9>X BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME FROM THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND THE GIFT OF 1891 A.i..Lh±7..5.':^.. l.Z../..M/4-f zr.3.. 5474 The date show» when this volume was taken n fo%^iBfi-- O — All books not in use for instruction or re- search are, limited to four weeks to all bor- rowers. Periodicals of a gen- eral character should be returned as soon as possible ; when needed beyond two weeks a special request should be made. All student borrow- ters are limited to two weeks, with renewal privileges, when the book is not needed by- others. Books not needed during recess periods should be returned to the library, or arrange- ments made for their return during borrow- er's absence, if wanted. Books needed by more than one person belong oh the reserve list. Cornell University Library BX8958.W5 C97 3 1924 029 475 575 olin The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/cletails/cu31924029475575 c^cJ^UL, v^ TJHEJ It/- / PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH >/■ ^^¥ITHIN THE FIELD OF THE '' ' ^ ^I^^^^Urf*^ ^lu^Ut- Presbytery of Westchester, SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 1 660-1 889. By WILLIAM J. GUMMING, Stated Clerk. HARTFORD, CONN.. Press of The Case, Lockwood & Bkainard Company. 1889. '"%: PREFACE. THE General Assembly of 1886 adopted, on the recommenda- tion of the Permanent Committee of Arrangements for the One Hundredth General Assembly, the following : " That . . . it be urged on all Churches, Presbyteries, and Synods ... to arrange for the collection and publica- tion of the facts of their history, and that the Presbyteries and Synods be requested ... to forward two copies to the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and to the Presbyterian Historical Society, respectively." [Minutes of the General Assembly, 1886, p. 16.] The preparation of a history of the Presbytery of Westchester was undertaken, at their request, by their historian, the late Rev. Charles W. Baird, D.D., who had been for years gathering mate- rial for a " History of the Church within the field of the West- chester Presbytery." A few weeTcs later he finished his earthly course. The stated clerk was elected in April, 1887, to fill the vacancy. To him it seemed best simply to attempt a collection of material in its historical connection. It has been his aim to make the work as complete as its necessary limitations would permit, to secure the greatest possible accuracy, and to render its contents available by serviceable indices. The hope that no errors will be found is not to be entertained. The entire collection of historical material, made by the late Dr. Baird, was very kindly placed at his disposal by Mrs. Baird, for which he desires to make grateful acknowledgment. The following Hst gives the principal sources from which the facts presented in this work have been gleaned : PRESBYTERIES. Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, i vol. (Presbytery of Hudson.) The Constitution and Records of the Associated Westchester Presbytery, : vol. (Constant White, Esq., Yorktown, N. Y.) IV PREFACE. Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, 3 vols. (Presbytery of West- chester.) Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, i vol. (Presbytery of West- chester.) Records of the Presbytery of Westchester, 3 vols. The Presbytery of New York, by Rev. Samuel D. Alexander, D.D., 1888. The History of the Presbytery of Hudson, by Rev. Henry A. Harlow, 1888. Historical Sketch of the Presbytery of North River, by Rev. J. K. Wight, iSSi. CHURCHES. Bedford (N. Y.) : A Brief History of the Presbyterian Church, by Rev. P. B. Heroy, 1874. The History of the Bedford Church, by Rev. Charles W. Baird, D.D., 1S82. Beth.\ny (N. Y.) : A Historical Discourse, by Rev. George W. F. Birch, D.D., 1888. Bridgeport First (Conn.) : Memorial of Rev. Nathaniel Hewit, D.D., by Rev. Lyman Atwater, D.D , 1867. Deep River (Conn.) : Records (Ms.) 1856-1862. (Presbytery of Westchester.) Greenburgh (N. Y.) : A Sermon, by Rev. J. L. Howell, i860. Manual, 1878. Hartford First (Conn.) : Historical Address, by Rev. J. Aspinwall Hodge, D.D., 1886. Irvington (N. Y.): History of the Presbyterian Church, 1876. Mahopac Falls (N. Yi): Historical Sermon, by Rev. Charles C. Wallace, 1878. Historical Sermon (Ms.), by Rev. Harris R. Schenck, 1884. New Haven First (Conn.), Formerly South Reformed: Records (Ms.), 1873-5. (Presbytery of Westchester.) Nevjt Rochelle (N. Y.) : A Historical Sketch of the Presbyterian Church, by Rev. E. R. Burkhalter, 1876. Annual Statement, 1888. Peekskill First (N. Y.) : Memorial of a Twenty-Four Years' Pastorate, i868. Semi-Centennial Anniversary, 1876. Peekskill Second (N. Y.) : Manual, 1872. Rye (N. Y.) : History of Rye, by Rev. Charles W. Baird, D.D., 1871. South-East Center (N. Y.) : Historical Sermon, by Rev. A. R. Macoubrey, 1877. Stamford First (Conn.) : Manual, 1869. PREFACE. V Thompsonville First (Conn.): Historical Discourse, by Rev. Carson W. Adams, 1867. Memorial of Rev. Joseph Harvey, D.D., by Rev. Henry F. Lee, 1873. YoNKERS First (N. Y.) : Manual, 1856. Manual, 1887. YORKTOWN (N. Y.) : Church Records, Hanover, Nov. 15, 1786. (Constant White, Esq., York- town, N. Y.) Historical Sermon with Supplement, by Rev. W. J. Gumming, 1S77. White Plains (N. Y.) : A Sermon, by Rev. Edgar L. Hermance, 1884. MISCELLANEOUS. Historical Notes (Ms.) collected by Rev. Charles W. Baird, D.D. Historical Notes (Ms.) collected by Rev. W. J. Gumming. Civil Status of the Presbyterians in the Province of New York, by Rev. Charles W. Baird, X).D. Magazine of American History, October, 1879. Sketch of the Religious Privileges of Van Cortlandtville, by G. A. Pugsley, 1881. Complete History of Connecticut, by Benjamin Trumbull, D.D. History of Putnam County, N. Y., by W. J. Blake. History of Westchester County, N. Y., by J. Thomas Scharf, A.M., LL.D., 1886. Diary of Rev. Silas Constant (Ms.) (Constant White, Esq., Yorktown, N. Y.) W. J. GUMMING. Yorktown, N. Y., Aug. I, 1889. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. The Early Churches of Westchester and Putnam Counties, N. Y. The Settlers, i. — The Early Churches, 4. — Houses of Worship, 5. — Ministe- rial Support, 9. CHAPTER II. Ecclesiastical Status of the Early Churches. Origin of the Early Churches, 12. — Faith and Polity of the Connecticut Churches, 12. — Synod of Saybrook and Saybrook Platform, 13. — "Con- sociationism," 14. — Polity of the Early Churches, 15. — Ecclesiastical Connection, 17. — List of Churches, 18. CHAPTER III. Civil Status of the Early Churches. Royal Instructions and the Duke's Laws, 20. — The Act of 1693, 22. — Gov- ernor Fletcher's Interpretation, 23. — Colonel Heathcote, 24. — Induction of the Missionaries of the Gospel Propagation Society into the' Parishes of Westchester County, 25. — Opposition at Bedford, 25. — The Act of 1705, explanatory of the Act of 1693, 26. — Effects of these Acts in Westches- ter County, 27. — Efforts towards a Repeal, 28. — Presbyterian Churches unable to secure Incorporation, 28. CHAPTER IV. The Presbytery of Dutchess County. Organization, 31. — Recognized by the Synod of New York and Philadel- phia, 32. — Rolls, 33. — Meetings, 39. — Ministerial Education, 39. — Mis- sionary Operations and Benevolent Work, 40. CHAPTER V. The Presbytery of Dutchess County Continued. The War of the Revolution, 41. — The Federal Constitution, 47. Vlll CONTENTS. CHAPTER VI. The Presbytery of Dutchess County Continued. Changes in the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church, 48. — Causes of Dis- solution of the Presbytery, 51. — StatedClerks, 53.— Biographical Sketches, 53- CHAPTER VII. The Associated Westchester Presbytery. Origin of the Associated Presbyteries, 58. — Organization of the Associated Westchester Presbytery, 62. — Constitution, 63. — Rolls, 64. CHAPTER VIII. The Associated Westchester Presbytery Continued. The Division at Yorktown, 71. — Size of Presbytery, 79. — Theology and Polity, 80. — Meetings, 81. — Mission Work, 82. — Narratives, 82. — (j!ate- chisms, 83. CHAPTER IX. The Associated Westchester Presbytery Continued. Charges of Heresy, 84. — Ecclesiastical Connection, 85. — Dissolution, 90. — ' Biographical Sketches, 92. CHAPTER X. The Presbyteries of Hudson, New York, and North River. The Presbytery of Hudson, 95. — The Presbytery of New York, 96. — The Presbytery of North River, 98. — List of Churches, 99. CHAPTER XL The Presbytery of Bedford. Erected, 102. — Rolls, 103. — Church Extension, 112. CHAPTER XII. The Presbytery of Bedford Continued. Revivals, 1 1 5-. — Additions and Total Communicants, 116. — Narratives, 117. — Temperance, 117. — Sunday Milk Traffic, 117. — Visitation, n8. — Sab- bath Schools, 119. — Collections, 120. — Trial of Rev. Griffith H. Griffith, 124. CHAPTER XIIL The Presbytery of Bedford Continued. Reception of Ministers and Licentiates from Corresponding Bodies and other Presbyteries, 128. — Testimony against the New Theology, 129. — Loose Methods of receiving Ministers, 130. — Committee-men in the General Assembly, 130. —The Act and Testimony, 131.— General Assembly of 1836, 132. — General Assembly of 1837, 135. CONTENTS. IX CHAPTER XIV. The Presbytery of Bedford Continued. Division of the Somers Cliurch and Trial of Ebenezer White, M.D., 137. — Division at Red Mills, 138. — New Rochelle Church, 139. — Dissolution of the Presbytery, 141. — Permanent Officers, 142. CHAPTER XV. The Presbytery of Connecticut. Erection, 143. — Rolls, 144. — Church Extension, 147. — Enlargement by Trans- fer, 150. — Union with the Presbytery of Bedford, 151. — Church Exten- sion of the united Presbyteries, 151. — Attempted Union of Churches, 152. CHAPTER XVI. The Presbytery of Connecticut Continued. Spiritual Life, 154. — Statistical Reports, 155. — Reunion of 1869, 158. — The State of the Country, 160. ^ Permanent Officers, 163. CHAPTER XVII. The Presbytery of Westchester. Erection, 164. — Presbyteries formerly in the Field, 164 — Rolls, 165. CHAPTER XVIII. The Presbytery of Westchester Continued. Church Extension, 179 — Losses, 182. — Spiritual Life, 183. — Statistical Re- ports, 184. — Women's Missionary Societies, 1S6. — Changes in the Con- stitution, 187. — Death of President Garfield, 192. — Abstracts and Printed Minutes, 192. — Incorporation, 192. — Permanent Officers, 193. APPENDIX. Indices. Index of Dates, . • '95 General Index, ■ • • • -°3 CHAPTER I. The Early Cliurclies of Westchester and Putnam Counties, N. Y. F"OR the beginning .of the Presbyterian Church within the field of the Presbytery of Westchester, we must look to Westchester and Putnam Counties, N. Y., and to their earliest settlement. Three distinct streams of immi- gration flowed into these counties in the 17th century, and through three different channels — the Hudson, Long Island Sound, and the Indian paths. The Hollander came first and pushed his way northward along New York's great river, and founded settlements upon its banks. Purchases of land from the Indians were made as early as Aug. 3, 1639. By 1697, the entire river front was embraced in the manors of Van Cortlandt and Philips- burgh, and the " Ryck's Patent." There seem to have been Dutch settlers at Tarrytown by 1641. It is believed that in- terments were made in the Old Dutch Churchyard at that place between 1645 and 1655 ; without doubt there was a saw-mill at Yonkers as early as 1649, and settlers at Ver- planck's Point by 1685. Between 1685 and 1690, the old Dutch church was built at Tarrytown. The English came next. They founded Hartford in 1636, and New Haven in 1638. The Sound gave to the latter colony ready access to Long Island, and easy and safe com- munication with regions to the west. Villages sprang up in rapid succession in both quarters. Land was acquired in large blocks with indefinite boundaries from the Indians by purchase. Typical Yankee enterprise was stimulated by the Dutch claim to territory extending as far eastward as 2 WESTCHESTER AND PUTNAM COUNTIES, N. Y. the Connecticut River. April 2, 1655, Tliomas Pell of Fair- field, Conn., laid claim to what is now called Westchester, under an Indian conveyance of Nov. 14, 1654. Shortly after the tract was settled from New England. Jan. 3, 1660, the first purchase was made by residents of Greenwich, Conn., of land in the vicinity of Rye. In July or August follow- ing, actual settlement probably took place. Four years later ten families from Fairfield, Conn., under the auspices of Thomas Pell, who had been the leader in the migration to Westchester, located in the neighboring East- chester. Most of the land along the Sound and the East River having been taken up, the colonists pushed into the interior by the Indian paths. Twenty-four men, with their families, from Stamford, Conn., in March, 168 1, settled upon the cultivated lands of the Indians at what i,s now Bed- ford. These had been secured from the natives by purchase, Dec. 23, 1680, for ;^38 15^-. The inhabitants of Rye had taken as they supposed, title to the White Plains, Nov. 22, 1683. Settlement was retarded, however, until about 1720, by the conflicting Richbell Patent. Thence imrhigration pushed rapidly through North Castle to the western and central portion of the Manor of Van Cortlandt, to what is now called Cortlandt, Yorktown, and Somers. By 1730 a sprinkling of settlers had occupied most of the cultivated lands of the Indians, and by 1750, the entire manor had be- come populated. The names of the settlers reveal that many of them came from Rye, New Rochelle, and Eastchester ; others were from Long Island, Harrison's Purchase, and Ridgefield. May 30, 1708, with the permission of the General Assem- bly of Connecticut, certain residents of Norwalk, Fairfield County, and Milford, New Haven County, among whom were some bearing the familiar names of Keeler, Bouton, and Whitney, purchased of the Indians a large tract, afterwards known as the Ridgefield Patent. The condition imposed was that settlement should be effected within four years. It is presumed that .this was done, as letters patent were PHILIPSE PATENT. granted to the same parties May 22, 17 14. The boundary survey of 1731 showed that 50,000 acres of this tract lay in the " Oblong " or " Equivalent Lands," as they were called at the time, which by agreement between the authorities of the Colony of Connecticut and the Province of New York, made in Nov. 1683, were awarded to the latter as an offset to the loss of the towns of Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Norwalk, New Canaan, and a part of Wilton. By 1730 settlers from Connecticut had entered Philipse Patent, now Putnam County, and established for themselves homes in the present town of South East. Ten years later (1740), civilization had found its way to Carmel, and in 1745 families of Scotch extraction located at Patterson. It was not until 1743 that Pound Ridge was occupied by the white man and its soil laid under tribute. A few families from Stamford made the first settlement. After the Dutch and English came the Huguenot. The revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685 drove them from their native land. A goodly number of them arrived in 1686 or 7; the largest contingent landed at Bonnefoy's Point in 1689. They settled on a portion of the Pelham Manor, 6,000 acres in extent, purchased by Jacob Leisler from John Pell ; their descendants are found in all portions of the county. It has not been our purpose to sketch fully the history of the settlement. Many points of interest have not been touched, and portions of the territory have received no attention. We have only attempted an outline by way of preparation for what is to follow. The Puritan and the Huguenot sought the western con- tinent for conscience sake. The Hollander, though coming for a different purpose, brought with him both preacher and teacher. The description given of the Pilgrim Fathers by their minister and elder fairly well represents them all : "We are all well weaned from the delicate milk of our mother country and inured to the difficulties of a strange land ; the people are industrious and frugal. We are knit 4 WESTCHESTER AND PUTNAM COUNTIES, N. Y. together as a body in a most sacred covenant of the Lord, of the violation whereof we make great conscience, and by virtue whereof we hold ourselves straitly tied to all care of each other's good, and of the whole. It is not with us as with men whom small things can discourage." The Dutch, French, and English were for the most part Calvinistic in theology, and Presbyterian or Independent in polity. Among the latter were a few Baptists, many Friends, and a sprinkling of the Church of England. We are fully aware that the charge has been made against the people by the missionaries of the Gospel Propagation Society and even by Col. Heathcote that they were irreligious. The latter says that "many, if not the greater part of them," were "a little better than in a state of heathenism." He also writes — "When I first came among them (1692), I found it (West- chester) the most heathenish county I ever saw in my whole life, which called themselves Christian, there being not so much as the least marks or footsteps of religion of any sort, Sunday being the only time set apart by them for all manner of vain sports and lewd diversions." Heathcote had a rem- edy for this fearful condition of irreligion. We give his own words — " Having the command of the militia, I sent an order to all the captains, requiring them to call their men under arms, and to acquaint them, in case they would not in every town agree among themselves to appoint readers and pass the Sabbath in the best manner they could, till such times as they could be better provided, that they should every Sunday call their companions under arms and spend the day in exercise." This may have been true of some localities, but that it represents the condition of the people at large is not borne out by the facts. It is to be remembered that these critics were zealous members of the Church of Eng- land, who were prejudiced against dissenters. The good Colonel's method may have been used in favor of the church to which he belonged. From the very outset the people of each settlement had it in, mind to gather themselves into a church, erect a house THE DUKE S LAWS. 5 of worship, and call a minister as soon as possible. To this they were incited by the laws of Connecticut, to which col- ony some of the plantations originally belonged. The Gen- eral Court looked very carefully after the religious interests of the colonists within its jurisdiction. It chides the Rye people for not taking "due care to procure such an one as might carry on the work of the Lord on the Sabbath. May 19, 1681, it directed the committee appointed to look after the affairs of the "plantation upon the Hopp Ground and adjacent lands [Bedford] ... to take care that there be a suitable lott layd out for the first minister of the place, and a lott for the ministry, to be and belong to the ministry for- ever." In the province of New York the Duke's Laws, framed from the laws then in force in New England, made provision by taxation for the building and repair of churches, the care of the poor, and the maintenance of the ministry. In 1662, two years after the purchase and settlement of Rye, the people set apart three acres on Parson's Point for the minister's use. To this more was added later. The Bedford people as soon as they were on the ground, March 21, 1681, resolved that "the town common " should be re- served, " and the meeting-house should be set upon the com- mon so layd out, namely the rock called Bates his hill." Provision was made later for the minister by setting apart land for his use or by gift. The deed by which John Pell and Rachel, his wife, con- vey to Jacob Leisler 6,000 acres, in what is now New Rochelle, for the Huguenots, mentions a gift of 100 acres "for the French Church erected or to be erected." Other settlements were not less earnest in making provision for religious service — ^Eastchester by 1665, Westchester 1674, White Plains 1727, Yorktown 1738, South East 1735, South Salem 1751, Gilead 1756, Patterson 1759, Pound Ridge 1760, North Salem 1764, Sing Sing 1768, and Red Mills (Mahopac Falls) 1784. The settlements were not always able to provide a build- ing or secure a minister at once. Rye had no completed 6 THE EARLY CHURCHES. church edifice for sixty-seven years and no settled minister for seventeen years. Westchester waited nearly twenty years for both. Yorktown was without a house of worship for eight and stated preaching for thirteen or more. Others again were more fortunate. Bedford had a pastor in three years and a church in ten. South East could boast a log house of worship in 1735, five years after the coming of the first settlers, and a minister by 1740. Such facts do not indicate that during these years the people were destitute of religious privileges. Services were held, when there was no pastor, consisting of prayer and the reading of the Scriptures and of a sermon. We have an account of one, witnessed by the Dutch Commissioners at Westchester, as early as 1656. "Mr. Baly made a prayer and Mr. Bassett read a sermon." It was probably at such meetings at Rye in 1669, that John Coe and Marmaduke Smith, who were represented to the General Court of Con- necticut "as unsound and heterodox in their judgments, if not scandalous in their lives," taught. The Bedford people offered, October 15, 1689, to erect a frame house of worship, if Mr. Abraham Ambler, Sr. of Stamford, would come up as often as he could conveniently to carry on the Lord's day services. In 1692, at Eastchester, Samuel Casting was chosen "to read the bibell and other good sermon-books, and so carion the sabath days Exercises as according to our Honorable Col. Heathcuts order unto us," for which he was to receive a certain compensation contributed by the people. Bedford belonged to the parish of Stamford, twelve miles distant. Rye was only six miles from Greenwich. South Salem was at first included in the Ridgefield Patent. Doubtless the ministers of the older churches, from which the settlers came, for the time being retained the spiritual oversight of their old parishioners. On special occasions, as P^ast Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Sacrament Sabbath, the inhabitants of the new plantations would find their way back to the mother churches. Certainly after the Revolution, because they had neither minister nor house of worship, CHURCHES OF NEW YORK. 7 some of the residents of Rye were attendants of the Second Congregational Church at Greenwich. Their fathers may have done the same a century earlier. The Huguenots of New Rochelle, according to tradition, in the early days when without a pastor, would set out on Communion Sundays at a very early hour, walk to the old French church at Pine Street, New York City, a distance of twenty miles, and re- turn again the same day. We have the same q,uthority for the statement that some of the residents of Yorktown attended services occasionally at White Plains (twenty miles). The vitality of the religious instincts of the early settlers and the success that attended their efforts to establish the worship of God is shown by the existence of a religious ser- vice, and some form of church organization in all the settle- ments in this county in 1700. At that date in the province of New York, there were thirty-six churches — fifteen Dutch Reformed, four French Reformed, one German Reformed, thirteen English Presbyterian, two German Lutheran, and one Church of England. Of these we are concerned with but five — the Huguenot at New Rochelle, and the churches at Rye, Bedford, Westchester, and Eastchester. By October, 1762, when the Presbytery of Dutchess county was organized, these five had become nine, situated in Westchester and that portion of Dutchess county now known as Putnam — Rye, Bedford, White Plains, South East, Yorktown, Gilead, South Salem, Patterson, and New Rochelle. At Eastchester and Westchester under cover of the Act of 1693, the dissenters were put out of their houses of worship by the royal Gover- nor, who inducted missionaries of the Church of England. In some cases one or more out-stations were attached to a church, where preaching services and prayer-meetings were held under the supervision of the pastor and session. York- town had two, where, later, organizations were effected. Samuel Sacket, the first pastor, officiated occasionally, per- haps statedly, at Peekskill and Red Mills. His successor, Silas Constant, followed his example. From 1785-1791 he preached at the former place every two or three weeks, but THE EARLY CHURCHES. later apparently less frequently. The records of the York- town church show an annual subscription from 1 787-1 802 of £ZI, 6s., 8d. by the " Pcekskill Trustees" or "Peekskill Society." At first the meetings were held in private houses ; after the building of St. Peter's Church at the old village, in it. An effort seems to have been made to secure it for a "Union Church" by the Presbyterians in 1788. By July^ 1797, a "new meeting-house" had been erected in the pres- ent village, probably upon the site now occupied by the First Church. Mr. Constant also attended to the religious needs of Red Mills. By 1784 a house of worship was erected, which was followed by a separate church organization Sep- tember 12, 1790. In 1788 a Congregational Church was gathered in Green- burgh, at what is now known as Elmsford., It was reorgan- ized June 18, 1825, as a Presbyterian Church, and received under the care of the Presbytery of New York October nth following. The people of Stephentown, now Somers, erected a house of worship on the Plain in 1799. September 7, i8o6, it was called the Union Meeting-House, and a society was organized. In 1808 the church became known as "The Congregational Church of Somers." It was connected with the Associated Westchester Presbytery. Religious services in the early settlements were held in private houses, or during the summer months in the open air. At Rye the people met for worship with Timothy Knapp.* Better accommodations were early provided. A log church was built at South East in 1735. There were houses of worship in the towns of Eastchester and West- chester by 1700. Before 1762 all our congregations were housed comfortably for the day for the most part in framed structures, better than the homes of those who worshiped in them. A church edifice was built near Sing Sing to ac- commodate the Presbyterians resident in that section in 1768. We have already spoken of the provision made by the fathers of the Presbyterian Church within our bounds for * Baird's History o£ Rye, p. 279. THE SUPPORT OF THE MINISTRY. 9 the worship of God. We come now to speak more fully of the support of the ministry. Situated as the early settlers were it was no easy duty to fulfil. Their own expenses were extraordinary, and their resources were limited. The first years after their coming were those of hardship and privation. Log houses were to be constructed, the cultivated lands were to be fenced, the forest to be felled. Preparation must be made for the rigorous northern winter with which they were not unfamiliar. Their time was fully occupied, and money was scarce. Hardly any specie was in circula- tion before the French war of 1745, and paper money was not issued in Connecticut until 1709.* To provide for a minister according to our present method was out of the question. It is a matter of interest to learn how these diffi- culties were met. The usual method was the setting apart of land for the minister's use. The amount varied from a few acres to a good sized farm. This was done at Rye, Bed- ford, New Rochelle, Yorktown, South Salem, and Mahopac Falls. There are instances on record of a gift of land to individual ministers. Thomas Denham, who had the honor of being the first settled minister at Rye, and later at Bed- ford, was thus provided for at both places, and was also granted proprietary rights. William Tennent received from the town of Bedford more than three hundred acres as part compensation for his services.! In addition to the use or gift of land a stipend was allowed varying with the places and times from ;^io to ^100. Two different methods were employed to raise it. In Connecticut originally the inhabit- ants were called upon to " set down " what they were willing to give. In case of refusal "to pay a meet proportion," pro- vision was made for rating "in some just and equal way." This rate could, if withheld, be collected by the civil powers. J Later a general system of taxation was adopted. In those portions of Westchester county, which were under the juris- * Baird's History of Bedford Church, p. 30, foot note, t Baird's History of Bedford Church, pp. 50-54. { Baird's History of Rye, p. 283. lO THE EARLY CHURCHES. diction of Connecticut, this method was employed. It was enacted in the Duke's laws of 1665 in the province of New York. In Rye and Bedford, the town made provision for the ministry, and we have the record of the action taken. At the town meeting of the former November 17, 1670, a committee was chosen to secure a minister, and it was voted to allow " two-pence on the pound for the maintenance of a minister amongst us ; that is to say, an orthodox minister."* In May of the following year (1671) the peneral Court ap- pointed a committee to visit Rye in the matter of settling a minister, and in certain contingencies they were empowered to find the man and " insure to him a mayntenance to the value of forty pounds p'' annum, which the treasurer, by warrant to the constable of sayd Rye, shall order the gather- ing and payment thereof, with the Country Rate."! In Bed- ford all the temporalities of the church were cared for at the town meeting. Arrangements for the carrying on the church services, the calling of the minister, the fixing of the salary, the erection of a church edifice, the obtaining of a home lot, and the construction of a parsonage were attended to there. The system of taxation was continued until the Revolution, but after 1704 or 5, with the exception of a brief interval, the rates went to support a minister of the Church of England. So far as our investigation has gone, the remaining churches were supported from their origin by voluntary contributions. A few examples of calls with compensation promised may not be amiss. "december 26, 1699 : The town [Bedford] by a maigor vote doth agre to give unto Joseph Morgan upon his com- ming to carry on ye ministry amongst us, seuerall particklars as followeth for his settlement : " ily to give him all yt rit of land e medow which the Town bought^of Mr. Amblere e of his son John upon the con- disions of his comming and macking his abode three years with us. *Baird's History of Rye, p. 274. t Public Records of Connecticut, vol. ii, pp. 142-3 (Baird's Rye, p. 274). A CALL FOR A PASTOR. II " 2nly To build him a house two story high, twenty- seven foot long e twenty on foots wid with a leantu e a chambar chimbly, the condishans that if Mr. Morgan liveth e dyeth with us the house shall be his on e his ayres for euer, e othirwise if Mr. Morgan see cause upon any account to leave us, he shall pay to the town the ually of the chardg yt by an account taken thereof shall be giuen. " 3ly To giue him for maintainance for the first year forty pounds in good currant prouision paye and plant and mannure four acres of Land. "4ly To maniage for years following and till ten acres of Land for winter grain — the produce of ye same for him yerly — and twenty pounds in good currant prouission paye and more hereafter as god shall inable us if he stands in need thereof — two pounds of the same to be Delivered at Stamford or horseneck, if he Desires it. " 5ly To cut and cart to his Dore all his fire wood from yeare to yeare. "61y to transport him and his family to bedford or to be at ye charg theire of."* William Tennent's stipend was forty pounds per annum. f Samuel Sacket was called to Hanover (now Yorktown), at a salary of £6$, parsonage and twenty-five cords of wood. J As money was scarce the stipend was oftentimes paid in what was called provision pay, which was rated in 1703 at Bedford as follows — winter wheat at 4^. 6d. per bu., rye 3^., flax 6d. a lb., beef, i\d. a lb., pork 2^d. a lb. At the organization of the State government all rates were abolished, and since then the churches of all denomi- nations have been supported by voluntary contributions. Gifts of land are no longer made. The glebes have grown smaller and the stipends larger. Provision pay is now a thing of the past. *Heroy's History of the Presbyterian Church at Bedford, pp. 6 and 7. t Baird's History of the Bedford Church, p. 56. X Historical Sermon, Yorktown, p. 10. CHAPTER II. Ecclesiastical Status of the Early Cliurclies. 7^ HE English in number were greatly in the majority, as compared with both the French and the Dutch, and to them we are indebted for all the early Presbyterian congre- gations save one, New Rochelle, which is the child of the Reformed Church of France. The English came from Con- necticut and its plantations on Long Island. Their religious views were those of the places from which they had migrated. The religious establishment of that colony was their church, and that church they sought to establish in their new homes. We can best understand the nature of the offshoot by an examination of the parent stock. The inhabitants of Connecticut in 1665, according to the commissioners of Charles II, were "for the most part . . rigid Presbyterians." Gov. Leete writes, July 15, 1680, " Our people in this colony, are some strict Congregational men, others more large Congregational men, and some mod- erate Presbyterians ; and, take the Congregationall men of both sorts, they are the greatest part of the people of the colony." The Synod of Saybrook (1708), and the Platform which they drew up, seen in the light of the causes which called it into existence, and of the attendant circumstances, seem to indicate a strong Presbyterian minority, with the balance of power in the hands of the moderate Congrega- tionalists. The doctrinal belief of the churches, according to Dr. Trumbull, the historian of Connecticut, was Calvinistic and their polity Congregational. We have the same authority for the statement that " during the term of about seventy THE SYNOD OF SAYBROOK. 1 3 years from the settlement of Connecticut [1636-1706] the Congregational had been the only mode of worship." At the latter date the state of the churches, we are told, was lamentable with respect to general order, government, and discipline. Many of the churches ran into confusion from want of a. more general and energetic government. Councils lacked the power to relieve the aggrieved or restore peace ; and oftentimes councils were called against councils. It was not possible to bring difficulties to a final issue.' To meet these difficulties the General Court of the col- ony. May 13, 1708, summoned a Synod to meet at Saybrook. The ministers in each county, with the messengers from the churches, were to meet on the last Monday of June "to con- sider and agree upon those methods and rules for the man- agement of ecclesiastical discipline, which by them shall be judged agreeable and conformable to the word of God." They were also to appoint two delegates to the Synod, which was to compare the results of the deliberations and draw up a form of ecclesiastical discipline and report to the Court at New Haven in October. The Synod recommended the adoption of the Savoy Con- fession, the Heads of Agreement "assented to by the united ministers, formerly called Presbyterian and Congregational," and fifteen rules for the administration of discipline. Ac- cording to these rules discipline in the individual church was vested in the elder or elders, subject to the consent of the brethren. Pastors and churches in each county constituted one or more consociations, before which all cases of scandal, occurring within their bounds, were to be brought. The judgment of the consociation was to be final. Refusal to obey such decisions on part of pastor or church was to be followed by the sentence of non-communion. The teaching elders in each county constituted an association, which was to meet twice each year for consultation and the determina- tion of questions of common interest. In it was vested the power of examination and recommendation of candidates and the summoning of councils for the trial of their own members. 14 ECCLESIASTICAL STATUS OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. " Though the Council were unanimous in passing the platform of discipline, yet they were not all of one opinion. Some were for high consociational government, and in their sentiments nearly Presbyterian ; others were much more moderate and rather verging on Independency ; but exceed- ingly desirous of keeping the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, they exercised great Christian condescension and amicableness towards each other." (Trumbull's Complete History of Connecticut, p. 487.) The Saybrook Platform was adopted by the General Court and became the religious constitution of the colony. Though strenuously opposed by some of the churches, it was accepted by most. By the adoption of the Saybrook Platform the Savoy Con- fession became the creed of the churches. According to the Heads of Agreement, however, the doctrinal portion of the Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England and the Westminster Confession and Catechisms were doctrinal equivalents. The Platform, too, established "consociation- ism " as a constituent part of the ecclesiastical machipery for the government and discipline of the churches. " The Consociation," according to Rule IV of the Litchfield North Consociation, "is a Standing Council, both judicial and ad- visory, competent to ordain, dismiss, and discipline Pastors ; unite, organize, and discipline churches ; to revise the decis- ions of the constituent churches, and to consult their general welfare." Article II, Old Consociation of Fairfield County, asserts the power of the Consociation "authoritatively, ju- ridically, and decisively to determine ecclesiastical affairs." Opinion on this subject was divided in the colony. Most of the churches held that it was a Presbytery, while a minority esteemed it only a stated Council. "Dr. Bellamy (1744), held ,that a church receiving the Saybrook Platform departed from Congregational principles." " Consociationism leads to Presbyterianism ; Presbyterianism to Episcopacy ; Episco- pacy leads to Roman Catholicism ; and Roman Catholicism is an ultimate fact " — is the testimony of Dr. Emmons. THE POLITY OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. 1 5 " Scarce any are ignorant that the discipline in Connecticut verges towards Presbyterianism " — writes John Cotton of Plymouth (1772). We have a very conclusive statement from the Hartford North Association (1799), to the effect "that the constitu- tion of the churches, founded on the common usages and Confession of Faith, I^eads of Agreement and Articles of Church Discipline, adopted at the earliest period of the settlement of that State, is not Congregational, but contains the essentials of the government of the Church of Scotland or Presbyterian Church in America, particularly as it gives a decisive power to ecclesiastical councils ; and a Consocia- tion, consisting of ministers and messengers, or a lay repre- sentative from the churches, is possessed of substantially the same authority as a Presbytery. . . . The churches, there- fore, in Connecticut at large, and in our district in particular, are not now and never were, from the earliest period of the settlement, Congregational Churches, according to the ideas and forms of church order contained in the Book of Disci- pline, called the Cambridge Platform. There are, however, scattered over the state ten or twelve churches [unconso- ciated], which are properly called Congregational." The polity of the Connecticut churches in the eighteenth century, therefore, as a whole was a compromise between Congrega- tionalism and Presbyterianism. Our early, churches were founded by Connecticut Con- gregationalists or Presbyterians, and no doubt all shades of opinion were represented. The deed to the land upon which the Yorktown church stands, which stipulates that it is for the use of a Presbyterian congregation exercising worship "according to the form of worship used and ex- ercised by the now established Presbyterian Church govern- ment in that part of Great Britain called Scotland, and for no other purpose or intent whatsoever," the existence of an eldership as early as 1763, and the division of 1806, may indicate the presence of a strong Presbyterian element. The apparent willingness of the Salem people to adopt 1 6 ECCLESIASTICAL STATUS OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. the Presbyterian polity (Sept. 29, 1763) looks in the same direction. On the other hand, we discover apparently strong Con- Ejregational tendencies in the churches of the Philipse Patent and of North Salem. The Second Church (Patterson) was without a bench of elders until 1804, the First Church (South East) until 1827, North Salem until 1832, and the West Congregation (Gilead) until 1835. The apparent absence of friction in most of our churches in the change from con- sociation to Presbytery, the rapid extension of the Asso- ciated Presbyterian movement, and the return again to the Presbyterian Church, bear witness to the presence of a large number, to whom either denomination was acceptable. The churches of Rye, Bedford, South Salem, South East, Pat- terson, and Gilead were originally connected with the old consociation of Fairfield County and later with the Eastern Consociation of the same county. Most of the early pastors were from that colony. Among the few exceptions were William Tennent and Samuel Sacket. The churches to which they ministered were the only ones with ruling elders prior to the organization of the Presbytery of Dutchess County. Various influences were at work to bring about a change in ecclesiastical connection. The settlement of the boundary dispute, which politically separated the English settlers in the province of New York from their nearest neighbors on the east, the fact that the affiliated churches over the border belonged to an establishment from which they were neces- sarily cut off, the influence of William Tennent and Samuel Sacket, who were members of Presbyteries, of Elisha Kent, " who favored an influential and decided authority" over the churches, of Joseph Peck, a graduate of Princeton, of Solomon Mead, who with Kent and Peck formed the Pres- bytery of Dutchess County, and of John Smith who had united with the Presbytery of New York, the strong Pres- byterian sentiment of New York — these combined effected the slight change which took place. CHANGE OF ECCLESIASTICAL CONNECTION. 1 7 Through Tennent, undoubtedly, the church at Bedford became at least indirectly connected with the Presbytery of Philadelphia. Samuel Sacket was installed in 1743 by the Presbytery of New Brunswick over the churches of Crom- pond (Yorktown) and Bedford. Their connection with that body probably dates from that year. The latter became connected with the Presbytery of Suffolk, we presume, when Sacket, its pastor, was received May 22, 175 1. April 4, 1753, that church, possibly dissatisfied with the Pres- bytery's decision as to its obligation to pay Mr. Sacket's salary, though he had changed his views on the subject of baptism, requested a dismission to the Western Associa- tion of Connecticut. The decision was postponed and the change was never made. Crompond probably came under the care of the Presbytery of Suffolk, when Samuel Sacket was installed pastor by that body about 1753. In 1752 the churches at Rye and White Plains, through their pastor, John Smith, were brought into connection with the Pres- bytery of New York. At this time, in the northern portion of our field, the separation of the churches there from the Connecticut churches was becoming more and more apparent. They were not subject to the same laws, and their connection with consociation was only nominal. They were really, in the language of Elisha Kent, "under no ecclesiastical judi- catory." The separation which had taken place was simply recognized when the Fairfield East Consociation at Danbury, Aug. I, 1763, ruled out of the council the pastors and dele- gates of the Philippi (South East) and West Philippi (Gilead) churches because they had no right there, as the consociation " was designed for churches in the colony of Connecticut." 1 8 ECCLESIASTICAL STATUS OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. LIST OF CHURCHES. Name. Ecclesiastical Connection. I. Rye — Old Consociation of Fairfield County, Conn., Fairfield East Consociation, . Pres'tery of New York, 1752, . Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. Bedford — Old Consociation of Fairfield County, Conn., Pres. of J'hiladelphia, 1720, . Pres. of New York, 1732, . . Pres. of New Brunswick, 1743, Presbytery of Suffolk, 1751, Eliphalet Jones, Peter Prudden, . Thomas Denham, John Woodbridge, . Nathanael Bowers, Stephen Buckingham, John Walton, . Edmund Ward, John Smith, P., . Thomas Denham, Joseph Morgan, P., John Jones, William Tennent, Henry Baldwin, Robert Sturgeon Samuel Sacket, P., . Eliphalet Ball, P., 3. White Plains — Old Consociation of Fairfield John Walton, County, Conn., . Edmund Ward, Fairfield East Consociation, . John Smith, P., Presbytery of New York, 1752. 4 "Phillips Precinct," ist, Philippi (South East) — Fairfield East Consociation, . Elisha Kent, P., 5. Crompond, Hanover, (Yorktown) — Pres. of New Brunswick, 1743, Sam'l Sacket, H. M., Presbytery of Suffolk, 1753, Samuel Sacket, P., James Davenport (.•'), Samuel Sacket, P., , Supp'd by Pres. of Suffolk, Samuel Sacket, P., 1674 1675 1677-1684 1684- 1697-1700 1720-1722 1723-1728 1728-1729 j Dec.30,1742 I Feb. 26, 1 77 1 1684-1689 1700-1702 1702-1705 1720-1727 1727- 1732- Oct.l2, 1743 Apr. 4. 1753 j Jan. 2, 1754 ( Dec.21,1768 1723-1728 1728-1729 ( Dec.30,1742 I Feb.26, 1771 1740- July 17, 1776 ,S 1742- Oct. 12, 1743 743 749 1752-1753 S April, 1753 ( April, 176c 1760-1761 ( Oct., 1761 ( June 5, 1784 ( Oct. 12, 17 I June 15, 17 LIST OF CHURCHES. 1 9 Name. Ecclesiastical Connection. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. 6. West Philippi, " Gregory's Parish " (Gilead) — Fairfield East Consociation, . James Davenport,* . 1752-1754 T7U T' -1 1 T3 ( Feb.17, I7i;6 Ebenezer Knibloe, P., ; " /j / Aug.29,1759 Elnathan Gregory, P., . 1760-1770 (?) 7. "Phillips Precinct," 2D, (Patterson) — Fairfield East Consociation, . James Davenport, (?) 1752-1754 T u T) 1 T) ( Mar.2Q, 1758 Joseph Peck, P., ^ „ , „ , '■ I Feb. 8, 1769 8. Salem (South Salem) — Fairfield W. Consociat'n, 1752, Solomon Mead, P., \ l^^y™, 1752 ( Sept. 4, iSoo * West Philippi paid only one-third of his compensation. Other churches near at hand doubtless contributed the rest. We presume that they were Phil- lips Precinct, 2d, and Crompond. Statement is based on letter of Mr. Daven- port, dated September, 1752. CHAPTER III. The Civil Status of the Early Churches* CHARLES II instructed his commissioners sent out in 1664 to "be very careful . that nothing be said or done from which the people there may think that there is any purpose in us to make any alteration in church government, or to introduce any other form of worship among them than what they had chosen." The "Duke's Laws " promulgated at Hempstead, March, 1665, which were founded upon the laws in force in New England, re- quired that any minister " desiring to officiate within the government must produce credentials from some Protestant bishop or ministers within some part of his Majesty's domin- ions, or the dominions of any foreign prince of the Re- formed religion." f Provision was also made for the build- ing and repair of churches, the maintenance of the ministry, and the relief of the poor by taxation. The taxes neces- sary for these purposes were to be levied by "eight of the most able men of each parish called 'overseers,' chosen by a majority of the householders." These, in connection with the constable, were to choose two of their number to be "church-wardens." While all faiths, except the Roman Catholic, were to be tolerated, the choice of the minister lay with the majority of the householders. From Gov. Andros we learn that in 1678 the towns were obliged to build churches and provide for the ministry, and that the Pres- * We acknowledge our great indebtedness to the article by the late Rev. Charles W. Baird, D.D., on the Civil Status of the Presbyterians in the Province of New York, in the Magazine of American History, October, 1879. t Baird's Civil Status, etc., p. 596. ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS. 21 byterians and Independents, who were the " most numerous and substantial," * were anxious to do so. There was no change in the royal instructions until Gov. Dongan was sent out in 1682. In addition to what had been charged upon his predecessors, he was also enjoined to take especial care that "the Book of Common Prayer, as it is now established, [be] read, each Sunday and Holyday and the Blessed Sacrament administered according to the Rites of the Church of England"; that "noe minister be preferred by you to any Ecclesiastical Benefice without a certificate from ye most Reverend the Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, of his being conformable to ye Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England" ; "that Books of Homilys and Books of the 39 Articles of ye said Church of England bee disposed of to every of ye said churches and that they bee only kept and used therein " ; " that noe schoolmaster bee henceforth permitted to come from England & to keep school . without the license of the said Archbishop of Canterbury." f To the governor was given the power of " Collating to Benefices." The impression left upon our minds from the reading of these instructions is that a change of policy was intended, and that the Establishment of England was to be imposed upon the province. However, Dongan went no further than to see to it that the Duke's laws were carried into effect, so that each town should do their duty in maintaining a minis- ter. The people up to this time, and even as late as Lord Cornbury's administration, had ministers of their own choice, and no complaint was made. The instructions given to Dongan were repeated in almost identical language (with the exception that the Bishop of London's name is substi- tuted for that of the Archbishop of Canterbury) to the diflferent governors by William and Mary, Anne, George I, George II, and George III. * Baird's History of Rye, p. 288. t Scharf's Hist, of West. Co., Vol. I, p. 104. 22 CIVIL STATUS OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. Opinions differ as to the significance of tfiese instruc- tions. Some claim tliat it lay in the royal prerogative to make laws for the colonies. These instructions, in their judgment, were " binding constitutions." * Lord Mansfield and Blackstone are cited to that effect. The granting of the Colonial Assembly is given as an instance of the exer- cise of this right by William and Mary. It is affirmed that the "Act of Uniformity" of Charles II, and that of " Toleration " of William and Mary, applied to all the sub- jects of the realm. The king, they believe, is bound by his coronation oath to maintain the Established Church throughout his dominions.! Others, again, deny each one of these allegations. They vest all legislative authority in the Parliament ; Blackstone and West are cited against the extension of the acts of Uniformity and Toleration to this country. J The instructions of Charles II and James II, and the commission of George II, given in 1728 to the Bishop of London, which confines his spiritual jurisdiction in, the American colonies to the churches where divine worship is held according to the rites of the Church of England, in their judgment, indicate a purpose not to interfere with the existing churches.§ The offices established by the Duke's Laws, the instructions given to the governors, the claims made by those officials, the pretensions of the missionaries of the Gospel Propagation Society, look in the direction of an Establishment. While we may not be able to discern the royal motives nor settle even to our own satisfaction questions of English law, we are able to trace the conse- quences of the instructions given. The suggestion for the passage of an act by the General Assembly for the suitable maintenance of a minister in every town came from Gov. Sloughter in 1691. It was not, how- ever, until 1693, when Gov. Fletcher was chief magistrate, * Scharf's Hist, of West. Co., Vol. I, p. 106. t Scharf's Hist, of West. Co., Vol. I, p. 106. J Baird's Civil Status, etc., pp. 612 and 624. § Baird's Civil Status, pp. 612-614. VESTRYMEN AND CHURCH WARDENS. 23 and on his recommendation, that "An Act for Settling a Ministry and Raising a Maintenance for them in the city of Nezv York, County of Richmond, Westchester, and Queens County, was passed." It provided that within a year at the places named in the act "a good, sufficient Protestant Minis- ter" should be called. Westchester County was divided into two parishes, one to include Westchester, Eastchester, Yon- kers, and Pelham, and the other Rye, Mamaroneck, and Bed- ford. To each was to be assigned a minister. The stipend was fixed at ^50, to be raised by taxation. The freeholders were to choose annually ten vestrymen and the vestrymen two church wardens, by whom conjointly the ministers were to be called. The former, in conjunction with the justices of the peace, were to levy the taxes for the support of the minister and the relief of the p9or. All former agreements with ministers were to remain in force. Fletcher sought in vain for the insertion of a clause granting to the Governor the right of inducting ministers. According to Lewis Morris, afterwards Chief Justice, the Assembly meant by the expression "a good, sufficient Pro- testant Minister" a dissenter.* This was the interpretation of the people, who nominally conformed to the requirements of the law. At Rye and Westchester we find that the officers called for in due time were elected. It was not, however, until the year 1695, when the vestry of New York called a dissenting minister that any official interpre- tation of the act was given. Fletcher held that since " no Protestant Church admits of such officers as Church Wardens and Vestrymen but the Church of England,"! therefore the minister must be of that persuasion. The Assembly of this year declared "that the Vestrymen and Church Wardens have power to call a Protestant Dissenting Minister, and that he is to be paid and maintained according as the Act directs. "J * Baird's Civil Status, etc., p. 597. t Baird's Civil Status, pp. 596^7. X Baird's History of Rye, p. 292. 24 CIVIL STATUS OF THE EARLY ChURChES. In 1692 there came from England a man who was to play an important part in the ecclesiastical troubles of West- chester. This was Col. Caleb Heathcote. * He settled at Mamaroneck and became lord of the Manor of Scarsdale. At this time, according to his own statement, there were " scarce six in the whole county who so much as inclined to the church." | He was soon elected church warden in both parishes, in one of them, so he writes, to secure his influence with the Governor in favor of Warham Mather. He refused to do this on the ground that that official could not induct a dissenter. He proposed, however, a compromise. The parish was a large one and could support two ministers. He advised that a French Protestant minister, Mr. Boudet, who had been ordained by the Bishop of London, should be called to the living and maintained as provided by the Act of 1693 ; Mr. Mather was to remain and his support provided for by voluntary contributions. To this the vestry agreed but afterwards withdrew their consent, as Heathcote believed, through the influence of Mather. He then made it his bus- iness "to devise ways to gett him out of the country." He seems to have succeeded in the course of a few years (i7oi).:j: He evidently believed that the Church of England had been established here by law, and, he admits, it was his purpose to bring the people over to the church." Mr. Boudet was settled over the Huguenot Church at New Rochelle and went with those who seceded to the Church of England in 1 7 10. § The churches of Eastchester and Bedford about the be- ginning of 1700, called Joseph Morgan and asked consent of the Governor to his induction. This was refused. These towns then sought to be relieved from the operation of the act, in order that they might have a ministry of their own choice. The General Assembly showed their willingness, *Schar£'s History of West. Co., vol. I, p. 4721/ and 472.?. t Scharf's History of West. Co., Vol. I, pp. 472 rf and 472 e. I Scharf's History of West. Co., Vol. I, p. 810. § Scharf's History of West. Co., Vol. I, p. 693. MISSIONARIES OF THE GOSPEL PROPAGATION SOCIETY. 25 at least so far as Eastchester was concerned, by passing an act making it a separate parish. It was not, however, approved by the house government.