BX 9517 .N4 H5 1904 LIBRARY OF PRINCETON JUN24 2005 THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY BX9517.N4 H5 1904 Historical sketch of the origin and organization of the Reformed Church in America and of the Collegiate ) 4 A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF AN HISTORIC CHURCH THE REFORMED CHURCH THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH OF THE CITY OF NEVYORK ^KRY OF PR/^ ISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE ORIGIN AND ORGANIZATION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA AND OF THE COLLEGF ATE CHURCH OF THE CITY OF NE^YORK. TUB1I5HED BY THE CONSISTORY. THIRD EDITION A. D. 1904 Cl)i0 l^isitoncal ^iictcl) prrparfD b^ t\)t Con0i0tor^ of tlje Collegiate €t\nu\), 10 presenteD iDttl) tbe com^ plimentfi; of ttie ^migter0, CiDer0 ano 2[>eaconsf, 3it)S Object tflf to 0et fortb conci^el^ matters of tnteresit re^ flfpecting tbe UeformeU Cljurcb tn l^ol:; lanD anti :3imenca anU of tbe Collegiate Cburcb of 3!t i)S Dcjiirablc tljat tbe people be attached to tlje Cburclj— not so mucb b^ pergonal bonbg, a0 b^ an intelligent apprecia^ tion of it0 bififtor^, faitt), usages anO spirit* Cl)e iS^eformet) Cl)urcl) in J^oUantJ. ^d^ an early period of the Reformation the Protes- \^1 tants on the Continent were divided into two "^^ bodies, the Lutheran and the Reformed. The latter became dominant in the Netherlands, where they maintained their religious liberties only after a long, costly and bloody struggle against the gigantic power of Philip IL, during which they suffered all that men could suffer. So calamitous was their condition before the eighty years' war that they gave themselves the name of the Church under the '^^'t^e^'cross"'*''' ^^^^s, and their symbol was ''A Lily amidst Thorns." In 1566, while war was raging, the deputies of the churches met in Antwerp and adopted the Belgic Con- fession, which continues to this day to be one of the doctrinal standards of the Reformed in Holland. About the same time the Heidelberg Catechism, which had been issued (1563) in German by the Pala- tine Elector, Frederick III., was translated into Dutch and widely circulated in the Netherlands. Doctrinal differences having arisen among the Re- AN HISTORIC CHURCH Authors Heidelberg- Catechism '^^^'...GOURT?^^^" AD-1562 formed, a Synod was convened by the States-General at Dort (1618, 1619,) to which all the Synod of Dort. Reformed Churches of Europe (save Anhalt) were invited to send delegates, and all did so; only the four selected by the French were for- bidden by the King to attend. The British deputies were George Carlton, Bishop of Llandaff; John Davenant, Professor of Theology at Cambridge; Samuel Ward, of Sidney College, Cambridge, and Joseph Hall, afterward Bishop of Norwich. Walter Balcanqual, a Scotch presbyter, was also deputed by King James to represent the Scottish Church. This body expressed its conclusions in Canons under five heads of doctrine ; and these Canons were accepted by the National Synod. After the foreign delegates had withdrawn, the same National Synod revised the Belgic Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism and the Rules of Church Government, and also set forth liturgical forms for use in public worship. AN HISTORIC CHURCH The Church of Holland, thus fully organized, soon became distinguished for learning, soundness in the faith and practical godliness. She not only maintained a close correspondence with sister churches, but often THE SYNOD OF DORT FROM ORIGINAL PAINTING IN STADHUIS, DORDRECHT, HOLLAND had the advantage of the presence of their distin- guished men, since Holland was the common refuge of all the persecuted believers in Europe. Huguenots. Waldenses, Covenanters and Puritans found a safe asylum on her hospitable shores. Cl)e iReformet) Cljurcl; tn :^mertca. C^I'N 1609 Hendrick Hudson, in the ship Half- TI Moon, entered New York Bay and sailed up y-^^ the North River. In 16 14 a trading post was established on Manhattan Island, but it was not till 1623 that a permanent agricultural The Early Settlers. ^, , , , ^ settlement was made. The early settlers brought with them the Bible^ the Catechism and two persons called Krank-be:{^oekers or Zieken-troosters (consolers of the sick), viz., Sebastian Jansen Krol and Jan Huyck, who, in the absence of a minister, gathered the people together and read to them select passages of the Scripture suitably arranged for instruction and comfort. But in 1628 the Rev. Jonas Michaelius arrived, and in the summer of that year formally or- ganized a church which has had continuous existence to this day, and is with reason supposed to be the oldest Protestant church on this continent* In 1664 the colony surrendered to the British, and New Amsterdam became New York; but this fact did Church Organized. *The Collegiate Church. See page 14. AN HISTORIC CHURCH not affect the rights of the church, which under the new government retained