Journal of a voyage to New York and tour in several of the American 
 Colonies, in 1619-80. 
 
39 
 
 received a saintlier characteristic from these twaia 
 carping visitors from Fricsland. 
 
 The name of Rev. Ilndolphus Farik (Varick) oc- 
 curs in the church records, as having on one occasion 
 ministered to this people ut a very early period, by 
 preaching and administering the Sacrament. 
 
 During the absence of a stated minister, liis place 
 was supplied by one who was called a Yoorleser. He 
 led the devotions of the worshippers in singing and 
 prayer, and the reading of the Scriptures. He was 
 the catechizer and schoolmaster. Such a person 
 seemed indispensable to those early settlers. In 
 such a capacity Guilaem Bertholf became at that 
 early date a settler in this locality. So acceptable 
 were his services to the people, that they desired him 
 to become their minister, and accordingly he was sent 
 at the expense of the Churches oi' Hackensack and 
 Acquackenonck, to Holland, in 1()93, for the purpose 
 of being " examined and ordained by the Classis." 
 The minutes of the Classis of Middleburgh, in Hol- 
 land, show that he was admitted to lull examination, 
 and having given good proof of his qualifications, he 
 was ordained and invested with the pastoral care of 
 these Churches.* It will be seen that at that time 
 these two Churches of Acquackenonck and Hacken- 
 
 *Classis, inordinary session, held in Flushing, September 2d, 1693. "Lemma 
 9. G-uillaume Bertholf, at present Voorleser in the congregation of two towns 
 in New JSTetherland.?, presented a memorial signed by many members of the 
 congregation, requesting that they might preserve him as their ordinay mmia- 
 ter and pastor. It was resolved that the subject should be acted on to- 
 morrow," etc. 
 
40 
 
 sack were united. In 1694 he returned in safety to 
 America, and entered on the work of the ministry. 
 This is indicated by his own records at that date. He 
 was the first regularly installed pastor in New Jer- 
 sey. The first minister in the state, however, was a 
 Presbyterian, Rev. Abram Piersonof Newark, in 1666, 
 where the next year a church was organized. In 
 1709, the Dutch churches in Monmouth County ob- 
 tained the services of Rev. Joseph Morgan, who was 
 there for 2 '2 years. Then two Dutch ministers in 
 New Jersey, and never more at one time than two in 
 New York City, and two in Long Island (and at one 
 period, from 1702-1705, these four were reduced to 
 one), constituted all the Dutch ministers around New 
 York City, or in New Jersey, being never more than 
 six at one time.* The first Dutch minister in America 
 was John Michaelis, in 162S. The first in New Ne- 
 therlands was Everardus Bogardus, who arrived in 
 1633. He was the man who, in a letter to Governor 
 Van Twiller, reprimanded him for his official conduct, 
 calling him a " child of the Devil," promising him 
 "such a shake from the pulpit on the following Sun- 
 day as would make him shudder." The Church in 
 Bergen is the oldest in the State, bearing date of 1 660. 
 But it had no settled pastor until 1757, ninety-seven 
 years after its organization. 
 
 In 1696, just ten years after the organization of the 
 
 * Gorwin's Centennial. 
 
41 
 
 Church at Hackensack, a church building \7as erected 
 on this very spot, and has generally been known by 
 the distinctive title of " The Ghurch on the Oreen.'''' 
 Where, previous to this date, services were held is not 
 delinitely known. A tradition coming through Rev. 
 James Y. C. Romeyn, locates the building just below 
 a graveyard, on the outskirts of the village proper, 
 on the street leading to Hoboken. The church build- 
 ing at Bergen, has precedence in age of sixteen years, 
 having been built in 1680, while the first place used 
 for worship in the City of New York, was a spacious 
 room built for the purpose over a horse-mill, in 
 1626. The earliest account of a church organization 
 at English Neighborhood, is in the year 1768. 
 That at Pompton Plains bears date of 1738. That of 
 Ponds, 1710, which was the first house of worship 
 erecte'd on the north of the Passaic River. The Church 
 at Paramiis was organized 1725. As late as 1748, all 
 the region of country now comprised in the bounds 
 of the congregation of Pompton Plains, Pompton, 
 Ponds, Preakness, Montville, Fairfield, Little Falls and 
 Totowa (or Paterson), was favored with but one 
 church organization.* At an early period of the set- 
 tlement of this region, there was what was called 
 "the French Church," located just this side of the 
 Old Bridge, by or in what is called " the French 
 burying-ground," on the eastern side of the Hacken- 
 sack River. The tradition runs that as a boat was 
 
 * Rev. T. H. Duryee's Sketch. 
 
42 
 
 sailing up the river, on board of which were two sons 
 with their mother, the mother died, and she was 
 buried on the knoll of ground which is now occupied 
 as a burial plot. These persons are said to have been 
 of the Demarias family which settled at "Old Bridge," 
 in 1677. A Lutheran church stood hkewise on the 
 same side of the river, between this village and New 
 Bridge, in what is now called " The Lutheran Burying- 
 grround." This settlement of Lutherans was from 
 Holland, and was visited by Dr. Muhlcnburgh. It 
 was probably organized into a congregation about 
 the year 1745 or 1746.* Rev. L C Hartwick, is 
 said to have been the pastor for a time. The Rev. 
 William Graff was the last pastor. He left, and re- 
 moved to Germantown, New Jersey, sometime during 
 the war of the Revolution. The Rev. Dr. SchaiFer, 
 of New York, preached on the ruins of the old church, 
 in the summer of \b'21, and attempted to revive an 
 interest in the old congregation, but it amounted to 
 nothing. f Judging from the present ruins, the build- 
 ing must have been of very small dimensions. Strange 
 as it may seem, scarce any other information respect- 
 ing these two churches can be gathered up. The 
 Lutheran Church was in possession of a certain tract 
 of land on which the minister resided, which reverted 
 according to the conditions of its grant, to the oldest 
 male member of the Church living, when it was no 
 
 * Letter from Rev. Mr. Bejo, of Saddle River, 
 f Letter from Rev. Dr. Pohlman, of Albany. 
 
43 
 
 longer used for church purposes. By those terms it- 
 became the property of Cornelius Van Buskirk, of 
 Schraalenbergh, but not until another claimant was- 
 dispossessed of it through recourse to the law. There 
 is no date in the "French Burying-ground,'' that 
 carries us back farther than 1735, and none in the 
 Lutheran farther than i 745. A great portion of the- 
 latter yard has, however, been washed away by the 
 constantly aggressive waters of the river, affording 
 not a very creditable instance of care for the remains 
 of the dead of bygone days. 
 
 Some of the materials of which the Dutch church of 
 1696, located on this spot was constructed, are now in> 
 the present building, having been placed there in 
 1791. They may be seen 'in the eastern wall. On 
 some of them are engraved in letters, rather rude,, 
 the initials of individual names ; on others, the names 
 in full, with corresponding ornaments, while there are,- 
 others which partake of the monogrammic. Of the 
 original structure scarce anything seems to be known- 
 beyond the fact that it once existed. The stone now- 
 inlaying the eastern wall bearing this inscription:. 
 
 10 VA^STA 6E 
 
 is said to have been over the entrance way. Some? 
 
of the other carvings are, to say the least, curious. 
 It is to be regretted that to us they are so meaning- 
 less ; others have been marred by the tools of 
 thoughtless mechanics, one of which has been cut in 
 pieces, bearing date 1725, with an inscription which 
 would, from the character of the portion which is 
 legible, seem to indicate that it had been placed in a 
 very prominent position. 
 
 The present site of the church, together with ad- 
 joining lands, making about two acres and three- 
 quarters, including a large portion of " the Green," 
 or Park, on the west, was donated to the Church April 
 20th, 1696, by Captain John Berry. The original 
 deed is now in the archives of the Church. 
 It was granted in consideration of the fact that, as 
 stated in his own language, " that the inhabitants of 
 Hackensack, New Barbadoes and Acquackenonck 
 are intended to build a Church.'' It was given 
 to " one Morgan of ye said land for accommo- 
 dation of said Church." Subsequently, under date ot 
 March 23d, 1712, another deed was given more speci- 
 fic, and making the grant absolute and unconditional, 
 " for the consideration of love and good will toward 
 his loving friends and neighbors of said township of 
 Hackensack, New Barbadoes and Hackquackenong." 
 This John Berry (Berrie), of such considerate and 
 generous impulses, whose memory is precious because 
 of his gifts, rather than because of his great posses- 
 sions, originally, in 1669, together with certain asso- 
 
45 
 
 ciates, became owner, under the administration of 
 Governor Carteret, of a tract of land extending from 
 the line of the Sanford grant, on the south, " six 
 miles into the country," including thus, the present 
 site of the village of Hackensack, running from the 
 Hackensack River, on the east, to what is now called 
 Saddle River (called by the Indians, improperly, 
 M'awpeake,' it being properly Rerakanes*), on the 
 west, and what is now called Cole's Creek, on the 
 north, above this church about two miles. If the 
 language used in his will is any evidence, Captain 
 John Berry, the donor, was a Christian, and his dona- 
 tion was made with sincere affection for the Church. 
 In that will we find this language: "I commit my 
 soul into the hands of God, my Creator, with a well 
 grounded persuasion that Jesus Christ, in his human 
 nature, taken in his Divine, hath made full payment 
 unto Divine Justice for all my sins and transgressions, 
 and that his righteousness shall be imputed to me for 
 my justification." Such a testimony gives the be- 
 quest peculiar endearment. This original settler had 
 more favorable estimates of the value of religion and 
 religious ordinances than that old historian who, at 
 the early settlement of New Jersey, in giving a de- 
 scription of the country, spoke of it as being "worthy 
 of the name of Paradise, because, in addition to its 
 
 * Original Indian deed to Captain John Berry, November 29th, 1686, in 
 possession of Chancellor Zabriskie. 
 
46 
 
 natural advantages, it had no lawj-ers or physicians, 
 'OT parsons."* 
 
 Guillaem Bertholf, during whose pastorate the first 
 structure was reared, continued his ministry until 
 1724, -a period of about thirty years. During this 
 time 242 persons were admitted into church member- 
 ship on confession and 26 by certificate. The record 
 was kept with apparent care till he ceased his active 
 labors. A growing feebleness is traceable in the en- 
 ^tries which were made by him, and at the close they 
 show the trembling, unsteady band of old age, which 
 dropped the pen at last, and it was taken up by 
 another. Previous to 1726 there was no record of 
 church membership kept at Acquackenonck. The 
 one we have here kept by him was probably the only 
 one. At Tappan he is said to have officiated statedly 
 •for all the years of his ministry in the administration 
 of the Lord's Supper. He organized the Church at 
 ■Raritan, March 3d, 1699, and ordained the elders on 
 the same day. He likewise introduced the Rev. 
 Theodorus J. Frelinghuysen to the pastorate there in 
 1720. The Church at Tarrytown (then Philips 
 Manor) was likewise organized by him about 1697, 
 where he occasionally ministered. He is said to have 
 owned a tract of land of thirty-seven acres near Hack- 
 ensack, which he bought of John Berry, and on 
 which he probably resided. His salary, judging from 
 
 * Whitehead's E. N. Jersey. 
 
47 
 
 a single receipt, whicli is still extant, was, in 1717, 
 fifty pounds per annum. We append the autograph 
 accompanying the receipt. He died in 1724, leaving 
 a large family of children. From him sprang the 
 Bertholfs of this day, honored in having so worthy 
 a forefather. We believe that the place of his burial 
 is unknown. We are told of him that "he was in 
 possession of a mild and placid eloquence, which per- 
 suaded by its gentleness and attracted by the sweet- 
 ness which it distilled, and the holy savor of piety 
 which it diffused around." 
 
 With Mr. Bertholfs death terminated the connec- 
 tion between the Churches of Hackensack and Ac- 
 quackenonck. The Rev. Reinhart Errickson (Erig- 
 son), from Holland, succeeded in this pastorate in 
 1725, while the Rev. Henry Coens succeeded in that 
 at Acquackenonck. In a record of his own marriage. 
 May 22, 1726, which was consummated by Rev. Mr. 
 Coens, he styles himself "Minister of New Barbadoes, 
 Schraalenburgh and Perremus." Following this re- 
 cord, is that of the marriage of the Rev. Mr. Coens, 
 consummated by Mr. Errickson, September 1st, of the 
 same year^the speedy reciprocation of a favor by 
 himself asked, and very soon after having granted it 
 to his ministerial brother. Rev. Mr. Errickson mar- 
 ried Maria Provoost. Rev. Mr. Coens married Belia 
 (Belinda) Provoost. This record gives proof that 
 Mr. Errickson had the care at this time of both the 
 Churches at Hackensack and Schraalenburgh. 
 
48 
 
 The Church of Schraalenburgh was organized in 1724. 
 The first building at Schraalenburgh was erected in 
 1725, a few rods east of the present site of what is 
 now called " the South Church." Mr. Errickson con- 
 tinued this pastorate for about three years, when in 
 1728, he removed to Schenectady. The fruits of his 
 ministry in the increase of church membership was 
 the addition of fifty persons on confession, and sixteen 
 by certificate. Prom Schenectady he removed in 
 1736, to Freehold, Monmouth County, where there is 
 said to be at the present time a very excellent por- 
 trait of him. He came over from Holland, in the 
 ship King George, Captain Samuel Payton, with his 
 brother and sister. The fare for the passage of each 
 was twenty pounds, and extra charges. The Cap- 
 tain's receipt for the money is among the church 
 papers. It was paid by Messrs. Martinus Pauls and 
 Jacobus Blinkerhof, at New York. It seems that a 
 note of payment was given at Amsterdam, and paid 
 after arrival by these parties, as if there was a pre- 
 vious agreement. Rev. Gualtherius Dubcus' name is 
 likewise associated with the same matter. From the 
 receipts it appears that his salary was about forty 
 pounds per annum. At or near the same time 
 the salary of the Voorleser was about four pounds 
 four shillings and six pence. 
 
 With the removal of Mr. Errickson began the pro- 
 ject of erecting a new church edifice. This was com- 
 pleted the same year. The stones of the old build- 
 
49 
 
 ing were incorporated in the new one. During this 
 period, and until 1730, the Church was without a pas- 
 tor; but it enjoyed the occasional ministry of the 
 Rev. Gualtherius Dubois, of New York, during which 
 forty-six were gathered into church membership. 
 
 The Rev. Antonius Curtenius next succeeded in 
 this pastorate, being called from Holland. His min- 
 istry began in November, 1730, which is the date of 
 his first entry of marriages in the records of the 
 Church. The record of church membership begins 
 in 1731. About this time the Schraalenburgh and 
 Paramus congregations united in a call upon Rev. 
 George W. Mancius, who accepted, and was settled 
 in December 23d, 1730, over which Churches he pre- 
 sided for about one year. Subsequently, in 1737, the 
 Churches of Hackensack and Schraalenburgh became 
 ecclesiastically united under Rev. Mr. Curtenius, who 
 remained sole pastor for about ten years. His 
 salary seems to have been thirty-one pounds thir- 
 teen shillings and four pence, semi-annually, although 
 at times it seems to have reached forty pounds, or 
 eighty annually. Then, for reasons of which we are 
 not informed, the Rev. John Henry Goetschius was 
 called as a colleague with him, and settled October 
 16th, 1748.* His salary seems to have been at times 
 about fifty pounds, more or less, with the fraction 
 of a few pence, always named in quite all the re- 
 
 * Dr. Gordon's Manual 
 
50 
 
 ceipts, showing that either the Dominie counted 
 closely, or the Consistories or the people, between 
 whom we judge not. Just before his settlement a 
 benevolent contribution was made to a Church at 
 Philadelphia of eight pounds and five shillings by the 
 Schraalenburgh Church, and five pounds five shil- 
 lings and six pence by the Hackensack Church, which 
 was acknowledged by the Consistory of said Church 
 at Philadelphia, under the signatures of each of 
 the Elders and Deacons by date December 1st, 
 1747. 
 
 This co-pastorate continued until May 2d, 1755, 
 when Rev. Mr. Curtenius removed to Flatbush, L. I., 
 and settled over " the five Churches in King's County." 
 At this place he died in October of the following 
 year, in the 59th year of his age, after an illness of 
 about five days. Rev. Mr. Curtenius was married by 
 Rev. Mr. Mancius, " minister at Schraalenburgh and 
 Peramus,'' to Elizabeth De Foreest, July 16th, 1732. 
 Subsequently he was married again to Catharine 
 Boele, from New York. One, who has given a re- 
 miniscence of him, says, " He Avas a gentleman, regu- 
 larly educated, and remarkable for his indefatigable 
 diligence in the ministration of his functions. His 
 actions in all the affairs of life have ever been ac- 
 companied with the strictest rules of justice, so that 
 none could, with more propriety, claim the title of 
 a preacher and sincere Christian, which not only his 
 good morals manifested, but his glorious resolution 
 
51 
 
 to launch into eternity, saying, ' 0, Death, where is 
 thy sting,' &c. His remains were decently iiiterred 
 in the church. His death is universally lamented 
 by his relatives and all those who knew him, particu- 
 larly by his congregations, who are highly sensible 
 -of the loss of so inestimable a shepherd, whose every 
 action dispilayed the Christian."* 
 
 With this co-pastorate of Curtenius and Croetschius, 
 -or in connection with it, began dissension among the 
 people. Back thither, we .suppose, may be traced 
 the first sparks of the fire which raged for years in 
 these localities, and which, with grief be it said, has 
 not yet gone out. The great wonder is, after such 
 burnings, sweeping over years, that more than the 
 ashes of these Churches remain. But whatever fires 
 may burn, even such as raged here, God can and 
 will take care of his Church, and He has done it thus 
 far. 
 
 The very idea of a colleague may suggest, in this 
 case, dissatisfaction somewhere. Then the co-pastors 
 probably became entangled in differences, and event- 
 ually identified with them. The case is thus stated 
 by Dr. Gordon: "Mr. Goetschius was young, active, 
 and possessed withal of popular talents. Mr. Curte- 
 nius was a quiet, good man, who loved peace no less 
 than piety; but he was less active, and second to 
 his colleague in popularity. Facts lead us to infer 
 
 » Christian Intelligencer, Octobar, 1865. 
 
52 
 
 that Goetschius played the part of Absalom in steal- 
 ing the hearts of the people from Curtenius. He so 
 managed as to procure the members of Consistory 
 from among his own immediate friends, who had be- 
 come alienated from the older Pastor, and the record 
 is left by one who had made a careful collection of 
 well-ascertained facts, that " Curtenius preached fre- 
 quently without a single Elder or Deacon in his 
 seat."* 
 
 As history ought to be a truthful record of events,- 
 the following statement is certainly in place, which 
 is quoted by Dr. Taylor in his " Annals of the Classis 
 of Bergen," that "Mr. Goetschius and his friends 
 went to Amboy, and obtained from the Governor a 
 charter conveying the church property in an im- 
 proper manner, without the knowledge of the friend& 
 of Mr. Curtenius. Subsequently, on representation 
 from that party to the Governor, the charter was de- 
 clared invalid." 
 
 Another cause of dissension, which seemed to in- 
 crease the bitterness of feeling, was the rise in these 
 Churches, as was the case through all the Churches, 
 of the parties under the names of " Coetus''' and 
 " Conferentier The " Coetus" party desired separa- 
 tion from the Classis of Amsterdam, in Holland, and 
 organization into a classis in this country, with 
 powers of ordination and judicial authoritj'. The op- 
 
 * Dr. Gordon's Manual, p. 4. 
 
53 
 
 posing party wished the classical authority to remain 
 vested in the Classis in Holland. In that case it 
 -would be necessary that every minister settled here 
 should come from Holland already ordained, or go 
 there for ordination. The " Coetus" party formed 
 the progressive party of the times. They were con- 
 scious that, though they were from, Holland, they 
 were not in Holland, and thought the demand of 
 their circumstances of more consequence than mere 
 formal relationships of authority and name. These 
 parties, regarded in the light of the elements that 
 -characterized them, have not yet died out, and the 
 question may be started whether there are not some 
 living who, out of veneration for what is old, and un- 
 conscious that times have changed, would not think 
 it better to send candidates away to the Fatherland 
 for ordination, unless, perhaps, the expenses of the 
 voyage would serve as an objection to remaining by 
 what is old because old. In the year 1737 a meeting 
 -of ministers was held in New York, at which a plan 
 of a Coetus or Assembly, which should be subordinate 
 to the Classis of Amsterdam, was proposed, matured, 
 and forwarded to 'the different Churches for their 
 concurrence. Another meeting was held in April 
 27th, 1738, at which the plan was ratified, and 
 adopted. It was then sent to the Classis of Amster- 
 dam, in Holland, for approbation. It took that 
 Classis about nine years to return an answer (1747), 
 which was of concurrence. Upon this favorable turn 
 
54 
 
 to their requests, the first meeting of the Coetus was- 
 held in the September following in the City of New 
 York. Subsequently (1754) this " Coetus" proposed 
 a separate organization as a Classis, with classical 
 powers. Against this, opposition arose on the part of 
 about one-half the ministry^ who styled themselves 
 " Conferentie.*" The " Conferentie" met first in 
 1755. The members constituting it were composed of 
 the most learned men, while those of the " Coetus" 
 were men of "practical preaching, zeal and in- 
 dustry." 
 
 Between these parties the most intensely bitter 
 feelings seem to have prevailed throughout the Dutch- 
 Church Denomination. An historianf describes the 
 state of affairs in the following language : " The- 
 peace of the Church was destroyed. Not only neigh- 
 boring ministers and congregations were at variance,, 
 but in many places the same congregation was divid- 
 ed ; and in those instances in which the members, or 
 the influential characters, on the different sides were 
 nearly equal, the consequences became very deplor- 
 able. Houses of worship were locked by one part of 
 the congregation against the other. Tumults on the 
 Lord's Day at the doors of the church were frequent. 
 Quarrels respecting the services, and the contending 
 claims of different ministers and people often took 
 place. Preachei's were sometimes assaulted in the 
 
 Christian Magazine, vol. 2, p. 6. f Dr. T. Romeyn. 
 
55 
 
 pulpit and public worship either disturbed or ter- 
 minated by violence. In their attacks, the " Con- 
 ferentie" party were considered the more vehement 
 and outrageous. But on both sides a furious and in- 
 temperate zeal prompted many to excesses which were 
 a disgrace to the Christian name, and threatened to 
 bring into contempt that cause which both professed 
 to be desirous of supporting. 
 
 In these divisions, we find the colleagues of the 
 Churches of Hackensack and Schraalenburgh taking 
 opposite grounds. Rev. Mr. Curtenius was of the 
 " Conferentie" party, and Rev. Mr. Goetschius of the 
 " Coetus." Although about this time Mr. Curtenius 
 left for Flatbush, yet the fire was kindled, and the 
 fuel was ready, and burning, and it burned vigorously. 
 Peace had fled the borders of their congregations. 
 Families were divided against themselves, and in- 
 dignities were heaped upon one another. 
 
 One result of this dissension, was the division of 
 these two Churches into distinct organizations. The 
 Rev. Gerardus Haughevoort oiticiated on the occasion 
 of the ordination and installation of the elders and 
 deacons of these respective bodies. Thus, at this 
 period, we find two distinct church organizations, 
 where there was but one, and two congregations at 
 Hackensack, and two at Schraalenburgh, worshipping 
 on alternate Sabbaths in the same building, each ac- 
 knowledging the right of the other to one-half the 
 property at each location. 
 
56 
 
 While Mr. Groetschius remained Pastor of the party 
 that adhered to the " Coetus," the Rev. John Schuyler 
 became the Pastor of the other party, in 1756. The 
 friends of Mr. Goetschius followed him when he 
 preached, whether at Schraalenburgh or Hackensack, 
 and the friends of Mr. Schuyler pursued the same 
 course toward him. What amount of Christian love 
 such a state of things must have fostered, one may 
 imagine. A little study of the way certain Patriarchs 
 of the Old Testament managed to avoid strife, and an 
 imitation of their conduct, might have avoided an 
 almost incalculable amount of evil. 
 
 In 1759, Mr. Schuyler's labors ended here, having 
 served the people three years. After a vacancy of 
 about nine years, Rev. Cornelius Blauw, who came 
 from Holland, was settled in 1768. His ministry 
 lasted three years. He was followed by Rev. War- 
 moldus Kuypers, who came to this country from the 
 Island of Curacoa, about 1768 or 1769. The exact 
 date of his settlement does not appear. It was before 
 1771. At this time the Churches at Hackensack and 
 Schraalenburgh were under the care of the Classis of 
 Hackensack, through the operation of the " Articles 
 of Union," which were adopted in 1771, in New 
 York, with a view to healing the breaches which 
 were existing. Credit for this labor of love belongs 
 to John H. Livingston, who, viewing with heavy 
 heart the condition of the Dutch churches in America, 
 when he left this country for Holland, for the purpose 
 
57 
 
 of prosecuting his studies, determined to make an 
 effort to bring the sad and serious subject before the 
 brethren there, and interest them in bringing about 
 peace. He was happily successful. The result was, 
 the meeting in New York of a Convention of all the 
 ministers, with one elder from each Church, to devise 
 means of reconciliation. Of this Convention, Rev. 
 Mr. Kuypers and Goetschius were members. 
 
 For a short time Mr. Kuypers was cotemporary 
 with Mr. Goetschius. Mr. Goetschius ended his 
 labors in death, November 14, 1774, at the age of 57. 
 He was the son of a German minister in Switzerland ; 
 was born 1714, at Zurich. He received his literary 
 education at its University. In early life he came to 
 Philadelphia with his father, who was called and set- 
 tled as the pasto^ of the First German Reformed 
 Church in that city. There he prosecuted the study 
 of Theology, under the Rev. Mr. Dorsius, another 
 minister of the German Reformed Church. He 
 preached for some time after his ordination in the Re- 
 formed Dutch Church in Neshaminy, Pa. Thence he 
 removed to Jamaica, L. I., in the year 1741, having 
 a,ccepted a call from the United Reformed Dutch 
 Churches in Newtown, Jamaica, Success and Oyster- 
 Bay, of which he was the first settled pastor. In 
 consequence of his increasing popularity as a com- 
 manding pulpit orator, and his extensive literary and 
 theological acquirements, accompanied with an earn- 
 est piety, and an untiring zeal, he w&,s soon chosen 
 
58 
 
 as a Lecturer and Teacher of Theology in the Re- 
 formed Dutch Church. A large number of the young 
 men vrho entered the ministry at that day, were under 
 his theological instruction. Among them ^as Solo- 
 mon Froeligh. 
 
 His ministry on Long Island was very soon attended 
 with a remarkable blessing, and as he belonged to the 
 " Coetus " party, he consequently experienced great 
 opposition from the brethren of the adverse party^ 
 the " Conferentie." Oftentimes the churches were- 
 closed against him and his adherents, and he was 
 frequeotly compelled to preach in barns, in private 
 houses, and under shady trees. On one occasion, 
 when he had obtained access to the pulpit in Jamaica, 
 the chorister (who in those days had his seat at a 
 small desk immediately beneath the pulpit, and at the 
 commencement of the morning service read a chapter 
 fi'om the Bible, and gave out the first Psalm or Hymn), 
 in ord^r to prevent the minister from having the op- 
 portunity, of preaching, gave out the whole of the 
 119th Psalm.; which, if sung in the slow wav that 
 then prevailed, Avould have consumed the whole day. 
 When, however, the usual time had been occupied, 
 he arose in the pulpit, and by his powerful voice 
 drowned that of the foresinger, and obtained the 
 mastery and preached. Not having been ordained 
 by the " Conferentie" party, the validity of his ordi- 
 nation was by them called in question. But for the 
 sake of harmony in the Churches in Long Island, he 
 
59 
 
 submitted to a re-examination and re-ordination by 
 the ministers of the " Conferentie" party, who were 
 in the majority in New York and Long Island. It 
 was at that time the rule for the candidate, who had 
 been through an examination and had siistained it, to 
 pay to the Classis or Synod five pounds, which went 
 into the contingent fund of the body, and it was 
 always paid before the adjournment. When the 
 President therefore announced that the examination 
 was sustained, it was expected that the fee would be 
 laid on the table. But Mr. Goetschius had paid this 
 sum at his former examination, and thinking it to be 
 unjust that he should be called to pay it again, arose 
 and said, "Now, brethren, I must say to you as Peter 
 and John did to the lame man, who lay at the gate of 
 the Temple which is called Beautiful, and asked alms of 
 them — 'Silver and gold have I none; but such as I 
 have give I thee : in the name of Jesus Christ of 
 Nazareth rise up and walk,'" and immediately he took 
 up his hat and walked out of the house.* While on 
 Long Island he gave great ofience by a sermon vfhich 
 he preached on "The unknown God," it being re- 
 ceived as a reflection upon the personal piety of the 
 people. The old folks said, " Shall this stripling tell 
 us that we have so long served an unknown God ? " 
 His life on Long Island was one of great conflict. 
 "He was a man of deep feeling, strong passions and 
 independency of spirit." It is said by the author, 
 
 * Dr. Sprague's Annals of R. D. Oh. 
 