* Col. Heathcote seems to have had much to do with the coming of the missionaries of the Gospel Propagation Society to Westchester County. Joseph Morgan was at Eastchester when John Bartow, who had recently come from England, was inducted into the parish of Eastchester, West- chester, Yonkers, and Pelham by Lord Cornbury, Nov. 19, 1702. At this time Westchester was without a pastor. April, 1704, Thomas Pritchard was made rector of the parish of Rye, Mamaroneck, and Bedford. A few months later he was recalled, and in 1705 George Muirson took his place. Most, if not all, of the churches of these parishes were used for the services of the Church of England. There is abundant evidence of dissatisfaction among the people. Bartow writes that the means employed at East- chester to prevent and disturb his settlement were frustrated by Lord Cornbury. He complains later of the burden of planting the established church " amongst prejudiced, poor, and irreligious people." The vestry in some parishes in the province declined to allow the rector to take part in their proceedings, and sums raised by taxation were paid towards the support of the dissenting minister.! No. 62 of Lord Cornbury's instructions implies it. The strongest and most persistent opposition within our bounds took place at Bed- ford. John Jones was then ( 1 702-1 705) pastor. The oppo- sition to Pritchard and Muirson was led by him and Zacha- riah Roberts, justice of the peace. Jones preached with great bitterness. The people were thoroughly aroused. Minister and justice -were arrested and taken before the Governor and Council, who compelled the one to give secu- rity in ^£25 for his appearance and remanded the other to the custody of the sheriff until the next session of the *Scharf's History of West. Co., Vol. II, p. 723. Baird's History of the Bedford Church, p. 34. t Baird's Civil Status, p. 604. 4 26 CIVIL STATUS OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. Supreme Court. One of the incumbents calls the inhabi- tants of Bedford "a very wilful, stubborn people,"* and they were known much later " as the most rigid and severe of all the dissenters." Lord Cornbury, in his address to the Assembly in 1705, speaks of these "difficulties, which some very worthy minis- ters of the Church of England have met with in the getting the maintenance settled upon them," and recommends the passing of an act explanatory of that of 1693, in order that the troubles alluded to may not recur. He further recom- mends the extension of the act to the towns on the east end of Long Island. An act was passed, making better provision for the support of the ministry in the parishes named in the act of 1693. It was not extended to others. The right to induct was conceded to the Governor. The last section disclaimed any intention "to abridge or take away the Indulgence or Liberty of Conscience granted and allowed to any other Protestant Christians, by any Law, or Statute of the Realm of England, or of this Plantation ; anything in this Act contained to the contrary thereof, in any wise notwithstanding." f Subsequent legislation went no further. The Church of England, as an establishment, notwithstanding the efforts of the royal governors, was con- fined to the city of New York, the counties of Richmond and Queens, and to the two parishes of Westchester. John Jones left Bedford in 1705 and Joseph Morgan Eastchester in 1708. Through inability to support an Episcopal minister by taxation and a Presbyterian or Inde- pendent by voluntary contributions, Bedford was without a dissenting ministry for fifteen years (1705- 1720) and Rye for twenty (1700-1720). In Eastchester and Westchester there was a silent acquiescence in the state of affairs, per- haps through the influence of the powerful Heathcote and the moderation of Bartow. Eastchester, however, enjoyed the services of William Tennent from November, 171 8, to * Baird's History of the Bedford Church, p. 38. t Baird's Civil Status, p. 603. EFFECTS OF THE ACTS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY. 2/ May, 1720. George Muirson and his successor, Christo- pher Bridge, in the rectorship' of Rye, did much to conciHate the people of that parish. 1720, Tennent was called to Bedford and Buckingham to Rye. The opportunity was given by the vacancy of three years from the death of Mr. Bridge (May 22, 17 19) to the induction of Robert Jenney (June 7, 1722). During this period the rate was not gathered.* From this time to the Revolution both churches had pastors to their liking. The results in this county of the legislation to which we have referred, as enforced by the royal governors, was the loss to Presbyterianism of the churches of Eastchester and Westchester, the division of the Huguenot church of New Rochelle and the church at Rye, and the payment of rates for the support of a ministry, whose services they did not want. The church edifices at Eastchester, Westchester, and Rye, built at the expense of the several towns, were taken from the dissenters for the use of missionaries of the Gospel Propagation Society. Bedford alone retained its house of worship. At Rye the glebe passed into the pos- session of the rectors of the parish. Soon after 1720 a law- suit was instituted for its recovery. The dispute was in the courts until 1749, a period of nearly thirty years. A por- tion of the land seems to have been recovered.! It must not be supposed that no efforts were put forth by the people for the repeal of a law which had been un- fairly interpreted. As early as 1699 a petition was pre- sented to the General Assembly and a bill was passed granting to every town full power to call and settle a minis- ter by a majority vote of the people. It failed to receive the approval of the Governor and Council, apparently be- cause in their judgment the royal instructions estabhshed the Church of England in the province. Nothing further seems to have been done for seventy years. A bill was in- troduced by Col. Lewis Morris, member for the Borough of * Baird's History of Bedford Church, p. 44. t Baird's History of Rye, pp. 296, 297, and 322. 28 CIVIL STATUS OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. Westchester, April 8, 1769, entitled 'M« Act to exempt all protcstants in the counties of Westchester, ^■.'czv York, Queens and Richmond from any taxation for the support of the min- isters of the Episcopal denomination." It was passed May 15th, but failed to receive the approval of the Couucil. November 30, 1769, John Thomas, a member from Westches- ter county, brought in a bill entitled " An Act to exempt protcstants of all denominations from paying any clergyman by com.pulsory taxation." At the same session Charles De Witt of Ulster County presented one entitled ''An Act to exempt the inhabitants of the counties of Westchester, New York, Queens and Richmond from taxation for the support of the ministers of churches to which they do not belong^ These bills were amended and passed by the Assembly, but re- jected by the Council. It became evident that nothing favorable need be expected from the royal Governors and Council. The people were not relieved from their unjust burdens until the province of New York became a State. The royal Governors not only sought to effect the estab- lishment of the Church of England, but they refused to in- corporate the Presbyterian churches. This favor was granted to the Episcopal church of Rye December 19, 1764, and doubtless to others of the same denomination. Inability to incorporate, to the country churches, while an injustice, was no great injury — to the Presbyterian Church of New York it was a great inconvenience. They were obliged to convey the fee-simple of their church property in Wall Street to a committee of the General Assembly of the Church of Scot- land.* This was done in 1730. Dr. John Nicoll, a member of that church, who died in 1743, desired to make them residuary legatee, the income of the bequest to be used for the relief of their poor. He accomplished his purpose legally by making " the Moderator of the General Assem- bly of the Church of Scotland, the Moderator of the Pres- bytery of Edinburgh, the Principal of the College of Edinburgh, the Professor of Divinity therein, and the Pro- * Baird's Civil Status, p. 607. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NEW YORK CITY. 29 curator and Agent for the Church of Scotland," and their successors in office forever, trustees. f Six times between 1720 and 1775 that cliurch applied for incorporation — four times to the Governor and Council and twice to the King in Council. The first was made in March, 1720 — the Council of the province recommended that the application be granted. The rector and church wardens of Trinity Church objected, and the request was referred to the Lords of Trade, who took no action. Soon after it was renewed, but objection being again offered, nothing came of it. Four years later it was made for the third time and re- ferred a second time to the Lords of Trade ; and though their legal adviser, Mr. West, advised that " by law such patent of incorporation might be granted," no response came. In 1759 the fourth petition was made to the Council with no better result. Seven years later, in 1766, the Pres- byterian Church for the fifth time sought legal recognition from the King in Council. It was referred to the Lords of Traide, and by them to the Council in New York. The latter pleaded precedent ; the Archbishop of Canterbury saw noth- ing formidable in it, but thought it safe not to grant it. The Lords of Trade saw nothing unreasonable in it, but doubted whether the coronation oath would permit the King to comply. The sixth and last attempt was made in conjunction with other churches in 1775. It was to the same tribunal as before. The Governor, Tryon, was em- powered to act favorably, provided that the Council and law officers of the province deemed it in accordance with the laws of the realm. The charter was approved by the Council. With their approval it went to the King's attorney for his opinion. Neither charter nor opinion were forth- coming. The Revolutionary struggle and the independence of the colonies rendered further effort in the same direction unnecessary. These attempts to secure a simple act of incorporation, though they proved a failure so far as their immediate pur- * Baird's Civil Status, p. 607. 30 CIVIL STATUS OF THE EARLY CHURCHES. pose was concerned, were by no means in vain. The action of the provincial and royal authorities in refusing so reason- able a request led to a discussion in the public press extending over a quarter of a century. It was carried on largely by " the Presbyterian lawyers," William Smith, William Liv- ingston, and John Morin Scott, assisted by the pastor of the Wall Street Church, Alexander Gumming. It enlisted the sympathies and called attention to a subject, soon to be settled in the formation of the first constitution of the State of New York. The people were educated and the way prepared for the separation of church and state, and the placing of all branches of the Christian Church upon an equal footing. CHAPTER IV. The Presbytery of Dutchess County. THE following extract from the "Minutes of the Pres- bytery of Dutchess County in the Province of New York," gives the reason for its organization : ■• At a Meeting of the Rev. Messrs. Elisha Kent, Pastor of the First Church in Phillips Precinct, Solomon Mead, Pastor of the Church in Salem, Joseph Peck, Pastor of the Second Church in Phillips Precinct; at Phillips Precinct 27 October, 1762. "Whereas the Churches under our Watch and Care are not in Subjection to any Ecclesiastical Judicatory and finding it necessary to come into some proper method for Church Discipline the better to maintain that Beauty, Har- mony and Regularity, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Great Head and King of his Church, has been graciously pleased to establish : — After Solemn Prayer to God for Light and Direction in this Important Affair, we took the matter into Serious Consideration and unanimously resolved to accept the Plan of Church Government used in North Britain, and did accordingly adopt the Westminster Confession of Faith and larger and shorter Catechisms, as our Confession of Faith and the Directory for Worship and Discipline used by the Said Church, to be our Rule of Worship and Church Discipline; agreable to which, as we belonged to no Ecclesiastical Judicatory, we all in the most amicable manner unanimously agreed to form ourselves into a Presbytery, which we accordingly did and Chose Mr. Kent Moderator, and Mr. Peck Clerk, when after free Conversation upon the Affair, it was resolved, that it be farther Considered at our next Meeting; then adjourned to the first Tuesday in January next, to meet at Salem." The same persons met at the appointed time, and deem- ing that it was "for the Interest of Religion to be regularly constituted a Presbytery . . they unanimously resolved to apply to the Reverend Synod of New York and Philadelphia at their ne.xt Meeting, to be by them Constituted a Presby- tery, and to be joined to and acknowledged by that venera- ble Body as such." Mr. Mead was appointed to present the petition. On account of the prevalence of small-pox in Philadelphia, he did not attend, but sent it by the hand of 32 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. Rev. Mr. Bostwick of the Presbytery of New York. The following answer was read at the next meeting of the Pres- bytery, held at Bedford, June 28, 1763 : — "At a Meeting of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, in Philadel- phia, An. Dom. 1763, 28 May, 9 o'clock A. M. A Request was bro't in from a Presbytery in New York Government to the Eaist of the North River; desir- ing to be incorporated with this body, and that some members of the Presby- teries of New York and Suffolk, which are contiguous, may be allowed to be joined with them in a Presbyterial Capacity. " After Several Members of this Body had given full Satisfaction concern- ing their Character and their good Standing in the Churches: — And the Sy- nod being assured that it was not from any Unbrotherly or unfriendly Views, nor from any Disaffection to the Neighboring Churches, that they desired to be- come members of this Body: It is agreed to grant their Request: — Provided thev adopt our Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, and engage to observe the Directory as their Plan of Worship and Government, according to the Agreement of this Synod. " It is allowed that Mr. John Smith and Mr. Chauncey Graham join with them; — and from Suffolk Presbytery Messrs. Samuel Sackett and Eliphalet Rail; and that they be called by the Name of Dutchess County Presbytery; and that the Rev. David Bostwick procure a Copy from the Clerk of the Synod, and send it to them to notilie them of our Determination. " A true Copy. " Signed per Order, " per Wm. Kirkpatrick \ '^^^'- ^'^'■'^ I of the Synod." After the reading of the above, it was voted that " The Presbytery do agreable thereto, heartily, Cheerfully and renewedly adopt the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, and engage to observe the Directory for Worship and Government, and do Cordially accept the worthy Members of the Presbyteries of New York and Suffolk, which the Synod have allowed to join us ; of whom are present Rev. Messrs. John Smith, Samuel Sackett and Eliphalet Ball." No return was made to the Synod until the session of May, 1 766. At that meeting, held in the city of New York, all the members of the Presbytery were present with the exception of Solomon Mead and Samuel Dunlop. The fol lowing is the minute of the Synod : — "The Presbytery of Dutchess County, being present, report that they have complied with the stipulations of the Synod in the year 1763, and have adopted the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, together with the Directory for worship and discipline, according to the usage of this Synod, as ROLL OF MINISTERS. 33 appears from their minutes, which were produced and read ; and certain mem- bers of the said Presbytery being present, were allowed to take their seats accordingly." ROLL OF MINISTERS. Name. Church. Enrolled. I. Elisha Kent, P., Phillips Precinct, ist, , Oct. 27, 1862, *July 17, 1776 2. Solomon Mead, P., Salem, " " tOct. 22, "1795 3- Joseph Peck, P., Phillips Precinct, 2d, " " {May—, 1769 4- John Smith, P-, Rye and White Pl'ns, June 28, 1763, *Feb. 26, 1771 5- Samuel Sacket, P., Yorktown, " " *June 5, 1784 6. Eliphalet Ball, P., Bedford, §May 18, 1786 7- Chauncey Graham, P., Rumbout, *March 30, 1784 8. William Hanna, P., Albany, Oct. 18, 1763, lljuly 15, 1767 9- Samuel Dunlop, P., Cherry Valley, Sept. 9, 1765, §Dec. 8, 1783 10. Wheeler Case, P., Poughkeepsie, Nov. 12, 1765, *Aug. 24, 1791 P-, Charlotte's Precinct. S. S., Pleasant Valley. II. Ichabod Lewis, P., P., P-, S. S., White Plains, Sing Sing. Philippi. Red Mills. Oct. 12, 1769, *April 8, 1793 12. Samuel Mills, P., S. S., Bedford, Fredericksburgh. Dec. 13, 1769, ITOct. 14, 1789 13- JBenjamin Strong, S. S., , Pound Ridge, May 9, 1770, §Oct. 12, 1774 14. David Close, P., Fredericksburgh, Nov. 24, 1772, *I783 S. S., West 15- Blackleach Burritt, S. S. S.S, ., Pound Ridge, ., Crompond. June 16, 1774, ITMay 8, 1794 16. Silas Constant, P., S. S., Red Mills. May 18, 1786, 1[May 8, 1794 17- John Davenport, P., Bedford, Maj 18, 1786, tSept. 18, 1793 18. Benj. Judd, P., Pound Ridge, Oct. 16, 1788, {May 6, 1795 19. Jehu Minor, P., Philippi, Feb. I, 1792, tOct. 22, 1795 20. Methuselah Baldwin, P., Pleasant Valley, Nov. 6, 1793, t " " * ROLL OF CHURCHES. Name. Connection Began. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service, I. Phillips Precinct, ist, Oct. 27, 1762, Elisha Kent, P., | j^jy ,y_ ,y^g , , , , T • T, I Tune 17,1777 " Kent's Parish," Ichabod Lewis, P., ] Apr. 8, 1793 Philippi, Jehu Minor, S. S., | p^^ j_ ^^^2 .. p j Feb. i' 1792 Union, P-. ( July 5, ,808 (South East). *Died. tTransferred to Presbytery of Hudson. (Dismissed. §On roll for last time. || Suspended. UName dropped. S 34 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. •Name. 2. Salem, South Salem, 3. Phillips Precinct, 2d, Connection Began. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Oct. 27, 1762, Solomon Mead, P., North Congregat'n of Fredericksburgh, Fraiiklin, (Patterson), 4. Crompond, Hanover, (Yorktown), 5- Rye, 6. White Plains, 7. Bedford, S. Rumbout, Fishkill, 9. Sing Sing, Mt. Pleasant, 10. Po'keepsie, Joseph Peck, P., David Close, S. S. P., Samuel Mills, S. S Term of Service. ( May 20, 1752 I Sept. 4, 1 800 j Mar. 29, 1 7 58 I Feb. 8, 1769 ] 1772 ( Nov.24,1772 I Nov.24,1772 1 1783 I 783-1 789 Sturges, S. S., 17S9 Supplied by Presbytery,* 1789-1793 j Oct. 1761- June 28, 1763, Samuel Sacket, P., Silas Constant, S. S., P., " John Smith, P., Supplied by Presbytery,* John Smith, P., Ichabod Lewis, P., Supplied by Presbytery, Eliphalet Ball, P., Samuel Mills, P., John Davenport, P., Isaac Foster, S. S., Supplied by Presbytery,* < Samuel Blatchford, S.S , | " " Chauncey Graham, P., Supplied by Presbytery,* I June 5, 1784 Nov. 1785- 1786 ( 1786 ( March, 1806 ( Dec. 30,1742 I Feb. 26,1771 -1789 (Dec.30,1742 I Feb. 26, 177 1 j Dec. 13,1769 j May 1 8, -1 786 unei7,i777 1 786-1790 an. 2, 1754 ec.2i, t768 11. Charlotte Precinct, May 12, (Pittsburgh), 12. Upper Salem, June 26, ( May 18, 1786 I May 5, 1791 1792 j Oct., 1792- Jan. 1793 Aug., 1795- Apr., 1796 i748(?)- Oct. 8, 1766 1774-1777 1863-1763 1 I767(.')- ( Feb. 26,1771 i Oct. II, 1769 ) Dec. 9, 1774 Supplied by Presbytery,* 1775-1791 Oct. 18, 1763, " " 1763-1764 Wheeler Case, P., (Nov.i2,i76s I Oct. II, 1770 Supplied by Presbytery,* 1772-1773 John Smith, S. S., Ichabod Lewis, P. 1764, 1764 I Nov 12,1765 I Aug. 24, 1 79 1 765, Supplied by Presbytery,* 1765-1767 Wheeler Case, P., ROLL OF CHURCHES. 35 Name. Connection Began. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. North Salem, John Blydenburgh, S. .S., 1772-1774 Supplied by Presbytery,* 1774-177 5 Joel Benedict, S. S., 1783 John Blindbur, S. S., 13. Albany, Sept. 9, 1765, William Hanna, P. -July 17, 1767 14. Cherry Yalley, " " Samuel Dunlop, P., 15. New Windsor, (May 13,1767) Supplied by Presbytery,* 1767 16. Pound Ridge, 1770, Benjamin Strong, S. S., | ^''l.^''^^" BlackleachBurritt.S.S.,jJ7pJ.6';774 Supplied by Presbytery,* 1776-1787 Benjamin Judd, S. S., | Q^^j^^'g^ J^SS .. p i Oct. 16, 1788 ] May I, 1793 Abraham Barfield, S. S., ^794 Samuel Blatchford, S. S., | -^pf- J795 17. Pleasant Valley, 1770 (?), Wheeler Case, S. S., j Aub'"2j. i7Q7 Supplied byPresbytery,*' 1791-1792 Methuselah Baldwin, P., i ^°''; ^' '^93 ' I Sept. 4, 1798 18. West Congregat'n of, Oct. 12, 1774, David Close, S. S , | °no\,'^^i''8[ Fredericksburg, Supplied by Presbytery,* 1787 Gregory's Parish. 19 Dover, (Oct. 8, 1777), Supplied by Presbytery, iyjy-'8 20. Little Nine Partners " " " " Jan. 1778 near ye Oblong, 21. Presb. -Providence, May 12, 1787, Wheeler Case, S. S.(.'), 1787 Society in Clinton Precinct. 22. Red Mills, (Oct. ir, 1787) Silas Constant, S. S., 1785-1787 Supplied by Presbytery, 1787 Ichabod Lewis, S. S., | ^~ ~ j^gi Of the twenty ministers, most were installed pastors. Seven, Messrs. Kent, Smith, Sacket, Graham, Case, Lewis, and Close, died while connected with the Presbytery. Four, Messrs. Peck, Burritt, Davenport, and Judd, were dismissed. William Hanna was suspended July 17, 1767, for becoming an attorney-at-law. The name of Samuel Mills was dropped because he joined the Anabaptists without a regular dismis- * Supplies were appointed by Presbytery, and generally fulfilled their appointments. 36 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. sion. The names of Eliphalet Ball, Samuel Dunlop, and Benjamin Strong, who had not reported themselves for years, disappear without record of action. Silas Constant was received at his own request as an ad- visory member or stated correspondent May 8, 1786. This connection was dissolved oh his own motion May 8, 1794. Blackleach Burritt had become pastor of a church in Ver- mont before his dismissal. Solomon Mead, Jehu Minor, and Methusaleh Baldwin, the only remaining members of the Presbytery, were transferred to the newly-erected Presby- tery of Hudson by the Synod of New York and New Jersey, October 22, 1795. Samuel Sacket and the Crompond church seceded from the Presbytery October 14, 1767, for reasons which are not on record. The minute (August, 1768) is — " Resolved unanimously as they [the reasons assigned] consist of general ambiguous expressions, so we judge them but ill-grounded, not to say bitter reflections." A committee consisting of Messrs. Kent and Ball were appointed " to answer his reasons " before a commission of the Synod then sitting at Bedford, which had been ordered at Mr. Sacket's request to investigate "the unhappy dif- ference betwixt him and the Presbytery." The commission, it seems, "annexed him to the Presbytery of New York." The Synod did not approve of this action, and by a " great majority " he was " returned to the Presbytery of Dutchess County." He did not attend the meetings nor perform the duties of a Presbyter. His name does not appear even among the absent. The Presbytery seems to have believed that he was no longer of their number, and he evidently re- garded himself as a member of the Presbytery of New York, for though his name was not upon their roll, he ap- plied to the Synod, May 23, 1775, to be transferr.ed back from that body to the Dutchess County Presbytery. His request was granted. The nature of the connection of the churches with the Presbytery is difficult to determine. Due allowance must THE CHURCHES AND THE PRESBYTERY. 37 be made for possible omissions in the minutes. The Presby- tery was organized by the pastors of three churches which were not represented by laymen. It was evidently their in- tention, and probably that of their people, that these con- gregations should belong to the new body. Messrs. Smith and Graham of the Presbytery of New York, and Messrs. Sacket and Ball of the Presbytery of Suffolk, were trans- ferred to it, but no mention is made by the Syhod or the Presbytery of the churches to which they ministered. None of these congregations were represented by elders or dele- gates until the fourth session, October i8, 1763. An exami- nation of the record shows that only four churches, Albany, Cherry Valley, Pound Ridge, and Presbyterian Providence Society in Clinton Precinct, were formally received under the care of the Presbytery. Counting the original churches, the five transferred from other Presbyteries, the four re- ceived under its care, and others over which pastors were installed by its authority, we are able to make a list of six- teen out of the twenty-two as under its jurisdiction — First and Second Churches of Phillips Precinct, Salem, Crom- pond. Rye, White Plains, Bedford, Rondout, Albany, Cherry Valley, Pound Ridge, Presbyterian Providence Society in Clinton Precinct, Poughkeepsie, Charlotte Precinct, Sing Sing and Pleasant Valley. Six, Upper Salem, New Windsor, West Congregation of Fredericksburgh, Dover, Little Nine Partners near ye Oblong and Red Mills, applied for supplies and advice. New Windsor, we believe, belonged to the Presbytery of New York. How many of these churches had a bench of elders and conducted their internal affairs according to the usages of the Presbyterian Church, we are unable to say. Of the three churches whose pastors organized the Presbytery not a single one had a Presbyterian organization when that event took place. The question of adopting " ye Presbyte- rian form of church government " came before the South Salem Church, Sept. 29, 1763. It was decided in the affirm- ative and five ruling elders were elected. The term of ser- vice was fixed at one year. No such action seems to have 38 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. been taken in the other churches at this time. More than twenty years later, Sept. 4, 1786, the First Church of PhiUips Precinct adopted the Westminster Standards, " ex- cepting in ye instance of Congregational assembUes or rul- ing elders." About forty years more elapsed before they had a session. The Second Church apparently retained a Congregational form of government until 1804. April 25th of that year they petitioned the Presbytery of Hudson for a supply "to preach and ordain elders." Bedford had the eldership in 1756, Crompond by 1763, and Pleasant Valley in 1788. When it was adopted, we do not know. All the evidence at hand, unless it be the fact that the church edifice was called the Presbyterian Meeting House, indicates that the Upper Salem Church was Congregational. The building was erected in 1764, but there seems to have been no organization until Aug. 20, 1779, when the people of the vicinity assembled to consider the expediency of form- ing one, and decided in the affirmative. The organization was effected five days later. A Congregational Church was organized, which, Jan. 24, 1786, was incorporated as the " Congregationalist Society of Upper Salem." A Presby- terian reorganization was not effected until 1832. The West Congregation of Fredericksburgh began its existence in connection with Fairfield East Consociation as a Congregational Church, and there is no proof of any change. That some of these churches were apparently represented by elders is indecisive, as among those thus designated in the minutes are the names of persons who were not in the eldership. Among the delegates from the Crompond Church were Obadiah Purdy and Robert Lee, neither of whom were ever members of the Session. Both the First and Second Churches of Phillips Precinct were represented at the meetings of Presbytery, while neither had a Presbyterian organization. The church at Albany was transferred to the Presbytery of New York by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, May 23, 1775, The Church of Cherry Valley was trans- ferred in 1790 by the Synod of New York and New Jersey THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. 39 to the newly erected Presbytery of Albany. There are no entries in the minutes about the following churches after the dates affixed to their names. . Po'keepsie, Oct. 1 772 ; North Salem, Oct. 12, 1774; Fishkill, Oct. 8, 1777; Sing Sing, Sept. 21, 1791 ; West Congregation of Fredericks- burgh, Oct. 10, 1787 ; Red Mills, Sept. 1792 ; Crompond, May 8, 1794. North Salem and Sing Sing are represented at the first meeting of the Associated Westchester Presby- tery in 1792 Po'keepsie, Crompond, and Red Mills soon after came into the same organization. Dover and Little Nine Partners, which are only mentioned once in the minutes of Dutchess Presbytery, look to the new organization for advice and supplies. The churches at Rye and White Plains were burned and their congregations scattered by the revolutionary war. At the dissolution of the Presbytery there remained the following churches : Union, Franklin, Salem, Bedford, Rum- bout, Pleasant Valley, Pittsburgh, and Pound Ridge — eight in all. The Presbytery was never a large one. It began with three ministers and three churches. When largest, it had but ten ministers and perhaps as many churches. At the dissolution there were three ministers and eight churches. The attendance at the meetings was usually from four to six- ministers and from two to four elders. Two stated meetings were held each year. The business usually transacted was the appointment of a committee " to transact such business as might come before them " during the intervals between the meetings, the appointment of sup- plies for vacant churches, making the necessary orders inci- dent to changes in the pastorates, the giving of advice to individuals and churches, and questions of discipline. Jacob Lockwood, of the church at Pound Ridge, was disciplined by the Session. Among the charges against him we find one for "not calling his family together statedly for prayers evening and morning." The Presbytery did almost nothing in the line of minis- terial education. Only three were licensed — John Close, 40 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. Nov. 12, 1765, David Close, Jan. 7, 1772, and Joseph Hazzard, May 6, 1790; and five licentiates were ordained — Wheeler Case, Nov. 12, 1765, Icliabod Lewis, Oct. 12, 1769, Samuel Mills, Dec. 13, 1769, David Close, Nov. 24, 1772, and Me- thuselah Baldwin, Nov. 6, 1793. Doubtless it was not for want of interest, but because they lacked opportunity. The missionary operations of the Presbytery were limited to the supply of the churches under their own care. Occasion- ally members were appointed by the Synod to itinerate in the newly settled portions of the country. The Synod, May 25, 17^7, ordered that collections should be taken up in all the congregations for missions in the frontier settlements and among the Indians, and devised a plan for carrying its orders into effect. The Presbytery voted to make a public collec- tion in all the congregations, and appointed Chauncey Graham treasurer. The results we are unable to give. The records under date of Oct. 179O, contain a minute of the Synod of New York and New Jersey, ordering col- lections in the churches for home missions, for the support of candidates for the ministry, and for the expenses of the commissioners to the General Assembly. The Presbytery ordered that a collection should be taken up for the last named object. Mr. Judd was appointed to itinerate for six weeks among the vacant congregations of Westchester and Dutchess Counties. At the next meeting in May, 1791, a minute was adopted, which, while admitting the claims of missions and education, affirmed the broken state of several of our congregations, due to the late war, and the consequent inability to support themselves, " together with the back- wardness in many of the people in our parts to contribute for the support of the Gospel," rendered it impracticable to take up collections for such purposes. Attempts were made early in the history of the Presby- tery to provide for the expenses of the commissioners to the Synod. May 6, 1795, action was taken on the plan of the General Assembly for the relief of invalid ministers and their families. The Presbytery did not approve of it, be- cause it was " so general and extensive." CHAPTER V. The Presbytery of Dutchess Coitntv continued. OCT. 1 2, 1774, as the war cloud was I'ising, the Presbytery at a meeting held at Salem passed the following minute : — " The Presbytery, taking into serious consideration the heavy judgments with which a holy God is visiting our guilty land and nation, in suffering our civil and religious rights to be invaded and a spirit of discord and contention to prevail with many commotions of a dangerous and threatening aspect, con- sidering also our great defections, the manifest decay of vital piety, the crimi- nal indifference of professors, the growth of infidelity, the general and awful prevalence of vice and immorality, the great security, stupidity, hardness of heart and incorrigibleness under and contemi^t of the happy privileges and glorious advantages of the Gospel, whereby we have highly incensed a holy God, provoked Him to withhold His Holy Spirit and rendered ourselves ob- noxious to the severest judgments, think ourselves loudly called to humilia- tion, repentance and deep abasement before a holy CJod. " We do therefore urgently recommend to the congregations under our care to keep a Day of Solemn Fasting and Prayer to Almighty God, that he would in mercy turn away deserved wrath, restore and continue to us our invaluable privileges, both civil and religious ; that earnest supplication be made for our King and all in authority, that under their wise and prudent administra- tions we may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all gladness and honesty; and we especially recommend that importunate cries be made to God for the Holy Ghost to be sent down upon His churches, that we may be made a truly humble and penitent people, that He would revive His own work gloriously in our congregations, cause religion in its power and purity to prevail thro' the land and make Jerusalem a praise in all the earth, to the glory of the riches of His grace in Jesus Christ, our Lord. The day appointed as a Day of Fasting and Prayer is Wednesday the 26th day of instant October." The first blood was shed in Massachusetts in April, 1775. At the next stated meeting held at Fishkill, May 3 following, this minute was adopted : — " The Presbytery, taking into serious consideration the manifest decay of religion, the awful backsli dings and prevalence of all kinds of wickedness in our nation, for which God is visiting us with very grievous and heavy judg- ments, suffering the nation to be distracted with a spirit of discord and con- 6 42 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. tention, our civil and religious privileyes' to be invaded, actual hostilities to he commenced in tlie Trovince of Massachusetts liay, whereby numbers have been slain and the great danger of a civil war through all the American colo- nies and of the entire ruin of the whole British empire, are convinced of the loud call of Providence for not only private, but public, fasting and prayer, for deep humiliation, and afflicting our souls before God, and for our united earnest cries and supplications to Almighty God that He would not desert, but appear for the relief of a guilty nation, that He would be pleased to pour out of His Spirit upon all ranks and denominations of people among us that pre- vailing wickedness may be suppressed, vital piety gloriously promoted, discord made to subside and unanimity once more restored, and lasting union estab- lished among us upon a just and equitable basis. We do, therefore, appoint Thursday, the nth day of this instant, to be observed as a Day of Fasting and Prayer by all congregations under our care." In accordance with the recommendation of the Synod the Presbytery voted, October 12, 1775, to spend the last Thursday of each montli as a Day of Prayer. The recom- mendation was renewed October 11, 1780. The British army under General Howe entered West- chester County in October, 1776. On the 28th of the month, the battle of the White Plains was fought. Three days later Washington withdrew his army to the hills of North Castle, and later still further north. From, this time onward the country between Spuyten Duyvil Creek and Croton River became the so-called Neutral Ground, in the possession of neither army, but subject to the raids and "grand forages" of both. " No region was more harried and trampled down by friend and foe." The description of a portion of this section by Dr. Dwight vividly portrays its desolation : — "In the autumn of 1777 I resided for some time in this county. The lines of the British were then in the neighborhood of King's Bridge, and those of the Americans at Byram River. These unhappy people were, therefore, exposed to the depredations of both. Often they were actually plundered, and always were liable to this calamity. They feared every- body whom they saw, and loved nobod}'. It was a curious fact to a philosopher, and a melancholy one to a moralist to hear their conversation. To every question they gave such an answer as would please the enquirer ; or, if they despaired of pleasing, such an one as would not provoke him. Fear THE NEUTRAL GROUND. 43 was apparently ' the only passion by which they were ani- mated. The power of volition seemed to have deserted them. They were not civil, but obsequious ; not obliging, but subservient. They yielded with a kind of apathy, and very quietly, what you asked, and what they supposed it im- possible for them to retain. If you treated them kindly they received it coldly — not as a kindness, but a compensa- tion for injuries done them by others. When you spoke to them they answered you without either good or ill- nature, and without any appearance of reluctance or hesita- tion ; but they subjoined neither questions nor remarks of their own, proving to your full conviction that they felt no interest either in your conversation or in yourself. Both their countenances and their motions had lost every trace of animation and of feeling. Their features were smoothed not in serenity, but apathy ; and instead of being settled in the attitude of quiet tbinking, strongly indicated that all thought beyond what was merely instinctive had fled their minds forever. "Their houses, in the meantime, were in great measure scenes of desolation. Their furniture was extensively plundered or broken to pieces ; the walls, floors, and win- dows were injured both by violence and decay, and were not repaired, because they had no means of repairing them, and because they were exposed to the repetition of the same injuries; their cattle were gone; their inclosures were burnt, where they were capable of becoming' fuel ; and in many cases thrown down where they were not. Their fields were covered with a rank growth of weeds and wild grass. "Amid all this appearance of desolation, nothing struck my own eye more forcibly than the sight of this great road, the passage from New York to Boston. Where I had here- tofore seen a continual succession of horses and carriages, and life and bustle lent a sprightliness to all the environing objects, not a single, solitary traveler was visible from week to week, or from month to month. The world was motion- less and silent, except when one of these unhappy people 44 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. ventured upon a rare and lonely excursion to the house of a neighbor no less unhappy, or a scouting party traversing the county in quest of enemies, alarmed the inhabitants with expectation of new injuries and suffering. The very tracks of the carriages were grown over and obliterated, and where they were discernible, resembled the faint im- pressions of chariot wheels said to be left on the pavements of Herculaneum. The grass was of full height for the scythe, and strongly realized to my mind for the first time the proper import of that picturesque declaration of the Song of Deborah, ' In the days of Shamgar, the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travelers walked through by-paths. The inhabitants of the villages ceased ; they ceased in Israel.'"* In the Neutral Ground were three Presbyterian Churches, Rye, White Plains, and Sing Sing. In the evening of Nov. 4, 1776, while Washington and the American Army were in the hills of North Castle, two miles north of White Plains, the Court House, Presbyterian Church, and several other buildings in that place, were burned by American soldiers without orders and against the wishes of their superior offi- cers. The church at Rye was reduced to ashes between that date and 1779. The congregations were scattered. The people sought safety in northern Westchester and Dutchess counties and Connecticut. The members of the Sing Sing Church, though their house of worship remained, must have suffered almost as much as their fellow churchmen at Rye and White Plains. At a meeting of the Presbytery held at Philippi, June 17, 1777, Ichabod Lewis, "on account of the melancholy and broken state of his congregation in the White Plains occasioned by the present destructive war," requested the dissolution of the pastoral relation. The re- quest was granted. On the following day a call was pre- sented for Mr. Lewis from the church at Philippi, and arrangements were made for his installation. The year 1779 ^^^ ^ trying year for the churches under * Dwight's Travels in New England and New York, Vol. Ill, ijp. 49r-2. CHURCHES BURNED. 45 the care of the Presbytery, located in northern Westchester. Raids were made by the enemy north of the Croton River. On account of the incursions of the Tories and Cowboys, this region became hardly more desirable as a place of resi- dence than the Neutral Ground. Presbyterians, both minis- ters and laymen, were sterling patriots, and to them, as opportunity offered, the enemy showed no mercy. Samuel Sacket of Crompond was so outspoken that he was obliged to leave his charge and'seek safety in Sharon, Conn. Black- leach Burritt supplied his place. The last meeting of Pres- bytery he attended was held May 6, 1778. David Close, of the Second Church of Phillips Precinct, is said to have been a " great friend to his country " and to have "suffered much." Wheeler Case, of Charlotte Precinct, is said to have been "robbed of nearly all he possessed by British soldiers." Many of the churches probably were places of rendez- vous for the militia and local committees of safety. This was certainly true of Crompond. Here was located an outpost of the American army, and at first two houses, one the parsonage belonging to the church, were used as barracks. June 13, 1779, Colonel Abercrombie marched from Ver- planck's Point and burned them. The church was then occupied for the same purpose. Eleven days later, two squadrons of British light horse (Tarlton's and Simcoe's) reduced it to ashes, and killed and captured thirty of the militia. They stated that they had burned old Sacket's prayers, and that they would have burned him had they caught him. July 2d of the same year, Tarlton burned the churches of Bedford and Pound Ridge. The former had been for nearly three years the place of meeting of the courts of the county. From this time to Nov. 1784, they met in Presby- terian Meeting House of Upper Salem. Samuel Mills left Bedford and resided in Phillips Precinct. The Presbytery was not in session from 1778 to 1780. The people of north- ern Westchester, less impoverished than their brethren nearer New York, within seven years rebuilded their houses 46 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. of worship — Bedford 1783, Crompond 1785, and Pound Ridge 1786. The Rye people were houseless until 1793, and those of White Plains made use of the Court House until 1825. War is not usually a friend to graoe. It is as disastrous to piety as it is to life. A condition, such as has been de- scribed, is a favorable one for the growth of unbelief, indif- ference, infidelity, vice and crime. Apparently the crop was an abundant one. A visitation of destructive insects in 1784 seems to have been regarded as a judgment of God on account of these sins. The minutes of the meeting of Oct. 6, 1784, contains the following: "Presbytery, reflecting w\iO\^ the awful prevalence of infidelity^ the abotinding of impiety with all kinds of immorality, the inattention of people in general to the duties of religion, the want of zeal in the professors of godliness, together ■with the manifestation of God's displeasure in affiieting us. with destroying insects that devour the more necessary supports of life, therefore recommend the several churches in connection with this Presbytery to observe a D^y of Fasting and Prayer to supplicate the Divine Being for the removal of the aforesaid judg- ment and especially for the outpouring of His Spirit upon us. This fast is recommended to be attended as follows : at Charlotte the first Wednesday in November next ; at Fredericksburgh I2th of November; at Philippi Tuesday i6th." As early as Oct. 1783, the Presbytery turned its attention to the Neutral Ground, and, " taking into consideration the destitute circumstances of the lower parts of Westchester as to the preached Gospel," appointed Messrs. Mills, Burritt, and Lewis to spend each a Sabbath there. But few Presby- terians had remained, and doubtless most, who had sought safety in flight, did not return. Oct. 11, 1786, supplies were appointed for White Plains. May, 1789, the same was done for Rye ; and in the October following. White Plains and Sing Sing were thus provided for. The Federal Convention concluded its labors in Sept. 1787, and reported the Constitution, which they had drafted, to Congress. On the 28th of the month that body voted unanimously to transmit that document to the legislatures of the several States in order that it might be submitted to con- ventions, chosen by the people. Feeling in some of the THE FEDERAL CONSTITUTION. 4/ States was at white heat. New York was among the doubt- ful ones. The e.xcitement was accordingly very great. The party in power, led by Governor George Clinton, was " pas- sionately opposed " to the Constitution. The southern counties along the Hudson, and on Long Island, with New York City, favored it, while Ulster and those to the north were in opposition with the Governor. In view of this state of affah-s the Presbytery, May 8, 1788, recommended a Day of Fasting and Prayer- in the following terms : " The Presbytery of Dutchess, taking into consideration the affecting and critical situation of their country, the languishing state of trade and agriculture, the want of energy in government, the great importance that the United States may be directed by Infinite Wisdom with respect to the adoption or rejection of the constitution proposed by the Federal Convention, above all taking into view the decay of the life and«power of religion in their respective churches and congregations, and the rapid increase of vice and immorality through the land, do hereby recommend that Wednesday the nth day of June next be observed by the churches and congregations under their care as a day of solemn humiliation, fasting and prayer, and would earnestly exhort their re- spective charges to assemble in public on said day and unitedly lament with bleeding hearts their departure from a holy God, the awful suspension of the divine influences and the general inattention to the all-important things of religion, and fervently to implore the returning presence of the God of Zion, the plentiful effusion of the Divine Spirit and the advancement of the Re- deemer's kingdom through the land and world ; also to unite in fervent suppli- cation that God would appear in this day of gloominess and thick darkness, preserve our people from internal divisions, prosper our trade and husbandry, preside in the deliberations of the convention of this state and favour the United States with a constitution which shall tend to strengthen and estab- lish the general union by which our invaluable privileges may be secured and we be a happy people." The sentiment of the Presbytery seemed to favor the adoption of the Constitution. CHAPTER VI. The Presbytery of Dutchess County continued. • THE growth of the church and its altered conditions rendered some changes in its constitution a necessity. The Synod of 1785 appointed a committee, with Dr. Wither- spoon at its head, " to talce into consideration the constitution of the church of Scotland and other Protestant churches, and, agreeably to the general principles of Presbyterian govern- ment, compile a system of general rules for the government of the Synod and the several Presbyteries under their in- spection, and the people in their communion, and to make report of their proceeding herein at the next meeting of Synod." On the same day an overture was presented for a division of the Synod into three Synods and the organization of the General Assembly, and referred for consideration to the next Synod. The committee presented a report to Synod of 1786, and the Book of Discipline and Government were re-, ferred to a new committee composed of the chairman and a portion of the members of the old one, with directions "to digest such a system as they shall think to be accommodated to the state of the Presbyterian Church in America," and to print it for distribution among the Presbyteries in order that they might report to the next Synod in writing " their observations on the said Books of Government and Disci- pline." It was voted that there should be three or more Synods and that a General Assembly should be established, and a committee was appointed to draft a plan for the carry- ing of the resolution into effect. * Three days later a report was presented making certain changes in the Presbyteries, and constituting four Synods CHANGES IN THE CONSTITUTION. 49 of New York and New Jersey, Philadelphia, Virginia and the Carolinas, and a General Assembly to be composed of commissioners from the Presbyteries. The recommenda- tion as to the Presbyteries was adopted, and the remainder of the report referred to the next Synod. The Presbytery met at Mr. Case's, Nine Partners, May, 1787. There were present Solomon Mead, Wheeler Case, Ichabod Lewis, John Davenport, Silas Constant, and Elder Cornelius Humfrey. The proposed changes in the constitu- tion were considered. The division into four Synods was approved. With respect to Form of Government and Book of Discipline we have the following criticisms : " With respect to the following articles, beginning at the 13th page at the following line ' and it shall be the duty of Presbyteries to report to the Synod licensures ' down to the conclusion of the section, the article p. 14, which directs Presbyteries to establish grammar schools within their bounds, etc., the article p, 21, which respects the election and ordination of bishops or pastors, the article p. 28, which respects instalment distinct from ordination, the article p. 38, which respects moderators, the Presbytery are unanimously of opinion that Presbyteries have a discretionary power with respect to the observance of particular mode of procedure in the articles above referred to. The Presby- tery attended to the article which speaks of ruling elders and report as their sentiment that churches should be left at liberty to act agreeable to their own sentiments with respect to the mode of government referred to. " With respect to the section in which the ordinances in a particular church are enumerated, we cannot see the propriety of calling collections for the poor and other necessities of the church an ordinance in the church; and as we suppose discipline to be an ordinance in the church, we view its not being mentioned in the enumeration to be an omission. With respect to the former paragraph of the article, which speaks of the congregational assembly or judi- cature, usually styled the church session, we would make the same remarks as were made respecting the article which speaks of ruling elders. " With respect to the paragraph which enjoins upon ministers to keep a record of marriages and deaths we except, as in particular cases the keeping of such records would be attended with extreme difficulty, but chiefly because we view such injunction not to be warranted by Scripture. In the article, which respects the Presbyterial Assembly, we except against those paragraphs, which bear the aspect of justifying the interference of Presbyteries in the in- ternal government of the church, when no particular reference is made to these bodies. " Presbytery attended to the- article which respects a general council, and after giving it as mature deliberation as their time would admit, found them- selves not ripe for decisio.i, are, therefore, obliged not to be explicit in giving their sentiments on the subject. Presbytery attended to the article, which re- 7 50 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. spects licensing of candidates or probationers to preach the Gospel, and report that they unanimously concur in sentiment with the committee of Synod, that a liberal education with reference to the work of the ministry is highly advan- tageous, and at the same time unanimously think that to require that no candi- date shall receive a license, until he hath completed the usual course of academic studies, is to require too much ; that many, who have not gone through a course of learning, have shone with distinguished luster in the American churches at different periods, that numbers now in the ministry, not educated as above mentioned, appear qualified for eminent usefulness in the vineyard of our Lord. They further think that with respect to examining candidates for the Gospel ministry, who have received a diploma of Bachelor or Master of Arts from some college or university on their knowledge of the Latin and original languages, each Presbytery should have a discretionary power with respect to the observance of any particular mode of conduct in the particulars now re- ferred to. " With respect to the article on missions, the Presbytery are unanimously of the opinion that the Presbyteries without applying to the general council have and of right ought to have a discretionary power to introduce into the ministry and send missionaries to any part, to plant churches, or to supply vacancies, as the state of the churches and interest of religion may require. " With respect to the article, p. 43, which points out the treatment due to such gross offenders, as will not be reclaimed by the private or public admo- nitions of the church, the Presbytery are of the opinion that churches have a discretionary power to observe that line of conduct, which is in their view agreeable to the sacred oracles. " With respect to the article, p. 43, which directs that all processes in cases of scandal shall commence within the space of one year after they have be- come known to the officers of the church, after which the judicature shall not receive any complaint, on that subject Presbytery are of the opinion that no particular term of time ought to be specified. " In the case referred to in article, p. 43, section 18, which directs that all processes, etc.. Presbytery are of the opinion that the decision of the Presby- tery should be final without any appeal to a higher judicature, as well in those cases where exceptions are made to the mode of trial as in others. With re- spect to the article, p. 45, section 5, which directs that the prosecutor must be previously warned, etc.. Presbytery are of the opinion that this article cannot by any means be admitted." These criticisms show a very decided leaning towards Congregationalism. They remind us of the history of the Associated Presbyteries, and we recognize the opinions, possibly also the composition, of Silas Constant. John Davenport was the only member of the Presbytery at the Synod of 1787. The criticisms of the various Pres- byteries were read ; also, the proposed Form of Govern- ment and Book of Discipline paragraph by paragraph. It PROPOSED REORGANIZATION. 5 I was ordered that looo copies be printed for distribution among the Presbyteries and churches. The Synod of 1788, after careful consideration, adopted them ; also, the Confes- sion of Faith and Larger Catechism as amended, the revised Directory of Worship and the Shorter Catechism. The Synod was divided as proposed in 1786, and a General Assembly established. We have already called attention to the feebleness of the bond which bound many of the churches to the Presbytery. They could hardly be said. to be under its watch and care. Most of the churches were organized by the early settlers who came from New England, and were without a bench of elders. Doubtless North Salem and the West Society of Fredericksburgh, and others in Dutchess County applied to the Presbytery for supplies from the motive of convenience, the line between Presbyterianism and Congregationalism not then being sharply drawn. Some applied but once ; others only a few times. Many of these churches naturally turned to the associations of Connecticut and Massachu- setts for preaching, and their connection with the Pres- bytery ceases. The war scattered two congregations. When the changes in the constitution were made, the rolls con- tained the names of seven ministers, and apparently eleven churches. At its own request, the name of the Presbytery was changed to that of Dutchess by the Synod of New York and New Jersey in 1789. In 1791 an overture was received from the Synod with respect to necessary changes in the Presbyteries, asking for suggestions. The Presbytery mentioned the smallness of number of its ministers, dimin- ished recently by the death of Mr. Case, and requested that Messrs. Nathan Ker, John Close, and Andrew King of the Presbytery of New York, and pastors respectively of the churches of Goshen, New Windsor, and Walkill in Orange County, be transferred to them. A similar overture was received from the Synod the following year. The Pres- bytery expressed the wish to remain as they were. The 52 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. next proposition, emanating from one of its own members, was tliat it be annexed to the Presbytery of New York. This was decided later in the negative. The Presbytery was being rapidly depleted. Ichabod Lewis had died, Samuel Mills had joined the Anabaptists, Blackleach Burritt had removed to Vermont, John Daven- port had been dismissed. The Associated Westchester Presbytery had been organized, and Silas Constant had withdrawn to it. With him went the churches at Crompond and Red Mills. The Sing Sing church had preceded them into the same body. One new member, Methuselah Bald- win, had been added, and one, Benjamin Judd, had been dis- missed, leaving only three ministers on the roll. Eight churches were still connected with the Presbytery, — Salem, Union, Pleasant Valley, Bedford, Franklin, Rumbout, Pitts- burgh, and Pound Ridge. Of these, all except the first three were without pastors. Application was made to the Synod in 1794 for the transfer of Messrs. Nathan Ker of Goshen, Andrew King of Walkill, and Jonathan Freeman of Hopewell and Deer Park, all of the Presbytery of New York. October 22, 1795, the Presbytery was dissolved, and a new one, that of Hudson, erected. Practically the request was granted, for the persons named with John Joline, pastors of the churches of Florida and Warrick, were joined with them. The dissolu- tion, evidently, was scarcely more than a means of securing a change of name to represent its enlarged territory. The new body covered a large portion of the Valley of the Hudson. It has been stated that the cause of the dissolution of the Presbytery of Dutchess County was the organization of the Associated Westchester Presbytery. The weakness of the former was possibly the opportunity of the latter. It must be borne in mind that the cause assigned in the minutes for a change is the smallness in the number of ministers ; no mention is made of the loss of churches by transfer to that body. One minister only was dismissed to it. At the time BtOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 53 of the dissolution, the Associated Presbytery had more min- isters on its roll, but fewer churches. ST.VTED CLERKS. Rev. Chauncey Graham, October i8, 1763. " Ichabod Lewis, October 12, 1774. Benjamin Judd, May 4, 1791. " John Minor, May 8, 1794. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. ELISHA KENT. Elisha Kent was born in Suffield, Conn., in 1704. He graduated at Yale in 1729. He was ordained and installed pastor of the church of Newtown, Conn., in 1732. He was one of those active ministers in. the days of Edwards, the Tennents, and Whitefield who objected to being taxed for the support of ministers of whose labors they did not ap- prove, or in other words, of the then existing Religious Establishment of Connecticut. For this reason, he and a number of his people removed into the province of New York in 1740 "to be delivered," as he said, "from the Lord's spiritual." He took an active part in organizing con- gregations and settling difficulties in churches, and his name is found in the records of Presbytery and Synod as ap- pointed to some of the most difficult and important duties. He was grandfather of Chancellor James Kent. The following contemporary obituary notice from the Connecticut Journal of July, 1776, is of interest : "Died on the 17th of July, 1776, after a short confinement, the Rev. Elisha Kent, of Philippi, New York government, in the 72nd year of his age and the 42nd of his ministry. He was endued by the Author of all good gifts with a sprightly genius^ a quickness of invention and readiness of thought ; was of a cheerful, sociable, compassionate, hospitable dis- position, furnished with a rich treasury of knowledge, both 54 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. human and divine, which being sanctified by divine grace, rendered him very useful in life. As a Christian, he excelled in the cardinal grace of humility ; was ever inclined to think low of his attainments and performances ; he was enriched with many ministerial gifts and qualifications ; with an un- common faculty to prevent and heal difficulties ; was much improved and greatly serviceable in councils ; but 'tis well known to all his judicious acquaintances that he excelled more especially as to pulpit talents. His composition was truly good, his matter sound and instructive, his manner of address solemn and serious : he delivered with a pathos be- coming the importance of the subject — he was a faithful, painful [painstaking], profitable, searching preacher, and as such was exceeded by but few ; and to human appearance, it pleased God to improve him as an instrument of gather- ing many lost souls to Christ." JOHN SMITH. John Smith was born in England, May 5, 1702. He came with his father to New York, where the family became identified with the little band of Presbyterians who wor- shiped in the City Hall. Jonathan Edwards, during the eighteen months he preached to this flock, made his home with Mr. Smith. A friendship sprang up between the youth- ful preacher of nineteen and John, then twenty. They communed together about the things of God. John Smith graduated at Yale in 1727. May 15, 1729, he was ordained by the Fairfield Association.* We know nothing of his labors during the next thirteen years. In 1742, he took charge of the congregations of Rye and White Plains. Dec. 30, he was installed by a council of ministers of the Fairfield East Consociation ; 1752 he united with the Pres- bytery of New York; May 28, 1763, he was transferred by the Synod to the Presbytery of Dutchess County. In the same year the oversight of the new enterprise at Sing Sing was added to his other duties. In 1769, Ichabod *The Presbytery of N. Y., p. 155. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 55 Lewis was ordained by the Presbytery and became his col- league in the care of the churches of White Plains and Sing Sing. During his pastorate Mr. Smith also practiced medi- cine. He seems "to have been widely known and held in high esteem by the Synod." Thus the records show, that in I735> the Rev. 'John Smith of Rye' was one of a committee to visit the Church at Jamaica, with reference to the pro- posed removal of their pastor, Mr. Bostwick, to New York. His associates were President Burr, Gilbert and William Tennent, and other distinguished men. In 1754, when Gil- bert Tennent was sent to England, with Pres. Davies, to solicit funds for the College of New Jersey, Mr. Smith was requested by the Synod to supply his pulpit for four Sab- baths. But the most important service, probably, which he was called upon to render to the church in this way, took place in 1766, when he was appointed one of the commis- sioners from the Synod of the Presbyterian Church to meet delegates from the consociated churches of Connecticut, for the purpose of initiating and maintaining a friendly corre- spondence between those bodies. Mr. Smith's associates in this duty were- Dr. Alison, Dr. Rodgers, William Tennent, John Blair, and others.* " Worn oat with various labors" he "fell asleep in Jesus" Feb. 26, 1771, and lies buried in the churchyard at White Plains. The inscription upon his tombstone designates him as the " first ordained minister of the Presbyterian persuasion in Rye and White Plains." SAMUEL SACKET. Samuel Sacket was born in Newtown, L. I., in 1712 or 13. He was educated by Rev. Samuel Pumroy, the pastor of the church. He was licensed by the Presbytery of New Bruns- wick, Oct., 1741, and sent May 29, 1742, as a missionary to the northern Westchester. He was ordained Oct. 13, 1742, and installed the following year as, pastor of the churches of Crompond (Yorktown), and Bedford. The pastoral connec- tion with the former was dissolved June 15, 1749. He was * Baird's History of Rye, p. 334. S6 THE PRESBYTERY OF DUTCHESS COUNTY. t dismissed from the Presbytery of New Brunswick May 17, 1750, and May 22, 1751, he was received by that of Suffolk. Changed views on the subject of baptism led to trouble at Bedford, and at his own request he was released April 4, 1753. The same year he received and accepted a call to the church at Crompond. April i, 1760, he was released on account of want of support. He was recalled Oct. 28, 1761, and re- mained there until his death, June 5, 1784, at the age of seventy-two years. His tombstone bears this inscription : " He was a judicious, faithful, laborious, and successful min- ister of the Gospel." 1763 he had been transferred to the Presbyteiy of Dutchess County. Later, for some reason, he became dissatisfied and seceded. He came from the Pres- bytery of New Brunswick where Gilbert Tennent was the ruling spirit. He belonged to the " new lights," who were evangelical and pious men. Their preaching was earnest, " but often bitter and denunciatory." They made use of what were called new measures. His zeal earned him the reputation of being " one of the most enthusiastic Methodists." Dr. Forsyth, late chaplain at West Point, writes — " He was never a good Presbyterian. He was rather a Congregation- alist in sentiment. He was a man of a restless turn, and gave the Presbytery no little trouble." The history of the Yorktown Church furnishes no evidence of Congregational preferences. During the Revolutionary struggle he was an ardent patriot. SOLOMON MEAD. Solomon Mead's native place is not known. He grad- uated at Yale in 1748 with Bishop Seabury and President Daggett He was ordained and installed at South Salem, May 20, 1752, by a council composed for the most part of Congregational ministers from Connecticut. May 13, 1800, the pastoral relation was dissolved on account of the infirm- ities of age. The congregation voted him a pension of ^100 and firewood. He spent the remainder of his days with the people to whom he had ministered, and fell asleep Sept. 4, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 57 1813, at the age of eighty-six years, eight months, and two days, after a ministry of more than sixty years. During tliese years he had baptized 912 infants and adults, married 666 couples, and attended 328 burials. JOSEPH PECK. Of Joseph Peck we know but little. He was graduated at Princeton in 1756. Mar. 29, 1758, he was licensed by the Fairfield East Consociation. He was the first pastor of the Second Church in " Phillips Precinct," now Patterson. Feb. 8, 1769, at his own request, on account of inadequate sup- port, the pastoral relation was dissolved. CHAPTER VIL The Associated Westchester Presbytery. FOR the origin of the movement out of which grew the Associated Presbyteries we must look to the Presby- tery of New York. In Oct., 1779, Jacob Green, pastor for thirty years of the church at Hanover, N. J , withdrew from that body because of certain actions of the Synod. In his letter of withdrawal "he objects to their authoritative method of ' ordering, appointing, and requiring, instead of recommending and desiring.' He objects to their assump- tion of legislative power, by enacting laws which bind the consciences of men, which he holds to be against the great Protestant principle ' that Christ has left no legislative power in the church.' He objects to the appointment by Synod of ministers to labor in distant points of the churcTi without asking their consent, and censuring them severely if they do not comply with their appointments ; also in ordering (not desiring) them to take up contributions for certain ob- jects; claiming the power to liberate ministers from their charges without the consent of the people. He objects to the order that candidates shall study a year after graduation before they can be licensed, which he holds to be a double imposition, — requiiing a degree, and one year's study be- fore they can preach. He objects to the order requiring licentiates to write out in full their sermons and show them to some minister before they are at liberty to preach them, which he thinks takes away the liberty, and in some in- stances contradicts the judgments and conscience of the candidate. He objects to the Synod's enjoining upon min- isters the keeping of registers of marriages, births, and bap- THE PRESBYTERY OF MORRIS COUNTY. 59 tisms, not only on account of the authoritative way in which it is ordered, but because he considers it impossible for any minister to know of all the births in his congregation. He objects to the use by Synod of the authoritative word 'en- join' instead of 'advise' when directing ministers not to read their sermons when they preach. In conclusion, Mr. Green objects to the reception of the Westminster Confes- sion of Faith, Catechisms, and Directory, without the liberty to make exception or explanation, and the injunction to teach and preach according to them." Rev. Joseph Grover, pastor of the Parsippany Church, N. J., withdrew with Mr. Green. Rev. Amzi Lewis, pastor of the church at Florida, N. Y., and Rev. Ebenezer Brad- ford of Succasanna, N. J., followed their example on May 3, 1780. The Presbytery of New York sent committees to the churches, to which these brethren ministered, to explain to them Presbyterianism, and to enquire whether they pro- posed to go with their pastors and sever their connection with the Presbytery. There is no evidence that any of them withdrew. The four ministers who seceded, on May 3, 1780, formed themselves into a body which they styled "The Presbytery of Morris County," afterwards known as "The Associated Presbytery of Morris County." According to their consti- tution, two stated meetings were to be held each year. Each church in their connection was authorized to send two elders or lay delegates. No jurisdiction was claimed over the churches, to which advice and assistance was to be given when asked for. Rules were not authoritative, and all agreements were alterable at pleasure. They also consti- tuted themselves a society for promoting learning and religion. May 30, 1787, they obtained an act of incorpora- tion from the New Jersey legislature under the title of "The trustees of the Society in Morris County, instituted for the promotion of learning and religion." A fund was secured by bequests and collections. Silas Constant, who had been ordained as an evangelist 6o THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. by the Presbytery of Morris County at Roxbury, May 29, 1783, was invited in November, 1785, to supply the pulpit of the Hanover (now Yorktown) Church for one year. One year later he was called to be the pastor and installed by a council composed of members of Presbyteries of Morris County and Dutchess County. Within a few months after his coming to Hanover, he began to teach the peculiar tenets of the body to which he belonged. The "Church Records" kept by himself contain the following entries: — "March 8th, 1786, the Church met. Agreed to take up A nimiber of Questions relative to the Church of Christ, and inquire after light respecting them. "Question ist. Why ought Christian Brethren to im- body into A visible Church .'' "The reasons given. " Quest. 2nd. What is A Christian Church .' "Ans. A number of visible Christians united together in the profession of the faith of the gospel, and Covenanted to walk in the ordinances of Christ. " 3rd. What are the qualifications of Church members .' "Ans. A visible profession of saving faith in Christ, and A life of conformity to the gospel. " March 24th. Church met etc. "4th Is every Body of Christians that are incor- porated a Distinct Church according to the word of God .■• " Ans. Every church of Christ that is properly fur- nished with officers is Complete, and may properly attend to all cases for their own edification and purity. Yet the Church ought to call in advice when needed. "5th. What officers has Christ appointed in His churches .'' "Ans. Elders^and Deacons. "March 31st the Church met etc. " Quest. 6th What are duties incumbent on church members in relation to each other ? " Ans. to pray for each other, and to exhort and reprove according to the Laws of Christ. ASSOCIATED PRESBYTERIANISM. 6 1 " 7th How ought they to treat an open offending Brother ? " Ans. They ought to take the rules of Christ to bring him to repentance, Mat. i8. " 8th. May the Church put of and Suspend cases of Discipline for Scandalous conduct before the offender is re- claimed or excommunicated .'' "Ans. Due moderation and Christian forbearance must be observed, but the Subject must not be neglected. " 9th. How ought the Church to treat an Excommuni- cated Brother .'' " Ans. They ought to, universally Bear testimony against his conduct, and to withdraw the usual testimonies of friendship. " Quest. loth Is there any Such thing as Suspension, short of excommunication ? " Ansered in the negative. " I ith By whom is Sentance of Excommunication to be Declared & in what manner ? "Ans. by the pastor or Elder with the concurring voice of the whole Church. "Concluded with prayer. "Apr. 28. Church met etc. " 1 2th. In what cases ought A church to call A counsel ? " Ans. In all cases of Difficulty which Cannot be Setled without. " 13th. Are the Church Bound to receive the advice of A counsel in all Cases as Decisive ? " Ans. The Church ought not to take the Counsel for her rule, but ought to examine the ground of there opinion and advice, with Due respect to there Judment. " 14th Is it right for one Brother to Sue another be- fore the Civil magistrate .'' "Ans. It is not right to sue A Brother in ordinary cases. " Concluded with prayer." The "Records" indicate that,' after Mr. Constant's com- 62 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. ing, the Session ceased to be the governing authority. It was the church that met and examined candidates for mem- bership ; " the church conversed on the subject of disci- pline" and appointed a committee to wait on an erring brother ; the church declared by vote that he [an offender] should be no longer owned as a member in their com- munion " ; "the church proceeded to excommunicate him [a person charged with theft] from their fellowship." There is corroborative evidence in abundance from independent sources, which will be presented further on. Amzi Lewis, one of the original members of the Presby- tery of Morris County, and its clerk, removed from Florida, Orange County, N. Y., to North Salem in 1787, where he took charge of the Academy and also acted as pastor of the church. 1 79 1, we find John Townley at Greenburgh (Elms- ford), and John Cornwall (sometimes spelled Cornwell), at Stanford (Nine Partners), Dutchess County, N. Y. Whether these men adopted Mr. Constant's methods of prop- agating Associated Presbyterianism, we do not know. It certainly was not necessary in the churches to which Messrs. Lewis and Townley ministered. To many, perhaps to a majority, of our congregations this form of Presbyterianism was acceptable. In the judgment of the Morris County Presbytery, Westchester and Dutchess offered a promising field. At a session of that body held Oct., 1791, the following minute was adopted : "As the members of this Presbytery are much scattered ; and a number of them are so situated in counties of Dutchess and Westchester in the State of New Vorlc, that they may conveniently associate and form a Presbytery; and as there appears to be an opening for such a body and a prospect of its useful- ness in those parts, it is agreed, that Messrs. Lewis, Cornwall, Townly, and Constant, members of this Presbytery, have the free consent and approbation of this Presbytery, to unite together and form themselves into an associated Presbytery, by the name of Westchester Presbytery, for the purpose of pro- moting the objects of this Presbytery in those parts ; And that they may prove and recommend candidates for the gospel ministry and ordain them when they judge it expedient and perform all other presbyterial acts according to the original design of this associated presbytery. And for maintaining and pro- moting brotherly union and connection between the Presbyteries and insuring THE CONSTITUTION. 63 as much as possible their mutual assistance the following Rules were agreed to, viz. : — "I. That each Presbytery shall be equal and independent on each other with respect to all their presbyterial transaction. " 2. That all the present stated members of this Presbytery shall be full members of each Presbytery, when constituted, and may when it is convenient meet with each other in all presbyterial business as full members. " 3. That all the present stated members of this Presbytery shall have a right to continue members of the Society for promoting learning and religion, and while they are such shall be under the same obligation that they are now under to attend the annual meeting of the said Society. " 4. That each Presbytery may admit members as they please who shall have all the rights of original members as to ecclesiastical or common presbyterial business, but shall not be members of the Society for promoting learning and religion unless they are admitted by said Society at some regular meeting. " 5. That the Presbytery" of Morris County shall not transact matters respecting the funds of the Society for promoting learning and religion at any other meeting except their stated meeting in the Fall unless a meeting of the Society be called and notified by the Moderator according to the stated rules of said Society."* From " The Constitution and Records of the Associated Westchester Presbytery " we learn how the decision of the parent organization was carried into effect : " Messrs. Amzi Lewis, John Cornwall, and John Townley Ministers and Solomon Close and John Oakly Delegates met at the house of Mr. Amzi Lewis January 3d A. D. 1792. Messrs. Abner Benedict and Medad Rogers and Daniel Marsh being present were invited to sit with them in Convention to consult with them upon the subject above mentioned. — After which Mr. Townley was chosen Chairman and Mr. Marsh Clerk. — After prayer by the Chairman the Convention entered upon business. — The importance of form- ing an Associated Presbytery in these parts was considered and from various arguments drawn from the extent of the Country — from no Presbytery of this kind being in this vicinity — and from the duty of uniting together to promote the Redeemer's cause it was unanimously agreed that the good of the Churches require the forming of a Presbytery upon the principles above mentioned. — Accordingly Messrs. Amzi Lewis, John Cornwall, John Townley, Abner Bene- dict, Medad Rogers and Daniel Marsh with the apjjrobation of the Delegates, united together and formed themselves into a Presbytery by the name of the Associated Westchester Presbytery and unanimously agreed to the following articles viz — " I. That the Presbytery will ordinarily meet twice in a year and oftener if it ajipears needful to consult and agree upon the most expedient measures to *The Constitution and Records of the Associated Westchester Presby- tery, pp. I and 2. 64 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. promote Religion, and to give the Churches an opportunity to apply to us for the advice and assistance which may be proper for an Associated Presbytery to afford them. " 2. We agree to invite each church to send a Delegate to attend this Presbytery at each session and join with us in our endeavours to promote the Redeemer's Kingdom. " 3. As we design to proceed regularly at our meetings and endeavour to promote Religion, we agree that a Moderator shall be chosen at each stated Presbytery and a Clerk to minute the most material transactions ; and that we will begin and conclude with Prayer. ■'4. We agree that this Presbytery as a body shall never assume or claim any jurisdiction over the Churches or authoritatively intermeddle with their affairs. " 5. That this body will be ready to give any advice or other assistance whenever any Church or individuals make proper application to them. "6. That .this body shall have a right to admit Ministers as stated mem- bers by a majority of two thirds of the members, present and to exclude them by a bare majority. " 7. That this body have a right to examine for their satisfaction any per- son who proposes to join with them as a member. "8. That the minutes of each Session shall be regularly transcribed in a Book and kept for the use of the Presbytery. " 9. That the Presbytery when met may appoint the time and place of their next meeting and' that the Moderator may with the advice of one or more members call a Presbytery on any special occasion." a The above extract from the minutes shows that three persons, Abner Benedict, Medad Rogers, and Daniel Marsh, not members of the parent body but evidently in sympathy with them in their views of church polity, were present at the organization of the Presbytery and took part in the pro- ceedings. Mr. Constant was not present at the first meet- ing, but was at the next held in the Court House at White Plains, May 8, 1792, and was enrolled. ROLL OF MINISTERS. Name. Church. Enrolled. 1. Amzi Lewis, North Salem, Jan. 3, 1792, *Apr. 5, 1819 North Stamford |Ct.), 2. John Cornwall, Stanford (N. Y.), " " *Mar. 10, 1812 Cornwell (Ct.), a The Constitution and Records, pp. 2-4. * Died. ROLL OF MINtSTERS. 65 Name. Church. John Townley, P., Greenburgh, ( First Congregational I New York. S. S., Red Mills. Abner Benedict, S. S., North Salem, S. S., Pound Ridge. Medad Rogers, P.. P|-,;™f '°"* Enrolled. Jan. 3, 1792. *Mar. i, 1812 tOct. 27, 1801 tJune I, 18 19 ( Poughkeepsie, j Rumbout, I?' 18. 19 20. Crompond, StilJwater, ■ Red Mills, Walton, New Hempstead, Middletown. Gilead. Red Mills. (Georgia), (Tennessee). 23- 24. 25' 26. 27- 28. Daniel Marsh, P., Silas Constant, P., Robert Campbell, P., Jonas Hickok, S. S., David narrower. P., Allan Blair, P., S. S., S. S., S. S., . Jason Perkins, . James Barr, H. M. H. M. Richard Andrus, S. S., Pound Ridge, John McNiece, S. S., North Salem, S. S., Franklin. Stephen Dodd, S. S., Gilead and Red Mills, Sept. 28, 1803, JMay 4, 1820 P., Salem (Ct.). P., East Haven (Ct.). Abel Jackson, Middletown, Sylvanus Haight, S. S., Somers, John Barnet, Union, Amenia, Abraham Purdy, S. S., Peekskill, S. S., North Salem. S. S., Somers. Joel Osborn, S. S. 1 ,t • and P., fUmon, Abner Brundage, S. S., Peekskill, S. S., Gilead. S. S., Franklin. Brookfield (Ct.). John R. St. John, Jas. N. Austin, S. S., Gilead, Samuel N. Phelps, Ridgefield (Ct.), " tMay 13, 1801 May 8, 1792, *Mar. 22, 1825 May 15, 1793. t 1796 Feb. 23, 1796, §May 15, 1806 Sept. 29, 1796, JMay 13, 1800 June 28, 1797, *June 14, 1829 Oct. 2, 1800, {May 12, 1813 tOct. i, 1806 May II, 1802, iSept. 18, 1822 May 12, 1802, tDec. 19, 1808 May 9, 1804, tSept. 18, 1822 June 18, 1806, JSept. 27, 1808 Sept. 27, 1808, t 1813 Oct. 17, 1810, *Aug. 7, 1825 Sept. 26, 1811, tMay 11, 1814 May 16, 1816, }Apr. 26, 1826 Joseph F. C. S. Frey, ( Independent, New P., 1 York City, Ezra H. Day, S. S., Somers, John G. Lowe, S. S., Pound Ridge, May 16, 1816, t 1820 tJune 3, 1818 i8i6 Apr. 15, 1818, {Oct. 17, 1821 June 3, i8i8, t 1822 Nov. II, 1819, JApr. 26, 1826 *Died. tDismissed. 9 JName dropped. §Demitted the ministry. 66 THE ASSOCIATEn WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. Name. Church. Enrolled. 29. Evan Roberts, May 3, 1820, JSept. 17, 1822 30. John White, Tea., (Brooklyn-), May 2, 1820, t 1825 P., Monroe. 31. William McLean, " " JSept. 18, 1822 32. Enoch Bouton, H. M., Jersey City, Oct. 5, 1820, t 1822 33. Hosea Ball, S. S., Monroe, Oct. 18, 1821, jjune _■, 1830 H. M., Highlands (N. Y.). 34. Edward McLaughlin, Oct. 18, 1821, t 1824 35 Isaac AUerton, S. S., Gilead, May i, 1823, JApr. 30, 1828 36. Rich'd Waller Knight, June 29, 1825, f Sept. 27, 1827 37. Daniel Jones, S. S., } ""ToI-.^^'^y':: ''°''''" . " " 38. Israel Hammond, Sept. 24, 1828, tjune 2, 1830 39. Richard N. Dey, Oct. 6, 1829, t " " Doubtless further investigation will reveal errors in the above roll. It is the best that can be done from the min- utes. It seems to have been quite common for ministers to join other ecclesiastical bodies without a regular dismission from the Presbytery. This doubtless is accounted for, in part, by the inadequate postal arrangements of that day, and explains the large number of names dropped from the roll. ROLL OF CHURCHES. Name. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. 1. North Salem, West. Co., N. Y., Amzi Lewis, S. S , 1787-June 1795 Supplied by Presbytery,* 1 796-1 799 Samuel N, Phelps, 1800-1801 (?) John McNiece, S. S., 1801-1803 (?) Supplied by Presbytery, 1803, '5, and '13 Abraham Purdy, S. S., 1815-1817 Herman Daggett, S. S., 1817- David Delevan, S. S. 2. Sing Sing, Sup. by Presbytery,* 1798-1802 and 1810 Mt. Pleasant, West. Co., N. Y., Thomas Jackson, P., \ ^"S- ^. iSii- ■" I Jan. 12, 1817 William Gray, A. P., \ >"' "6, 1816- ■" ' I May 17, 1816 George Bourne, S. S., 1819-1822 Richard W. Knight, S. S., 1823 Johnson, S. S., 1824-1825 * Supplies appointed. t Dismissed. | Name dropped. ROLL OF CHURCHES. 6/ Name. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. 3. Crompond, Silas Constant, P., 1786-Mar. 22, '25 Yorktown, West. Co., N. Y., Daniel Jones, S. S., 1825-1828 Ind. Presb. or Cong. Church, Griffith H. Griffith, S. S., 1828-1832 Wm. Albert Hyde, P., Jan. 2, 1833-1838 Josephus B. Loring, S. S., 1838-1841 Sainuel White, S. S., 1842-1843 J. B. Stoddard, S. S., 1844-1846 (?) Josephus B. Loring, S. S., 1846 {.'')-i849 J. H. Thomas, S. S., 1849-1854 Amzi Benedict, S. S., 1855-1856 G. W. McMillan, S. S., 1857-1864 Jonas Hickok, S. S., 1793-1802 Stephen Dodd, S. S., 1803-1810 Herman Daggett, S. S., 1810-1812 John Townley, S. S., 18 ri Supplied by Presbytery,* 1812 Allan Blair, S. S., Jan. i, 1813-1827 B. Y. Morse, S. S., 1828-1S29 5. Greenbu^rgMElmsford), West. | ^^^^ Xownley, S. S., 1792 {?)-i798 ■ „ „ p ( May 8, 1798- ' j May 13, 1800 Supplied by Presbytery,* 1797, 1800-1802 Thomas G. Smith, S. S., 181 2-1820 6. Stamford, Dutchess Co., N. Y., John Cornwall, P., -Mar. 10, i8i2(.') Supplied by Presbytery,* 1812 7. Po'keepsie, " " Daniel Marsh, 1791-Oct. i, 1800 Supplied by Presbytery,* 1796, 1797, 1798 " " * 1800-1803 8. Cornwall, Litchfield Co., Ct., John Cornwall, i79o-(-') Supplied by Presbytery,* 1800-1802 g. Gilead, Dutchess (now Put- In „ * .0^, nam) Co., N. Y., ) Stephen Dodd, S. S., 1802-July 15, '10 Herman Daggett, S. S., 1810-1812 Allan Blair, S. S., 1812-1813 James N. Austin, S. S., 1815-1816 Abner Brundage, S. S., 181S-1821 Isaac Allerton, S. S., 1823-1824 Asahel Bronson, S. S., \ ^ " ^^ B. Y. Morse, S. S., 1828-1829 10. First Independent, N. Y. City, John Townley, -iSio Joseph F.C.S.Frey, P., j%J.y«^«; 11. Rose Street, New York City. * Supplies appointed. 68 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. Name. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. 12. North Stamford, Fairfield Co., J ^^^. ^^^.^^ p _ | J"'^«p;7,^_i795- Supplied by Presbytery,* 1819 13. New^MarlbOTOugh, Ulster | Abel Jackson, P., Nov. .2, i792-'99 Ambrose Porter, Nov. 18, 1806- Supplied by Presbytery,* 1809 14. New Paltz, Ulster Co., N. Y., Abel Jackson, P., Nov. 22, 1792-99 15. Amenia, Dutchess Co., N. Y., Supplied by Presbytery,* 1797 16. Bedford, Westchester Co., N. Y., " " 1797 17. Ridgebury, Orange Co., N. Y., i8. Salem, Ct., Stephen Dodd, P., Oct., 1810-1817 19. Somers, Westchester Co, , N. Y., Silas Constant, S. S., 1810 Sylvanus Haight, S. S., June 18, 1806- Supplied by Presbytery,* 1812-1815 ( Supplied by Presbytery 1816-1817 I of Hudson,* ' Ezra H. Day, S. S., 1818-1822 (.?) Abraham Purdy, S. S., 1824-1825 Griffith H. Griffith, S. S., 1825-1828 Henry Benedict, 1833-1836 20. Peekskill, West. Co., N. Y., Supplied by Presbytery,* 1800 Independent Presb. Church, Abraham Purdy, S. S., 1810- Supplied by Presbytery,* 1812-1814 Abner Brundage, S. S., May, 1815-1819 Supplied by Presbytery,* 1819 ^"'^ '826 21. Walkill, Orange Co., N. Y., 22. Caldwell, N. J., 23. Pound Ridge, West. Co., N. Y., Abner Benedict, S. S., 1796 Richard Andrus, S. S., 1802-1818 Supplied by Presbytery,* 1818-1819 Asahel Bronson, 1818 John G. Lowe, S. S., Nov. 11, i8i9-'2i 24. Middletown, Orange Co., N. Y., Charles Seely, S. S., 1796 Zenas Smith, S. S., 1798- William Bull, S. S., 1805-1807 Allan Blair, S. S., 1808-1812 Abel Jackson, P., i8i2-June 2, '19 Supplied by Presbytery,* 1819 William Blain, S. S., 1820-1823 Daniel Young, S. S., 1823-1824 25. Deer Park, Orange Co., N. Y., 26. Monroe, " " " Hosea Ball, S. S., 1821-1823 John White, P., { J-.;8^3- John Boyd, S. S., 1825-1834 * Supplies appointed. ROLL OF CHURCHES. 69 Name. Pastors and Staled Supplies. Term of Service. 27. Brookfield, Ct., Abner Brundage, 1821- 28. Pittsburgh, Dutchess Co., N. V. 29. Pleasant Valley, Dutchess Co., 1 N. Y., ( 30. Sharon Mountam, Ct., Supplied by Presbytery,* 1796-1797 31. Pittstown, N. Y. 32. New Hempstead, N. Y., Allan Blair, P., June 27, 1797- 33. Litchfield, Ct., 34. Goshen, Ct. 35. Franklin, Del. Co., N. Y. 36. Carlisle, Schoharie Co., N. Y. 37. Esperance, " ", " 38. Franklin, Dutchess (now Put-) c v j u n 1. ^ 1 nam Co.), N. Y., j Supplied by Presbytery, 1795 and 1799 The above list cannot properly be termed a roll. To construct one according to the views of the Associated Presbyteries would be impossible, because the connection of the churches with the Presbytery is not given. Some were under what they called their "watch and care," but how many it is impossible to determine. Others seem to have owed their connection to their pastor or stated supply, who was a member. A change in the pulpit severed the tie. The incumbent, too, from motives of convenience or prefer- ence, often united with a different ecclesiastical body, and the church would go with him. Still others only applied for supplies, as Franklin and Bedford. The roll is really a list of churches, the names of which appear in the minutes. Of the thirty-nine churches during the thirty-eight years of the Presbytery's existence, only twenty were represented at its meetings by delegates. North Salem, Mt. Pleasant, Yorktown, Red Mills, Poughkeepsie, Cornwall, Stamford, New York, Gilead, North Stamford, Salem, Somers, Amenia, Ridgebury, Peekskill, Pound Ridge, Middletown, Monroe, Brookfield, and Greenburgh. The churches most frequently represented were Yorktown, Red Mills, Gilead, and North Stamford. North Salem and Mt. Pleasant were the first to connect themselves with the Presbytery. Yorktown and Red Mills cast in their lot a few months later. Pound * Supplies appointed. 70 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. Ridge, which was represented in the Presbytery of Hudson, April 20, 1796, may have followed their example through the influence of Abner Benedict, who became stated supply in 1796. The West Church of Phillips Precinct, formerly known as Gregory's Parish, worshiped in a log structure, located in what is now the town of South East, not far from the Carmel line. It had practically become extinct. August 9, 1792, it was reorganized by "members of different churches and of the former church in this place, now dissolved" by the adoption of nine articles of faith and a covenant. 'By. request Rev. Messrs. Ichabod Lewis, Jehu Minor, Arazi Lewis, and Silas Constant were present. A new house of worship was erected one mile south of the village of Car- mel at what is now known as the Gilead Burying Ground. The polity of the church was that of its predecessor, Con- gregational. Dec. 9, 1792, the name was changed to Gilead. It is impossible to determine when this congrega- tion became connected with the Associated Westchester Presbytery ; probably, not long after its reorganization. A second reorganization took place June i, 1803, when the Second Presbyterian Congregational Church of Carmel was constituted, which adopted the articles and covenant framed in 1792. CHAPTER VIII. The Associated Westehester Presbytery Continued. THE Yorktown Church * engaged Silas Constant as stated supply for one year, November, 1785. Objec- tion was publicly made at the meeting of the congregation that he was not a member of an ecclesiastical body in con- nection with the Presbyterian Church. He expressed a willingness to unite with the Dutchess County Presbytery, and did so at the next meeting held at Bedford, May 18, 1786, but only as "an advisory member." November, 1786, he' was called as pastor, and at his own request installed by a council composed of members of the Dutchess County and Morris County Presbyteries. As we have already shown, 'shortly after his ministry began he taught the peculiar views of the body from which he came on ecclesiastical polity. At this time there were four elders. The first entry in the record kept by himself states that " the church and elders met." From that date (January 5, 1786) to May 2, 1806, there is no mention made of the eldership. The church, according to the record — not the session — met for the ex- amination of applicants for membership and for the disci- pline of delinquent members. f Within twenty years three * This account of the division at Yorktown during Mr. Constant's pastorate was prepared after a very careful study of the records of the church, the Dutchess County Presbytery, Associated Westchester Presbytery, and Pres- bytery of Hudson, the evidence in the trial of Rev. Griffith H. Griffith before the Presbytery of Bedford (Records, vol. i, pp. 142-279), and three pamphlets published in 1807. t That a change had taken place in the government of the church is con- ceded by all. A View of the late Difficulties in the Presbyterian Congregation in Yorktown for the Information of the Friends of Zion. By the Presbyterian Church in said place [Records of Presbytery of Bedford, vol. i, pp. 207-241] — 72 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. of the four elders had passed away. The vacancies were not filled. The election of new elders was urged in the public meetings upon Mr. Constant. No action, however, was taken. There was no pronounced opposition to change in the government of the church until October, 1805, when the pastor made use of this statement in receiving a person to the church. " Mr. Porter, you must understand that it is not a Presbyterian but a Congregational Church you are about to join." This announcement astonished many of the congregation. Judge Lee called on Mr. Constant the next morning for an explanation. The latter is said to have replied, " It is a Congregational Church and has been so near twenty years ; now help yourself, if you can." The people took sides ; the majority sided with the pastor, while the minority, under the leadership of Judge Lee, opposed him. Excitement, no doiibt, ran high, and probably both sides used unchristian language towards each other. Judge Lee was publicly excommunicated February 16, 1806, on the charge of slandering Mr. Constant.* " There were then three elders in the church, who together with the bretliren in general, adopted the method of receiving their nnembers by an examination before the elders and church in a body, and of judging concerning them in cases of discipline, but did not establish it by any vote or act of the church, that it should be the invariable method [210-1] . . . The confession now used by this church is a covipoicnd of the doctrines of the church of Scotland . brought forward by the elders or deacons at or before the settlement of the present pastor " [p. 211]. An account of the Dissensions, etc., by an Impar- tial Spectator — "The only matters in which any change has taken place are in church discipline [9] . . . It is a fact admitted that Mr. Constant is a Presbyterian of the Congregational order" [p. 13]. Manual for the commu- nicants of the Congregatio7ial Church in Yorktown, N'. Y., March, 1833 — " Dur- ing Mr. Constant's ministry the church, which had before been Presbyterian, gradually assumed the Congregational form of government, and in 1787 Dr. Elias Cornelius and Mr. Benjamin Haight were chosen Deacons . . . About the year i8o5, a division occurred in the church, when more than two-thirds of the members adhered to Mr. Constant, and maintained the Congregational form of government, and the remainder resumed the Presbyterian form." *Only at this point is evidence really conflicting. There is another version of the origin of the difficulty by the " Impartial Spectator." " About the year 1805, he (Judge Lee) formed a plan to get into his possession a house DIVISION AT YORKTOWN. 73 The church had been incorporated under the law of the State in 1784. Through failure to elect trustees it had ceased to be a corporation ; the trouble called attention to the fact. A meeting was called for the purpose of re-incor- poration for March 4, 1806. Both parties were present, and each, no doubt, desired to elect trustees favorable to their interests. Judge Lee and his friends finding themselves in a minority, left the church and organized at a private house near by, electing trustees and adopting the name of the " First Presbyterian Church settled upon the plan of the church of Scotland in Hanover." The majority also elected trustees and assumed the same name. Both certificates were filed with the county clerk for record. The Presbyterian element began to realize the necessity for the organization of a Presbyterian Church. Accordingly, April 16, 1806, Judge Lee and Daniel Horton, Jr., appeared before the Presbytery of Hudson, in session at Franklin, with a petition of thirty-three persons, calling attention to the disorganized condition and the danger of losing the property, and requesting the organization of a church. The Presbytery appointed a committee consisting of Rev. Messrs. Andrew King, John Ely, Methuselah Baldwin, Isaac Lewis, Ebenezer Grant, and Eliezer Burnet, and Elders Reuben Hopkins, John Hayt, Moses St. John, and James Porter a committee "to meet at Yorktown on Tuesday, the loth day of June next, at 11 a. m., to receive under the care of the Presbytery said congregation, should it be constituted, to which stands on the ground belonging to the congregation, on certain terms which he submitted to them. His propositions were opposed by Dr. White and some others of the leading, members of the society, and negatived. Not upon the principle that Judge Lee intended to defraud the society, which, however, might have been the fact, but upon the general ground that it would be against their interest to accede to it. The dispute ran high, and Judge Lee was much irritated to find he could not bring a majority qi the congregation into his views; and from that time he appears to have formed his hostile plans, and to- have waged perpetual warfare against the congregation, etc., etc.," pp. 5-7. [\Ve have no evidence of this beyond the bare statements in the pamphlets.] 74 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. organize a church in said congregation, provided said com- mittee should deem it expedient, and to grant them any other assistance in the power of the Presbytery to grant them." The committee met as directed, and in their report pre- sented at Bethlehem on September 3 following, gave the results of their investigations : "The committee to whom was referred the petition of Judge Lee, Daniel Horton, Jr., and others of Yorktown, report, that in obedience to the appoint- ment and order of Presbytery your committee met at Yorktown in Westchester county, on Tuesday the loth day of June last past, (except the Rev. Mr. Eliezer Burnet and Mr. John Hayt) at which time the petitioners came forward with a request that the congregation, of which they were members, might be taken under the care of the Presbytery of Hudson. In proceeding on the business the committee found the inhabitants of Yorktown unhappily divided. The petitioners informed your committee that they had agreeably to the recom- mendation of Presbytery, incorporated according to law, and styled themselves Presbyterians, agreeably to the plan of the Church of Scotland, and declared it to be their desire and design, to act in all matters of discipline conformably to the rules of the Presbyterian Church in the United .States, as has been the case in former times, when Mr. Sackett was their minister and stood connected with the Presbytery of Dutchess. The other party, with Mr. Silas Constant, their present teacher, said they were also incorporated under the same style, and professed themselves Presbyterians, agreeably to the plan of the church of Scotland, although they acknowledged that they had laid aside the use of ruling elders, and were in the practice of receiving members into their church, and conducting the internal government thereof, agreeably to the constitution adopted by that body which call themselves the Morris Countv Presbytery. " After hearing the parties at considerable length, until a late hour in the evening, your committee agreed to propose to them the following questions for their consideration, to be answered the ne.xt morning at the meeting of the committee, and delivered them copies thereof, viz. " 1st. Notwithstanding all the animosities and difference of opinion, and apparent prevalence of party spirit which have existed for some time past in the congregation — are the members thereof willing to adhere to their original style of incorporation, and the style expressed in the deed by which they hold their public property ? " 2d. Have the members of this congregation heretofore considered them- selves, and Mr. Sackett, their former minister, as connected with a body of Christians styled the Presbyterian Church in the United Stales, and with the late Presbytery of Dutchess .' " 3d. Do this congregation now consider themselves as connected with any order or denomination of Christians ? And what is that particular order .? "4th. Do they consider themselves as now connected ; or do they, at this time, desire to connect themselves with the Presbytei7 of Hudson, which now embraces the late Presbytery of Dutchess ? DIVISION AT YORKTOWN. 75 "That at the meeting of the committee on Wednesday morning, June nth, the parties appeared, and the petitioners gave the committee the following answers to the questions above mentioned, to wit — To questions ist, 2d and 4th they answer in the affirmative ; and to the 3d they do consider themselves connected with the Presbyterian Church. "That the other party, by Mr. Constant, gave the following answers to the questions above mentioned, viz. — To question ist in the affirmative. To 2d,- the Presbyterian Church of the United States was not known as such in the days of Mr. Sackett, and we have never learned any such style from the aged people, but we think they were in connection with the Presbytery of Dutchess so long as it existed as such. To question 3d, answer yes, in the more extensive sense of the word; we consider ourselves connected with every order of Christians who hold the faith of the gospel. But as the Presbytery of Dutchess, as such, is extinct, and we have never formally joined any other body, we must be considered as connected with the church of Scotland, according to our former style. To question 4th, they have never adopted a style that implies that they consider themselves in any other sense connected with the Hudson Presbytery, than with other religious bodies ; and whether the church wishes to connect with the Hudson Presbytery, we are not prepared to answer. " Vour committee further report, that having sought after all possible infor- mation respecting the state of the inhabitants of Yorktown, as to their eccle- siastical concerns, are grieved that they are obliged to consider that people in a very broken and divided state. A considerable proportion of the inhabitants having forsaken the Presbyterian Church and connection, your committee therefore consider it their duty to pay due attention to the reduced congrega- tion of Presbyterians which they find in that place ; and unanimously agreed to take said congregation under the care of the Hudson Presbytery in full con- fidence that the Presbytery will attend to the congregation, and from time to time afford them such advice and assistance as may, under the smiles of heaven, tend to restore them to their former state of prosperity." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, vol. I, pp. 159-164.] Rev. Ebenezer Grant was appointed to preach at York- town on the third Sabbath in October, to preside in the choice of elders, ordain them, if he think proper, and administer the Lord's Supper. These duties were per- formed and the service held in the church apparently on October 6th, because we find the following protest in the church record under date of October 1 1 : — , " Whereas the Rev. Ebenezer Grant of Bedford came into this place on the 6th inst without even notifying the church at large or even the pastor, pro- ceeded to appoint two ruling elders over this church, " Resolved, i. That this conduct is unjustifiable by any known Gospel rule or precedent. " 2. That this church view it as a grand imposition on the church and pastor. " 3. That it tends to schism and disorder." [Church Records, p. 59.] "jS THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. Mr. Constant and his friends were not idle. April 19, 1806, they considered the propriety "of appointing elders or some persons to assist in worship occasionally, and in matters of discipline, and visitations &c. " ; and May 2, two elders were elected. July 7 it was "Agreed unanimously that this church consider themselves as originally standing in connection with the church of Scotland and belonging to the late Dutchess Presbytery. "Voted that this church do and will maintain the style a-nd continue in the same connection with the church of Scotland as far as possible and circum- stances render convenient. " Voted that this church in style, doctrine and worsliip are essentially the same they always were from the first establishment as a church.'' [Church Records, p. 54.] August 17th, it was decided to call an ecclesiastical council composed of Rev. Messrs. Amzi Lewis, Richard Andrus, Stephen Dodd, Jehu Minor, Grant, Bar- net, John Cornwell, and Sylvanus Haight, and delegates from the churches to which they ministered. The Council met at Yorktown in September. How many of the per- sons invited were present we do not know. The following questions were presented for their consideration : — " I. The council are requested to examine into the origin and present con- stitution and standing of this church, their covenant, confession of faith, aiTd connections, and give us their opinion, whether we have so altered in either or eich of these particulars, as to destroy our original constitution, and given grounds for their objections (that is, the objections of those that have absented themselves from the Church) ? " 2. Whether there are any grounds on which those members can be justi- fied for their withdrawing from this church in the manner they do ? "3. What is expedient, and duty for this church to do further, towards those members who have withdrawn from us ? " 4. Can a minor part of a church and congregation, withdrawing them- selves from the main body to which they belong, be justly stiled the body or church and society, from which they withdrew ? " * The council returned the following answers : — " The council have no evidence that the church have so altered in any- thing as to destroy their original constitution, or afford grounds for the absen- sions of the disaffected members. * A View of the Difficulties, etc. (Records of Pres. of Bedford, vol. I, pp. 226-7). DIVISION AT YORKTOWN. "JJ " And therefore, in respect to the second question, we discover no justifia- ble grounds for those members to withdraw themselves from the church in the manner they have done. "And in answer to the tliird question, we reply, that according to the representation made to us, those members must be considered as offenders and treated agreeable to the laws of the Gospel. "In respect to the fourth question, we observe, that a minor part of a church and congregation, withdrawing from the majority, and holding the same doctrines, cannot be, with propriety, called the same church and congregation from which they withdrew. ■" The council earnestly exhort the church to act with caution and the meekness of wisdom in all their proceedings, and endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, and commend them to the grace of God, which is able to build them up and establish them in the order of the Gospel." * The advice given was accepted, and within the next few months a number of those who had withdrawn were excom- municated. Shortly after Rev. Mr. Grant ordained elders, the major- ity secured exclusive possession of the church. An eject- ment suit was begun by the Presbyterian portion of the congregation. The action was tried before the Circuit Court, Chief Justice (afterwards Chancellor) Kent presiding, May 1 8, 1807. The case turned upon the stipulation in the deed of the property that it was " for the use of a Presby- terian congregation and to be used as a public place of divine worship by the neighbors and inhabitants thereabouts exer- cising their religion and public worship of God Almighty after and according to the form of worship used and exer- cised by the now established Presbyterian Church govern- ment in that part of Great Britain, called Scotland, and for no other purpose or intent whatsoever." Which of the two parties to the suit complied with the stipulation } Among the witnesses for the plaintiffs were Rev. Messrs. John Mc- Knight (D.D.), John Rogers (D.D.), John Ely, Ebenezer Grant, and Methuselah Baldwin. The only witness for the defendant was Rev. Silas Constant. The Chief Justice in his charge is reported to have said — "The testimony on part of Mr. Constant is very respectable, but the testimony *A View of the Difficulties, etc. (Records of Pres. of Bedford, vol. I., pp. 228-9). 78 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. on the other side is equally respectable, and eight times as strong." The judgment rendered was in favor of the plain- tiffs. No appeal was taken, and the building was restored to the Presbyterian church. The ejected party built a new house of worship about three-fourths of a mile east of the old one. It became known as the Independent Presbyterian and later as the Congregational Church. The division was attended by great excitement and engendered much bitterness. Three pamphlets were published, one by the majority entitled " A View of the Late Difficulties" etc., a second, which bears the title of " Strictures" etc., prepared it is said by a member of the Presbytery of Hudson in reply to the first, and a third styled "An Account of the Disscensions " etc., which tradi- tion attributes to Dr. Henry White, a son-in-law of Mr. Con- stant. A half century was required to heal the breach. Both churches were weak and afforded vfiry inadequate support to their pastors. After i860 the Congregational Church be- came unable to support a minister. August 5, 1865, most of its members united on certificate with the Presbyterian Congregation. The first house of worship in the present village of Peekskill must have been erected prior to July 16, 1797, be- cause at that date Silas Constant preached, according to his diary, in the "new meeting-house." Its site was that of the First Church on South Street. The Presbyterians of this place were then connected with the Yorktown Church, to the support of which they contributed from 1787 to 18 13. The records show that "the church met in Peekskill" occa- sionally for the reception or discipline of communicants and the administration of the Lord's Supper. The last entry to that effect bearing the date of June 4, 1814. The church in this instance was the Congregational Church. When the Yorktown Church ceased to be connected with the Dutchess County Presbytery, both it and the out Station at Peekskill came under the influence of the Associated Westchester Presbytery. Supplies were appointed by that body as early as 1800. DIVISION AT PEEKSKILL. 79 The division of 1806 was felt in both portions of the parish. The land upon which the church stood had been donated by Nathaniel Brown, a Friend, " to the Presbyterians of the belief of Dr. Rodgers of New York." The decision of the civil court with respect to the Yorktown Church property virtually settled to whom that at Peekskill belonged — the Presbyterians, who undoubtedly were in the minority. The friends of Mr. Constant, as at Yorktown, were obliged to find new quarters. What was familiarly known as the "church on the hill " was erected. September 29, 181 3, in order to take title to this property, or as a preliminary step to the purchase of the land and erection of the house of worship, the Independent Presbyterian Congregation of Peekskill was incorporated. May, 18 16, .a church of seventy-five members was organized, which by 18 19 had become one hundred. In the meantime, April, 1815, the Presbyterian Congre- gation on South Street was received under the care of the Presbytery of Hudson, and supplies were appointed at three succeeding meetings. Soon after it must have become ex- tinct. After the death of Mr. Constant in 1825, the influ- ence of the Associated Westchester Presbytery began to wane. January 24, 1826, the Independent Presbyterian Congregation was received under the care of the Presbytery of New York. This action was rescinded at the next meet- ing, because of great opposition in the congregation. Those who favored a Presbyterian Church in the " church on the hill " with a few from the Yorktown Church, were organized into the Presbyterian Church of Peekskill on June 25, 1826, by Rev. Elihu Baldwin. June 28, it was received under the care of the Presbytery of New York. The South Street Church became their place of worship. At no time during its existence was the Associated Westchester Presbytery a large body. At its organization in 1792, there were only six members on its roll, all of whom, with delegates from two churches, North Salem and Mt. Pleasant, were present. Seven years later, September 25, 80 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. 