all its former privileges. The conquerors required, however, to have worship in their own tongue, and, accordingly, the chaplain of the English forces officiated. But as he had no proper place in which to celebrate divine service an arrange- ment was made by which he could Church in the Fort. . . . , ^t , • .1 i- ^ >» use the Church m the Fort. After the Dutch had ended their own morning wor- ship the Church of England service was read to the Governor and the garrison. This custom continued for more than thirty years. Dutch churches were organized in 1642 at Fort Orange (Albany); in 1654 at Flatbush, L. 1., and in 1660 in Brooklyn. Others were afterward established along the Hudson River and in the er urcies. Mohawk Valley, as well as in New Jersey and Pennsylvania; and by 1771 the number had reached seventy. The growth of the denomination was retarded by its dependence upon Holland for ministers, and by the retention of the mother tongue in public service when English was generally and increasingly spoken. Up to 1772 the churches had been subject to the control of the ecclesiastical author- ities in Holland, but in that year Independence Estab- ^^^ connection was Severed and the American Church was made inde- pendent and self-governed. While this Church accepted the standards, polity and usages derived from Holland, she has always wel- comed additions to her ministry or membership from other evangelical bodies. Not a few of these have AN HISTORIC CHURCH become strongly attached to her character and order, and by their loyalty have greatly increased her strength and influence. Her chief character- Characteristics. ■ X- U U J -1 istics have been and are, jealousy for doctrinal truth, insistence upon an educated min- istry, unyielding attachment to her own views of faith and order, and a large charity for all others who hold to Christ, the Head. In the community of Christian churches she is well described by the terms — semi-liturgical, non-prelatical. DOCTRINAL STANDARDS. These are (in addition to the three early creeds, the Apostles', the Nicene and the Athanasian) : 1. The Belgic Confession, originally drawn up by the martyr Guido de Bres and corresponding in con- tents and spirit with those of all other Reformed Churches in Great Britain and the Continent. 2. The Heidelberg Catechism, the work of Ursinus and Olevianus. Being a confession of experience as well as of faith, it has been translated into well-nigh twenty languages, and more widely diffused over the world than any other catechism. 3. The Canons of the Synod of Dort. These are the carefully prepared articles on what are known as the Five Points of Calvinism. Although clear and decided in character, they are so genial in tone and expression as to have won favor among all the Reformed. GOVERNMENT. The Reformed Church in America, while recog- nizing with all the other Reformed Churches the 10 AN HISTORIC CHURCH threefold ministry, yet makes four classes of church officers : 1. Ministers of the Word. 2. Teachers of Theology (Professors). 3. Elders. 4. Deacons. The two former are of the same order, but with different functions. The two latter are chosen for two years, but are eligible for re-election at the close of their term. The spiritual government is in the Minister and Elders. , , rxuru xxuujr hands of the hlders, at the head of whom in the local church stands the Minister. The specific duty of the Deacons is to care for the poor of the church.* Deacons. Consistory. OFFICIAL BODIES. The Minister, Elders and Deacons constitute the Consistory, which has control of all temporalities. Above the Consistory is the Classis, which consists of one Minister and one Elder from each church in a certain district. Above the Classis is the Particular Synod com- posed of lay and clerical delegates Particular Synod. ^ ^ . , ^ ^, from a certam number of Classes. The supreme judicatory is the General Synod, which meets annually, and is composed of General Synod. , , ^ r n ^1 ^1 delegates from all the Classes. * In his " Christian Institutions," Dean Stanley remarks concerning the order of Deacons in the early Church that "The only institution which retains the name and reality, is the Diaconate as it exists in the Dutch Church. ' I I AN HISTORIC CHURCH WORSHIP. The Reformed Church in America, like all the Re- formed Churches of the Continent, has a Liturgy, the use of which, however, is in part ' ^^^^ optional. The use of the Offices for the administration of Baptism and the Lord's Sup- per, for Ordination and for Discipline, and the obser- vance of the Order of Public Worship are made obli- gatory by the constitution. In regard to other ob- servances there is freedom. Some churches carefully observe Good Friday, and some of the great festivals of the church year, such as Christmas, Easter, Ascension Day and Whitsun-Day ; others do not. EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. Theological Seminaries. 