60 
 
 from whom we glean some of these facts, that it was 
 not unusual for the early ministers to wear a cocked 
 hat and a sword, which they took off and laid behind 
 them in the pulpit. And that on one occasion when 
 he apprehended resistance to entering his church at 
 Hackensack, he called for his sword, buckled it on 
 his thigh, determined to do what he must to assert his 
 rights, and thus accoutred he entered the pulpit.* 
 
 He is said to have been in person below the medium 
 size, of a vigorous constitution, abrupt in speech, but 
 clear, expressive, and pointed in his language. In his 
 preaching he was both a son of thunder and a son of 
 consolation — terrifying in denouncing the curses of the 
 law, but consoling and encouraging in his addresses to 
 Christians. It was a common thing for his audience 
 to be bathed in tears. His wit was ready and his 
 sarcasms such that they were not soon forgotten. 
 During his residence at Jamaica, he was on pleasant 
 terms with both the Presbyterian and Episcopalian 
 Clergymen of the place. The latter said to him on a 
 certain occasion, referring to his solemn and severe 
 manner in the pulpit : "It always seems to me, when 
 I hear you preach, that the law must have been given 
 in the Dutch language." "Very likely," said Mr. 
 Goetschius, "and I have always thought that the 
 English must have been the language in which the 
 serpent spoke to our mother in Paradise." During 
 the ministry of Mr. Goetschius in Hackensack, several 
 
 * Chriatian Intell. Oct., 1865. 
 
61 
 
 powerful religious revivals occurred. He labored 
 here for about twenty years. He died suddenly at 
 Schraalenburgh. The last words he was heard to 
 utter were : " JSlow I shall soon be with my Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ."* 
 
 In the year following (1775), Rev. Theodorick 
 Romeyn (commonly called Divcli)^ was called to fill 
 this vacancy, from the R. D. Church at Marbletown, 
 N. Y. To whatever extent the "Articles of Union" 
 were effective in bringing about peace in these 
 Churches, it was not perfect peace. Bad feelings die 
 slowly ; the worse the slower. Mr. Romeyn, con- 
 sequently, found the old fires still alive at Hacken- 
 sack. And they began to burn anew through the 
 political differences connected with the Revolutionary 
 war. He was faithful in his attendance upon the 
 Classis, but during his ministry no delegates were 
 sent from Mr. Kuyper's Church. The condition of 
 things is thus described by another : 
 
 " Some few were traitors, some indifferent, others 
 entered not as warmly into the cause as might have 
 been expected ; others again, with enlightened patri- 
 otism, urged on the cause of their country, as the 
 cause of God. A few no doubt were excessive in 
 professions of patriotism, and used it to cloak their 
 love of plunder, and their individual resentments. 
 
 * Dr. Sprague's Annals, R. D. Ch. 
 Dominie J. Hendrikus G-oetschius was married to Eaohel Zabrowsky, by 
 Dominie Curtenius, August 26, 1750. 
 
62 
 
 Then came tbe strong political controversies under 
 the earlier years of our Constitution. All these causes 
 constantly agitated the community composing these 
 congregations. They followed their respective min- 
 isters on alternate Sabbaths, meeting like two angry 
 waves. Private friendships, with many, were broken 
 Tip. Politics were largely mingled in the discussions 
 of the pulpit, and the result was, for a long time, that 
 all, or nearly all, who belonged to one communion 
 were of one political creed, and all or nearly all who 
 were of the other communion were on the opposite 
 side in politics." 
 
 Dr. Theodorick Romeyn remained pastor of the 
 Churches of Hackensack and Schraalenburgh for ten 
 years. Previous to his settlement, he had declined 
 two calls from these Churches. He arrived at Hack- 
 ensack in the early part of May, 1776, and was in- 
 stalled by Rev. Samuel Verbryck, who preached on 
 the occasion, and for whom he is said to have cher- 
 rished "the most affectionate respect and venera- 
 tion." 
 
 During his ministry this locality was greatly dis- 
 turbed by the British troops and their sympathizers. 
 Before the close of the year in which he was settled, 
 they entered his dwelling during his absence, and 
 carried off or destroyed all his furniture, clothing, 
 books, papers, etc. Soon after this he removed his 
 family to New Paltz, and thence to his mother-in-law's 
 at Marbletown, where they remained nearly two years. 
 
63 
 
 Prequent visits were made to his congregation, but 
 they were necessarily brief and always attended with 
 great danger. On the occasion of one of these visits, 
 in September, 1777, as he was about leaving, he was 
 waylaid by two armed loyalists, who, as he afterward 
 found, had a design upon his life, and were prevented 
 from executing it only by the formidable appearance 
 of the armed men who happened to he with him. In 
 February, 1779, he ventured to return to Hackensack 
 with his family, and soon after solicited and obtained 
 " militia aid " from Governor Livingston ; and as the 
 state of things became more alarming, he subsequent- 
 ly obtained additional aid. In March, 1780, a detach- 
 ment of the enemy surprised Hackensack, took a 
 number of the inhabitants prisoners, burned the Court 
 House and some private dwellings, and carried off a 
 large amount of plunder. Among the prisoners was 
 one of Mr. Romeyn's brothers, who remained a cap- 
 tive about three months. Mr. Romeyn himself was 
 providentially the 'means of saving several men in the 
 house in which he lived, and he himself escaped only 
 by hiding in the garret, standing on a beam behind a 
 chimney. He was at this time again plundered of a 
 considerable quantity of clothing.* His house was 
 set on fire, but the flames were extinguished before 
 doing any considerable damage. While absent in 
 1778, his congregation sent him £25 18s, for his use, 
 -through Isaac Van Gieson. His absence was deeply 
 
 * Dr. Sprague's Annals, R. D. Church. 
 
64 
 
 regretted, and they deprecated the idea of his con- 
 necting himself with any other charge.* During this 
 period a correspondence was kept up between him 
 and Dr. Peter W^7soK,f part of which, on the side ot 
 the latter, is now in the archives of the New Jersey 
 Historical Society, but his own letters have been de- 
 stroyed. He was an ardent patriot, and received 
 from the British, who seemed to have a special dislike 
 to him, the title of " the Rebel Parson." He was on 
 intimate relations with several most distinguished offi- 
 cers in the army, and rendered important service. 
 
 In 1784, he accepted a call from the Reformed 
 Dutch Church at Schenectady, N. Y. During his 
 ministry there, he was disabled by a paralytic stroke, 
 for a time, but rallied so that he was able to preach 
 again once each Sabbath for about a year. He died 
 on the 16th of April, 1804, in the 61st year of his age. 
 
 * N. J. Col. Doc. Index, 454 p. 
 
 ^ Peter Wilson was at this time the learned and accomplished Principal of 
 the Academy at Hackensack, an institution of more than ordinary reputation 
 in its day. Application was actually made in its behalf to the Legislature 
 for a Charter of incorporation as a College, and but for the delicacy of Mr. 
 Wilson, who was then a member of the Legislature, and thus refused to 
 support the measure personally, it is probable that Hackensack would have 
 been a seat of college education. 
 
 Dr. Wilson was a fine scholar and a thorough patriot. His contempt of 
 British aristocracy led him to leave his home in Scotland, where he might 
 be free from the caste and constraint which trammelled a noble spirit. From 
 1111 until 1783, he was a member of the Legislature, and was always se- 
 lected as the principal person to draft the lav^s of the day. In 1783, he was 
 appointed to revise and complete the laws of New Jersey, up to that period. 
 Subsequently he became Professor of Languages, and of Greek and Roman 
 Antiquities in Columbia College, New York. He died at Hackensack, August 
 1, 1825, in the 19th. year of his age.— (Dutch Ch. Mag. 2. 100.) 
 
G5 
 
 He was born at Hackensack, January 12th, 1744. 
 He was the son of Nicholas Romeyn and Rachel 
 Vreelandt. His great grandfather, Class Janse 
 Eomeyn, was the first person of that name who came 
 to this country, and was probably the father of all 
 the Romeyns hereabout and of many others, if not of 
 all in the land. He emigrated from the United Pro- 
 vinces (now Belgium) to Brazil, in South America, 
 between the years 1650 and 1G60, while that 
 country was subject to the States General. When, 
 however, the States relinquished their possession of 
 the country in 1661, he migrated to New Nether- 
 lands (New York), and settled first at Amesfort or 
 Gravenzand, on Long Island. Thence he removed to 
 Hackensack, where he lived not far from ten years, 
 when he went to Shappekenike, or Greenwich, 
 alDout two miles from New York, where he died.* 
 Theudoric Romeyn was father of Dr. John B. Romeyn, 
 of New York, and uncle of Rev. James V C. Romeyn, 
 of Hackensack. He graduated at Princeton, 1765, 
 and was classmate of Rev. Dr. Jonathan Edwards. 
 Part of his theological education was acquired under 
 Rev. J. H. Goetschius, who preached his ordination 
 sermon. At the early age of nine years, he was 
 
 * Dr. Sprague's Annals. 
 It ia said by some of the family that he first went from France to Holland, 
 ■which gives a French extraction, and not Dutch, and makes him one of the 
 large class of Huguenots. This origin is claimed by those who spell the name 
 Somaine, instead of Romeyn. 
 
 5 
 
66 
 
 deeply impressed with religious views, and at sixteen 
 or seventeen he publicly professed his faith in Christ. 
 In 1797 he became one of the two additional Profes- 
 sors of Theology, the other being Dr. Solomon Froe- 
 ligh. His characteristics are given by Rev. John 
 Mier (Meyer), his colleague and successor, who 
 preached his funeral sermon. He says of him, that 
 " he possessed a mind strong, energetic, and more 
 than ordinarily comprehensive. His judgment was 
 sound and mature, and his memory remarkably re- 
 tentive. In the discharge of his ministerial functions, 
 he proved himself an able minister of the New Testa- 
 ment — a watchman that needed not to be ashamed. 
 As he had loved the doctrines of Grace, and had ex- 
 perienced their power and influence on his own heart, 
 so he also insisted upon them in his public ministra- 
 tions. His theme uniformly was Christ and him 
 crucified. His manner was bold, intrepid, and drr- 
 ing. In the execution of his duties, he was neitlier 
 daunted nor moved: he was the Boanerges of his 
 day. When he reproved, the sinner trembled. When 
 he pronounced Ebal's curses against the wicked, it 
 was like the thunders of Sinai. He was not, how- 
 ever, incapable of the pathetic. He could at times 
 move the heart, and melt the audience to tears. 
 His discourses were solid and interesting, ofttimes 
 enlivened with historical anecdotes. In the intro- 
 duction of these, he was peculiarly happy. He al- 
 ways entered deep into his subject. His delivery 
 
67 
 
 was animated, and unaffected, without ostentation, 
 and becoming his subject. He aimed at nothing but 
 what was perfectly natural. In his intercourse with 
 the world, he supported a becoming dignity. Inde- 
 pendence of sentiment marked his path through its 
 busy rounds. He knew not how to dissemble; he 
 was polite to all, familiar with few. This rendered 
 the circle of his intimates contracted, and the number 
 of his confidential friends small. In his conversation, 
 he was interesting, always instructive. His family in 
 him have lost an affectionate relative, a watchful 
 guardian, and a great example ; the Church a pillar, 
 and society an ornament."* 
 
 Rev. Mr. Romeyn's place was not supplied until 
 more than a year after his departure,f leaving Mr. 
 Kuypers sole pastor. 
 
 Rev. Solomon Froeligh was then called from the 
 Churches of Millstone and Ne-Shan-ick, and having 
 accepted, in 1786, was installed by Rev. Benjamin 
 Van der Linda, of Saddle River, if 
 
 * Mem. Dr. Livingston, (G-unn), Appendix G-., 383. 
 
 f Among other reasons for leaving Haokensack was disappointment that the 
 arrears of his salary had not been paid. But it is some satisfaction to know- 
 that there is a receipt among the Church papers, which shows that in the end 
 all those arrears were met. 
 
 if, Mr. Vcm der Linda was horn at Pollifly, near Hackensack, in 1119. 
 His family settled in that locality as early as 1686, on the place now occu- 
 pied hy Mr. Garret Brinkerhoff. He was the first person examined under 
 "the Coetus," and was called to Paramus in September, IHS. He married a 
 
68 
 
 Difficulties still continuing in the Churches, the 
 Classis referred the whole matter to the Synod for 
 settlement. The propositions from Synod, through 
 the Classis, were accepted by the Church of Mr. 
 Froeligh. But the Churches under Mr. Kuypei's dis- 
 sented, through their Elder, Abraham Kip. The 
 reasons for such dissent having been given, new 
 efforts were made toward reconciliation, which were 
 successful. Difficulties were adjusted, a plan of 
 Union adopted, and articles agreed upon between 
 the two Churches by a solemn declaration of adher- 
 ence and a formal subscription. The Classis record- 
 ed the fact of reconciliation with great joy, as may 
 well be supposed. After forty years of disquiet, 
 peace at length prevailed, and it seemed as if all dis- 
 sension was buried out of sight for ever. 
 
 At this juncture it was proposed to rebuild the 
 Church at Hackensack, which, since 1728 (about 
 sixty-two years), had served them as a place of wor- 
 ship. A meeting for consultation was announced to 
 be held, and the tradition runs that, as the subject of 
 rebuilding had its friends and opposers (as is gener- 
 ally the case where there are progressive move- 
 ments), and much interest was manifested by both 
 parties, the young people settled the matter by ta- 
 
 niece of Greneral Schuyler. Domine Verbryck married Mr. Van der Linda's 
 daughter, and resided in the old homestead at one period. His son was taken 
 prisoner by the British. 
 
69 
 
 king possession of the church some hours. before the 
 time for the appointed meeting, and tearing out the 
 pews around the wall, removing the chairs and 
 benches from the centre of the room, and carrying 
 them, with other fixtures, to " the Green" (or public 
 square). These preliminary steps left the meeting 
 nothing to do but to vote to rebuild. This was done 
 after a plan, which is now in the archives of the 
 Church, together with the names of the subscribers 
 to the buildiirg fund, of which there were one hun- 
 dred and thirty-two. There were two subscription 
 papers- -one in Dutch, the other in English; the 
 former had forty-nine signatures and the latter 
 eighty-three. The subscriptions ran from forty 
 pounds downward to four shillings, the largest of 
 which was that of Peter Zabrislde.* This work was 
 rigorously prosecuted, and substantially done, as the 
 present tower and walls, which are now standing, 
 testify. It was finished in 1792. In that building 
 we gather to-day — that building enlarged and re- 
 modelled twice. There is the same old tower, Avith 
 its massive masonry of wall, nearly four feet in thick- 
 ness, and there are the old side walls, with the old 
 material of th6 earliest structure worked in them. 
 Over the entrance way was placed a tablet of brown 
 stone, bearing the inscription, in Dutch : " Een-draght 
 maakt mackt," which means, " Union is strength." 
 
 * Appendix, No. 3. 
 
70 
 
 Below it was engraved a lion, and beneath it the fol- 
 lowing inscription, in Dutch : 
 
 Het Huys 
 
 des Heere 
 
 Gebouwt Anno 1696 
 
 herbouwt Anno 1728 
 
 Wederom herbouwt 1792. 
 
 This tablet was removed to the rear of the building 
 in 1847. It is now on the eastern wall, bearing 
 marks of its rough usage, and having been once 
 broken in three pieces, which fact carries with it the 
 following piece of history, of some local interest : On 
 the 10th day of July, 1795, a most violent thunder- 
 storm passed over the Village of Hackensack, the 
 lightning striking the steeple of this edifice, doing 
 much damage, and displacing this stone, which was 
 broken in three pieces. The motto was sundered in 
 two parts, " Een-dracht" being on one piece and 
 " Maakt macht" being on the other. The event 
 called forth an appropriate sermon from Dr. Froeligh, 
 which was subsequently (in 1830) translated and 
 published. Some regarded the visitation as a Divine 
 token, signifying separation of the Church, interpret- 
 ing it as many do. Providence to suit their fancies. 
 The biographer of Dr. Froeligh says, referring to the 
 after-separation : " This is our belief, founded on 
 what we have known, and seen of tlie two people, 
 
71 
 
 that according to the sign given July 10th, the Triune 
 God has made them two, the fire of grace is on one 
 side, and the fire of rage and discord on the other." 
 On which side was grace, and on which side was fire, 
 ■depends, of course, very much on which side the judge 
 in the matter belongs. But which side was " Een- 
 dracht," and which side "Maakt macht," has never 
 been noticed. The interpretation ought to have been 
 more specific, for the stone was broken in three pieces, 
 the third piece not having any notice given it. And 
 :as for the fact, that the lion was neither decapitated 
 nor had scarce a hair of his skin injured, it has never 
 yet been interpreted in a Providential light. Let us 
 trust that it means that Christ, after all, shall not be 
 divided, whatever other divisions there may be. 
 
 Tradition says, that when those stones which inlay 
 the front walls of the building, on which are engraved 
 ■certain names, were placed there, the workmen refused 
 to place them until the respective parties whose 
 names they bear paid them an extra bonus, which it 
 Ts said was freely spent in indulgence at the tavern 
 ihard by.* 
 
 Here, in this building, Rev. Messrs. Kuypers and 
 Froeligh ministered alternately, until the former was 
 .disabled by increasing infirmities. 
 
 * Of one of those whose names appear there, Albert Zabrisky, it is related 
 .that he once asked G-eneral Washington, as he was about to leave, " what he 
 .then intended to do?" The General asked him '-if he could keep a secret?" 
 He answered that he could. The General then replied, "I can too," and went 
 his way without gratifying his curiosity. 
 
72 
 
 Instead of unfolding from this point of time (1792)^ 
 which marks aa era in the erection of a new church 
 edifice, and promising, from events which had just 
 taken place of so specific a character, harmony and 
 peace, we are forced to unveil fresh recitals of discord,, 
 almost while the smile of congratulation over pacific 
 measures were still playing up.on the faces of the peo- 
 ple. It is simply historic fairness that compels us to 
 give place to facts which, unfortunately, were facts, 
 and of which one could wish as of some children, that 
 they had never been born. Only five years passed ere 
 the fires of dissension began to kindle up anew, and 
 the flames blazed more fiercely than ever. 
 
 It having become necessary to furnish a new par- 
 sonage for Rev. Mr. Kuypers, a resolution was passed 
 to take out of the common fund two hundred pounds 
 for that purpose. As the four Consistories had joint 
 interest in the property, it is easily to be seen- how 
 jealousy could spring up in view of such an appropria- 
 tiqn. Mr. Froeligh and his people strenuously op- 
 posed it. Subsequently he consulted with his friends, 
 and in August II, 1795, asked from the Classis a dis- 
 solution of the union between the two Churches. 
 The Classis^refused to grant the request, but referred 
 the matter to the Particular Synod. Synod appointed, 
 a committee of reconciliation, with power to dissolve 
 the connection if found to be absolutely necessary. 
 
 The Commission to whom this business of recon- 
 ciliation was referred, consisted of Rev. Drs. Living- 
 
73 
 
 ston, Lewis, Condit, and "Rev. Messrs. Lowe and 
 Studdiford. It met with the congregation at liack- 
 ensack, in June 28th, 1796. The Rev. William Linn, 
 of New York, preached an appropriate sermon, on 
 an appropriate text, "Blessed are the peace-makers," 
 etc. A solemn and impressive allusion was made to the 
 occurrence of the year before, by which the stone 
 over the door-way was shattered, and the only one 
 harmed. He did not venture to " assert that there 
 was a particular voice in the thunders of that day, 
 but" he says, "it has been mentioned by many as 
 somewhat singular, that while differing about the ap- 
 propriation of some money, you should be made to 
 expend a part in repairing the damage to the church ; 
 and that this stone, bearing the remarkable inscription, 
 should be the only one which was removed . and 
 broken." Li closing, he said, "If the Commission 
 shall be so happy as to accomplish a reconciliation, a 
 new stone shall be engraven, and brought to its place 
 with honor and triumph. Unhurt by any dark cloud, 
 it shall remain a monument to late posterity, of re- 
 stored love and friendship. But if a separation shall 
 be judged expedient, let the broken stone cojitinue 
 as an emblem of disunited brethren."* 
 
 The new stone was not placed there ; the broken 
 one was cemented and replaced. However, a recon- 
 ciliation for a short time was effected, for the Com- 
 
 * Original Sermon in possession of Mrs. Abram Berry. 
 
74 
 
 mission fouad no reason for separation, especially 
 • since Mr. Kuypers and his people desired the union 
 to remain peaceably. The union was consequently 
 continued, and the money for the parsonage was ap- 
 propriated. Subsequently, in 1797, in order to heal 
 these breaches more perfectly, another committee 
 was appointed by the Synod, when a paper was drawn 
 up, by the provisions of which, both parties agreed 
 to stand. It consisted of the following articles : 
 
 " 1. All animosities shall cease. 
 
 " 2. All distinctions to be done away, as to the choice of mem- 
 bers of Consistories. They to be chosen without limitation, pro- 
 vided the member going out of oflBce shall nominate two persons, 
 one of whom shall be chosen. 
 
 " 3. A second minister to be called, but not without the unani- 
 mous consent of Mr. Kuypers' part of the Consistorj^. That if 
 double the sum of Mr. Froeligh's salary be raised, the calls shall be 
 equal. If not, Mr. Kuypers' people shall provide for his support. 
 The same provision is made in case of Mr. Froeligh's death or 
 removal. 
 
 "4. A parsonage house to be built by both congregations equally. 
 If Mr. Froeligh's people refuse, then the whole expense to be paid 
 .out of the fund." 
 
 It was not very long, however, before Dr. Froeligh 
 "withdrew the assent which he had so solemnly given 
 to the Articles of Peace. And consequently, strife 
 resumed its previous disgraceful reign. His dissent 
 .seems to have been based, according to his eulogist, 
 upon his having marked " the distinction between the 
 
75 
 
 precious and the vile, the clean and the unclean." 
 He had been reminded in his early efforts for union, 
 by one of his people, that it would be inadvisable 
 and unsuccessful in the end, for so it had been indi- 
 cated to him in a remarkable dream which he re- 
 lated.* 
 
 Dr. Froeligh too had " come to visions," bearing 
 upon the same matter, and which he took as ominous 
 of the Divine will, because it seemed to direct his 
 thoughts to a certain special passage of Scripture. 
 Jer. 15. 19-21. 
 
 At this juncture Rev. Mr. Kuypers became so 
 feeble that he was unable to take much part in the 
 discussions of the day. A request for a dissolution 
 of his connection with these Churches being presented 
 to the Classis, it was granted. He was declared 
 Emeritus (disabled), the congregation kindly promis- 
 ing to pay him one hundred and sixty pounds per 
 annum during his life. But death made the generous 
 provision unnecessary ; for only five days afterward 
 he was taken away, on September 10, 1797, in the 
 65th year of his age, and the 43d of his ministry. 
 He was Pastor o\ er these Churches about thirty years. 
 He may be said to be the ministerial link between 
 the past and the present, for there are those now liv- 
 ing who well remember him, but none who have any 
 
 * Lamentation by Rev. C. T. Demareat. 
 
76 
 
 distinct recollection of those who were before him. 
 His remains were placed in the earth just in front of 
 the pulpit of the church, as it stood when he died, 
 and there they were found in the excavations which 
 were recently made in connection with the enlarge- 
 ment of this building, but without even a stone or 
 stick to mark the resting spot, and are now deposited 
 beneath this pulpit, waiting that resurrection of the 
 dead which he preached. Rev. Mr. Kuypers seems to 
 have been a man much respected and beloved. Those 
 who speak of him at this late day, do it with peculiar 
 regard. One who knew him well (Dr. John Van 
 Buren), gives this rich testimony concerning him : 
 "As long as I have known him, even to this hour, has 
 he given conspicuous example for imitation, without 
 being interrupted by a single transaction over which 
 it is necessary to cast a veil. In short, this is the 
 portrait of the man I love and esteem. Grace with- 
 out austerity, friendly without dissimulation, and re- 
 ligious without hypocrisy. This cannot be deemed 
 flattery, for my soul abhors it. Frequently had he 
 regretted the state of the Church, and trusted that 
 Providence would still the waves of contention, and 
 say, ' hither shalt thou come and no further.' I have 
 more than once desired him to meet with the Con- 
 sistory during the dispute, and his general answer 
 was, ' trouble I hate. T have great reason to be 
 thankful for the number of years of my life already 
 past, but my glass is nearly run, and the bright pros- 
 
77 
 
 pect of a blessed hereafter fast opening to view. The 
 concerns of the temporalities of the Church I wish to 
 leave to others.' " 
 
 From our church records it appears, that on the 
 26th of August, 1797, only fifteen days before his 
 death, he received into communion on confession of 
 their faith, twenty-four persons. In person he was 
 quite large and corpulent, and wore a wig. He 
 preached in Dutch. He is said to have been a man 
 of high classical attainments, and some of his manu- 
 script sermons, written in Latin, are still in existence. 
 His residence was the stone house now occupied by 
 Mr. George Doremus, next to the Washington Insti- 
 tute. It is said that his method of tea-taking, as I 
 learn from our venerable friend Richard Paulison, 
 was to sit at the table after the rest were through the 
 meal, and quietly alternate a sip of tea with a whiff 
 from his pipe. 
 
 Dominie Kuypers left three sons, all of them minis- 
 ters of Christ: Gerardus A., Zecharias H. and Wil- 
 liam P. They are all now deceased. Gerardus A. 
 passed more than forty years of his ministry in the 
 City of New York, during twenty of which he was 
 senior Pastor of the Collegiate Churches, a man, 
 according to the testimony of Dr. Knox, of most 
 eminent qualifications in personal characteristics and 
 as a clergyman.* 
 
 * Dr. Spragae's Annals of R. D. Ch. 
 
78 
 
 Before the death of Mr. Kuypers, a request had 
 been made by the Consistories of Dr. Froeligh for a 
 dissolution of the connection existing between the 
 two Churches. But now he claimed that the Churches 
 were one, and opposed the action of the Synod in 
 appointing supplies for Mr. Kuypers' congregation. 
 Dr. Froeligh's opposition to a separation then became 
 so strong, that even the seat of the delegate from 
 Mr. Kuypers' Church was contested, on the ground 
 that the Churches were one. What his motives were 
 we shall leave others to imagine,' without passing any 
 judgment. 
 
 About this time (October, 1799), a call waS presented 
 to the Classis for approval, upon Rev. James V. C. 
 Romeyn, of the Churches of Greenbush and Wynants- 
 kill, in New York, from Rev. Mr. Kuypers' Church. 
 The approval of the call was opposed by Dr. Froeligh 
 and his friends. But the Classis gave it their approba- 
 tion nevertheless. Dr. Froeligh appealed to the Par- 
 ticular Synod against the Classis, on the ground plausi- 
 bly, that an elder from Mr. Kuypers' Church was 
 admitted to a seat in the Classis, and that the corpo- 
 rate seal had been affixed to said call without the 
 authority of the body corporate. Nevertheless, the 
 Synod sustained the Classis in their action. They 
 did so because they found that the charter-arrange- 
 ment was so complicated that it would be difficult for 
 any call to be made unless by sanction of the same 
 opposing party, who had the whole balance of power 
 
79 
 
 in controlling and opposing all the wishes of Mr; 
 Kuypers' Church. Indeed Dr. Froeligh gave it to be- 
 understood that no man should be called but such as. 
 suited his own will. Again he appealed from 
 Particular to General Synod. Meanwhile, Rev. Mr. 
 Romeyn had removed to Hackensack, and arrange- 
 ments were made for his installation. His Consistories 
 invited Dr. Froeligh to perform the installation ser- 
 vices, but he declined. Rev. John Cornelison was 
 then invited, and having acquiesced, performed the 
 duty December, 1799, preaching a sermon from 
 1 Thess. 2. 4. " But as we were allowed to be put 
 in trust with the Gospel, so we preach not as pleasing 
 men," etc. The sermon was subsequently published. 
 
 The whole case came up before the Synod, and was 
 disposed of by the adoption of two important resolu- 
 tions confirming the action of Particular Synod, by 
 which Mr. Romeyn was installed, and recommending 
 a separation of the Churches. Against this disposi- 
 tion of matters, Dr. Froeligh and his elder entered 
 their protest. 
 