1798, we find eleven on the roll. April 10, 1821, there were thirteen — six present with delegates from five churches. The largest attendance was in October of that year, when eight ministers and nine delegates were enrolled. The pre- fix deacon often appears before the names of the delegates, never that of elder. In theology the Presbytery claimed to be "Edwardian." Of its ecclesiastical peculiarities we gain some idea from the Constitution and minutes. Ministers were to be admitted by a majority of two-thirds of those present, and might be excluded by a bare majority. The right to examine all appli- cants for membership was asserted. Ministers presented excuses for non-attendance and asked leave of absence when obliged to retire Ijefore adjournment. They, were admonished for failure to present papers on assigned topics. One was called to account for assisting at an ordination " in a very disorderly manner." The word appointed, so dis- tasteful to Jacob Green, was employed with respect to sup- plies. The conduct of members was a proper subject of investigation ; and they, if occasion required, might be dis- ciplined. Rev. Mr. Frey was censured for slandering a fel- low minister. Later his name was stricken from the roll and fellowship withdrawn. We shall have occasion again to allude to this case in another connection. The churches were regarded to be in some sense under the "watch and care" of the Presbytery. There is one in- stance of regular dismission. It was regarded as disorderly for any church to join another ecclesiastical body without such dismission. All jurisdiction over them was disclaimed. Advice and assistance were offered to all that might seek it. The minutes contain the word " enjoin," so abhorrent to the authors of the movement, but once. The Presbytery, after investigation into troubles existing in the Sing Sing church during Rev. Geo. Bourne's ministry, concludes its advice with these words- — "we do enjoin it as a solemn duty . . that you now cease to converse about these difficulties in private or to say anything about the investigation, only that it has terminated in an entire settlement of the difficulties." THE WORK OF THE PKESBYTERY. 8 1 It is evident that the Associated Westchester Presbytery was not a Presbytery according to our Form of Govern- ment. It possessed less authority over its members and none whatever over its churches. It differed from an Asso- ciation, in that churches were represented by delegates. To the ministry it was a Connecticut Association, while to the churches it was a Connecticut Consociation, shorn of judicial authority. The business usually transacted at its meetings, of which there were two stated each year, was the presentation by the ministers of a narrative of their labors with a report of the spiritual condition of the churches, to which they min- stered, the examination of candidates, the appointment of supplies for vacant churches, and of some of their own number to itinerate from three to six weeks at a time in the newly settled counties west of the Hudson. Sermons and papers on theological topics were presented by members. For a time beginning with September, 1819, the churches presented their records for examination. When a person "asked for advice" with view to enter- ing the ministry, a committee was appointed to superin- tend his studies. The branches prescribed were English grammar, Latin, Greek, logic, mathematics, natural philoso- phy, astronomy, systematic theology, and ecclesiastical his- tory. Texts and subjects were assigned for sermons and papers. This course of study required several years, dur- ing which the candidate was expected to be present at all the stated meetings for advice and examination. For non- attendance he was called to account. To some of the stu- dents aid was granted from funds of the society for the pro- motion of learning and religion in Morris County. When sufficient progress had been made, the candidate received permission to teach and exhort. He was ordained after the prescribed course had been completed. The supervision seems to have been careful. The names of twenty-seven candidates are found in the minutes. Of these nineteen 82 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. were in due time ordained — Jonas Hickok (Feb. 23, 1796), David narrower (Sept. 29, 1796), Allan Blair (June 28, I797). Jason Perkins (Oct. 2, 1800), James Barr (Oct. 2, 1800), Stephen Dodd (Sept. 28, 1803), Sylvanus Haight (June 18, 1806), Abraham Purdy (Oct. 17, 18 10), Joel Osborn (Sept. 26, i8ti), Abner Brundage (May 16, 1816), John R. St. John (May 16, 1S16), James N. Austin (May 16, 1816), Ezra H. Day (June 3, 1818), John G. Lowe (Nov. 11, 1819), Enoch Bouton (Oct. 5, 1820), Hosea Ball (Oct. 18, 1821), Edward McLaughlin (Oct. 18, 1821), Richard Waller Knight (June 29, 1825), and Daniel Jones (June 29, 1825). The benevolent work of the Presbytery was confined to home missions. The far west to them was the central and western portions of New York. Members of the Presbytery or candidates under its care were appointed at each stated meeting during the early part of its history to itinerate west of the Hudson, in the valleys of the Delaware and Susque- hanna. Churches were organized. The expenses of this work were defrayed from collections taken up on these tours and from the funds of the society for the promotion of learn- ing and religion, organized by the Morris County Presbytery. In 1804 initiatory steps were taken towards missionary work in Georgia. No missionary seems to have been sent out. In 1 8 17 a plan was devised for the support of two mission- aries " in the destitute regions of our country," and appeal was made to the churches for money. A small amount was collected and a committee was appointed to carry on mis- sionary operations between Fishkill and New York. The record shows that this work was confined to the immediate field of the Presbytery. The narratives of the state of religion for the most part complain of indifference to the claims of religion. Some- times they speak of the existence of infidelity. Occasion- ally they mention revivals in particular churches or com- munities. May II, 1803, Messrs. Amzi Lewis, Silas Constant, and CATECHISMS. 83 Medad Rogers were appointed a committee to draft " a formula of catechism adapted for the instruction of young children in the doctrines of religion." It was published with the concurrence of the Morris County Presbytery in 1805 ; also a shorter one for beginners. The catechisms were distributed among the churches. No copy is now to be found. CHAPTER IX. The Associated Westchester Presbytery Continued. AT a stated meeting held in April, 1821, it was reported that one of their own number, Mr. Frey, pastor of the First Independent Church of New York, had stated that a majority of the members of the Presbytery were Sabellians. The matter was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. Constant, Day, and Phelps, who were to report at a meeting to be held at Somers on the fourth Tuesday of May next. The committee reported that they had ascertained that Mr. Frey had slandered a brother by charging him with Sabell- ianism, and that he had stated that his reasons for not bring- ing charges against him before the Presbytery was that the majority were of the same sentiments. Mr. Frey was pres- ent, but left during the discussion. He was censured " ist For slandering this body. — 2nd, Defamation of an indi- vidual. — 3rd, Neglect of Gospel discipline. — 4th, Criminal and repeated equivocation." He was also censured for the "highly intemperate and disorderly manner" in which he left the Presbytery and refused submission to its discipline. At a subsequent meeting held at Yorktown, June 6, 1 82 1, on the recommendation of a committee, it was decided to issue a circular letter, to be published under the supervi- sion of Mr. Constant, " by which the public mind may be relieved as to the Presbytery's soundness in the faith, par- ticularly in relation to the doctrine of the Trinity." At the next meeting, Oct. 16-18, 1821, two additional charges were made against Mr. Frey. The following minute was adopted : " Having fully investigated the subject in refferance both to the charges of May, 182 1, and those now preferred; and having satisfied themselves that all regular and proper steps of Gospel discipline have been taken with him, NEW PRESBYTERIES. 85 without the desired effect; Presbytery consider him as an impenitent offender and unworthy of the Gospel ministryand their fellowship : Therefore, agreed unanimously that duty to the Great Head of the church and the interests of religion require them to withdraw from him, and they do hereby exclude him from this body and order his name to be discontinued." [Constitution and Records, p. 236.] It is worthy of note that there i,s on record no evidence, except the report of the committee, and none seems to have been taken, and the judgment was reached without even the form of' a trial. October loth, preceding, Mr. Frey and the First Independent Church were received into the Presbytery of New York. The Rose Street' Church was received by the same Presbytery April i6th, following. The Presbytery had no organic connection with any other body. Its relation to the Morris County Presbytery was simply that of one holding similar doctrinal and eccle- siastical views. The original members of each were full members of the other, with the privilege of meeting with and taking part in the proceedings. The members of the ■Westchester Presbytery, who had been connected with the parent organization, were to remain members of the Society for the promotion of learning and religion. The records show that this arrangement was carried into effect. At a meeting held at Poughkeepsie, September 24, 1793, the initiative was taken towards the organization of new Presbyteries north and west of Albany. A committee con- sisting of Rev. Messrs. Robert Campbell and Daniel Marsh was appointed to attend the next meeting of the Associa- tion of Berkshire for consultation. At a special meeting, January 14, 1794, the committee reported that the Associa- tion of Berkshire recommended the organization of two Associations of Ministers holding "Edwardian principles respecting doctrine and discipline," one of those residing in the vicinity of Albany and the other 'of those in the vicinity of Whitestown, and " that the Berkshire Association be in connection with the two proposed Associations, and also with the Morris County and 'Westchester Presbyteries." It was also reported that a Presbytery had been formed in the 86 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. vicinity of Albany called the "Northern Associated Pres- bytery of the State of New York." This had been effected by John Camp, John Stevens, Beriah Hotchkin, Robert Campbell, David Porter, and Luther Gleson, ministers in the State of New York, at New Canaan, November 12, 1793. February 3, 1807, at Milton, there was organized the Saratoga Associated Presbytery. Between these afifiliated bodies some sort of connection for the advancement of their common interests and work was felt to be a necessity. The Northern Associated Pres- bytery appointed a committee to meet similar committees from Morris County and Westchester Presbyteries in con- vention to be held at Poughkeepsie April 8, 1794, to devise some mode of correspondence. The convention met at the time and place appointed. John Stevens represented the Northern Presbytery, Amzi Lewis and Daniel Marsh the Westchester, and Benoni Bradner and Abel Jackson the Morris County. It was agreed to recommend to the bodies which they represented the appointment of two or m.ore of their members as correspondents. They were to meet as a "Convention of Correspondence" once each year "to ob- tain a general and extensive view of the state of religion, and the calls for ministerial labor within the circle of their acquaintance, and propose or recommend to the several Presbyteries such measures as from a general view of the state of things may appear to them adapted as proper means to promote the cause of the Redeemer." The following ac- tion was taken : " As the Presbyteries of Morris County and Westchester have proposed to publish some account of their sentiments and practice, agreed to report to the Presbyteries to which we respectively belong, as our opinion, that it is desirable that all those Presbyteries should write the said publication, and that the said Presbyteries meet together in a convention in this place on the first Tuesday of September next, in order to promote union and brotherly love, and deliberate and agree concerning the premises." [Constitution and Records, P- =3-1 The recommendations were agreed to by the Presbyteries, and Messrs. Amzi Lewis and Daniel Marsh were chosen " correspondents." THE "convention OF CORRESPONDENCE." 8/ This method of correspondence does not seem to have proved a success. Apparently but few meetings were held. The proceedings and recommendations of only two were re- ported to the Westchester Presbytery. Mention is often made of the appointment of correspondents. In 1802 the Northern Presbytery proposed the revival of the conven- tion. This was agreed to by the Westchester Presbytery, and correspondents were appointed. Apparently nothing came from this attempt. September, 1804, we have a re- newal of the same proposal. A convention was appointed for the following August at Poughkeepsie. After 1806, the records are ominously silent in regard to it, indicating that the plan had failed. The book, of which mention is made in the recommenda- tions for correspondence, was published. On account of the failure of the first convention to meet, its preparation and publication fell to the care of the Westchester Pres- bytery. May 12, 179s, this Presbytery agreed to take four hundred copies, provided the Morris County and Northern would take eight hundred copies. Messrs. Abner Benedict, Amzi Lewis, and Silas Constant were appointed a committee to superintend the printing. It was announced at a meet- ing held September of the same year that the other asso- ciated bodies declined the proposal. It was voted to print six hundred copies under Mr. Marsh's care. The book was issued near the end of 1796. It was a bound volume of one hundred and two pages, entitled " A brief account of the Associated Presbyteries, and a general view of their senti- ments concerning religion and ecclesiastical order." They claimed to hold the general system of doctrine, "which may be denominated Calvinistic, Edwardian, or Hopkinsian." They declined to call any man Father, or to adopt any of the existing confessions. Their own consisted of eighteen articles, mainly accordant with the Westminster. The views expressed on ecclesiastical polity were those of their con- stitutions. The question of revision and republication was brought up in 1819 and 1824. It was deemed inexpedient. 88 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. At the session of May, iSoi, a proposition was presented from the Northern Presbytery for "a: representation in the General Association of Connecticut." The reasons for the proposed change were not given. January 12, 1802, it was decided to be inexpedient. The convention (we presume, of correspondence held at Po'keepsie in 1805) proposed a gen- eral confederation between this Presbytery, the Northern and the three Western Associations of this State. The pur- pose was to increase the general usefulness of these bodies, especially in mission work. Co-operation and organization on a larger scale than yet attempted was thought necessary. Messrs. Cornwall and Constant were appointed to attend a convention in the interest of such a union, provided one should be called by the bodies mentioned. A convention was appointed to be held at Harpersfield. In view of it a committee, consisting of Messrs. Constant and Dodd, were appointed, Oct. i, 1806, by this Presbytery to draft the principles of a confederation. The committee reported the following as instructions to their delegates : " I. That the Presbyteries or Associations be left to regulate their own internal matters according to their wisdom without any general directory. " 2. That there be no accountability to the General Association as an authoritative judicature. " 3. That the General Association may recommend things to the several or particular Presbyteries — advice, counsel, etc. "4. That the subject of a general missionary society be considered and agreed on, if found consistent. " 5. That the subject of a magazine be taken into consideration. And considering the situation of those western parts of the country and the incon- venience attending the acquisition of those valuable publications in other parts, and the advantages arising from those periodical publications, not only as a means of disseminating useful knowledge, but, if properly regulated, as a val- uable means for obtaining pecuniary support for missionary interest, we think it desirable, therefore, that such a work should be set forward, leaving the sub- ject to the wisdom of the General Association, if such Association should take place. " 6. That the respective Presbyteries or Associations shall have a right to recommend subjects to the consideration of the General Association, and to apply to them at any stated meeting for counsel and advice." [Constitution and Records, pp. 126-7.] Nothing seems to have resulted from the movement, be- cause we find a complaint entered upon the minutes against THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF CONNECTICUT. 89 the Northern Presbytery for failure to keep appointments, "especially that of Harpersfield." The action of the Presbytery, October 17, 1821, shows that the Morris County Presbytery had practically ceased to exist. It is stated in answer to the delegate from Middle- town, who inquired about the relation of the churches con- nected with that organization to this, that " Whereas the Presbytery of Morris County is so situated as to preclude the possibility of their meeting soon, . . . " Therefore this Presbytery agrees to aid such churches by acknowledging the relation and extending that care and affording such aid as the circumstances of the churches may require and Presbytery be able to give ; and in order to this. Presbytery invites them to attend by delegation all the meetings of Presbytery; and agrees to meet in these churches, when convenient." [Con- stitution and Records, p. 237.] The Saratoga Presbytery had ceased to exist September, 18 18. We hear nothing further of the Northern Presb3rtery. The question now presented itself to the Westchester Pres- bytery, to what ecclesiastical body were they to look for fellowship and co-operation. Very naturally they turned to their nearest of kin, the General Association of Connecticut. April 17, 1822, Mr. Constant called attention to "the pro- priety of incorporating themselves and the several churches under their care in connection with the General Association of Connecticut." After consideration it was voted "That such a connection and relation is in their opinion highly desirable and would be very advantageous to the promotion of the usefulness of this body and to the general interest of Zion." [Constitution and Records, p. 240.] The question was referred to the churches for decision. Messrs. Constant and McLaughlin were appointed to draft a memorial to be presented to the General Association of Connecticut. At this time there were in connection with the Presbytery thirteen ministers and apparently nine churches — Yorktown, Red Mills, Pound Ridge, Gilead, Middletown, Peekskill, Monroe, Greenburgh, and Mt. Pleasant. At the next session, held September 17, 1822, reports were received from both the churches and the committee, and it was voted in view of want of information a committee be appointed go THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. to attend the next meeting of the Fairfield East Consocia- tion to secure it. An extra session was called for October 28th at North Salem to hear the report of the committee. Two members of the Consociation were present. After discussion it was resolved " That the ministers of this Presbytery form themselves into an Association at a proper time and present their memorial for a union with the [General] Association at their next session at Bridgeport on the last Wednesday in May, 1823." [Constitution and Records, p. 254.] As no further mention of the subject is made in the records, we presume that nothing was accomplished. The connection of the North Stamford (Conn.) Church ceased soon after the death of Amzi Lewis in 1819. Of those which were regarded as under the watch and care of the Presbytery, were represented by delegates at the meet- ings, and applied for advice and supplies, one after another withdrew and connected themselves with other bodies. They were influenced in the change by a variety of motives. In some instances it was distance. In others stipulations in deeds may have had to do with it (New Marlborough). Some of the churches contained a strong Presbyterian ele- ment, while to others the terms Presbyterian and Congrega- tional were almost synonymous. The Associated Presbyte- ries represented no distinctive idea in theology or polity. They were Presbyterian only in name, in principle Congre- gational — less Presbyterian than the Congregational Conso- ciations of Connecticut and not essentially different from those of Massachusetts Associations. In the counties adja- cent to the Hudson River, Presbyterianism was making a rapid growth. The binding force in the Associated Westchester Pres- bytery was the personal influence of its leaders. John Townley had died March i, 1812, and John Cornwall had fol- lowed nine days later. Amzi Lewis had passed away April 5, 1819. Silas Constant had entered into rest March 22, 1825. Most of the churches in Connecticut had connected them- selves with organizations holding the same polity nearer at DISSOLUTION OF THE PRESBYTERY. QI hand. The church at Cornwall, the offspring of a church quarrel, had returned to the Litchfield North Consociation, May 13, 1807. The following churches had united with the Presbytery of Hudson : New Marlborough and New Paltz, April 18, 1810; Amenia, April 19, 1815; Fo'keepsie, April 16, 1817; Ridgebury, April 17, 1816; Middletown, April 20, 1824; Monroe, September 9, 1829; Pound Ridge was received under the care of the Presbytery of North River, September 17, 1822. Mt. Pleasant united with the Presby- tery of New York August 2, 181 1. Called to account for employing a deposed minister (probably George Bourne), it returned to the Associated Westchester October 5, 1820. It was reorganized and enrolled by the Presbytery of New York October 10, 1826. The First Independent and Rose Street Churches of New York City were received by the same body October 10, 182 1, and April 16, 1822, respec- tively. The ministers united with other bodies without formal dismission. At the meeting held May, 1827, a minute was adopted in which mention is made of the smallness of the Pres- bytery and the non-attendance of members, and an agree- ment was entered into to attend to their duties more faith- fully. A circular letter was also addressed to "those churches which have been in covenant with this Presbytery, and have not withdrawn their relation." These were Red Mills, Yorktown, Gilead, North Salem, Somers, and Peeks- kill. At this date there are only the names of si.\ ministers on the roll— Allan 'Blair (Red Mills), Samuel N. Phelps (Ridgefield, Conn.), Hosea Ball (Highlands, Orange County, N. Y.), Daniel Jones (Yorktown), Isaac Allerton, and Richard W Knight. The question of withdrawal in order to unite with other bodies agitated the churches of North Salem and Red Mills in 1828. The former deemed it for its interest to unite with the Presbytery of North River, while the latter contemplated a connection with the Second Presbytery of New York. The North Salem Church was advised to wait until the next session, and was promised supplies and a dis- 92 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. missal. At Red Mills the majority favored a change and the minority asked advice. They were urged to avoid a division. At the next meeting held at Peekskill September, 1828, the North Salem Church was dismissed to the Pres- bytery of North River, to which it had applied for reorgani- zation on September 23, 1824. The church at Red Mills was advised to prevent, if possible, division, and to apply to the Second Presbytery of New York to be received with permission to retain the Congregational form of govern- ment. It was received and reorganized. The last meeting of the Presbytery was held at Peeks- kill June 2, 1830. There were present Hosea Ball, Israel Hammond, Richard N. Dey, and Delegate St. John Con- stant of Peekskill. A resolution was passed dissolving the Presbytery. Mr. Ball was dismissed to the Presbytery of North River and Messrs. Hammond and Dey to the Re- formed Dutch Classis of New York. The church at Peeks- kill was advised to unite with the latter body. It became ■ the Reformed Dutch Church. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. SILAS CONSTANT. Silas Constant was the son of Col. Joseph Constant, an officer of the F"rench army, who, in March, 1749, married Susan Tirrell, an orphan, daughter of Elijah Tirrcll, a rich merchant of Salem, Mass. Soon after his marriage Col. Constant sailed for France for the purpose of arranging his affairs there. The ship in which he took passage is sup- posed to have foundered at sea, as no tidings were ever heard of it. On the isth January, 1750, at Waterbury, Conn., a fatherless boy was born, and named Silas. The young mother died shortly after of a broken heart, bequeath- ing the care of her son to a married sister, Mrs. Bcbee. In 1770, Mr. Constant married his second cousin, Amy, daughter of John Lewis of Waterbury, Conn. Here and at BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 93 Salem, Conn., where he owned a farm, he appears to have resided until past his thirtieth year, when he gave himself to the ministry of the Gospel. It is conjectured that he pursued his theological studies under the direction of Rev. Jacob Green, of Hanover, N. J. May 29, 1783, he was ordained as an evangelist by the Presbytery of Morris County. Prior to his ordination, he seems to have labored at Chester, Orange County, N. Y., and had gathered a con- gregation there by March of that year. He also labored at Monroe in the same county, where on May 17, 1784, he and Amzi Lewis organized a church with seventeen members. November, 1785, he was engaged as stated supply for one year by the Yorktown Church. May 10, 1786, he became "advisory member" of the Presbytery of Dutchess County. He was called to the pastorate of the church November 8, 1786, and soon after installed. May 8, 1792, he united with the Associated Westchester Pres- bytery. His connection with the Presbytery of Dutchess county ceased May 8, , 1794. After the civil courts had given possession of the church property to the Presbyterians, he ministered to the congregation that worshiped in the new meeting-house. He died March 22, 1825, aged 75 years, 2 months, and 9 days. His remains were interred by the Congregational Church in which he preached. Mr. Constant's first wife died July 4, 1805. There were four children by this marriage, two sons and two daughters. He married a second time. " Silas Constant was a tall, well proportioned man, and of a commanding appearance. He had a limited education, but had gathered much information from reading books on various topics. He had much shrewdness, was a ready speaker, and preeminently the leader of the Presbytery to which he belonged. In his intercourse with his neighbors he was kind and obliging, and his daily walk and conversa- tion was without reproach." He preached without notes. As a pastor he was very efificient, his visits combining in happy medium the social and pastoral. His labors were 94 THE ASSOCIATED WESTCHESTER PRESBYTERY. abundant. The records of the Associated Westchester Presbytery, in an obituary minute, state that "during the thirty-three years n[ wlrich he was a member of this Pres- bytery he was not only present, but took part in its con- cerns, and was not for once absent at the opening of the Presbytery. AMZI LEWIS. Amzi Lewis was born at Waterbury, Conn., October 29, 1746. He graduated at Yale College in 1768. Pie was ordained and installed pastor of the churches of Florida and Warwick, Orange County, N. Y., April 9, 1772. After service of five years he was released from the latter ; he continued with the former ten years longer. In 1787 he removed to North Salem, Westchester County, N. Y., and became principal of the academy and stated supply of the church. March 12, 1795, he was called to the North Stam- ford (Conn.) Church at a salary of " one hundred pounds lawful money . . and fifteen cords of good wood yearly." He was probably installed a few months later. He remained with this church until his death, which took place April 5, 18 19. He was in the 73d year of his age and the twenty-fourth of his pastorate. The Presbytery bears testimony to him as one "whose person we loved, as a brother in the ministry whose charac- ter we revered as a Christian, as a counsellor and a pattern of fidelity, and whose memory we would perpetuate as the last among the number of those who first composed the Presbytery of which we are now members. But while we lament our loss, yet, wishing to be reconciled to the dis- pensation, and rejoicing in his gain, we would hear the voice. Be ye also ready." CHAPTER X. Churches under the care of the Presbyteries of Hudson, New York, and North River, 1 795-1 829. BETWEEN 1795 and 1829, the dates respectively of the dissolution of the Presbytery of Dutchess County and of the erection of the Presbytery of Bedford, the jurisdiction of three Presbyteries connected with the General Assembly, Hudson, New York, and North River, extended into the field of the present Presbytery of Westchester. October 22, 1795, the Synod of New York and New Jersey erected the Presbytery of Hudson. " Resolved, That all the ministers belonging to the Presbytery of New York within the following bounds, namely, the middle of the Southern moun- tains in Orange County, and the Southern bounds of the Presbytery of Albany, on the west? side of the river Hudson, and all the ministers of the Dutchess Presbytery, together with all the churches within their bounds, be erected into a Presbytery by the name of the Presbytery of Hudson. "Whereupon, The Synod did dissolve the Presbytery of Dutchess, and erected the ministers and churches within the above bounds into a separate Presbytery under the name of the Presbytery of Hudson. And " Ordered, That said Presbytery meet the first time in Franklin, on the third Tuesday of November next, at two o'clock in the afternoon, and that Mr. Mead open the Presbytery and preside 'till a moderator be chosen, and in case of his absence, the senior minister present." The Presbytery met accordingly at Franklin, November 17, 179s, and, in the absence of Solomon Mead, the sermon was preached by Nathan Ker from Ps. 46 : 5. Seven of our churches came under their care, Salem, Union, Bedford, Franklin, Pound Ridge, Yorktown, and Peekskill. Pound Ridge was represented at the session of April 20, 1796, when Mr. Lockwood, its representative, paid 2s. towards the presbyterial expenses. Soon after it became connected with 96 THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK. the Associated Presbytery. In 1806 Yorktown was enrolled. April 22, 1809, Union, at their own request, was dismissed to the Fairfield East Consociation. The Peekskill congre- gation contributed, April, 18 12, to the fund for missionaries, and, April, 1815, was taken under the care of Presbytery, and supplies appointed at three succeeding meetings. Sep- tember 6, 1816, "the Presbyterian Union Society of Somers" requested supplies. They were appointed at three succeed, ing meetings. October 5, 1809, the Presbytery of New York was reorganized and its boundaries defined as follows : " That so much of the Presbytery of New York as lies east of the Hud- son River and south of the towns of Bedford, Yorktown, and Peekskill in Westchester County, and so much of the Presbytery of Long Island as lies west of Hempstead Plains, including the Rev. Dr. John Rogers, Mr. George Faitoute, Mr. Nathan WoodhuU, Mr. Peter Fish, Dr. Samuel Miller, Dr. Philip Milledoler, Mr. John McNiece, Dr. John B. Romeyn, and Mr. William P. Kuypers, be constituted a Presbytery by the name of " The Presbytery of New York.' " The effects of the Revolutionary War upon southern Westchester, the desolation and religious destitution, have been already alluded to. Thirty years made but little im- provement. In 18 1 2, according to Dr. D wight, it was de- clared by the Missionary Society of New York to be "proper missionary ground," and a missionary was directed to devote his labors to this section alone. About the same time the Presbytery of New York called the attention of the General Assembly to it. Walter King was appointed to labor there, and through his instrumentality the old French Church at New Rochelle was revived and reorganized as the Presbyterian Church, March 30, 18 12, and received under the care of Presbytery April 21 following. He also labored at West Farms. In 1814 Isaac Lewis was appointed by the General As- sembly to labor in the same section under the direction of the Presbytery of New York. From 1814-1818 he divided his time between West Farms and New Rochelle. A house of worship was completed at the former place in 181 5 and a THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK. 97 church of four members organized Dec. 4, 1816. By Mr. Lewis' advice a Presbyterian organization was completed by the election of officers Nov. 5, 18 18. He left these two churches a few weeks later to take charge of the Congrega- tional Society in Greenwich, Conn. Provision for a limited time was made by the General Assembly in 1820. Two years later the Presbytery of New York took the work in hand and appointed a committee to examine into the desti- tution within their bounds, embracing the west end of Long Island, southern Westchester, and the city and county of New York. They reported from fifty to seventy thousand souls unconnected with any Christian denomination. To supply with the means of grace these destitute regions " The Presbyterian Society " was established by the Presby- tery. By April, 1823, this Society had districted their ter- ritory and assigned it to the various churches, in many of which auxiliaries had been formed. It was proposed to oc- cupy two points in the county of Westchester, Rye and White Plains. During the Revolution the population of these places had been scattered and the churches burned. No stated religious services had been held. The Rye church was re- built in 1793, and June 5, 179S, "The Presbyterian Church of Rye " was incorporated. From the death of John Smith in February, 1771, to the coming of Noah C. Saxton, in 1828, there seems to have been neither pastor nor stated supply. The Presbytery of Dutchess County appointed oc- casional supplies. No service by ministers of our own denomination being held in the meeting-house, it was occu- pied by the Methodists from 1812 to 1828. The right of the Presbyterian congregation to the property was estab- lished and it passed again into their possession. In 1821, Ebenezer Clark, a retired merchant of New York, removed to Rye. The church enlisted his sympathies at once, and in the plans of " The Presbyterian Society " without doubt he took a deep interest. Noah C. Saxton was secured as a stated supply in December, 1828. March 4, 1829, a church 13 98 THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK. was organized by a committee of the Presbytery of New York, and enrolled April 21st. At White Plains occasional services were held in the Court House until 1820, when Rev. Thomas G. Smith, pas- tor of the Reformed Dutch Church of Tarrytown, was en- gaged to preach every second or third Sunday. A church was organized April 25, 1824, and received under the care of the Presbytery of New York, October 21st. Soon after a house of worship was erected on the site of the one de- stroyed in 1776. In 1788 a Congregational Church was gathered at Hall's Corners (now Elmsford) in the town of Greenburgh. Under the ministry of John Townley it came under the care of the Associated Westchester Presbytery under the name of the Greenburgh Church. June 18, 1825, it was re-organized as a Presbyterian Church and received under the care of the Presbytery of New York October nth, following. April 11, 1825, a church was organized at " South Greenburgh " (now Dobbs Ferry). It was enrolled by the same Presbytery April 22d. The Peekskill and Mt. Pleasant Churches were enrolled, as has been stated, June 28 and October 10, 1826, respectively. The Presbytery of Hudson began existence in 1795 with eight ministers and sixteen churches. New organizations had been effected, where the needs of the people required it. Congregations formerly connected with the Associated Westchester Presbytery and other bodies cast in their lot with the new Presbytery. In 1819 there were twenty-five ministers and forty-one churches on the rolls. Prior to this date, in 1812, the question of dividing the Presbytery was broached. Application was made to the Synod in September, 1 816, to set off eight ministers and all the churches east of the river as a separate body to be called the Presbytery of Hudson. It was withdrawn later. October 23, 18 19, it was voted " That application be made to the Synod, now in session, to divide the Presbytery o£ Hudson so that the Rev. Messrs. John Clark, Joshua Spaulding, Ebenezer Grant, Thomas Picton, John Johnston, Eli Hyde, Eliphalet Price, Joel Osborn, James I. Ostrom, Daniel Crane, Robert G. Armstrong, including THE PRESBYTERY OF HUDSON. 99 the congregations of New Windsor, Newburgh, Marlborough, New Paltz, Pleasant Valley (west), Pittsburgh, Wappings Creek, Fishkill, Patterson, Salem, Yorktown, Pine Plains, Amenia, North, Amenia, South, Smithfield, Pleasant Valley, Bedford and Po'keepsie, be constituted a new Presbytery to be known by the name of the Presbytery of North River, and that their first meeting be held at Patterson, on the first Wednesday in November, at three o'clock P. M., and the Rev Mr. Spaulding, or, in case of his absence, the senior minister present, preach and preside till a Moderator be chosen." This application was granted and the new Presbytery was erected accordingly. The Pound Ridge Church, which had been connected with the Associated Westchester Presbytery, made applica- tion, May 7, 1822, to be recognized as a Presbyterian congre- gation and taken under the care of Presbytery. They re- quested reorganization and a committee was appointed for the purpose. September 17th, on the recommendation of the committee, the church was enrolled. September 23, 1824, a request for reorganization was presented by the North Salem Church, and a committee appointed. The re- quest was repeated April, 1827, and a second committee ap- pointed which reported progress every six months until September, 1829. The South East Church was received upon a certificate of dismission from the Fairfield East Consociation, April 26, 1825. Rev. Marcus Harrison, pastor of the church, was enrolled September 21st, follow- ing. THE LIST OF CHURCHES. PRESBYTERY OF HUDSON. Name. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term o£ Service. „ , ,, , T, ( May 20, 1752- I. Salem, Nov. 17, 1795, Solomon Mead, P., j Sept. 4, 1800 Lower Salem, Supplied by Presbytery,* 1800-1802 South Salem, Robert Chapman, S. S., Sept. 7, 'C2-Apr., '03 Osborn, S. S., 1803 j Nov. 28, 1804- JohnEly, P., j Dec. 10, 1811 Charles F. Butler, S. S., 18 12 Jacob Burbank, S. S., Sept. 22, 1813-1817 Charles F. Butler, S. S., 1817-June 11, 1820 * Supplies appointed. lOO THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK. Name. .;. Union, South East, 3. Bedford, 4. Franklin, Patterson, 5. Pound Ridge, 6. Yorktown; Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Nov. 17, 1795, Jehu Minor, P., Bradford Marcy, P., Joel Osborn, S. S., (( (( p Joshua Spaulding, S. S., Nov. 17, 1795, Samuel Blatchford, S. S., Josiah Henderson, P., Ebenezer Grant, P., Nov. 17, 1795, Supplied by Presbytery,* Benjamin Judd, S. S., John Clark, S. S., Jason Perkins, S. S., John McNiece, S. S., Herman Dagget, S. S., Supplied by Presbytery,* Abner Brundage, S. S., Nov. 17, 1795, Samuel Blatchford, S. S., Sept. 7. Peekskill, Apr. I 1S06, Andrew Thompson, P., Supplied by Presbytery,* Robert G. Armstrong, S. S. Supplied by Presbytery,* 1815, " " * Term of Service. j Feb. I, 1792- ( July 5, 1808 June 7, '09-Oct., '10 1811-1813 J Dec. 22, 1813- 1 Aug. 3, 1814 1816-1822 1795-1796 ( Nov. 15, 1798- j Nov. 15, 1803 j Sept. 20, 1804- ( Sept. 6, 1821 1795-1799 Sept., 1799-1800 May, 1800-1801 I 802- I 803 I 804- I 808 May, 1808-1814 1814-Sept., 1819 1819 1795-1796 ( June 7, 1808- ( Apr. 20, 1S14 iSi4-Oct., 1818 1818-1819 1819 1815-1816 PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK. 1. Mt. Pleasant, Aug. 2, 181 1, Thomas Jackson, P., Sing Sing, William Gray, A. P., Asa Lyman, S. S., George Bourne, S. S., 2. NewRochelle, Apr. 21, 1812, Isaac Lewis, S. S., Elijah D. Wells, S. S., Joseph D. Wickham, S. S. George Stebbins, S. S , 3. West Farms, Isaac_ Lewis, S. S., Freeman Osborne, S. S., Joseph B. Felt, S. S., Samuel Nott, S. S., Thomas S. Wickes, S. S., Joseph D. Wickham, S.S. Aug.2,'ii-Jan.i2,'i7 I Jan. 16, i8l6- ( May 17, 1816 1819 1819-1822 1814-1818 1823-1825 , 1825-1828 1829-1835 1814-N0V., 1818 ( Dec. 19, 1818- 1 May i^, 1820 j Sept. 14, 1820- ( Nov. 13, 1820 Nov., 1821-May, '22 July, '22-Dec. 21, '24 ,June i,'25-Junei,'28 * Supplies appointed. THE PRESBYTERY OF NORTH RIVER. lOl Name. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. 4. White Plains, Oct. 21, 1824, Thomas G. Smith, S. S., 1820-1822 Marcus Harrison, H. M., 1823 Ely, H. M., , 1823 Samuel Robertson, S. S., Nov., 1823-Oct., '25 Chester Long, S. S., Oct., i82S-Oct.,i833 5. S.Greenburgh, Apr. 22, 1825, Ely, H. M., 1823 Samuel Robertson, S. S., Apr. ,1825-Oct., 1825 Chester Long, S. S., Oct.,i825-Apr.,i828 6. Greenburgh, Oct. 11, 1825, 7. PeeksIdU, June 28, 1826, John H. Leggett, P., | °nov!30,'i8^ 8. Mt. Pleasant, Oct. 10, 1826, Jonathan Dickerson, S. S., 1826-1829 9. Rye, 1. Patterson, 2. Yorktown, 3. Bedford, 4. Salem, Lower Salem, Apr. 21, 1829, Noah C. Saxton, S. S., Dec.,i828-May,i829 Wms. H.Whittemore, S.S.,May,i829-Apr.,i832 PRESBYTERY OF NORTH RIVER. Nov. 3, 1819, Abner Brundage, S. S., 1819 Supplied by Presbytery,* 1820-1822 Edward McLaughlin, S. S.,Apr.,'22-Sept.i9,'22 Michael Quinn, S. S., 1823 .. ,< p ) Sept. 23, 1824- I Aug. 3, 1825 Epenetus P. Benedict, S.S.,Apr.,'26-Sept.30,'29 ,. p j Sept. 30, 1829- '^•' ( Apr. 19, 1865 Sept.,i82i-Apr., '22 ( Apr. 17, 1822- ( Apr. 18, 1827 I June 14, 1827- I Apr. 16, 1834 ( Sept. 20, 1804- i Sept. 6, 182 1 ( Apr. 16, 1822- 1 Jan. 25, 1848 1817-June II, 1820 ( June II, 1820- ( Sept. 18, 1822 May I, 1823- Apr. 16, 1834 1822 Sept., 1823-1824 Apr., 1825-Apr., '28 Apr.,i828-Sept., '28 Apr., 1829-Apr., '30 Nov. 3, 1819, Asahel Bronson, S. S., P., Richard Wynkoop, P., Nov. 3, 18 19, Ebenezer Grant, P., Jacob Green, P., Nov. 3, 1819, Charles F. Butler, S. S., Charles F. Butler, P., South Salem, Stephen Saunders, P., 5. Poundridge, Sept. 17, 1822, John Hendricks, S. S., Asahel Bronson, S. S., Daniel Crocker, S. S., Hawley, S. S., Henry Dean, S. S., 6. North Salem, Sept. 23, 1824, 7. South East, Apr. 26, 1825, Marcus Harrison, P., I Oct. 21, 1824- Apr. 26, 1826 * Supplies appointed. Abraham O. Stansbury, P., { ^^.^f^^^sls Robert B. E. McLeod,S.S.,Apr.,i829-Dec.8,'30 CHAPTER XI. The Presbytery of Bedford. THE churches in the counties contiguous to the Hudson were increasing in number. Within our bounds the churches of White Plains and Rye and the old French Church at New Rochelle had been revived and reorganized. New congregations had been gathered at West Farms and South Greenburg. The Congregational Church of Green- burg had become Presbyterian. There seemed to be a necessity for a new Presbytery. Accordingly at a meeting of the Synod of New York, held in the city of New York, Oct. 22, 1829, the following action was taken : " Resolved that the Synod erect a new Presbytery by the name of Bedford, including all the ministers and congregations belonging to this Synod in the counties of Westchester and Putnam, excepting Cold Spring and South Salem, viz., the Rev. Messrs. Jacob Green, Stephen Saunders, Richard Wyn- koop, Epenetus P. Benedict, Charles F. Butler, Thomas Picton ; and the con- gregations of Bedford, Yorktown, Patterson, South East, Pound Ridge, and North Salem, of the Presbytery of North River, and also the congregation of South Salem, of the same Presbytery, whenever they shall apply to be received under the care of the Presbytery of Bedford ; — The Rev. Messrs. Chester Long, David Remington, George Stebbins, John H. Legget; and the congre- gations of Mt. Pleasant, White Plains, Upper Greenburg, Lower Greenburg, New Rochelle, West Farms, Peekskill, and Rye, of the Presbytery of New York; — The Rev. Robert B. E. McLeod and the congregation of Red Mills, of the second Presbytery of New York ; — and the Rev. Jonathan Dickinson of the Presbytery of Hudson. " Resolved that the Presbytery hold their first meeting on the first Tuesday of November next at 3 o'clock p. M. at Bedford, — that the Rev. Jacob Green preach the sermon at the opening of the meeting, and preside until a Modera- tor be chosen, or, in case of his absence, the senior minister present to take his place. " Resolved that two of the candidates, viz. Cyrus B. Bristol, and Richard Sterling under the care of the North River Presbytery be assigned to the care of the Presbytery of Bedford." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, vol. I. PP- 3-5-] Roll of ministers. 103 The jurisdiction of the new Presbytery, therefore, ex- tended' over all the Presbyterian churches within certain geographical boundaries, which include all that portion of the original field of the Westchester Presbytery situated in the State of New York. It was formed from churches and ministers from four Presbyteries, North River, New York, New York Second, and Hudson. ROLL OF MINISTERS. Name. Church. Enrolled. 1. Jacob Green, P., Bedford, Nov. 3, 1829, *Oct. 25, 1851 Ch., Sing Sing Prison. 2. Stephen Saunders, P., South Salem, " " tApr. 16, 1834 3. Richard Wynkoop, P., Yorktown, " " t " " 4. Chester Long, S. S., White Plains, " " tOct. 20, 1836 5. David Remington, S. S., South Greenburgh, ' " *July 24, 1834 S. S., Rye. 6. George Stebbins, S. S., New Rochelle, " " tApr. 20, 1836 7. R.B.E.McLeod,S.S.& P., South East, " " *Aug. 23, 1856 8. Epenetus P. Benedict,P., Patterson, " " *Aug. 15, 1870 9. Charles F. Butler, S. S., Pound Ridge, " " tApr. 18, 1838 10. Thomas Picton, " " 11. John H. Leggett, P., Peekskill, " " tNov.30,1829 12. Jonathan Dickerson,Ch., Sing Sing Prison, " " tSept. 4, 1839 13. Griffith H. Griffith, S. S., { 5°"S; n'V?"Ap- -^, -830, * 1832 14. Nathaniel Prime, S. S., Sing Sing, Oct. 21, 1830, tOct. 4, 1836 15. Cyrus B. Bristol, Ev., (Virginia), Oct. 6, 1830, tFeb. 15, 1832 16. James V.Henry,S.S.&P., Sing Sing, Apr. 15, 1834, tjan. 13, 1846 17. Rob'tG.Thompson,S.S., Pound Ridge, Oct. 7, 1834, tFeb. 3,1846 P., Yorktown. 18. Reuben Frame, P., South Salem, " " tOct. 30, 1850 19. Samuel R. Ely, P., Red Mills, Dec. 4, 1834, tApr. 19, 1837 20. William Patterson, P., Pound Ridge, Feb. 10, 1836. 21. John Mason, P., New Rochelle, Apr. 19, i836,tjune 25, 1838 22. Jas. R. Davenport, P., Rye, Oct. 13, 1836, tOct. 17, 1838 23. Edward Wright, P., White Plains, " " tSept. 4, 1844 24. Alex'der Leadbetter, P., North Salem, Jan. 13, 1837, tOct. 20, 1841 S. S., Somers, 25. Joseph Nimmo, P., Red Mills, June 28, 1837,? Apr. 18, 1849 S. S., North Salem. S. S., Croton Falls. 26. Robert W. Orr, F. M., Nov. 22, i837,tApr. 19, 1842 27. Joseph L Foot, Apr. 17, i838,tSept. 4, 1839 28. Edward D. Bryan, P., Rye, Oct. 9, 1838, §Dec. 3, i860 *Died. t Dismissed. § Transferred to Presbytery of Connecticut. I04 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. 29. 3'- 3" 33- 34- 35- 36. 37- 38- 39- 40. 41. 42. 43- 44. 45- 46. 47- 48. 49. 50. S'- 52- 53- 54-. 55- 56. 57- 58. 59- 60. 61. 62. 63- 64. 65. 66. Name. Church. George T. Todd, P., Gilead, Geovge Walker, S. S., Greenburgh, S. S., South Greenburgh. Joseph Ower, F. M., (India), Joshua Butts, P., Red Mills, Samuel Kellogg, S.S.&P., South Greenburgh, Sing Sing, White Plains. Red Mills, Greenburgh, White Plains. Yorktown, Bedford, Sing Sing, White Plains, Gilead, (Carmel, N. Y.), Croton Falls, North Salem. South Salem, Bedford, David Teese, P., S. S., Samuel Pettigrew, P., Elias S. Schenck, S. S., S. S., Henry G. Livingston, P., Gilead, Jas. B. Hyndshaw, P., Red Mills, Matthew T. Adam, P., David Inglis, P., John P. Lundy, P., Joseph Forsyth, S. S., Rutgers Van Brunt, P., Giles Manwaring, Tea., David Irving, S. S., S. S., James B. Ramsey, James G. Moore, Aaron L. Lindsley, P., David C. Lyon, P., Thos. Scott Bradner, P., Croton Falls, Andrew Shiland, P., Mt. Kisco, Jesse L. Howell, P., South Greenburgh, Sam'l D. Westervelt, P., Yorktown, Benjamin Van Keuren, Winthrop Bailey, P., ' South East Center, Henry Benedict, P., Port Chester, Joseph C. Foster, P., Red Mills, Sam'l W. Crittenden, P., Gilead, John White, S. S. & P., North Salem, Peter B. Heroy, P., Henry W. Smuller, P., S. S., Wm. B. Stewart, Tea., Augustus H.Seeley,S.S., North Salem, S. S., Croton Falls, Geo. F. Goodhue, P. E., South East, R. H. Richardson, P., Red Mills, William Meikle, P., South Greenburgh, Bedford, Gilead, Croton Falls. Enrolled. Oct. II, i838,tFeb. 11, 1845 Oct. 15, i839,||Oct. 6, 1841 Oct. 2, 1839, lApr. 20, 1842 June 8, 1841, tApr. 21, 1846 Oct. 6, 1841, tOct. 3, 1854 May 4, 1842. Nov. 17, 1842,+ Apr. 16, 1845 Apr. 16, 1845,1 Apr. 22, 1857 Aug. 20, i845,tOct. 17, 1849 " tApr. 18, 1854 Nov. 10, i847,tjune 7, 1853 Oct. 17, 1848, tjune 22, 1852 Feb. 13, i849,tApr. 16, 1850 Oct. 2, 1850, JApr. 21, 1858 Oct. 30, i85o,tApr. 20, 1852 Oct. 7, 1851, * 1852 " tOct. 3, 1855 Apr. 21, i852,tMar. 15, 1854 Oct. 19, 1852, tJune 14, 1854 Nov. ID, 1852. " tOct. 6, 1857 Apr. 19, 1853. it u June 7, 1853, tMay 15, i860 Oct. 4, 1853. -Oct. 19, 1853, tOct. 2, 1855 June 14, i854,§Dec. 3, 1S60 Oct. 3, 1854, § " Jan. ii, 1855, *July 23, i860 Apr. 29, j856,tOct. 7, 1857 Nov. 5, 1856, tOct. I, i86i Oct. 20^ 1857. Apr. 21, 1858. May 26, 1858, tOct. Apr. 20, 1859. 1861 Oct. 4, 1859, §Dec. 3, i860 Apr. 17, 1760. Oct. 31, i860. *Died. tDismissed. fName dropped. §Transferred to Presbytery of Connecticut. |]Deposed. ITransferred to Presbytery at Allahabad. ROLL OF CHURCHES. 105 Name. Bedford, ROLL OF CHURCHES. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Nov. 3, 1S29, Jacob Green, P., Supplied by Presbytery,* 2. Yorktown, 3. Patterson, 4. South East, 5. Pound Ridge, David Inglis, S. S., " P., Supplied by Presbytery,* David C. Lyon, S. S., " P., Sui^plied by Presbytery,* Peter E. Heroy, P., Richard Wynkoop, P., Robert G. Thompson, P., Sup];)lied by Presbytery,* Matthew T. Adam, S. S., P., Supplied by Presbytery,* Samuel D. Westervelt, P., Epencttis P. Benedict, P., Robert B.E. McLeod, S.S., P., Supplied by Presbytery,* Matthew T. Adain, S. S., Supplied by Presbytery,* George F. Goodhue, P.E., Henry Dean, S. S., Supplied by Presbytery,* Charles F. Butler, S. S., John White, S. S., Robert G Thompson, S.S.; Supplied by Presbytery,* William Patterson, S. S., 1 Term of Service. Apr. 16, 1822- jan. 25, 1848 Jan.-Apr., 1848 Apr.-Oct. 26, 1848 i Oct. 26, 184S- i June 22, 1852 July-Sept., 1852 Sept. -Dec. i, 1852 Dec. I, 1852- May 17, 1857 May-Sept., 1857 S Oct. 30, 1857- \ Oct. 16, 1878 ( June 14, 1827- ) Apr. 16, 1834 j May 18, 1S36- I Feb. 3, 1S46 Mar.-Oct.-Dec, '46 Jan. and Mar., 1847 1847 Nov. 10, 1847- Apr. 20, 1852 May-Sept., 1852 I Oct. 26, 1S53- ' ] Oct. 4, 1865 ( Sept. 30, 1829- ( Apr. 19, 1865 Apr., '29-Dec. 8, '30 S Dec. 8, 1830- 1 Aug. 23, 1856 May, 1S48 Sept., i856-Apr.,'59 Apr., 1859 May 21, 1859- Nov. 8, 1865 Apr., 1829-Apr., '30 Apr., '30-Sept., '33 1831 1832 Oct., 1833-1835 July and Sept., 1835 July, '35-Feb. 10, 36 Feb.io,'36-Feb.6,'8Q ♦Supplies appointed. 14 io6 THE PRESBYTER V OF BEDFORD. Name. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. 6. North Salem, Nov. 3, 1829 Supplied l)y Presbytery,* Amos W. Seelcy, S. S., Ale.xander Lcadbetter, P., Supplied by Presbytery,* David Irving, S. S., Supplied by Presbytery,* Johu White, S. S., " P., Supplied by Presbytery,* Augustus H. Seeley, Nathaniel S. Prime, S. S James V. Plenry, S. S., 7. Mt. Pleasant, Sing Sing, 8. White Plains, 9. Greenburgh, " U. 10. L. S. P., .Supplied by Presbytery,* David Teese, P., Edinund C. Bittinger,S.S., John P. Lundy, P., Chester Long, S. S., Edward Wright, S. S., P., Elias S. Schenck, S. S., Broman li. Beardsley,S.S Joseph Forsyth, S. S., David Teese, S. S., Supplied by Presbytery,* Hosea Ball, S. S., George Walker, S. S., Elias S. Schenck, S. S., Supplied by Presbytery,* Mark Mead, S. S., Supplied by Presbytery,* Hosea Ball, S. S., George Walker, S. S., Samuel Kellogg, S. S., P., Supplied by Presbytery,* L. P. Ledon.x, S. S., Jesse L. Howell, S. S., " P., Supplied by Presbytery,* William Meikle, S. S., P., *SuppIies appointed. Term of Service. Nov., iS29-Mar., '34 Apr., 1835. j Jan. 13, 1837- I Apr. 22, 1840 Apr., '40-Aug., '43 May, '48-Mar., '49 iS50-Oct., 1855 Oct., '5S-Jan., 1856 Apr., '56-Nov. 5, '56 I Nov. 5, 1856- I Apr. 22, 1857 May-Sept., 1857 1857-1863 1829-1832 Nov.,'32-June i6,'35 ( June 16, 1835- i Oct. 6, 1 84 1 Oct., '41-Jan., 1842 May 4, '42- July 6,'47 1848 Feb. I3,'49-Mar.,'5i Oct., 1S25-1833 1 83 5-0 ct. 13, 1836 Oct.i3,'36-Sep.4,'44 June, 1844-Apr., '49 ,Apr., 1849-July, '50 July, 1850-July, '53 Julyi7.'53-July7.'64 1832-1833 1834-1838 1838-1841 June I, '43-Apr., '48 Aug., 1832-Oct., '32 1832-1833 July, 1833-Aug., '33 Oct., 1834-1838 1S3S-1841 Oct., '41-Apr. 29,'45 ( Apr. 29, 1845- ( Apr. 16, 1851 Apr., i85i-Sept.,'5i 1851 Oct., '52- June 7, '53 j June 7, 1853- I Apr. 18, i860 Apr., 1860-Aug., '60 Aug., '60-Nov. I, '60 ( Nov. I, 1860- i Apr. 17, 1867 ROLL OF CHURCHES. 107 12. West Farms, 13. Peekskill, 14. Rye, 15. Red Mills, Name. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. II. N'wRochelle, Nov. 3, 1829, George Stebbins, S. S., John Mason, S. S., P., Gorham D. Abbott, S. S., " Supplied by Presbytery,* " John H. Leggett, P., Supplied by Presbytery,* " Wnis. H.Whittemore.S.S., David Remington, S. S., Thomas Payne, S. S., John H. Hunter, S. S., James R. Davenport, P., Edward D. Bryan, P., " Supplied by Presbytery,* (( (C Jonathan Huntington, S.S. Supplied by Presbytery,* Samuel R. Ely, S. S., " P., Joseph Nimmo, S. S., (( (( p Supplied by Presbytery,* Joshua Butts, P., Supplied by Presbytery,* Samuel Pettigrew, P., Supplied by Presbytery,* James B. Hyndshaw, S. S.. P., John H. Hunter, S. S., Giles Manwarring, S. S., Alfred P. Botsford, S. S., Joseph C. Foster, S. S., " P., Supplied by Presbytery,* Rich'd H. Richards'n,S.S, 16. South Salem, Apr. 19, 1831, Stephen Saunders, P., Reuben Frame, P., Aaron L. Lindsley, P., Apr. ( Dec Term of Service. 1829-1835 1835- June 8, 1836 June 8, 1836- Oct. 19, 1837 1837-1841 1830-July, '33 Dec. 14, 1826- N6v. 30, 1829 1829-Feb., '31 May, i82g-Apr., '32 Apr., '32- Jan. 24,'34 1834-1836 1836 ( Oct. 13, 1836- / Apr. 18, 1838 Oct. 9, '38-Jan. I, '61 June-July, 1831. I May, July, Sept., ( Nov., Dec, 1832 -Apr. II, 1833 July, Aug., 1833 >833-Dec. 4, 1834 Dec. 4,'34-Oct. 4,-36 Dec.,'36-June 28,'37 j June 28, 1837- ( June 30, 1S40 July-Sept., 1840 ( June 8, 1841- ( Feb. 8, 1842 Mar.-Apr., 1842 ( Nov. 17, 1842- j Apr. 16, 1844 May-Sept., 1844 1844-Oct. 8, 1845 Oct.8, '45-Oct. 2,'5o Nov., '50-Mar. 9,'5i Jan.-Apr. 12, 1852 May I, '52-Dec., '53 1854 Jan.2,'55-Apr.2o,'5g Apr.-Aug., 1859 ,Jan., '60-Oct. 29, '61 ( Oct. 29, 1861- i Oct. 7, 1863 j May I, 1823- I Apr. 16, 1834 Oct. 9, 1834- Oct. 30, 1850 Nov. 10, 1852- Oct. 20, 1868 *Supplies appointed. I08 THE PRESBVTERV OF BEDFORD. Name. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. 17. Somers, Oct. i, 1833, Henry Benedict, S. S., 1S33-1836 Croton Falls, Alex'der Leadbetter, S. S., 1835-1838 Supplied by Presbytery,* May-Aug., 1840 Joseph Nimmo, S. S., Oct., 1840-1848 SujjpUed by Presbytery,* May, i84S-Mar., '49 David Irving, S. S., Sept., '49-July. '5' James B. Ramsey, S. S., July, i8si-Aug., '52 • James G. Moore, S. S., Aug., 1852-Apr., '53 Thos. Scott Bradner, P., | AprH'z^sij Supi)lied by Presbytery,* May-July, 1S57 Hedges, S. S., 1858 Albert Chamberlain, S. S., Apr., 1859-Apr., '6t Supplied by Presbytery,* Apr.-Sept., 1861 Alexander ]!. Bullion,S.S., 1861-1862 James Sinclair, S. S., Oct., '62-Dec. 27,'63 iS. Gilead, June i6, 1835, Supplied by Presbytery,* July-Sept., 1835 George T. Todd, S. S., 1837-Oct. ii, 1838 , ( Oct. II, 1838- ( Apr. 17, 1844 Supplied by Presbytery,* May-Sept., 1844 Henry G. Livingston, P., | ^Q^Jt.^ 1 7,' 1 849 Rutgers Van Brunt, P., | °'eb.^24,'iS^ Henry G. Livingston, S.S., 1852-1856 Samuel W. Crittenden, P., | ^'oct.^7,' 1857 HenryW.Smuller,P., ] ^^JX'At, ig. Mt. Kisco, June 15, 1852, Andrew Shiland, S. S., 1853-June 14, 1854 „ <. p f June 14, 1854- ' \ Apr. 24, 1870 20. Portchester, Aug. 9, 1852, Henry Benedict, P., I ^ ' ^'^ jS6-. 21. S. E. Center, June 14, 1853, Supplied by Presbytery,* June-Oct., 1853 117- ii 13 -1 T> ( June 28, 1854- Wnithrop Bailey, P., | q^,^ ^^^ ,^^j LICENSED. Name. Date. 1. Cyrus B. Bristol, April 22, 1830. 2. Samuel I. Prime, October 2, 1833. 3. Joseph Owen, September 4, 1839. 4. Samuel S. Hawley, October 7, 1840. 5. Joseph C. Foster, April 21, 1852. 6. Henry F. Lee, May 25, 1858. 7. Oliver S. Dean, April 16, 1862. 8. William H. Dean, 9. Roswell D. Smith, October 8, 1862. *Supplies appointed. THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. IO9 ORDAINED. Name. Date. 1. Cyrus B. Bristol, October 6, 1830. 2. Samuel Rose Ely, December 4, 1834. 3., William Patterson, February ro, 1836. 4. Edward Wright, October 13, 1836. 5. Joseph Owen, October 2, 1839. 6. George T. Todd, October 11, 1838. 7. Joshua Butts, June 8, 1841. 8. David Teese, May 4, 1842. 9. Samuel Pettigrew, November 17, 1842. 10. John P. Lundy, February 13, 1S49. 11. Jesse L. Howell, June 7, 1853. 12. Joseph C. Foster, January 2, 1855. 13. Samuel W. Crittenden, ' April 29, 1856. 