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History of Flatbush, continued
it should be built in the forth of a cross, and that the rear should be reserved for the ministers dwelling. It is most probable that this building, which was the first church erected in the county, was of wood, and that it was commenced, if not completed, in the succeeding year. For on the 9th of February, 1655, the Governor ordered the in-habitants of Brooklyn and Amersfort, which were then connected together, with Flatbush, as one pastoral charge, and continued so for a number of years, to assist the people of Midwout in cutting timber to build their house of worship. The entries in the Deacons book of the church of Flatbush, of collections taken up on the Sabbath commence on the first Sabbath of January, 1655, and these entries are regularly continued, at intervals of seven days, from that time forward. From this, it is evident that divine service was statedly performed on every Sabbath after that period, in Flatbush. How long previously to this time this was the case, cannot be ascertained. Nor is there any record by which it can be known, when the first Consistory was ordained and the church organized. But it appears from subsequent minutes, that until the year 1681, the Consistory consisted of only two Elders and two Deacons.
In September, 1660, those who had the charge of erecting the building, reported that it had cost 4,637 guilders, or about $1,800. Of this sum, a very considerable amount was collected by voluntary subscription, in New-Amsterdam, Fort Orange, (now Albany,) and in the different settlements on Long-Island. An account of these several subscriptions, is still preserved in the records of the Reformed Dutch Church of Flatbush. It is as follows:—
To aid in liquidating the debt which still remained upon the building, the Governor himself, contributed 400 guilders, leaving still a balance of 800 against the church. From the Dutch Records in the office of the Secretary of State at Albany, we gather the following facts. "On the 6th, of August, 1655, the Governor ordered the Sheriff, to convene the inhabitants of Brooklyn, Flatbush and Flatlands, for the purpose of inquiring whether they were satisfied with their minister, and if they were satisfied, what sallary they would pay him. The Sheriff reported, that they approved of their minister, and would pay him a sum equal to $416.66 per year. This was approved as a good call, and accepted." The minister concerning whom this order was made, was the Rev. Johannes Theodorus Polhemus, who was the first Pastor of these churches. "February, 8th, 1656, the above towns applied to the Governor for an order to raise money by a |
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