 At this Synod it was deemed advisable to divide 
 the Classis of Hackensack, and the two Classes of 
 Bergen and Paramus were constituted out of it. The 
 Church under the charge of Mr. Froeligh was assigned 
 to the Classis of Paramus, and Mr. Romeyn's to the 
 Classis of Bergen. But, for a long time, the tempo- 
 ral afi'airs between the two Churches remained un- 
 settled. Repeated attempts were made by Mr. 
 
80 
 
 ■Romeyn's Church toward an equitable and satisfactory- 
 adjustment, but in vain. Mr. Froeligh's Church, 
 .claimed all the property, as a letter written by him to 
 Mr. Romeyn, December 26, 1800, indicates. 
 
 In the meanwhile the old house of worship at 
 Schraalenburgh, which was used by both the congre- 
 gations, became quite unfit for occupation, and Mr. 
 Froeligh's people, without consultation with Mr. 
 Romeyn's, proceeded to erect another building. Mr. 
 Romeyn's people consequently offered to pay one-half 
 the cost for its joint ownership and use. But this 
 offer was refused, and they were left without litiga- 
 tion to go on. It became necessary, therefore, for 
 them to provide for themselves, which necessity, like 
 many others in the Providence of God at the time 
 not understood, but subsequently are as designed for 
 good, proved a blessing in the erection of that noble 
 building, in wbicli the Reformed Church of Schraalen- 
 burgh now worship, under the ministry of Rev. Dr. 
 Gordon.* At the same time, the congregations of 
 Mr. Romeyn, in Hackensack and Schraalenburgh, 
 jointly purchased a parcel of land at Schraalenburgh, 
 on which they erected a parsonage for their Pastor. 
 
 Difficulties still existed tending to disturb the 
 peace, and serving as a canker to good feeling. 
 Patience had a fine field for development. The bush 
 burned on with as fierce a fire as that which Moses 
 
 * Dr. Gordon's Manual, p. 11. 
 
81 
 
 saw. The old church building at Schraalenburgh 
 became a bone of contention. When abandoned 
 (1801), Mr. Romeyn's people notified Dr. Froeligh's 
 that the furniture was taken from it for preservation, 
 until a division could be made. About the same 
 time, Dr. Froeligh's people proceeded to pull down 
 the building and appropriate its material exclusively 
 to themselves, which circumstance brought forth a 
 notice from Rev. Mr. Romeyn's people, asking them 
 to desist. But the work went on, and they were 
 allowed without litigation to proceed. The building 
 erected by them at Schraalenburgh, is the one usu- 
 ally called " The South Church," but recently en- 
 larged and remodeled at a heavy expense. Sub- 
 sequently, however, their temporal difficulties 
 were adjusted, and division of property was 
 made. 
 
 But the end of the trouble was not yet. The new 
 relationships of the separate Churches led to difficul- 
 ties in the matter of the transfer of members from one 
 Church to the other. Dr. Froeligh was arraigned for 
 disorderly and unconstitutional proceedings, and his 
 case came eventually before the General Synod. " In 
 defiance of church authority, Mr. Froeligh persistent- 
 ly refused to recognize this (Mr. Romeyn's) Church, 
 and took every occasion to make his contempt felt 
 by them and their Pastor. At length matters pro- 
 ceeded to such lengths that his conduct became 
 intolerable. He received members of this Church 
 6 
 
82 
 
 into his own, refusing to recognize them at all as 
 having been members of a lawful Church."* 
 
 Charges were also brought before the Classis 
 against Rev. Mr. Romeyn. The record of their trans- 
 actions in the Minutes of the Classis, is enough to 
 make any man of refined Christian feeling blush with 
 shame, f 
 
 The ecclesiastical proceedings instituted against 
 Dr. Froeligh before his Classis, were answered by 
 him through his showing that his Consistory assumed 
 the responsibility. The case was carried from the- 
 Classis to Particular Synod, and in 1 822, was brought 
 to a crisis. The action of Particular Synod sustain- 
 ing Mr. Romeyn's appeal, was appealed from, by the 
 Classis of Paramus, which had sustained Dr. Froeligh. 
 But the General Synod, by a vote of thirty-six to 
 eight, refused to sustain the appeal of the Classis. 
 This left the case open for trial by Classis, as an action 
 against Dr. Froeligh in his ministerial capacity. At 
 the meeting of Classis in September, 1822, the case 
 was called up. Dr. Froeligh was not present to pro- 
 ceed to trial. The Classis refused to go on with the 
 case. Mr. Romeyn again appealed to the Particular 
 Synod, because, though Dr. Froeligh was absent,, 
 all the merits of the case were before the Classis, 
 as a matter of record, and it was notorious that Dr. 
 
 * Dr. Gordon's Manual, 
 f See Minutes of Classis of Bergen. 
 
83 
 
 Froeligh had seceded from the Reformed Dutch 
 Church. This appeal, the Particular Synod in May, 
 1823, referred to the General Synod, for final trial. 
 It was presented to that judicatory in June following, 
 but withdrawn by Mr. E.omeyn " upon the ground 
 that the object contemplated would be brought up 
 through another channel." 
 
 At the meeting of General Synod in 1823, a printed 
 pamphlet was laid upon the table purporting to be 
 reasons assigned by a number of ministers, elders and 
 deacons, for declaring themselves " The True Reformed 
 Dutch Church in the United States of America," dated 
 at Schraalenburgh, October 25, 1822. It was signed 
 by the names of five ministers, eleven elders and nine 
 deacons. 
 
 The pamphlet was referred to the Committee on 
 Synodical Minutes, and they reported that as Dr. 
 Froeligh was a Professor of Theology, he was 
 directly answerable to General Synod. On the basis 
 of the pamphlet which he had signed, there was 
 tabled against him, substantially the following 
 charges : 
 
 1. Avowing himself a Seceder from the Eeformed Dutch 
 Church. 
 
 2. Implicating the constituted authorities of the Church in 
 grossest neglect of duty, such as disregarding discipline, prosti- 
 tuting the sacraments, etc. 
 
 3. Uniting with several deposed ministers of the Eeformed 
 
84 
 
 Dutch Church, in declaring themselves the "True Reformed Dutch 
 Church," thus acting in contempt of all ecclesiastical authority. 
 
 4. Promoting schism and dissension in the Church. 
 
 On these grounds Dr. Froeligh was cited to ap- 
 pear before the Sjniod. Not appearing, a second 
 citation was served upon him. To this his repl}^ was, 
 that he " should not reply to it '' 
 
 He was consequently removed from his office as 
 Professor, and suspended from the ministry. The 
 ostensible reason for this secession was the prevalence 
 of the Hopkinsian heresy, together with "the danger- 
 ous innovations both in doctrine and discipline." 
 
 Subsequently, " An address of the Commission of 
 General Synod to the ministers, officers and other 
 members of the Reformed Dutch Church, and especi- 
 ally to the ministers and churches of the Secession," 
 was printed and extensively circulated, in which the 
 whole matter of the Secession was reviewed, and the 
 charges brought against the Church of departure 
 from doctrines and duties, were ably answered, and 
 proved to be without any foundation whatever. 
 
 But it is well known to many, that this Seces- 
 sion was the maturing of a growth consisting of 
 petty personal difficulties and feelings, on which the 
 charges of doctrinal defection were grafted. The 
 Standards and Catechism of the Reformed (Dutch) 
 Church are the same as they were originally, and the 
 Secession have none other. The former recognize 
 
85 
 
 them, and their doctrines are taught as really even if 
 not as formally, as they ever were. It must be re- 
 membered too that there are views which are hyper- 
 doctrinal, and there are abuses of doctrine which are 
 as thoroughly heretical as certain views which seem 
 to fall below the docrinal standard. Doctrine is 
 one thing, interpretation of doctrine is another. It 
 is easy to judge a man a heretic when one makes his. 
 own interpretation of doctrine the proper standard. 
 It was by this method that the Pharisees accused 
 Christ of being a violator of God's law. Their ac- 
 cusation did not make him such. To be a Calvinist 
 it is not necessary that one should be a fatalist. 
 Calvinism abused and perverted has done far more 
 for the cause of its enemies than Calvinism under- 
 stood, and rightly represented. And the abuse and 
 perversion of Calvinism may be traced more closely 
 to its professed friends than they are willing to allow. 
 At the same time, the remark may be permitted, that 
 many to whom Calvinism is a monster of such horrid 
 mien, have more of it about them than they are. 
 aware of* Indeed, many who judge Calvinism, do 
 not really have clear views of what it is. 
 
 * It may be new to some, that it is claimed that the course of the party dis- 
 claiming farther connection with the old body, was not a Secession ; that their 
 act was simply the act of those abiding faithful to the old standards, while tb*- 
 old party were virtually Seceders, because, as charged, they departed from the 
 Reformed Dutch faith. On this no comment is needed. We append the fol- 
 lowing words of Dr. Froeligh: "The ministers, elders and deacons of the judica- 
 tories from which, for sufficient cause, as stated in our reasons, we have with;- 
 d/rawn.^' 
 
86 
 
 The germs of Secession are actually traceable as far 
 back as -1820, in the Classis of Montgomery. At 
 that time, in that locality, there were various griev- 
 ances, of which complaint was made, and warm dis- 
 putes which led some of the members of Classis to 
 absent themselves from their meetings. On this ac- 
 count /owr of the members were suspended, (Sylvanus 
 Palmer, Henry V. Wycoff, Nicholas Jones and Albert 
 Ammerman). But these were all restored in the 
 same year. In the following year, the grievances 
 continuing with new grounds of complaint. Rev. 
 Messrs. Palmer, Wycoflf, Tol and Ammerman, re- 
 nounced their connection with the Classis and the 
 Reformed Dutch Church. Classis therefore suspended 
 these individuals together with Mr. Jones, who, a few 
 months before, had declared himself independent. 
 
 In a manuscript on this subject, one whose state- 
 ments are worthy of all confidence, says : " This was 
 indeed the beginning of the Secession, only it did not 
 take an organic form until more than a year after, 
 when Dr. Froeligh proposed that these northern min- 
 isters, with himself, should unite, and constitute a 
 Classis in due form, which was accordingly done in 
 October, 1822." This then is the beginning "in 
 organic form" of that organization which is now 
 known under the emphatic and exclusive title of 
 the " True Reformed Dutch Church^'' thus being 
 .distinguished from what is considered false or 
 impure. 
 
87 
 
 In this body Dr. Froeligh continued to labor until 
 his death, which occurred October 8, 1827, in the 
 78th year of his age, an^^SSd of his ministry. He 
 was born on May 29, 17|0, near Red Hook, then in 
 the County of Albany. In his eighteenth year he 
 went to live with Rev. Theodorick Romeyn for the 
 purpose of being educated by him, in preparatory 
 iStudies. He continued with him three years. Under 
 him he made a profession of religion, although under 
 the Rev. John Schuneman's ministry, at Caatsban, 
 N. Y., he first received his religious impressions. 
 From Mr. Romeyn he came to this village and pur- 
 isued his studies under Mr. Peter Wilson (afterward 
 Dr.) Having received the degree of Bachelor of 
 Arts from the College 'of New Jersey, he studied 
 Theology under Rev. John H. Goetschius. Subse- 
 quently, in October, 1774, he was licensed, then, in 
 June 11th, L775, he was ordained, and installed Pas- 
 tor of the four Reformed Dutch Congregations in 
 Queen's County, Long Island. There he labored for 
 fifteen months, and because of the number disaffected 
 toward our National Independence he fied to New 
 Jersey, just escaping from being taken prisoner by 
 the British. In this perilous flight he lost his worldly 
 substance, including even his books and clothing. He 
 came immediately to Hackensack, where he preached 
 a sermon upon the impending revolutionary contest, 
 which, though warmly commended by many of his 
 hearers, so enraged the Tories that they could scarce 
 
88 
 
 restrain their demonstrations of dissatisfaction even 
 till the close of his service. 
 
 Subsequently, he went North with Dr. Livingston, 
 and settled tem,porarily over the congregations of 
 Fishkill and Poughkeepsie. After three years he 
 accepted a call to the united congregations of Ne- 
 Shanick and Millstone, in Somerset County, N. J. 
 While there, a great revival took place. After a 
 severe illness he was given up to awful depression for 
 six years, and for weeks together at one time, he 
 could not bring himself to enter the pulpit. But re- 
 lief came, and he was never troubled thus again. In 
 1786, he became Pastor of the Churches of Hacken- 
 sack and Schraalenburgh. Though for years his min- 
 istry was attended with no special success, yet a 
 powerful revival began with a J^ast-day sermon, 
 which he preached the first season of the prevalence 
 of the yellow fever in Philadelphia. Tn 1791, Mr. 
 Froeligh was chosen one of two Lectors of Theolo- 
 gy, as successor to Rev. Dr. Myer. In 1797, he was 
 chosen a Professor of Theology, and continued in 
 this office until 1823. In 1811, the degree of Doctor 
 of Divinity was conferred upon him by Queen's Col- 
 lege. The last sermon he preached was at Schraalen- 
 burgh, August 5, 1827, from Rev. 3 : 21. This was. 
 his last visit to the sanctuary. One of his dying 
 sayings was, " I have had many, and bitter enemies 
 who have tried to do me the greatest of all possible 
 injuries in the world, but I can say from the heart, I 
 
89 
 
 do not feel the least ill-will against any of them. I 
 am at peace with my enemies, and can forgive them 
 all." Dr. Froeligh was married to Rachel, daughter 
 of Isaac Vanderbeck. They had nine children. His 
 eldest son Peter Ditmarse, became a clergyman and 
 was settled for some time over the Churches of the 
 Secession, in Acquackenonck and English Neighbor- 
 hood. 
 
 Dr. Froeligh was an earnest advocate of his politi- 
 cal views, and defended them in the pulpit, on what 
 he deemed proper occasions. He was one of the 
 electors of President of the' United States for the 
 State of New Jersey, in 1 800, and gave his vote for 
 Thomas Jefferson. The testimonials given of his 
 personal characteristics by Dr. Thomas De Witt and 
 Dr. Henry Ostrander, in Dr. Sprague's Annals of the 
 Reformed Dutch Pulpit, are of very high order. "He 
 was of about the ordinary size, perhaps slightly cor- 
 pulent, and with a countenance rather staid and sober 
 than expressive of strong emotion. His manners, 
 though not highly cultivated, were not generally 
 other 9\rise than courteous, unless, perhaps, towards 
 some of his ecclesiastical neighbors with whom his 
 relations were such as not to inspire any great cordi- 
 ality. His mind was clear and discriminating, and 
 his communications whether in or out of the pulpit 
 were easily understood " (Dr. De Witt). " I think it 
 was impossible for one to be a witness of his daily, 
 life without being deeply impressed by the strength. 
 
90 
 
 of his devout feelings and Ms conscientious devoted- 
 ness to his work as a minister of Christ. He was 
 very earnest in his advocacy of experimental religion, 
 and in inculcating the necessity of forming the 
 Churches to a higher type of spirituality. He ex- 
 horted, prayed, sighed continually for more boldness 
 and energy in discipline, more caution in the admis- 
 sion of members, and more conformity to the letter 
 and spirit of our constitutional requirements. It is 
 evident enough that he was occasionally subject to 
 deep mental depression and temptations, to doubt 
 and unbelief; and on other occasions, especially in 
 his public ministrations, and in the distribution of the 
 sacramental elements his mind seemed wrapt into a 
 state of holy admiration." — (Dr. Ostrander.) 
 
 Subsequently, in 1829, a secession from the Seces- 
 sion took place, and a classis was formed, consisting 
 of Rev. H. V. Wycoff, S. Palmer, Henry Bellinger* 
 and Albert Ammerman, the latter of whom had served 
 the Church of Johnstown and Maysfield, in an inde- 
 pendent capacity. This separation from the Secession 
 was followed by another in 1832, under Rev. C. Z. 
 Paulison. Mr. Paulison was deposed because : 
 
 " 1. He took exception to a law of the ' True Reformed Dutch 
 Church," which made it necessary that every witness in a church 
 court should be a member of said Church in good and regular 
 standing, before any testimony could be received. 
 
 * Mr. Bellinger is now Pastor of an Independent Reformed Dutch Church 
 at Sharon, N. T. 
 
91 
 
 " 2. Because he maintained ' that the essence of saving faith 
 consisted in a full persuasion of Christ's love to our souls.' 
 
 '' 3. Because he maintained ' that we can infallibly know 
 ourselves to he Christians.' 
 
 "4. Because he approved of the sentiment 'that the saints can 
 do no wrong ; that sin cannot hurt them ; that God sees no sin in 
 them.' (By this he meant that ' a true believer does not commit 
 sin unto condemnation.' ")* 
 
 This Secession styled itself " The Reformed Church." 
 The Church of '' the Secession" at Paterson, united 
 with it, at Hackensack, having Mr. Paulison as joint 
 Pastor. He was dismissed in 1840. Then Rev. John 
 Felty succeeded him in March, 1842. In October, 1843, 
 the Rev. Albert Ammerman was installed Pastor of 
 these Churches. In 1855, he was dismissed from the 
 Church of Paterson, to minister solely to the Church 
 at Hackensack, over which he is now the venerable 
 and venerated Pastor. 
 
 The General Synod having suspended Dr. Froeligh 
 and his co-partners m secession, they, in their turn, 
 proposed by resolution to declare excommunicated 
 all those who did not withdraw with them, and the 
 whole Dutch Church was pronounced delivered over 
 to Satan until they repent (according to the words of 
 the resolution of excommunication. ) But afterward 
 the subject was postponed indefinitely. f 
 
 * Minutes of Synod of T. R. D. Church, June, 1828, pp. 16, 11. June, 1832, 
 p. 12. Address of C. Z. Paulison. 
 
 f These references are made historically, and not for purposes of animadver- 
 sion, nor with a desire to revive old animosities. They deserve to perish. 
 They have done harm enouf?h. Let love reign. But as strangers make in- 
 
92 
 
 For some time subsequent to this, the congregation 
 of Dr. Froeligh continued to worship in this building, 
 notwithstanding the separation. Out of courtesy, 
 and a desire for peace, and probably the expectation 
 that "the Secession" would provide for itself, the Rev. 
 Mr. Romeyn's people did not assert their claim to the 
 exclusive possession and use of the church property. 
 But when the Pastor, Rev. C. Z. Paulison, who suc- 
 ceeded Dr. Froeligh, seceded from the Church over 
 which he was ministering, and abandoned the pulpit, 
 being deposed by the Classis of the new party, then 
 this Church did assert its exclusive right to the prop- 
 erty which it has since held. 
 
 The following is a copy of the action taken by the 
 Consistory of Rev. Mr. Romeyn's. Church, as a refer- 
 ence to the book of minutes will show, at a meeting 
 held May 9, 1832. 
 
 It was Resolved^ That the following notice be put 
 upon the Church door : 
 
 quiries respecting the relations of the Churches in this community, and an 
 historical discourse must deal with historic truths or be defective, these plain 
 statements are designed to afford a medium of desired information. 
 
 The author of this Discourse takes this opportunity to say, that during his 
 ministry in Hackensack, he has failed to discover the existence of anything 
 like hostiKty of feeling on the part of the old body toward those " who went 
 out from them," whatever they may have suffered from their severe reflections. 
 
 Those desiring further information on the subject, and from an opposite stand- 
 point from that of the author, which will exhibit the original temper of the 
 Secession, are referred to the following sources: "A Lamentation over the 
 Rev. Solomon Froeligh, S. S. T. D. and P.," by Rev. Cornelius T. Demarest, 
 A. M., atque V. D. M., Minister of the King Street Church, New York. The 
 notes are specially significant. 
 
 "The Minutes of the General Synod of the ' True Reformed Dutch Church.'" 
 
 Pamphlets of Rev. C. Z. Paulison. 
 
93 
 
 " To aU mhom it may Concern : 
 
 " We, the Ministers, Elders and Deacons of the 
 Dutch Reformed congregation of Hackensack, in the 
 County of Bergen, and State of New Jersey, being 
 the corporate or body politic known and distinguished 
 by that name, do hereby publish and make known, 
 that since the secession of Dr. Froeligh and his con- 
 gregation, we have viewed ourselves as the rightful 
 owners of the church, and all the property vested in 
 the joint corporation and body politic, in the year 
 1789. That our not asserting our claim, and pursuing 
 legal measures to obtain a decision in law, has merely 
 been owing to courtesy and a desire to cultivate good 
 neighborhood. A division having recently taken place, 
 among those who constituted the Secession, the church 
 and pulpit having been abandoned by the lately set- 
 tled preacher and we remaining in possession, have 
 
 ^'■Resolved, and by these presents do resofee. That 
 we keep the exclusive possession of the church and 
 property connected therewith, and will permit no 
 person or persons to officiate therein without our ap- 
 probation and consent; it being understood as our 
 meaning and intent, that persons owning pews or 
 seats in the church, are at liberty and welcome to oc- 
 cupy them, but in subordination to the constituted 
 authorities of the Dutch Reformed Church, in her 
 Classis and Synod. It is further stated, that if our 
 right is contested, we are willing and ready to have 
 
94 
 
 the case tried in some court of law or equity, and 
 there decided in a peaceable and friendly manner. 
 
 " Considering the unhappy state of ill-will, anarchy 
 and confusion to be without justifiable cause, unchris- 
 tian and injurious to religion, it is to us, who have 
 uniformly adhered to the Dutch Reformed Church, 
 and continue to profess ourselves subordinate to her 
 government and standing, a matter of deep regret." 
 
 Appended to this is a subsequent minute, in the 
 following words: "In consequence of the above 
 notice, we are in peaceable possession. Mr. Paulison's 
 as well as the old secession party, have each built a 
 church." 
 
 The ground taken on which this decision was made 
 was, that the property belonged to the body from 
 which the Secession went forth. The Secession dis- 
 claimed all connection with the original body — went 
 out from it as if from an "unclean thing," which it 
 branded it, and became thus a body by itself, leaving 
 the old body by itself. And it was presumed that a 
 Secession which was so radical in doctrine, even to 
 disfellowship, certainly included the poor dust of 
 earthly possession. The line had been drawn by the 
 Secession, and it seemed becoming that it should run 
 all the way through to the other side, and so it was 
 run there. As it was, the old ownership of pews 
 was not at all questioned, nor is it to this day. 
 
 Indeed, when the question of a separation of the 
 
95 
 
 two Churches was recommended by General Synod, 
 Dr. Froeligh distinctly stated ''that if a separation of 
 civil concerns is intended to imply a claim on any fart 
 of the property held by the corporation^ they deem such 
 clo/im altogether unfounded^ because by separating with- 
 out consent^ and even in defiance of the most spirited 
 opposition on our part, and by forming themselves into 
 a distinct congregation, your adherents have undoubted- 
 ly dissolved their connection with the body corporate, and 
 forfeited all title to its property.'''' Such was his doc- 
 trine even when a separation was suggested on 
 mutual grounds. Then how much more applicable 
 was it in the case of a secession. And yet even then,, 
 individual claims were allowed. 
 
 Mr. Romeyn continued to minister to these joint 
 congregations of Hackensack and Schraalenburgh, 
 until the year 1833. Having suffered from a slight 
 attack of paralysis which made this double charge 
 too onerous, he asked release from the pastorate of 
 Schraalenburgh, which was granted. The time hav- 
 arrived at which it seemed proper that each of these 
 Churches should maintain a separate pastorate, the 
 combined consistories resolved to request Classis to 
 dissolve their joint relationship. At the same time, 
 March 26, 1833, the Church at Hackensack executed a 
 call upon Rev. James Romeyn, son of their aged Pas- 
 tor, to become a colleague of his father. In April fol- 
 lowing ( 1 833), the Classis of Bergen, dissolved the com- 
 bined relationships of the two Churches, and the 
 
96 
 
 pastoral tie of the Rev. Mr. Romeyn to Schraalen- 
 burgh, and likewise approved the call upon his son. 
 This call was accepted, and Rev. James Romeyn 
 entered very soon upon his labors. The father re- 
 tained nominally the pastorate of the Church, and 
 continued in feebleness to occupy the pulpit until the 
 first Sabbath in May, when he ministered in the sanc- 
 tuary for the last time. He is said to have cherished 
 the desire to maintain his position until he might 
 yield it, without a Sabbath's interruption, to his own 
 son. One who has made a record of the incident, 
 says: " That son felt the scene to be sublime. The 
 dignified retirement from a pastorate of more than 
 thirty years, and the taking of his place in the pew as 
 a hearer of the word, to be one of the flock to be 
 guided into the green pastures of Gospel provision 
 by a son so well-beloved, was, indeed, a spectacle 
 for men and angels to look upon with pleasure."* 
 It is said that on this occasion he gave out the Psalm 
 137, p. 3, containing the words; 
 
 "For her my tears shall fall; 
 
 For her my prayers ascend ; 
 To her my cares and toils be given, 
 
 Till toils and cares shall end." 
 
 The last public service of Rev. James V. C Romeyn 
 was at a funeral over an aged member of his Church, 
 which was rendered in the Dutch language. His 
 
 * Christian IntelKgencer, October 13, 1859. 
 
97 
 
 pastorate was finally resigned September 16, 1834, 
 having served this people for nearly thirty-five years. 
 Gradually his strength failed him, and he died June 
 27, 1840, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. His 
 sepulchre is with us unto this day. Rev. James V. 
 C. Romeyn occupied, at one period, as the parsonage, 
 the place which is at present the residence of Mrs. 
 Charlotte Anderson. Subsequently, it was sold, and 
 he purchased the property now belonging to W. S. 
 Banta, Esq., which he occupied until he erected the 
 building adjoining, in which he died. His ministry 
 was blest by the addition to the communion of the 
 Church on confession of 348 members. Fruit is still 
 being gathered from seed sown by his hand, and 
 there are those who through his ministry became 
 " plants of grace," of whom it may be truly said : 
 
 " Time that doth all things else impair, 
 Still makes them flourish strong and fair." 
 
 However indelicate, on the part of your speaker, 
 anything like eulogy would be of one who was so 
 near and dear to him as Mr. Romeyn, yet it is not 
 too much for even him to say, that his name is so fra- 
 grant with sweet memories, that his children and 
 children's children find the most pleasing satisfaction 
 in its mention. The papers which have been pre- 
 sented bearing upon the unhappy controversies of his 
 day, indicate a very firm, decided, yet gentle spirit, 
 which seems to have well warranted the Classis in 
 7 
 
98 
 
 making the reference to him they did in their resolu- 
 tion of respect, at the time of the dissolution of his 
 pastorate, relating to " his conciliatory and Christian 
 disposition." 
 
 James Van Campen Romeyn was born at Minisink, 
 Sussex County, N. J., on the 15th of November, 
 1765. His father was the Rev. Thomas Romeyn, 
 who was first settled at Jamaica, L. I., in 1751. He 
 was one of seven sons, four of whom devoted them- 
 selves to the ministry. His literary education was 
 obtained at the Schenectady Academy. His theolo- 
 gical course was pursued under his relation Dr. Dirck 
 Romeyn, and he was licensed by the Synod of New 
 York, October 5, 1787. In a few weeks after, he was 
 called to the united congregations at Greenbush and 
 Schodack, and settled February, 1788. He married 
 the youngest daughter of Maus Van Vranken, of 
 Schenectady. It was one of her maxims, and prac- 
 tised by her, " Let ministers mind their congregations, 
 and let their wives take charge of their families." 
 He formed a second marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth 
 Pell, of Paramus, N. J., who survived him. 
 
 He remained in his first charge till July 1, 1794, 
 when he became Pastor of the united Churches of 
 Greenbush and Wynantskill, residing at Bloomingrove, 
 two miles east of Albany, where he continued to 
 minister until called to Hackensack. 
 
 The following characteristic of him has been fur- 
 nished by Rev. J. R. Berry, D.D. : 
 
99 
 
 "The ministry of Rev. James V. C. Romeyn ex- 
 tended from 1799 to 1833. It fell upon the most 
 troublous times of our denomination, in this section 
 of the country. Previous to his call to this Church, 
 the signs of a fearful tempest were thickening on 
 ■every hand. Hackensack already gave tokens of be- 
 coming the principal point of the great struggle 
 which ensued. After the death of Rev. W. Kuypers, 
 the question of another Pastor presented no ordinary 
 difficulty. The great need was a man who should 
 properly combine the elements of true piety, firmness, 
 prudence and love of peace. These characteristics 
 Mr. Romeyn was widely known to possess, and upon 
 the basis of this reputation he was called to the pas- 
 torate of the Churches of Hackensack and Schraalen- 
 burgh, without having been seen or heard among 
 them. How well he sustained the reputation which 
 he thus brought with him is well known to many yet, 
 who remember him in his active life. 
 