1. At New Brunswick, New Jersey. 2. At Holland, Michigan. 3. At Arcot, India. Colleges and Academies 1. Rutgers College (formerly Queen's), at New Brunswick, New Jersey. 2. Hope College, at Holland, Michigan. 3. North-western Classical Academy, at Orange City. Iowa. 4. Pleasant Prairie College, at German Val- ley, Illinois. 12 AN HISTORIC CHURCH AGENCIES 1. Board of Direction. Is the custodian of the funds belonging to the General Synod. 2. Board of Foreign Missions. Maintains stations in Arcot, India; Amoy, China; Japan and Arabia. 3. Board of Domestic Missions. Aids feeble churches, especially at the West, and seeks to estab- lish new ones where they are needed. 4. Board of Education. Assists young men in ob- taining an education for the Ministry. s. Board of Publication. Issues denominational and other evangelical literature, and maintains an extensive book depository. 6. The Widows' Fund provides for the widows and children of such Ministers as have had an interest in it. 7. The Disabled Ministers' Fund is for the relief of Ministers who are laid aside by age or infirmity. 8. The Church Building Fund aids in erecting Churches for new enterprises not yet self-supporting. 9. Woman' s Board of Foreign Missions. Seeks to carry the Gospel to women and children in India, China, Japan and Arabia. 10. Woman's Executive Committee of the Board of Domestic Missions. Aids in building parsonages, and otherwise forwarding the cause. It also maintains missions among the American Indians and the Ken- tucky Mountaineers. The offices of all these Boards are located in the RhFORMED Church Building, 25 East Twenty-second Street, New York, where is also the office of the Missionary League of the Society of Christian Endeavor. 13 AN HISTORIC CHURCH PERIODICALS The following Periodicals are issued in the interest of the Reformed Church in America: The Christian Intelligencer, weekly. The Mission Field, monthly. The Mission Gleaner, bi-monthly. The Day Star, monthly — for the young. Having outlined the origin and organization of the denomination, it remains to speak of the growth of its oldest church, commonly known as the "Collegiate Church." This, as has been stated,* was constituted in 1628, but was not incorporated until 1696, when William III, of England, granted a royal charter under the title,— *'The Reformed Protestant Dutch Church OF THE City of New York," a title which has never been altered. Each of the churches has a tablet on which these facts are concisely stated. m ifisiE mrrm ^m Ymi m^mwm ^wmm IPWee MsBSwr FAC-SIMILE OF ONE OF THE BRONZE TABLETS * See page 8. '4 Collegiate IReformeD Cl)urcl) 1904^ CHE Collegiate Church maintains at present eight places of worship. These are under the care of one Consistory. This body has the general powers of all like bodies in the Reformed Church. The twelve Elders and twelve Deacons who constitute the Consistory are chosen from the membership wor- shiping in the several churches. In the early history of New York, when the popula- tion began to increase and a second church became necessary, and one minister could no longer attend to the duties required of him by a double service, the Consistory called a second minister, who, being duly installed, became the colleague of the first. From this comes the name by which the church is familiarly known — The Collegiate Church. For very many years these ministers and their suc- cessors preached in rotation. As the population in- creased and became more extended, it was deemed best to discontinue this custom; and when tendering '5 AN HISTORIC CHURCH a call to a new minister, to designate the special church in which he was to labor. There is still, however, but one Collegiate Church of New York,* although there are now several church edifices. The regularly installed ministers are still colleagues and preside in turn at the monthly meetings of the Consistory. Those who unite with the Col- legiate Church of New York should therefore feel an interest in her general welfare, as the different congre- gations are but parts of the same church, members of one body, pervaded by a common life, and having a common interest. The records of baptisms, members and marriages have been continued and preserved from 1639. It is interesting to know that there are two very old REPRODUCTION OF THE ANCIENT BAPTISMAL BASINS 1706-1744 silver Baptismal Basins of antique design in possession of the Church. On the border of one is engraved the * There is also in the upper part of the city The Collegiate Church of Harlem^ which is a distinct organization, although connected with the denomination. 