14. John White, November 5, 1856. The Presbytery of Bedford had upon its rolls at its organization twelve ministers and fifteen churches. Only five of the latter had pastors — Bedford, South Salem, Yorktown, Patterson, and Peekskill. During the thirty- three years that it existed, there were added to the roll of ministers fifty-four names — fourteen by ordination, the re- piaining forty being received from other ecclesiastical bodies. Of the sixty-six ministers connected with the Presbytery six died — Griffith H. Griffith, David Remington, Jacob Green, Giles Manwaring, Robert B. E. McLeod, and Joseph C. Foster — forty were dismissed, four were transferred to the Presbytery of Connecticut, one was deposed for contumacy in refusing to appear to answer to the charge of drunken- ness, and the names of two were dropped. Of the fifteen churches transferred to the new Presbytery at its erection, one. North Salem, was without a Presbyte- rian organization. A petition was presented April i8, 1832, by members of the Congregational Church to be reorgan- ized as a Presbyterian Church. A committee was appointed for the purpose. They met at North Salem, May 2d, organ- ized a church, and ordained two elders. P"rom this action of Presbytery Richard Wynkoop dissented. South Salem was received from the Presbytery of North River April 19, 1831. Two years later, April 16, 1833, a petition was received from 1 lO THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. the Congregational Church in Somers, requesting that it be reorganized as a Presbyterian Church. Notwithstanding Mr. Wynkoop's protest, this was done May 2d, and the church was enrolled October ist. Religious services were held at Port Chester (then Saw Pit) in connection with the Rye Church early in the century. In 1830 a church building was erected. April 17, 1850, a petition was presented to the Presbytery by " members of the Presbyterian Church of Rye residing in the village of Port Chester " for the organization of a church'. This was not effected until August 9, 1852. April 20th of the same year " certain members of the church at Bedford " requested to be organized into a new church to be located in the vil- lage of Mt. Kisco. This was done by a committee June 15th following. The Gilead Church in March, 1834, made the following, declaration :. " We, the members o£ the Second Presbyterian Congregational Church in the town of Carmel, and formerly having been a branclr of the Westchester Presbytery, which is now extinct, do declare ourselves to be, as in fact we are, an independent Congregational Church. Believing, however, that great bene- fits may result to the church of Christ from intimate union and fellowship with each other by their mutual aid and council hold ourselves willing to unite with some ecclesiastical body whenever, in the providence of God, an opportunity shall present and the way made clear." [Blake's History of Putnam County, N. Y.] One month later, April 5, 1834, at a meeting of the Presbytery held at Red Mills, a delegation from that church appeared and stated that " by a unanimous vote of both the church and congregation " they had been deputed to re- quest the organization of a Presbyterian Church. The re- quest was granted and a committee appointed. This reorgan- ization was effected and the church was enrolled June 16, 1835. In 1837 the present church edifice was erected in- the village of Carmel. Toward the close of Mr. McLeod's pastorate, great changes had taken place in the South East Congregation. Many had passed away, while others had removed. Most of the people lived south of the church. Mr. McLeod's health GAINS AND LOSSES. I I I had failed and services were held irregularly. The church building needed repairs, and efforts were made to change its Ibcation to a more southerly site, nearer to a majority of the congregation. Failing in this, it was proposed to organize a new church at South East Center. A petition signed by twenty-six persons was presented to the Presbytery of Bed- ford April 20, 1853. A commission with power was ap- pointed. They visited the church at South East, heard all parties, and urged upon the congregation to use all diligence to come to an agreement. These efforts to prevent a divi- sion of the church at South East failing, the committee, June 7, 1853, recommended that a church be organized at the Center. Seven days later (June 14, 1853) this was effected by Rev. Messrs. Patterson and Irving and Elder Thomas R. Lee. Mr. Irving preached from the text, Phil. 2: 14-15 — "Do all things without murmurings and dis- putings, that ye may be blameless, etc." While these gains in churches were made there were also losses. October, 1832, the Peekskill Church for some rea- son not given applied to the Synod to be transferred to the Presbytery of New York. The request was granted, and April 17, 1833, it was ordered by Presbytery that its name be dropped from the roll. Five years later, October 17, 1838, it was transferred to the Second Presbytery (O. S.). The church at West Farms, October 21, 1835, requested the con- currence of the Presbytery in their petition to the Synod for transfer to the Second Presbytery (later Fourth Presbytery). Consent to the change was given and the transfer was then made. Both of these churches remained in the Old School connection. At the Division of 1837-8 the New Rochelle Church became New School. Greenburgh united with the Classis of New York without regular dismission in 1849 or 1850, taking with them ^500 or ^600 bequeathed for the support of the said Presbyterian Church. The Mt. Pleasant Church gave notice, October 3, 1849, ^^at they would apply to the Synod for transfer to the Second Presbytery of New York. Application was made and the request was granted. 112 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. The church was enrolled by that Presbytery April i6, 1850. October 18, i860, four churches, South East, South East Center, Rye, and Port Chester, were set off by the Synod to strengthen the Presbytery of Connecticut, the transfer to take effect on the first Monday of December following. By these various changes the Presbytery was reduced in num- bers. At the dissolution in 1862, there were only twelve ministers and twelve churches remaining. These figures, as compared with the numbers on the roll at the erection of the Presbytery, show a net loss of three ministers and four churches. The subject of church extension seems to have been brought to the attention of the Presbytery by a ■ letter from the executive committee of the Board of Domestic Missions presented at the meeting held at Bedford September 4, 1839, ^nd a paper from, to us, an unknown source at the next meeting, October 2, 1839. ^^ ^^s voted to appoint a committee to visit destitute districts, to select "preaching locations " and to make arrangements for supplying the same. This early Church Extension Committee was com- posed of Rev. Messrs. Jacob Green, Reuben Frame, and Robert G. Thompson. There is no record of a report by that committee. The General Assembly, by a resolution passed at its meeting in 1842, called the attention of Presbyteries to the work of church extension within their respective bounds. This resolution was referred, October 5, 1842, to a com- mittee consisting of Rev. William Patterson and Elder Aaron Read, with direction to report at the next stated meeting. The committee reported, April 19, 1843, that it was "inexpedient to attempt to organize any new churches in our bounds at present." October 2, 1844, the subject of church extension was again brought to the attention of the Presbytery by a communication from the Board of Missions. Willingness to cooperate was expressed, and a standing com- mittee was appointed to receive communications on the sub- ject, CHURCH EXTENSION. II3 The calls for organization of churches at Mt. Kisco and Portchester seemed to wake up the Presbytery to the oppor- tunities for work within their own bounds in the new vil- lages springing up along the lines of railroad. December i, 1852, Rev. Messrs. Edward D. Bryan, Epenetus P. Benedict, David Irving, and Aaron L. Lindsley, and Elders William P. Van Rennselaer and William L. Smith, were appointed a Committee on Church Extension, and were directed to organize a church in the new village of Mount Vernon, if the way were clear. It was recommended that the churches take up collections for this work before the next stated meeting of Presbytery. This committee does not seem to have accomplished anything, for, April 20th following. Rev. Messrs. Patterson and Irving and Elder Thomas Mead were appointed a Committee of Missions, with power to appoint a missionary to labor in Mount Vernon, Mamaroneck, and other villages in the southern part of Westchester. The Presbytery felt themselves seriously crippled in their work of church extension by the indefiniteness of their boundaries, especially the southern ones. At the next stated meeting, October 5, 1853, it was ordered that the fol- lowing overture be sent to the Synod of New York : " Whereas, it is known to Presbytery that during the last few years, a number of villages have sprung up within the ancient boundaries of the Pres- bytery of Bedford, which ought to be occupied by the Presbyterian Church. But as the Synod of New York has seen fit at various times to dismember this Presbytery and place a portion of our churches under the ecclesiastical con- trol of the Second Presbytery of New York, thus crippling and embarrassing us very much, and as we have no means of ascertaining where our Committee on Church E.xtension may labor, or whether they can secure any of the churches which they might organize, as some of the churches have been encouraged heretofore to act on the principle of elective affinity. Therefore, " Resolved, That the Synod of New York be earnestly requested to define our bounds." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. Ill, p. 95.] Apparently action was not taken by the Synod until the following year, when a committee was appointed to remodel the Presbyteries. It was to consist of one member from each Presbytery. At a meeting held during the Sessions of the Synod, October 17, 1854, Rev. William Patterson was 114 THE PRESBYTERY OF HUDSON. chosen to represent Bedford. April i8 (1855) following the Presbytery voted unanimously that in remodeling the Pres- byteries "a strict geographical arrangement should be made as far as possible." The records of Presbytery do not in- form us what changes, if any, were made. October 3, 1855, Rev. Messrs. E. D. Bryan, Henry Benedict, and Elders John Palmer and Ephraim Sours, were appointed a "committee to visit Mamaroneck and to take such steps as they may think proper towards the permanent occupation of that field." Nothing came of these attempts, and no reports are on record. May 27, 1858, a committee consisting of Rev. Messrs. Winthrop Bailey, E. P. Benedict, and Joseph C. Foster, and Elder Ira Pinckney, was appointed "to visit Lake Mahopac and decide on the expediency of erecting a chapel at that place in connection with the Red Mills Church." At the next meeting the committee reported progress, and was con- tinued. The project is not heard of again. April 17, 1861, a petition was received from forty-six persons requesting the organization of a church at Brewster's Station. It was finally decided to refer the applicants to the Presbytery of Connecticut, to which the churches of South East and South East Center had been transferred. CHAPTER XII. The Presbytery of Bedford continued. THE number of communicants reported by the Pres- bytery in 1830 was 759. The following list gives the membership of individual churches : — South East, 95 ; Bedford, 145; South Salem, 164; White Plains, 25; New Rochelle, 23 ; Yorktown, 33 ; Patterson, 92 ; Mount Pleasant, 36; West Farms, 35 ; and Rye, 12. The reviving influences of the Holy Spirit were generally felt throughout the Pres bytery in the years 1830-2, 1842-3, and 1858-9. A work of grace at Patterson was reported in April, 1830. One- fourth of its membership had been added during the pre- ceding year. The narrative of April, 183 1, alludes to the indications of the presence of the Spirit in two or three congregations. A season of refreshing followed. There were large accessions to the churches. South East re- ceived 87, South Salem 71, Bedford 52, Upper Greenburg more than 30, and White Plains 19. Two years later, per- haps an extension of the same work of grace. Pound Ridge and Red Mills were greatly strengthened. April, 1842, revivals were reported in four congregations, with 170 hopeful conversions. The following year not less encouraging tidings were received. Many of the churches had enjoyed "a precious season of refreshing from the Lord," and more had "been hopefully converted, to God than during the same period for many years past." The narrative of April, 1854, tells of "manifest evidences of God's gracious presence " in the leading of souls to the knowledge of the truth. The Presbytery of Bedford in 1858-9 shared with the church at large in the presence of Il6 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. the Spirit. Extra services for preaching and prayer in some instances were continued for months. Nearly all the churches reported additions, "as many as 20 or 30 to each church." The following table represents the growth of the churches : No. of Added. Total \-ear Churches. Examination. Certificate. Communicants. 1830 15 31 9 759 183, 16 23 12 8S3 ,832 16 -3S 12 1062 ^^33 15 44 II iroi 1834 16 14 26 1125 1S3S No report. 1836 16 19 9 1413 1837 16 47 34 1295 1838 16 61 41 1306 1839 i6- 69 24 1386 1840 15 22 9 1017 1841 IS 12 23 TII2 1842 15 78 27 1205 1843 15 197 18 1308 1S44 15 61 37 1450 1845 'S SI 19 1429 1846 15 20 27 117s 1847 IS lb 21 1300 184S IS 40 30 1268 1S49 IS 46 30 1362 1850 14 32 20 1272 1851 13 S3 21 1283 1852 13 34 22 I25S '853 IS 32 24 1248 1854 16 60 31 1306 1S55 16 38 31 1288 1856 16 31 39 1327 1857 16 42 29 1340 1858 16 84 4S •397 1859 16 131 44 1520 i860 16 34 2S 1496 i86r 12 26 16 1171 1862 12 18 23 1 185 Total, 1 595 789 The narratives bear a remarkable resemblance to such reports of the present day. Often they refer to worldliness and apathy of church members. Occasionally they speak of tfeMPERANCE. 11^ revivals and deep interest in spiritual things. The sins particularly mentioned are intemperance and Sabbath dese- cration by idleness and worldly amusements. Frequent reference is made to the former. It is spoken of in the first narrative (April, 1830), where we are told "that the deadly vice of intemperance has received a very material check in its work of destruction. Temperance societies, upon the principle of total abstinence, have been formed in most of our congregations. Some distilleries have ceased the manu- facture, and several merchants have discontinued the sale of ardent spirits, and people begin evidently to feel that it is wrong to use the article, except as a medicine." The narrative of April, 1833, reports large accessions to these temperance societies. We are told in others (April, 1838), that the cause "continues to advance," "the vice of intemperance is manifestly decreasing" (April, 1842), "the subject of temperance is engaging more than ordinary atten- tion" (October, 1853). Then, again, it is stated that tem- perance work "is stationary" (April, 1849), and that "it has retrograded" (October, 1852). October 6, 1852, the following resolution was adopted : " Resolved, that as a Presbytery we cordially sympathize with the friends of temperance in this land in their efforts to do away with the evils of intem- perance, and that it be recommended to the members of our churches to cooperate with the friends of temperance in all their laudable measures to free our land from the curse of intemperance." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. Ill, p. 57.] April 18, 1854, the Prohibitory Liquor Law was ap- pointed the subject for public discussion for the next stated meeting. The temperance movement, judging from the statements in the narratives, was directed against the use of "ardent [distilled] spirits." As soon as railroad communication with New York City was established, the business of supplying that city with milk began. October 8, 1851, Elder Aaron Read, of the Bedford Church, overtured the Presbytery on the lawfulness of sending milk to market on the Sabbath. The following is the minute adopted : Il8 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. " That we consider the conduct of members of our churches in sending millc to New York on the Sabbath, as being inconsistent witli a Christian pro- fession. " 2. That the officers of our churches, where this evil exists, be advised to pijoceed in its suppression with tenderness, prayer, and fidelity, that the peace and prosperity of our churches may be preserved." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. Ill, p. 24.] April 20, 1853, a letter on the sanctification of the Sab bath, with special reference to the milk business, prepared by the Rev. David Irving, afterwards Secretary of the Board of Foreign Slissions, was ordered printed for circulation among the churches. April 18, 1855, the following was adopted : " Whereas Presbytery has on two occasions affectionately remonstrated with certain members in some of our churches (though we fear to little pur- pose) who habitually profane the Lord's Day by carrying their milk, or allow- ing it to be carried to the railroad, and whereas the General Assembly has decided (which decision is binding on all officers and members of our church) that all attention to worldly concerns on the Lord's Day, further than the works of necessity and mercy demand, is inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the Fourth Commandment, with Christian character, and is a bar to com- munion, therefore " Resolved, That all our Sessions, where this sin e.xists, be enjoined faith- fully to admonish and instruct all who persist in the jiractice." [Records of Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. Ill, pp. 147-8.] The narrative of the autumn following contains the statement that " Sabbath desecration as respects the milk business is declining, and we hope that it will cease alto- gether in the churches." The narrative of October, 1857, asserts that " it is very evident that where the milk business is most pursued that the Sabbath is kept least sacredly." A plan for reviving the churches and prosecuting more rigorously the work of the Lord was adopted in April, 1831, and carried into operation for about four years. The field of the Presbytery was divided into districts of not less than three nor more than five churches. Union meetings in each district were to be held on the first Wednesday of every month. It was made the duty of each minister and one or more elders in each church to be present, and the congrega- tions were invited. A sermon was to be preached in the afternoon, religious services were to be held in the evening, SUNDAY-SCHOOLS. 1 19 and, if it was deemed best, the meetings were to be con- tinued the next day. With the same end in view, a sclieme of Presbytcrial visitation of the churches was adopted October, 1853. The committees were to consist of two ministers and one elder, were to hold preaching services and perform such other duties as the circumstances warranted. One year later, the Presbytery was divided into districts of two churches, and committees of two ministers were appointed to labor at least one week in each church under the direction of the pastor and the Session, provided that they consider that such pro- tracted services are called for. At the Fall stated meeting of 1857, "in view of the wants of the church and the absence of a spirit of reviving," a visitation was again ordered. Members of Presbytery were appointed to visit, " two and two," each church and hold such services as may be deemed expedient. Sabbath-schools were maintained at the first in nearly all of the churches during the summer, but on account of the sparseness of the population, they were omitted during the winter. An improvement in this respect is mentioned in the narrative of April, 1836, the sessions being held in most of our churches throughout the entire year. We have no Sabbath-school statistics until the year 1856. The fol- lowing table gives the membership from 1 856-1862 : Year. Membership. Year. Membership, 1856 875 i860 954 1857 .741 1861 658 1858 771 1862 660 1859 945 Prior to the division of 1837-8 the benevolent work of the Presbyterian Church was carried on through the agency of certain voluntary societies, such as the American Home Missionary Society, the United Foreign Missionary Society, the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- sions, the American Education Society, the Presbyterian Education Society, and through certain committees and I20 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. boards appointed by and under the authority of the General Assembly. The Standing Committee on Missions (1802) became in 1816 the Board of Missions. The Board of Education had been established in 18 19. When the Pres- bytery of Bedford was erected, there were two recognized agencies under the exclusive control of the General Assembly. Bible, Missionary, and Tract Societies were reported as early as 1830 in nearly all our churches. The standing rules, adopted April, 1830, required that collections should be taken up for missionary, education, and commissioners' funds of the General Assembly. The amounts were to be reported and the money paid to the treasurer of Presbytery at the spring meeting. To these a collection for the Assem- bly's contingent fund seems to have been shortly after added. October 21, 1830, the Presbytery voted to consti- tute themselves a missionary society auxiliary to the board of missions. Rules were adopted and the election of the necessary ofificers provided for. An effort was to be made to secure fifty cents from each church member. April 20, 1 83 1, the Presbytery also became auxiliary to the Board of Education of the Synod of New York, with the right to choose their own beneficiaries and appropriate their own funds. The balance, if any existed, should go into the treasury of the parent society. Collections were taken up in some of the churches and reported at the spring meet- ings. The Synod of Pittsburg in 1831 constituted itself " The Western Foreign Missionary Society of the United States." Oct. 2, 1833, the plan of the society was approved by the Presbytery, and its work commended to the churches. A collection is reported April, 1835, for the Theological Semi- nary. On the recommendation of the Western Foreign Missionary Society, the Presbytery, Oct. 5, 1836, determined to undertake the support of a missionary. Mr. Robert W. Orr, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Allegheny, was assigned to this Presbytery. He was received Nov. 21, 1837, and on the following day was ordained. Steps were BENEFICENCE. 121 taken to raise the necessary funds, with the following re- sults : Churches. 1838. 1839. 1840. 1841. I. Bedford, I167.05 )fi44.i8 iSi7i.7o $165.11 2. South Salem, 118.53 159.00 194.00 184.99 3- Pound Ridge, 41.19 40.00 46.00 51-25 4- Mt. Pleasant, 88.23 155.26 123.00 58.81 5- South East, 36.00 20.00 6. Greenburgh, 25.00 7- South Greenburg h, 22.62 8. Yorktown, 43- '5 34.00 41.50 5.00 9- Patterson, 5.00 18.67 10. White Plains, 3-75 8.61 7-77 II. Red Mills, 26.60 3-50 12. Soniers, 3.00 '3- New Rochelle, 20.00 5.00 5.00 14. Rye, 44-97 141.00 I06.I2 Per Rev. J. Dickerson , 150.00 Lee acy. 400.00 Total, $1,100.52 $655.62 $753.00 $576.28 Mr. Orr was dismissed to the Presbytery of Clarion, April 19, 1842. There is no evidence that any one was appointed in his stead. No collections are reported for the support of a missionary after 1841. In 1837 the Western Foreign Missionary Society was adopted by the General Assembly and became the Board of Foreign Missions. October 7, 1846, the Seamen's Friend Society was commended by the Presbytery to the churches. October 3, 1849, the General Assembly's plan for raising a fund for superannuated ministers and their families was com- mended to the churches. April 17, 1850, annual contribu- tions were recommended for this purpose. In 1853, the minutes of the General Assembly contained an appeal in behalf of the Waldenses. It was voted to present that cause to the churches, and, if the way be clear, to take up collections. As early as 1835 a plan was adopted in the direction of systematic beneficence. The months when different col- lections should be taken up, were designated. It was recom- mended that associations in the churches should be formed 16 122 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. and committees appointed to solicit contributions. The collections mentioned were for Foreign Missions, Educa- tion, Bible cause. Tract cause, Sabbath schools, Home Missions, Theological Seminary, Commissioners' and Con- tingent Funds. The expenses of the commissioners to the General Assembly were paid out of the Commissioners' Fund at the rate of five cents a mile. The balance, if any, was to be paid into the General Assembly's Fund. This action was taken April 20, 1836. Later the collections for the Com- missioners' and Contingent Funds were apparently inade- quate to the purpose. October 6, 1858, the following assess- ment was levied : South Salem, $20 ; Bedford, ^15 ; Rye, $10; Port Chester, ^8; White Plains, ^10; South Green- burgh, ^10; Patterson, $8; South East, ;^S ; South East Center, ^8 ; North Salem, ^3 ; Pound Ridge, ;^5 ; Mt. Kisco, $3 ; Yorktown, $5; Gilead, ^10; Red Mills, $5; Croton Falls, $'-,■ The expenses of Presbytery were at first de- frayed by collections taken up at the meetings. April 18, 1854, an assessment of $2 was levied on each church for the expenses of Synod and Presbytery. The salary of the stated clerks was fixed, November 3, 1829, at ^5 per annum. October 3, 1854, it was raised to ^10. STATISTICAL REPORTS. 123 CONTRIBUTIONS.* W i •So "i; i is* Year. >. i .!& .1 QJ c "s - c °i & ^■■p i^-= u = n c S'S s 3 13 ?- ¥.s- ^ M p^ r s ft to w H H (1. s U U 1830, $39° .... $10 $^ $18 1831. 255 200 35 1832, 331 .... .... III 29 $7 1833. 260 .... 261 34 2 1834, 639 .... .... 284 10 23 8 ■835. No report publis hed. 1836, 781 .... 252 46 13 '837, 848 .... SIS 2 45 13 1838. 1,276 .... 470 4» 17 1839, $425 $425 261 $20 50 15 1840, 392 737 202 k 41 17 1841, 360 772 353 '39 41 16 1842, 390 .S4,S 82 134 40 23 1843. 335 632 lo.S 64 $151 35 16 1844, 378 717 120 62 3" 71 16 1845, 604 6S0 85 5° 44 12 1846, 480 717 21- 333 ib7 37 II 1847, 3^3 Sbb 236 727 40 12 1848, 332 421 99 48 195 49 18 1849, 3S2 772 III 405 4b '4 1850, 412 582 40 79 390 57 II Totals, $4 780 »4,853 $7,566 $4,010 $843 $20 $132 $2 346 $789 $241 Year. i 1 1 3 a W ■Si 3-2 4H- -a ■n 1 _o bo s c g q 1 £ w Ah u S & s 1851, $439 $574 $87 $6. *75 $6,652 $487 1852, 53° 539 "5 39 04 6,541 720 1853, 695 920 378 17 51 10,982 651 1854, 667 1,056 204 199 252 10.934 5'9 1855. 1,129 1,142 250 148 77 12,354 2,476 ,856, 760 948 382 125 $80 79 '3'55f 559 1857. 666 1.039 313 141 193 140 8,898 732 1858, 800 1,286 416 220 83 141 8,594 1,070 1859, 807 1. 139 544 308 152 199 11,933 1,056 i860, 776 985 230 9b 70 94 10,618 1,341 1 861, 675 771 ,78 197 87 $40 9,034 762 1862, 718 678 •75 229 258 129 6,973 817 Totals, $8,662 $11,077 $3,272 $1,780 $923 $169 $1,172 $116,811 $11,190 Total Benevolent Contributions including Miscellaneous, Total Congregational, 1851-62, Presbyterial, Commissioners', and Contingent Funds, _ Total for every cause so far as reported, ♦Cents for convenience are omitted. tChurch Erection. tincluded until missioners' and Contingent Funds and Relief. $61,623 116,811 2,202 $180,636 1S61 Com 124 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. Less than one year after the organization of the Pres- bytery, the trial of Rev. Griffith H. Griffith took place. It was entered upon with great reluctance ; it was the outcome of the division in the Yorktown Church, which had taken place nearly a quarter of a century before. To the Pres- bytery, apparently, the old difficulty was a dead issue, in which they took no interest, the division a fact, which the judgment of no ecclesiastical court could change, and the whole proceeding unwise and unnecessary. Mr. Griffith, who since 1828 had ministered to the Congregational Church in Yorktown, became a member of the Presbytery at the first stated meeting, held April, 1830, by regular dismission from the Fairfield East Association. At the next meeting, October following, charges were preferred against him in the name of the First Presbyterian Church. They were read and ordered on file. From this action Mr. Wynkoop dissented. Complaint was made to the Synod of New York. The complaint was sustained and the Presbytery ordered to enter the charges upon the min- utes. At an adjourned meeting held in December in obedience to the direction of the Synod, the charges were read and entered upon the minutes. The action of the Presbytery of October 21st declining to issue requests for the 'attendance of witnesses not under their direction was at the same meeting reconsidered, and the stated clerk directed to issue either citations or requests as desired by either party. In. the charges it was alleged that the Independent or Congregational Presbyterian Church was a schism from the First Presbyterian Church, that they had excommunicated members in good standing in the original church [this had been done in 1806], that they had published "one or more pamphlets of a scandalous nature, implicating the motives and vilifying the character of members" of that church and " the reverend the Presbytery of Hudson ... for which no concession and of which no recantation " had been made ; that Griffith H. Griffith was statedly ministering "to the THE TRIAL OF GRIFFITH H. GRIFFITH. 1 25 said slandering, excommunicating, schismatic body;" that he was thereby upholding a schism and giving the sanction of the Presbytery thereto ; that his action was a virtual im- peachment of the decisions of the Presbytery of Hudson, and a ratification of groundless charges published against them was "virtually arraying the Bedford Presbytery in its sanctions against the Hudson Presbytery in its decisions," and distressing the hearts and the hands of the original church. April 21, 1 83 1, the Presbytery proceeded to the trial of the case. Richard Wynkoop, on request of the prosecuting committee of the church, was appointed their counsel. Judge Aaron Read, elder of the Bedford Church, assisted in the defense. August 30, 1831, after much evidence had been taken, the case was thrown out by the Presbytery on the ground "that the prosecuting party is not a person or persons in the sense of the Constitution (Book of Disci- pline, Chapter V, Section 5), nor even a body responsible to this judicatory, and, therefore, not subject to the censures of this Presbytery (Book of Discipline, V, 7). The vote stood : Yeas, Rev. Messrs. Remington, Stebbins, Saunders, Green and Prime, and Elders Andrew Mead and Richard Dean; Noes, Rev. Messrs. Long and McLeod, and Elder Samuel Brewster. Appeal was taken to the Synod. It was sustained, and a commission was appointed to visit York- town. The commission discharged this duty in November following. January 5, 1832, the trial was resumed. The taking of the evidence was completed by March 28th. The parties were heard and final judgment rendered at the April stated meeting. A committee consisting of Rev. Messrs. Jacob Green and Chester Long and Elder Ezra Young was appointed to draft a minute. The committee prefaced their recommenda- tions with a statement of the facts proven in the trial, which agrees with what has already been stated as to the original character of the church, the gradual change in theform of 126 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. government, and the connection with the Presbyteries of Dutchess County and Hudson. The division of 1806 is not, however, attributed to this change, but to difficulties, not specified, which arose at that time. The return to Pres- byterianism, in the judgment of the committee, was due to tlie quarrel and the recollection "of the former character and standing of the church." The slanders were uttered "in the heat of passion and disputation." The Congrega- tional Church to which Mr. Griffith ministered was " descended from a body whose claim to be a true church is not disputed." It had existed for twenty-five years, had never "by any judicial ecclesiastical act been exscinded from the body of the faithful," and was without the juris- diction of the Presbytery. In view of these facts, as they judged them, the committee recommended the adoption of the following resolutions : " Resolved, i. That we as a Presbytery are not called upon to adjudicate in relation to the said allegations. " Resolved, 2. That without deciding what has, and what has not, been proved in regard to the said allegations, yet upon a whole view of the case, we cannot find that the Rev. Griffith H. Griffith is chargeable with any irregu- larity in the part he has acted. Therefore, " Resolved, 3. That the said Rev. Griffith H. Griffith be, and he hereby is, acquitted from the charges preferred against him." [Records of the Pres- bytery of Bedford, Vol. I, pp. 291-2.] The report was unanimously adopted. Appeal was taken from this decision. Mr. Griffith died shortly after, The Synod decided that his death was no bar to the prosecution. The General Assembly of 1833, in reviewing the record of the Synod, took exception to this decision, and the trial came to an end. Two years later the record of the Pres- bytery was reviewed by the Synod, and of eight exceptions taken, four relate to the conduct and decisions of this case. The trial from the preferring of the charges (October 3, 1830), to the decision of the General Assembly (May 23, 1833) covered a period of two years and a half. The charges occupy five pages of the record, the evidence one hundred and thirty-eight, the final judgment six, and the appeal and reasons therefor twenty-six. The minutes of the entire TRIAL OF GRIFFITH H. GRIFFITH. 12/ case cover more than two hundred pages, almost half of the first volume. The prosecution was undoubtedly inspired by Rev. Richard Wynkoop, then pastor of the church, who acted also as their counsel. It was conducted by him with great ability, and the papers prepared by him are models of sound argument and clearness. The entire evidence as given in the record is in his handwriting. The positions taken by the prosecution from the standpoint of law are cor- rect, and the decisions of the Synod were all in their favor. The only useful result of the trial was the securing and record of evidence, which throws much light upon the division of the Yorktown Church and the history of Asso- ciated Presbyterianism in Westchester County. Doubtless the Presbytery viewed the matter from the standpoint " of the peace of the church and the prosperity of religion." The trial naturally produced great excitement in Yorktown, and waked up latent animosities. The feeling extended even to the children in the district school, and divided them into two parties. It may be fairly questioned whether the bringing to light and record of historic facts compensated for the bitterness and alienations intensified among the members of the body of Christ. CHAPTER XIII. The Presbytery of Bedford continued. A T the time of the organization of the Presbytery, cer- iV tain questions were growing in importance, upon which the church was soon to be divided into two parties. They were the Plan of Union, as connected with it the right of committeemen to sit in the General Assembly, the recep- tion of ministers and licentiates " on the credit of their con- stitutional testimonials," the ordination of ministers "sine titulo," voluntary societies and church boards, and the " new theology." The General Assembly of 1830 adopted a rule requiring that ordained ministers and licentiates from corre- sponding bodies should be required to give their assent to the questions proposed respectively to licentiates, when about to be ordained, and candidates, when about to be licensed. The Presbytery, at their next stated meeting (October 6, 1 830), adopted the resolution of the Assembly as a standing rule. The burning question of the General As- sembly of 1 83 1 was the case of Albert Barnes, and con- nected with it the right of a Presbytery to examine a minis- ter or licentiate coming by certificate from another Pres- bytery. June 1 3th following the Presbytery of Bedford set- tled the question for itself by adopting the following stand- ing rule : " Every minister or licentiate coming to this Presbytery by certificate from another Presbytery, or other ecclesiastical body, shall submit to an examination before he be received, if any two members of Presbytery require it." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, p. 88.] Later, April 20, 1832, a pastoral letter to the churches was adopted. After alluding to the large accessions to THE "new theology." I29 some of the churches and urging the importance of the in- struction of the baptized children, of the prayer meeting, and of the supply of the congregations with the Confession of Faith, the errors of the new theology were pointed out : " 5. And here we feel that we should fail in our duty, if we did not call the attention of our churches particularly to the special necessity there is at this time to watch against the intrusion of heresy and disorder in the church. We hear the sentiment coining from every quarter, from men, both ministers- and elders, venerable for age, and of tried soundness, piety, and judgment, — that the present is a very fearful crisis in the Presbyterian church. Errors of various forms, striking at the very fundamentals of religion, are fast creep- ing in ; and these errors are the more dangerous, because they are introduced under the plausible and imposing disguise of zeal for the church and for the salvation of men's souls. The doctrine of original sin, as taught in our Con- fession of Faith (Chapter VI, Sees. 2, 3, and 4) and in the Larger Catechism (Questions 22, 25, 26, and 27) ; the doctrine of the impotency and dependence of the sinner, as taught in the Confession (Chap. VI, Sec. 4, and Chap. IX, Sees. 3 and 4) and in the Larger Catechism (Quest. 149) ; the doctrine of vica- rious atonement, as taught in the Confession (Chap. VIII, Sec. 5, and Chap. XI, Sees. 3 and 4) and in the Catechism (Quest. 44) ; the doctrine of the im- puted righteousness of Christ, as taught in the Confession of Faith (Chap. XI, Sec. i) and Larger Catechism (Quest. 70); the doctrine of the necessity of the Holy Spirit's agency in regeneration and sanctification, as taught in the Confession of Faith (Chap. X, Sees. 1 and 2) and Larger Catechism (Quest. 67): — these doctrines are denied, either expressly or impliedly, by many in regular standing in the church. And the denial is defended by philosophi- cal sulitleties and appeals to man's depraved reason and passions; — and all under the pretence of improvements in theology. "And the errors thus propagated in place of and in opposition to the fundamental doctrines just specified are accompanied with various new and un- authorized devices (technically called new measures) in conducting religious wor- ship. The effect of which is, not to advance the cause of true religion, as is pretended, but to move on the passions of men at the expense of their under- standings; and make them say they are converts and have submitted their hearts to God, when they evidently have no distinct apprehension of the plan of salvation by a Redeemer. " Now against these errors and disorders we affectionately and solemnly caution our beloved people. And we would say to them : ' Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits, whether they are of God' (r Jno., 4:1). 'Hold fast the form of sound words' (2 Tim., i: 13). 'Contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints ' (Jude 3). 'To the law and to the testimony ; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them ' (Is. 8 : 20)." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, pp. 297-300.] 17 130 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. The Presbytery on the same day passed the following resolution : " Resolved, That this Presbytery do most solemnly and earnestly remon- strate against the loose and unauthorized practice of many Presbyteries in receiving members without expressly requiring of them their assent to the questions as directed in the Confession of Faith. See Form of Govern- ment, Chap. XVI, Sec. 12." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, P- 309-] The right of committeemen to sit and vote in the Gen- eral Assembly had been called in question as early as 1820. It was then decided that he had the same rights as an elder. A similar decision was made in 1826 in reference to a dele- gate, who was not even a committeeman. A protest was entered against this action by forty-two members. The mat- ter came up again in the Assembly of 1831, with similar re- sult as before. Against this sixty-eight commissioners pro- tested. The Presbytery on the same day that it bore testi- mony against error in doctrine and looseness in practice in receiving members (April 20, 1832) felt called upon to enter its protest against this decision : "The committee on the minutes of the General Assembly made a report, which was accej^ted, and, being amended, was adopted and is as follows : " The committee recommend to the notice of the Presbytery a resolution passed by the General Assembly of last year, on Thursday, May 19, in words following : ' The Assembly proceeded to consider the case of the person denominated Standing Committee in the commission, it was resolved, that the member be received and enrolled among the list of members.' " Against the above resolution -your committee would recommend that Presbytery enter on their minutes a respectful and solemn remonstrance for the following reasons : " I. It is an express violation of the letter of the constitution as stated in their commission, either (i) by calling him a committeeman, and not a ruling elder; or (2) by calling him ruling elder contrary to the fact. II. It violates the spirit of the constitution and endangers its safety. (1) He is not supposed to cherish the principles of the church, for which he legislates and decides. (2) Nor is he under the solemn obligations by cove- nant, as is uniformly required of our elders. (3) Nor is he capable of deciding, according to our constitution, questions that may come before the judicatory." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, pp. 310-11.] Eighteen months later, October 2, 1833, there were rumors of doctrinal unsoundness in some of the churches under the care of the Presbytery. The following action was taken : THE "WESTERN MEMORIAL." 131 " Whereas, it is reported that disorders prevail and that erroneous doc- trines are preached in and about Red Mills; therefore, " Resolved, That Messrs. Green, Saunders, and Dickerson be a committee to visit that congregation and other parts of the Presbytery, to inquire inio the truth of the said report, and that they report to the Presbytery a,t the next stated meeting." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, pp. 376-7.] The committee reported as directed (April 15, 1834), and the report was accepted and adopted : " A majority of the committee visited Red Mills and Somers and made inquiry upon this subject. At Red Mills they conversed with as many of the elders as they could, and inquired of them particularly respecting the said rumors. From all the information they could get relative to the subjects of inquiry, they are unable to specify any particular errors that have been preached or disorders that have been practiced in that place, or in any other place within the bounds of the Presbytery. And the committee would further report that in the congregation of Red Mills former difficulties and divisions appear to be healed, and they are now in a state of harmony and prosperity, enjoying the labors of a man [Rev. Jonathan Huntington] in whom they are all happily united ; and there are some pleasing indications of the special presence of the Holy Spirit to revive and build up His cause among them.'' [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, pp. 332-3.] The old questions were brought up again in the General Assembly of 1834 by "a memorial from a number of judica- tories, and individual ministers and ruling elders, in different parts of the church, on the present state of the Presbyterian Church," known to history as the "Western Memorial," or " Cincinnati Memorial." It was signed by eighteen minis- ters and ninety-nine elders. ExceiDtion was taken, among other things, to the Plan of Union, to the patronage of voluntary societies, and to certain errors in doctrine taught in the church, and previous General Assemblies were charged with evasion and failure to discharge " their con- stitutional duties." The Assembly was asked to abrogate the Plan of Union, to conduct its own missionary opera- tions, and bear testimony against false doctrine. The prayers of the memorialists were not granted, and a pro- test was entered. A resolution was then offered, condemn- ing certain doctrinal errors, and rejected. A second protest was presented, but refused a place in the record. The protestants (thirty-seven ministers and twenty-seven elders) drew up a paper designated by themselves "The Act and 132 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. Testimony," similar in sentiment to the "Memorial," in which they called upon all who loved the church to give no countenance to the teachers of false doctrine and upon all Synods, Presbyteries, and Sessions, and members thereof, ministers and elders, who held views similar to those ex- pressed in the paper, to signify publicly their approval. A convention was called to meet in Pittsburgh in May, 1835, previous to the meeting of the Assembly, to take such action as seemed "best suited to restore the prostrated standards." The Presbytery expressed its approval (Octo- ber, 1834) in the following language: " A paper entitled An Act and Testimony, etc., was presented to tlie Pres- bytery and read : and, on motion, the said Act and Testimony was unanimously adopted as the Act and Testimony of this Presbytery. And it was unani- mously " Resolved, i. That in the judgment of this Presbytery, a crisis has arrived in the affairs of the Presbyterian Church, through the prevalence of various errors and disorders, in which the purity, peace and prosperity of the church are greatly suffering, the comfort and edification of believers much marred, and the ingathering of souls into the Redeemer's kingdom hindered. " 2. Such being the state of things, we do deliberately think that every honest and enlightened adherent to our excellent standards, and especially every minister and elder is called upon openly to avow such adherence : and we think this cannot be better done than by individually signing the aforesaid Act and Testimony. And, therefore, " 3. We do earnestly recommend it to every minister and elder of the churches composing this Presbytery, that they take this matter into serious consideration ; and that they give in their names to this Act and Testimony, and transmit them, as soon as practicable, to the Stated Clerk of this Pres- bytery, that he may transmit them to the office of the Presbyterian." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. I, pp. 406-7.] At the next stated meeting, April, 1835, Jacob Green and Elder John Owen of the Somers Church were appointed delegates to the Pittsburgh convention and commissioners to the General Assembly. The majority of the Assembly of 1835 were in sympathy with the views expressed in the Act and Testimony, and the action taken was in accordance therewith. In the next General Assembly (1836) the other party were in power. Before them came the appeal of Albert Barnes from the decis- ion of the Synod of Philadelphia, suspending him from the ex- GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF 1 836. 1 33 ercise of the functions of the gospel ministry, and the agree- ment made by a committee appointed by the previous Assem- bly with the Synod of Pittsburgh for the transfer of the West- ern Foreign Missionary Society. The appeal of Albert Barnes was sustained and the decision of the Synod reversed. The agreement with the Synod of Pittsburgh was not ratified. The Presbytery was unable to agree with the Assembly, and its dissent was entered upon the minutes (November 29, 1836) : " Whereas, The Presbyterian Church has been for several years past, and now is, greatly afflicted, her purity, beauty, and peace much marred, and her prosperity hindered by the prevalence of various dangerous and destructive errors, and by loose and corrupt practices in the administration of her govern- ment; and, whereas, these errors seem to be increasing and extending ; and, whereas, the majority of the last General Assembly did, by several decisive votes, refuse to adopt measures which were proposed, for the correction and prevention of these evils, and for the general purity and enlargement of the Presbyterian Church, and did, by such refusal, give their sanction and en- couragement to the errors and disorders in question. Therefore, this Presby- tery, feeling alarmed not only for the purity and peace, but also for the safety of the Presbyterian Church, would, and now do, as they have heretofore done, bear their testimony against these corruptions ; and for this purpose they adopt the following resolutions : " Resolved, i. That in the judgment of this Presbytery, a certain book, entitled ' Notes on the Romans,' by Rev. Albert Barnes, contains dangerous and fundamental errors, especially in regard to the doctrines of original sin, the relation of man to Adam, and justification by faith in the imputed righteous- ness of Christ, and that said book is calculated to deceive the young and the unwary and seduce them from the belief and practice of the pure doctrines of the Gospel, as contained in our Confession of Faith and Catechisms. " Resolved, i. That in the judgment of this Presbytery, the effect of the decision, by a majority of the last General Assembly, of several important questions, was greatly to disparage the best interests of the Presbyterian Church — "(I.) The decision, recorded pp. 268-269 of their printed minutes, in which they sustained the appeal of the Rev. Albert Barnes from a decision of the Synod of Philadelphia, by which he had been suspended from the oiifice of the ministry. Because by this decision they restored him to the ministry and bid him God speed in preaching and publishing the very dangerous errors which, it was proved, he maintained; " (2.) The decision, recorded p. 270, by which they refused to adopt a resolution offered by the Rev. Dr. Miller, specifying and conderftiiing various errors and representations contained in the said ' Notes on the Romans.' By this decision they do indirectly, yet very plainly give their sanction to these errors and representations, and manifest a willingness to give them currency. And that we do not misjudge in this is evident from the published speeches of many in advocating that decision ; 1 34 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. " (3.) The decision, recorded p. 278, by which they refused to ratify ,1 contract made by a committee of the previous General Assembly with the Synod of Pittsburgh, relative to the Western Foreign Missionary Society. By this de- cision they greatly disparaged the interests of the Presbyterian Church : First, Because they did thereby violate the faith of the church, wliich had been pledged by the preceding General Assembly, through their committee expressly empowered so to do, which pledge was also accepted in good faith by the other contracting party ; Secondly, Because they did by this decision, acting in their high and official character, as members of the supreme judicatory of the church, declare that the Presbyterian Church, as such, ought not to engage in the great work of evangelizing the nations of the earth, that is to say, that she ought not to obey the great command of her Lord, to preach the Gospel to every creature. " Resolved, 3, As the judgment of this Presbytery, that all irresponsi- ble associations for training young men for the ministry and for conducting missions, whether domestic or foreign, are unauthorized and dangerous institu- tions, and ought not to receive the patronage of those who love the doctrines and order of the Presbyterian Church; because such associations, from the nature of their organization, can give no security for the maintenance and propagation of said doctrine and order ; but, on the contrary, do seriously jeopard both. And we believe, on evidence most satisfactory, that such asso- ciations, existing and operating among us, have already been the instruments of greatly corrupting and distracting the Presbyterian Church ; so even now her unity is threatened. And in consistency with these views, we judge it to be the duty of all Presbyterians to sustain and liberally to patronize the General Assembly's Boards of Education and of Missions and the Western Foreign Missionary Society; because these institutions originated with the judicatories of the church, are under their immediate supervision and control, and ai'e re- sponsible to them for all their acts. And as a special effort is at this time about to be made by the Western Foreign Missionary Society, we do most earnestly recommend it to the liberal patronage of our churches. " Resolved, 4, That we, as a Presbytery, do hereby recognize our obliga- tions to abide by and carry out the principles of the Act and Testimony unani- mously adopted by us in October, 1834 ; — one of which principles is that we will bear, testimony against the errors of the church, until testimony will be no longer heard. And this, we believe, is now the case. And, therefore, inas- much as the errorists who have crept in among us have caused a division, in fact, and inasmuch as separation in form is better than' nominal union with contention and alienation of feeling, and inasmuch as such separation seems to offer the only way of preserving and propagating a pure faith, therefore " Resolved, 5, That in the judgment of this Presbytery a separation ought to take place between the orthodox and the errorists now composing the Presbyterian Church, as soon as the same can be judiciously effected. And, therefore, wl» recommend that convention be called by the central committee appointed last June at Pittsburgh, to take this matter into consideration, to effect the proposed sej^aration or prepare the way for it, or, if a separation be deemed unadvisable, then to consider and determine what ought to be done. " The yeas and nays on the foregoing preamble and resolutions, being called for, stood as follows : DIVISION OF 1837-8. 135 " Yeas — Messrs. Green, Dickerson, Benedict, Frame, Thompson, and Patterson, ministers ; and Smith [Pound Ridge], Miller [Bedford], Northrop [South Salem], John Wallace [North Salem], and Young [South East], elders. " Nay — Mr. White [Somers], elder." [Records of the Presbytery of Bed- ford, Vol. I, pp. 509-516 ] The question of separation and of a convention Iiad been suggested in a secret circular sent to those who were opposed to the action of the Assembly of 1836. On April 19, 1837, Rev. Reuben Frame and Elder John Owen were appointed delegates to the Philadelphia Conven- tion and commissioners to the General Assembly. ' The acts of that Assembly (1837) received the unanimous approval of the Presbytery, October 4, 1837. " I. This Presbytery would record their feelings of gratitude to God for His merciful interposition in giving to the friends of truth and presbyterial order so decided a majority in the last General Assembly. " 2. With similar feelings of gratitude we do hereby express our decided approbation of the reformatory measures of that Assembly, and give it as our unwavering judgment that the acts of that Assembly abrogating the Plan of Union and disowning the Synods of the Western Reserve, Utica, Geneva, and Genesee, consequent thereon ; and the resolutions discountenancing the opera- tions of the American Home Missionary Society and the American Education Society within the bounds of the Presbyterian Church ; and the order concern- ing the organization of the next General Assenibly, — were not only constitu- tional and right, but necessary for the preservation, purity, peace and prosperity of our beloved church." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. II, pp. 44-5.] The Synod took exception to these resolutions, judging them to be "unwise and not for edification." The General Assembly of 1838 met in the Seventh Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia on May i8th.' The majority refused to enroll the commissioners from Presby- teries of the exscinded Synods. The minority, ignoring the Moderator of the last Assembly who occupied the chair, called upon Dr. Beman, an ex-Moderator, to act temporarily as presiding officer, effected an organization by the election of Messrs. Erskine Mason and E. W. Gilbert as clerks, and Dr. S. Fisher as Moderator, and immediately adjourned to the First Church. Rev. William S. Plumer was elected Moderator by those who remained. The Presbytery, Octo- ber 3, 1838, unanimously ratified the action of the latter body: 136 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. " That this Presbytery adhere to the General Assembly, which was organized and held its sessions in the Seventh Presbyterian Church in Phila- delphia, and of which the Rev. William S. Plumer was Moderator." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. 