 " Of his piety, the sweetest memories have been 
 •cherished, and repeated by those who knew him in 
 the fond relations of his home, or in the confidence 
 ■of personal friendship. His natural, loving and sincere 
 ■disposition was sanctified by his sincere and loving faith 
 in Jesus. This gave his children that peculiar fond- 
 ness with which they regarded him while Uving, and 
 revered his memory when dead. This shone out con- 
 spicuously also in all his public ministrations, in which 
 neither abstract dogmatism nor fierce polemics, nor 
 
100 
 
 fiery denunciation, nor any attempt at brilliant elo- 
 quence appeared, but mainly a tender and instructive 
 presentation of the Cross. 
 
 "One peculiarity of Mr. R.'s ministry, was the extra- 
 ordinary facility with which he appropriated Scrip- 
 ture texts and language to peculiar occasions. This- 
 was particularly conspicuous at communion seasons,, 
 when, as he handed the bread to each communicant 
 personally, he repeated a text suitable to that person's 
 case. As a single illustration, out of multitudes, may 
 be mentioned, the case of a timid believer who, after 
 long hesitation, had at length professed his Saviour's 
 name. At the next communion his daughter was 
 brought into the fold. As Mr. R. passed the bread 
 to the happy father, he repeated the words, ' Said I 
 not unto thee that if thou wouldst believe thou 
 shouldst seethe glory of God?' The same feature 
 appeared in the very last public service he attempted. 
 It was an address at the communion table. Enfeebled 
 by paralysis, and with broken utterance, he began 
 his remarks with the affecting language of Job, ' Have 
 pity upon me, have pity upon me, ye my friends ; 
 for the hand of God hath touched me.' 
 
 " In all matters where fidelity to righteousness de- 
 manded firmness, Mr. Romeyn was firm to the last 
 degree. But his constant desire was for peace. He 
 disliked strife. Few men were ever subjected to sO' 
 many gross personal insults as he. The intense ex- 
 citement of the times, the bitterness of party feeling, 
 
101 
 
 the fierce contests growing out of the ' Secession,' 
 poured upon him from pulpits, in ecclesiastical meet- 
 ings, along the streets, and even at funerals, the most 
 unwarrantable and gross abuse ; but not an instance 
 •of angry retort or ungarded utterance have we ever 
 heard related of him. His life was a singular illustra- 
 tion of the ancient rule, ' always to treat an enemy in 
 such a manner that he may become your friend.' In 
 dignity of manner, in marvellous self control, in true 
 charity of heart, and in readiness to forgive, he was 
 worthy of a distinguished companionship among those 
 who aspire to be ' blameless and harmless, the sons of 
 'God without rebuke.' 
 
 " A noticable feature of his character, was his dis- 
 interestedness, and ready self-denial. When stricken 
 by paralysis, he voluntarily resigned his position and 
 :all its perquisites, making no mention of any claims 
 which he might justly be considered to have after a 
 faithful ministery of thirty-five years. 
 
 "During the last eight years of his life the earthly 
 house of his tabernacle was shattered by repeated 
 attacks of paralysis. His mind suffered in the feeble- 
 ness of his body. Patiently he waited the signal for 
 his departure. The last token of earthly recognition 
 was given in response to the question, ' Do you know 
 .that you are almost home ? ' In a few hours that 
 home was reached, and mortality was swallowed up 
 of life. 
 
 " In review of the life of Mr. Romeyn, feelings of 
 
102 
 
 special satisfaction arise in regard both to his personal 
 characteristics, and his peculiar adaptation to the 
 time and place of his ministry. It is doubtful if the 
 whole number of the ministers of our Church in that 
 day could have furnished another who would have 
 borne the trials and met the difficulties of his position 
 better than he." 
 
 The following incident will serve as an illustration 
 of his candor and promptness in moderating his self- 
 respect. " At a certain time one summer, when his; 
 house was filled with company, he was visited by an 
 agent of a religious benevolent society, whose busi- 
 ness would necessarily occupy several days, and whom 
 the family materially discommoded themselves to ac- 
 commodate. The second or third day after he came,, 
 a grandson, given to rummaging, took down a manu- 
 script volume from the side-board, and after looking 
 into it for a few minutes, exclaimed, ' Oh, grandpa ! 
 here is a book that has something in about you.' Mr.. 
 Romeyn took the book, without knowing where it 
 came from, and found it was in the hand-writing of his. 
 guest, the agent, and that he had described his con- 
 gregation as cold and dead, and very penurious, and 
 himself as old-fashioned, having no life, behind the- 
 age, etc., etc. In due time the agent came back to 
 dinner, and was suffered to partake of a hospitable 
 meal in peace. After conversing a little while Mr. R^ 
 got the book and asked him if it was his, and related 
 to him the circumstance which had made him ac- 
 
103 
 
 quainted with its contents. Then handing it to him 
 said, ' Sir, 1 have learned what is in that book by- 
 accident. I extended to you the hospitality of my 
 house at no small inconvenience. I favored your 
 object by ray personal subscription, and endorsed 
 your application among my people. I find you have 
 maligned us both ; and having detected you in play- 
 ing the spy, and even reporting falsehood, T cannot 
 consent that you should remain longer, and you will 
 oblige me by leaving my house immediately and de- 
 sisting from your collections.' "* 
 
 Mr. Romeyn was always ready to bear his propor- 
 tion of labor and responsibility. He was a Trustee 
 of Queens (now Rutgers) College, from 1807 until 
 his death, and one of the largest and most efficient 
 collectors of the Theological Professorial Fund. The 
 plan of the Theological Seminary of the Reformed 
 Dutch Church was drawn up by him, and his influence 
 was lai'gely exercised in shaping the denominational 
 policy of the Church. 
 
 Although his son, the Rev. James Romeyn, had 
 entered upon his labors sometime previous, yet it was 
 not until October, 1835, that he was actually installed 
 as Pastor. He remained, however, only until Sep- 
 tember of the following year (1836), having received 
 and accepted a call from the Reformed Dutch Church 
 at Catskill, N. Y., where he remained until the close 
 
 * Dr. Sprag-je's Annals of R. D. Ch. 
 
104 
 
 'of the year 1842, when enfeebled health compelled 
 the relinquishment of so responsible a charge. Thence 
 he removed to Leeds, N. Y. (Old Catskill), where he 
 remained until called and removed in 1844, to Ber- 
 gen Neck. He was called thence to Geneva, N. Y., 
 and seemed to enter upon his labors with renewed 
 vigor. But it was only to have in a brief month's 
 time that deep, dark shadow of affliction fall over 
 him in a paralytic stroke which ended his ministerial 
 work. From Geneva he removed to the City of New 
 Brunswick. There his life was spared until Septem- 
 ber 7th 1859, when he slept the sleep of the "beloved." 
 His sepulchre is with his father's, hard by us who are 
 here to-day. It is a plot of ground which was a gift 
 out of peculiar respect to him from a parishioner 
 whose love was the love of a fondest friend. Dear 
 thy dust, my father ! Dearer still thy memory, thou 
 departed in the Lord ! Resurrection hopes gather 
 -around thy grave, and I shall 
 
 " Meet thee on that peaceful shore." 
 
 His tombstone bears the following inscription, taken 
 from among his own later utterances, and placed there 
 by his family, as expressive of his own views after 
 having spent his life in the Ministry of the Gospel : 
 
 *' Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, Lord. 
 I have passed my days from early manhood as a Min- 
 ister of Jesus Christ That is enough f I am satis- 
 
105 
 
 Jied ! God has led me by a right way. Bless the Lord 
 my soul ! " 
 
 The following characteristic of Mr. Romeyn is 
 furnished by Rev. W". V. V. Mabon, D. D., of New 
 Durham, N. J. : 
 
 "My acquaintance with the Rev. James Romeyn 
 began in the year 1835. He had been at that time 
 the Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church in Hack- 
 ensack, for perhaps two or three years. He was 
 thirty -niae years old, and in the prime of his powers. 
 Although not old enough to take the proper measure 
 of his abilities, my opportunities of forming a correct 
 and truthful estimate of his characteristics may be re- 
 garded as more than a compensation for any want of 
 ripeness of judgment at the time. 
 
 " At that date, the village was a place of some 
 intelligence, excellent morals, and singular uniformity 
 in the class of its dwellings, equally removed from 
 grandeur and squalor. There was little, if any, ab- 
 solute poverty or ignorance, and as it was the site of 
 a formerly famous Academy, and was also the seat of 
 the Court House of the County, there were enough 
 persons of the professions which demand a liberal 
 •education to give a decided tone of sound intelligence 
 to the community in which the subject of these obser- 
 vations was called to exercise the pastoral office. T 
 very soon learned that our Pastor was a man of dis- 
 
106 
 
 tinguished reputation as a preacher. I gathered this 
 from the remarks of his auditors from Sabbath to Sab- 
 bath, and from observing the attendance upon his 
 messages of people of education, taste and travel, re- 
 siding in the village, whose presence at his or any 
 church, could not be attributed in every instance ta 
 the mere force of custom. The same impression was 
 confirmed by the frequent announcements from time 
 to time of his having received calls to other Churches 
 of importance in the denomination. Indeed, he had 
 ministered suflBciently long among the Churches, both 
 in New York and New Jersey, to have made him a 
 man of general note beyond the bounds of his own 
 congregation. 
 
 ''He was a man of ardent devotion. His official 
 prayers were solemn, humble and fervent. They 
 were filled with words and pleas taken from the 
 Scriptures, and considering the rapidity of his utter- 
 ance, embraced great range and fullness, as they could 
 not but do when protracted, as were usually his ser- 
 mons also, somewhat beyond the average length of 
 those services as rendered by other men. A mutual 
 relative once related to me her casual cognizance of 
 his spending, on an occasion of her being at his house,, 
 the greater part of the whole night in wrestling with 
 God in prayer. As was said to Nathaniel : ' When 
 thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee ;' so it waS: 
 not possible for the occupant of a contiguous room 
 not to become the witness of those secret transacr 
 
107 
 
 tions with God, which are the basis of ministerial' 
 efficiency as they are of personal effort. 
 
 "Let us notice the correspondence in sentiment, of 
 parents and their children. His mother, who was a 
 woman of great strength of character, as well as a 
 model of the domestic capabilities and virtues, had, 
 previous to her own death, received a distinct impres- 
 sion of the event, in a vivid dream. Knowing its. 
 meaning, she informed her family of her coming de- 
 parture, and in the animation of the solemn prospect 
 she concluded and crowned the exhortation made in 
 her dying chamber to those about her, by addressing 
 her son with these words : ' Preach Christy James ! 
 Preach Christ P These words are the key-note to the 
 theme and preaching of our subject. Whatever may 
 have been the peculiarities of the preacher, the 
 power and the attraction of the preaching was its 
 evangelical character. Jesus Christ in the Gospel 
 and vital religion through the working of the Holy 
 Spirit in the heart, was the substance in one form or 
 another of all his services. He once remarked to me 
 in a criticism upon Robert Hall : ' All he says is the 
 same that we say, only a little more elegantly said. 
 The fare is precisely the same, but better cooked.'' 
 Fidelity to the Gospel was a marked feature in his- 
 administration of the Gospel. He never let down his 
 theme, but lifted his hearers up to it. His fidelity 
 was accompanied with visible zeal for gospel truth,, 
 and the Master's honor. Perhaps (from the descrip- 
 
108 
 
 tion of others) the most powerful effort he made at 
 any time was when the Washingtonian Temperance 
 movement began the innovation of Sabbath-evening 
 temperance meetings. The character of many in the 
 movement was doubtful, and the services in this in- 
 stance were not held in the interests of Christianity. 
 He felt called on to preach on the sanctification of the 
 Sabbath, which he did with great effect. With his 
 earnest temperament, his fidelity to the people of his 
 charge was openly manifest. He felt himself to be in 
 the position of Ezekiel's watchman, and not seldom 
 made us feel his determination to clear his skirts of 
 the blood of our souls. His warnings were persistent 
 and terrible. He spared no sin nor searching exam- 
 ination into the springs of sin. You could see he 
 watched for souls as one who should give account. 
 
 "Mr. Romeyn, for so we shall call him, since he 
 refused the honorary clerical title conferred on him 
 by the Trustees of Columbia College, was not only 
 faithful in the pulpit but was a minister of the Gospel 
 all through. My memory lingers with pleasure upon 
 his conscientious and cheerful performances of the 
 social duties of his charge. The houses of his peo- 
 ple were always open to his visits, which were not 
 stiff and formal calls, but genuine visits. By this 
 means he would put himself into communication with 
 the families, and while he gained their confidence he 
 gained the most important knowledge, the knowledge 
 of their real state. I may add, he knew how to make 
 
109 
 
 use of this knowledge in a telling way. It is an 
 admirable proof of the reality of our interest in 
 others, whenever we are willing to devote a large 
 portion of our time to personal attentions involving 
 labor of a kind differing so much from the intellectual 
 preparation required for the pulpit. My recollections 
 of his pastoral affection are very agreeable. A touch 
 of the same kind might be seen in his way of admin- 
 istering the Lord's Supper, at which time he himself' 
 would distribute to the communicants, one by one, 
 and add in each instance some promise or exhortation 
 in scripture words, with an application which, without 
 personal knowledge and affection, would have been 
 impossible. 
 
 " The moral qualities of the man were mainly, hones- 
 ty, earnestness, humility and kindness. In the circle 
 of his friends he was playful, and if in his use of lan- 
 guage respecting others he was ever severe, it may be 
 doubted whether any man, especially one of a ner- 
 vous organization, is aware of the strength of his own 
 words. The proof of his humility is clear from the 
 comparative retirement of his life, notwithstanding 
 the numerous and tempting invitations which were 
 extended to him to occupy places of more prominence. 
 If he had been endowed with a better digestion, a 
 great want would have been supplied, and the disease 
 which terminated his career might have been longer 
 averted. As it was, the constitutional irritability of his 
 temperament never separated him from the confidence 
 
110 
 
 of his friends, and though it would at times disturb 
 the self-poise of a nature otherwise well balanced, it 
 did, as in may persons of like organization, contribute 
 to the energy of all his other endowments. 
 
 " His friendships, indeed, were ardent, and as a char- 
 acteristic feature of his ministry, he made in the 
 several places of his labor, life-long friends, who kept 
 up these personal relations, wherever he might after- 
 ward sojourn, which in many cases were handed down 
 on both sides from parents to children. Even outside 
 the sacred circle of the Christian communion, it was 
 no uncommon thing for persons who had known him 
 as a preacher, to make their arrangements when travel- 
 ing in his neighborhood, to avail themselves of his 
 hospitality, and to renew their enjoyment of his 
 ministrations in the services of the church. His con- 
 fidences, when bestowed upon others, were complete 
 and child-like, and if absolute transparency of char- 
 acter may be affirmed of any man, it may be affirmed 
 of him. If there was any fault, he was too artless and 
 open for the safety of his own happiness at all times. 
 But this is the necessary compensation for the posses- 
 sion of such qualities. 
 
 " Intellectually, Mr. Romeyn was a man of ready 
 perception and of diligent preparation for public 
 duties. Whether he expected too much from elabor- 
 ate study or not, he could never be charged with 
 slovenliness or neglect to bring out the best on all oc- 
 casions. He was not guilty of abusing the grace of 
 
Ill 
 
 God under the pretence of depending on the Divine 
 interposition to ward off the results of his own indo- 
 lence. He either wrote out his sermon in full, or 
 preached from an analysis embracing every point and 
 illustration of the whole subject, and there was the 
 same fullness and richness on the funeral occasions or 
 at the lecture in the school house as in the sanctuary. 
 If there were a dozen hearers, or a crowded house 
 whoever was there was served with the same viands 
 in all their abundance, rich, seasoned and smoking 
 hot. 
 
 " His excursions through the fields of literature and 
 observation, as well as his theological reading, were 
 made chiefly subsidiary to the pulpit. Although he 
 depended much upon his manuscript, the manuscript 
 was often prepared in an incredibly short time, on un- 
 expected calls, owing to the fact of his materials be- 
 ing always at hand, and to the rapidity of his use of 
 the pen. In fact, the pen was his constant companion 
 and weapon. He was prolific in epistolary corres- 
 pondence, and one of the most liberal patrons of the 
 mail. His literary labors were not confined to ser- 
 mons and letters. From time to time he contributed 
 articles of interest to the press, and in the councils 
 of the Church, was the author of a comprehensive, 
 far-sighted Report, of which the views and recommen- 
 dations offered, have in many cases been incorporated 
 into the working organization of the denomination. 
 In fact, as is the case with most ministers of the Gos- 
 
112 
 
 pel, his views of policy were so much in advance of 
 the perceptions and of the willingness to work on the 
 part of the people, that disagreement could not fail 
 to arise between them. I am cognizant of such facts 
 in at least a single instance, and suppose it was pro- 
 bably the rule. 
 
 "His physiognomy and personal appearance were 
 decidedly marked. With light hair and eyes, thin 
 face, large nose, mouth and chin, tall and bony fi-ame, 
 pale complexion and erect attitude, his appearance 
 excited the additional interest usually felt for persons 
 sufferiug from the want of vigorous health. His voice 
 was deep, and its tones solemn, at times even sepul- 
 chral, and his bearing thoroughly clerical. As in his 
 pastoral relations he carried with him the character- 
 istics of the genuine Dominie, so in his personal ap- 
 pearance he conveyed to the eye a sentiment of the 
 antique. The personnel was without claims to regular 
 beauty, but original and striking. You could neither 
 see nor hear him without the impression of being in 
 the presence of a man. I may add, as a characteristic 
 touch, that absolutely free as he might be considered 
 from personal vanity, yet no one could' possibly be 
 more sensitive to a personal blemish, however tem- 
 porary or trifling. 
 
 " The attribute of his public efforts that most struck 
 you was power. A member of the bar referring to 
 the only occasion on which he had heard him, said to 
 me once : ' It was such a tremendous exhibition of 
 
133 
 
 power, I was astonished!' That -v^^as the general 
 impression upon his hearers. 
 
 " The grounds of it were not difficult to discover. 
 His voice was good, although the articulation was 
 naturally somewhat thick. His utterance was rapid 
 as a mountain torrent. He uttered as many words in 
 the intervals between his pauses, which were well 
 marked, as the organs of elocution ^ could possibly 
 give out. Owing to this, his style was generally dif- 
 fuse — diffuse to the reader ; but by reason of the rapid- 
 ity of his utterance it was not diffuse; that is to say, 
 the spread of his sentences was concentrated by the 
 compression of his rapid elocution. The movement 
 was marked by the variety which attaches to nature 
 and passionate feeling. Like the flow of a river over 
 an uneven surface, the volume of his ideas received 
 variety in their expression from the obstacles they 
 encountered. He had, at the same time, the art of 
 condensing the whole argument or illustration in a 
 pointed, loaded blow, contained in a short simile or 
 axiom. 
 
 " His power of illustration was also very prominent. 
 He used short metaphors, two or three strokes of a 
 suggestive sketch, but not elaborate finished paintings. 
 He had too much wealth of illustration to waste time 
 on comparisons long drawn out. Perhaps he threw 
 down too many pearls at once for his hearers to be 
 able to pick up and lay away. A bushel of pearls 
 may only bewilder, while a necklace would enrich. It 
 
114 
 
 will appear, therefore, that analysis and imagination 
 predominated in his treatment of pulpit themes. In 
 fact, he had the faculty of painting sketches and pas- 
 sing verbal panoramas along before the eyes of his 
 audience ; but while he indulged in this direction, it 
 was in connection with close analysis and sound logic. 
 If you add to these the very great force consequent 
 upon earnest and very fast speaking, accompanied by 
 transparent honesty, sympathy with the subject, 
 solemnity of voice and aspect, and a thorough disdain 
 of all arts and rules, you have the secret of the 
 power to which reference has been made. 
 
 " His ministry was attended with fruits in every 
 congregation which he served. I have heard him 
 refer to the addition of thirty-nine members to the 
 Church at Nassau, his first charge, on confession of 
 faith at a single communion. From his settlement 
 at Nassau, which began in the year 1820, and con- 
 tinued seven years, he ministered in succession to the 
 Churches of Six Mile Run, N. J., Hackensack, N. J., 
 Catskill and Leeds, N. Y., Bergen Point, N. J., and 
 Geneva, N. Y. In this last-mentioned place his labors 
 were interrupted by a stroke of paralysis soon after 
 his removal thither, and at a moment when the ap- 
 preciation on the part of that community of his 
 various accomplishments gave promise of even larger 
 usefulness than had ever before been held out to his 
 reach. 
 
 " The value of these brief sketches if any,is believed 
 
115 
 
 to consist in their simple truth, photographed from the 
 memory of one who first received from his hands the 
 seals of the Lord's Supper, and who at the time of 
 putting on the armor of the ministry was in the lan- 
 guage of the deceased himself, ' dressed ' by him ' for 
 the fight.'"* 
 
 Geoye Parsonage, 
 
 March 22d, 1870. 
 
 During Mr. Romeyn's ministry, the property which 
 now constitutes the parsonage was bought, together 
 with adjoining lands from Rev. Dr. Cannon, for 
 $2,050. This property adjoined a tract of four and 
 a half acres bought by the congregation of Rynear 
 Yan Gieson, in 1759. The purchase money was 
 raised by subscription. The house originally stand- 
 ing upon it was rebuilt. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Romeyn was succeeded by Rev. A,lexan- 
 der H. Warner, who was called from Clarkstown, and 
 was installed as Pastor on the first Wednesday in Feb- 
 ruary, 1837. His ministry extended over the long 
 period of twenty-eight years, having ended by his 
 resignation in February, 1865. During his ministry 
 
 * In the private correspondence of Dr. James W. Alexander, the following 
 reference is made to the subject of this memoir : 
 
 " In the P. M. (afternoon) I went to Port Richmond, (Staten Island), to wor- 
 ship with Brownlee's Church (Dutch). There I heard James Romeyn : and a 
 more extraordinary man I never heard. Fullness of matter, every step sudden 
 and unexpected, genius, strength, fire, terror, amazmg and preposterous rapid- 
 ity, contempt of rule and taste. It was an awful discoiirse from 1 Thess. 5 : 3. 
 It was one which I shall not soon forget." 
 
116 
 
 one hundred and ninety -two were added to the Church.,, 
 of whom seventy-six were by certificate, and one hun- 
 dred and sixteen on confession. During his ministry, 
 there being need of greater church accommodations, it 
 was resolved to add ten feet to the rear of the old build- 
 ing, which was done in 1847. Under the superinten- 
 dence of A. 0. Zabriskie and John Huyler, Esqrs., the 
 work was successfully completed, costing about 
 $3,000. The re-sale of the old pews and the sale of 
 the new ones paid the cost. The Cemetery was like- 
 wise enlarged, at a cost of about $300. The par- 
 sonage house was likewise remodeled and enlarged,, 
 at an expense of about $2,500, which was met by 
 appropriations from the proceeds of the sale of lands 
 belonging with the parsonage. During this period, 
 a branch shot forth from the old trunk and the Second 
 Reformed Dutch Church of Hackensack was organized^ 
 whose tasteful edifice is an ornament to that part of 
 the village in which it stands. Its first Pastor was 
 Rev. James Demarest, Jr., who was succeeded by its 
 present incumbent. Rev. George H. Fisher, D.D. 
 
 On the resignation of Rev. Mr. Warner, a call was 
 extended to Rev. Theodore B. Romeyn, of Blawen- 
 burgh, N. J., the present Pastor. It having been 
 accepted, he was installed on the 21st day of June^ 
 1865. The sermon was preached by Rev. J. Romeyn 
 Berry, D.D. This pastorate has thus far been blest 
 by the addition of seventy-seven on confession, and 
 forty-three by certificate. 
 
-117 
 
 There are upward of two hundred families at pre- 
 sent in the congregation, and about two hundred in 
 the membership of the Church, rather an unusual dis- 
 proportion. The Sabbath-school numbers 46 ofl&cers 
 and teachers, and about 300 scholars, and is cherished 
 by both Pastor and people. 
 
 Our church building stands where it stood of yore, 
 amidst the city of the dead. Around it lies valued 
 dust. Worshippers of the olden time and of more 
 recent years are in this church-yard, the kindred and 
 ■connections of those who first settled here, and 
 strangers who came hither to make a home. 
 
 Thg dust of the Rev. Warmoldus Kuypers is here, 
 who for twenty-seven years ministered the Gospel on 
 this very spot. He died in 1797. 
 
 Here is the tomb of Brigadier-General Enoch Poor, 
 •one of the officers in the United States Army, who 
 died September 8, 1780, at the age of forty-four 
 years. 
 
 Here is buried Peter Wilson, LL. D., the scholar 
 and teacher and patriot, of whose memory, and resi- 
 dence and influence this village may well be proud. 
 He died August 1, 1825. 
 
 The remains of Col. Richard Varick, formerly 
 Mayor of the City of New York, and at the time of 
 his death President of the American Bible Society, 
 are here. He died July 30, 1831. 
 
 Here too is the grave of Rev. James V. C. Romeyn, 
 who, for nearly fifty-three years, preached Christ, 
 
118 
 
 thirty-five of which were spent with those among- 
 whom his body lies. 
 
 The grave of Rev. John S. Mabon is here too, the- 
 thorough instructor, as he was the ripe scholar and 
 the devout Christian. He died April 27, 1849. 
 
 Among his kindred is the dust of Rev. James- 
 Romeyn, who passed thirty-one years of his life in 
 the ministry. He died in September, 1859, aged 
 fl*^-two years. 
 
 Here too rests the ashes of Rev. Frederick Crowe,, 
 styled the South American Martyr, because of per- 
 secutions which he endured while attempting to preach 
 Christ, and which resulted in his death. 
 
 Such are at least glimpses of the historical past of 
 this Church, which as respects age, is "a Mother- 
 Church." 
 
 It must necessarily have wielded a large influence 
 over this and surrounding localities. The list of its 
 Pastors shows that it had men to watch over its inter^ 
 ests who were most worthy men, men of God, of 
 piety and patriotism. But it is a noticeable fact in 
 this connection, that no monument or tablet, or any 
 memorial whatever has ever been reared by this con- 
 gregation to the memory of a single one of those- 
 who lived and died in its self-denying service. 
 
 In proportion to the age of this Church and the- 
 long series of its pastorates, very few have gone forth 
 from its membership into the ministry. Their names, 
 are the following : 
 
119 
 
 Gerardus Arense Kuypers, William Provost Kuy- 
 pers, Peter Labagh, James Spencer Cannon,* William 
 V. V. Mabon, J. Romeyn Berry, Philip Berry. 
 
 Just subsequent to the installation of Rev. Theo. 
 B. Romeyn, the church accommodations were some- 
 what increased by the addition of an alcove, and the 
 lowering of the pulpit, which gave an additional 
 number of pews. During the autumn of 1865, Mr. 
 George Pair placed at his own expense a bell in the 
 tower at a cost of one thousand dollars. 
 
 During the autumn of 1867, and the winter of 1868, 
 a chapel was erected at a cost of about $8,500, for 
 the accommodation of the social meetings and the 
 Sabbath-school. This was built by private subscrip- 
 tions mainly. During the last spring subsci'iptions 
 were made by one effort, of upward of $2,000, by 
 which the debt on the chapel is paid. 
 
 The growth of this population within a few. years, 
 being such that our accommodations were no longer 
 
 * Gerardus Arense Kuypers was a son of Rev. Warmoldus Kuypers, born on 
 the Island of Curacoa, December 16, 1766, was licensed to preach in list. He 
 was called from Paramus to the Garden Street Church, in New York. His 
 brother, William Provost, we suppose united with this Church. He was bom 
 1773, and licensed 1792. 
 
 Peter Labagh was born in the City of IsTew York, November 10, 1773. He 
 came with his parents to Hackensaok, as a refugee at the opening of the 
 Eevolution. His grandfather had formerly resided in this place, and here also 
 his father was born, in the year 1732. He united with this Church in 1794, 
 then under the care of Dr. ProeUgh, with whom he subsequently studied The- 
 ology, and was licensed to preach in 1796. His name is still fresh in memory 
 and fragrant with interest. — (Todd's Memoirs). 
 
 James Spencer- Gannon was born on the Island of Curacoa, January 28, 1776. 
 