16 AN HISTORIC CHURCH seal of the Church and the date — -1744; also an in- scription, of which the following is a translation: " To inlierit eternal life, in after life, O man, Be cleansed in Christ's blood, and thus before death die. Who in God's Son does live, life everlasting has, And lives through the true faith, who in that love does live." The other basin bears the simple inscription: "The North Church — 1706." These sacred relics of those early days are both in good preservation, and may continue to serve their purpose through centuries yet to come. The following sketch of the church which was planted on Manhattan Island by the first settlers, shows an unbroken line of Ministers and officers for over two hundred and seventy-five years. The first religious services on Manhattan Island, which in 1628 resulted in the organization of a church, were held in a large upper room over the mill which ground the colonists' grain. In the Spring of 1633, the Rev. Everardus Bogardus having succeeded Domine Michaelius, a church was erected, a plain wooden building, on the banks of the East River, on the site now known as j^ Pearl Street. It is interesting to record the fact that the first Elder of the Collegiate Church was Peter Minuit, the Director General of New Netherland. He was chosen to that office when the Church was organized in 1628. 3^ Qyi-i FAC- SIMILE OF SIGNATURE OF PETER MINUIT >7 AN HISTORIC CHURCH In 1642, during the rule of Governor Kieft, the Colony had so far increased that a new church was imperatively needed. It was built of stone with a roof of heavy split oaken shingles. It had a conspicuous tower, which was surmounted with a weathercock. On one of the old houses, No. 4 Bowling Green, near the Battery,* was once a large bronze tablet with the following inscription: "The Site of Fort Amsterdam, BUILT IN 1626. Within the fortifications was erected the first SUBSTANTIAL ChURCH EDIFICE ON THE Island of Manhattan." This Church was 70 feet long, 52 feet wide and 16 feet high, with a peaked roof and tower. *' The Church in the Fort," as it is often called, was then known as St. Nicholas Church. It accommodated the people for over fifty years, its stone walls often serving as a rally- ing place and refuge in many an alarm of Indian foray and massacre. On the front of the church was a stone tablet with this inscription: ''An. Dom. MDCXLII., W. KiEFT DiR. Gen. Heeft de Gemeente DESE TEMPEL DOEN BOUWFN." "A. D. 1642, W. Kieft being Director-General, has caused the congregation to build this temple." On the bell which hung in the church tower was inscribed : "Dulcior E nostris iinnitihus resonat aer. P. Hemony me fecit 1674." \ * The new U. S. Custom House is being erected on this site (1904). t " The air resounds sweeter from our ringing. P. Hemony made me." 18 AN HISTORIC CHURCH The illustration on page 19 is a fac -simile of an original drawing, in its ancient frame, in possession of the New York Historical Society. It was made by Laurens Hermansz Block and shows New Amsterdam with the ''Church in the Fort" as seen from the ship " Lydia" in 1650. An illustration is also given on page 21 of the original drawing accompanying the manu- script of the two Labadist travelers who visited New York in 1679, twenty-nine years later. By 1687, however, the old church had become too small for the increasing numbers. Steps were there- fore taken by the Consistory to build a new church on what was then called Garden Street, now Exchange Place. The land on which the edifice was erected was adjacent to the orchard and flower garden of the widow of Domine Drisius. The structure was of brick with a steeple on a large square foundation, so as to admit of a room over the vestibule for the meetings of the Con- sistory. By some authorities it is claimed to have been the finest church edifice then in the colonies, it was dedicated in 1693. The windows were long and nar- row and fitted with small panes of glass set in lead, on which were burned the coats-of-arms of the princi- pal parishoners. The bell, pulpit and furniture of the old church were transferred to the new, and many escutcheons of leading families hung against the walls. For plate, the people contributed silverware and money, which was sent over to the silver workers of Amsterdam, who hammered out for them a com- munion set and a large baptismal basin. The first church organ used in New York sounded its notes within these walls, for in 1720 Governor 20 21 AN HISTORIC CHURCH Burnet brought one over and presented it to the Consistory. It is a memorable fact that the Rev. William Vesey, the first Rector of Trinity Church, was inducted into that office in this building, Trinity Church not being yet completed. At the request of the English Gov- ernor two Ministers from the Dutch Church assisted in the service. The Garden Street Church, often called the South Dutch Church, did not long figure as the principal church. Another, quite as notable in the history of the city, was erected in 1729, by the order of the Consis- tory, on Nassau Street, between Cedar and Liberty Streets, to which they gave the name of the New Dutch Church, and the other naturally became known as the Old Church. These names were retained for forty years, until it was decided to