11, p. 162.] The Synod of New York (O. S.) directed that the Pres- byteries shall see to it that no ministers be regarded as members unless they shall have expressed their adherence to the General Assembly, which held its sessions in the Seventh Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. The Pres- bytery complied with this order, and put all applicants to this test. CHAPTER XIV. The Presbytery of Bedford continued. THE vote of Dr. Ebenezer White, elder of the Somers Church, against the resolutions of disapproval of the action of the Assembly of 1836, revealed his sympathies with the New School party. That church was divided in sentiment. About one year later, October 4, 1837, "irregu- larities " at Somers were reported to the Presbytery, and a commission was " appointed to visit Somers and inquire into these matters, and to take such order as they may deem proper." It was ordered that the Session of the church should meet and "do such business as may be necessary." Charges were brought before the Presbytery against Dr. White, March 13, 1838. He was arraigned for "promoting schism," for "endeavoring to prevent the administration of the Lord's Supper at the appointed time," for "violating his own promise," and for "falsehood and misrepresentation." Jacob Green conducted the prosecution and Robert B. E. McLeod assisted in the defence. Testimony was taken, and on June 28th a verdict of guilty was rendered, and Dr. White was suspended from the privileges of the church and deposed from the office of ruling elder. From this decision appeal was taken to the Synod of New York. In October following the Synod divided into two bodies. The appeal was prosecuted before the New School one, which reversed the judgment of Presbytery. April 17, 1839, the Presbytery declared the appeal abandoned and the action of the New School Synod " null and void," and ordered the Session of the Somers Church to drop from the rolls the names of members who persisted in their adher- 18 138 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. ence to Dr. White. The Old School portion of the church retained possession of the church and parsonage, while for a time the other party worshiped in the Methodist Church. " A suit was instituted by the Constitutional Presbyterians [N. S.] for the possession of the church prop erty. The cause was tried before the Supreme Court of Westchester County, Judge Ruggles presiding. The jury, without leaving their seats, gave a verdict in favor of the plaintiffs." April 3, 1839, the First Church of Somers [N. S.] was received under the care of the Third Presbytery of New York [N. S.]. October 16, 1861, it was transferred to the Presbytery of North River and enrolled on the following day. The Old School party incorporated January 20, 1846, as "The Presbyterian Church at Croton Falls." October 7th following, by order of the Presbytery this name takes the place of that of Somers. In 1847 the present church build- ing was erected. At the time of the Division, Rev. Joseph Nimmo was pastor of the Red Mills Church. His sympathies and those of the larger part of that congregation were with the Old School party. A number of families living at West Somers were decidedly New School in their views and preferences. The latter withdrew and " connected themselves with a Congregational Church organized in the Academy building at West Somers." The New Rochelle Church severed its connection with the Presbytery of Bedford at the Division. The pastorate of John Mason ended October 19, 1837. Gorham D. Abbott became stated supply shortly after. Application was made by letter to Presbytery, April 18, 1838, for permission to employ him for a few months. It was denied, because his views on theology and church government were not known. Mr. Abbott, it seems, declined to be re-examined, not be- cause his views differed from the teachings of the standards, but by advice of his New School brethren. At the next stated meeting (October, 1838), Elder Philemon H. Carpenter of the New Rochelle Church was present and voted with his NEW ROCHELLE CHURCH. 1 39 fellow Presbyters to adhere to the Old School Assembly. At the same meeting a communication was received from the church asking for the concurrence of the Presbytery in a petition to the Synod for a transfer to one of the New York City Presbyteries. This was denied. It must have been shortly after that application was made to the New York Third, to which Mr. Abbott belonged, to be received. The church apparently was assigned to the Second, after- wards Fourth Presbytery, to strengthen it, to which their stated supply was also dismissed. October 2, 1839, S- communication was received from the church and referred to a committee. The report was pre- sented the next day and adopted. It is as follows : " Whereas the church at New Rochelle has failed to appear in Presbytery by delegate for a year past ; and, whereas, they are served by a minister not known to this body. Therefore, Resolved, That they be required either to discontinue the services of their present supply, or receive from this Presbytery permission to employ him; which the Presbytery are ready to grant upon being satisfied of his soundness in the faith (of which they now know nothing) and of his being in other respects a person whose labors shall promise to promote the best interests of that con- gregation. • And the congregation are hereby informed that the Presbytery will meet during the intervals of the Synod of New York in the city of New York on the i6th instant, when they will expect to hear from that congregation on this subject." [Records of Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. II, pp. 221-2.] The church did not comply with the directions of Pres- bytery. Mr. Abbott was retained, and on the very day appointed to hear from them, October 16, 1839, they were received by the Second Presbytery. A committee was appointed to visit New Rochelle. April 22, 1840, the fol- lowing report was pre^nted : " Having requested and obtained an interview with the Rev. Gorham D. Abbott and Dr. Watson Smith, the committee stated to them the object of their appointment. To their assurances of friendly feelings they obtained no satisfaction. Mr. Abbott's reply was : 'Why can't the Presbytery of Bed- ford let us alone ? ' And to their enquiries in relation to the affairs of the church, Dr. Smith replied, ' they did not recognize the right of the Presbytery to make any such enquiries.' The committee, however, ascertained that by the indi- vidual action of Mr. Abbott and Dr. Smith, the church has become connected with the Second Presbytery of New York (N. S.)." [Records of the Presby- tery of Bedford, Vol. II, pp. 235-6.] 140 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. Two members of the congregation, Messrs. Gilchrist and Shepherd, were present at the meeting of Presbytery and mada statements. The matter was referred to a com- mittee. On recommendation of this committee the Presby tery declared (April 22, 1840) that the action "of the elder of that church in pretending to attach himself and the church to another Presbytery is irregular, null, and void ; — inasmuch as it was done without the concurirence of the church, and against the unanimous agreement of the church in October, 1838, to adhere to the Presbytery of Bedford, and without the consent of the Presbytery." The church was declared vacant and Mr. Frame was appointed "to supply that congregation at such time as he shall be requested to do so, by those of the congregation adhering to the Pres- bytery." The name of the church remained on the roll, though not represented by an elder, for five years. April 16, 1845, it was ordered erased. In the first three decades, the Presbytery of Bedford lost three of their churches, Peekskill, West Farms, and Mt. Pleasant, by transfer by the Synod to other Presbyteries. Only in one instance was their concurrence secured. April 21, 1847, in response to a communication from the Synod on the boundaries of Presbyteries, a request was made for the return of the Peekskill Church. When the question of re- modeling the Presbyteries was up in 1855, the Presbytery pronounced in favor of a " strict geographical arrangement." October, i860, an overture from the Presbytery of Connecti- cut was, presented to the Synod, requesting for themselves enlargement or dissolution. Apparently without consulta- tion with the Presbytery of Bedfoi^, four churches. Rye, Port Chester, South East, and South East Center, with their pastors, were set off to strengthen their neighbor on the east. The loss was regarded as a serious one, and called forth a vigorous protest : " Whereas, the Synod o£ New York has lately taken certain action deeply affecting the integrity of the Presbytery, therefore "Resolved, That Presbytery submits to the transfer of the churches UNION WITH THE CONNECTICUT PRESBYTERY. I4I already made over to the Connecticut Presbytery, but will strenuously oppose any further dismemberment of their body; and will also expect Synod to strengthen this Presbytery, which their action has weakened, by the transfer of those churches within their geographical bounds, which are now by elective aifinity united to city Presbyteries." [Records of the Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. Ill, p. 358.] The Presbytery had now but twelve churches and thirteen ministers. The Presbytery of Connecticut, after its enlargement, numbered only ten churches and fourteen ministers. It seems to have been soon realized that instead of one weak Presbytery there were now two ; fgr in two years at meetings of both Presbyteries, held October 22, 1862, during the sessions of the Synod, committees of con- ference on their proposed union were appointed. There is no minute of the report of the committee, nor of action thereon by the Presbytery. From the record of the Presby- tery of Connecticut (October 23, 1862), we conclude that the conference committees decided to recommend a joint overture to Synod in favor of the consolidation under the name of the Presbytery of Connecticut. The request was presented the same day and granted. The final entry upon the records of the Presbytery of Bedford is as follows : " Action of the -Synod of New York in reference to the request of the Presbyteries of Bedford and Connecticut at New York, October 23, 1862. " Resolved, That the request of the Presbyteries of Bedford and Con- necticut be granted, and that on and after the third Tuesday of April next, the said Presbyteries shall be united in one Presbytery under the name of the Presbytery of Connecticut. " Resolved, 2, That the first meeting of the Presbytery of Connecticut, as thus formed, shall be held in the Presbyterian Church of Patterson on the third Tuesday of April, 1863, at 2 o'clock P. M., to be opened with a sermon by the present Moderator, the Rev. C. W. Adams. A true copy, I. D. Wells, Permanent Clerk." [Records of Presbytery of Bedford, Vol. Ill, p. 381.] At the same meeting of the Synod the South Green- burgh Church and its pastor were transferred to the Second Presbytery of New York. 142 THE PRESBYTERY OF BEDFORD. Permanent Officers, stated clerks : Name. Appointed. I. Rev Jacob Green, November 3, 1829 2. tt William Patterson, April 20, 1852. TREASURERS : Name. Appointed. I. Rev Chester Long, November 3, 1829. 2. (t James V. Henry, April 22, 1835. 3- tt Reuben Frame, October 6, 1841. 4- tt William Patterson, October 30, 1850. 5- tt David Irving, April 20, 1852. 6. tt Andrew Shiland, October 3, 1855. CHAPTER XV. The Presbytery of Connecticut. THE Presbyterian Church in Connecticut owes its origin ^to the introduction into this country of the carpet industry. The Thompsonville Manufacturing Com- pany located part of its works at Thompsonville on the Connecticut River, as early as January, 1828. Others were erected at Tariffville, twelve miles from Hartford. To ply the looms, weavers were brought from Scotland. The first company of them reached the former place in October, 1828, and others followed from time to time. The opera- tives at Thompsonville attende'd worship at the Enfield Con- gregational Church. In December, 1834, stated services were begun in a hall in the school-house, with the professors of the East Windsor Theological Seminary as preachers. This arrangement was maintained until 1838, in the latter part of which year the services of the Rev. Joseph Harvey, D.D., were secured as stated supply. The people determined to organize a Pres- byterian Church. Dr. Harvey united with the Presbytery of New York, and on June 25, 1839, presented a request to that body for the organization of a church. The request was granted and a committee appointed for the purpose. They met at Thompsonville July 5 th, and fulfilled the duty assigned them. Eighty-two persons, seventy-three by letter and nine on profession, were received. Elders were elected and ordained on the following day. A meeting of Pres- bytery was held there on the 9th, and the church was enrolled. Dr. Harvey was installed the first pastor on the loth. 144 THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. The church at Tariffville was received under the care of the same Presbytery April 15, 1845, and on July 3d, Rev. Giles Manwarring was installed. This pastoral relation was dissolved on October 27th following. A call was extended to Robert G. Thompson, then pastor of the Yorktown Church, and he was installed March 17, 1846. Evidently to the Synod of New York Connecticut offered a promising field for the planting of Presbyterian churches, for October 15, 1850, the following action was taken : " Resolved, That the Rev. Joseph Harvey, D.D., the Rev. James Ely, the Rev. Gerrish Barret, and the Rev. Robert G. Thompson, and the churches of Thompsonville and Tariffville be, and hereby are, detached from the Pres- bytery of New York, and constituted into a new Presbytery to be known by the name of the Presbytery of Connecticut, and that that Presbytery hold their first meeting at Thompsonville on the 29th day of October, 1850, at eleven o'clock A.M., and be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Dr. Harvey, and in case of his failure, by the oldest member present." [Records of the Presby- tery of Connecticut, p. i.] No definite geographical boundaries were assigned. ROLL OF MINISTERS. Name. 1. Joseph Harvey, P., 2. James Ely, 3. Gerrish Barret, 4. Robert G. Thompson, P. 5. Alexander Leadbetter, 6. A. Henry Dumont, 7. A. B. L. Myers, 8. Chauncey D. Lee, 9. Thomas S. Childs, P., 10. James L. Merrick, C. P., 11. Marcus M.Car]eton,F.M, 12. George W. Connitt, P., 13. James Gubby, S. S., 14. Carson W. Adams, P., 15. George A. Magee, S. S., 16. Calvin Terry, 17. Nathaniel Hewit, P., 18. Edward D. Bryan, P., ig. Henry Benedict, P., 20. Geo. T. Goodhue, P. E., 21. Winthrop Bailey, P., * Died. tDismissed. Church. Enrolled. Thompsonville, Oct. 29, 1850 " " *Aug. 12, 1857 .,Tariffville, " tSept. 14, 1852 Oct. 30, 1850, t Apr. 29, 1857 Apr.23, 1851,* 1865 " tApr. 23, 1856 June 24, 1S51 Hartford, June 30, 1852, t Jan. 22, 1866 , (South Amherst), Apr. 26, 1854 .,(Siam), July 18, 1854, tApr. 23, 1856 Deep River, Oct. 8, 1856, tFeb. 4, 1862 Providence, Oct. 27, [857, tApr. 26, 1859 Thompsonville, Apr. 14, 1858 Providence, Dec. 2, 1858, tApr. 25, Apr. 25, i860 i860 Bridgeport, Dec. 3, i860, *Feb. 3, 1867 Rye, Dec. 3, i860, lOct. 2, 1861 Port Chester, " *July 18, 1868 South East, " *Nov. 8, 1865 South East Center, " *Apr. 3c, 1865 Enrolled. Apr. 24, 1861 Oct. 17. 1862 Apr. 21, 1863 " " *Nov. IS. 1865 ROLL OF CHURCHES. I45 Name. Church. 22. Charles W. Baird, P., Rye, 23. Horace G.Hinsdale,A.P.,Bridgeport, 24. Epenetus P. Benedict, P., Patterson, 25. William Patterson, P., Pound Ridge, 26. Andrew Sliiland, P., Mt. Kisco, 27. Samuel D.Westervelt, P.,Yorktown, 28. David Teese, S: S., White Plains, " " 29. Aaron L. Lindsley, P., South Salem, " " t 1869 30. Peter B. Heroy, P., Bedford, " " 31. Henry W. Smuller, P., Gilead, " " S. S., Croton Falls, 32. Augustus H. Seeley, S. S.,North Salem, " " fOct. 7,1863 33. R.H.Richardson,S.S.&P.,Red Mills, " " t Apr. 20, 1864 34. Thomas S. Bradner, " " 35. E. R. Beadle, Apr. 28, 1863, tNov. i, 1864 36. Talmon C. Perry, Oct. 21, 1963 37. Saurin E. Lane, P., Gilead, Nov. 17, 1863, lApr. 20, 1869 38. William H. Hodge, P., Red Mills, Apr. 19, 1864, tApr. 18, 1870 39 Roswell D. Smith, S. S., South East, July 26, 1864 40. Valentine A. JLewis, P., Port Chester, Nov. i, 1864, tOct. i, 1867 41. Duncan C. Niven, S. S., South East Center, May 10, 1865, fOct. 17, i866 42. Nathan M. Sherwood, P., Patterson, " " tjuly 13, 1869 43. J. Aspinwall Hodge, P., Hartford, Apr. 17, i855 44. E. Bailey Smith, S. S., (Enfield, Conn.), Oct. 2,1866 45. James W. Johnston, P., Yorktown, Oct. 15, 1S66 46. Homer S. Newcomb, ' Apr. 17, 1867 47. Ezra F. Mundy, S. S., North Salem, Oct. i, 1867 P., Port Chester. 48. A. R. Macoubrey, P., South East Center, Oct. 16, 1867 49. WilliamJ.Thompson, P., Croton Falls, Ott. 15,1868 • 50. Isaac W. Cochran, P., Gilead, July 13, 1868, tDec. 13, 1869 51. James Baird, P., Patterson, Apr. 20, 1869 52. Daniel S. Gregory, P., South Salem, May 4, 1869 53. Henry F. Lee, P., Thompsonville, July 13, 1869 54. Chas. H. Halloway, S. S., North Salem, July 13, 1869 55. Charles B. Dye, S. S., Somers, Apr. 19, 1870 ROLL OF CHURCHES. Name. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies.^ Term of Service. 1. Thompsonville, Oct. 29, i850,Joseph Harvey, P., July 10, 1850-Apr. 29, 1857 C. W. Adams, P., Apr. 14, 1858-June i, 1868 Henry F. Lee, P., July 13, 1869-Dec. 20, 1873 2. Tariffville, " " G.Manwarring, P., July 3, 1845-Oct. 27, 1845 R. G.Thompson, P.,Mar. 17, l846-Sept.i4, 1852 * Died. t Dismissed. X Taken from the records and all available sources. 19 146 THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. Name. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies.! Term of Service. Hartford, Nov. 4, iSji.T. S. Childs, S. S., Aug.—, i8si-June 30, 1852 P , June 30, 1852-Oct. 19, 1865 J. A. Hodge, P., May 2, 1866 Deep River, Oct. 8, i856,Geo.W. Connitt, P.,Oct. 9, 1856-Feb. 4, 1862 Providence, Oct. 27, 1857, James Gubby, S. S.,Oct. 27, 1857-Oct. 13, 1858 G. A. Magee, S. S., Nov. 1, 1858- 1859 Bridgeport, ist, Dec. 3, i86o,Nathaniel Hewit,P.,Oct. 31, 1853-Feb. 3, 1867 H.G.Hinsdale, P., Oct. 28, 1862-Nov. i, 1877 Rye, Dec. 3, i86o,Edw. D. Bryan, P., Oct. 9, 1838-July i, 1861 Clias. W. Baird, P., May 9, i86i-Feb. 10, 1887 Port Chester, " " Henry Benedict, P.,Oct. 19, i8S4-Apr. 22, 1863 V. A. Lewis, P., Nov. i, 1864-Oct. i, 1867 Ezra F. Mundy, P., Mar. 9, 1868-Mar. 31, 1877 South East, " " G. T.Goodhue,P.E.,May 21, 1859-N0V. 8, 1865 R. D. Smith, S. S., Sept.—, 1865-July i, 1870 So.East Center, " " W. Bailey, P., June 28, 1854-Oct. 16, 1861 Samuel Bailey, S.S ,(one year). J.M.Carmichael.S.S., " " D.C.Niven,S.S.&.P.E., 1S64-1866 A. R.Macoubrey,P.,Oct. 23, 1867-Dec. 3, 1876 Apr. 2i,i863,E. P. Benedict, P., Sept.30, 1829-Apr. 19, 1865 N. M. Sherwood, P.,May 10, i86s-Nov. 12, 1867 James Baird, P., May 11, 1869-May i, 1879 " A. L. Lindsley, P., Nov. 10, 1852-Oct. 20, 1868 D. S. Gregory, P., May 4, 1869-Sept. 5, 187 1 " S. D.Westervelt,P.,Oct. 26, 1853-Oct. 4, 1865 J. W. Johnston, P., Oct. 15, 1866-Oct. ,17, 1875 Apr. 21, i863,Peter B. Heroy, P., Oct. 30, i8S7-Oct. 16, 1878 " A. H. Seeley, S. S., 1857-1863 EzraF.Mundy,S.S., 1863-1868 C.H.Halloway,S.S., 1868-187 1. " " Andrew Shiland,P.,June I4,'i854-Apr. 24, 1870 " H. W. Smuller, P., May 5, 1858-Apr. 22, 1S63 Saurin E. Lane, P., Nov. 24, 1863-Apr. 21, 1868 L W. Cochran, P., July 13, 1868-Dec. 13, 1869 " R.H.Richardson,P.,Oct. 29, i86i-Oct. 7, 1863 Wm. IL Hodge, P., May 3, 1864-May 24, 1868 C. W. Adams, S. S.,Oct. — , l868-Feb. i, 187 1 " Jas. Sinclair, S. S., Oct. — . 1862-Dec. 27, 1863 J. B. Stoddard, S. S.,Apr. 10, 1864-Apr. — , 1866 H.W.SmulIer, S. S ,July — , 1886-Apr. 5, 1868 W.J. Thompson,?., Oct. 15, 1868-Apr. i, 1872 20. White Plains, " " David Teese, S. S., July 17, i8S3-July 7,1864 Aug.—, 1865-Oct. — , 1869 T. C. Steele, S. S., 1870-June 20, 1871 21. Pound Ridge, " " Wm. Patterson, P., Feb. 10, 1836-Feb. 6,1889 22. German (Bridgeport), *Aug., 1865, (Dissolved Oct. 6, 1869). II. Patterson, I 2. South Salem, 13- Yorktown, 14. Bedford, '5- North Salem, 16. Mt. Kisco, '7- Gilead, 18. Red Mills, 19. Croion Falls, * Organized. t Taken from the records and all available sources. chUrcH extension. t4;> LICENSED. Name. Date. 1. Fergus L. Kenyon, Apr. 25, 1861. 2. Homer S. Newcomb, Apr. 22, 1863. 3. James M. Anderson, Apr. 20, 1864. ORDAINED. Name. Date. 1. Thomas S. Childs, June 30, 1852. 2. Marcus M. Carleton, July 18, 1854. 3. Valentine A. Lewis, Nov. i, 1864. 4. Nathan M. Sherwood, May 10, 1865. 5. James W. Johnston, Oct. 1 5, 1866. 6. Homer S. Newcomb, Apr. 17, 1867. 7. William J. Thompson, Oct. 15, i868. 8. Isaac W. Cochran, July 13, 1868. The Presbytery, at its organization, numbered but four ministers and two churches. Though weak numerically, their faith in the possibilities of the field assigned them was great. Their attention was first turned to Hartford and New Haven, where many Scotch and Scotch-Irish Presby- terians resided. As early as June 24, 1851, it was deter- mined to begin services at both of these points. At the first named place a church of thirty-four members was organized under the name of "The First Presbyterian Church of Hartford," November 4, 185 1. After several fruitless at- tempts, the Presbytery ceased its efforts to secure a foothold at New Haven. Stamford in 1852 seems to have presented an opening for, on April 28th, Rev. A. B. L. Myers was appointed to visit that place with view to the organization of a Presbyterian Church. This was accomplished, but by the Third Presby- tery of New York [N. S.], on February 25, 1853. The mem- bers of this church came from the Congregational Church of that place. October 3, 1855, the Presbytery directed the committee on church extension " to examine particularly the fields at Fitchville, Conn., and Holyoke, Mass." No report is found on the record giving the results of the committee's exploration. 148 THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. The Presbytery was more successful in its efforts at church extension at Deep River, Middlesex County, Conn. July 27, 1856, nineteen persons were "constituted 'The Presbyterian Church of Deep River,' " by Rev. Thomas S. Childs. The reasons for the organization of the church are given in a minute entered on the Sessional Record : "The members thus included in the constitution of this church were for merly members of the Consociated Congregational Church of Deep River ; they being truly and fully convinced that the said Congregational Church had departed from and denied the faith of their fathers contained in the ' Saybrook Platform ' as they understood and believed it ; and believing that they had used all proper means within their knowledge and power to prevent such denial of and departure from the faith ; and believing that to continue in said church would involve themselves in the sin of denying the true Gospel did, in obedience to the word of God, withdraw from the said church and solemnly declare that, for such reasons as have been referred to above, they did not ' consider themselves as any more belonging with them nor responsible to them.'" [Records of Presbyterian Church, pp. 1-2.] The church was received under the care of the Presby- tery and enrolled Oct. 8, 1856. The first and only pastor. Rev. George W. Connitt, was installed on the following day. His pastoral relation was dissolved February 4, 1862, on ac- count of the inability of the congregation to provide ad- equate support. We hear but little of the church after this time. In the years 1865 and 1866, it was recommended to the Board of Domestic Missions for aid. In 1866 and 1867, members of the Presbytery were appointed to visit or labor there. October 17, 1^87 1, it was dissolved by the Presbytery of Westchester, and its members attached to the Hartford Church. April 29, 1857, a communication was received in refer- ence to the establishment of a Presbyterian Church at Windham, Conn., and the Presbytery voted to request the Board of Domestic Missions to appoint a missionary to that field for six months. October 27th following, the Presbytery requested the Board to discontinue for the present the sup- port of a missionary at that place and appoint a missionary for the State, whose duty it should be to look after other fields as well. In 1857 a secession took place from the Broadway United CHURCH EXTENSION. 1 49 Presbyterian Church of Providence, R. I. A church was organized. Oct. 27, 1857, on application, it was received under the care of the Presbytery and enrolled as "The Scotch Presbyterian Church." Rev. James Gubby was ap- pointed stated supply and recommended to the Board of Domestic Missions for appointment as missionary to that field. A call was extended to him early in 1858 and accepted. He was not installed, and at the October meeting the call was returned. It was directed that he should cease to be stated supply and that arrears of salary should be paid. December 2, 1858, Rev. George A. Magee was recom- mended to the Board as missionary. How long he labored there we do not know. He was dismissed to the Presbytery of Lewes, April 25, i860. The church disappeared, and some of its members returned to the body from which they came. A church, later connected with the Presbytery of Con- necticut, was organized without its assistance. The Second or South Congregational Church of Bridgeport, Conn., in 1853, " became divided in opinion as to questions relating on the one hand to matters of church polity, and on the proper course to be pursued in providing for their pastor [Nathaniel Hewit], then beginning, to feel the infirmities of age." Eighty-one persons received letters of dismission, and on October i6th organized a new church. On the 19th application was made to the Presbytery of New York to be received under their care. That body met in Bridgeport on the 31st, enrolled the First Presbyterian Church, and in- stalled Dr. Hewit as its first pastor. Notwithstanding the efforts put forth in the way of church extension, the growth of Presbyterianism within the bounds of the Presbytery did not meet the expectations en- tertained at its birth. In 1855, when the question of re- arrangement of the boundaries of Presbyteries in the Synod of New York was brought to the attention of Presbytery of Connecticut, there were nine ministers and three churches on the roll. One of the churches, Tariffville, lived only in I Jo THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. name. Apparently it was asked — What shall be done with the weak Presbytery of Connecticut .-' October 3, 1855, it an- swered for itself by voting unanimously in favor of its own continuance and strengthening by setting off to them of churches and pastors. No action seems to have been taken. By i860, after an existence of ten years, the rolls showed nine ministers still and five churches — Thompsonville, Hartford, Deep River, Tariffville, and Providence. Of these only the first was self-supporting, and the names of the last two might haVe been dropped without even a sense of loss. October 3, i860, Rev. Carson W. Adams offered the fol- lowing resolution : " Resolved, That the Synod of New York be requested to dissolve this Presbytery and permit its members and churches to join such Presbytery as each may elect." [Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 122.] An overture, adopted on the recommendation of a com- mittee to which the resolution was referred, shows that the five ministers and one elder believed that there was no im- mediate prospect of growth within its bounds, and that en- largement must come from without by the annexation of churches. The overture is as follows : " The Presbytery of Connecticut would respectfully overture the Synod of New York. "I. So to re-arrange the bounds of said Presbytery as to include therein a larger number of ministers and churches ; or (in case the Synod should not deem it expedient to do this) " 2. To dissolve the Presbytery and allow its ministers to connect them- selves with such Presbyteries as may be to them most convenient." [Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 123.] The answer of the Synod was the transfer of five churches — Bridgeport from the Presbytery of New York, and Rye, Port Chester, South East, and South East Center, from the Presbytery of Bedford — with their pastors — Na- thaniel Hewit, Edward D. Bryan, Henry Benedict, George T. Goodhue, and Winthrop Bailey. The Presbytery now numbered fourteen ministers and ten churches. The Presr bytery of Bedford, as has been shown, was dissatisfied with the change. Some of the transferred churches might have UNION WITH THE BEDFORD PRESBYTERY. 15I shared in this dissatisfaction. Certainly a committee was appointed October 17, 1862, "to represent the Presbytery, in case application should be made by the church of South East Center of the Synod to be restored to the Presbytery of Bedford ; and the committee were authorized to urge a union with the Presbytery of Bedford, should that applica- tion be made. This union was ordered by the Synod October 23, 1862, to take effect on the third Tuesday of April following. By this union eleven ministers — Epenetus P. Benedict, William Patterson, Andrew Shiland, Samuel D. Westervelt, David Teese, Aaron L. Lindsley, Peter B. Heroy, Henry W. Smuller, Augustus H. Seeley, Richard H. Richardson, and Thomas S. Bradner — and eleven churches — Patterson, South Salem, Yorktown, Bedford, North Salem, Mt. Kisco, Gilead, Red Mills, Croton Falls, White Plains, and Pound Ridge — were added to the rolls, so that in April, 1863, the Presbytery numbered twenty-four ministers and twenty-one churches. The union of these Presbyteries seems to have been to most satisfactory. There is one exception; Rev. Thomas S. Childs, April 20, 1865, introduced an overture to the Synod for a division of the Presbytery and a recon- stituting of the Presbyteries of Bedford and Connecticut. On October 4th following, it was voted to be inexpedient. Church extension was not pushed very vigorously by the enlarged Presbytery, probably because no opportunities pre- sented themselves. The petitioners for a church at Brewster's Station had been referred by the Presbytery of Bedford to the Presbytery of Connecticut. The latter, October 16, 1861, appointed the Sessions of the churches of South East and South East Center, as those most interested, a com- mittee to " concert some arrangements that may harmonize the interests of the people at that station and the churches above named." What was done is not recorded. About six months later, April 23, 1862, the Sessions of these churches were directed to supply Brewster's Station with preaching. We have no notice of any further action on part of the Presbytery of Connecticut, 152 THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. May 10, 1865, a request was received for the organiza- tion of a German Presbyterian Church in Bridgeport, Conn. A committee was appointed for the purpose, which dis- charged that duty in August. The church did not prosper. A committee appointed to look after the enterprise reported, October 6, 1869, that it was virtually disbanded, owing to internal dissensions and other causes, and that, as the Ger- man Reformed Church had been revised, its existence was no longer a necessity, and recommended that it be dissolved. The report was adopted and the church dissolved. Several attempts were made to unite weak congrega- tions, which were contiguous, in one self-supporting church, or for the joint support of a single pastor. The South East Church, once one of the strongest congregations in the Presbytery, had been weakened by removals and the organir zation of the South East Center Church. After Mr. McLeod's death they were no longer able to support a pas- tor. It became necessary to secure aid from the Board of Domestic Missions. April 22, 1863, a committee was ap- pointed to endeavor to bring about a union between this church and the one at the Center. They reported at the next stated meeting that it was inexpedient at that time. The churches at Croton Falls and North Salem both re- quired aid. An effort was made to unite them in October, 1863. The committee to visit them reported, April 20, 1864, that the way was not open for the proposed union. The church at Croton Falls was situated but a short dis- tance from that of Somers, from which it had separated through the division of 1837. The latter was under the care of the Presbytery of North River (N.S.) It was pro- posed to unite these churches. A committee from that body, consisting of Rev. E. G. Cobb and Elder Edward Wells, appeared at a meeting at Bedford, October 4, 1865, and expressed "their friendly and fraternal sentiments" in view of it. The following minute was adopted : " Whereas, the committee appointed by the Presbytery of North River has communicated to us some action" pertaining to the union of the churches THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. 1 53 of Somerstown and Croton Falls taken at their last meeting : We cordially reciprocate the Christian candor. and courtesy with which this action has been communicated to us; and further, this body will rejoice in an)» union between said churches which may be consistent with the desire and welfare of both.'' [Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, pp. 258-9.] A committee was appointed to visit the church at Croton Falls. At the next meeting the committee reported in part. The union was never consummated. The Reunion of 1869 brought about changes in the Presbyteries. The Presbytery of Connecticut gave place to the Presbytery of Westchester, which was erected by the Synod of New York June 21, 1870. At its dissolution the former numbered twenty-nine ministers and twenty-one churches. CHAPTER XVI. The Presbytery of Connecticut continued. THE spiritual condition of tlie churches is shown by the statistical reports and the narratives. Unfortunately, the latter were not entered upon the minutes from 1859 to 1867 inclusive. There seems to have been no general revival, unless the unusually large number of additions by .examination (192) reported in 1867 indicates it. From the narratives and other reliable sources we learn of special works of grace in individual churches. Tariff ville reported, October, 185 1, twenty-one additions, fifteen on profession; Thompsonville in 1858 received seventy, only sixteen by certificate; and Yorktown in 1868 and 1869 forty-three, seven by letter. • In October, 1869, additions of nineteen and twenty were reported. During the entire history of the Presbytery 927 were added on -examination and 613 on certificate, making a" total of 1540 additions. Sabbath- schools were maintained in all the churches. Presbyterial visitations were held at irregular intervals, beginning with the winter of 1858-9. The sins of which special mention is made are the same which were reported to previous Pres- byteries — Sabbath desecration and intemperance. An overture was received April 19, 1865, from the Ses- sion of the Bedford Church on "the traffic in milk on the Sabbath," and was referred to a special committee, who re- ported on May loth following, deprecating the evil, present- ing the argufnents against it, and recommending that the commissioners to the General Assembly be instructed to bring the report to the attention of that body, and ask such action as will lead to its suppression. The report was STATISTICAL REPORTS. 1S5 adopted and presented to the Assembly of 1865. It was referred to a special committee, which reported in 1867. After discussion it was " Resolved, That in view o£ the difficulties by which this subject is encompassed, it is inexpedient at present to make any deliverance thereon.'' [Minutes of General Assembly (O. S.), 1867, p. 316.] The Presbytery was not satisfied with the result, and it was voted to appoint a committee to prepare a new memorial and suggest a remedy. The committee does not seem to have been appointed. No further action was taken. STATISTICAL REPORTS. No. of Added. Total Sabbath-School Year. Churches. Examination. Certificate. Communicants. Membership. 1851 2 23 I 238 1852 3 36 35 299 1853 3 24 14 327 1854 3 >9 17 242 '8SS 3 9 13 240 1856 3 J4 5 287 110 1857 4 18 4 321 .226 1858 No report. 1859 5 48 26 417 317 i860 5 5 II 424 1861 10 36 29 823 575 1862 10 22 48 803 640 1863 21 52 39 1843 1066 1864 21 78 32 1785 1212 1865 21 63 38 1780 1247 1866 • 22 43 61 1817 1282 1867 22 192 63 2014 1508 1868 22 89 60 2018 1424 1869 22 76 59 2000 1513 1870 21 80 58 1930 1545 Total, 927 613 156 THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. CONTRIBUTIONS. Year. i "1 Oi B K C - C 1 s d .2 a W V d e * •a a 1 II V *- gg in £ < c '1 g 1 1 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 $4° 67 28 35 27 5 25 No re 53 45 222 176 651 676 791 921 1,264 1,052 1,496 1,708 $88 16 60 52 39 28 39 port. 77 65 215 232 977 1,048 1,568 1,608 1,718 1,905 2.379 2,289 ^25 5 35 45 "5 12 5 5 $'3 fil.'^OO ^r C7 905J 100 4,500 .... $5 5 5 3.500 2,450 35 78 127 147 202 240 342 820 909 849 56s 1,170 3 3 17 3.050 3.300 9,410 9.635 13,426 29,662 23.588 27,112 33.318 29,788 30,094 1861 72 62 26r 254 276 433 683 418 456 748 41 21 82 205 152 649 287 315 350 530 $54 217 61 1862 1863 1864 1S65 1866 201 3" 231 427 517 552 325 473 876 .3.7" 3.044 2.453 3.256 ■1.799 2,683 S125 123 159 157 159 $261 1867 1868 1869 1870 ^400 570 Tot'ls.S 9,282 14403 5.514 3.814 2,645 3.091 970 51 723 261 272.353 21,326 Total Specified Benevolent Contributions, - $39,719 " Presbyterial, Commissioners and Contingent Funds and Gen- eral Assembly, - - 1.035 " Congregational, - 272,353 " Miscellaneous, - - * - 21,326 Total for all purposes reported, )f334.433 Overtures in favor of reunion with the New School Branch of the Presbyterian Church were presented to the General Assembly as early as 1862. Resolutions express- ing fraternal feeling and the hope that such a union should be consummated were adopted by the next Assembly. In April, 1866, the Presbytery referred to a special commit- * Presbyterial includes collections for Commissioners and Contingent Funds, and for Relief. REUNION OF 1869. 157 tee " the proposed action of the next General Assembly on the following subjects : First, In reference to the churches of the South, and the Assembly's previous action on the state of the country. Second, In reference to the proposed union with the New School Church. And Third, In refer- ence to the report of the Cornmittee on Appellate Courts." On the second subject, on the recommendation of the com- mittee, the following minute was adopted : " In regard to union with the other branch of the church, this Presbytery earnestly desires the union of all the Presbyterian Bodies in this country, pro- vided this union can be effected without compromising in any way either the doctrines or the order of the church as they are prescribed in the Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church. In order practically to test the matter of union with the other branch, this Presbytery is in favor of the appointment of a ccmimittee by the Assembly, consisting of the most judicious ministers and elders of the church, to confer with a similar committee, if such should be appointed by the other Assembly, and report upon the whole matter to some subsequent Assembly." [Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 273.] In May of the same year (1866) overtures were sent up to the General Assembly from the Presbyteries of Leaven- worth, Muncie, New Lisbon, Madison, Erie, and Oxford, re- questing that measures be taken at that session to secure at an early day the organic union of the Old and New School bodies. It was voted to appoint a committee of nine minis- ters and six elders, provided that a similar committee be ap- pointed by the New School Assembly, to confer " on the desirableness and practicability of reunion, and if, after con- ference and inquiry, such reunion shall seem desirable and practicable, to suggest suitable measures for its accomplish- ment, and report to the next General Assembly." The committee reported to the next General Assembly (1867) a document adopted by the joint committee, entitled "Proposed Terms of Reunion." The report was accepted and ordered to be published for the consideration of churches and Presbyteries, and the committee was continued. This action was brought to the attention of the Presbytery at the Fall Stated Meeting by the committee on the minutes of the General Assembly, and was referred to a special committee. 158 THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. On their recoijimendation the following minute was unani- mously adopted : " The Presbytery cordially sympathizes with the earnest desire for reun- ion with the other branch of the Presbyterian Church, expressed by the Gen- eral Assembly of 1866, reaffirmed by the Assembly of 1867. Having carefully considered the basis adopted by the Joint Committee, the Presbytery feels constrained to dissent from some of its provisions. "i. We object to the relation of the theological schools of the other branch as being in a great measure independent of ecclesiastical control. " 2. But especially to the doctrinal basis, as being too vague, and liable to a latitudinarian construction. "3. We venture, with great diffidence, to recommend that if a more defi- nite and satisfactory statement of doctrinal views cannot|be obtained, a close alliance be effected between the two branches, aiming to secure a cordial co- operation in all measures for promoting the advancement of the kingdom of Christ in our land, and throughout the world, in the hope that an ultimate and indissoluble union may be accomplished. May God hasten it in his time I " [Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 322.] The Committee on Reunion reported to the General As- sembly of 1868 an amended Basis of Union. The report was accepted, the " Terms of Reunion " approved, and sent them down to the Presbyteries for their action. The Presbytery at the Fall Stated Meeting, October 7, 1868, adopted the following resolutions : " Resolved, i. That this Presbytery approvfe the Basis of Reunion sub- mitted to the Presbyteries by the last General Assembly. " Resolved, 2, That we would prefer in the first [doctrinal] article of the Basis, leaving out the following words, viz.: -"It being understood that the Confession is received in its historical, that is, the Calvinistic or Reformed sense. It is also understood that the various methods of viewing, stating, ex- plaining and illustrating the doctrines of the Confession, which do not impair the integrity of the Reformed or Calvinistic system, are to be freely allowed in the united church, as they have been in the separate churches." [Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 357.] The ayes and noes were called for on the first resolution, with the following result : Ayes — Ministers, Benedict, Patterson, Shiland, Adams, Baird, Hinsdale, Cochran, and Johnston ; Elders, W. Fisher (White Plains), Joshua Teller (Mt. Kisco), E. Raymond (Bedford), James Anderson (Thompsonville), Albert Cham- berlain (Croton Falls), W. P. Van Rensselaer (Rye), J. O. Eggleston (North Salem), C. B. Pudney (Patterson) — i6. REUNION OF 1869. 159 Noes — Ministers, Smuller, Perry, Mundy, and J. Aspin- wall Hodge ; Elders, E. Bouton (South Salem), W. H. Travis (Gilead), James Purdy (Yorktown), and Ephraim Sours (Port Chester) — 8. The second was adopted unanimously. The General Assembly of 1869 met in New York on May 20th. The vote of the Presbyteries, as reported by the Stated Clerk, rejected the Basis by a large majority, largely on the ground of disapproval of the doctrinal article with its qualifying clauses. The great majority were in favor of union " on terms that will not override the Confes- sion of Faith with any special stipulations." The doctrinal article was amended to meet these objections, and it was ordered that an overture should be sent down to the Presby- teries, which were directed to meet on or before October 15th, and express their approval or disapproval by a categorical answer to the following question : " Do you approve of the reunion of the two bodies now claiming the name and riglit of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America on the following basis, namely : " The reunion shall be effected on the doctrinal and ecclesiastical basis o£ our common Standards ; the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments shall be acknowledged to be the inspired word of God, and the only infallible rule of faith and practice ; the Confession of Faith shall continue to be sincerely received and adopted as containing the system of doctriiie taught in the Holy Scriptures ; and the Government and Discipline of the Presbyterian Church in the United States shall be. approved as containing the principles and rules of our polity.-"' [Minutes of the General Assembly (O. S.), pp. 914-15.] The Presbyteries were directed to forward their answers to the Stated Clerk before November ist. The Assembly adjourned to niuet in the city of Pittsburgh, Pa., on the second Wednesday of November. The Presbytery of Con- necticut at the Fall Stated Meeting held at South East Center, N. Y., October 6th, answered the overture "unani- mously in the affirmative," twenty ministers and fourteen elders voting. Rev. Epenetus Benedict led in prayer "in view of the result of the vote." The Assembly met according to adjournment. It was l6o THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. found that of the one hundred and forty-four Presbyteries, one hundred and twenty-six answered in the afSrmative, and only three in the negative. A communication was received from the New School Assembly that all the Presbyteries of that branch of the church had answered in the afifirmative. Friday, November 12, 1869, the Basis of the Reunion was declared to be of binding force, and the two branches of the church, after thirty-two years of separation, became one. The Reunion very much increased the number of com- missioners to the General Assembly. Consequently the question of representation came up for consideration. The Presbytery of Connecticut, April 19, rS/o, at what proved to be their last meeting, expressed their views in the following resolutions : t "Resolved, i, That the Presbytery of Connecticut is unqualifiedly op- posed to the radical change proposed by the Committee on Reconstruction as to the constitution of the General Assembly, viz. : that it be ^composed of dele- gates from the Synods, instead, as always heretofore, from Presbyteries. " Resolved, 2, That it is our judgment that the basis of representation should be, not the number of ministers belonging to a Presbytery, but the number of pastoral charges therein. " Resolved, 3, That Presbytery expresses its acquiescence in the other recommendations of the committee, save that the constitutional change pro- posed with reference to the last number of members necessary to constitute a Presbytery be altered to read thus, five ministers having charge of congrega- tions." [Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 428.] At the stated meeting of October, 1 864, the Presbytery felt called upon to place upon record resolutions on the state of the country. " Without encroaching upon the domain of partizan politics, and viewing existing facts as related to the advancement of that kingdom which is drawing all nations into itself, and which shall endure forever, " The Presbytery of Connecticut, deeply impressed with the vast interests at stake in the solemn crisis through which our nation is passing, would hereby spread upon its minutes the expression of its loyalty to the civil powers which God has ordained in these United States, and to which His Word commands every soul to be subject. " While we deplore the evils of the war caused by an unprovoked Rebel- lion, we heartily desire its success in the triumph of our Government, and in the utter defeat of treason and conspiracy, so that Rebellion may be henceforth and forever hopeless in our land. DEATH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. l6l "We cannot but rejoice in tlie removal of the institution of slavery by the war power vested in the Executive of our national Government, thereby removing a local evil which in time of peace was protected by constitutional enactments ; and we admire that Providence which is thus destroying an evil, the security and perpetuation of which were the declared objects of this Re- bellion." [Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, p. 2i8.] The Presbytery was in session in Bridgeport, April 19, 1865, the day upon which the funeral of President Lincoln took place. At the hour appointed for the funeral the Pres- bytery engaged in religious services. The following minute was adopted : " I. That while this unparalleled crime justly e.xcites universal detesta- tion and horror, the moral causes which have rendered it possible should awaken the profoundest scrutiny of the people of these States. " 2. That without attempting to enumerate all the causes, the committee cannot refrain from calling attention to the spirit of insubordination to civil authority, and the consequent disrespect to the administrators of that authority, which have obtained a widespread and baleful influence, originating in the neglect of the salutary restraints which all history shows, and the Word of God enjoins, should be imposed upon^he passions of childhood and youth, and thence producing the natural fruit of contempt of the obligations of law and its sanctions, involving in that contempt the executors of the law from the lowest to the highest — and abounding in the mutual abuse of political parties, the substance of harangues in the presence of the people, pervading the newspaper press, penetrating the halls of legislation, and even invading the sanctity of the judicature and the pulpit; and thence by a terrible reaction falling upon the young men of our land, who speedily learn the lessons of political profligacy and dishonor. " 3. That the age of the supposed perpetrator of the crime and of his accessories, calls public attention td" the state of morals alarmingly prevalent among large classes of young men, who resort to places of criminal amuse- ment, and who while contracting habits of expensive vice, soon cast off all re- straints of honor and religion, and become capable of every crime ; and that the Providence of God speaks, through the unheard-of atrocity, with unequivo- cal admonition to the teachers and guardians of the young. "4. That as Abraham Lincoln was, by the overwhelming voice of the American people, the chief representative of the Union, of 4i'ee institutions, and of the national determination to extirpate the evil system which has im- perilled the nation : — so the assassins of our beloved President may be justly regarded as the representative of the spirit of the rebellion, and of the culmi- nation of that spirit, which is a spirit of intolerance, cruelty and brutality. *' 5. That while we bow with broken hearts to the rod which has deprived this nation of its wise, patriotic, and honored Chief Magistrate, we express our undiminished faith in Almighty God, through His Son Jesus Christ, the 21 ^ 1 62 THE PRESBYTERY OF CONNECTICUT. Sovereign Lord and King of Nations, believing that He has mercies and blessings in reserve for our country, transcending all that He hath wrought for us hitherto ; and we earnestly invite our peoplft to implore our covenant God to forgive the sins which have brought down His judgments upon us, and to pour out His Spirit upon our whole country, that the wastes which war has made may bloom again, broken ties be reunited, sorrows consoled, our stricken country restored to perpetual peace and prosperity, and the kingdom of our Lord universally promoted and acknowledged." [Records of the Pres- bytery of Connecticut, pp. 231-3.] The General Assembly of 1865 prescribed terms, upon which ministers and communicants, who had taken part in the Rebellion, should be readmitted to our Presbyteries and churches, and gave direction to the Board of Domestic Mis- sions in relation to the employment of missionaries in the South. This action excited much discussion. April 18, 1866, the Presbytery expressed its approval. " I. The repeal, or essential modification of the deliverances of the As- sembly of 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, and 1865, on the State of the Country, on Slavery, and the sin of Rebellion, we regard as not only inexpedient, but altogether wrong, contrary to history, and opposed to the word of God. " 2. In relation to the directions given to Presbyteries, prescribing terms of re-admission to members who had voluntarily aided the Rebellion, we do not hesitate to affirm that the principle which guided the Assembly's action is correct; since the Church is solemnly bound to examine into and determine the qualifications of its members, both lay and clerical, according to the Word of God. "3. If it is found that the Assembly's directions to the Board of Domes- tic Missions in relation to the employment of ministers in the Southern States are liable to be construed into the permission of that Board to exercise Presby- terial functions, we respectfully suggest that the liability to such a construction should be removed. " 4. Inasmuch as the deliverances of the last General Assembly have been misrepresented by opposers, and misconstrued by others, we venture to suggest the expediency of such a declaration by the approaching Assembly as will remove all misconception of the intent and meaning of the last Assem- bly's action, and take away from its opposers the weapons they are wielding to wound Christ in the house of His friends." [Records of the Presbytery of Connecticut, pp. 272-3.] officers. Permanent Officers. i6^ STATED CLERKS. Name. Appointed. I. Rev. Robert G. Thompson, October 29, 1850. 2. Thomas S. Childs, April 27, 1853. 3- Charles W. Baird, October 2, 1861. 4- William Patterson, April 21, 1863. S- Charles W. Baird, October 7, 1863. 6. Valentine A. Lewis, April 17, 1867. 7- Ezra F. Mundy, October i, 1867. TREASURERS. •J Name. Appointed. I. Rev. James Ely, October 29, 1850. 2. i< Charles W. Baird, October 16, 1861. 3- Elder John Palmer, April 21, 1863. 4- Rev. Valentine A. Lewis, April 17, 1867. 5- Cl Ezra F. Mundy, HISTORIAN. October i, 1867. . Name. Appointed. I. Rev. Charles W. Baird, October 2, 1867; The salary of the Stated Clerk was raised, October i, 1867, from ^10 to ^20 per annum. CHAPTER XVIL The Presbytery of Westchester. THE Reunion made many changes necessary. Presby- teries covered the. same territory, and in some cases were known by the same names. The Synod of New York, at a meeting held June, 1870, rearranged the Presbyteries, assigning as far as practicable definite geographical bound- aries. The Presbytery of Westchester was erected June 21, 1870. The following is the action of the Synod : " It is ordered — That the churches, with their pastors, and all the minis- ters resident or in active work in the Counties of Westchester and Putnam (with the exception of the church at Cold Spring), and in the State of Connecti- cut, be the Presbytery of Westchester, to meet in the Presbyterian Church in Sing Sing on the 4th day of October next at 3 o'clock r. M., and to be opened with a sermon by the Rev. Charles W. Baird, or in his absence by the Rev. John N. Freeman ; and the Presbytery of Westchester is hereby declared to be the successor of the Presbytery of Connecticut, and as such entitled to the posses- sion and enjoyment of all the rights and franchises, and liable to the perform- ance of all the duties of the said Presbytery." [Records of the Presbytery of Westchester, vol. I, p. 3.] The churches within the territory assigned to the new Presbytery had been under the care of three New School and three Old School Presbyteries. Two — Peekskill, 2d, and Somers, belonged to the Presbytery of North River (N. S.) ; five — Yonkers, ist, Stamford, ist, Irvington, Tre- mont, and Westminster, to the New York Third ; three — New Rochelle, Riverdale, and Darien, to the New York Fourth; one — Throgg's Neck, to the Presbytery of New York; four — West Farms, Peekskill, ist. Sing Sing, and Greenburgh, to the New York Second ; and the remainder to the Presbytery of Connecticut. feOLL OF MINiStERS. i6s Roll of Ministers. Name. Church. Enrolled. 1. Samuel H. Cox, Oct. 4, 1871 D, *Oct. 2, 1880 2. Chauncey G. Lee, *Feb. 20, 1 87 1 3- Daniel W. Lathrop, *Mar. 28,1863 4- James Ely, 5- William Patterson, P., Pound Ridge, " " *Feb. 6, 1889 6. Dwight M. Seward, tOct. 4, 1876 7- David M. Halliday, tjan. 26, 1874 8. Robert D. Gardner, tOct. 4, 187 1 9- William Huntting, tOct. 2, 1883 10. Peter B. Heroy, P., Bedford, *Oct. 16, 1878 n. Andrew Shiland, P., Mt. Kisco, " " iFeb. 23, 187 1 12. Charles E. Lindsley, (Teacher), / " " 13- Wilson Phraner, P., Sing Sing, " " 14. Carson W. Adams,S.S. , Mahopac Falls, " " tFeb. 23, 187 1 IS- Charles W. Baird, P., Rye, *Feb. 10, 1S87 16. James Baird, P., Patterson, " " tApr. 21, 1880 17- William Life, (Teacher), i8. Horace G. Hinsdale, P. , Bridgeport, ist, " " tOct. 3. 1877 19. Thomas M. Gray, P., S. S. S.S., S. S. South Salem, " " , North Salem, (New Lebanon, N. Y'.), , North Salem, *Dec. 24, 1883 20. Ezra F. Mundy, P., Port Chester, tJan. 24, 1881 21. Talmon C. Perry, (f 1( 22. J. Aspinwall Hodge, P. , Hartford, 23- C. H. Halloway, S. S., North Salem, tApr. 16, 1872 24. E. Bailey Smith, S. S., (Enfield, Conn.), §Jan. 26, 1874 25- George Nixon, P.,, P., West Farms, " " Tremont, II Oct. 19, 1887 26. Alex. S. Twombly, P.,. Stamford, Ist, tFeb. 24, 1873 27- James McDougall, Jr., " " tApr. 18,1871 28. Charles B. Dye, S. S., Somers, " , " tOct. 7, 1879 29. A. W. Macoubrey, P., P., S. S.^ South East Center, New Rochelle, , South East Center, tFeb. 20, 1883 30- Henry F. Lee, P., Thompsonville, " " tNov. 17,1873 31- Daniel S. Gregory, P., South Salem, " " tOct. 4, 1876 32- Nelson Millard, P., Peekskill, 2d, tjuly 2, 1872 33- T. M. Niven, Jr., P., Greenburgh, " " 34- Alexander Nesbit, P., Tremont, *jan. 7. 187s 35- George M. Boynton, (( • u tDec. 10, 1872 36. James W. Coleman, P., P. E. , Darien, , New Haven, ist. tJan. 18, 1876 * Died, t Dismissed, t Name dropped. § Deposed. || Transferred by Synod to Presbytery of New York. 1 66 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. Name. Church. • Enrolled. 