120 
 
 equal to the demand upon us, the question of enlarge- 
 ment began to be suggested, in connection with the 
 erection of a chapel. But the combination of the 
 two was thought to be most impracticable. At length 
 George Fair, Esq., proposed out' of his own private 
 resources to enlarge the old building by the addition 
 of transepts on each side. But this was found inad- 
 visable. At length he oifered the Consistory the 
 generous sum of 820,300, with the understanding 
 that the building should be lengthened twenty feet, 
 and remodeled in a fitting style, and that whatever 
 might be the additional cost, presuming there would 
 be, because of the immense amount of work necessary 
 to be done, in order to make a finished structure, the 
 congregation should assume. This being sufficiently 
 liberal a proposition to be accepted by liberal minds, 
 the Consistory resolved upon the undertaking. To- 
 day shows the result. With the exception of the 
 tower, the old walls, roof and part of the gallery, all 
 is new. We have reason to rejoice in having had 
 
 His fatlier, upon the death of his mother, placed him, ^th two other brothers, 
 in the Academy of Dr. Wilson, at Haekensack. He was left an orphan by 
 the death of his father, who, being a sea-captain, was lost overboard, while on 
 a voyage to Charleston, S. C. But a friend was raised up in EUas Brevoort, 
 Esq., who defrayed the entire expenses of his education. He subsequently 
 married the daughter of his benefactor. His connection with the Church at 
 Haekensack took place in 1794. He studied Theology under the direction of 
 Dr. Froeligh and Dr. Livingston, with Peter Labagh as a classmate, and was 
 licensed at the same time to preach, in 1796. After serving the Chiu'ches at 
 Six Mile Run and Millstone, and subsequently the Six Mile Run Church sepa- 
 rately for nearly thirty years, he was called to a Professorship in the Theologi- 
 cal .Seminary at Xlw Brunswick. He died July 25th, 1852. 
 
121 
 
 one among us, who was ready to consecrate such a 
 portion of his substance in the interest of the Church 
 of his fathers, and in its being the promptings of his 
 own spirit, and not through the solicitations of others. 
 The completion of the edifice reminds us that the 
 donor, through whose generosity the work was started, 
 is not Jiere. He lived to see the beginning of an en- 
 terprise in which he seemed to take so fond an inter- 
 est. But just after these new walls began to rise, he 
 was suddenly called away. Such was the confidence 
 placed in him, that the whole work was begun simply 
 ■on his word of promise. No payments- had been 
 made, no papers executed. And when near midnight 
 the shadow of sickness which darkened into the 
 shadow of death fell on him, the first thought in 
 his mind was of his obligation to the Church. As 
 soon as possible, papers were executed, making over 
 the promised amount to the Consistory, signed by a 
 hand trembling with the touch of a sudden disease, 
 which, in a few hours, proved fatal, It was the last 
 business transaction of his old age, and his life. And 
 for it his memory shall be cherished, and with these 
 out-lengthened walls, that memory shall be associated. 
 Had he lived longer, the Church would doubtless 
 have seen further illustrations of his consecration of 
 property in the evening of his days to the Lord, 
 whom he professed to love and to whom we trust he 
 •died. When the present obligations are cancelled 
 -according to the plans before us, this Church will be 
 
122 
 
 placed on a footing, as regards its externals, equal to 
 its best becoming wishes. When our fathers were 
 called in their days to meet the exigencies of their 
 circumstances, they responded in means and methods 
 which became those days. We have been profiting 
 by what they accomplished, almost if not quite up to 
 this hour. Our time has now come. Let us be their 
 worthy children, and our children will not only reap 
 the fruits of our devotion, but be stimulated to take 
 their places in their time. 
 
 A brief resume of the financial history as far as 
 we can get at it, and condition of the Church, back 
 as far as 1791, may not be out of place here. In that 
 year this edifice was reared. The subscription list 
 foots up to £328. The probable cost was about 
 $3,000. Then followed the improvement of 1834, 
 costing a few hundred dollars. That was followed 
 by the enlargement of 1837, costing three thousand 
 dollars. In both cases of building, the expenses 
 were paid with the purchase money of the pews, and 
 not by gratuitous subscription. So that we can speak 
 of cost only in the sense of investment in church prop-. 
 erty, which is supposed in the privileges returned to 
 pay for itself This is then individual property, not 
 donated out of benevolence to the Church, but owned, 
 and kept, or willed and heired, or sold and transferred 
 for value received, like any other property. Saying 
 then, that the cost up to 1847, and subsequent 
 expenditures was about $8,000, this sum covers 
 
123 
 
 what this congregation has been called to spend 
 for its church building, lor three-quarters of-a cen-' 
 tury. Of course this does not include the cost of 
 parsonage property nor the usual minor repairs, and 
 yearly necessary cost of ministerial support. And 
 now, when they shall have made another investment 
 to cover the outlay necessary, beyond the donation 
 of Mr. Fair, both of which outlays together will give 
 so much higher value to their pews, generally at least, 
 so that the money is not a mere gratuity nor lost, 
 they will in the past period of seventy-five years, 
 and for many years to come, have invested something 
 like $14,000. Fourteen thousand dollars for a century ! 
 rather the interest on that sum, for they own the 
 principal yet ! * 
 
 With a church building capable of accommodating 
 850 persons, in quite, every respect unexceptionable 
 for its comfort and beauty, (however, there may be 
 many who cannot appreciate the latter feature in 
 churches, simply on the ground that however well 
 "ceiled" their own houses may be, it matters not 
 
 * Since this statement was made, a large number of the pews have been 
 transferred to the Consistory for value received, which has thrown a debt upon 
 the Church, but at the same time, brought those pews under the Church's con- 
 trol. Through the rise of real estate and legacies of the Church's friends, the 
 original property enabled the Consistory to make outlays for necessary improve- 
 ments. The earlier and later improvements of the parsonage, the alcove built 
 in the church in 1865, and the organ placed there, and repairson the church 
 building, instead of taxing the pews, were done by these means. 
 
 The statement above is, of course, a rough estimate, and may be open to 
 correction, but it is as near as we can get at it. Properly the cost of the chapel 
 ought to be added. 
 
124 
 
 with regard to the " Father's house,") with a lecture- 
 room ^s capacious and tasteful as could be wished, 
 with a parsonage in one of the finest localities in the 
 village, this congregation has all it ought to desire 
 in respect to externals.* 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 As pleasing as it may be to have such olden asso- 
 ciations, and to cherish them, we must not rest upon 
 them. They have their lessons. Through them we 
 should be the wiser, better, stronger. But we must no 
 more rest upon the past growth than a tree should on 
 past growth. It must grow on, and bear fruit itself 
 So must we. We must have our rooting, our branch- 
 ing, our leafing, our growing, our fruit-bearing. We 
 are to stand as by ourselves, always as if a new 
 Church in evergreen beauty and strength. And had 
 there been more of this individual vitality in the 
 Reformed Dutch Churches of this country, the denom- 
 ination would not have been "the little one" it now is 
 in respect to numbers and power. But the Dutch 
 would always hug the landing-place, and stick to the 
 shores of New York Bay and Hudson River, and 
 scarce dare venture far in the interior. How they 
 ever got as far as New Netherland is to me almost a 
 miracle ! 
 
 ^ Since the re-opening of the church, it haa been frescoed through the kind- 
 ness of Mrs. George Fair, at an expense of ahout $1,000. 
 
125 
 
 We have age. Let us have life too, or die and 
 have done with dying always. Mere change of name 
 will not save the Church any more than it will save a 
 vine. The vine may sell better in the market, but 
 eventually the owner will pull it up. It wants life, 
 character, fruit. Men will take to that Church which 
 commends itself by its high standards of Christian 
 holiness, by a genuine catholicity of spirit, by a pure 
 and earnestly preached Gospel, by an independent and 
 manly pulpit, which is a "brazen wall" against vice 
 and iniquity, by charity, by being a place where 
 " the rich and poor meet together," without enviable 
 distinctions, by Christian love, by Christian unity, 
 Christian fellowship, Christian energy. Christian sym- 
 pathy and help. May God make this Church a 
 living Church, to which shall daily be added of such 
 as shall be saved, and so the old " Church on the 
 Green " shall be an Evergreen Church. May many, 
 amid the changes which are taking place in this 
 locality, who are making this beautiful village their 
 home, find reason for making this Church their spirit- 
 ual home, saying : 
 
 " Brethren, where your altar hums, 
 Oh ! receive us into rest." 
 
 To how many of us is this spot most dear as the 
 gate of Heaven to our kindred, (and you know with 
 what emphasis he who speaks to you, says "our kin- 
 dred"). For, for more than fifty years have his own 
 
126 
 
 kindred ministered to you and yours, and his and 
 your departed rest together in the same places of 
 sepulture ; the same congregation of the dead. You 
 and I can repeat the language used by one as she 
 stood within this ancient yard a few years ago : 
 
 "I stand and muse beside the graves of kindred true and dear, 
 Of those whose bed has been the earth for many a lingering year ; 
 Who having fought the ' fight of faith,' have laid their armor down : 
 Translated to the better land they wear the conqueror's crown."* 
 
 What scenes have transpired within these very 
 walls ! Here, for generations past, has the truth been 
 preached, here tears of penitence have been wept, 
 and wiped away again. Here many of the dead have 
 been brought for burial, and the words of counsel and 
 consolation have been uttered. walls, had ye lan- 
 guage, what stories ye could tell of teachings given, 
 of the truth blest, of the Spirit grieved, of the wounded 
 made whole, and of saints ripening for heaven. Thy 
 presence has been here on this spot, Oh ! Divine One, 
 and neither the hills around us, nor the great ocean 
 that lies almost at our feet have had such a consecration 
 as the baptism of Thy holy presence in the years by- 
 gone has given this house. And now, God of our 
 fathers, be thou the God of their children, and may this 
 
 * The ministry of Rev. Theodoriek Romeyn covered about ten years. That 
 of his nephew James V. 0. Romeyn, nearly thirty-five years. That of James 
 Romeyn, the son 6f J. V. C, about fowr years, and that of his son Theodore 
 B., neatly fowr (at the present date five and a half.) 
 
127 
 
 house be filled with Thy glory ! " Let Thy work ap- 
 pear unto Thy servants^ and Thy glory unto their chil- 
 dren. And let the beauty of the Lord our God he upon 
 us, and establish Thou the work of our hands upon 
 us, yea the work of our hands establish Thou it /" 
 
 " Church of my sires — my love to thee 
 
 "Was nurtured in my infancy, 
 
 And now maturer thoughts approve 
 
 The object of that infant love. 
 
 Linked to my soul with hooks of steel, 
 
 By all I say, and do, and feel — 
 
 By records that refresh my eye. 
 
 In the rich page of memory — 
 
 By blessings at thine altars given — 
 
 By scenes which lift the soul to Heaven ; 
 
 Bj monuments that humbly rise 
 
 Memorials of the good and wise — 
 
 By graves forever sad and dear, 
 
 Still reeking with my constant tear ; 
 
 "Where those in honored slumber lie. 
 
 Whose deaths have taught me how to die. 
 
 And shall I not with all my powers, 
 
 "Watch round thy venerable towers ? 
 
 And can I bid the pilgrim flee, 
 
 To holier refuge than to thee ?" 
 
128 
 
 IP JLSTOI2/S, 
 
 A.D. 
 
 PBTRUS TASCHBMAKER 1686-1689. 
 
 GUILLIAM BBRTHOLF 1694-1724. 
 
 REINHART ERRICKSON 1725-1728. 
 
 ANTONIUS CUBTENIUS 1730-1755. 
 
 JOHN HENRY GOBTSOHIUS 1748-1774. 
 
 JOHN SCHUYLER 1756-1759.. 
 
 CORNELIUS BLAUW 1768-1770. 
 
 WARMOLDUS KUYPBRS 1770-1797. 
 
 THBODORICK ROMEYN 1775-1784. 
 
 SOLOMON FROELIGH 1786-1823. 
 
 JAMES V. C. ROMEYN 1799-1833. 
 
 JAMBS ROMEYN 1833-1836. 
 
 ALEXANDER H. "WARNER 1837-1865. 
 
 THEODORE B. ROMEYN 1865- 
 
129 
 
 FIRST OHUROH OFFICERS. 
 
 A. D. 1686. 
 
 ELDERS. 
 
 HENDEIK JORESE, 
 ALBERT PERENSE. 
 
 DEACONS. 
 
 HENDRIK BPKE, 
 VOLKHERT HANSEG. 
 
130 
 
 PRESENT OHUEOH OFFICERS. 
 
 May, 1869. 
 
 ELDERS. 
 
 JOHN H. ACKERMAN, 
 WILLIAM A. "WOOD, 
 
 CORNELIUS SEE, 
 WILLIAM HARRIS. 
 
 DEACONS. 
 
 WILLIAM STORMS,, 
 JOHN A. VOORHIS, 
 ROBERT W. FARR, 
 RICHARD P. TERHUNB. 
 
131 
 
 '' Long be our Fathers' temple ours, 
 "Wo I to the hand by which it falls ; 
 
 A thousand spirits watch its towers, 
 A. cloud of angels guards its walls." 
 

 C/2 
 
 <; (V 
 ■ Q 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 No. 1. 
 
 A Register of the members of the First Reformed Dutch Church 
 ■at Hackensack, beginning with the ministiy of Dominie Tasche- 
 maher, Anno, 1686. 
 
 This Register is incomplete. From the interval between 1769 
 and 1791, there is but one entry, and that the only one made dtiring 
 the ministry of Dr. Dirck Romeyn. There are other large omis- 
 sions -which will account for the absence of nslmes in this Catalogue 
 which it will be thought ought to be here. The Baptismal Record 
 is more complete. 
 
 The word "and" indicates the relation of husband and wife; 
 " c " indicates certificate ; " w " wife. 
 
 Hendrik Jorese, and 
 
 Olausie Cornelese, 
 
 Albert Perense Torhys, and 
 
 Jelletie Eyniers, 
 
 Hendriek Epke, and 
 
 Mary Lubberse, 
 
 Volokert Banta, and 
 
 ■Oartie Albertsa, 
 
 Lubberdt Lubbertsa(the father), and 
 
 Greesie Eoeloffe, 
 
 Jan Oornelesa Bougardt, and 
 
 Anjenitie Fryckers, 
 
 Roelif Van Derlinda, and 
 
 Susanna Hendriks, 
 
 Louwerens Ackerman, and 
 
 Geertie Egberts, 
 
 Lubbert Lubbertse (the child), and 
 
 HiUitie'Pauwelse, 
 
 David Ackerman, and 
 
 Hillegond Splaneke, 
 
 Cornelis Janse Tanderwerf, and 
 
 Marretie Corneleasa, 
 
 "WUlem Hoppe, 
 
 Joekem Robbertae, 
 
11 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Geertie Dirckse, 
 Greertifc Hoppe, 
 Pintie Alberts, 
 Hendriktie Arentse, 
 Mary Janse, 
 Ariaentie Dirckse, 
 Anna '^ynaert, 
 Cornelia Hendriks, 
 Aeltie Hendriks. 
 
 July 29. 
 Ludewiok Aokerman, and 
 Jannetie Bleyck, 
 Barme Bras, 
 
 Jeems Simson, 
 Anthony Robbere, 
 Gerretie GiUese Mandevile.. 
 
 August, 1687. 
 Mattys Hoppe, and 
 Antie Forkse, 
 
 Roelof Lubberse Westerveldt, 
 Jurrie Lubberse "Westerveldt, 
 Margietie Lubberse "Westerveldt,, 
 Geesie Janse Bougaert. 
 
 A. D. 1689. 
 
 Albert Albertse Terhuyne. 
 
 Received under the Ministry of Guilaem Bertholf. 
 
 A. D. 1694. 
 
 Martin Pouwelse, 
 Jan Christyn, and 
 Lena, 
 
 Maria Etsal, 
 Rachel Jarkse. 
 
 September 22. 
 
 Mcausie Kip, and 
 Antie Breyandt, 
 Hendrick Hoppe, 
 Gerret Tan Dien, 
 Abram De Touiic — 
 Jan Alleen, 
 Roelif Bougaert, 
 "Weyntie Briokers, 
 Elena Tan der, 
 Augenitie Hendriks, 
 Marritie Bougaert, 
 Geertruy Breyandt, 
 Pieter Meet, c 
 
 April 5, 1696. 
 Siagne Laroe, c 
 
 David de Maree, son of John, and 
 Autie Clodt, c 
 Marretie Jacobse Tan "Winkel wife of 
 
 Jan de Maree, c 
 Mary de Maree, wife of Jacob Plots, c- 
 
 July 10. 
 
 John de Maree, 
 John Dury, and 
 Rachel Guerson, 
 David de Maree, 
 Jacob Degroot, and 
 Gerretie Jans. 
 
 , October 3. 
 
 Abram Aokerman, 
 
 Geertin Brickers, c 
 
 Mary Duruyn, 
 
 Magdalene de Maree, daughter of 
 Saipmuel de Maree. 
 
 Ocio6e)-12,.1695. 
 Jan Degroot, and 
 Margritie Gerrets, c 
 Pieter Degroot, c 
 Belitie Tan Schiven, c 
 
 ' 3, 1691. 
 Pieter Pira, c 
 
 Aeltie van Laren, wife of Abrami 
 Aokerman. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 Ill 
 
 Apail 10, 1698. 
 John Pegge. 
 
 July 1(1. 
 Abram Housman, 
 Cornelia Breyandt, 
 Maria Bertholf, 
 Autie Terhunen, 
 Ester de Vouw, m 
 Autie Sibese Banta. 
 
 April 8, 1699. 
 John Meet, 
 
 Cornelis rieudrikse Blinkerhof, 
 Dirck Hendrikse Blinkerhof, 
 Jacob Zaboiiseho, 
 Cornelia Alberse. 
 
 October 19. 
 
 John Loots. 
 
 October 12, 1100. 
 David Ackerman, Jr., 
 Jan Terney, 
 
 Frintie Olots, wife of Klaes Losier, 
 Christina Pauwelse, • 
 Rachel Bougaert. 
 
 April 5, nOl. 
 John Terhuyne, and 
 EUzabeth Bertholf, 
 Susanna and Rachel de Mareo, 
 Scytie Tan Derlinda. 
 
 October 5. 
 Jacobes Bougaert, 
 Margritie HendrUcse Blinkerhof, 
 Diwer Henderikse, 
 Gerrebregt Terhuyuen. 
 
 January 11, l'J02. 
 Margritie and Aeltie Sibese Banta. 
 
 Klaes Losier, 
 Margritie Dirkse Banta, 
 Gerrebregt Klase Romeyn, 
 
 Rachel and Magdaleena, daughters of 
 John de Maree. 
 
 July 12. 
 Jacob Hendrickse Banta, 
 Andries Hoppe, son of Hendrik, 
 John Tiffeny, o 
 
 April 5, 1703. 
 Susanna de. Vouw, wife of Thomas 
 Briokers. 
 
 July 1, 1704. 
 Oapt. Thomas Larens, and 
 Si.ansyntie, 
 Jacobus do Mai'se, 
 Jan Zaborischoo, 
 Aeltie Lubberse Westervelt. 
 
 October 7. 
 Reynier and Bernardus Verrele, 
 Elizabeth Romeyn, 
 Willemtie Terhuyne, 
 Willemtie Alberse, 
 Jaqueraina, dsughtei* of Samuel de 
 Maree. 
 
 April 6, 1706. 
 Jan Hoppe, 
 Andries Hoppe, 
 -David Ackerman, 
 Ktbert Ackerman, 
 Margrit Button, 
 Matie de Baue, wife of David de 
 
 Maree, 
 A-bigal Aekermans, 
 Catryn Aekermans, 
 Mary Robberse. 
 
 April 12, 1707. 
 Hendrik Bertholf, 
 Feren Terhuyne, 
 Feren Alberse, 
 Johannes Ackerman, 
 .Johannes Slingerlandt, 
 Marretie Terhuyne, 
 EUzabeth Breyandt, 
 
IV 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Aertie Bras, 
 Luyda Romeyn. 
 
 Apra, IT 08. 
 Michael Mallenedt, 
 Crystina Mattise Hoppe, 
 
 October. 
 Antie Dirkse Banta, 
 Marretie Ackermans, 
 Eebecka Vandesoyve, w. of 
 Thomas Franse. 
 
 Lidde de Maree. wife of Perden Ter- 
 
 huyne, 
 Jannatie du Rye, wife of Epke Banta, 
 Reheoka de Grroot, wife of Daniel de 
 
 Maree, 
 Lea de Groot, wife of Jacobus de 
 
 Maree. 
 
 Januarj 2, ItOS. 
 Jacobus Hendrikse Blinker hof, and 
 Angennitie Hendrikse Banta,, 
 Isack Tan Gissen, c. and 
 HiUegondt Clause Kuyper, c, Bergen. 
 
 April 8, 1710, 
 Samuel de Maree, and 
 Sitske, 
 
 Trintie Hendrikse, wife Pieter Van 
 Alen. 
 
 July 9.. 
 Elizabeth Abramsa Aokerman, 
 Fannatie Albene, 
 
 Marta Bertholf, 
 
 Lea Hendrikse Hoppe, 
 
 Rachel Hendrikse Hojjpe. 
 
 April i:, Itn. 
 Andries Van Norden, and 
 Antie Laroe, 
 Wiert Banta, and 
 Mary de Maree, 
 Joost Zaboriscoo, 
 Elyas Beelie, 
 Benjamin de Maree, 
 Pieter du Rye. 
 
 October 6. 
 Pieter Van-der-linda, and 
 Geesie, 
 
 Gerret Aokerman, 
 Klaertie and Cornelia Leydekers. 
 
 January 5, 1'712. 
 Albert Romeyn, and 
 Femmetie Westerverdt, 
 Cara Tan Liburgh, 
 Johanna "Wagenaer, c, New York. 
 
 AprU 12. 
 Isack Bougardt, 
 Margrita Tariok, 
 Angenitie Westerveldt, 
 Anneke Ackermans, 
 Margrita dii Rye. 
 
 July 6. 
 Pieter de Maree, and 
 Marie Meet. 
 
 Pauwelus Van-der-ljike, c. and 
 
 Jannatie, c. New York, 
 
 Cornelius Oolier, c, Breukelen, 
 
 Cornelius Bougardt, 
 
 Albert Bougart, 
 
 Ooiynus Bertholf, 
 
 Marltie Rirdon, w. Cornelius Colier, 
 
 ( 4, 1T13. 
 Jan Clasen Romeyn, 
 Gerresolveert Nagel, c, Haerlom. 
 
 April 11. 
 
 Karel de Baue, 
 Maratie Berdon, 
 Cara Romeyn. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 Odober 2, 17 14. 
 
 ■Jacobus Van Gelder, and 
 Maritie, 
 
 Ciarritie, w. Johannes Etsel, 
 Jannatie, w. Karel de Baen, 
 -Johannes Dirckse Banta. 
 
 Jammry 8, l'?15. 
 Gerretie Kool, 
 
 ■Orystina Huysmans, widow of Jacob 
 Bonman, c, from Breukelen. 
 
 April 2. 
 
 Hendrik Kip, and 
 
 G-eertrie Van Dien, 
 
 Johannes Honsman, 
 
 Jan Reyt, 
 
 Jukrees Pouwer, 
 
 Jeems Krusten, 
 
 Jannetie Coliej', w. Johannes Acker- 
 man, 
 
 Elizabeth de Groot, w. Benjamin de 
 Maree, 
 
 Cara de Marce. 
 
 July 3. 
 
 Willem Dey, 
 Anie Sibese Banta, 
 Pieter Westerveldt, 
 Gerret de Groot, and 
 Annattie Etsels, 
 Rachel Van Inburgh. 
 
 October 8. 
 Ritsier Etsel, and 
 Anna Laren, 
 Aaltie Bongardt, and 
 Oarparus "Westerveldt, 
 Anna Bertholf, 
 
 Guysbert .Tanse Van Blerkum, and 
 pjlena Lacomba, c, Bergen. 
 
 January 8, 1716. 
 Geertyn Terhuyne, 
 Hendrik Van Gisse. 
 
 Ocioberli, It]"?. 
 
 Daniel Romeyn, 
 Maritie Westerveldt, 
 .Jacob Dirrikse Banta. 
 
 April 6. 
 Pieter Gerritse Van Aalen, 
 Prans Oudwater, 
 Dirck Sibese Banta, and 
 Rachel de Groot, 
 Paulin Jurkse, 
 Ryk Leydecker, 
 Elizabeth Leydecker. 
 WUlem Alberse, 
 Pieter Samuel se de Maroc. 
 
 October 12. 
 Pieter Alice, 
 
 Coenrades Van der Beck, 
 Jacob Janse de Groot, 
 Arie Pieterse de Groot, and 
 Fransintie Etsal, 
 Jan Juriaen.se Westerveldt, 
 Eva Berdan, 
 Hester Dey, , 
 
 Janua/ry 12, 1718. 
 Hendrik Hendrikse Banta. 
 
 .Jacob Pieterse de Groot, 
 Oornelis Lydecker, 
 Johannes Martese. 
 
 July 6. 
 Samuel Moon, and 
 Oara, 
 Jan Dey, 
 Anna Reyerse, 
 
 Johanes Kouwenhovc, i-. and 
 Rachel Bensen, c 
 Maritie Bensen, c 
 
 April 12, 1719. 
 Jan Van Sehyven, 
 
VI 
 
 APHENDIX. 
 
 Jacob Kool, and 
 Cara Pouwer, 
 Trintie Kool. 
 
 Abram Varik, ■ 
 Jacobus Bertbolf, 
 Hendrikse Terhuyne. 
 
 July 13, 1720. 
 Albertua Terhuyne, and 
 Ann Maria Ackerman, 
 Jan Alberse, 
 Lucas Alberse, 
 
 Margritie Eyerse, wife of Pieter, 
 Susanna Laroe, wife Willem Alberse. 
 
 January 7, 1721. 
 Antony Losier, and 
 Hendriktie Zaborisooo, 
 Catrina Provoost. 
 
 Apiil 1. 
 Pieter Kip, and 
 Elsie Van der Beck, 
 Hendrik Zabriske, and 
 Q-eertie Hoppe, 
 
 Johannes Abramse Ackei'man, 
 Cornelies Juriaense Westerveldt, 
 Willeraentie Berdan, 
 Antie Juriaense Westerveldt. 
 
 Octobet 8. 
 Margritie Waldron, wife of Cornells 
 
 Lydecker, 
 Maria Weeckveldt, c, N. Haerlem. 
 
 April 7, 1722. 
 Hendrik Van-der-linde, and 
 Anjaense, 
 
 Jacob Van der Beck, 
 Rachel Alberse Van Voorhese. 
 
 April 13, 1723. 
 Samuel Laroe, and 
 Catryna Smot, c, Tappen, 
 
 Belidenus Johannnes Steggs, and 
 Hendrikse Huysman, 
 Maria Button, w. Pieter de Maree, 
 Hendrikse de Graeuw, d. Harme de 
 
 Graeuw, 
 Cara Abramse Ackerman. 
 
 Juki 13. 
 Christiae Zabbroisco. 
 
 October, 1723. 
 David de Maree, and 
 Margritie, 
 Jan Berdan, 
 Rachel Janse Romeyn. 
 Annatie Klip. 
 
 Jwauary 25, 1726. 
 Jacob Van Sane, 
 Stebben Johannes Slingerland, c 
 Leida Slingerland, o 
 Coenradt Rightmeyer, c 
 Oataleintje Van Pelt, w. Derk Kuyper.c- 
 Maria Catharina Remerne, c 
 Isebrand Gammiuga, c 
 
 April 9. 
 Sara Terheun, 
 .Johannes Bensing, c 
 Elizabeth Leidekker, c 
 
 December 8. 
 Maria Provoost, w. R. Ericksou, Pas- 
 tor of Hackensack, 
 Maria du Bois, w. Jan Oust, 
 David W. Provoost, 
 Gerrard Eriokson, 
 Abraham Akkorman, 
 Reynier Van Gysen, 
 Johannes Dedriks, c 
 Pieter Stoutenburg, 
 Geertruu Dedriks, c 
 Margritje Stoutenburg, I- 
 
 Ma/rch G. 
 Rachel Samuelse de Marest. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 Vll 
 
 Derk Cuyper, 
 
 Simon Samuel de Marest, 
 
 Vrouwtje Haring, w. Simon Samuel 
 
 de Marest, c 
 Cornelius Clopper, 
 Mathias Blelsbach, 
 Wilm Hees. 
 
 Jviy 13. 
 Antje Christyn, w. Gisbert Van Bler- 
 
 kam, 
 Elizabeth Ohristyn, 
 Hendrik Labbah, 
 Colonel "W. Provoost, c 
 Niolaas Bon, o 
 Reskjo Rome, c 
 Oasparus Poppelstorf, 
 Phfllippena Poppelstorf, 
 Alida Stetum, wid. Thomas Stetum, 
 Abel Riddena-ar and wife. 
 
 September 8. 
 Benjamin and Hendrikse Westervelt, 
 Maria "Westervelt, 
 Hillegonda Erickson, 
 Christina Akkerman. 
 