erect still another farther north, when the new church was designated the Middle Church and the others respectively the South Church and North Church, by which names they were always afterward known. The Old South Church continued in active use until 1766, when it was enlarged and repaired. A generation later, in 1807, having stood a hundred and fourteen years, it was taken down and a more com- modious edifice erected on its site. This building was entirely destroyed in the great conflagration of 1835. During the early history of the Collegiate Church the services were conducted in the Dutch language and the order of public worship conformed to that of the Mother Church in Holland. The fore singer, or clerk, whose place was at a desk beneath the pulpit, 23 THE FIRST GARDEN STREET CHURCH, 1693 (old south church) 23 AN HISTORIC CHURCH or in one end of the deacon's pew, began the morning service by admonishing the people to " Hear with rev- erence the Word of the Lord" ; he then read the Ten Commandments, and announced the Psalm to be sung. During the singing the Minister entered, stood rev- erently for a few moments at the foot of the pulpit THE SECOND GARDEN STREET CHURCH, 1807 (south church) stairs engaged in silent prayer, then ascended the pul- pit and continued the service. He preached with the hour glass before him, know- ing that if he exceeded the limit it would be the duty of the clerk to remind him of it by three raps of his cane. At the conclusion of the sermon the clerk in- 24 AN HISTORIC CHURCH serted in the end of his staff the public notices to be read and handed them up to the Minister. This duty performed, the deacons rose in their pews, the Minister delivered a short homily on the duty of remembering the poor, and the deacons passed through the congre- gation, each bearing a long pole, on the end of which GER. VAN WAGENEN VOORSANGER (fORE SINGEr) IN I733 a small black velvet bag was suspended to receive the offerings. The afternoon service was begun as in the morning, by the clerk, when the Apostles' or Nicene Creed was read instead of the Commandments. At the close of every service, when the Minister descended, the elders and deacons stood to receive him, and each gave the 25 AN HISTORIC CHURCH right hand in token of approval. When the Lord's Supper was administered, the communicants stood around the Communion table, which was placed below the pulpit, the Minister addressing each mem- ber as he handed the elements, or the clerk reading aloud a suitable chapter from the Prophecy of Isaiah or the Gospel of St. John. The order of worship now in use is in accordance with the revised Liturgy. The custom of collecting the alms in bags, appears to have been continued until after the Revolution, when several members of the church presented silver collection plates to the Consistory. Each plate bears the name of a different donor, the name of the church, and the date of the gift — 1792. They are still in use every Sunday. Of the Collegiate Churches the Middle Dutch Church plays the most important part in the history. It was a spacious edifice, one hundred by seventy feet within the walls, its ceiling being an entire arch without pillars. It had a bell tower at the north end, and the spire, as usual, was surmounted with a weather- cock. It was in its day the scene of several interesting events. Here it was that preaching in the English language was first introduced in the Dutch Church. During the Colonial days the services were conducted in the language of the Netherlands ; but in April, 1764, a change was made in response to the request of a large number of those who worshipped in this place. The first sermon in English was preached by the Rev. Dr. Laidlie, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh, 26 ^0 l/iejCo/iouraUe RIP VAN DAME 7 Eebuced Fac-Similb or Piii.Nx PuBtisiiLD 173L Tngravcd byVT. Howi-a^b. THE OLD MIDDLE CHURCH, NASSAU STREET, 1 729 AN HISTORIC CHURCH who had just been installed as one of the Collegiate Ministers. On September i6, 1776, as a result of the Battle of Long Island, the British took possession of the city. One of their tlrst acts was to seize the churches, de- spoil them of their furniture and turn them into hospi- tals, riding schools, barracks or prisons. This was due to the loyalty of the Dutch to the Continental cause. The entire interior of the Middle Church was de- stroyed, leaving only the bare walls and the roof. It was then used as a prison and afterward as a riding school by the British dragoons. After the Revolution it was restored and refurnished and services were re- sumed. It was kept in constant use until 1844, a total period of one hundred and fifteen years. On the corner of Nassau and Cedar Streets, a bronze tablet marks this historic spot. It is thus inscribed : " Here stood the Middle Dutch Church erected 1729 MADE A British Military Prison 1776 Restored 1790 Occupied by U. S. P. O. 1845-75 Taken