37. Roswell D. Smith, Oct. 4, 1870, tOct. 19, 1870 38. Robert A. Davison, P., Throgg's Neck, " t Apr. 15,1884 39. Arthur Potts, P., Potts Mem'l, " tSep. 9,187s 40. James W. Johnston, P. , Yorktown, " tOct. 2, 1877 41. Homer S. Newcomb, " tjan. 19,187s 42. Lewis W. Mudge, P., Westminster, " tMay 7, 1877 43. John N. Freeman, P., Peekskill, ist. " tJan. 18, 1876 44. Henry H. Stebbins, P, ., Riverdale, " tDec. 28, 1873 45. Wm. J. Thompson, P., , Croton Falls, " tDec. 10, 1872 46. John Hancock, P., Mt. Kisco, Oct. S. 1870, tAug. 8, 1876 47. Rollin A. Sawyer, P., Irvington, " (( S. S. , Greenwich, P-. Gilead, 48. Faber Byllesby, " " tApr. 16, 1872 49. Ewd. R. Burkhalter, P., , New Rochelle, Oct. 26, 1870, tAug. 8, 1876 50. T. Ralston Smith, P., Yonkers, ist. Feb. 23. 1871, tApr. 17, 1879 SI. D. A. Holbrook, Tea., (Sing Sing, N. Y.), Apr. 19. 1871, 52. Daniel D. Sahler, P., Gilead, ti " *Nov. 12, 1S82 53. LaFayette Dudley, " " tApr. 15, 1879- 54. Jos. Greenleaf, Jr., P., (New Canaan, Ct), it " tJan. 18, 1887 55. George Tomlinson, ft " *July i6, 1876 56. Daniel Gibbs, H. R., (( " *Apr. 7, 1 88 1 57. Alex. B. Bullions, S. S.; , Croton Falls, (( " tOct. 4, 1S76 58. James B. Bonar, ' (( " tjuly 16, 1877 59. George A. Bowman, (( " tApr. 2S, 1877 60. William Tracey, F. M. (India), It " *Nov. 28, 1877 61. Charles C. Wallace, P. , Mahopac Falls, June 20, 187 1, t Jan. 24, 1881 62. Thomas C. Steele, P., White Plains, tt " *Mar. 29, 1877 63. Edward B. Allen, P., South East, Oct. 3. 1871, 64. Henry M. Baird, Prof., , (University, N. Y.), "Oct. 4, 65. Frank A. Wood,- F.M., (Syria), Oct. 24. " *July 20, 1878 66. Joseph Beers, P., ( Croton Falls, j Somers, 9ct. 2, 1872, tJan. 19,187s 67. Henry M. Hazeltine, P., , North Salem, (( " tJuly 24, 1879 68. Hugh A. McKelvSy, Oct. 16, " 69. James Demarest, Jr., P. , Peekskill, 2d, <( " tJuly 20, 1874 70. Evert Van Slyke, P., Stamford, ist, Feb. 24, 1873, tOct. 4, 1876 71. Valentine A. Lewis, Mar. 3. 1873, tApr. 22, 1874 72. Isaac Baird, " " tjune 2,1873 73. Donald Fletcher, P., Bethany, July 23 1873, tApr. 21,187s 74. Edgar L. Hejmance, P., , White Plains, Mar. 5. i874,*Apr.29, 1888 75. Charles H. Burr, Jr., P., Riverdale, " " tJan. 20, i88s 76. Fred. S. Barnum, P., Thompsonville, Apr. 22, 1874, tJune 12, 1888 77. Revile J. Cone, Jan. 19. 187s, tJan. 16, 1883 78. Robt. A. Blackford, P., Croton Falls, Apr. 20, 1875, tApr. 21, 1880 79. William H. Smith, June •5. 1875, tOct. 6,187s *Died. t Dismissed. ROLL OF MINISTERS. 167 Name. Church. Enrolled. _ 80. John H. Eastman, P., Katonah, July 8,: 187s. 81. Gordon Mitchell, P., Bethany, Nov. 9, 1 [875,*Feb. 5. 1878 82. L. P. Cummings, P., Potts Mem'l, (( " II Oct. 19. 1887 83 Roderick Terry, P., Peekskill, 2d, " " tjune 7. 1881 84. James Morton, Jan. 18,: [876, tjan. 17. 1888 85. Carson W. Adams, P., West Farms, Apr. 19, " *Aug. 28, 1887 86. Richard P. H. Vail, P., Stamford, ist, i< ti 87. Charles E. Lord, June 20, " tOct. 3. 1877 88. Edward T. Bromfield, " " tApr. 17. 1878 89. J. Ritchie Smith, P., Peekskill, 1st, June 26, " 90. Wm. J. Cumming, P., Yorktown, Aug. 8, " 91. John H. Frazee, P., Mt. Kisco, Apr. 18, 1 ;877,tOct. 21, 1879 92. Sidney G. Law, a " tApr. 15. 1879 93- John Dixon, P., Westminster, Oct. 2, " tjuly 18, 1884 94- Henry R Waite, P., Hug. Mem'l, Dec. 4, " tOct. 7, 1884 95- Thomas S. Childs, Jan. 15, 1878, tJan: 16, 1883 96. H. A. Davenport, P., Bridgeport, ist. U (( 97- George W. Gallagher, May 6, " tSep. 6, 1878 98. Willis W. Dowd, P., Port Chester, May 8, " 99. Spencer L. Finney, " " tApr. 21, 1880 100. Charles H. Riggs, May 8, 187S, lOI. Wm. K. Eddy, F. M., (Syria), July II, C( 102. Geo. W. F. Birch, P., Bethany, Oct. I, " II Oct. '9. 1878 103. R. Randall Hoes, P., Ch., New Rochelle, (U. S. N.), Nov. 21," 104. G. M. McCampbell, P., South Salem, Feb. 25, 1879, tNov. 20, 1882 105. William R. Lord, P., Riverdale, Apr. 30, " tApr. 18, 1883 106. Charles E. Allison, P., , Dayspring, (( " 107. James H. Hoyt, P., Bedford, Oct. S, " 108. John Reid, P., 'Yonkers, ist. Oct. 22, " 109. Washington Choate,P. , Irvington, Jan. 20, 1880, tOct. 22, 1888 no. Willard Scott, P., West Farms, (t " tJan. 16, 1883 III. George W. Morrill, Apr. 22, " tOct. 19 ,1881 112. Lewis H. Reid, Tea., (Lakeville, Ct.), June 15, " tMar. 22 1881 "3- James W. Johnston, P .,Mt. Kisco, " " tOct. 3. 1883 114. Julius L. Daniicr, S. S ., Peekskill, 2d, Oct. 5, " tOct. 4. 1881 lit;. C. D. Rice, 'I'ca , Oct. 20, " 116. Robt. B. Mattice, S. S. , Croton Falls, " " tApr. 21, 1885 117. M. P. Welcher, P., P. Pleasantville,, , South Salem, Dec. 2, 118. Isaac L. Kip, P., Patterson, Jan. 18, i8Si,tNov • 23 ,1888 119, A. W. Colver, S. S., Gilead, Apr. 19, " tOct. 3^ ,1888 120. Charles J. Collins, Tea .,(Rye,,N.Y.), Apr. 20, " tOct. 7, ,1885 121. , Harris R. Schenck, P. , Mahopac Falls, , Mt. Kisco, June 7, <( 122, . E. P. Cleveland, P., Darien, July 7. " tOct. 4. ,1882 * Died. Dismissed. } Name Dropped. Synod to Presbytery of New York. § Deposed. || Transferred by 1 68 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 123. 124. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130. 131- I32- 1 33' 134- I3S' 136. I37. 138. 139- 140. 141. 142. 143- 144. 145. 146. 147. 148. 149. 150. 151. IS-- 153- 154. 155- 156. 157- 158. 159. 160. 161. 162. 163. 164. 165. Name. Church. Daniel N. Freeland, P., Hug. Mem'l, David Murdock, P., Peekskill, 2d, Henry C. Baskerville, E T. Broomfield, S. S., Darien, Frank V. IMills, F. M., William B. Waller, P., New Rochelle, Isaac S. Davison, Tea., (Yonkers, N. Y.), Ira S. Dodd, P., Riverdale, Homer S. Newcomb, John D. Long, P., West Farms, Lyman D. Calkins, P., South Salem, Addison D. Madeira,P.,Mt. Kisco, P. E., (Independence, Mo.] A. R. Macoubrey, S. S., South East Center, S. S., (San Mateo, Fla.), Charles E. Upson., Charles P. Fagnani, P., Westminster, Elijah W. Green, Robert P. Gibson, P., Croton Falls, J. Howard Hobbs, P., Greenwich, 1st, Chas. P. Mallery, P. E., West Farms, James G. Rodger, P., New Haven, ist, Marcus Burr, Franklin B. Dwight, P., Sing Sing, Marcellus Bowen, Tea., (Hartford, Ct.), Agt., (Constantinople), John S. Allen, P., Throgg's Neck, P., Patterson, W. Hart Dextei', P., South East Centre, P., Thompsonville, Irving E. White, P., P«ekskill, 2d, Christopher R. Brown, Edward C. Moore, P., Westminster, Arthur Requa, P., Darien, Andrew B. Morse, W. W. Whipple, H. R., John S. Penman, P., Irvington, Elias S. Schenck, S. S., North Salem, Alexander. Miller, P., Mahopac Falls, Charles S. Lane, P., Mt. Vernon, ist, Wm. Gardner, F. M., (Corea), John E. Bushnell, P., Rye, J. Hendrik de Vries, Lewis H. Reid, Tea., (Hartford, Ct.), A K. Strong, S. S., Gilead, John H. Trussell, S. S., South East Center, William Y. Brown, P., Portchester, John F. Lynn, P., Pleasantville, Enrolled. Oct. 9, 188 1. Apr. 19, 1882, June 20, " tOct. 4. 1882 Oct. 4, " tOct. 4. 1882 Jan. 16,1883, Apr. 18, " " llOct. •9. 1887 Oct. 3, " Jan. 15, 1884, tOct. 6, 1885 Apr. 16, " tApr. 21, 1886 Oct. 7, 1884, Jan. 15, 1884, tOct. 6, 18S7 Jan. 20, 1885, tOct. S. 1S56 Mar. 9, " Apr. 21, " tJuly 7. 1885 Apr. 22, " July 22, " Oct. 8, " II Oct. '9. 18S7, Jan. 19,1886, Apr. 20, " t June 'S'. 1886 May 13, " June 15, " Oct. 5, 1886, Oct. 6, " tjan. Jan. 24, 1887, Apr. 19, " June 21, " June 29, " Oct. 4, " Jan. 17,1888, Mar. 29, " Apr. 18, " June 12, " June 19, " Oct. 3, " Jan. 15,1889, << (1 Feb. 13, " May 15, " *Died. ■ Dismissed. ORDAINED. 169 The Presbytery began its existence with the names of forty-five ministers on its rolls, of whom twenty -four were pastors and two stated supplies. Ninety-four ministers were received from other ecclesiastical bodies, twenty-five were ordained, making a total of one hundred and sixty-three. Seventeen — Chauncey G. Lee, Alexander Nesbitt, George Tomlinson, Thomas C. Steele, William Tracy, Gordon Mitchell, Frank A. Wood, Peter B. Heroy, Samuel Hanson Cox, Daniel Gibbs, Daniel D. Sahler, Daniel W. Lathrop, Thomas M. Gray, Charles W. Baird, Carson W. Adams, Edgar L. Heermance, and William Patterson — have been called to their reward. Eighty-two were dismissed. The name of one, James Baird, who had applied for admission to the ministry of the Protestant-Episcopal Church without regular dismission from the Presbytery, was dropped from the roll. E. Bailey Smith united with the Catholic Apos- tolic Church, and was deposed from the ministry for holding heretical and schismatical views. Five were transferred by the Synod, with the concurrence of the Presbytery, to the Presbytery of New York. There are on the roll the names of fifty-nine ministers. Ordained. Name. Date. I. Edward R. Burkhalter, October 6, 1870. 2. Thomas C. Steele, - June 20, 187 1. 3- Frank A. Wood, October 24, 1871. 4- Isaac Baird, - March 3, 1873. S- Donald Fletcher, - July 22, 1873. 6. Charles H. Burr, Jr., - March 5, 1874. 7- John H. Eastman, - July 8, 1875- 8. Roderic Terry, November 9, 1875. 9- J. Ritchie Smith, - - June 26, 1876. 10. William J. Gumming, August 8, 1876. II. George W. Gallagher, May 6, 1878. 12. William K. Eddy, July 11, 1878. i3- William R. Lord, - April 30, 1879. 14. Charles E. Allison, - April'30, 1879. •5- Manfred P. Welcher, - December 2, 1880. 16. Harris R. Schenck, - June 7, 1881. 17- Edwards P. Cleveland, - July 7, 1881. 18. Elijah W. Green, 22 April 21, 1885. 170 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. 23' 24, 25 26. Name. J. Howard Hobbs, John S. Allen, W. Hart De.^ter, - Arthur Requa, John S. Perman, William Gardner, J. Hendrick de Vries, John F. Lynn, Licensed. Henry J. Owen, Frank A. Wood, Isaac Baird, - Charles Wood, William Smith, William R. Terrett, Israel N. Terry, Peter M. MacDonald, Alexander Scotland, James Fitzpatrick, George W. Gallagher, - William K. Eddy, - •*Arthur G. Rodgers, William H. Sybrandt, Frederick Johnston, Allan W. Draper, - Edwards P. Cleveland, William S. Kelsey, Eugene W. Lyttle, Frank H. HaySj Matoon M. Curtis, John Montgomery, Elijah W. Green, J. Howard Hobbs, William Gardner, Arthur Requa, James W. Dow, John Dunlap, James K. Phillips, Hugh Lenox Hodge, Richard Morse Hodge, Charles- Lyman Carhart, John F. Lynn, Candidates, 45. Date. July 22, 1885. May 13, 1886. June 15, 1886. January 24, 1887. June 29, 1887. April 18, 1888. June 19, 1888. May 15, 1889. April 19, 187 1. (( t( April 16, 1872. October 2, 1872. April 16, 1873. April 22, 1874. t( it April 25, 1877. June 19, 1877. January 15, 1878. April 17, 1878. April 17, 1879. April 20, 1 88 1. April 19, 1882. April 18, 1883. April 16, 1884. April 21, 1886. April 21, 1886. April 20, 1887. H (I June 12, 1888. « (( April 17, 1889. * License recalled Oct. 17, 1878. ROLL OF CHURCHES. 171 Name. 1. Bedford, 2. Bridgeport, ist, 3. Red Mills, Carmel, ist, Mahopac Falls, 4. Croton Falls, 5. Darien, 6. Deep River, 7. Gilead, 8. Hartford, ist, 9. Greenburgh, 2d, Irvington, Roll of Churches. Enrolled. Pastors and Slated Supplies. Oct. 4, 1870, Peter B. Heroy, P., James H. Hoyt, P., " " Horace G. Hinsdale, P., Henry A. Davenport, P., Carson W. Adams, S. S. Charles C. Wallace, P., Harris R. Schenck, P., Alexander Miller, P., William J. Thompson, P. Joseph Beers, P., Robert A. Blackford, P., Robert B. Mattice, S. S., Robert P. Gibson, P:, " " *James W. Coleman, P., Edwards P. CleaveIand,P., Arthur Requa, P., " (Dissolved Oct. 17, 1871). " Daniel D. Sahler, P., Anthony W. Colver, S. S., RoUin A. Sawyer, P., Addison K. Strong, S. S., J. Aspinwall Hodge, P., " *Charles K. McHarg, S. S John DeWitt, P., RoUin A. Sawyer, P., Washington Choate, P., John S. Penman, S. S., P., Term of Service. (Oct. 30, 1857- 1 Oct. 16, 1878 Feb. 17, iSSo- ( Oct. 28, 1862- I Nov. I, 1877 Feb. 14, 1878- ( Oct., 1868- 'I Feb. I, 187 1 ( July II, 1871- ) Feb.j, 18S1 I June 7, 1881- i May 8, 1S87 Feb. I, 1888- ( Oct. 15, 186S- ' I Apr. I, 1872 j Nov. 14, 1872- i May I, 1S74 Oct. II, 1877- Jan. I, 1880 1880- 1884 Feb. 3, 1887- ( Mar. 6, 1S64- ( Jan. 20, 1874 I July 7, 1881- ' I Apr. 18, 1882 Jan. 24, 1887- ( May 2, 187 1- j Nov. 12, 1882 1883- 1885 ( May 26, 1885- I Aug. I, 1888 Jan., 1889- May 2, 1866- j Feb., 1854- ' I Oct. 10, 1855 ( Oct. 10, 1855- ' j Nov. 21, 1S64 ( July 6, 1S65- ( Dec. I, 1869 ( Oct. 13, 1870- ( Apr. 17, 1879 ( Oct. 13, 1S80- I June 24, 1888 June, 1888- May 29, 1889 ♦List contains names of Pastors and Stated Supplies from the organization of Church. 172 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. Name, lo. Mt. Kisco, II. New Rochelle, 12. North Salem, 13. Patterson, ( Oct. 16, 1870- j Sept. I, 1876 ( June 20, 1877- Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. Oct. 4, 1870, John Hancock, P., John H. Frazee, P., -j - ^^^_ ,^ jg^g James W. Johnston. S. S., j juJe '29,' 188^ p ( June 29, 1880- ^ ■' i Oct. 28, 1883 Addison D. Madeira, P., | ^^^ ^'^■^^^- Harris R. Schenck, P., May 12, 1887- " »Peter Snyder, S. S., 1841- 1842 Henry M. Scudder, S. S., 1843- 1844 Charles Hawlev P i J'™' ^°' '^^5- unaries iiawiey, 1., ^ Oct. 23, 1848 /-I. 1 T- T • J 1 T> ( June 28, iSm- Charles E. Lindsley, P., | •'q^.^ ^^^ jg g James H. Taylor, S. S., Erskine N. White, P., 1859- 1862 ( Dec. 3, 1862- I Aug. 3, 1868 ) Jan. 7, 1869- I Nov. I, 1869 p I Oct. 26, 1870- "■' ■^•' ) Sept. I, 1876 David Hopkins, P., Edward R. Burkhalter, Anthony R.Macoubrey,P., | ^o''ct.'2,'?877 R. Randall Hoes, P., | ?°':-''''^^f- ' ' ( Sept. II, 1881 Arthur Newman, S. S., 1S81- 1882 William B. Waller, P., Jan. 30, 1883- Chas. H. Halloway; S. S., 1868- 1871 HenryM.Hazeltine, S. S., ^ ^^J°- ^'.'^^l-' ■' I Nov. 6, 1872 „ S Nov. 6, 1872- Apr. 30, 1876 14. Peekskill, ist, Peekskill, Robert B. Mattice, S. S., Elias S. Schenck, S. S., James Baird, P., Isaac L. Kip, P., John S. Allen, P., tWilliam Marshall, P., David M. Halliday, P., 1887- l May II, 1869- j May I, 1879 ( June 22,1881- \ Nov. 4, 1888 May 15, 1889- ( N0V.13, 1832- ( Oct. 12, 1843 ( Nov. 1, 1843- l Oct. 9, 1867 *List contains names of Pastors and Stated Supplies from time Church left Presbytery of Bedford. t List from date of transfer from Presbytery of Bedford to Second Presby- tery of N. Y. kOLL OF CHtJRCHfeS. 173 Name. 15. Peekskill, 2d, Payson Church, Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. John N. Freeman, P., J. Ritchie Smith, P., Oct. 4, 1870, *Daniel Brown, S. S., 16. Portchester, 17. Potts Memorial, 18. Pound Ridge, 19. Riverdale, 20. Rye, Livingston Willard, S. S., Term of Service. ( May 14, 1868- i Jan. 18, 1876 June 26, 1876- l Nov. 21,1841- I May 4, 1842 , ( May 4, 1842- ■' ( Nov. 8, 1846 1847- ( May 25, 1848- i Nov. 15, 1851 ( June 29, 1852- 1 Aug. 19, 1852 j Nov. 10, 1852- I Feb. 29, 1856 1857- 1859 ( June 20, 1860- ) Nov. 12, 1866 ( Apr. 30, 1867- •• I July IS, 1869 j June 14, 1870- ( July 7, 1872 let. 22, 1872- Aug. I, 1874 Sfov. 9, 1875- Nov. 17, 1879 Joseph McKee, P., Daniel Bond, P., George F. Wiswell, P., Silas Hawley, S. S., Elisha G. Cobb, P., Charles H. Baldwin, P, Nelson Millard, P., James Damarest, Jr., P., Roderick Terry, P., David Murdock, P., Irving E. White, P., Ezra F. Mundy, P , Willis W. Dowd, P., William Y. Brown, P., *Arthur Potts, P., Lawrence P. Cummings, P., Nov. 30, 1875- William Patterson, P., | ^Feb.°6,'i88^ »George M. Boynton, P., \ °<^'- ^^' '^^3" ° ( June 10, 1867 Henry H. Stebbins, P., Charles H. Burr, ( Oct. 22, 1872- ! Aug. I, 187. ( Nov. 9, 1875- ( Nov. 17, 1871 ( May 2, 1882- ] Apr. 21, 1886 June 29, 1886- ( Mar. 9, 1868- ( Mar. 31, 1877 ( May 8, 1878- l Apr. 30, 1888 Feb. 13, 1889- ( Apr. 10, 1866- I Sept. 9, 1875 ( Oct. 8, 1867- I Dec. 28, 1873 r Tr P i '^'"■- 5> '874- r. Jr-. J'-, ^ Aug. I, 1878 William R. Lord, P., Ira S. Dodd, P., Charles W. Baird, P., j Apr. 30, 1879- ( Dec. 12, i88i June 12, 1883- ( Mar. 9, 1861- Feb. 10, I a * Pastors and Stated Supplies from organization of Church. 174 THE PRESiBYTERY OF WESTCMESTER. Name. Sing Sing, 22. Somers, ist, 23. South East, 24. South East Center, 25. South Greenburgh, Greenburgh, 26. South Salem, 27. Stamford, Term o£ Service. June iz, i888- ( Feb. 13, 1849- ( Mar,i85i ( Oct. 28, 1851- \ Dec. 27, 1885 Franklin B. Dwight, P., | June^^8,^889 Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. John E. Bushnell, P., Oct. 4, 1870, John P. Lundy, P., Wilson Phraner, P., j Apr. 17, 1847- Apr. 4, 1848 1848- 1856- 1865- 1866- 1870- 1871- *George Monilaws, P., s D. D. T. McLaughlin, S. S., W. K. Piatt, S. S., J. Collins, S. S., P. H. Burghardt, S. S., C. B. Whitcomb, S. S., Charles B. Dye, S. S., Joseph Beers, P., Edward B. Allen, P., Anthony B.Macoubrey.P., | r)ec"3,'i876 S. S., 1878- 1885 TIT tr ,. T-v i T. ( June 15, 1886- W. Hart Dexter, P., \ ^^^g i^_ ,588 John H. Trussell, S. S., Dec. i, 1888- tWiUiam MeiUle, P., { ^^ ^'^^^f^ Thornton M. Niven, Jr., P., Oct. 14, 1867- Daniel S. Gregory. P., { ^^'^,^'18^ TU Tilt n -D i Nov. 8, 187 1- Thomas M. Gray, P., | ^^^ j^_ ^^^g Henry J. Owen, S. S., 1876- George A. Seeley, S. S., 1877- Geo. M. McCampbell, P., { ^J^fy'l'^f^l; J. M. Buchanan, S. S., 1883- ( May 21, 1884- 1 Nov. 14, 1872- I May I, 1874 Nov. 14, 1S71- Lyman D. Calkins, P., Manfred P. Welcher, P., JJames L. Corning, P., Robert R. Booth, P., Dwight R. Bartlett, P., Samuel P. Halsey, P., ( Apr. 21, iSSb June s, 1888- ( Apr. IS, 1853- 1 Nov. 3, 1856 j Mar. 4, 1857- 1 Feb. 18, i86i ( Apr. 14, 1862- ( Feb. 22, 1864 ( Mar. 13, 1865- ( Feb. 18, 1867 * Pastors and Stated Supplies, so far as known, from Division of 1837. t Pastors and Stated Supplies from Presbytery of Bedford to Second Pres- bytery of New York. X Pastors and Stated Supplies from organisation. ROLL OF CHURCHES. 175 Name. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies, Alexander S. Twombly, P, 28. Thompsonville, 29. Throggs Neck, 30. Tremont, ist, 31. West Farms, 32. White Plains, 33. Yonkers, ist, 34. Westminster, Evert Van Slyke, P., Richard P. H. Vail, P., Oct. 4, 1870, Henry F. Lee, P., Fred. S. Barnum, P., W. Hart Dexter, P., " " *James Beattie, P., A. D. L. Jewett, P., Robert A. Davison, P., John S. Allen, P., " *CharIes C. Wallace, P., Alexander Nesbitt, P., George Nixon, P., " " »Matthew T. Adams, P., James B. Ramsay, P., Isaac W. Piatt, P., George Nixon, P., Carson W. Adams, P., Willard Scott, P., John D. Long, P., Charles P. Mallery, P. E., " Thomas C. Steele, S. S., P., Edgar L. Heermance, P., *Dwight M. Seward, P., T. Ralston Smith, P., John Reid, P., *Rollin A. Sawyer, P., Term of Service. ( Apr. 30, 1868- ( Apr. 28, 1872 ( Apr 23, 1873- 1 Oct. 6, 187s May II, 1876- ( July 13, 1869- I Dec. 20, 1873 ( July 20, 1874- } Dec. 20, 18S7 Oct. 10, 1888- ( June 5, 1856- i Oct. 8, 1861 ( Oct. 30, 1862- I Apr. 14, 1S68 ( June 17, 1868- 1 Apr. 15, 1884 ( May 13, 1886- 1 Feb. I, 1889 ( June 4, 1856- ( Feb. 2, i860 ( Sept. 17, 1863- I Jan. 7, 1875 July 8, 187s- ( June 22, 1836- I Oct. 19, 1840 i Feb. 2, 1841- j Mar. 23, 1846 I Oct. 28, 1847- 1 Feb. 9, 1858 I Nov. 10, 1858- I July 1. 187s ( May 2, 1876- I Oct. 30, 1879 j Jan. 26, 1880- 1 Feb. 18, 1883 ( Feb. 12,1884- i July 7, 1885 Oct. 6, 1885- ( 1870- ( June 20, 187 1 j June 20,1871- I Nov. 17, 1873 ( Apr. 22, 1874- I Feb. 1, 1888 I May xo, 1852- ( June 20, 1870 j Mar. 1, 1871- ( Mar. 31, 1879 Nov. 6, 1879- ( Feb. 17, 1858- 1 July I, 1862 * Pastors and Stated Supplies from organization. 176 THE PRp;SBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. Name. Enrolled. Pastors and Stated Supplies. Term of Service. o I T ,^ k T> S N0V.I3, 1862- Samuel T. Carter, P., j ^p^ Jj_ ^gg^ Lewis W. Mudge. P., { ^^%X% T u Ti- r> ( Oct. II, 1877- John Dixon, P., j ^^g_ ,^_ ^g^^ n, 1 -D TT • n ( Mar. 18, 1881;- Charles P. Fagnani, P., | Apr. 20, 1887 Edward C. Moore, P., \ J"f 3°. 1887- ' ' I Jan. I, 1889 35. Yorktown, Oct. 4, 1870, James W. Johnston, P., j ^ci'^l'jg^ William J. Cumming,S.S., ] ^'t^'^^^ P., Aug. 8, 1876- 36. New Haven, ist, Feb. 24, 1873, James W. Coleman, P. E., | J j"^ ' ^Z^^g 37. Katonah, Apr. "16, 1873, John H. Eastman, P., July 8, 1875- 38. North New York, June 10, 1873, Donald Fletcher, P., | ^\\^l\ '^gvc Bethany, Gordon Mitchell, P., | ^Fe'b V1878 George W. F. Birch, P., Feb. 5, 1879- 39. Huguenot Mem'al, Oct. 18, 1876, Charles E. Lord, S S., 1876- 1877 Henrv R Waite P i ^^"^^ 4' '877- ttenry K. Waite, i-., -j j^^ ^g^ ^gg^ Daniel N. Freeland, P., Nov. 13, 1881- 40. Dayspring, Apr. 30, 1879, Charles E. Allison, P., Apr. 30, 1879- 41. Pleasantville, Jan. 20, 1880, Ezra F. Mundy, S. S., 1880 ManfredP.Welcher,P., j ^j^^^yYlls John F. Lynn, P., May 15, 1889 42. Greenwich, ist, Junezi, i88r, Rollin A. Sawyer, P. E., 1881- 1885 ■j.HowardHobbs,P., {^^X^'X 43. New Haven, ist, Apr. 20, 1886, James G. Rodger, P., May 12, 1886- 44. Mt. Vernon, ist, June 23, 1887, Charles S. Lane, P., Mar. 29, 1888- Of the origin of several of the churches in the field of the Westchester Presbytery, organized by other Presbyte- ries than those with which we are specially concerned, we have not yet spoken. The Second Presbyterian Church of Peekskill, known originally as the Payson Church, was organized by a committee of the Presbytery of North River (N. S.), Nov. 17, 1841, with eleven members, nine from the First Church. The secession was due to dissensions in the parent church. * Pastors and Stated Supplies from organization. CHURCHES. 177 The " First Presbyterian Cliurch of the Town of Yon- kers" was formed April 26, 1852, by a colony of forty-six members from the Reformed Dutch Church. It was received under the care of the Third Presbytery of New York, May 10, 1852. In 1853 residents of the village of Irvington and vicinity felt the need of church privileges. Services were at first held in a building erected for a stable. Subscriptions for a church were solicited with the understanding that the denomination was to be determined after completion by a vote of the majority of the contributors. The majority favored a Presbyterian Church. Application was made to the Third Presbytery of New York and an organization effected by a committee January 15, 1854. The church was at first known as the " Secor^d Presbyterian Church of Green- burgh." April ig, 1871, at the request of the church, the ecclesiastical title was changed to that of " The Presbyte- rian Church of Irvington, N. Y." The Tremont Church came into being as "The Union Presbyterian Church of Upper Morrisania," and was en- rolled by the Third Presbytery of New York, November 8, 1854. It began its existence with twenty-three members. The Throgg's Neck Church was organized July 8, 1855, and enrolled by the Presbytery of New York October 9th following. Its corporate title is "The First Presbyterian Church of Throgg's Neck, Westchester, Westchester County, N. Y." The Westminster Church, Yonkers, N. Y., was the out- come of a mission Sunday-school started in September, 1855. January, 1858, eighteen members of the First Church received letters of dismission and were organized into a church by the Third Presbytery of New York, Feb- ruary 3, 1858. April 6, 1863, the church withdrew from the Third Presbytery and joined the Second. The Riverdale Church began its existence October 4, 1863, and was received under the care of the Fourth Pres- bytery of New York October 12th following. 23 1/8 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. The church of Darien, Conn., the result of the labors of Mr. James Coleman, who began preaching in a union chapel April 7, 1 86 1, was organized by the same Presbytery No- vember 4, 1863'. The Potts Memorial Church was organized March 8, 1866, under the name of the First Presbyterian Church of Morrisania. It was enrolled by the Presbytery of New York, April 2, 1866. During the same year the name was changed to Potts Memorial, as a tribute to the memory of the late Rev. George Potts, D.D., of New York. Prior to 1866 two attempts had been made to maintain Presbyte- rian services in Morrisania. As early as January 16, 1850, an organization was effected by the same IVesbytery, and on March 13th following. Rev. Richard C. Shimeall was in- stalled pastor. He was released from the charge March II, 185 1, because the church was financially too weak to support a pastor. The church became extinct. An effort was made to revive the enterprise and a church was organ- ized May 25, 1857. It met with no success. CHAPTER XVIII. The Presbytery of Westchester continued. PROXIMITY to the city of New York and the rapid growth of the population along the railroads leading from it, presented an opportunity for church extension. The subject was brought up at the first meeting, but no action was taken until the second meeting in April, 1871, when the Committee on Home Missions were authorized to employ a missionary to labor within the field of the Presby- tery at a salary not to exceed ^1800 per annum, which amount was to be apportioned among the churches accord- ing to the salaries of' the pastors. No missionary, however, seems to have been appointed. The basis of the apportion- ment was found to be unsatisfactory, and it was left to the judgment of the committee. It was found that the funds required could not be thus secured. The work of the committee was commended to the dhurches and collections were solicited. The committee, the name of which was changed to that of Committee on Church Extension, September 24, 1873, labored on amid many discouragements, often in debt ; and through their efforts or under their superintendence, Kato- nah, Bethany, Huguenot Memorial, Dayspring, Pleasant- ville, Greenwich, ist, New Haven, ist, and Mt. Vernon, ist, eight churches, were organized. The South Reformed Church of New Haven was received and reorganized, and the South East Center Church removed to Brewster's Sta- tion, with the counsel and assistance of the committee. For almost fourteen years the late Rev. Charles W. Baird, D.D., was the chairman of the committee. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. Wilson Phraner, D.D., who now fills the office. l8o THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. " The First Presbyterian Church of Katonah, N. Y.," was organized November 17, 1872, with nine members re- ceived by letter from other churches. The next in the order of time is "The First Presby- terian Church of North New York," which began life May 12, 1873. Its ecclesiastical title was changed January 18, 1876, to "The Bethany Presbyterian Church of New York." October 8, 1876, thirteen persons were constituted by a committee of Presbytery "The First Presbyterian Huguenot Memorial Forest Church of Pelham Manor, N. Y." A mission chapel had been established in Yonkers in 1 87 1 by the First Church. It was organized as " The Day- spring Presbyterian Church in Yonkers, N. Y.," April 21, 1879. Eighty-two persons presented letters from the mother-church, and these, with twelve others, made a total of ninety-four. "The Presbyterian Church of Pleasantville, N. Y.," fol- lowed January 19, 1880, with thirteen members. April 26, 1881, "The First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich, Conn.," was formed by thirty-two persons who had withdrawn from the Second Congregational Church. The presence of a large number of Presbyterians who had come from Scotland, Ireland,-and the maritime provinces of Canada, made a demand for a church of that denomina- tion in New Haven, Conn. " The F"irst Presbyterian Church of New Haven, Conn.," was accordingly organized with twenty-four members February 19, 1886. Seventy-three persons, Presbyterian in faith, who had worshiped at the Reformed Church of Mt. V.ernon, N. Y., seceded therefrom and applied to the Presbytery to be organized as a church. A committee was appointed for the purpose. They met at Mt. Vernon and discharged the duty June 23, 1887. October 16, 1872, the South Reformed Church at New Haven, Conn., applied to be taken under the care of the Presbytery. The Classis of New York, to which it had pre- CHURCH EXTENSION. l8l viously belonged, had given its consent to the transfer on condition that the church should make arrangements satis- factory to the Board of Domestic Missions of the Reformed Church in regard to the title to church property and for moneys granted for support of pastors. The matter was referred to a committee. February 24, 1873, it was resolved to receive the church under the name of " The First Pres- byterian Church of New Haven," and a committee was appointed to recognize the church and install elders. The committee performed this duty March 11, 1873. It was stipulated later that the Presbytery did not assume any financial responsibility, but would extend all the assistance that lay in its power. A call was made for Rev. E. B. Hodge of Burlington, N. J. The Presbytery of Monmouth declined to grant him permission to leave his charge. May I3> 1873, Rev. James W. Coleman of Darien was called to the pastorate. It was not until early in the following year that he assumed the duties of pastor-elect. The church was recommended to and received aid from the Board of Home Missions. October, 1874, the church building was sold by the Board of Domestic Missions of the Reformed Church, and the church was' houseless. The Third Congre- gational church extended an invitation to them to unite with them. Many of the members received letters of dis- mission to that church. January 19, 1875, the First Presby- terian church of New Haven was disbanded, the order to take effect on March ist. The organization of a church at Brewster's Station, N. Y., on the Harlem R. R., was brought to the attention of the Presbytery of Bedford as early as 1861. Nothing, how- ever, was effected by either it or the Presbytery of Con- necticut. The necessity for a Presbyterian service was felt by the Presbytery, and in their judgment this could be best secured by the removal of the South East Center Church to that point. Resolutions were passed to this effect, April 21, 1880, and a commission appointed to urge the importance of the step on the church. The congregation expressed 1 82 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. their willingness to carry out the recommendations of the Presbytery. No steps, however, in that direction were taken, and October 6, 1880, Presbytery directed the Com- mittee on Church Extension to take steps towards the estab- lishment of religious services there. Services were begun in 1 88 1 under the direction of the committee and the church, the Baptist Church being rented for the purpose. In the following year a church edifice was in process of erection. With assistance from the Board of Church Erection and the Presbytery's committee, it was dedicated free of debt, June IS, 1886. In 1874 the summer residents at Narragansett Pier, R. I., established a service for non-Episcopal visitors. Rev. Messrs. Charles Hodge, D.D., and J. Aspinwall Hodge, D.D., were the prime movers. It was begun in a hall August 9th. Shortly after a lady of Philadelphia donated a lot, upon which the erection of a stone church was begun. It was ready for service in July, 1875. The trustees were in- corporated March, 1875, under the name of "The Trustees of the Presbyterian Church of Narragansett Pier for the purpose of maintaining public worship at Narragansett Pier according to the doctrines and form of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America." They are elected by those who sustain the services, subject to the approval of Presbytery. There is as yet no church organization. During the winter months the church building has been placed at the disposal of the Baptists for religious services. October 22, 1874, Narragansett Pier was transferred by the Synod of New York from the jurisdiction of the Presbytery of Boston, with their consent, to that of Westchester. While these gains have been made, there have also been losses. The church at Deep River was dissolved October 17, 1 87 1. The South Reformed Church of New Haven, recog- nized as the First Presbyterian church, was hopelessly em- barrassed financially when received, and was dissolved March i, 1875. The Somers Church, at no time a strong church, about 1875 became hopelessly divided over the con- LOSSES. 183 tinuance of a stated supply and about .the purchase of a building at Purdy's Station, as a branch enterprise. Ser- vices were no longer held. The attention was called to the church October, 1876. It was found that nothing could be done to bring about harmony. To liquidate the indebted- ness incurred in the .purchase of property at Purdy's Sta- tion, the manse was sold. The church was disbanded October 6, 1880. Since that date occasional services have been held there by the pastor of the Croton Falls Church. The annexation of a portion of Westchester County to the city of New York has brought about some changes. In this territory were located five of our churches, Bethany, West Farms, Pott's Memorial, Tremont, and Riverdale. By their situation- they had more in common with the churches in the city than with those of our Presbytery. It seemed necessary for them to look to them for spiritual and finan- cial support. The churches of Tremont and Morrisania in 1880 gave notice of application to the Synod for transfer to the Presbytery of New York. No change, however, was then made. The subject was brought up again October 5, 1887, when the Presbytery voted to offer no objection. October 19, 1887, the five churches in the annexed wards, with their pastors, were transferred. The Presbytery had on its rolls at its first meeting, October 4, 1870, forty-five ministers and thirty-five churches. October 4, 1887, the highest figures were reached — sixty-two ministers and forty-one churches. At the present time, August I, 1889, it numbers fifty-nine ministers and thirty- six churches. The narratives, taken in connection with the statistical reports, reveal a very decided advance in activity and spirit- ual life on the part of the Presbytery of Westchester, as compared with the Presbyteries of which it is the eccle- siastical successor. -The growth has been more rapid and seasons of revival more numerous. Of the eighteen years of the Presbytery's existence, the reports of twelve indi- cate in one or more of our churches the awakening influ- 1 84 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. ences of the Spirit. Some years but a single church has a large ingathering. In others we have good tidings from three, five, seven, ten, eleven. The most extensive work of grace was in years 1876 and 1877, after Messrs. Moody and Sankey held meetings in the city of New York. Accord- ing to the narratives there was a deep and thorough awaken- ing and nearly all the churches reported large additions, in fact, the largest in our history. The statistical report of 1876 gives 438 added on examination and 218 by certificate, a total of 656 ; that of 1877, 458 on examination and 183 by certificate, total of 641. The six years, when no revivals were reported, were not necessarily years of utter barren- ness and drought, though fewer were added. The sins mentioned in the narratives are intemperance. Sabbath dese- cration, and worldliness. Added on examination, 5-704 " certificate 3.937 Total added, 9,641 Statistical Reports. No. of Added on Total Sabbath School Year. Churches. Examination. Certificate. Communicants. Membership. 187 1 35 310 234 4538 4660 1872 34 293 215 4740 4703 1873 36 183 182 4895 5081 1874 37 316 208 5015 5460 1875 36 277 126 5010 4838 1876 36 438 218 5276 5203 1877 37 458 183 5327 5560 1878 37 270 180 553° 5374 1879 38 229 '59 5683 5648 1880 39 216 211 5753 6118 1881 39 259 167 5896 5714 1882 39 339 223 6014 6219 1883 39 180 184 6112 6168 1884 39 211 172 6138 6025 1885 39 259 174 6063 6218 1886 40 356 216 6137 6313 1887 40 320 285 6187 595' 18S8 36 363 321 6194 5658 1889 36 427 279 6543 5787 CHURCH CONTRIBUTIONS. COLLECTIONS. i8s s i be 2 _o OJ Year. ^ W = .2 3 < 1 1 6 'ol E $536 W 1 t3 1 i?387 a, c U $103,955 1 iS7i $8,036 $6,473 $4,942 $615 $745 fi,i6o $11,189 1S72 7,629 7.077 2,394 793 2.339 1,156 69. . .'.... 548 •145.459 ■S73 7.9°3 5,882 4,363 914 3,467 1,131 574 $859, •.. 560 *j8l,020 .874 9,606 8,199 4,242 S02 2,574 1.154 ■632 853 ■•■ 604 112,227 13-491 187s 9,So2 7,745 3,046 2,649 6,254 1,340 785 67S . . . 6,5 108,516 12,253 1876 3,555 5,153 667 490 680 685 401 477 ■■■ 627 136,518 23,016 1S77 8,68 1 7,90s 1,311 752 852 S02 639 48. . 596 T20,2gi 10,094 187S 7.57° 6,328 ■.547 424 606 838 527 433 56S 133.852 8,876 1879 6,647 5,529! 705 4"3 582 6og 460 37I' :■ 562 91,973 11.403 1S80 6,940 5,550; 615 519 592 873 56, 3781 . . . 647 95,661 9.273 1S81 6,250 7.+>3| 6S7 427 5, ,6 70S 546 415' ■•■■ 410 1 19 69s 13,356 1882 1 1. 882 6.397,12,470 482 1,3 •5 1,072 54' 378'.... 633 104,278 12,909 18S3 10,163 6,703 i,iSo 435 ■,674 969 62., 312: .. 428 113.055 11,056 1884 12,508 9,704 1,171 555 850 932 «99 364 ... 430 187,068 9.711 1885 10,055 7.3oS| 841 576 2,491 1.351 1.237 356 $359 424 111,225 9.945 1886 tI,2II 9,163 1,209 509 1,687 1,521 955 328I 307 786 102,895 9.458 1887 15,708 8,SS6 901 637 2,34. 1,526 4231 666 782 105,358 12,995 1SS8 16,137 8,02 r| 936 757 .,056 tio,365 808 389! 483 728 101,763 14.459 1 889 12.370 182,653 7-345 791 774 13.523 920 31,621 i,i86 29,378 1.045 13.3R3 444 450 728 101,182 10,329 Totals, $ 36,7^4 44,oiS 7,939 2,265 11,063 2,275,991 202,183 ^ Congregational and miscellaneous. t Centennial offering. Total Specified Benevolent Collections, " General Assembly, " Congregational, '■ Miscellaneous,, Total for all purposes, $472,627 11,663 2,275,991 202,183 $2,961,864 The fluctuations are accounted for in various ways. Our churches are doing valuable home mission work in their own midst in the erection of chapels and the maintenance of services therein. The outlay is included in columns desig- nated Home Missions and Church Erection. Special efforts account for the large contributions at times. An advance in Congregational often indicates the erection of new church edifices. The organization of new churches and the trans- fer of five to the Presbytery of New York in 1887 must be kept in mind in any estimate of our contributions. The 24 1 86 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. narratives for 1875, '6, and '7, speak of the financial depres- sion whicli began in 1874 and continued for several years. No work in our Presbytery, as in the church at large, is more promising than that of the Women's Missionary Societies. The earliest formed in individual churches are those of Bedford (1823) and South Salem (May 28, 1834). The former labored at first for foreign missions ; and after a:n existence of thirty years its attention was given solely to home missions. The South Salem Society has always had foreign missions in view. In sympathy with the growing importance of Women's Work and for its enlargement, a Presbyterial Society, auxiliary to the Ladies' Board of Missions, was organized October i, 1880, in the First Church of Yonkers, N. Y. It has since become auxiliary to the Women's Board of Foreign Missions and the Woman's Synodical Committee on Home Missions. In December, 1888, there were connected with the Presbyterial Society twenty-eight Ladies' Societies, three Young Ladies' Socie- ties, and ten Mission Bands. From 1 880-1888 the receipts have been : For Home Missions and Freedmen, . . ^(10,500.87 For Foreign Missions, . . 10,903.52 Total, . . . 121,404.39 The earliest action, looking to a' visitation of the churches by committees of the Presbytery, was taken in September, 1873, when the subject was referred to a special committee for consideration, with a request that they report at the adjourned meeting to be held during the sessions of the Synod in October. The report was presented October 23d. It was recommended that a visitation of the churches by committees consisting of two ministers and one elder, ap- pointed by the special committee, take place during the fol- lowing winter ; that the services be held during as large a portion of a week as circumstances permit, and that the traveling expenses of the committees be paid by the churches visited. The report of the committee was adopted. presbVterial visitation. 187 The visitation was made. The Narrative of April, 1874, bears this testimony to its value : " As a rule the reports from the churches refer to the visits of the Presbyterial committees of visitation as productive of great good." In view of the results the special committee was continued and directed "to report some definite plan for the guidance of the Committees of Visitation, the method they shall pur- sue and the inquiries they shall make." The committee re- ported October 7th following, recommending that the au- thoritative visitation should be triennial. This pkn was adopted. The Presbytery has permitted the appointment of committees at the request of the churches at other tiines. October 3, 1882, it was ordered that the Committee on Visitation appoint a Day of Prayer for the Presbytery, on which a meeting of our ministers and elders should be held at some convenient place. Later the administration of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper was added. This service has been found so interesting and profitable that it has be- come a part of our Presbyterial life, and is held annually about the first of November. The large number of churches under the care of the Presbytery rendered it difficult to se- cure the necessary committees for the visitation of all in a single year. October 6, 1886, on the recommendation of the standing committee, they were divided in three groups, one to be visited each year. This plan is now in operation. It was felt by many that a change on the basis of repre- sentation in the General Assembly on account of the Re- union and the rapid growth of the church was a necessity. An overture was sent down by the Assembly of 1875, pro- posing representation by Synods. April 20, 1876, the Pres- bytery rejected it by the following vote : Ayes 7, Noes 29, non-liquet i. It was also rejected by a large majority of the Presbyteries. The next Assembly (1876) referred two propositions to the lower judicatories, one making the basis twenty ministers for each commissioner, minister, or elder, with a provision for an equal representation of minis- ters and elders, and the other changing the "twenty-four" 1 88 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. to fifty (Form of Government, XII, 2). Both were an- swered, October 4, 1876, by the Presbytery in the negative. They were not ratified. The year 1877 produced two alternative schemes which were sent down for consideration. The one renewed the plan of representation by Synods with the same numerical basis, but with a provision added that every Presbytery should in due time be represented. By the other the basis of representation by Presbyteries was to be changed from "twenty-four ministers" to "forty ministers actually en- gaged in ministerial work, as pastors, co-pastors, pastors- elect, stated supplies, evangelists, missionaries, professors in theological seminaries, or those assigned by the General Assembly to the work of the Church." April 17, 1878, Presbytery rejected the first by a vote of ayes 11, noes 31, and the second unanimously. The overtures proved unsat- isfactory to the church at large. The next plan was referred to the Presbyteries for con- sideration in 1878. It was proposed to change the basis to the "number of ministers and communicants combined." This overture shared the fate of its predecessors, Westches- ter voting, April 15', 1879, unanimously against it. No .further action was taken until 1883, when it was proposed to change the basis from "twenty-four" to " thirty-six min- isters." This plan failed to receive the necessary majority. Westchester recorded, October 3, 1883, its negative vote again. Another plan was sent down by the General Assem- bly of 1884, by which the numerical basis was changed to the extent that additional commissioners were not allowed for fractions under half. Coupled with it was a second over- ture denying representations to new Presbyteries until they consist of at least twelve ministers, exceptions being made in favor of foreigri mission Presbyteries and that of Alaska. Westchester voted, April 23, 1885, in the affirmative. The first overture only became a part of the constitution of the church. The reorganization of Synods, their reduction in num- CHANGES IN THE CONSTITUTION. 1 89 ber, and the enlarg-ement of their powers was brought to the attention of the General Assembly of 1879 by overtures from the Presbyteries of New York and Lehigh, and re- ferred to a special committee. The greatly increased size and expense, especially if State hnes were adopted as boundaries, were urged in objection. To meet these objec- tions the committee presented to the Assembly of 1880 an overture amending the Form of Government, Chap. XI, Sec. I, so that a Synod might, with the consent of a major- ity of its Presbyteries, become a delegated body. An op- portunity was now offered of relieving the General Assem- bly of part of its business by enlarging the powers of the Synods. It was proposed to make them the courts of last resort, except when questions of " doctrine or the constitu- tion of the church " are involved. Accordingly an over- ture, amending Form of Government, Chap. XI, Sec. 4, and Chap. XII, Sec. 4, to this effect was proposed. These overtures were referred to the Presbyteries and adopted. Westchester voted on both in the affirmative, April 21, 1881. The General Assembly of 1881 passed an Enabling Act, consolidating certain Synods. A single Synod under the new arrangement covered the entire State of New York. That Synod, October 19, 1883, proposed by overture to its Presbyteries to become a delegated body, specifying the basis of representation. Westchester answered, April 16, 1884, in the affirmative. So did a majority of the Presby- teries. The revision of the Book of Discipline and Judicial Com- missions were overtured to the General Assembly of 1878 by the Synod of New Jersey and the Presbytery of Dayton, and referred to a special committee. Other overtures were from time to time referred to the same committee for con- sideration. In 1880 the "first draft of the revised Book of Discipline was presented. It was ordered to be printed and distributed to ministers and sessions. The Assembly of 1 88 1 relieved the committee from the duty of revising the Form of Government, except so far as mere verbal igO THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. changes might be necessary for purposes of adaptation, and directed them to conform their revision of the Book of Discipline to the present Form of Government. The Assem- bly of 1882 ordered that the revised Book of Discipline as thus amended be printed for the examination of Presbyte- ries. The next Assembly sent it down for adoption or rejec- tion, with permission to vote for it as a whole with exception to any of its sections. Amendment was also proposed to the Directory for Worship, Chap. X, to adapt it to the proposed Revised Book of Discipline. April 17, 1884, the Presbytery of Westchester answered the overtures in the affirmative, with the following exceptions to the Revised Book of Discipline : " I. Ill chapter IV, sect. 26, we object to the admission of legal counsel in the trial of causes unless he be subject to the jurisdiction of the judicature. "II. That chapter VIII, sect. 65, be amended by omitting the words re- quiring the taking of all testimony to be ' subject to the general rules of evi- dence,' except so far as those rules are embodied in chapter VIII ' On Evi- dence.'" [Records of the Presbytery of Westchester, vol. II, p. 255.] The Revised Book of Discipline and amendment to the Directory for Worship were adopted. The greatest objec- tion was made to Sees. 26 and 65, though others were named. It was ordered that overtures be sent down propos- ing amendments to Sees. 5, 18, 84, and 115, the substitution of Sec. 21, Chap. IV of the old Book of Discipline for Sec. 26, Chap. IV of the new, and the omission of Sees. 48 and 65. Action upon them was taken by Presbytery January 20 and April 22, 1885. The amendment to Sec. 5 was rejected, the other overtures were answered in the affirmative. The proposed changes were all adopted with the single exception of that relating to Sec. 48. "The practice of appointing Judicial Commissions by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church is an in- heritance from the Church of Scotland ; and, although the power to appoint such commissions was not embodied in our constitution, yet the practice has continued by the consent of parties, in the absence of constitutional authority. At CHANGES IN THE CONSTITUTION. 191 different periods of the cliurch's history, attempts have been made to give constitutional authority to this principle, which has been found so useful in trial of judicial cases, but with- out success." The special committee, from whose report the above quotation is made, reported two overtures to the Assembly of 1884, proposing an addition to the Book of Discipline and amendments to the Form of Government, Chap. XI, Sec. 4, and Chap. XII, Sec. 4, permitting the ap- pointment of Judicial Commissions by the General Assem- bly and Synods for the trial of judicial cases under certain restrictions. The overtures were answered, April 22, 1885, by the Presbytery of Westchester in the affirmative. On the same day they ordered to be sent to the Assembly an overture proposing an amendment granting the same power to Pres- bytery and authorizing Judicial Commissions to meet at such times and places as they or the court appointing them may deem best. The Presbyteries by a large majority rati- fied the proposed changes. No action was taken by the As- sembly on the overtures from this body. The General Assembly of 1885 proposed a new chapter for the Directory for Worship to be entitled "Of the Worship of God by Offerings." Westchester voted, April 22, 1886, no, but the majority of the Presbyteries voted aye. The overture on term service of elders. Form of Government, Chap. XIII, Sec. 8, sent down in 1874, received the constitutional majority, though Westchester voted, October 7, 1874, against it. A similar amendment to Form of Government, Chap. XIII, Sec. 8, with respect to deacons, proposed in 1885, was also ratified. Westchester again expressed its disapproval (April 22, 1886). The over- ture on Limitations of Marriage, Confession of Faith, Chap. XXIV, Sec. 4, of 1886, became a part of the constitution. The vote of this Presbytery was cast April 19, 1887, with the majority. The Elder-Moderatorship over- ture, as it was called, sent down the same year, was defeated. 25 192 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. The vote of Westchester stood — Ayes 13, Noes 12 (January 18, 1887). At the first stated meeting after the death of President Garfield, October 5, 1881, the following resolutions were adopted : " Whereas, in the Providence of God, the nation has been sorely smit- ten in the death of our beloved and lamented President, Hon. James A. Gar- field, therefore, "Resolved, i. That we, the members of the Presbytery of Westchester, desire to put on record our sense of heartfelt affliction and personal loss in connection with this inscrutable dispensation which has clothed the land in mourning, and shocked and grieved the nations of the world. " Resolved, 2, That in the noble and manly character, the honorable and splendid achievements, and above all, in the distinctively Christian principles and virtues of our late President, we recognize in him, as scholar, statesman, and Christian one peculiarly fitted for the high and honorable position and grave responsibilities of the office of Chief Magistrate of this great nation, and while we bow in humble submission to the will of God, yet in our sorrow we gratefully cherish the memory and earnestly commend the example and career, the character and principles of our late President to the youth of our land as eminently worthy of study and imitation. " Resolved, 3, Deeply and most heartily .sympathizing with the immediate family of our President, we commend them in our prayers to Him whose grace is sufficient to sustain, and whose love and favored support and guidance we earnestly supplicate in their behalf. " Resolved, 4, That these resolutions be recorded in the minutes of Pres- bytery, and a copy of them forwarded to the family of our deceased President." [Records of the Presbytery of Westchester, vol. II, pp. 15S-9.] September 24, 1873, Presbytery voted to print abstracts of its minutes under the direction of the stated clerk. April 21, 1887, they resolved : " I. That the minutes be printed in full, and that a copy be sent to each minister and elder under the care of the Presbytery. " 2. That one printed copy, duly authenticated by the signature of the Sta- ted Clerk, be preserved as the permanent record of the proceedings of the Presbytery. " 3. That such copy be sent to the higher court for review." [Records of the Presbytery of Westchester, vol. II, p. 396.] This record was sent to the Synod of New York, October, 1888, for revision and approval. On the recommendation of the committee to which it had been referred it was ap- proved. Latdr, at the same meeting, objection was made PRINTED MINUTES. ig3 that the minutes were in print. Previous action was recon- sidered and the following minute was adopted : "Whereas, the Presbytery of Westchester presented its minutes in a printed form, and tliis form has not been distinctively authorized by the Assembly in the case of Presbyteries ; and " Whereas, the Synod approved the minutes of the said Presbytery; and "Whereas, doubts were expressed by a considerable minority, as to the constitutional right of Presbyteries to present their minutes in this form ; "Therefore, the Synod of New York respectfully overtutes the General Assembly to make a definite deliverance as to whether the principle established in relation to the records of Synods, Minutes of 1884, page 79, does not apply to those of the Presbyteries also.'' [Minutes of the Synod of New York, 1888, p. 44.] The answer of the General Assembly is as follows : " Your Committee recommend an answer in the affirmative ; and to say that all our Church courts may follow the same rule, only observing with care : " I. That the minutes be fully and accurately kept and recorded. " 2. That they be preserved in volumes, and not left to separate pam- phlets, and be carefully paged. " 3. That they have blanks left for corrections and approval. " 4. That the minutes of every meeting be duly authenticated by the writ- ten name of the Stated Clerk, or some other officer appointed to authenti- cate them." [Minutes of G. A., 18S9, p. loi.] An act of incorijoration was secured from the Legisla- ture of the State of New York in 1872. It is as follows : " An Act to incorporate the Trustees of the Presbytery of Westchester. " Section i. The Presbytery of Westchester, in connection with the Gen- eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, having designated from its membership the following persons, to wit : Charles W. Baird, RoUin A. Sawyer, Nelson Millard, Anthony R. Macoubrey, Alex- ander S. Twombley, Eliphalet Wood, Gilbert B. Sarles, Joseph Banks, and Edward Wells, citizens of the United States, to be Trustees in their behalf, the said persons and their successors to be from time to time appointed by said Presbytery, are hereby created a body politic and corporate by the name of the Trustees of the Presbytery of Westchester. " Sec. 2. The said corporation shall, in law, be capable of taking for religious and charitable purposes, by gift, devise, bequest, grant, or purchase, and of holding, conveying, and otherwise disposing of the same, from time to time, all real and personal estate now held for the benefit of said Pres- bytery, or which hath been, or inay hereafter, for the purposes of said Pres- bytery, and in the protection of its charitable or religious purposes, be given, devised, becjueathed, or granted to the said corporation by its name, or to the said Presbytery, or for charitable and religious uses thereof, or which may, in 194 THE PRESBYTERY OF WESTCHESTER. any manner, have accrued, or shall accrue from the interest, income, or use of such real and personal estate, provided that the yearly income received from the property of the said corporation shall not exceed ten thousand dollars (Jio.ooo). " Sec. 3. The management and disposal of the affairs and property of the said corporation shall be in the hands of the said Trustees, and their suc- cessors in office from time to time; and vi^hich Trustees shall hold their offices at the pleasure of the said Presbytery, and all vacancies shall be filled by the said Presbytery. " Sec. 4. The said corporation shall possess the general powers, rights, and privileges, and be subject to the liabilities and provisions contained in the i8th chapter of First Part of the Revised Statutes, so far as the same are applicable, and also subject to the provisions of Chapter 360 of the Laws of 1S60. " Sec. 5. This act shall take effect immediately. "(Passed May 11, 1S72; cli. 644, Laws of State of New York, vol. 2, page 1528.)" Permanent Officers. STATED CLERKS. Name. \. Rev. Ezra F. Mundy, 2. Rev. Carson W. Adams, 3. Rev. William J. Gumming, Date of Appointment. October 4, 1870. January 18, 1881. April 21, 1886. PERMANENT CLERKS. \. Rev. George W. F. Birch, 2. Rev. John H. Eastman, April 21, 1886 January 17, i TREASURERS. 1. Rev. Ezra F. Mundy, 2. Rev. Carson W. Adams, 3. Rev. George W. F. Birch, 4. Rev. William J. Gumming, January 17, 1888. October 5, 1870. January 18, 188 r. April 21, 1886. HISTORIANS. 1. Rev. Charles W. Baird, 2. Rev. William J. Gumming, April 21, 1887. PERMANENT OFFICERS. I9S TRUSTEES. Name. Date of Appointment. I. Rev. Charles W. Baird, May ii, 1872. *2. Rev. RoUin A. Sawyer, 3. Rev. Nelson Millard, 4. Rev. Anthony R. Macoubrey, 5. Rev. Ale.vander S. Twombly, 6. Elder Eliphalet Wood, 7. Elder Gilbert B. Sarles, 8. Elder Joseph Banks, *9. Elder Edward Wells, 10. Rev. Evert Van Slyke, April 17, 1873. *ii. Elder Uriah Hill, *i2. Rev. Richard R H. Vail, January 21 ■'•"13. Rev. Thornton M. Niven, April 20, 1887 14. Rev. Isaac L. Kip, " *IS. Elder Wilham H. Parsons, *i6. Elder Thomas G. Ritch, *iy. Elder Benjamin Weed, " * *i8. Rev. John E. Bushnell, January 15, i 1879. The salary of stated clerk was fixed, October 5, 1870, at $40 per annum. April 22, 1874, it was made $100. April 21, 1886, a change was made, and the office of Permanent Clerk created. The salary of the Stated Clerk was reduced to ;^75, and that of the Permanent Clerk fixed at $30. * Present incumbents. INDEX OF DATES/ Page. 1639, Aug. 3. First purchase of land in Westchester Co., N. Y., . 