 November 27. 
 Guliaam Bougart, 
 Maritje Banta, 
 Paulua Loots, 
 Rachel Van Norden, 
 Petrus Bronwer, 
 Dlna de Groot, 
 Gerrit Leidekker, 
 Abraham Leidekker, 
 Sarah Cowenhove, 
 Ryk Leidekker, c 
 Maritje Bensing, 
 Christiaan Coul, 
 Christina Spang. 
 
 Hectiivfd hy Dominifi Du Bois. 
 
 1128. 
 
 Laurens Akkerman, 
 
 Geesie Martens, w. Laurens Akker- 
 man, 
 
 Hendirkje Iloppe, w. Abm. Akker- 
 man, 
 
 Jannetye Akkerman, 
 
 Hendrik Derkse Blinkerhof, 
 
 Johannes Bernardus Sohoeser, c 
 Herboon. 
 
 September 21. 
 Isaac Kip, 
 CorneUus Kip, 
 Dirk Terhuinen, 
 Jan Bogaart, 
 Geesje Wester-velt, w. .Jan Van Bos- 
 
 kirke, 
 Catharina Kip, w. Dirk Terhuinen, 
 Hendrikje Van Dien, w. Reynier Van 
 
 Giesen. 
 
 April 8, 1729. 
 Barent de Boogh, 
 Joris Van Giesen, 
 Davidt Lauwrens Akkerman, 
 Garret Iloppe, 
 Jacobus Van Voorhees, 
 Jacobus Huysman, 
 Sara Colve, w. Davidt Louwerense 
 
 Akkerman, 
 Catrintye Casjoine, w. Gerret Hoppe, 
 Elizabeth Lezsher, w. Jan Hendrik 
 
 Labagh, 
 Maria Varick, 
 Catharina Van Emburgh, 
 Antye Huysman, 
 Geertye Davidse Akkerman, 
 Catharina Mekdennel. 
 
 June 17. 
 Albert Ter Huynen, 
 Peregryn Van Imburgh, 
 
VUl 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Marytie Martensse, w. Albert Ter Alberd Westervelt, 
 Huynen, Reynier Bardan, 
 
 Elizabeth Van Imburgh, w. Jacobus Mararietje Stag. 
 Bartholf, 
 
 Cornelia Provoost. 
 
 Septemler 16. 
 WUlem Santfort Van Imburgh, 
 Ferdinandus Bardan, 
 Coenradus Bosch, 
 Thomas Stag, 
 Alberd Sabrisoo, 
 
 May 6, 1130. 
 Pieter Ontwater, 
 Jan Romeyn, 
 -Albert Van Dieh, 
 Roelof Romeyn, 
 
 Geesie Thomasse, w. Jacob Banta, 
 Beelite Demarest, v. Pieter Outwater. 
 
 Received hy Rev. Antonius Oxvrtenius. 
 
 February 15, 1731. 
 Albert Berdan, and 
 Divertjen Banta. 
 
 February 18. 
 Jacob Kip, and 
 Helena Berdan. 
 
 May 23. 
 Hendrik BUnkerhof, 
 Klaes Romein, and Elizabeth Out- 
 water, w 
 
 May 29. 
 Resolvert Waldron, c. and 
 Metje Quakkenbusch, c 
 Mattheny Bensing, c 
 
 November 29. 
 Femmatie De Foreeat, w. Hendrik 
 Kool, d. AkquegQonk. 
 
 December 3. 
 Jacob Banta, and 
 Rachel Ter Heun, 
 Paulus Martense, and 
 Rachel Demarest. 
 
 February 24, l'!32. 
 lenard De Graew, and 
 Sara Orystyn, 
 Hendrik Bos. 
 
 May 18. 
 Kristyna Ter Heune, wid. Claes Jan- 
 sen Romein, c. Schraalenburg. 
 
 August 24. 
 Maritjin Bougaert, w. Abm. Stage. 
 
 December. 
 Elizabeth De Foreest, w. Antonius 
 CUBTENIUS, V. D. M., u 
 
 February 19, 1733. 
 David Provoost, and 
 Annike De Water, c. Niew York. 
 
 .January 3. 
 Joannes Bensen, and 
 Elizabeth Lydekker, o. N. Haerlem. 
 
 November 22. 
 Abigael Akkerman, w. Dirk Blinkerhof 
 Dirk Berdan. 
 
 February 21, 1734. 
 Hannis Ter Heun. 
 
 May 26. 
 Maria Elizabeth Haselarin, c. Harlem. 
 
 November 10. 
 Elizabeth Leroe, w. Martin Reyerson. 
 
APPENDIX. IX 
 
 November 14. Eoelif Westervelt, and 
 
 Hellegonde Ackennan, c. N. York. Trientjiu Akkermans, 
 
 Isack Van der Beek, and 
 November 16. Annaetjen Vander Boog, 
 
 Annaetjin Freeland, w. Roelof Romein Isaok Romeyn, 
 
 Jan Zaboriskwy, 
 May 22, 1T35. Augnietjin Romeyn, ' 
 
 Jacob Dey, Maritjen Blinkerhof. 
 
 Elizabeth Banta, w. Jacob Cornelius 
 
 Stage, 
 WiUielm Mack, i;. Philadelphia. May 23. 
 
 Jacob Cutwater, c. NieuwTork, and 
 August. 21. Marteintjen Bertholf, c 
 
 Hendrik Zibesen Banta, Samuel Edsel, c. and 
 
 Margrietjo de Groot, w. Hendrik Maria de Key, c 
 
 Banta, u. Peremus. Maria Akkermans, w. Jan Ellen. 
 
 May 21, 1736. August 24. 
 
 Jan Peek, Thomas Cutwater, and 
 
 Ritsjer Blens. , Saertjen Slot, 
 
 Oristyntjen Tan Geison, w. Jan Ber- 
 November 25. ' dan. 
 
 Theunis Slaut, c 
 "Willemtjen Ter Heim, c NovenCaer 24. 
 
 Abraham Akkerman, c. PhiUipsborg, 
 
 Februa/ry 24, 1731. Leude Romein, w. Jurjiu Westervelt, e 
 David Akkerman, and Peremus. 
 
 Jannetjen Van Orden, 
 
 Peter Van Voorheest, and January 22, 1739. 
 
 Geesjen Romein, Antjen Hoppe, w. Pieter Akkerman, c 
 Albert Van Voorheest, and 
 Cornelia Van Giesen. Ma/y 24. 
 
 Csseltjin Westervelt, w. Isack Romein 
 
 August 15. Cristyntjen Romein. 
 Cornelia Parandt. 
 
 August 16, 
 
 November 23. Jan Mec Deneell, c 
 
 Abraham Laroe, and Billitjen de Groot. e 
 
 Annaetjen Berdan, Geertjin de Groot, c 
 
 Asseltjen Romein, w. Isack Van Marltjin de Groot, c 
 
 Voorheest, 
 Maria Duba, w. J. Giese, c. N. York, October 20. 
 
 Eliz. Benson, w. Johannes Rome, c Abraham Granig. 
 
 Februa/ry 23, 1738. November 18, 1740. 
 
 David Eomeyn, and Willem Dey, and 
 
 Augnietjin "Westervelt, Louvina Akkerman, 
 
X 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Abraham Dey, and 
 Jenneke Elles. 
 
 Fehnmry 19, 1741. 
 David Berdan, and Styntje Romeyn. 
 
 Janua/ry 6. 
 Christiaan Bording, o 
 Martha Lighart, o. Niew York. 
 
 Januwry 5. 
 Annaetje Akkerman, w. Jan Zaho- 
 risky Janis. 
 
 Augvst 2. 
 Joannes Akkerman, and 
 Jacomyntje Demarest, 
 Steven Westervelt, c. and 
 Hillegond Akkerman, c 
 
 December 1. 
 Hendrik Jacobesa Banta. 
 
 February 23, 1'744. 
 Jacob Zabrousky, 
 Samson Sammon. 
 
 Sefptemb^ 6. 
 Ehzabeth Van der Spiegel, wid. Isack 
 
 De Forest, 
 Olaes Romeyn, c and 
 Rachel Preeland, c 
 Hendrik Hendrikse Banta, Jr., and 
 Rachel Bros. 
 
 November 26. 
 G-eertruy Reynders, w. David Pro- 
 voost. 
 
 May 22, 1U2. 
 Susanna de La Maetere, w. Isaak 
 Dey, c 
 
 November 25. 
 Hendrik Kip, and 
 Jannetjen Banta, 
 Jory Blinkerhof, 
 Pieter Zaborisky. 
 
 August 30. 
 Jacob Van'Zaen, Jr., and 
 Jannetje Banta, 
 Jan Bogert, and 
 Rachel Meu-kerk, 
 Isaak Van Giesen, and 
 Marytje Hoppe, 
 Peter de Grroot, 
 Benjamin Van der Linde, 
 Joannes Van der Hoef, 
 Susanna Van der Linda, 
 Jannetje Banta, 
 Martyntje Bogert. 
 
 November 13. 
 Jan Cristjen, and 
 Naome Moor, 
 Jan EUeu, 
 
 Rachel Zabrousky, w. Hanna Dema- 
 rest. 
 
 February Vl, 1743. 
 Sara Varik, 
 Anneke Provoost, 
 Martyntje Koienhoven, 
 Lena Koienhoven, 
 Cornelia Leydekker, 
 Jacomyn'tje Koienhoven, 
 Ehzabeth Bensen, 
 Marytje Leydekker. 
 
 Febnim-y 28, 1745. 
 Zybe Blinkerhof, 
 Jan Bdsel, 
 RoeUf "Westervelt, 
 Jacob Blinkerhof. 
 
 Sara G-uttery, 
 Catrientje Pell, , 
 EcBJe Erickson. 
 
 May 25. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 XI 
 
 Jan Bogert Roelesse, and 
 Margrietje de Maree. 
 
 February 25, 1T48. 
 Mareytje Tan der Linde, wid. Pieter 
 
 Valkenburg, c, Albany, 
 Isaak Van Saen, and 
 Maria de Marest, 
 Jan Bomein, 
 Trientje Kip, 
 Joost Zabrowisky. 
 
 Novemier 1. 
 Hartman Blinkerhof, 
 Claesje Van Houten, 
 Niolaes Eomein, 
 Beelitje Demarest. 
 Roelif Romein, 
 Lidia Demarest, 
 Abraham Kip. 
 
 May 25, 1749. 
 Abraham "Westervelt, and 
 Hendrikje Boskerk, 
 Pieter Bougert, and 
 Jannitje Pauelman, 
 Claes Daniel Tomein, and 
 Betje Kip, 
 Antje Romein, w. Rednier Berdan. 
 
 Septemier, 1749. 
 Samuel Moor, Jr., 
 Thomas Romein, 
 "Wiert Banta, and wife, 
 David Banta and wife, 
 Hendrik Banta and wife. 
 
 November 23. 
 Marregrita Barry, c 
 Isaak Hiiysman, and - 
 Grietjin Akkerman, 
 Antje Voorhese, w. Jacob BUnkerhof. 
 
 Febrvmry 15, 1'750. 
 Jan de Remis, and 
 Mareitje Lutkens, 
 
 Louwerens Akkerman, and 
 Martyntje Bougert. 
 
 Isaak Dey. 
 
 May 31. 
 
 September 6. 
 Dirk Lyzier, and Elizabeth his wife, 
 David Brouwer, 
 Jacob Brouwer, 
 Albert Voorhese. 
 
 May 19, 1751. 
 Jacobus Bogert, c, Niew Tork, 
 Elsjen Francis, c " 
 
 Nikasi Kip, and i 
 
 Guetje Romeyn, 
 Trientje Kip, 
 Joost Zabrowsky, and 
 Annaetje Terhune. 
 
 February 12, 1752. 
 Roelef Van der Liude, and his wife, 
 Jac c.b Hoppe and his wife, 
 Pieter Akkerman, 
 Cornells Van Dien, 
 Catharnia Boele, w. Dominie A. Cur- 
 tenius, c 
 
 Ajoril 20. 
 Johannes Preeland, 
 Simon Freeland. 
 
 November 17. 
 Jan Huysman, and Margtje his wife, 
 Gerrid Leydekker, 
 Jan Van Zaan, 
 
 Beleetje de Groot, w. Zibe Blinkerhof, 
 EUzabeth Leydekker, 
 Agnietje Van Zaan, 
 Marritje Van Zaan. 
 
 Ma^ch, 1753. 
 Jan Varik, and 
 Jennike Dey. ' 
 
Xll 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Sf^tember 2. 
 Hendrik Hendnkss, 
 Sybe Hendrikse Banta, and , 
 Lea Lizier. 
 
 November 23. 
 Johannes Rykman, c. and 
 Maria Van Slyk, c 
 Cornelia Belli, w. Thobias Rykmaii. 
 
 November 21, 1754. 
 Abraham Lourense Akkerman, 
 Samuel Demarest, u 
 
 May 20. 
 Stephany Ter Heun, and 
 Susanna Alje, 
 Lena Alje, w. WiUem Iffagel. 
 
 Novemher 11. 
 Jan Ter Heun. 
 
 MoAi 28, 1756. • 
 Jan Brouwer, 
 Albert Banta, and 
 Lena Van Voorheesen, 
 Dirck Jacobse Banta, and 
 Autje Van Giesen, 
 Gertuy Terhuyn. 
 
 May 21. 
 Tobyas Rykman, 
 Jan Berdan, and 
 Maria Banta, 
 Jan Schyvel, and 
 Jannetje Waters, 
 David Demarest, and 
 Hester Brouwer, 
 Jan Vanderbeck, and 
 Jannetje Lutge, 
 Poulls Vanderbeck, and 
 Sarah Berdan, 
 Cornelis Van Saan, and 
 Geesje Berdan. 
 
 October 27, 1762. 
 Sytje Van "Winokel, w. Louwerens 
 Aekerman. 
 
 November 13, 1763. 
 f Abram Brouwer, the son, 
 Daniel Van .Voorheesen, 
 Marya Taelman, 
 
 Jannaetje Vanderbeeck, w. Jacobs 
 Brouwer. 
 
 Mao'ch 25, 1764 
 
 Henkrik Van Voorheesen, and 
 Vrybregk Laroe. 
 
 September 2. 
 Helena Banta, c 
 
 1769. 
 Jan Banta, and 
 Marytje Banta, 
 Hendrik Van ffiesen, and 
 Augenietje Huysman, 
 Jacob Vanderbeck, and 
 Marfegrietje Berdan, 
 Albert Van Voorheesen, and 
 Marretje Deremis, 
 
 Catrina Vouck, w. Abram Brouwer, 
 Elizabeth Vpuck. 
 
 November 30, 1782. 
 
 Johne Christie, and 
 
 Annatje Brinkerhof, 
 
 Abram Huysman, ~ 
 
 Cathartna Duryee, w. Peter "Wilson. 
 
 June 30, 1791. 
 Dirk Terheun, and 
 Maria Berry, 
 
 Hendrik Verbreyck, c and 
 Antje Johnson, c, Tappan, 
 Miehiel Vreelandt, 
 Margrietje Terheun, 
 Joris Brinkerhof. 
 Rachel Terheun. 
 
 November 28, 1792. 
 Tysje Bergen, wid. Stephenanus Ter- 
 heun, c 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 XUl 
 
 Jim, negro of Jacob Bogert, 
 Margrita Bertholf, wid. Abraham 
 
 Bertholf, 
 Catlina Terheun, wid. Oornelis Hoppe, 
 Abraham Banta, 
 Hilletje Tansys. 
 
 1793. 
 
 Jan Berdan. 
 
 1794. 
 Petrus Labaoh, 
 Gerryt Mandeville, 
 Jacobus J. Hanan. 
 
 1795. 
 Petrus Kujrpers. 
 
 Augmt 23, 1797, ai Hackensaclc. 
 Catharina JVreelandt, w. Van Buren, 
 Hendrik Akkerman, 
 Byntje Romeyn, 
 Dirk Terheun, 
 Aunaatje Tan Yoorhees, 
 Johannes Terheun, 
 Elizabeth Berry, 
 Jan Eomeyn, 
 Sara Van Giesen, 
 Tannety Berrey, w. John Kipp, 
 
 Hester Rose, w Cornelius Bogert, 
 Attie Kuypers. 
 
 August 16, ai SdhraaUntni/rgh. 
 Jacob Debaun, 
 Mary Cooper, 
 Abraham Demarest, 
 Margarette Demarest, 
 Oornelis Debaun, 
 Mary Bogart, 
 Daniel Helm, 
 Rachel Peek, 
 Johannes Demarest, 
 Tryntie Demarest, 
 Jacob Demarest, 
 Lea Peek, 
 Peter P. Debaun, 
 Magdalena Toorhis, 
 John Quaokinbush, 
 Sally Smith, 
 Pieter Demarest, 
 Polly Demarest, 
 Pieter T. Demarest, 
 Lea Demarest, 
 Jacob Demote, 
 Rachel Bogert, 
 David Demarest, 
 Charity Haring. 
 
 Received hy Rev. James Y. 0. Romeyn. 
 
 Fehrua/ry 12, 1800. 
 Rachel Hopper, wid., c 
 John Romeyn, 
 John Van Beuren, 
 Jacob C. Bogert, and 
 Elizabeth Frederick, 
 John 0. Bogert, and 
 Rachel Banta. 
 
 April 23. 
 Apke Van Saan, and 
 Marie Debaun. 
 
 October 16. 
 Nikasi Romeyn, and 
 SaUy Bole, 
 
 Margaret Wilson, w. George Taylor, 
 Rysie Herring, w. Nikasi Terheun, 
 Paulus Terheun, 
 Annatie Voorhis, 
 Hendrik Hemng, and 
 Jannetie Blauvelt, 
 Paulus Pauhson, and 
 Catrina Westervelt, 
 John PauUson, and 
 Eleanor Ely, 
 
XIV 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Holmes Van Wagonen, and 
 Maria Demarest, 
 Jacobus Vandelinda, 
 Henry Limberger, and 
 Rlioda Limberger. 
 
 April 23. 
 Matt, slave of Eoelif Terhun, 
 Susan, black woman, of Rev. J. V. 
 
 0. Romeyn, 
 Joe, and 
 
 Jim, slaves of Jacob Hopper, 
 Peter, slave of Jacob Herring, 
 Jack, " JeUis Bartholf, 
 Mary, " Elizabeth Van G-ieson. 
 
 David J. Durie, and 
 Jane Van Wagoner, 
 David Blauvelt, and 
 Maria Herring. 
 
 September 1. 
 Jacobus Terbeun, and 
 Lena LaoWin, c 
 Christine Baldwin, wid. Abraham 
 
 Depeyster, 
 Peter "Westervelt, and 
 Claasie Van Wagoven, 
 Antie Lozier, wid. Jacobus Terheun, 
 Christina Terheun, wid. Paulus Van 
 
 G-eisen, 
 George Taylor. 
 
 March, 1801. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Hendrik Banta, 
 
 Dina, slave of Roehf Terheun, 
 
 Elizabeth Lake, 
 
 Susan, 
 
 " Jacob Hopper, 
 
 Huybregt Dewolfe, 
 
 Mary, 
 
 " Michael Terheun, 
 
 Isaac Bogert, 
 
 Quack, 
 
 " Hendrik Herring, 
 
 Margaret Duryee, 
 
 Bet, 
 
 " Jacob Herring, 
 
 Peter Terheun, 
 
 Sara, ' 
 
 ' Abraham Kipp. 
 
 Henry Roome. 
 
 
 
 July 29. 
 
 
 April 12, 1802. 
 
 Michael Terheun, 
 
 Benjamin 
 
 Bugbee, 
 
 Jacobus G. Demarest, and 
 
 Geertie BUis, wid. Edward Jones, 
 
 Sara Smith, 
 
 Catharine 
 
 • Snyder, w. Jacobus Van- 
 
 Jacob D. Demarest, and 
 
 derlinda. 
 
 Geertie Zabriskie, 
 
 Rachel Demarest, 
 
 John Anderson, and 
 
 Jauneke Jerolyman, widow, 
 
 Polly Bogert, 
 
 Jan, slave of Henry Ackerman, 
 
 Abraham Hopper, and 
 
 Cuff, 
 
 ' Nicausie Terheun, 
 
 Lea Bogert, 
 
 Claas, ' 
 
 Abraham Kipp, 
 
 Peter Demarest, c. and 
 
 Sara, ' 
 
 ' Nicausie Terheun, 
 
 Antie Van Home, 
 
 Sara, " 
 
 ' John D. Romeyn, 
 
 Roos, slave of Daniel Demarest, 
 
 Jan, " 
 
 Gerrit Kipp. 
 
 Dinah, slave of Peter Demarest. 
 
 
 
 August. 
 
 
 October. 
 
 Rachel Van Winkle, wid. Albert 
 
 Elizabeth 
 
 Smith, wid. George Van 
 
 Aokerman, 
 
 Gieson, 
 
 
 David Peck, and 
 
 Catharine 
 
 Hymer, wid. Rowland HUl, 
 
 Judith Woertendyke, 
 
 John Aokerman, c 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 XT 
 
 April 30, 1803. 
 "Blandina Ryerson, w. Lawrence Ack- 
 
 erman, 
 .Joliannis Van Grieaon, 
 Evert Rykman, and 
 '.Sara Stillwell, 
 
 '.Sara Aokerman, wid. Jacob Barle, 
 Maria Baer, w. Huybregt Delbolf. 
 
 Henry Kipp, and 
 
 Catharine Kipp, 
 
 Peggy Banta, w. Ab'm. Aokerman, o 
 
 Jane Anderson, w. Cornelius Bogert, 
 
 Anna Romeyn. 
 
 1816. 
 Sally "Weatervelt, w. H. J. Briukerhoff, 
 Belinda Freeland, wid. J. C. "Wester- 
 
 velt, 
 lydia Haring, w. Jacobus Waldron, 
 Catharine, wid. Archibald Campbell, 
 John Douglass, and 
 Jane Douglass, c 
 
 Margaret Aokerman, w. S. Demarest, 
 , Jannetje Aokerman, wid. Michael Post,"Wyntie Zabriskie, w. Jacob Banta. 
 Margaret Keyser, wid. Peter AUer. 
 
 1817. 
 April 21, 1805. Hannah Campbell, 
 
 Stephen Demarest, and Archibald Campbell, 
 
 Pytie Demott. Maria Tan Schyven, wid. Tunis Helm, 
 
 Frederick Mabee. 
 
 Francis Bruyn, and 
 
 Leah Cadmus, 
 
 Catharine Myers, wid. Sam'l. Helm. 
 
 Ocioier, 1804. 
 
 May 2, 1807. 
 John C. "Westervelt. 
 
 October 31. 
 Garret OdeU, 
 Rebecca Hoogland. 
 
 Octoier 9, 1808. 
 .Jane Waldron, w. Dr. John Campbell, 
 Ann Terhune, w. John Terhune, 
 .James Beam. 
 
 April 29, 1809. 
 David L. Tan Zaun, and 
 Rachel Bogert, 
 .Martin Romeyn, and 
 PoUy Tan Saun, 
 G-ysbert Banta, and 
 Lea Bogert, 
 
 Isaac L. Tan Saun, and 
 Sally Bogert. 
 
 October 20, 1814. 
 Maria Bogert, w. D. T. D. Pool' ^ 
 
 1818. 
 
 "William Fair, o 
 
 Elizabeth Terhune, wid. Dr. J. West- 
 ervelt, 
 
 Elizabeth Smith, w. Lawrence Acker- 
 man, 
 
 Aletta Aokerman, w. Martin Romeyn, 
 
 Maria Aokerman, w. Benjamin West- 
 ervelt, 
 
 Anna Berdan, w. Abram Tandelinda. 
 
 JSlivember. 
 John J. Aokerman, 
 Elsie Tan Buskirk, 
 William Aokerman, 
 Mary Philips, 
 Maria Philips, 
 Anna Tan Riper, 
 David Devoe, and _. — 
 Corneha Aokerman. 
 
 1819. 
 
 Jane Tan Winkle, w. Samuel H. Berry, 
 Catharine Mersereau, w. C. Wynants. 
 
XVI 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 October 11. 
 Elizabeth Van Home, w. G-arret Oldis, 
 Hester G-oetschius, wid. Abm. Kipp. 
 
 April, 1820. 
 Tiny Bogort, 
 Cornelius Banta, c. and 
 Agnes Van Zaun, o 
 Jane Duryea, w. Siba Brinkerhoff. c 
 
 April, 1821 
 Margaret Henry, u 
 Geertie Banta, w. Jacob Lozier, 
 Margaret Romeyn, w. Garret Odell, Jr. 
 Eachel Romeyn, w. James Brinkerhoff, 
 Hetty Ackerman, w. J. Aokerman, 
 Agnes Kipp, w. Abraham Ackerman, 
 Peter Vandelinda, 
 Mrs. Beam, wid. James Beam, 
 Jane Pauhson, wid. Nicolas G. Kipp, 
 Tiny Voorhees, w. John Terhune, 
 Judith, colored servant of Mrs. Jane 
 Campbell. 
 
 1822. 
 John C. Bogert, 
 Paulus R. Terhune, and 
 Anna Zabriskie, 
 Albert R. Terhune, and 
 Nelly Post, 
 PhUlis, slave of Jacob A. Terhune. 
 
 1824. 
 Eliza Moore, w. Lewis Moore, 
 Eliza Romeyn. 
 
 1825. 
 Rachel Banta, w. J. 0. Bogert, 
 Catharine Boyd, 
 Louisa Moore, 
 
 Effie Vreeland, w. Peter J. Bogert, 
 Elizabeth Ryer, w. Caspar Wester- 
 velt, Jr. 
 
 1826. 
 Alpha Marvin, w. Dr. D. Marvin, 
 
 Rachel Ackerman, wid. Abraham: 
 
 Vreeland, 
 Sarah Bogert, w. Peter Hagincamp, 
 Caroline Romeyn. 
 
 182'?. 
 Jacob Van Home, and 
 Catharine Van Home. 
 
 October, 1829. 
 Mary Dugan, wid. Peter Larue, o 
 David J. Christie. 
 
 Eva Van "Winkle, w. Philip Berry, 
 Hetty "Williams, w. John L. Ackerman^ 
 Maria Van Buren, w. J. E. Bogert, 
 dannah Simonson, 
 William Kip, and 
 Maria Bertholf, 
 
 Geertie Bogert, w. Abraham Devoe, 
 Jane Bogert, 
 Molly, slave of Danisl Romeyn.. 
 
 1831. 
 Peter H. Ackerman, 
 John J. Demarest, u 
 Lavina Paulison, o 
 
 April 30. 
 Stephen Parsons, 
 Margaret Van Oleek, 
 Abraham N. Demarest, and, 
 Catharine Ackerman, 
 "WUham Lyon, and 
 Ann Lyon, 
 
 James H. Brinkerhoff, and 
 Sarah Romeyn, 
 David Berdan, and 
 Abby Beam. 
 
 1832. 
 Peter R Terhune, and 
 Maria Brinkerhoff, 
 
 Lavina Westervelt, w. Garret Vreeland, 
 Matilda Banta, w. N. L. Aokerman, 
 Elizabeth Vreeland, wid. Lucas Ro- 
 meyn. 
 
APPENDIX. XVU 
 
 Received hy Rev. James Romeyn. 
 
 November 2, 1833. Margaret Francis, servant A. G. 
 
 Margaret Devoe, wid. Peter Terhune, Doremus, 
 
 (Catharine Earle, Martha Louisa Campbell, w. Robert 
 
 Peter J. Bogert, S. Gould, o 
 Nancy Jackson, servant Wm. Cannon, 
 
 Jude Thompson, " Geo. Oassedy, ifore/s 29, 1835. 
 
 Magdalena Naugle, w. Joseph Dema- Tobias Thompson, servant Lewis 
 
 ray, c Moore. 
 Helen Demaray, c 
 
 Jane Bogert, wid. Gasp. Bogert, o November 21. 
 
 Margaret Banta. 
 AprU 13, 1834. 
 
 Robert Campbell, April R, 1836. 
 
 Ann Freeland, wid. John De Groot, Betty, servant of Lewis Moore, 
 
 Henry Banta, c. and Roelif Romeyn, c. and 
 
 Jane Sickles, c Jemima Tan Home, c 
 
 William Terhune, c Aaron Blauvelt, o. and 
 
 Margaret Berdan, c Jemima Banta, c 
 
 December 5. August 12, 1836. 
 
 Gertrude Van Syce, wid. N. Degroot, Mrs. Mary Eliza Owen, 
 
 .Jacob J. Banta, "William T. Y. Mabon. 
 