down 1882." Probably the next in interest, of the Collegiate Churches, is the one built in 1769, on William Street, corner of Fulton. This Church was the first one erected exclusively for English services. While it stood, it was, therefore, a memorial of the great tran- sition which the community made from the tongue of Grotius and William the Silent, to that of Milton and Hooker. When the building was taken down in 1875, a metallic plate was found under the pillar which sup- THE NORTH CHURCH, FULTON STREET, 1 769 AN HISTORIC CHURCH THIS CHURCH "WAS £UILTBY THE COTHGRBGAXION OF THE REFORMED PROTESTANT DUTCH CHURCH llT THE City of NEW'foRK roRETSGLTSH Seruice UUDEPLTHE fNSPECTIOlT OFACOMMITTE OF Elders JdeacottS petermarschaie: Tsaac'Soseuelt. Peter iott 4driait bancker cohn^Bogert andrew'^arschale: TheodorusVait "WycX Sarret abeei ANDREW B REE S TED lU CARPEWTERAITD PROIECXOR loHN STAGG glASTER j^AS ON AND 'ALEX BATES ^ TOE FIRST Stone WAJ XAip fiJLY 2 lySyB-i M^ lACOBUS ROSEUELT &N £LBER TRE -WAIIS EUIIT TORECEIUETHE ROOF ITJNE XJ IJO^ , THESE PILLARSREARED I'uNE 2| | ^^^ ^HE FIKStEnGIISIH MINISTER FOR THE OUTCH CpNGREG'ATIOTT THE REIT ARCHIBALD lAIDLIE 17^4 jEACB'BEWITHENtTHlS SACRED PLACE ^ And holy , GIFTS ANP HEAIIENLYGRACEi Tobias vanzandt cleric gj^zzl fecit FAC-SIMILE OF THE METALLIC PLATE ported the gallery nearest the pulpit, upon which is set forth a brief history of the Church, and its projectors. This plate now attests the great historical fiict referred to, and a fac-simile of this very interesting relic is shown above. The Church was a large stone edifice in the Roman style of architecture, with a com- manding tower. The ten Corinthian pillars which supported the ceiling were noticeable; at the top of each of them were carved and gilded the initials of the 50 AN HISTORIC CHURCH AN HISTORIC CHURCH Since i8so the Collegiate Church has erected four edifices, all of which are now standing. Each one is a centre of active Christian work adapted to the loca- tion of the church. fiftl) 0t)fnue anu tiriuent^^nmtl) Street* The church at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Twenty-ninth Street was opened for worsliip in i8s4. It is built of Hastings marble, in the Romanesque style of architecture. It has a massive clock and bell tower, terminating in a spire two hundred and fifteen feet from the ground, which is surmounted by a weathercock (six feet six inches high), after the cus- tom of the earlier churches. The interior has twice undergone thorough repairs and redecorating. The recent alterations were made in 1891, when stained- glass windows were put in; the pulpit was rearranged and a new organ added, which is connected by elec- tric wires with the grand organ in the tower. In 1878 a most interesting service took place in this building on the occasion of the celebration of the Quarter-millennial Anniversary of the Collegiate Church, when the clergy from the Episcopal, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Congregational Churches brought greetings and congratulations. In the court-yard stands the bell cast in Amster- dam in 1795 for the old North Church on Fulton Street. The Rev. David J. Burrell, D.D., LL.D., has min- istered to the congregation worshiping here, since May 24, 1 89 1.* * For other clergy officiating at this church, see page 50. 34 THE CHURCH ON FIFTH AVENUE AND TWENTY-NINTH STREET DEDICATED OCTOBER II, 1854 35 AN HISTORIC CHURCH j?iftl) Bbenue anu f ort^^eigljtt) ©treet. The church at Fifth Avenue and Forty- eighth Street was dedicated in 1872. Its style is the decorated Gothic of the fourteenth century, the flying buttresses and the elaborate carving about the entrances being especially noteworthy. The spire is one of the highest THE HISTORIC BELL. PRESENTED BY COLONEL ABRAHAM DE PEYSTER and most graceful in the city. In the tower hangs the old historic bell cast in Amsterdam in 1731 and rung for many years in the tower of the old Middle Dutch Church on Nassau Street. When the city was cap- tured by the British, the bell was taken down and se- creted, but was replaced after the evacuation. In the spires of the different churches in the march north- ward it has been rung on all national fete days, and it still calls the worshipers to service every Sunday. In the Consistory room may be seen the large portraits in oil of all the ministers in the succession, from 5^ THE CHURCH ON FIFTH AVENUE AND FORTY-EIGHTH STREET DEDICATED NOVEMBER 28, 1872 37 AN HISTORIC CHURCH Domine Du Bois, who in 1699 began his ministry in this city and preached in the "Church in the Fort," down to the present day. Here also is kept the Church Library, which was established for the pur- pose of preserving and recording books, manuscripts and papers which are of historic interest. The Rev. Donald Sage Mackay, D.D., has ministered to the congregation worshipping here, since January 22, 1899.