1 1641. Settlers at Tarrytown, N. Y., . i 1649. A saw-mill at Yonkers, N. Y., . . i 1654, Nov. 14. Purchase of land by Thomas Pell at Westchester, N. Y., 2 1655. Town of Westchester settled, 2 1660. Rye settled, 2 1664. Eastchester, N. Y., settled, . 2 1664, Sept. 8. New Amsterdam surrendered to the English. 1665, March. Duke's Laws promulgated, . 2b 1674. Church erected at Westchester, N. Y., . 6 1680, Dec. 23. Purchase of land at Bedford, N. Y., 1681, March. Settlement of Bedford, N. Y., 1683, Nov. 22. Purchase of land at White Plains, N. Y., 1683, Nov. 24. Boundary line between New York and Connecticut agreed on, ... 3 1686 or 7. New Rochelle, N. Y., settled by the Huguenots, 3 1693, Sept. 19. Passage of Act for settling a ministry, etc., . 22 1699. Bill passed to settle ministry by majority vote of parish, 27 1702, Nov. 19. Rev. John Ba,rtow inducted by the Governor into the parish at Westchester, . 25 1704, April. Rev. John Pritchard inducted into the parish of Rye, 25 1705. Resistance to the rector at Bedford, N. Y., . . 25 1705. Rev. John Jones leaves Bedford, N. Y., . . 26 1708, May 30. Purchase of land at South Salem, N. Y., 2 1708. Meeting of the Synod of Saybrook and adoption of Saybrook Platform, ... ... 13 1710. Division of Huguenot Church at New Rochelle, N. Y., . . 24 1714, May 22. Letters Patent to Ridgefield issued by General Court of Connecticut, . ... 3 1 7 18, Nov. Rev. William Tennent settled at Eastchester, N. Y., . 26 1720, March. Unsuccessful attempt to secure incorporation of church at New York, ... 29 1720, May. Rev. William Tennent leaves Eastchester for Bedford, N. Y. 1720. Bedford Church connected with the Presbytery of Philadelphia, 1720. White Plains, N. Y., settled, . . ■ . 1727. Church erected at White Plains, N. Y., 1727. Rev. William Tennent leaves Bedford, 7 * Index only of the dates of events of historic interest. 198 INDEX OF DATES. Page. 1730. Cortlandt Manor (Yorktown), N. Y., settled, . 2 1730. Philipse Patent (South East), N. Y., settled, 3 173T. Survey of boundary line completed ; the " Oblong " laid out,. 3 1732. liedford Church connected with the Presbytery of New York, iS 1735. Log church at South East, N. Y., . 6 T738. Church building at CroniDond (Yorktown), N. Y., . 5 1740. Carinel, N. Y., settled, . . . . 3 1740. Rev. Elisha Kent, pastor of the First Church of Philipse Patent (South East), N. Y., . . . iS 1742. Rev. Samuel Sacket comes to Cortlandt Manor, N. Y., as a home missionary, . . .... 55 1742, Dec. 30. Rev. John Smith installed pastor of Rye and White Plains, . . . . . 54 1743. Pound Ridge, N. Y., settled, . 3 1743, Oct. 12. Rev. Samuel Sacket iubtalled as pastor of the churches of Bedford and Crompond, .... 18 1743. Ijedford and Crompond churches connected with the Presbytery uf New Brunswick, .... .18 1745. Patterson, N. Y., settled, . . 3 1749, June 15. Rev. Samuel Sacket released from Crompond Church, 55 1751. Bedford Church connected with Presbytery of Suffolk, . 18 1752. Rev. James Davenport at West Philippi (Carmel), N. Y., . 19 1752, May 20. Church at Salem (South Salem), N. Y., organized, . 19 1752, May 20. Rev. Solomon Mead installed pastor of the Salem ' Church, ....... 56 1752, May 24. Salem Church votes to connect itself with Fairfield West Consociation, . . . . 18 1752. Rye and White Plains Churches connected with Presbytery of New York, . . . 18 ■753' April 4. Rev. Samuel Sacket released from Bedford, . 56 1753, April. Rev. Samuel -Sacket becomes pastor of the Crompond Church, ....... 18 1753. Crompond Church connected with the Presbytery of Suffolk, 18 1756, Feb. 17. Rev. Ebenezer Knibloe installed at West Philippi (Gilead), N. Y., . . . . -19 1758, Mar. 29. Rev. Joseph Peck becomes pastor of Philipse Patent (Patterson, N. Y.,) Second Church, . . .19 1759, Aug. 29. Rev. Ebenezer Knibloe released from West Philippi, 19 1760, Rev. Elnathan Gregory at West Philippi, N. Y., . . ig 1762, Oct. 27. Presbytery of Dutchess County organized by Rev. Messrs. Elisha Kent, Joseph Peck, and Solomon Mead, . 31 1763, May 28. Application by Presbytery of Dutchess County to Synod of New York and Philadelphia for recognition, . . .32 1763, June 28. Rev. Messrs. Samuel Sacket, John Smith, Eliphalet Ball, and Chauncey Graham, join Presbytery of Dutchess County, 32 1763, Aug. I. Pastors and churches of Philippi and West Philippi ruled out of Fairfield East Consociation, . . . .17 INDEX OF DATES. 199 19 55 1763, Sept. 29. Salem Church adopts the Presbyterian form of church ^'^''' government and elects elders, ' . 15 1763, Oct. 18. Po'keepsie (N. Y.) Church connected with Presbytery of Dutchess County, _ _ , . 1765, Sept. 9. Church of Albany, N.Y., enrolled, • • • 35 1766, May. Presbytery of Dutchess County recognized by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, . . ,2 1767, Oct. 14. Secession from Presbytery of Dutchess County of Rev. Samuel Sacket and Crompond Church, ... 36 176S. Church built at Mt. Pleasant (Sing Sing), N. Y., . 5 1769, Feb. 8. Rev. Joseph Peck released from Second Church of Philipse Patent (Patterson), N. Y., . 1769, April 8. A bili introduced into the General Assembly of the Province of New York to relieve Protestants in Westchester and other counties from taxation for support of ministers of the Church of England, . . . 28 1769, Oct. 12. Rev. Ichabod Lewis ordained and installed over the churches of White Plains and Mt. Pleasant, . . 34. 1770. Church organized at Pound Ridge, N. Y., 35 1 770. Church organized at Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, N. Y., . 35 1771, Feb. 26. Death of Rev. John Smith, 1775, May 23. Rev. Samuel Sacket transferred by the Synod back to the Presbytery of Dutchess County, . . 36 1775, May 23. Albany Church transferred by Synod to the Presbytery of New York, . . 38 1776, July 17. Death of Elisha Kent, . 53 1776, Oct. British army invades Westchester County, . 42 1776, Nov. 4. Church at White Plains burned by American soldiers, 44 1777, June iS, Rev. Ichabod Lewis installed at Philippi, . 44 1779, June 24. Crompond Church burned by British soldiers, . 45 1779, July 2. Churches at Bedford and Pound Ridge burned by British troops, . 45 '779) Aug. 25. Church at Upper Salem organized as a Congregational Church, . . .38 1779, Oct. i8. Rev. Messrs. Jacob Green and Joseph Grover of Han- over and Parsippany Churches in New Jersey withdraw from the Presbytery of New York, ...... 58 1780, May 3. Rev. Amzi Lewis of Florida, N. Y., and Rev. Ebenezer Bradford of Succasunna, N. J., withdraw from Presbytery of New York, ....... 59 1780, May 3. Morris County Presbytery organized by Rev. Messrs. Green, Grover, Lewis, and Bradford, . . '59 '1783. Church at Bedford rebuilt, ..... 46 1784, June 5. Rev. Samuel Sacket dies, . . 56 1784. Church built at Red Miljs, N. Y., . . . 8 1784. Destructive visitation of insects, 46 1785. Church at Crompond rebuilt, . . 46 26 200 INDEX OF DATES. Page. 1785. Nov. Rev. Silas Constant becomes .stated supply of Crompond, N. Y., . . .60 1786, May 18. Rev. Silas Constant enrolled as advisory member by Presbytery of Dutchess County, . • • • 93 1786, Sept. 4. Philippi Church adopts Presbyterian standards and gov- ernment, with the exception of the eldership, . 38 1786. Church at Pound Ridge rebuilt, . . .46 17S7. Rev. Amzi Lewis at North Salem, . 62 1788. Congregational Church organized at Greenburgh, N. Y., . 8 1790. Cherry Valley Church transferred to the Presbytery of Albany, . 38 1790, Sept. 12. Church organized at Red Mills, N. Y., . .8 1792, Jan. 3. Associated Westchester Presbytery organized, . 63 1792. New church for West Philippi congregation erected at Gilead, 70 1793, Nov. 12. Northern Associated Presbytery organized, 86 1793, Church at Rye rebuilt, .... .46 1794, May 8. Rev. Silas Constant withdraws from the Presbytery of Dutchess County, . .... 93 1795, Clct. 22. Presbytery of Dutchess County dissolved and Presbytery of Hudson erected, . . 52 1797. Church buildhig erected at Peeliskill, N. Y., . 8 1799. Church erected at Somers, N. Y., . . . 8 t8oo, Sept. 4. Rev. Solomon Mead released from the Salem Church, 34 1804. Elders first elected in the Franklin (Patterson, N. Y.) Church, 38 i8o5, March4. Division of Yorktown Church, . . 73 1806, June II. Yorktown Church enrolled by the Presbytery of Hud- son, ... ■ • 75 1807, Feb. 3. Saratoga Associated Presbytery organized, .^ . 86 1809, April 22. Union Church (South East) dismissed to Fairfield East Consociation, . . .96 1809, Oct. 5. Presbytery of New York reorganized, 96 i8u, Aug. 2. Mt. Pleasant Church enrolled by the Presbytery of New York, . . . 91 181 2, Mar. 30. New Rochelle (N. Y.) Church organized, 96 1815. Church built at West Farms, N. Y., . . 96 1816, May. fndependent Presbyterian Church at Peekskill, N. Y., organized, . . . .79 1816, Dec. 4. Church organized at West Farms, 97 1819, Oct. 23. Presbytery ot North River erected, . . 98 1820, Oct. 5. Mt. Pleasant Church returns to the Associated West- chester Presbytery, . . . 91 1822, Sep. 17. Pound Ridge Church enrolled by the Presbytery of North River, .... ... 99 1823, Woman's Missionary Society organized in the Bedford Church, 186 1824, Sep. 23. Application of North Salem Church to the Presbytery of North River to be reorganized as a Presbyterian Church, 99 1824, April 25. A church organized at White Plains, N. Y., . 98 INDEX OF DATES. 201 1824, Oct. 21. White Plains Cliurcli enrolled by the Presbytery o£ New York, ..." . . 98 1825, April I r. South Greenburgh Church organized, . . .98 1825, April 22. South Greenburgh Church enrolled by the Presbytery of New York, ... . '. 98 1825, April 26. South East Church received by the Presbytery of North River, ... -99 1S25, June 18. Church at Greenburgh reorganized, . . .98 1825, Oct. II. Greenburgh Church enrolled by the Presbytery of New- York, . ...... 98 1826, June 25. A church organized at Peekskill, N. Y., . . . 79 1826, June 28. Church at Peekskill enrolled by the Presbytery of New York, . . .... 98 1826, Oct. 10. Mt. Pleasant Church returns to the Presbytery of New York, ..... . 91 1827, Nov. 28. First Bench of elders elected by^he South East Church, 16 1829, Mar. 4. Rye Church reorganized, ... 97 1829, April 21. Rye Church enrolled by the Presbytery of New York, 98 1829, Oct. 22. Presbytery of Bedford erected, . . 102 1830, June 2. Associated Westchester Presbytery dissolved, . . 92 1831, April 19. South Salem received by Presbytery of Bedford, . 109 1832, May 2. North Salem Church reorganized as a Presbyterian Church, . . . . 109 1832, Oct. Peekskill Church transferred by Synod to the Presbytery of New York, . . . . . m 1833, May 2. Somers Church reorganized as a Presbyterian Church, . no 1833, Oct. I. Somers Church enrolled by the Presbytery of Bedford, . 108 1834, May 28. Woman's Missionary Society organized in the South Salem Church, . . . 186 1835, June 16. Gilead Church enrolled by the Presbytery of Bedford, no 1835, Oct. West Farms Church transferred by Synod to the Second Presbytery of New York, . ... in 1837, May. Plan of Union abrogated, and the Synods of the Western Reserve, Utica, Geneva, and Genesee exscinded, . 135 1838, May 18. Division of the Presbyterian Church into Old and New School Branches, ... . '135 1838. Division of the Church at Somers, . . . 137 1838, Oct. 17. Peekskill Church transferred to Second Presbytery of New York, . ... . . in 1839, April 3. Somers Church received by the Third Presbytery of New York, . . . . 138 1839, July 5. Church organized at Thompsonville, Conn., 14^ 1839, July 9. Thompsonville Church enrolled by the Presbytery of New York, . . • 143 1841, Nov. 17. Peekskill Second Church organized, . . 176 1845, April 15. Church at Tariffville, Conn., enrolled by the Presbytery of New York, . ..... 144 2Q2 INDEX OF DATES. Page. 1846, Jan. 20. Croton Falls Church incorporated, . . 138 1847. Church edifice erected, ... . 138 1849 o"" 'S°- Greenburgh Charch joins the Classis of New York, ni 1849, Oct. Mt. Pleasant Church transferred from Presbytery of Bed- ford to Second Presbytery of New York, . . . .111 1850, Jan. 16. First Presbyterian Church of Morrisania organized, 178 1S50, Oct. 15. Presbytery of Connecticut erected, . . . 144 1851, Nov. 4. First Presbyterian Church of Hartford organized and enrolled by the Presbytery of Connecticut, . . 147 1852, April 26. First Presbyterian Church of Vonkers, N. Y., organ- ized, . . . .... 177 1852, May 10. First Church of Yonkers enrolled by the Third Pres- bytery of New York, . . .177 1852, June 15. Church at Mt. Kisco, N. Y., organized by the Presbytery of Bedford, . . . .110 1852, Aug. g. Church at Portchester, N. Y., organized and enrolled by the Presbytery of Bedford, ... . . no 1853, Feb. 25. First Presbyterian Church of Stamford, Conn., organ- ized, . . ..... 147 1853, Mar. 1. Stamford First Church enrolled by the Third Presbytery of New York. 1853, June 14. South East Center Church organized by a committee of the Presbytery of Bedford, . . iii 1853, Oct. 16. The First Presbyterian Church of Bridgeport, Conn., organized, . ... 149 1853, Oct. 31. Bridgeport First Church enrolled by the Presbytery of New York, 1854, Jan. 15. Second Presbyterian Church of Greenburgh (Irvington), N. Y., organized, ... . 177 1854, Jan. 23. Greenburgh Second Church enrolled by the Third Pres- bytery of New York. 1S54, Nov. 8. Union Presbyterian Church of Upper Morrisania (Tre- mont), N. Y., enrolled by the Third Presbytery of New York, . 177 1855, July 8. Throgg's Neck Church organized, . . 177 1855, Oct. 9. Throgg's Neck Church enrolled by the Presbytery of New York, .... 1856, July 27. Presbyterian Church of Deep River, Conn., organized, 14 1856, Oct. 8. Deep River Church enrolled by Presbytery of Connecti- cut, ... . . 148 1857, May 25. The First Presbyterian Church of Morrisania reorgan- ized by the Presbytery of New York, . 178 •1857, Oct. 27. Scotch Presbyterian Church of Providence, R. I., organ- • ized and enrolled by the Presbytery of Connecticut. 149 1858, Feb 3. Westminster Church of Yonkers, N. Y., organized, . 177 1858, Feb. 15. Westminster Church enrolled by the Third Presbytery of New York. 149 177 INDEX OF DATES. 203 Page. i860, Oct. 18. Rye, Port Chester, South East, and South East Center Churches, with their pastors, and the Bridgeport First Church and its pastor, transferred from the Presbyteries of Bedford and New York to that of Connecticut, . . , .150 1862, Oct. 23. Presbytery of Bedford consolidated with the Presbytery of Connecticut, . .151 1862, Oct. 23. South Greenburgh Church transferred from Presbytery of Bedford to the Second Presbytery of New York, '. 141 1863, Apr. 6. Westminster Church withcU'ew from the Third Presbytery of New York to the Second, . . . 177 1863, O*^'- 4- Riverdale Church organized, . . . 177 1863, Oct. 12. Riverdale Church enrolled by the Fourth Presbytery of New York, . . 177 1863, Nov. 4. Darien Church organized and enrolled by the Fourth Presbytery of New York, ... .178 1865, Aug. 1 German Church of Bridgeport, Conn., organized by the Presbytery of Connecticut, . . . .152 i865, Mar. 8. First Presbyterian Church of Morrisania reorganized, . 178 1866, Apr. 2. First Church of Morrisania enrolled by the Presbytery of New York, . _ . . 178 1S69, Oct. 6. German Church of Bridgeport, Conn., disbanded, 152 1869, Nov. 12. Reunion of the Old and New School Branches of the Presbyterian Church, . . . 160 1870, June 21. Presbytery of Westchester erected, . 164 1871, Oct. 17. Deep River (Conn.) Church dissolved, . 182 1872, Nov. 17. Katonah (N. Y.) Church organized, . 180 1873, F^b. 24. South Reformed Church of New Haven, Conn , recog- nized by the Presbytery of Westchester as the First Presbyterian Church of New Haven, . . 181 1873, April 16. Katonah Church enrolled by the Presbytery of West- chester, ... .176 1873, May 12." First Presbyterian Church of North New York organi- zed, ...... . . 180 1873, Jun^ 10- North New York Church enrolled by the Presbytery of Westchester, .... . 176 1875, Mar. I. First Presbyterian Church of New Haven, Conn., dis- solved, ... • 181 1876, Oct. 8. Huguenot Memorial Church, Pelham Manor, N. Y., or- ganized, . . . • 180 1876, Oct. 18. Huguenot Memorial Church enrolled by the Presbytery of Westchester, . 176 1879, April 21. Dayspring Church of Yonkers, N. Y , organized, 180 1879, April 30. Dayspring Church enrolled by the Presbytery of West- chester, . . . .176 1880, Jan. 19. Pleasantville (N. Y.) Church organized, 180 1880, Jan. 20. Pleasantville Church enrolled by the Presbytery of Westchester, ..... . 176 204 INDEX OF DATES. Page. i8So, Oct. 1. Presbyterial Woman's Missionary Society organized, . i86 iSSo, Oct. 6. Church at Somers, N. Y., dissolved, . 183 1881, Jan. Services begun at Brewster's Station, . . 182 1881, April 26. First Presbyterian Church of Greenwich, Conn., organ- ized, ... . . . 180 18S1, June 21. Greenwich Church enrolled by the Presbytery of West- chester, . . ... 176 1886, Feb. 19. First Presbyterian Church of New Haven, Conn., organ- ized, . . ... 180 i885, April 20. New Haven Church enrolled by the Presbytery of Westchester, ... . . 176 1887, June 23. First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Vernon, N. Y., organ- ized and enrolled by the Presbytery of Westchester, . 180 1SS7, Oct. 19. The Bethany, West Farms, Pott's Memorial, Tremont, and Riverdale Churches, with their pastors, transferred to the Presbytery of New York, . . . 183 GENERAL INDEX. Abbott, Rev. Gorham D., Abercrombie, Colonel, Abstracts of Minutes, ''Act and Testimony," " Act for settling a Ministry," etc., Adam, Rev. Matthew T., Adams, Rev. Carson W., 141, 144, Albany Church, . Albany, N. Y., . Albany, Presbytery of, Allen, Rev. Edward B., . Allen, Rev. John S., AUerton, Rev. Isaac, Allison, Rev. Charles E., • Ambler, Abraham, Amenia (N. Y.) Union Church, . American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, American Education Society, American Home Missionary Society, Anderson, Elder James, Anderson, Licentiate James M., Armstrong, Rev. Robert G., Assessments, Associated Presbyteries, Associated Presbytery of Morris County, Associated Westchester Presbytery, Bailey, Rev. Samuel, Bailey, Rev. Winthrop, Baird, Rev. Charles W., . Baird, Rev. Henry M., . Baird, Rev. Isaac, Baird, Rev. James, Baldwin, Rev. Charles H., Baldwin, Rev. Elihu, Baldwin, Rev. Henry, Baldwin, Rev. Methuselah, Ball, Rev. Eliphalet, Ball, Rev. Hosea, Page. 107, 138, 139 45 192 '31. 13=. 134 23, 2 :4. 27, 28 104, IDS, '75 45. 146, 150, ,58, 165, 171, 33' c 168, 175. i5. 37; 39, 166, 172, ■93 ,38 86 i95 174 t75 66, 67, .91 ■67, 169, 6; 176 , ID 65, 68, 9L .99 ;ign . Missions ', 119 119, 135 119, ,135 158 147 98. 100^ 122 87 59 39.58 -94 146 104, 108, 114, 144, 146, 150 45. 146, 158. 163, 165, 169, 166, 173. 169, 194 166 170 v . 145. 146, 165, 172 '73 79 18 33.35 .36, 40, 52.73 ,77 18 , 32. 33.; 34, 36 ,37 66, 68,! 52,9 1,92, 106 2o6 GENERAL INDEX. Barfield, Rev. Abraham, Barnes' Notes on Romans, Barnes, Rev. .-\lbert, Barnet, Rev. John, Barnum, Rev. Frederick S., Barret, Rev. Gerrish, Barr, Rev. James, Bartlett, Rev. Dwight R., Bartow, Rev. John, Baskerville, Rev. Henry C, Beadle, Rev. E. R., Beardsley, Rev. Broman B. Beattie, Rev. James, Bedford, N. Y., . Bedford (N. Y.) Church, Bedford, Presbytej'y of, Bellamy, Rev. Joseph, Benedict, Rev. Abner, Benedict, Rev. Amzi, Benedict, Rev. Epenetus P., Benedict, Rev. Henry, Benedict, Rev. Joel, Benevolence, Berkshire, Association of, Bethany Church, Bethlehem, N. Y., Bible Cause, Bible Society, . Biographical Sketches, Birch, Rev. George W. F., Bittinger, Rev. Edmund C, Blackford, Rev. Robert A., Blain, Rev. William, Blair, Rev. Allan, Blatchford, Rev. Samuel, Blindbur, Rev. John, Blydenburgh, Rev. John, Bonar, Rev. James B., Bond, Rev. Daniel, Bondet (or Boudet) Rev. — Booth, Rev. Robert R., Botsford, Rev. Alfred P., Boundary settled, Bourne, Rev. George, Bouton, Elder Edwin, . Page. 35 133 i-S. 132, 1.13 65,76 . 166, 175 M4 65,82 174 25 168 145 106 175 2, 5, 6, 23, 25, 26, 27, 36, 96 6, 7, 10, 16, 17, iS, 24, 27, 33, 34, 37, 38; 39, 45, 46, 52, 68, 69, 95, 99, 100, loi, 102, 103, 104, 105, 109, 115, 122, 145, 146, 151, 165, 167, 171 95, 102-142, 151 14 63, 64, 65, 68 67 loi, 102, 103, 105, 113, 114, 135, 145, 146, 1-58 , 68, 104, 108, 114, 144, 146, 150 35 82, 119-123, 185 85 . 166, 167, 176, i8o 74 122 120 53-57. 92-94 ^ 167, 176, 194 106 166, 171 65, 67, 68, 69, 82, 91 34,35 35 35 166 173 24 174 107 13 66, 80, 91, 100 156 GENERAL INDEX. 207 Bouton, Rev. Enoch, . Bowen, Rev. Marcellus, Bowers, Rev. Nathaniel, Bowman, Rev. George A., Boyd, Rev. John, Boynton, Rev. George M., Bradford, Rev. Ebenezer, Bradner, Rev. Benoni, Bradner, Rev. Thomas Scott, Brewster, Elder Samiiel, Brewster's Station, N. Y., Bridge, Rev. Christopher, " Brief Account of the Associated Presbyteries," etc, Bridgeport (Conn.) First Church, . 144, 145, 146, Bridgeport (Conn.) German Church, . Bristol, Rev. Cyrus B., British Army, . Bromfield, Rev. Edward T., Bronson, Rev. Asahel, Brookfield (Conn.) Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., Brown, Nathaniel, Brown, Rev. Christopher R., Brown, Rev. Daniel, Brown, Rev. William Y., Bryan, Rev. Edward D., . ■ 103, 107, Buchanan, Rev. J. M., Buckingham, Rev. Stephen, Bull, Rev. William, . Bullions, Rev. Alexander B., Burbank, Rev. Jacob, Burghardt, Rev. P. H., Burkhalter, Rev. Edward R., Burnet, Rev. Eliezur, . Burr, Rev. Charles H., Jr., Burr, Rev. Marcus, Burritt, Rev. Blackleach, Butler, Rev. Charles F., Butts, Rev. Joshua, . Byllesby, Rev. Faber, Caldwell, N. J., Calkins, Rev. Lyman D., Camp, Rev. John, Campbell, Rev. Robert, Canterbury, Archbishop of, . Carhart, Licentiate Charles Lyman, Carlisle, N. Y., 27 66,82 168 18 166 68 165, 173 59 86 104, 108, 145, 151 •25 ■ 114, 151, 181, 1S2 , 27 87 149, 150. 165, 167, 171 146, 152 102, 103, 108, 109 42 167, 168 67, 68, loi 65,69 66 79 168 173 168, 173 113, 114, 144, 146, 150 174 18 68 108, 166 99 174 166, 169, 172 73.74 166, 169, 173 168 33. 35, 45, 46, 52 99. loi 102, 103, 105 104, 107, log 166 68 168, 174 86 65, 85, 86 21 170 69 Childs, Rev. Thomas S., Choate, Rev. Washington, Church Buildings, Church Extension, 208 GENERAL INDE.X. Carlton, Rev. lUarcus M., . . . 144, 147 Carniel, N. Y., . . . 3, 70 Carmichael, Rev. J. M., . 146 ^Carpenter, Elder Philemon H., . . 138 Carter, Rev. Samuel T., ... . . 176 Case, Rev. Wheeler, ..... 33, 34, 35, 4c, 45, 49, 51 Catechisms of Associated Presbyteries, ... 83 Catechisms, Westminster, .... 31, 32 Chamberlain, Licentiate Albert, . . 108, 158 Chapman, Rev. Robert, ... gg Charles II, . . ' . 20, 22 Charlotte Precinct (N. Y.) Church, 33, 34, 37, 45 Cherry Valley (N. Y.) Church, . . 33. 35. 37. ."8 144, 146, 147, 148, 151, 163, 167 167, 171 5 . 111-114,147-149,177-183 Churches in the Province of New York, . . 7 Churches in Westchester County and Philipse Patent, . . 7 Churches, Rolls of, . 18-19, 33-35, 66-69, 99-10'. 105-108, 145-146, 171-176 Church Lands, .... . 5 Church of England, . . . 4, 7, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 Church of England, Opposition to, . . . . . 25, 26 Church Rates, . . . 5, 9, 10, il, 20, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 Church Services, . . ... 4, 6 Cincinnati Memorial, . .131 Civil Courts of Westchester County, N. Y., ... 45 Civil status of the early churches, . . . 20-30 Clark, Ebenezer, ... -97 Clark, Rev. John, . . . 98, 100 Classis of New York, . . in Cleaveland,' Rev. Edwards P., . . . 167, 169, 170, 171 Clinton, Governor George, ....... 47 Clinton Precinct, Presbyterian Providence Society, 35, 37 Close, Licentiate John, ... 3g, 51 Close, Rev. David, . . 33, 34, 35, 40 Close, Solomon, . . . .63 Cobb, Rev. Elisha G., . . .173 Cochran, Rev. Isaac W., . . . 145, 146, 147, 158 Cold Spring (N. Y.) Church, . . 102, 164 Coleman, Rev. James W., . . 165, 171, 176, 178 Collections, ..... 82, 121-123, 156, 185 Collins, Rev. Charles J., . . . . . 167 Collins, Rev. J., . . . . 174 Colver, Rev. Anthony W., . . 167, 171 Commissioners' Fund, . . . 122 Conjmissioners of Charles II, . . 20 Committeemen, . . . . . . . 128, 130 14. 31.32 51. 12 88 igi -IS 89 5. 10. '3 14 144. ■46. 148 GENERAL INDEX. 2O9 Confession of Faith, Westminster, Connecticut Churches, Polity and Creed of, Connecticut, General Association of, Connecticut, General Court of, Connitt, Rev. George W., . Constant, Rev. Silas, 7, 8, 33, 34, 35, 36, 49, 50, 52, 59, 62, 65, 66, 68, 70, 71, 72. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78, 79. 82, 84, 87,' 88, 89, 90, 92-94 Constitution of the Associated Westchester Presbytery, . 63-64 Contingent Fund, ....... 122 " Convention of Correspondence *' of the Associated Presbyteries, S6-87 Cornbury, Lord, . . 21, 25, 26 Corning, Rev., James L., ... . . 174 Cornwall (Ct.) Church, ... . . 64, 67, 69, 91 Cornvirall, Rev. John, 62, 63,/64, 67, 76, 90 Cortlandt Manor, Settlement of, . . . i, 2 Cotton, Rev. John, ... . 15 Country, The State of, . ■ . 41-47. 160-162 Cox, Rev. Samuel Hanson, . 165, 169 Crane, Rev. Daniel, 98 Credentials of Ministers, . . . 20, 21 Crittenden, Rev. Samuel W., . . . 104,108,109 Crocker, Rev. Daniel, ... lor Crompond (N. Y.) Church, 17, 18, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39, 45, 46, 52, 55, 56 Crotoh Falls (N. Y.) Church, . . 103,104,108,138,145,146,151, 166, 167, 168, 171 Croton River, . • • 42. 45 Gumming, Rev. Alexander, . • 3° Cumming, Rev. William J., 167, 169, 176, 194 Cummings, Rev. Lawrence P., . • • 167. '73 Daggett, Rev. Herman, • 66, 67, ico Danner, Rev. Julius L., • ■ '67 Darien (Ct.) Church, 165, 167, 168, 171, 178 Davenport, Rev. Henry A., ■ 167,171 Davenport, Rev. James, . • 18, 19 Davenport, Rev. James R., ■ i°3. '°7 Davenport, Rev. John, . • • 33. 34. 49. 5° Davison, Rev. Isaac S-, . • '68 Davison, Rev. Robert A., 166, 175 Day, Rev. Ezra H., . 65, 68, 82 Days of Fasting and Prayer, . . . 41, 42, 46, 47 Dayspring Church, Yonkers, N. V., . 167. 176 Dean, Elder Richard, 125 Dean, Licentiate William H., 108 Dean, Licentiate Oliver S., '°8 Deep River (Ct.) Church, I44. 146. 148, 171. 182 Deer Park (N. Y.) Church, 5=. 68 Delevan, Rev. David, • 66 210 GENERAL INDEX. Demarest, Rev. James, Jr., Denham, Rev. Thomas, Destructive visitation of insects, DeVries, Rev. J. Hendricks, DeWitt, Rev. John, Dexter, Rev. W. Hart, Dey, Rev. Richard N., Dickerson, Rev. Jonathan, _ . loi Directory for Worship, DiscipUne, Book of, . • 3°> 3', 32> Division of the Yorktowrn Church, Division of Somers Church, Division of 1837-8, Dixon, Rev. John, .... Doctrinal Belief of the Churches of Connecticut, Dodd, Rev. Ira S., Dodd, Rev. Stephen, Dongan, Governor, Dover (N. Y.) Church, Dow, Licentiate James W., Dowd, Rev. Willis W., Draper, Licentiate Allan W., Dudley, Rev. LaFayette, Duke's Laws, Dumont, Rev. A. Henry, Dunlap, Licentiate John, Dunlop, Rev. Samuel, Dutch Church at Tarrytown, N. Y Dutch Settlers, Dutchess County, Presbytery of, Dwight, Rev. Dr. Timothy, Dye, Rev. Charles B., Eastchester, N. Y., Eastchester Church, East Haven, Conn., Eastman, Rev. John H., East Windsor Theological Seminary, Ecclesiastical lands, Ecclesiastical Status of the Early Churches, Eddy, Rev. William K., . Education, . Education, Board of, . . . " Edwardian " Theology, . Eggleston, Elder James O., Eldership of the Early Churches, Elmsford (N. Y.) Church, Ely, Rev. , . . 166, 173 9 18 46 168, 170 171 168, 170, 174, «7S 66 92 02, I 33, 121,131, 135 3' ,32, 19°, 191 ,49, 50. 189, 190, 191 71 -78 137- '38 12S- 140 .67, 176 13 -14 168, 173 6s, 67, 68, 76, 82 88 21 35,37 39 170 167, 173 170 166 S, '0 20 144 170 32,33 35 1 I 31- 57, 60, 71, 74 75 42 145, 165, 174 2, 5, 7 , 8, 23, 25 26 5 , ^7 65 I 67, 169, 176, 193 141 5 12 -19 167, 169, 170 122 120 80, 85, 87 158 15,37,38 ,51 8,62 ,98 lOI GENERAL INDEX. 2lt Ely, Rev. James, Ely, Rev. John, Ely, Rev. Samuel R., Emmons, Rev. Dr., England, Church of, English Settlers, " Equivalent Lands, The," Esperance, N. Y., Fagnani, Rev. Charles P., . Fairfield Co. (Ct.) Old Consociation Fairfield East Consociation, Fairfield West Consociation, Faitoute, Rev. George, Federal Constitution, Felt, Rev. Joseph B., Finney, Rev. Spencer L., Fish, Rev. Peter, Fisher, Elder William, Fishkill (N. Y.) Church, . Fitchville, Conn., . Fitzpatrick, Licentiate James, Fletcher, Governor, Fletcher, Rev. Donald, Florida (N.Y.) Church, . Foot, Rev. Joseph I., Form of Government, 30, 32, Forsyth, Rev. Joseph, Foster, Joseph C, . Frame, Rev. Reuben, Franklin (N. Y.) Church, Franklin, Delaware Co., N, Frazee, Rev. John H., Fredericksburgh (N. Y.) Church, Fredericksburgh (N. Y.) West Church, Freeland, Rev.' Daniel N., . Freeman, Rev. John N., Freeman, Rev. Jonathan, French Settlers, Frey, Rev. Joseph F. C. S., Gallagher, Rev. George W., Gardner, Rev. William, Garfield, President, Death of. General Association of Connecticut, General Association of New York, General Court of Connecticut, George I, 144, 163, 165 99 103, 107, 109 14 . 4, 7, 21, 22 23, 25, 26, 27, 28 T 3 69 168, 176 14,18 18, 19, 58,9c , 96, 124 •9 96 46-7 100 167 96 .58 34, 39, 99 147 170 22, 23 • 166, 169, 176 59 103 '., 48, 49, 50, 81, 130, 188 189 190, 191 104, 106 104 ,107 108, 109 103 107, 112 135 140, 142 / 34, 52, 55. 69, 95, 100 69 167, 172 33.34 33-35 ,37, 38, 39, 5' 16S, 176 166, 173 52 3 65, 67, 80, 84-S5 >67 , 169, 170 168, 170 192 88,89 88 5, 10, 13, 14 212 GENERAL INDEX. George II, . 21,22 George III, 21 Georgia, 82 Gibbs, Rev. Daniel, 166, 169 Gibson, Rev. Robert P., 168, 171 Gifts of land to ministers". 9 Gilead Church, Carmel, N. V., 7, 19, 65, 67, 69, 70, 89, 91, 108, no, 122, 145, 146, 151, i65, 167, 168, 171 Gleson, Rev. Luther, 86 Goodhue, Rev. George F., 104, to5, 144, 146, 150 Goshen (Ct.) Church, 69 Goshen (N. Y.) Church, . 51, 52 Gospel Propagation Society, 4> ^5 Government, Form of, . 30, 32, 48, 49, 8r, 188, 189, 190, 191 Governors, Royal, Instructions to, 21 Graham, Rev. Chauncey, . 32. 33. 34, 35. 37> 40, 53 Grant, Rev. Ebenezer, • 73. 75. 76, 77, 98. 100. loi Gray, Rev. Thomas M., . 165, 169, 174 Gray, Rev. William, 66, 100 Green, Rev. Elijah W., .^ . . • 168, 169, 170 Green, Rev. Jacob, loi, I02, 103 105, 109, 112, 125, 131, 132, 13s, 137, 142 Greenburgh (N. Y.) Church, 8 62, 65, 67, 89, loi, 104, 106, III, 115, 121 Greenburgh (N. Y.) Second Church, 171,177 Greenburgh (N. Y.) South Church, 38, lOI, 103, 104, 106, 121, 722, 141, 165, 174 Greenleaf, Rev. Joseph, Jr., 166 Greenwich, Conn., 2, 6, 7 Greenwich (Ct.) First Church, . 166, 168, 176, 179, 180 Gregory, Rev. Daniel S., 145, 146, 165, 174 Gregory, Rev. Elnathan, 19 " Gregory's Parish," 19. 35' 70 Griffith, Rev. Griffith H., 67, 103, 124, 127 Grover, Rev. Joseph, 59 Gubby, Rev. James, 144, 146, 149 Haight, Rev. Sylvanus, 65,68,82 Halliday, Rev. David M., 165, 172 Halloway, Rev. Charles H., ' . 145, 146, 165, 172 Hall's Corner, N. Y., 98 Halsey, Rev. Samuel P., 174 Hammond, Rev. Israel, 66, 92 Hancock, Rev. John, 166, 172 Hanna, Rev. William, 33. 35 Hanover {N. Y.) Church, . 18, 34 Hanover, N. J., . 58 Harrison, Rev. Marcus, 99, lOI narrower, Rev. David, 65,82 Hartford (Ct.) Church, 144, 146, 147, 165, 171 GENERAL INDEX. 213 Hartford, Conn,, I. 147 'S 143, 144, 145 Hartford North Association, Harvey, Rev. Josepli, Hawley, Licentiate Samuel S., 108 Hawley, Rev. Charles, 172 Hawley, Rev. Silas, 173 Hawley, Rev. , lOI Hays, Licentiate Frank H., 170 Hayt, Elder John, 73' 74 Hazeltine, Rev. Henry M., i66, 172 Hazzard, Licentiate Joseph, 40 Heads of Agreement, 13. 14. 15 Heathcote, Col. Caleb, 4, 6, 24, 25 Hedges, Rev. , 108 Heermance, Rev. Edgar L., 166, 169, 175 Hempstead Plains, N. Y., 20, 96 Henderson, Rev. Josiah, . 100 Hendricks, Rev. John, lOI Henry, Rev. James V., 103, 106, 142 Heresy, . . ^ . . 84, 169 Heroy, Rev. Peter B., . t04, 105, 145, 146, 151. 165, 169, 171 Hewit, Rev. Nathaniel, 144, 146, 149, 150 Hickok, Rev. Jonas, 65, 67, 82 Highlands, Orange Co., N. Y., 66, gi Hinsdale, Rev. Horace G., 145. 146, 158, 165, 171 Historians, ... 163, 194 Hobbs, Rev. J. Howard, 168, 170, 176 Hodge, Licentiate Hugh Lenox, 170 Hodge, Licentiate Richard Morse, 170 Hodge, Rev. E. B., i8r Hodge, Rev. J. Aspinwall, •45. 146, 159, 165, 171 Hodge, Rev. William H., . 145, 146 Hoes, Rev. R. Randall, . 167, 172 Holyoke, Mass., 147 Hopewell, Orange Co., N. Y., 5- Hopkins, Elder Reuben, 73 Hopkins, Rev. David, 172 Horton, Daniel, 73 Hotchkin, Rev. Beriali, 86 Howell, Rev. Jesse L., . 104, 106, 109 Hoyt, Rev. James H., 167, 171 Hudson, Presbytery of, 52, 73, 74, 75, 79, 91, 95-6, 99- -100, 102, 124, 125, 126 Hudson River, ..... I Huguenot Church, New Rochelle, N. Y., 24 Huguenot Memorial Church, Pelham Manor, N. Y., 167, 168, 176, 179, 180 Huguenot Settlement at New^Rochelle, N. Y., 3 Humphrey, Elder Cornelius, 49 Hunter, Rev. John H., . . . 107 214 GENERAL INDEX. Huntington, Rev. Jonathan, Huntting, Rev. William, . Hyde, Rev. Eli, Hyde, Rev. William Albert, Hyndshaw, Rev. James B., Incorporation o£ Presbytery of Westchester, Act of. Incorporation of the Early Presbyterian Churches, Ihdian Paths, Indians, Collection for, Inglis, Rev. David, Intemperance, ... ny, Irving, Rev. David, . . 104, to6, 108, iii, Irvington (N. Y.) Church, , 166, 167, 168, Jackson, Rev. Abel, Jackson, Rev. Thomas, James II, . Jersey City, N. J., . Jewett, Rev. A. D. L., Johnston, Licentiate Frederick, Johnston, Rev. James W., Johnston, Rev.. John, Joline, Rev. John, . Jones, Rev. Daniel, Jones, Rev. Eliphalet, Jones, Rev. John, . Judd, Rev. Benjamin, Judicial Commissions, 107, 131 165 98 67 104, 107 192 28 I 40 104, 105 i54> 184 113. 142 I?'. 177 65, 68, 86 66, 100 22 66 175 170 145, 146, 147, 158. 166, 167, 172, 176 98 52 . 66, 67, 82, gi i8 18, 25 33. 35. 40, 52, 53. 100 190-191 Katonah (N. Y.) Church, . Kellogg, Rev. Samuel, Kelsey, Licentiate William S., Kent, Chief Justice James, Kent, Rev. Elisha, " Kent's Parish," Kenyon, Licentiate Fergus . Ker, Rev. Nathan, King, Rev. Andrew, King, Rev. Walter, King's Bridge, N. Y., Kip, Rev. Isaac L., Knight, Rev. Richard Waller, Knypers, Rev. William P., 167, 176, 180 104, 106 170 53.77 16, 17, 18, 31, 33, 35, 36, 53-4 33 147 51. 52. 95 51. 52.73 96 42 167, 172 66, 82, 91 Lake Mahopac, N. Y., Lane, Rev. Charles S., Lane, Rev. Saurin E., Lathrop, Rev. Daniel W., 114 168, 176 145. 146 165, 169 GENERAL INDEX. 215 Law, Rev. Sidney G., 167 Leadbetter, Rev. Alexander, 103, 1 06, 108, 144 Ledoux, Rev. L. P., 106 Lee, Judge Elijah, 72,73 Lee, Rev. Chauncey D., 144, 165, 169 Lee, Rev. Henry F., 108, 144, 145, 165, 175 Leete, Report of Governor, 12 Leggett, Rev. John H., . loi, 103, 107 Lewis, Rev. Amzi, . 59, 62 63, 64, 66, 6S, 70, 76, 82, 86, 87, 90, 94 Lewis, Rev. Ichabod, • 33. 34; 35. 40, 44, 46, 49, 5^, 53, 70 Lewis, Rev. Isaac, ist. 73 Lewis, Rev. Isaac, 2d, . • 96, 97, 100 Lewis, Rev. Valentine A., . 145. 146, 147, 163, 166 Life, Rev. William, i6s Lincoln, Assassination of President, . 161-2 Lindsley, Rev. Aaron L., . . 104, 107, 113, 145, 146, 151 Lindsley, Rev. Charles E., 165, 172 Litchfield North Consociation, 14 y' Little Nine Partners near ye Oblong," 35, 37, 39 Livingston, Rev. Henry G., 104, 108, 109 Livingston, William, 30 Lockwood, Jacob, 39 London, Bishop of. 21, 22 Long Island, 1.47 Long Island Sound, I Long, Rev. Chester, 102, 103, 106, 125, 142 Long, Rev. John D., 168, 175 Lord, Rev. Charles E., 167, 176 Lord, Rev. William R., 167, 169, 173 Loring, Rev. Josephus B., 67 Lowe, Rev. John G., . . 65, 68, 82 Lundy, Rev. John, 104, ic6, 109 Lyman, Rev. Asa, 100 Lynn, Rev. John F., 168, 170, 176 Lyon, Rev. David C, 104, 105 Lyttle, Licentiate Eugene W., 170 Macdonald, Licentiate Peter M., Macoubrey, Rev. Anthony R., Madeira, Rev. Addison D., Magee, Rev. George A., Mahopac Falls (N. Y.) Church, ■31 Mallery, Rev. Charles P. Mamaroneck, N. Y., Mansfield, Lord, 38 170 145, 146, 165, 168, 172, 174 168, 172 144, 146, 149 5. 7, 8, 33, 35. 37, 39, 5^, 65, 67, 69, 91, 92, 102, 103, 1C4, 107, 112, 113, 121, 122, 13S, 145, 146, [jr, 165, 166, 167, 168, 171 168, 17s 113. "4 23 2l6 GENERAL INDEX. Manwarring, Rev. Giles, Marcy, Rev. Bradford, Marsh, Rev. Daniel, Marshall, Rev. William, JIason, Rev. John, Massachusetts, Bloodshed in, Mather, Rev. Warham, Mattice, Rev. Robert B. McCampbell, Rev. George M., McDougall, Rev. James, Jr., McHarg, Rev. Charles R., McKee, Rev. Joseph, McKelvey, Rev. Hugh A., McKnight, Rev. John, McLaughlin, Rev. D. D. T., McLauglrlin, Rev. Edward, McLean, Rev. William, McLeod, Rev. Robert B, McMillan, Rev. George W, McNiece, Rev. John, Mead, Elder Andrew, Mead, Elder Thomas, Mead, Rev. Mark, Mead, Rev. Solomon, Meikle, Rev. William, Merrick, Rev. James L., Middletown (N. Y.) Church, Milford, Conn., Millard, Rev. Nelson, Milledolei', Rev. Philip, Miller, Elder David, Miller, Rev. Alexander, Miller, Rev. Samuel, Mills, Rev. Frank V., Mills, Rev. Samuel, Milton, N. Y., Ministers, Credentials of. Ministers, Gifts of Land to, Ministers, Reception of, Ministers, Rolls of. Ministry, Laws for Settling of. Ministry, Maintenance of. Minor, Rev. Jehu, . Minutes, Abstracts of. Minutes, Printed, . Missionaries of the Gospel Propagation Missionary Societies, Missionary Society of New York, Missions, Board of Foreign, 104, 107, 144, 145 100 63, 64, 65, 67, 85, 86, 87 172 . 103, 107, 138 41 24 167, 171, 172 167, 174 i6s 171 173 166 77 ■74 66, 82, loi 66' 02, 103, 105, 109, no, 125, 137 67 65, 66, 89, 96, 100 "3 106 6, 19. 31. 3-. 33' 34, 36, 49. 5^ 104, io5, 174 144 65, 68, 69, 89, 91 2 ' 165, 173 96 135 168, 171 96 168 • 33. 34, 35, 40, 45, 46 86 20, 21 9 128 33, 64-6, 103-4, 144-5, 165-8 23, 26 8-1 1 33, 36, 53, 100 192, 193 192 Society, . 4, 25 119, 120 96 121 GENERAL INDEX. 217 Missions, Board of, Missions, Foreign, Missions, Home, Mitchell, Rev. Gordon, Money, Monilaws, Rev. George, Monroe (N. Y.) Church, Montgomery, Licentiate John, Moore, Rev. Edward C, Moore, Rev. James G., Morgan, Rev. Joseph, Morrill, Rev. George \V., Morris, Col. Lewis, Morrisania (N. Y.) First Church, Morrisania (N. Y.), Upper, The Uni Morse, Rev. Andrew B., Morse, Rev. B. Y., Morton, Rev. James, . Mount Kisco (N. Y.) Church, Mount Pleasant (N. Y.) Church, Mount Vernon, N. Y., Mount Vernon First Church, Mudge, Rev. Lewis W., Muirson, Rev-' George, Mundy, Rev. Ezra F., Murdoch, Rev. David, Myers, Rev. A. B. L., Narragansett Pier (R. I.) Church, Narratives, Nesbit, Rev. Alexander, Neutral Ground, New Brunswick, Presbytery of, Newburgh (N. Y.) Church, . New Canaan, . Newcomb, Rev. Homer S., New Fairfield (Ct.) South Society, New Haven, Conn., New Haven First Church, New Haven, South Reformed Church, New Hempstead (N. Y.) Churcli, Newman, Rev. Arthur, New Paltz (N. Y.) Church, . New Rochelle, N. Y., New Rochelle Church, New Windsor (N. Y.) Church, 120 121, 123, 156, 1S5 40, 82, 96, 122, 123, 156, 185 167, 169, 176 9, II 174 66, 68, 69, 89, 91 170 165, 176 104, 108 18, 24, 25 167 ■^3. 27 178 on Presbyterian. Church of, 177 168 67 167 104, 108, no, 145, 146, 166, 167, 168, 172 • 34. 39. 44. 52, 66, 69, 91, 100, 103, 104, 106, III, 165, 168, 174 180 16S, 176, iSo 1 66, 176 25, 27 145, 146, 163, 165, 173, 176, 194 168, 173 144, 147 182 82. "5-7. 154-5. 183-4 165, 169, 17s 42-4, 46 17,18 99 86 145, 147, i68 65 I, 147 165, 168, 176, 180 165, 176, 180-1 65,69 172 68,99 2, 5 5,7, 12, 24, 96, TOO, 103, 107, 121, 138-140, 165, 166, 167, 168, 172 ■ 35. 37. 51. 99 2i8 GENERAL INDEJt. New York, .... New York, First Congregational Church, 65: New York, Presbytery of. i6, 17, 18, 32, 36, 52, 54, 97, 98, loo-i, 102, New York, Rose Street Church, Nimmo, Rev. Joseph, ..... Nine Partners, N. Y., . Niven, Rev. Duncan C, . . . . Niven, Rev. Thornton M., Jr. Ni.xon, Rev. George, North Castle, N. Y., . . Northern Associated Presbytery, North New York Church, North River, Presbytery of, . . . 92, 95, 98-9, Northrop, Elder Aaron, .... North Salem (N. Y.) Church, 5, 16, 34-5, 37, 38, 39, 45, 51, 91,92, 94, 99, 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 109, 145, 146, North Stamford (Ct.) Church, Norwalk, Conn., Nott, Rev. Samuel, Oakly, John, " Oblong, The," Orr, Rev. Robert W., . Osborn, Rev. Joel, Osborn, Rev. , Osborne, Rev. Truman, Ostrom, Rev. James I., Overseers, Owen, Elder John, Owen, Rev. Henry J., . Owen, Rev. Joseph, 43. 47 67, 69, 84, 85, 91 S9> 85, 91. 95. 96, 143. 144. 177, 178 67, 85, 91 103, 107, 108, 138 49 145, 146 165, 174 165. 175 2, 42, 44 86 176, iSo ror, 138, 164, 176 13s 62, 64, 65, 66, 69, 165, 166, 168, 172 . 64, 68, go, 94 63 3.3= .37 103, i: O-I 65, 82, 98, 100 99 100 98 20 132. 135 170, 174 104, 108, 109 Palmer, Elder John, Parishes of Westchester County, N. Y., Parish officers, .... Parsippany (N. J.) Church, Patterson, N. Y., Patterson (N. Y.) Church, Patterson, Rev. William, Payne, Rev. Thomas, Peck, Rev. Joseph, Peekskill, N. Y., Peekskill(N. Y.) Church, Peekskill First Church, 114, 163 23 20, 23 59 3 5. 19. 33. 34. 37. 39. 46, 52. 57. 65, 69, 95, 99, 100, loi, 102, 103, 105, I2r, 145, 146, 165, 167, 168, 172 103, 105, 109, III, 112, 113, 135, 142, 145, 146, 151, 158, 163, 165, 169, 173 107 • 16, 19, 31. 33. 34, 57 7,78,96 7, 8, 68, 78, 95, 96, 98, 100, loi, 103, 107, log, III, 140, 166, 167, 172-3 . 166, 167, 172 GENERAL INDEX. 215 Peekskill Independent Presbyterian Church, Peekskill Secqnd Church, Peekskill St. Peter's Church, . Pelham Manor, N. y., Pelham, N. Y., Penman, Rev. John S., Perkins, Rev. Jason, Permanent Clerks, Perry, Rev. Talmon C, Pettigrew, Rev. Samuel, Phelps, Rev. Samuel, Philadelphia Convention, Philadelphia, Presbytery of, Philippi (N. Y.) Church, Philipsborough, N. Y., Philipse Patent, N. Y., Phillips, Licentiate James K., . " Phillips Precinct" Fii'st Church, "Phillips Precinct" Second Church, " Phillips Precinct" West Church, Philippi, West, Church, Phraner, Rev. Wilson, Picton, Rev. Thomas, Pinckney, Elder Ira, Pine Plains (N. Y.) Church, Pittsburgh (N. Y.) Church, Pittsburgh (Pa.) Convention, Pittstown, N. Y., Plan of Union, . Piatt, Rev. Isaac W., . Piatt, Rev. W. K., Pleasant Valley (N. Y.) Church, Pleasantville (N. Y.) Church, Polity of the Connecticut Churches, Port Chester (N. Y.) Church, Porter, Elder James, Porter, Rev. David, Potts Memorial Church, Potts, Rev. Arthur, Potts, Rev. George, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Poughkeepsie (N. Y.) Church, Pound Ridge (N. Y.) Church, 33, 35, 37 loi, 102, 103, 10 Presbyterial Visitation, Presbyterian Education Society, Presbyterian Providence Society, 65, 68, 78-9, 89, 91, 92 165, 166, 167, i68, 173, 176 8 3 23. 25 168, 170, 171 65, 82, 100 194 145, 159, 165 104, 107, 109 . 65, 66, 84, 91 134. 135 17, 18 17, 33. 44 I •' ■ ' 3 170 ■ 16, 18, 31, 33, 37, 38 • 16, 33, 34, 37, 38, 45 16, 70 17, 19 . 165, 174, 180 98, 102, 103 114 99 34- 39. 52. 69, 99 132 69 • 128, 131. 135 17s 174 33. 35. 37, 39. 52, 69, 99 167, 168, 176, 180 13-15 104, 108, no, 144, 145, 146, 165, 167, 168, 173 73 86 167, 173. 178 166, 173 178 86 33^ 34. 37. 39. 65, 67, 69, 91, 99 39, 45, 46, 52, 65, 68, 69, 91, 100, 5, "5. 121, 145. 146,151, 165, 173 1 1 8-9, 154, 186-7 119 35. 37 220 GENERAL INDEX. Presbyterian Society, Presbytery, Associated Westchester, Presbytery, Northern Associated, Presbytery, Saratoga Associated, Presbytery of Albany, Presbytery of Bedford, Presbytery of Connecticut, Presbytery of Dutcliess County,* Presbytery of Hudson, 52, 73, 79, 91 Presbytery of Long Island, Presbytery of Morris County, . Presbytery of New Brunswiclc, Presbytery of New York, i6, 17 . 32, Presbytery of New York, Fourth, Presbytery of New York, Second, Presbytery of New York, Third, Presbytery of North River, 97 • 52, 58-94. 98 86, 87, 89 86, 89 38. 95 95, 102-142, 151 . 140, 141, 143-163, 164 ■ 7, 16, 31-57,71, 74.75.95.97 95, 99-100, 102, 103, 124, 125, 126 96 59, 62, 82, 83, 85, 86, 87, 89, 93 17, iS 36. 37. 52. 58. 59. 85, 91. 95. 96-98. loo-i, 102, 103, III, 143, 144, 149, 150,164, 169, 177, 178, 183 III. 139. 177. 178 91, 92, [02, III, 164, 177 • 138. 139, 147. 164, 177 91, 92, 95, 98-99, loi, 102, 103, 138, 152, 164, 176 17,18 • 17. 18, 37, 56 I, 165-195 Presbytery of Philadelpliia, .... Presbytery of Suffollf, Presbytery of Westcliester, Price, Rev. EHphalet, . . . . 98 Prime, Rev. Nathaniel S., . . . 103, 106, 125 Prime, Licentiate Samuel Irenaeus, . . 108 Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, Society for, . 4, 25 Providence (R. I.) Church, . . . 144, 146, 148-149 Provision pay, ... . 11 Purdy, Elder James, . . . r 59 Purdy, Rev. Abraham, . . 65, 66, 68, 82 Quinn, Rev. Michael, Raids, British, Ramsey, Rev. James B., Rates, Church, Raymond, Elder Edward, Read, Elder Aaron, Red Mills (N. Y.) Church, I 45 104, 108 9, 10, 20, 23, 25 158 112, 117, 125 5. 7. 8. 33, 35, 37, 39, 52, 65, 67, 69, 91, 92, 102, 103, 104, 107, 114, 115, 121, 122, 131, 138, Reformed Church, Board of 145, 146, 151, ■ Domestic Missions of, 165, 166, 167, 168, 171 181 Reid, Rev. Lewis H , 167, 168 Reid, Rev. John, Relief Fund, . Religious Liberty, Religious Privileges of the Early Settlers, ' . 167, 17s 40, 123, 156, 185 26,30 . • 6 I02, 103, 107 168, 170, 171 156-160 82, 115, 154, 184 29. 41-46, 96-98 167 04, 107, 145, 146, 151 68, 69, 91 65,91 2,6 167 66, 1 67, 16S, 173, 177 66 25 lOI 168, 176 GENERAL INDEX. 221 Remington, Rev. David, Requa, Rev. Arthur, . Reunion of 1869, Revivals, Revolution, American, Rice, Rev. Chauncey D., Richardson, Rev . Richard H . , Ridgebury (N. Y.) Church, Ridgefield, Conn., Ridgefleld Patent, Riggs, Rev. Charles H., Riverdale (N. Y.) Church, Roberts, Rev. Evan, Roberts, Zachariah, Robertson, Rev. Samuel, Rodger, Rev. James G., Rogers, Licentiate Arthur G., i-o Rogers, Rev John, . . 77,79,96 Rogers, Rev. Medad, ..... 63, 64, 65 Rolls of Churches, 18-19, 33-35. 66-69, 99-'oi, 105-108, 145-146, 17 (-'176 Rolls of Mmisters, . 33, 6^_66, 103-4, 144-5, 165-8 Roman Catholics, ' ... 20 Romeyn, Rev. John B., . .06 Rumbout (Fishkill, N. Y.) Church, . 33, 34, 37, 39^ 52 65 99 ^y^'^-^- ■ • . . 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 23' 25 Rye (N. Y.) Church, 7, 8, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 26, 27, 33, 34, 37, 44, 46, 97, loi, 102, 103, 107, 115, 121, 144, 145, 146, 150, 165, 168, 173-4 Sabbath Desecration, . . . . 117 ic;4 18-1 Sabbath-schools, . . „g_ ,54! j^^^ jg^ Sabellianism, . ■ ■ 8± Sacket, Rev. Samuel, . 7, i ,, (6, 17, 18, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, c ., X, T. 37. 45. 55-6. 74, 75 bahler, Rev. Daniel D., igg, 169 171 Salem (South Salem, N. Y.) Church, 5, 7, 16, 19, 31, 33, 34, 37, 39, 52, 56, 99, loi, 103, 104,, 107, 109, 115, 121, 122, 135. 145. 146, 151. 159. 165, 167, 168, 174 Salem (Conn.) Church, . . .65, 68 Salem, Upper (North Salem, N. Y.) Church, 5, 16, 34-5, 37, 38, 39, 45, 51, 62, 64, 65, 66, 69, 91, 92, 94, 99, loi, 102, 103, 104, 106, 109, 135, 145, 146, 151, 165, 166, 168, 172 Saratoga Associated Presbytery, . . . 86, 89 Saunders, Rev. Stephen, . . . loi, 102, 103, 107 13. 14 no . 166, 171, 176 97, lOI 13. 14 Savoy Confession, Sawpit, N. Y., Sawyer, Rev. RoUin A., Saxton, Rev. Noah C, Saybrook Platform, 222 GENERAL INDEX. Saybrook, Synod of, Scarsdale, Manor of, N. Y., Schenck, Rev. Elias S., Schenck, Rev. Harris R., Scotland, Licentiate Alexander, Scott, John Morris, Scott, Rev. Willard, Scudder, Rev. Henry M., . ' Seamen's Friend Society, Secession of Rev. Samuel Sacket and Seeley, Rev. Amos, Seeley, Rev. Augustus H., Seeley, Rev. Charles, Seeley, Rev. George A., Settlement of Putnam County, N. Y., Settlement of Westchester County, N. Settlers, Col. Heathcote's Description Settlers, Dutch, Settlers, English, Settlers, French, Seward, Rev. Dwight M., Sharon, Conn., Sharon Mountain, Conn., Sherwood, Rev. Nathan M., Shiland, Rev. Andrew, Shimeall, Rev. Richard C, Simcoe, Col., Sinclair, Rev. James, Sing Sing (N. Y.) Church, 13. 14 24 io.(, 106, 168, 172 167, i6g, 171, 172 170 30 167, 17s 172 the Crompond Church, 36 106 104, 106, 145, 146 68 174 I Y., I of, 4 Sing Sing Prison, Slavery, Sloughter, Governor, Smith, Elder William L., Smith, Dr. Matson, Smith, Licentiate William, Smith, Rev. E. Bailey, Smith, Rev. John, Smith, Rev. J. Ritchie, Smith, Rev. Roswell D., .Smith, Rev. Thomas G., Smith, Rev. T. Ralston, Smith, Rev. William H., Smith, Rev. Zenas, Smith, William, Smithfield (N. Y.) Church, Smuller, Rev . Henry W . , Snyder, Rev. Peter, 3 165, 175 45 69 ■ 14s. '46, 147 . 104, 108, 142, 145, 146, 151, 158, 165 178 45 108, 146 5. 33. 34. 37- 39. 44, 46, 52. 66, 69, 91, 100, 102, ro3, 104, 106, III, 165, 16S, 174 103 161 23 ii3> 135 139 170 145, 165, 169 16, 17, i8, 32, 33, 34, 35, 54-5 167, 169, 173 , 145, 146, i66 67, 98, lOI 166, 175 166 68 30 99 104, 108, 145, 146, 151, 159 172 GENERAL INDEX. 223 Somers, N. Y., Somers (N. Y.) Church, 8, 65. 68, 69, Souis, Elder Ephraim, . South East Center (N. Y.) Church, South East (N. Y.) Church, 16, 17, 1 South Salem (N. Y.) Church, see Salem Spaulding, Rev. Joshua, Specie, . Spiritual Life, Spuyten Duyvil. Creek, Stamford, Conn., Stamford First Church, Stanford (N. Y.) Church, Stansbury, Rev. Abraham O. State of the Country, Stated Clerks, . Statistical Reports, Stebbins, Rev. George, Stebbins, Rev. Henry H., Steele, Rev. Thonjas C, Sterling, Licentiate Richard, Stevens, Rev. John, Stewart, Rev. William, Stillwater (N. Y.) Church, Stipends, St. John, Elder Moses, St. John, Rev. John R., Stoddard, Rev. Jason B., St." Peter's Church, Peekskill, N. Y. Strong, Rev. Addison K., Strong, Rev. Benjamin, Sturgeon, Rev. Robert, Sturges, Rev. , Succasunna (N. J.) Church, Suffolk, Presbytery of, Sunday Milk-Traffic, Sybrandt, Licentiate William H., Synod of New York, Synod of New York and New Jersey, . Synod of New York and Philadelphia, Synod of Pittsburgh, Systematic Beneficence, Tariffville (Ct.) Church, Tarlton, Col., . 29 91, 103, 108, 1 10, 131, 137-8, 165, 174 114, 159 104, 108, III, 114, 140, 144, 145, 146, 150, 151, 165, 168, 174, 181 8. 3>. 33. 37. 38, 39. 44. 46. 52. 96. 99. 100, loi, 102, 103, 105, no, 114, 135, 140, 144, 145, 146, 166, 174 (South Salem, N. Y.) Church. 98, 100 9 82, 1 1 5-6, 154-5, 183-4 42 2, 147 147, 165, 166, 167, 174 ■ 64, 67, 69 lOI 41-7, 160-2, 192 S3. 142. 163, 194 it6, 123, 155, 156, 184, 185 100, 102, 103, 107, 125 166, 173 146, 166, 169, 175 102 104 6s 8-1 1 73 65,82 67, 146 8 168, 171 33. 35. 36 18 34 .59 17. 18, 37, 56 • "7-8. 154-5 170 113, 124, 125, 126, 127, 140, 144, 149 153, 164, 189 • 38. 49. 51. 52. 9S. 98 31. 32, 36, 48, 49 120 121 144 145. 150. 154 45 2 24 GKN'ERAL INDEX. Tarrytown, N. Y., I Tarrytown Dutch Church, I Taylor, Rev. James H., 172 Taxation for Support of Churches, 5, 9, 10, 20, 23, 26 Teese, Rev. David, 104, 106, r45, 146, 151 Teller, Elder Joshua, 158 Temperance, . . ; . 117 Tennent, Rev. William, 9, II, 16, 17, iS Tennessee, 6S Terrett, Licentiate William R., 170 Terry, Licentiate Israel N., 170 Terry, Rev. Calvin, 144 Terry, Rev. Roderick, . 167, 169, 173 Theological Seminary, . 122, 123 Thirty-nine Articles, 14 Thomas, Rev. J. H., . 67 Thompson, Rev. Andrew, 100 Thompson, Rev. Robert G., . '03. 105 112, 13s, 144. 145.163 Thompson, Rev. William J., . 145, 146, 166, 171 Thompsonville (Ct.) Church, . 143, 144, 145, 146 158, 165, 166, 168, 175 Throgg's Neck (N. Y.) Church, . 166, 168, 175 Todd, Rev. George T., , . 104, 108, 109 Toleration, The Act of, 22 Tomlinson, Rev. George, 166, 169 Townley, Rev. John, . 62, 63, 65, 67, 90, 98 Tract Cause, 122 Tract Societies, 120 Tracy, Rev. William, . 166, 169 Treasurers, .... . 142, 163, 194 Tremont (N. Y.) Church, 165, 175. 177 Trial of Dr. Ebenezer White, . 137-138 Trial of Rev. Griffith H. Griffith, 124-127 Trussell, Rev. John H., 168,174' Trustees of the Presbytery of Westchester, 19s Trustees of the Society of Morris County, 59 TryOn, Governor, 29 Twombly, Rev. Alexander S., 165, 175 Union (N. Y.) Church, 33. 52. 65, 96, 100 Uniformity, The Act of. 22 United Foreign Missionary Society, 119 Upson, Rev. Charles E., . -' . 168 Vail, Rev. Richard P. H., 167, 175 Van Brunt, Rev. Rutgers, 104, 108 Van Cortlandt, Manor of, 2 Van Keuren, Rev Benjamin, . 104 Van Rennselaer, Elder William P., 113, 158 GENERAL INDEX. Van Slyke, Rev. Evert, Vestrymen, " View of the Late Difficulties,' Visitation, Presbyterial, etc. Waite, Rev. Henry R., Walker, Rev. George, WalkiU (N. Y.) Church, ^ Wallace, Elder John, . Wallace, Rev. Charles C, Waller, Rev. William B., Walton (N. Y.) Church, Walton, Rev. John, Wappingers Creek (N. Y.) Church, Ward, Rev. Edmund, . Welcher, Rev. Manfred P., Wells, Rev. Elijah D., Westchester, N. Y., . Westchester (N. Y.) Church, . Westchester Co . , N . Y . , Westchester, Presbytery of. Western Foreign Missionary Society, " Western Memorial," . Westervelt, Rev. Samuel D., West Farms (N. Y.) Church, Westminster Church, Yonkers, N. Y., Westminster Standards, West Somers (N. Y.) Congregational Church Whipple, Rev. William W., . Whitcomb, Rev. C. B., White, Elder Ebenezer, M.D . , White, Rev. Erskine N., White, Rev. Irving E., White, Rev. John, ist. White, Rev. John, 2d, . White, Licentiate John, White, Rev. Samuel, White Plains, N. Y., . White Plains (N. Y.) Church 166, -9. 154, 175 71 86-7 167, 176 104, io5, 109 51, 52, 68 135 166, 171 168, 172 65 99 18 167, 169, 174, 176 100 2, 5, 6, 7, 23, 26, 27 5, 6, 7, 25, 26, 27 1,23,25,28.42,45,^96 • 95. 164-195 120, 121, 133,134 131 104, 105, 145, 146, 15c 96, 100, 107, III, 165, 167, 168, 175 166, 167, 168, 175-6, 177 ■ 14. 31. 32, 49, 50. 51 Whitestown, N. Y., Whittemore, Rev. Williams H., Wickes, Rev. Thomas S., Wickham, Rev. Joseph D., Willard, Rev. Livingston, William and Mary, Windham, Conn., Wisewrell, Rev. George F., 168 174 13s. 137-8 172 168, 175 66, 68 105, 106 109 67 2, 42, 46, 64, 98 iS, 33, 34, 37. 44, 46, 54, 55, 98, loi, 102, loj, 104, 106, 121, 145, 146, 151, 166, 175 .85 loi, 107 100 lOO 173 22 148 ■>3 226 GENERAL INDEX. Women's Missionary Societies, Wood, Licentiate Charles, Wood, Rev. Frank A., WoodliuU, Rev. Nathan, Wright, Rev. Edward, . Wynkoop, Rev. Richard, i86 170 166, 169, 170 96 . 103, 106, 109 , 105, no, 124, 125, 127 I, 23, 177 167, 176, 179, 180 166, 167, 175, 177 166, 167, 168, 175, 177 2 Yonkers, N. Y., Yonkers, N. Y., Dayspring Church, Yonkers, N. Y., First Church, Yonkers, N. Y., Westminster Church, Yorktown, N. Y., Yorktown (N. Y.) Church, 5, 7, g, 11, 18, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 45, 46, 52, 55, 56, 60, 65, 67, 69, 71-78, 99, 100, ipi, 102, 103, 104, 105, 115, 121, 122, 124-127, 145, 146, 151, 166, 167, 176 Yorktown (N. Y.) Congregational Church, 67, 69, 71-78, 91, 103, 124-127 Young, Elder Ezra, . . . . 125, 135 Young, Rev. Daniel, , . 68 CORRIGENDA.* Page 5, line 7, after Sabbath insert ". " 18, lines II and 27, a/tcT Edmund Ward read 1727-1729. " 24, " 13 and 24, read Boudet or Bondet. " 25, line 2,/or house read home. " 3i> " 24, wjf?-/ [Minutes of the Presbytery o£ Dutchess County, pp. 1 and 2.] Page 32, line 26, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, pp. 4 and 5.] Page 32, line 33, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, P-5-] Page 33, line 6, for 1862 read 1762. " " " 12, a/?^r Rumbout zVw(?r^ " " " " " 25,y(7?- Nov. 24 r^o^Nov. 25. " " " 39, for June 17 read June 18. " 34, lines 24 and 44, for Oct. 11 read Oct. 12. " " line 40, for 1774 read Oct. 1773. " " " 4^, for 1863-1763 read 1763-1767. " " after Charlotte Precinct, for May 12 riad May 2. " 3S> '?A'^'' Presb. Providence, yi»r May 12 read May 2. " 36, line 18, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, p. 43] Page 37, line 21, for Rondout read Rumbout. Page 41, line 28, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, pp. 90-1.] Page 42, line 14, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, p. 94-] Page 46, line 23, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, pp. 124-5.] Page 47, line 31, insert [Minutes of the Presbytery of Dutchess County, p. 1 37-] Page 49, line I, after Virginia insert a com^na. *The author is responsible for most of the errors and all of the omissions, to which attention is here called. While, perhaps, they are not of great im- portance, yet accuracy and completeness demand that the corrections should be made. 228 CORRIGENDA. Page 50, line 37, insert [Minutes of the Presbyteiy of Dutchess County, pp. 130-133.] , Page 52, line 2^, for pastors rAjrt" pastor. " " 25, /"i'7- Warrtck rfa(/ Warwick. 53> " 7, /or John Minor ri?a(/ Jehu Minor. 56, " 2'^, for May 13 n-ad Sept 4. " last line, omit 4 after Sept. 57, line l,for 1813 read 1812. 64, last line, yi^r Cornwell read Cornwall. 65, line H,for Feb. 23 read Feb. 24. " " 30,/»?' Sept. 27 r(ffl;- May 13 rcflf/ May 14. " " 26, for Stamford read Stanford. 68, " 6, /«- Nov. 18 rOT.fi? Nov. 19. 69, " 32, yiir Stamford n?rtar Stanford. 89, " Z'/"'' October 17 r^f^a^ October 18. 93, " 14,7''^ 10 read 18. 99, above Robert Chapman insert Robert Porter, S.S. 100, line 2^, for Freeman read Truman. 103, " l^^for July 24 read January 24. " " 26, after Nathaniel iiisciV S. 104, " S'fo^ ^V- 2°' '84-> ''^"'^ Oct. 1841. " " 23, insert S. S., Croton Falls. " " 24, insert S. S., Croton Falls. " " AAtfor 1760 read i860. 105, " 34, /or Apr. 1859 r.^afl' Apr.-Sept. 1859. " " 38,/or Sept. 1833 rmo' Apr. 1831. " " 40, before 1832 insert May-Sept. 106, to list of Pastors and Stated Supplies of Loioer Greenburgh add David Remington, S.S., May, 1831-Jan., 1832. Page 106, line 34, /ir Aug., 1832, read May, 1832. Page 107, to list of Pastors and Stated Supplies of West Farms add George Stebbins, S.S., 1828, and William Gray, S.S., 1835. Page 108, to list of Pastors and Stated Supplies of South East Center add Winthrop Bailey, S.S., Dec. i8s3-June 28, 1854. Page 109, to list of Ordained add James R. Davenport, Oct. 13, 1836 ; Alex- ander Leadbetter, January 13, 1837; Robert W. Orr, Nov. 22, 1837; Edward D. Bryan, Oct. 9, 1838; Henry G. Livingston, Aug. 20, 1845. ■ Page 119, line 8, for of read embracins;. " 131, " 21, /or 332-3 rrarf 382-3. " 144, " 24,/or Aug. 12, 1857, read h.\xg. 2, 1857. " " next to last line, /or Geo. T. Goodhue read Geo. F. Goodhue. " 145, line y.,for Dec. 13, 1869, read Dec. 26, 1869. " 146, " 10, /or July I, i86r, rraa' January i, 1861. CORRIGENDA. 229 Pape 146, line 15, /or Geo. T. Goodhue read George F. Goodhue. " " 36,/orDec. 13, 1869, rea