 Received hy Rev. A. TI. Warner. 
 
 April 6, 1831. Rachel Brinkerhoff, w. James De- 
 Eve Myers, w. Adolphus Campbell, marest, c 
 
 John J. Bogert, c. and Rachel Demarest, w. P. S. Brinker- 
 
 ;Sarah Ann Hill, c hoff. 
 Rachel Benson, w. Tupis Banta, c 
 
 April 12, 1838. 
 
 August 10, Albert Debaun, and 
 
 Mary Suflfern, w. Simeon Zabriskie, c Sarah "Wortendyke, 
 
 Maria Graham, w. Rev. A. H. War- Rachel Zabriskie, w. Benjamin Tan 
 
 ner, c Schyven, 
 
 Latitia Van Schyven, wid. G. Acker- 
 
 Decemher *\. man, , 
 
 iewis D. Hardenburgh, c. and Betsy, w. Joseph Johnson, 
 
 Ellen Toorhes, c Jacob Tan Derbilt, c. and 
 
 Mrs. Jane Treeland, c Catharine Campbell, c 
 
XVlll 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Maria Campbell, w. Corn's. Campbell, c Augmi, 1842. 
 
 Sarah S. Campbell, w. Dan'l Sturr, c Mary W. Kidder. 
 Anna Post, wid. John Drummond, c 
 
 December 8. 
 April 15. Miss Matilda Sarah Ann Bogardus, c- 
 
 Benjamin Van Sohyven. ''^- Miss Margaret Banta. 
 
 August 9. July 5, 1843. 
 
 Miss Helena Moore, Jacob Hahn, and 
 
 Betsy Dugan, Elizabeth Sherman. 
 John C. Myers, 
 
 Martha B. A Jmory, w. J. L. Moore, December 1. 
 
 Jane Vreeland, w. "Wm. "Winants, c Prances Wilhamson, w. Abm. Devoe„ 
 
 Susan Robertson. 
 March 28, 1839. 
 Mrs. Maria "Ward, c 
 
 August 9. 
 Lawrence A. Ackerman, and 
 Cecilia Van Bussum. 
 
 April 11, 1844. 
 Miss Harriet Mabon. 
 
 August 8. 
 Thomas Pickens. 
 
 December 13. 
 G-eorge Zabriskie, c. and 
 Susan V. C. Romeyn, c 
 Thomas Sherwood, 
 Jane Sanford, c 
 
 April 9, 1840. 
 Sarah Brinkerhoff. w. Geo. Demarest. 
 
 April 10, 1845.. 
 Stephen Haring, 
 Jacob Vanderbilt, c and 
 Catharine Campbell, c 
 
 April 9, 1846. 
 Hannah Reed, w. Jacob J. Banta.. 
 
 August 6. 
 Peter C. Debaun, c 
 
 December 3. 
 David A. Bogert, 
 Polly Van Voorhis, w. Aury Bogert. 
 
 April 8, 1841. 
 Effy Demarest, w. P. 0. Debaun, c 
 
 August 6. 
 Jane Terhune, w. Stephen Haring, 
 Jane Anderson, w. John A. Zabriskie.. 
 
 December 10. 
 Ehzabeth Schuyler, wid. John A.. 
 
 Boyd, 
 John Jackson and Jane his wife, c 
 
 August 5. 
 Miss Jane Ann Moore, 
 Miss Christiana Berdan. 
 
 Aprils, 1847. 
 
 Jane Brinkerhoif, w. John Vander- 
 linda. 
 
 December 9. 
 
 September 17. 
 
 Ann "Warrington, wid. Isaac Graham. J. Romeyn Berry. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 XIX 
 
 December 9. 
 Christina Berdan, w. Martin Terhnne, 
 Miss Jane Anderson. 
 
 April 6, 1848. 
 Thomas Pickens, Sr., and 
 Mary Spier, 
 Isabella Roberts, o 
 
 December 7. 
 Jane Hill, w. Henry J. S. Hall, 
 Mary Stuyvesant, wid. P. A. Kipp, 
 Albert I. Toorhis, 
 Margaritt Wilson, c 
 Isabella Wilson, c 
 
 April 5, 1849. 
 Kesia Ann Brinkerhoff, 
 Maria Debaun, w. John M. Terhune, 
 Catharine Terhune, w. Cornelius H. 
 
 Banta, 
 Catharine D. , Wilson, wid. Samuel 
 
 Harris, c 
 Eliza M. Wilson, c 
 John J. Bogert, o. and 
 Sarah Ann HUl, o 
 
 Miss Mary Ann Tan Dalsen. 
 
 December 6. 
 Behnda Van Winkle, wid. R. "Van 
 
 WinMe, 
 Michael Griemmer. 
 
 nl 11, 1850. 
 Ann Berdan, w. Ichabod Cleavland. 
 
 December 5. 
 John H. Banta, 
 Maria Quick, c 
 Johanna Quick, c 
 Mrs. Ann Knapp, o 
 Mrs. Sarah Pratt, c 
 
 April 10, 1851. 
 Miss Ahby 0. Wendoi*. 
 
 -V&TT 
 
 John A. E. Bogert, c. and 
 Jane Berdan, c 
 
 April 8, 1852. 
 John H. Ackerman, and 
 Letitia Berry, 
 
 Jane M. Campbell, wid. R. T. Amos, 
 Ann Bhzabeth Amos, w. J. Van 
 Beureu. 
 
 April 1, 1853. 
 John M. Terhune, 
 Cornelius Van Valer, and 
 Jane Zabriskie, 
 Henry S. Berry, 
 James Berdan, c, and 
 Mary Wortendyke. 
 
 August IL 
 Miss Catharine Burchan, c 
 Miss Laura Burchan, c 
 
 December 8. 
 EUenor Brinkerhoff, w. G-eo. Fream, c 
 
 April 6, 1854. 
 Jacob J. Terhune. 
 
 Aiigust 10. 
 Lydia Bertholf, w. J. H. Banta, 
 Miss Catharine Anderson Bogert, 
 Remsen Verbryck, u 
 David A. Brower, c. and 
 Catharine Onderdonk, o 
 
 December 1. 
 Sarah MiUs, w. Henry Mills, c 
 Miss Harriet Mills, c 
 
 April 5, 1855. 
 Phihp Berry, 
 
 Hannah BJauvelt, wid. J. R. Wester- 
 velt. 
 
 Augwt 9. 
 Jane Newton, w. Thomas Newton. 
 
XX APPENDIX. 
 
 April 10, 1856. Miss Hester Ely, 
 
 Miss Catharine "Waldron Campbell, Miss Hester Van Houten, 
 
 Maria Jane "Westervelt, w. Abraham Miss Christina Harris, 
 
 Halsted, Miss Harriet M. Campbell, 
 
 Ann Westervelt, w. Q-arret Van Martin J. Terhune, and 
 
 "Winlile, c Martha Maria Ackerman, 
 
 Casper J. Westervelt, 
 
 December 11. Catharine Jane Kipp, 
 
 William S. Harris, and Edwin J. Moore, c. and 
 
 Susan A. Wyckoof. Mary C. Dod, c 
 
 AprU 9, 1857. April 5, 1860. 
 
 Mrs. Eachel Swords. Miss Eliza Jane Vreeland. 
 
 April 8, 1858. Augmi 9. 
 Ann Marcelus, w. Jacob J. Hopper, ' Jasper Westervelt, 
 
 Charlotte Gr. Van Beuren, wid. John Miss Christiana Cole, 
 
 Anderson, Garret Kip, 
 
 Nellie Terhune, James E. Demarest, c 
 
 Euphemia B. Vandelinda, Mrs. Helena Van Saun, 
 
 Luoinda Speer, w. D. E. Vandehnda, Mrs. Hannah Aokerson. 
 Catharine Ingles, w. Eobert Conklin, 
 
 James R. Vandelinda, and December 6. 
 
 Sarah Cooper, gliarles Fox, i;. and 
 
 Magdalen Eutan, w. John Huyler, c ^arah Jane Baptist, c 
 Eachel Demarest, w. P. S. Brinker- 
 
 hoflt, c April 11, 1861. 
 
 August 11. Margaret Ellen Banta, w. J. H. 
 
 EUzabeth Woohiough, w. Curtis Ackerman, 
 
 Barker, Maria Ackerman, w. J. N. Blackledge, 
 
 Ann Ackerman, w. I. N". Voorhis, Mrs. Anna Margaretta Erederickson. 
 John Adams Seipp, o 
 
 October 26. 
 
 December 9. Miss Cornelia Ann Kipp. 
 George Pair, c. and 
 
 Helena Moore, u April 10, 1862. 
 
 Jacob H. Kipp, and 
 
 April 1, 1859. Sophia Brinkerhoff, 
 
 Mary F. Adams, w. Dr. GuiUiam Ter- MatUda Terhune, w. Wm. Winaut, 
 
 liune, Bridget Maria Mariuus, w. G. J. Oldis, 
 
 Catharine S. Freeland, w. WUham Mrs. Sarah 0. Dyer, c 
 
 Mackerall, 
 
 Johanna H. Thome, ' w. Erasmus December 11. 
 
 Frederiokson, Anna M. CampbeD, w. D. A. Cum- 
 
 Mary Magdalene Virge, w. G. H. ming. 
 
 Thorn, Elizabeth Cumming, w. J. E. Fulton. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 XXI 
 
 April 9, 1863. 
 Misa Martha V. G-ould. 
 
 December 10. 
 Abraham L. VoorMs, c 
 Mary Durie. 
 
 April 1, 1864. 
 Mrs. Katy A.rm Zabriskie, 
 Jane Ellen Post, w. Abrm. R. Post, 
 Henry Banta, 
 George Mabon, 
 Miss Sarah Blauvelt, o 
 
 August 11. 
 Gertrude Berry, w. Enoch Hopper, c 
 Cornelius See, c. and 
 Cornelia Warner, o 
 
 December 8. 
 Martha Wortendyke, wid. J. G. Blau- 
 velt, c 
 
 April, 1865. 
 Miss Margaret Van Riper, c 
 John C. Myers, o. and 
 Ellen Demarest, c 
 
 Received hy Rev. Theo. B. Romeyn. 
 
 August W, 1865. 
 
 Mrs. Betsy Bugby, 
 
 Abigail Van Dine, w. J. N. Acker- 
 man, c 
 
 John Durie, v;. and 
 
 Catharine Zabriskie, e 
 
 Henry Storms, o. and 
 
 Amelia Storms, c 
 
 Ameha A. Letson, w. Eev. T. B. Ro- 
 meyn, 
 
 August 16. 
 ■Jasper Demarest, c. and 
 'Catharine Lozier, c 
 
 December 16. 
 Annie M. Demott, w. Jasper "West- 
 
 ervelt, 
 "Walter Vanderpool, 
 John L. Earle, c 
 
 April 1, 1866. 
 Nicholas I. Voorhis, 
 James Van Riper, and 
 Clarissa Van "Winkle, 
 Maria Demarest, wid. G. J. Demarest, 
 Rachel Demarest, w. Abraham A. G. 
 
 Demarest, 
 Margaret Ackerman, w. "Wm. Drew, 
 
 Adelia Zabriskie, w. W. S. Banta, 
 Jane L. Demarest, w. Bamet Cole, 
 Eliza B. Cole, w. John J. Post, 
 Abigail S. Cutter, wid. Ebenezer Ford, 
 Ellen Flearbome, wid. A. D. Bogert, c 
 Hannah Maria Bogert, w. N. H. Vor- 
 
 his, c 
 ■William "WiUiams, o. and 
 Jane A. Van Saun, c 
 Mrs. Mary Berdan, c 
 Miss Lavinia Berdan, c 
 J. Romeyn Brinkerhoff, c. and 
 Rachel Demarest, c 
 
 August 11. 
 
 Mrs. Ann Van Norden 
 
 Catharine Van Norden, w. J. P. 
 Ackerman, 
 
 Eliza Vandelinda, w. John Durie, 
 
 Lydia Schoonmaker, w. H. L. Acker- 
 man, 
 
 Lea Coziue, w. John Bertholf, 
 
 Henry Outwater, 
 
 Hester A. Kip, w. Robert Williams, 
 
 Lizzie E. Westervelt, 
 
 Euphemia Westervelt, 
 
 Jane Esther Poole, ^ 
 
 Sophie Van Riper, 
 
 Jennie B. Van Riper, 
 
xxu 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 Libbie Williams, 
 Mrs. Ichabod Cleaveland, c 
 Mrs. Jane B. Park, c. w. V. Park, 
 Charles H. Harris, c 
 
 December 8. 
 John C. Quackenbush, c. and 
 Mary S. Demarest, c 
 Miss Maria D. Quick, c 
 Miss Joanna Quick, c 
 William A. Wood, c. and 
 Emma Wood, o 
 John A. Voorhis, 
 John D. Durie, 
 Henrietta R. Harris, wid. John I. 
 
 Voorhis, 
 Kate A. Voorhis, 
 Janetta W. Voorhis, 
 George R. Doremus, and 
 Ida S. Harris, 
 Clara Q. See. 
 
 April 13, 1861. 
 Joshua J. Clark, 
 John R. Pulton, 
 
 Cornelia Winant, w. H. McKinney, 
 Mary Paulison, w. Wm. Huyler, 
 Rachel Durie, 
 Mrs. Theodore Smith, c 
 
 August 10, 1867. 
 Mrs. Jane M. Hyer, c 
 Sarah B. Hyer, c 
 Robert W. Parr, c. and 
 Anna Dyer, 
 
 Rachel Moore, w. Richard Hawkey, 
 Lydia Voorhis, w. John W. Kipp, 
 Henry L.> Aekerman, 
 Miss Maria Van Winkle, 
 Miss Rachel Ann Voorhis. 
 
 December 1, 186'?. 
 Isaac N. Voorhis, and 
 Ellen Demarest, 
 Richard Paul Terhune, and 
 Sophia Euphemia Ackerman, 
 Margaret Bertholf, wid. Daniel Banta. 
 
 April 1 1, 1868. 
 
 Mrs. Rachel'Brinkerhoff, c 
 
 Mrs. Ann Westervelt, c 
 
 Mrs. Esther Van Deusen, c 
 
 Robert Conklin, 
 
 Isaac L. Van Saun, 
 
 William Harper, and 
 
 Lizzie Emory, 
 
 Isaac J. Van Saun, and 
 
 Rachel 0. Ackerman, 
 
 Ursula Bogert, w. Jacob Terhune, 
 
 Annie Pranois Price, w. John J. 
 Bertholf, 
 
 Anna Jane Terhune, wid. H. J. Hop- 
 per, 
 
 Rachel Terhune, w. Jacob Bogert, 
 
 Rachel L. Oakley, w. Jacob H. Voor- 
 his, 
 
 Margaretta Vanderbeek, w. Jeremiah 
 Demarest, 
 
 Eliza Jane ColUns, w. John Vander- 
 linda, 
 
 Catharine Shuat, w. Albert 0. Bogert, 
 
 Miss Sarah Elizabeth Warner, 
 
 Miss Mary Augusta Warner, 
 
 Miss Fannie Price, 
 
 August 8, 1868, 
 Joseph P. Vreeland, and 
 Mary Thornhill, 
 
 Lavina Westervelt, w. R. Vanderbeek^ 
 Miss Henrietta Vreeland, 
 William L. Grahu, 
 Thomas P. Thompson. 
 
 December 5, 1868. 
 Daniel G. Murray, 
 Sarah Hopper, w. J. J. Terhune, 
 Charlotte Pountain, w. Erskine Wes- 
 tervelt, 
 Mrs. Mary Vreeland, c 
 Mrs. D. G. Murray, c 
 William Purby, c. and 
 Ann Purby, c 
 Mrs. Catharine P. Hall, c 
 Mrs. Sarah M. Budd, c 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 XXlll 
 
 Mwrch 6, 1869. 
 Joseph Hunton, 
 George A. Sparks, c. and 
 Blma A. Peterson, o 
 
 Jyme 5, 1869. 
 Arthur Friend, and 
 Julia Coz, 
 Samuel Button, 
 Lizzie Irish, w, 0. H. Harris, 
 Miss Sarah Francis Oldis, 
 "W, I. Comes, o. and, 
 Maria Comes, o 
 Mrs. Eve Huyler, c 
 Maria Ackerman, w. D. Aokerman, 
 Mrs. Catharine Lozier, c 
 
 September 4, 1869. 
 Jacob J. Bogert, 
 Ann Eliza Dawson, w. C. Mott, 
 Anetta Blauvelt. 
 
 December 4, 18G9. 
 J. H. T. Banta, and 
 Susanna Charlotte Steinley, 
 Mary B. Ackerman, w. G. Ackerman, 
 Harriet M. Campbell, w. S. B. House, 
 Mary E. Moore, c 
 
 Mwch 5, 1810. 
 Anna "Waldron, w. 0. Taylor, 
 Martha Sophia Harper, 
 Robert Campbell, c. and 
 Anna Kingsland, c , 
 Sarah Campbell, c 
 R. G. "Wool, c. and 
 Maria T. Demarest, c 
 Mrs. Carohne E. Gibson, c 
 Edwin Corming, e. and 
 Virginia E. Gibson, c 
 Miss Catharine Frederick, c 
 
 Jwje 4, 1870. 
 Amelia Montague, w. Abm. OoUerd, 
 Miss Sarah M. Vreeland, 
 Mrs. Catharine Tanderbeck, c 
 Miss Ellen Whitenack, c 
 
 (4, 1870. 
 Sophia Van Zaun, w. J. Van Zaun,, 
 Jessie Abby Palmer, 
 Mrs. Helen M. Post, c 
 
 December 3, 1870. 
 WiUiam A. Kipp, 
 William D. Chandler, c. and 
 A. A. Chandler, c 
 
 Julia L, Chandler, w. 0. Van Houten, 
 Mrs, Lavina Brinkerhoff, 
 Miss Anna Van Saun. ' 
 
 ^* ♦ ■» 
 
 No. 2. 
 
 The following is an extract from the Minutes of the Classis of 
 Middleburg (Holland), in reference to Guillaume Bertholf : 
 
 Clctssis in Ordinary Session, held in Flushimg, September 2, 1693. 
 
 Lemma or Aettolb 9. — Guillaume Bertholf, at present Voorleser in the 
 congregation of two towns of New Netherlands, presented a memorial signed 
 
XXIV APPENDIX. 
 
 by many members of the congregation, requesting that they might preserve 
 him as their ordinary minister and pastor. 
 
 In Session, September S, 1693. 
 
 Aeticlb 5. — G-uillaume Bertholf, mentioned under Article 9, in yesterday's 
 session, appeared and presented his petition in the name of the Church and 
 congregation in New Netherlands. The Classis taking into consideration the 
 anxious desire of the Church there for the sacred ministry of the word and 
 ordinances and their pecuHar attachment to the person of Mr. Bertholf, and 
 being unwilling to interpose any hindrance, deem it proper to admit him to 
 a proof of his gifts and qualifications. The examination to be conducted by 
 the President, and to be held fourteen days hence. 
 
 Classis Extraordina/ry, held at Middleburgh, September 16, 1693. 
 
 Article 8. — Guillaume Bertholf, according to Article 5 of the Classis, 3d of 
 September, having delivered his discourse on Matthew xi. 28., gave such satis- 
 faction that he was admitted to his full examination, and in this examination, 
 he exhibited such proofs of his qualifloatious that the Classis granted the re- 
 quest of the Churches of Hackenaack and Aquackenonk, to obtain Mm as their 
 stated minister and pastor, and consequently approved the call which they have 
 made upon him. The Classis then unanimously resolved to ordain him to the 
 work of the ministry by the laying on of hands, and to install him in the pas- 
 toral charge of the Churches by which he is called. The Classis proceeded to 
 this service, when a sermon was preached by the adsessor, Dominus Hugo 
 Puts, and the form of ordinary read by the President, Dow Abraham Duyve- 
 laer. The ordination by the laying on of hands then took place, when the 
 ordained brother was declared to be invested with the pastoral care of the 
 above-named Churches, to be ruled according to the order of our Church. He 
 then with this view signed the usual formula. 
 
 ISTo. 3. 
 
 PLAN FOR RE-BUILDING THE CHURCH XT HACK- 
 ENSACK, A. D., 1790. 
 
 '' Whereas, The Dutch Reformed Congregation of Hackensack, in the County 
 of Bergen, and State of New Jersey, have long seen the necessity of re-build- 
 ing their church, but have been prevented by the troubles of the late war, and 
 particularly by a divided state of the congregation: 
 
APPEMDIX. XXV 
 
 " And whereas, it hath pleased the Omniscient Disposer of human events, to 
 bless the land with peace, and the congregation with a happy re-union, friend- 
 sliip and harmony ; said congregation have determined, by the advice of their 
 Ministers, Elders and Deacons, in the fear of the Lord, to proceed to the re- 
 building of said church, according to the following plan: — 
 
 " I. The old church shall be broke down, and all right and title thereto, by 
 former proprietors, shall be deemed totally void ; and upon the same ground 
 the new one shall be erected, and of the following dimensions, viz: forty-eight 
 by sixty feet, with two galleries. 
 
 "II. The following persons shall be appointed managers," whose business it 
 shall be to engage laborers, procure materials, superintend the work, and do 
 everything necessary to promote it. The managers are, Messrs. John Barle,. 
 George Doremus, Henry Berry, Casparus Westervelt, Jacobus Pouhssen and 
 Isaac Vanderbeck, Jr. 
 
 "III. The corporation shall immediately take involuntary subscriptions, m 
 order to defray the expenses of building ; the money to be subscribed, to be 
 paid in three equal payments, viz : the first moiety at the time of subscribing ; 
 the second, immediately after the roof of the new church is laid ; the third, at 
 the finishing of the building. 
 
 " IT. The inside of the church shall be furnished with pews, without making 
 any distinction between men's and women's pews. 
 
 " V. After th9,church is completed, the pews shall be divided into convenient 
 seats, except, as many free seats for strangers, as the managers shall think 
 proper — an elders' and a deacons' pew — a pew for ministers' families, (also a 
 magistrate's pew ; the latter shall be particularly constructed, and have a canopy 
 over it). Said seats shall, after due notice given, at an appointed time and 
 place, be disposed of at public auction to the highest bidder, and the subscrib- 
 ers shall have credit, on the purchase of the seats, for such sum or sums of 
 money as they shall have subscribed. 
 
 " TI. If any person shall become heir to, or shall purchase from another 
 any of said seats, and shall not apply within one year and one day after such 
 purchase, or the obtaining of such right of legacy, to have such seats tran- 
 scribed, they shall be deemed the property of the congregation, and the church- 
 masters have a right to sell them. The price for transcribing shall be four 
 shillings, New York currency. 
 
 " We, the subscribers, approving of the above plan for re-buUding the church 
 at Hackensack, do, for the promotion thereof, promise to pay, or cause to be 
 paid, to the Minister, Elders and Deacons of the Dutch Reformed congregation,, 
 of Hackensack, in the County of Bergen, in the State of New Jersey, or their 
 order, in gold or silver, or the value thereof, in paper currency, at the rate of 
 eight shiUings to one Spanish milled dollar, the sum annexed to our respective 
 names, and according to the division of payments specified in the plan. 
 
 " As witness our hands, this day of , one thousand seven 
 
 hundred and ninety; being at liberty to pay one-third in necessary materials, 
 at such price as the managers choose to agree for — except the first payment, 
 which shall be in cash only." 
 
XXVl 
 
 APPENDIX 
 
 One hundred and thirty-two signatures follow, of which forty-nine are at- 
 tached to a copy in the Bnghsh language, and eighty-three to one in the Dutch, 
 The whole amount of the subscriptions toeing £328. 9s. Od. 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 Adam Boyd. 10 
 
 John Varick, Jr 9 
 
 Lucas Tan Saen 6 
 
 Adolph "Waldron 10 
 
 R. & A. P. Waldron 10 
 
 Nehemiah Wade 12 
 
 Johannes D. Terhune ..... 6 
 
 John Zabrisky 10 
 
 John Zabriski, Jr 5 
 
 John Seaman 5 
 
 David Anderson 10 
 
 Jacob Bogert 6 
 
 Caty Brower 1 4 
 
 Abraham D. Brower 1 
 
 David Brower 1 
 
 John Banta 2 
 
 John Varick 10 
 
 Elias Brevoort 10 
 
 Cornehus Ackerman ; 1 
 
 John Ackerman 1 4 
 
 Hendrik Aokermaaa 1 4 
 
 Jacob Hoppe 6 
 
 John Oassidy 5 
 
 Hendrick Barr 2 
 
 Silvester Morris 1 
 
 Peter Ackerman 1 
 
 Elizabeth Vandelinde 15 
 
 Margaret Huysemam 8 
 
 Abraham Kipp 10 
 
 Garret Kipp 10 
 
 Richard Terhune 3 
 
 John Terhune 2 
 
 Cornelius Hopper. 2 
 
 Garret Hopper 2 
 
 Henry Banta 2 8 
 
 George Van Gieson 3 
 
 John Ackerman 1 
 
 Jacobus Brinkerhoit 5 
 
 Peter Voorhis 6 
 
 John Brower 5 
 
 TTrial Meeker 4 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 Hendrik Van voorhis 6 
 
 Roelif Bogert 1 
 
 James Hodge 3 
 
 Isaac NicoU 4 
 
 Caleb Wade... 1 10 
 
 Archibald Campbell 15 
 
 Robert Campbell 5 
 
 Peterse Kipp 10 
 
 Jacob Terhune , 10 
 
 Isaac Vanderbeek 6 
 
 Jacobus Huysman 10 
 
 David Demarest 5 
 
 Daniel Romine 6 
 
 Peter Zabriskie 40 
 
 Albert I. Voorhase 10 
 
 Samuel Berry 10 
 
 George Blinkerhoflf. . T 6 
 
 Nicausie Terhune 10 
 
 Isaac Van Gieson 15 
 
 John Romine 6 
 
 OorneUus Banta 8 
 
 Jacobus Powleson 5 
 
 Oasparus Westervelt 15 
 
 John Powleson 12 
 
 Henry Berry 10 
 
 Albert C. Zabrisky 9 
 
 Isaac Bardan 3 
 
 RoeUf P. Bogert 5 
 
 Cornelius Van Saan 3 
 
 Egbert Van Saan 3 
 
 Egbert Van Saan, Jr 18 
 
 Isaac J. Van Saan 1 10 
 
 Isaac Van Saan . 3 
 
 Gilyaem Terhune 8 
 
 Jacobus Terhune 3 
 
 Jacob Romine 3 
 
 Albert P. Voorhis 6 
 
 Isaac Kip 6 
 
 George Dor-emus 6 
 
 Peter Lutkins 6 
 
 John N. Romine 4 io 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 XXVU 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 John D. Bardan 5 
 
 Castyntie Bardan 1 10 
 
 Nicasie Kip 3 
 
 John Kip 12 
 
 Solomon Vanderbeek 8 
 
 Albert A. Tan Toorhis ... 6 
 
 John Van Norden 1 4 
 
 Henry Terhune 1 10 
 
 Ann Terhune 1 
 
 Henkrik Bardan 6 
 
 Rowland Hill .' . . 1 
 
 Abraham Yanderbeek .... 3 
 
 Paulis Tauderbeek 2 
 
 WUliam Young 8 
 
 John Earle 10 
 
 Wiert D. Bauta 3 
 
 Joorst Lozier 3 
 
 Albert Terhune 5 
 
 John J. Bogart 3 
 
 Cornelius Terhune 1 
 
 Yan Pelt Simonson 1 
 
 Seba Blynkerhof. 3 
 
 Diryck Blynckerhof. . . . 3 
 
 Michael B. Terhune 2 
 
 £. s. d. 
 
 John Outwater 3 
 
 Jacob Bogart 12 
 
 Jacob Earle 12 
 
 Lawrence A. Ackerman ... 5 
 
 Gasbe Ackerman 6 
 
 Hendrik Hopper 2 
 
 Lawrence Ackerman 6 
 
 Jacob Blinkerhoff 6 
 
 Albert Brinkerkoff 5 
 
 George BrinkerhofF 5 
 
 Cornilos Bogert 6 
 
 Deriok Westervelt 4 
 
 John 0. Zabriskie 5 
 
 Laua Hopper 3 
 
 Henry H. Britikerhoff 6 
 
 GUbart Yandahnda 8 
 
 Jacob 0. Zabriskie 6 
 
 Samuell Moore 8 
 
 Samuel T. Moore ......... 2 
 
 Hartman BrinkerhofF 
 
 John Harris 4 
 
 Peter Degroot -16 
 
 Abraham Banta 3 
 
 Antie Banta. 8 
 
PREACHED ON THE SABBATH FOLLOWING 
 
 THE 
 
 EE-OPEN ll^Q-, 
 
 BY 
 
 REV. THEODORE B. ROMEYN, Pastor. 
 