* g>econD aibenue anU g^cticntl) Street* In 189 1 two churches were erected, each to supply a special need. In order to carry on aggressive work in the populous portion of the city " below Fourteenth Street" a church, with parish house attached, was built on Second Avenue and Seventh Street, furnished with all the modern appliances for this special work. THE COAT-OF-ARMS OF JOHN HARPENDINCK The parish house contains reading-room, class-rooms and a well-equipped gymnasium. As a unique feature of the church architecture it is well to note the l-jeauti- ful memorial windows which receive their only light * For other clergy officiating at this church see page 50. 38 THE NEW MIDDLE CHURCH ON SECOND AVENUE NEAR SEVENTH STREET DEDICATED JUNE 26, 1 892 39 AN HISTORIC CHURCH by means of electricity. The large rose window is in memory of the long line of deceased ministers. The memory of the '' illustrious men who laid the founda- tions of Church and State in the Metropolis of the na- tion " is here perpetuated by three beautiful Mural Tab- lets. The persons thus memorialized are : Peter Minuit, the First Colonial Governor, A.D. 1626, and one of the two elders chosen when the church was organized, A.D. 1628 ; Sebastian Jansen Krol and Jan Huyck, The Krankenbezockers (Visitors of the Sick), A.D. 1626 ; and Jonas Michaelius, First Minister, A.D. 1628. The quaint coat-of-arms of John Harpendinck is preserved in this place. It is treasured as commemorative of his munificent gift of land, bequeathed to the Collegiate Church in 1723. This ancient relic hung for many generations in the Old North Church, on Fulton Street, above the pulpit. The Rev. John G. Fagg, D.D., has ministered to the congregation worshiping here, since January 12, 1896.* OTrs?t Cut) ^t3enue aiiU ^etienti^.^rtientl) Street* The other church erected in 1891, and the last one dedicated, is on West End Avenue and Seventy-sev- enth Street. This was built to accommodate the large number of families who were moving into that section of the city. The Flemish style of architecture em- ployed is historically appropriate. The corner-stone is inscribed : "Organized A. D. 1628 — Erected 1891." The interior is particularly beautiful. It is a good example of Dutch architecture adapted to modern uses: the roof is of heavy dark timber beams, the sup- *For other clergy officiating at this church see page 50. 40 > 00 AN HISTORIC CHURCH porting arches rest on pillars of purple Knoxville mar- ble. The pulpit is a handsome piece of carved oak. the panels showing the coat-of-arms of the Reformed church, and the seal of the Collegiate Church. The armorial window at the south end is worthy of de- tailed examination. The Rev. Henry Evertson Cobb, D.D , has minis- tered to the congregation worshiping here, since Jan- uary 8, 1893.* Besides the churches enumerated, the Consistory has under its care three congregations on the West Side. tn^ljirt^.fourtlj Street* 307 WEST THIRTY-FOURTH STREET. The congregations formerly worshiping in the De Witt Chapel on Twenty-ninth Street, and the Thiity- fourth Street Reformed Church were consolidated in 1895, and the entire membership is now enrolled in the Collegiate Church. The work is under the care of Rev. Robert W. Courtney, who assumed charge in IQ04. and is conducted in the building erected in i860 by the Thirty-fourth Street Reformed Church, which was acquired by the Collegiate Church (in 1895) at the time of the consolidation. ^nov ©emonaU 405-409 WEST FORTY-FIRST STREET. This edifice, one of the most beautiful and complete church buildings in New York, was finished and dedi- cated in i8q8, and is the third building erected by the Consistory for the accommodation of this work, which '"■ For other clergy officating at this church see page 50. 42 THE CHURCH ON WEST THIRTY-FOURTH STREET, NEAR EIGHTH AVENUE ERECTED i860 43 AN HISTORIC CHURCH has had an unbroken and prosperous existence since 1858. The building is of an English Gothic design with a front of Indiana limestone. The interior is graced by two handsome memorial windows. In the Church and Sunday-school rooms there is accommoda- tion for over two thousand persons, with ample facilities for the spiritual, moral and intellectual improvement during the week of all who come within the reach of this Church. The Rev. Edward G. W. Meury is in charge. The work was formerly carried on in the Chapel on Ninth Avenue near Thirty-eighth Street, which was the second structure erected on that site by the Colle- giate Church for the Knox Memorial. J^ermil^e CtjapeL 416 WEST FIFTY-FOURTH STREET. The work of this Chapel is carried on in the new building of the Helping Hand Association on Fifty- fourth Street, west of Ninth Avenue. It is supported by the congregations of the Forty-eighth Street Church and the West End Avenue Church. The Rev. Win- fred R. Ackert is in charge. jTulton Street ptu^tt a^ectiug^ I 13 FULTON STREhT, This daily prayer meeting at noon has now a world- wide reputation. It was begun in 18^7. Its oppor- tunities -and privileges have ever been open to all friends of Christ of whatever name. The expenses incident to the maintenance of this ser- vice have always been borne by the Collegiate Church. 