 11 
 
SER]VIOI^. 
 
 John 2:16. "MY FATHER'S HOUSE." 
 
 It was one of the purposes of the teaching of 
 Christ to give new, fresh views of that which was 
 old. The old was not understood, and Christ inter- 
 preted it. Much was perverted, and he gave the 
 truer estimates and uses of it. Amid old truths and 
 surroundings the man of Christ's day was made to 
 feel that he was amid entirely new ones, just as the 
 man who has lived in the world for three score years 
 would be led to feel that he was in a new world, if 
 suddenly he was to become enlightened by the dis- 
 coveries of science. Thus, beneath the light that 
 flashed out from the glory of the only begotten, the 
 Law and the Temple, with its ceremonies, became as 
 new things, and men wondered. 
 
 You have this illustrated in that transaction which 
 is associated with the words juat quoted as my text. 
 It is at once expressive of Christ's own personal re- 
 gard for the Temple, and the duties which belonged 
 to it. 
 
It took place on occasion of his having gone up to 
 Jerusalem at the becoming time, in order to observe 
 the commemoration of the Passover. If ever that 
 ordinance had a sincere observer it was He. Let no 
 one question its importance after the honor which 
 Christ gave it. As he follows up his sacred purpose 
 He enters one of the Temple-courts — the Court of 
 the Gentiles. He finds , it converted, literally^ into a 
 vast market-place, and those that sold oxen and sheep 
 and doves, and changers of money, sitting there 
 transacting their secular business. 
 
 The bald, bold profanation fires his religious zeal, 
 and having made a scourge of ropes, such as were 
 used for tying up cattle, with it he drove the Temple- 
 trafl&ckers from the holy apartments as if they were 
 themselves cattle ; poured out the money of the 
 changers, turned over their tables, and said to 
 them that sold doves : " Take these things hence, 
 make not my Father's house an house of mer- 
 chandise." 
 
 It seems that on yet another occasion, subsequently, 
 Christ went through this same process of purging the 
 Temple of the pollutions of men who made use of it 
 only to further their own selfish purposes, by such a 
 fearful prostitution of sacredness! 
 
 Strange as it may seem, those profaning traffickers 
 yielded to his stern and summary rebuke, and fled 
 before him on this first occasion ; but their avarice 
 brought them back again, when he repeated his active 
 
rebuke witli the severer saying: "It is written, 'my 
 house shall be called a house of prayer, but ye have 
 made it a den of thieves.' " He knew that they were 
 actually carrying on a fraudulent business and cheat- 
 ing the poor, by selling their articles, doves and sheep 
 and oxen for sacrifices, at an enormous advantage- 
 taking. He knew, too, that the men who would thus 
 profane the Temple in order to make gain, would not 
 hesitate to steal from the people in their dealings, 
 and he did not hesitate to say so, to their great 
 chagrin of course. And he acted, too, under that 
 authority which became him, feeling that it 
 was time to break up such long-standing abuses, 
 though they had the consecration of time and 
 custom. 
 
 Such was the occasion that called forth this expres- 
 sion of Christ's personal regard for the Temple, and 
 his view of the use which ought to be made of it by 
 those who entered its venerable enclosures. 
 
 He called it 
 
 "Mx Father's House." 
 
 He called it such as the Son of God — " the only be- 
 gotten," and as the man who saw in God a Father, 
 and who spake as the representative man. 
 
 Did not Jesus Christ teach us by this what the 
 House of God, which we have just entered and given 
 to Him, should be to us ? Ought we not to speak 
 and think of it by the same terms of rich endearment 
 
as a little child would of the dwelling in which it 
 lived ? And ought not his language indicate the use 
 we ought to make of it. The old worshipper would 
 have vested the place of his devotions in awe and 
 grandeur by calling it the Temple, and he would have 
 offered cold and formal services in it. Christ at once 
 called it by a more familiar though none the less 
 sacred appellation of the "Father's House," and so 
 gave occasion for the exercise of the better feelings 
 in the solemn act of worship. 
 
 This saying of Christ teaches two lessons, the first. 
 of which is, 
 
 I. What the Sanctuary ought to be to the worship- 
 per. '■'■My Father's House." This was a most en- 
 dearing and suggestive title. It carries in it a most 
 beautiful blending together of the sacred and the 
 cheerful, the august and the lovely, the devout and 
 the delightful, just as in a landscape, you have not 
 only massive and majestic hills, but sweet, beautiful 
 fields that soften the scene. Thus, by a single utter- 
 ance of his lips, Christ made the worship and all the 
 old associations of the Temple vastly different from 
 what they had always been, at least to the many who 
 had gathered there, cold and dismal formaliti.es, giv- 
 ing nothing to the heart and getting nothing from it. 
 To how inany even now is the Sanctuary as dreary as 
 a cavern, and as cold as the December sky ! 
 
 " My Father's House ! " Who does not know the 
 charm of those words even in the lower application I 
 
What thoughts, what associations, what memories, 
 what emotions of joy and sorrow, what tears it starts 
 up ! And there belongs a charm to them still greater 
 when applied to the Sanctuary. The reasons are the 
 following : 
 
 As such, it is a house of instruction. The Divine 
 Father speaks to his children ushered in ignorance 
 into a world of ignorance. He speaks whom they 
 need to hear, who speaks to them and for them, be- 
 cause their Father, suiting his instructions to their 
 wants. As such, the church-building stands alone in 
 the world, an anomaly among buildings. Lowly and 
 insignificant compared with the heavens which ex- 
 pand above it, or the great hills which may surround 
 it, it speaks as none of them can speak. Before it 
 all nature is silent as it was silent before the God-man 
 when He trod earth, because nature has no teachings 
 like God's through his oracles^ The little church out 
 in yon landscape, a mere speck, stands like a prophet 
 of the Most High, clothed m the vestments of an 
 authority of which the mountains, hoary with the age 
 of centuries, cannot boast. There Christ teaches of 
 God and man, of ruin and redemption ; of the Divine 
 will. There the Christian learns his own personal 
 duties, his exalted privileges, his hopes and encour- 
 agements, his comforts and destiny. There are the 
 great, lessons for the childhood and manhood of man ! 
 How such a view of the Sanctuary consecrates the 
 place, the -pulpit, the preacher ! What dignity it 
 
8 
 
 gives them ! Of all triflers the pulpit trifler is the 
 most -unpardonable. The Psalmist prayed that he 
 might " dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of 
 his life, that he might behold the beauty of the Lord 
 and inquire in his Temple." Thus we sing : 
 
 " There shall I offer my requests, 
 
 And see thy beauty still ; 
 Shall hear thy messages of lore, 
 
 And there inquire thy will." 
 
 It is a house of discipline^ of training for the higher 
 life. The child in the family is to go further than the 
 home : it is a growing thing, it is to go out beyond ■ 
 into the great world. Beneath the shelter of the 
 paternal roof it becomes properly prepared for the 
 cares and conflicts of the world-sphere. There in the 
 family is the' true school. 
 
 So the man is to go further out into the world of 
 duty and beyond in the future. Garlands follow the 
 race, victories follow the fight : so before we get into 
 the world we are prepared for it, so we are made 
 ready for Heaven before we reach it. Thus, here in 
 the Sanctuary is the place of preparation for this life 
 and for that which is to come. By truths, by rebukes, 
 by obedience, by stern teachings of experience, by 
 submission, we are trained for the higher sphere. 
 The Sabbath begins the week. We enter the week 
 and this life through the gate of the Sanctuary. 
 Sacred portal ! Catching its spirit one is ready 
 
for the earthly and thus ready for the hea- 
 venly. 
 
 It is a house of communion. " The household of 
 faith" is there; the family of God, the spiritual kind- 
 red, the higher, the holier, the happier. There is 
 the Fatherhood and the motherhood of God ; the fel- 
 lowship of Jesus and the Holy Ghost. There are the 
 brotherhood and sisterhood of spiritual relationship, 
 the friendships of the new life. 
 
 Worship there is placed in a new aspect. To many 
 it is nothing better than a service rendered — a sort 
 of debt of honor paid, a propitiatory act, and in that 
 it ends. To them it is not communion with God, while 
 worship is communion with Him, and " communion 
 sweet." But the true worshipper finds the highest 
 pleasure in the Sanctuary, because he goes to meet a 
 Divine Father there. Thus the Psalmist could say 
 even amid the gorgeous ritualism of the Temple, "I 
 have loved the habitation of thy house, even the place 
 where thine honor dwelleth." 
 
 And there too is "the communion of saints."* 
 There Christians get together-, and experience the in- 
 
 * Christianity from its very nature is communion or fellowship in the fullest 
 sense of the word. Christianity is love, and love is communion. Christianity is 
 brotherhood and brotherhood is communion. There is no worship nor service 
 nor place more holy to one Christian than to another. To acknowledge a -man 
 a Christian brother, is to acknowledge his right, on one's own ground, and 
 without any of that disgusting condescension of charity in which some in- 
 dulge,' to the most inner circle of Christian fellowship. The recognition of 
 one^s discipleship w^fh Christ defines the absohite law of fellowship. Anything else 
 lower and more restricted is simply a contradiction ; is grossly illogical and 
 irreooncileable, and unworthy of the love and liberty of Christ. It is better to 
 
10 
 
 fluences of the power of association. There is one- 
 ness of heart, interchange of sympathies, agreement 
 of purposes and sameness of aspiration and hope. 
 There Christians are brothers in the same conflicts, 
 weeping with the weepers and rejoicing with the 
 glad, wept with in sorrow and smiled with in joy. 
 They are pilgrims in the same journey, looking for- 
 ward to the same home, walking beneath the same 
 storms and the same sunshine. Dear hearts ! that 
 love and feel. alike. Dear place! where no one is 
 rich, and no one is poor ; where the gold ring, be- 
 cause such, gets no special honor ; where "• rich and 
 poor meet together, for the Lord is the maker of them 
 all!" " Peace be within thy walls." 
 
 It is an house of protection., care and sympathy. 
 
 deny another's disoipleship, than having recognized it to deny it in an indirect 
 and practical ,way. The laws of love partake of its own nature. 
 
 Without Christian fellowship a Church lacks one of the radical elements of 
 church-hfe, and the very .power which the Church ought to exert. There can 
 be no substitute for it, nothing that can make up its lack, any more than there 
 can be for a lack of good heart-action in the body. There is vitality about 
 Christian fellowship. Other things may be substituted for it and often are, 
 but it is like the cutting off of one's leg for the purpose of using a cork- 
 leg or a crutch. It is getting a crutch for a leg. It was characteristic of the 
 early Church, that "it continued steadfast in the Apostles' doctrine and fellow- 
 ship," etc. It has been said that " that man who can find feUow-citizens among 
 the children of God, but not family friends, may be a very good Christian, but 
 not of the primitive stamp." 
 
 What is true on this subject respecting individual churches and denominations 
 is true of the whole Church of Jesus Christ. It is one in the essential hfe or 
 it is nothing. And it might as well be nothing as the dwarfed, little thing that 
 much modern exclusiveness makes it. We should be careful not to put any- 
 thing else above that which, in the disciple of Christ, makes him such radically, 
 and thus makes him necessarily an object of Christian love. " Christ in you" 
 is the " hope of glory;" let us not sink it below earthly fellowships though the 
 nearest and choicest of them. To the child belongs a place at the hearthstone 
 and a piece from the loaf, and not mere crumbs. 
 
11 
 
 The Sanctuary is a guardian. It is such to the state 
 and society. It is such to the individual man ; to the 
 Christian especially. When around the dwelling the 
 rude storm sweeps, the little tenant feels safe, because 
 it is its "Father's House." Disease may come, but it 
 knows that there are loving hearts that beat in sym- 
 pathy and loving hands to minister. And, oh ! when 
 you look back, to how many has this house been a 
 house of sweetest solace in trouble. liow many whO' 
 were weak hiave been made strong ; how many who 
 were tempted have been stayed ! Here the lost have 
 been found, the mourner comforted ; for Thou hast 
 been here, oh ! thou Divine Majesty ! How many 
 have been able to use the language of the Psalmist : 
 " For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His 
 pavilion." 
 
 " In secret I have often prayed, 
 
 And still the anxious tear would fall ; 
 
 But on Thy sacred altar laid, 
 
 The fire descends and drives them all." 
 
 De Kance. 
 
 It is a house of heavenly earnests. The earnest of 
 the "Father's House of many Mansions' are here. 
 Here are " the delectable mountains" of Bunyan's Pil- 
 grim, looking to those beyond — the heavenly. 
 
 All good here is to be developed into the better — the 
 perfected, there. Every fair vision here is to be glori- 
 ous there. Each present blessing is the promise of 
 ten thousand yet to come. Each is a blossom of future 
 
12 
 
 blessings. Teachings here are to be changed into 
 visions of the throne ; the many songs into the ever- 
 lasting one. Prayers are to be turned into praises; 
 comforts into eternal joys. This is the gate of 
 heaven. We are now " come io Mount Sion ; " are 
 really ascending it, and ere long shall reach the sum- 
 mit. Unlike the hills of earth, which are colder to 
 us the higher we ascend them, the higher we ascend 
 this the greener are its fields and the milder its clime ! 
 Thus around and above you, you have nothing with 
 such associations as the Sanctuary. Not your private 
 dwellings, for they shall be left or decay over your 
 heads ; not the skies, for " as a vesture they shall be 
 changed ;" not " the rooted hills," for they shall perish, 
 and in the meanwhile, this Building in its associations 
 and influences shall stand, for it shall never pass away. 
 "The "word of the Lord endureth forever." 
 
 II. The other lesson which this appellation contains 
 according to Christ's own explanation, respects the 
 use which should be made of the Sanctuary. He says : 
 
 "Make not my Father's house a house of merchan- 
 dise ;" and again he says, according to St. Matthew: 
 " My house shall be called a house of prayer^ He 
 thus gives us a negative view of our duty to the 
 Sanctuary, guarding against the temptation to pervert 
 and profane it, and a more positive view indicating 
 the sacred use which should be made of it. Christ 
 had an eye to a conflict between the secular and the 
 devotional element in the house of God. 
 
13 
 
 These views of Christ were based upon what was 
 becoming the Sanctuary in the light of its character 
 and the purpose which it was designed to serve, as a 
 house in which God was to be honored and through 
 which profit was to flow to the worshipper. There is 
 that which is becoming a home. There is a sacred- 
 ness belonging to the family which indicates the con- 
 duct of the inmate. So Christ defines what is becom- 
 ing the " Father's house," and what is not. 
 
 I . According to one view, he denounced the stcular- 
 izing of the house of God. When he said, " Make not 
 my Father's house a house of merchandise," he had 
 reference to what was going on before his gaze — the 
 turning of the Temple into a market-place. Say not, 
 good hearer, that the counsel was superfluous. It was 
 not then ; it is not now. Men have been equal to the 
 profanity ; they are still. Avarice knows no reverence. 
 There have been those who have fully equalled even 
 the character described by PoUok, of whom he says : 
 
 " "With one hand he put 
 A penny in the urn of poverty, 
 And with the other took a shilling out." 
 
 Christ had directly in view those who would pros- 
 titute the sacred use of the Church of God to purpo- 
 ses of gain-making. It was not intended as a business 
 place, a counting-room, a mart or an exchange. He 
 who uses the church simply as a means of money- 
 making is guilty of desecration, of sacrilege, whether 
 
14 
 
 he sells oxen where he ought to worship, or in a less 
 public and more slyly way. That man's money will 
 be the very opposite of a blessing, it will be a curse 
 somewhere. 
 
 But men need not turn churches into exchanges or 
 markets, in order to merit Christ's rebuke. The mer- 
 cantile spirit, the spirit of gain-getting, whether |n 
 money-making or money-saving, or bringing to self 
 any worldly profit, anything that makes the church 
 of God subsidiary to one's own selfish and sordid 
 purposes, is in the mind of Christ making it a "house 
 of merchandise." It is profanation. 
 
 This applies wherever self enters the pulpit for the 
 purpose of propogating another gospel than Christ's 
 m its simplicity ; for popularity's sake or for mere 
 lucre's sake. The preacher who preaches only that 
 he may "make a living," is profane. He who sings 
 simply for his hire or for his own selfish credit "Mes- 
 siah's eulogy for Handel's sake," is sharer in the same 
 wrong. He who builds a church in order that his 
 name may be blazoned abroad or to increase the value 
 of his property, prostitutes the house of God to mer- 
 cantile gain. He who deals in church property in 
 order to speculate, as in houses or lots, and he who 
 withholds from that house so that he may better in- 
 crease his own pile, as in the case of Annanias and 
 , Sapphira, bears the dark guilt which the Son of God 
 rebuked. He who goes to that house ostensibly to 
 worship, but really for the respectability of the act. 
 
15 
 
 or for furthering any worldly projects, or for display- 
 ing wardrobe or person, turning it into a show win- 
 dow, he is on a par with the trickstering tradesman 
 of the Temple. For none of these things was .that 
 house made. God is there. But alas ! there is many 
 a church building that stands to-day, to a larger or 
 less degree, the monument of avarice, because the 
 traffickers are there — because money is so associated 
 with it that the spirit of mammon reigns there in 
 heart and conduct. There is many a church building, 
 in which, if Christ was personally to enter, the whip 
 of small cords might be expected and a stampede as 
 really follow as was the case among the sacriligeous 
 Jews of the Temple. 0, how I tremble when I think 
 of the mammon-worship before the keen eye of the 
 All-seer. A.nd when the last day shall come, there are 
 those who will tremble when they think of the finan- 
 cial relations they sustained to the house of God, over 
 whose altars they ma'de solemn dedication of them- 
 selves to God. There are poor men and women in 
 the r leaky cottages and at their scant tables ; there are 
 widows and the fatherless, cast out upon the cold 
 charities of an unfriendly world, who are yet to shake 
 rich Christians, if they do not virtually lie in their way 
 at the threshold of the door of heaven. So there are 
 churches the world over which will bear the most 
 condemning testimony against baptized avarice 
 through which their lights went out and the people 
 perished. 0, mammon in the house of God, thou 
 
16 
 
 stalt have thy fall, sooner or later ; but surely thou 
 shalt have it, and thy worshippers shall fall with thee, 
 and every saint shall say " Amen." 
 
 2. The other view indicates the true, which is the 
 spiritual use of the house of God, " My house shall 
 be called the house of prayer." Christ referred prob- 
 ably to Isaiah 56:7. " For mine house shall be called 
 an house of prayer for all people." By this He meant 
 to comprehend all involved in the idea of the ap- 
 proach of the soul to God, in the rendering of spirit- 
 ual services. He said to the Samaritan womUn, "Be- 
 lieve me, the hour cometh when ye shall, neither in 
 this mountain nor at Jerusalem, worship the Father," 
 meaning that flace was secondary to act. " But the 
 hour cometh and now is, when the true worshipper 
 shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the 
 Father seeketh such to worship him." The idea of 
 place and form was meant as a help to human weak- 
 ness, but not as a detraction from the spirituality of 
 the worshipful act. It is to be feared that beneath 
 the tendencies toward ritualistic worship to the sacri- 
 fice of doctrinal teachings lies the distaste for that 
 which is really spiritual. Instead of the devotional 
 being expressed and increased by the external, the 
 whole worship becomes degenerated into a mere life- 
 less and chilling pantomime. Many men would much 
 rather be tortured by a wearisome mummery than 
 hear truth which wakens up a guilty conscience, and 
 points out paths of duty. "Religion made easy" 
 
17 
 
 may serve as phraseology expressive of ritualistic 
 observances. It is a sort of drawing-room car reli- 
 gion on the heavenward way. To the contrary, the 
 true ritualism is that which makes the Sanctuary a 
 place of near, sweet intercourse with the Father ; of 
 cordial, hearty relationship to Him. The mere 
 worldly — the secular — has no more place there than 
 market stalls have at the hearthstones of the family, 
 for the family is a sanctuary of its kind. Thus, houses 
 of God are holy houses — houses which " holiness be- 
 comes forever." Hence they are dedicated to Him 
 " whose name is Holy," as expressive of what we re- 
 gard them. Their use is to be religious, strictly — at 
 least so far that they are not prostituted to that which 
 is irreligious or as subservient to mere secular ends. 
 Everything about the Sanctuary ought thus to be 
 devotional. Everything ought add to the devotional. 
 Men should go from their houses to it with devo- 
 tional purposes — with purposes of communion with 
 God — of religious instruction, of prayer and praise. 
 
 The preaching ought to be such preaching as is 
 arrayed with all the solemnity of those great associa- 
 tions of God — of the Cross, of the coming world. 
 How some preachers of the sensational order, the 
 pulpit clowns of the times, reconcile their behaviour 
 with the dignity and seriousness of Jesus Christ ; with 
 conscience and responsibility, may be possible to them, 
 but only by some eccentric reason in taking with 
 their own violations of everything that is seemly. 
 12 
 
18 
 
 Talk of heresy as making one a subject of classical 
 discipline ! Look at yon buffoon in the holy place of 
 the Sanctuary — the pulpit, and yet for the sake of 
 popularizing the Gospel, the buffoon is allowed to 
 play his antics with perfect pardon, and gains the end 
 of his gospel — a laugh ! 
 
 Then praise ought to be devotional. First wor- 
 shippers ought to praise. Song is a part of worship. 
 Our Christian assemblies have no right to be dumb. 
 Then secondly, they ought to have the privilege of 
 singing. Such hymns of such sentiment ought to be 
 sung as are really expressive of worshipful thoughts 
 and emotions, and such tunes adapted to such hymns 
 as will allow of general participation. A tune which 
 does not allow this privilege ought not be sung as 
 worship. For it is not worship whatever else it may 
 be. It may be singing by one or a few, but it is not 
 the worship of the Church of Christ. The poorest 
 stuff on earth is frozen music. Better send a January 
 gale at zero through your church building than strains 
 of heartless song. A tenth-rate choir is better, be- 
 cause more becoming, than an operatic quartette, with 
 all the accomplishments of the musical art that robs a 
 whole Church for the sake of a Sabbath morning dis- 
 play. Not long since it was my lot to be thus frozen 
 spiritually, after having stepped into a lecture-room, 
 in a city in which I tarried over night, to attend a 
 weekly service, and that in a Methodist church too, 
 where, in that line at least, no frostiness was expected. 
 
19 
 
 " Making melody in your hearts,''^ saith the Apostle. 
 If it begins there, the lips will catch it. 
 
 So prayer should be simple, reverent, appropriate, 
 specific, ascending from the soul to God ; not what has 
 been called " dead prayer," but living, because prayer 
 from the heart. It should be, and such worshippers 
 ought seek to make it, " as Chalmers longed to feel 
 it, an actual interchange between ourselves and God — 
 a real conference of friends." 
 
 Everything ought, as far as possible, partake of the 
 warm, the glowing, the gushing, so that one's heart 
 would retire refreshed from the Sanctuary, and im- 
 pressions follow through the week out in the world, 
 as the sanctifying and sweetening influences of a dear 
 home, with its loving, genial hearts, would follow them 
 who go^^ out from it amid the bustlings of the 
 busy mart. 
 
 The house of God is thus not a place of merchan- 
 dise, of secularities, but of pure and holy worship, 
 beautifully represented as prayer. May you, my 
 friends, make this distinction and realize its worth. 
 
 We remark in conclusion : 
 
 That, according to this representation of Christ, 
 the Sanctuary becomes a test of the devotional spirit. 
 By one's views and purposes and feelings, and aspira- 
 tions and sympathies, he may know whether he posses- 
 ses such a spirit. As such a test the Sabbath returns 
 and the Sanctuary doors are thrown open. 
 
 It is the duty of the worshipper to throw every- 
 
20 
 
 thing around the house of God that will tend to give 
 it a cheerful, home-like air, and then bring within it 
 the home feelings of faith and love.* Thus we do in 
 our own homes. Why not here in the Father's house ? 
 Is it enough that it should be like a barn, dreary and 
 repulsive ? Look at your homes ! Look at the air 
 of comfort in tastefulness of architecture and location, 
 and all the external surroundings ; in furniture and 
 adornment within. Why not here as well with taste 
 corresponding to the place? Yes, even bring your 
 flowers if you will when the Sabbath dawns, and 
 make the place beautiful. Better, more becoming 
 
 * The very last impression which some church buildings would give a visitor 
 would be that of home. They are everything else. They are not much better 
 than a better class of barns, and it only goes to show what a small degree of 
 refinement the Gospel has wrought upon many Christians, that they can pos- 
 sibly allow their church buildings to be what they are. And they would not if 
 they had more consecration of heart themselves and less love for their money. 
 It is easy to say that real spiritual worship does not depend upon the building, 
 that one can worship as well in a log-house as in a gorgeously frescoed edifice. 
 This is all true ; but he who worships in a log-house because he wishes to save 
 the money that would give him more comfortable quarters, has neither taste 
 nor grace, and he need not make his spirituaUty a scape-goat for his avarice. 
 It is putting spirituality to a use which does not belong to it. There is no 
 reason why a church buUding should be inferior to the dwelling-house ; it ought 
 to be superior to it. Make your church buildings just as home-like as 
 possible. 
 
 The truth is, much church architecture is egregiously false, just because it 
 lacks the home-air. Many architects have nothing of the devotional about 
 them, as is the case with many musical performers, and they are not fit to plan 
 churches, as such performers are not fit to conduct church praises. Many 
 church architects never get ideas higher than such as would belong to a costly 
 and magnificent barn. They do not make any preparation for a home-like feel- 
 ing. They may inspire awe, but they do not stir up love. The church build- 
 ing ought be such in every respect, as to be in sympathy with the warmer 
 emotions of the heart and tend to 'call them out. 
 
21 
 
 than artificial flowers on the head (and if there, gen- 
 erally -within), and flashing colors, and fine wrought 
 work on the person, and a holy horror on the counte- 
 nance, because of such innocent and refreshing adorn- 
 ments on the table or the desk ! How easy it is to 
 strain painfully at a simple, natural flower, the smile of 
 Ood in its beauty, and swallow without an effort the 
 most ridiculous of fashions which are at best insults 
 to God, and deformities to man and woman ! 
 
 It is by viewing the Sanctuary as a house of prayer, 
 and using it as such, that we get blessings out of it, 
 and not otherwise. There is no blessing in it as a 
 house of merchandise. Let it be the Father's house 
 and it will be a dear spot. Then we shall love to 
 enter it, and we shall enter it with smiles ; we shall 
 repair thither in storm as well as in sunshine, because 
 the Father is there, and we shall always get a blessing 
 whether Paul or ApoUos preaches. We shall always 
 find it a rest, and be able to adopt the language after 
 the weary steps of toil and pain : 
 
 " Now, near the altar of my God, 
 I choose my safe and blest ahode 
 
 From morn till even ; 
 O still upon its hallow'd breast, 
 My heart shall build her lowly rest, 
 
 And find an earthly heaven." 
 
 De Range. 
 
 Beloved Christians, your Pastor caused to be en- 
 
22 
 
 graved upon the tablet over the entrance-way to this 
 building, the inscription : 
 
 ''My Father's House:' 
 
 May each of you as you enter this building be able 
 to look up and make that inscription your own. 
 Here the Father calls his children to himself. Here 
 the prodigal is called back. Here through the Gos- 
 pel is the Father's welcome. Here the Christian is 
 taught to say "Abba Father," and may you often as 
 you enter these courts to worship God on Sabbath, 
 burdened by sin or earthly sorrow, or in the sad as- 
 semblages of mourning, when your dead are brought 
 hero on the way to sepulture, and as you tread in 
 mournful procession the walks of the surrounding 
 cemetery, or go alone amid the graves of your honored 
 dead who have taught you how to live and die, and 
 there to think and weep, may you hear the voice of 
 the Divine Master, saying to you, "Let not your 
 hearts be troubled : ye believe in God, believe also in 
 me. In my Father's house are many mansions ; if it 
 were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare 
 a place for you." 
 
 " happy home ! happy children there ! 
 blissfal mansions of our Father's house ! 
 walks surpassing Eden for delight ! 
 Here are_^the harvests reap'd once sown in tears : 
 Here is the rest by ministry enhanced ; 
 
23 
 
 Here is the banquet of the wine of heaven, 
 Riches of glory incorruptible, 
 Crowns, amaranthine crowns of victory, 
 The voice of harpers harping on their harps 
 The anthems of the holy cherubim, 
 The chrystal river of the Spirit's joy. 
 The Bridal palace of the Prince of Peace, 
 The Holiest of Holies — God is here." 
 
 BiCKEHSTETH. 
 
i ' ! 'J^-l3