44 KNOX MEMORIAL, ON FORTY-FIRST STREET, NEAR NINTH AVENUE DEDICATED |8<)8 45 AN HISTORIC CHURCH CHROUGHOUT her long history the Collegiate Church has always been greatly blessed in her Ministry. Conspicuous among the ministers of the last cen- tury are Dr. Laidlie, the first English preacher, a man of consummate discretion united with glowing zeal ; Dr. Livingston, the first Professor of Theology at Queen's College, a man of wonderful influence and varied usefulness ; and Dr Linn, Chaplain of the House of Representatives in the First Congress under the Federal Constitution, renowned for his eloquence. Jonas Michaelius, everardus bogardus, Johannes Backerus, Johannes Megapolensis, Samuel Drisius, Samuel Megapolensis, . Wilhelmus Van Niewenhuysen, Henricus Selyns, Gualterus Du Bois, Henricus Boel, Johannes Ritzema, Lambertus De Ronde, . Archibald Laidlie, John Henry Livingston, William Linn, Gerardus Arense Kuypers, John Neilson Abeel, John Schureman, 46 {circa) 1628-16^^ I 63 3- I 647 1 647- 1 649 I 649- I 669 1652-1673 I 664- I 668 1671-1682 1 682- 1 701 169^-1751 1713-1754 1 744- 1 784 1751-1784 1 764- 1 779 1 770-1 8 12 1 785- 1 805 1 789- 1 833 1795-1812 1809-18 1.'' FORMER MINISTERS OF THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH (copied from the portraits) AN HISTORIC CHURCH Jacob Brodhead, Philip Milledoler, John Knox, Paschal Nelson Strong, William Craig Brownlee, Thomas De Witt, Thomas Edward Vermilye, Talbot Wilson Chambers, Joseph Tuthill Duryea, James Meeker Ludlow, William Ormiston, Edward Benton Coe, David James Burrell. Donald Sage Mackay, Henry Evertson Cobb, John Gerardus Fagg, 1809- 1813- 1816- 1816- 1826- 1827- 1839- 1849- 1862- 1868- 1870- 1879- 1 89 1 - 189Q- 1903- 1903- 1813 1825 i8s8 182s i860 1874 1893 1896 1867 1877 1888 /Assistant Ministers. John Hutchins, .... Henry Evertson Cobb, John Gerardus Fagg, Ferdinand Schureman Schenck . I 892-1 895 1 89 3- 1 903 1 896- 1 90 3 1897-1899 The portraits of the former Ministers, which are here reproduced include all those now hanging in the Con- sistory room. The Church has never been able to procure those of an earlier date. 48 FORMER MINISTERS OF THE COLLEGIATE CHURCH (copied from the portraits) AN HISTORIC CHURCH flDffictatfng Clergt* A. 1). 1904 The Rev. Edward B. Coe, D.D., LL.D., Senior Minister. The Rev. David Jas. Burrell, D.D., LL.D. The Rev. Alfred E. Myers, Assistant. The Rev. Otto L. F. Mohn, Assistant. The Rev. Donald Sage Mackay, D.D. The Rev. Andrew Hageman, Assistant. The Rev. Henry Evertson Cobb, D.D. The Rev. Herman C. Weber, Assistant. The Rev. John Gerardus Fagg, D.D. The Rev. Floyd Decker, Assistant. The Rev. Winfred R. Ackert. The Rev. Edward G. VV. Meury. The Rev. Robert W. Courtney. Divine service is held every Lord's Day, morning and evening. The mid-week service is on Wednesday evening. The " Fulton Street Prayer Meeting" is held daily at noon. 50 AN HISTORIC CHURCH (Crplauatiou of tl)c iHottocsi CBmblrm of tt)f Krformeti Cl)urcb in America NISI DOMINUS, FRUSTRA. Without the Lord all is vain. " EENDRACHT MAAKT MACHT. " Union or Harmony makes strength. feral of t\)t Collegiate Ctiurc^ Jehovah. SIG -ECCL-PROT- BELG- REFORM -NEO- EBORACIENSIS. " Seal of the Reformed Protestant Belgic Church of New York. * VERITATE. With Truth. BIBLIA. Bible. 5' ' PIETATE. With Piety. THE COLLEGIATE SCHOOL 241-243 WbST SEVENTY-SEVENTH STREET ^2 Cl)c Collegiate ^cljool 3MMEDIATELY adjoining the Church on Seventy- seventh Street is a picturesque building for the use of the Collegiate day school. This school has a continuous history running back to the earlv settlement of Manhattan Island. In 1626 Peter Minuit commenced his administration as Director- General of the New Netherland, and the building of this city really dates from that time. Within seven years thereafter, or in 1635, with Wouter Van T wilier Director-General of the Colony, came Adam Roelant- sen, the first schoolmaster, who founded this school, which is now the oldest educational institution in existence in America. Although over two hundred and seventy years old, it is still in a most flourishing condition. It stands for a great and important idea, the idea that education and religion can never be dissociated from one another. The connection of the school with the church was characteristic of the early Reformed Churches. 53 Cl^e gear TBoofi* ^JITHE Consistory issues a Year Book every Spring, ^^ which contains a detailed account of the work carried on throughout the Church, a list of the Church officers, and a biographical sketch of one of the Min- isters. Copies may be had by application at the office of the Collegiate Church, 1 13 Fulton Street. ?4 Princeton Theoloqical Seminary Ubraries 1 1012 01214 2271