The Greatest Ballpark Eve

History of Flatbush, continued


gregation of Queens County, should form another communion. In regard to preaching, it was agreed, that one minister should preach on one Sabbath in Bushwick, and the other in New-Utrecht; that on the next Sabbath, one in Brooklyn, and the other in Flatlands; and the third Sabbath, one in Flatbush and the other in Jamaica, and thus on in regular rotation. From this time forth, for a number of years the churches enjoyed peace.

The unhappy controversy to which we have alluded, was, by Him, who causes the wrath of man to praise Him, overruled for good. For, from that time forward, the churches of the county enjoyed the services of two ministers of the gospel who in addition to their pulpit exercises, performed all the usual parochial duties; such as visiting the sick, catechising the youth, pastoral visitation of families, and the like. All of which, had heretofore been attended to by one individual, who from the extent of the charge, could not possibly have rendered all the services which were needful and proper.

To accommodate these pastors, it became necessary to provide another parsonage. Accordingly, in the year 1711, the congregations purchased of Johannes Johnson, the house owned by Mr. John II. Hess, and recently occupied by Mr. Michael Schoonmaker. Deeds for this property, in proportion to their several rights were given to the respective Dutch congregations in the county; this church being entitled to the fourth equal part. This building was used as a parsonage, until the year 1809, when it was sold, an account of which will be subsequently given. In this and the other parsonage adjoining the church, the Rev. Mr. Freeman, and the Rev. Mr. Antonides were accommodated, but we are not able to tell in which house they severally resided.

Both these ministers appear to have been men of more than ordinary acquirements and talent. The Rev. Mr. Freeman, was a very learned divine. He wrote and published several works. Among others, one entitled, "Trial of Grace," or the "Ballance," containing a series of sermons; and another, entitled, "Apothems," which has been translated from the original Dutch, by General Jeremiah Johnson. The latter work discovers a vast amount of learning, and a mind of the deepest research. It is a treasure of truth.

In the year 1737, a meeting of ministers was held in New-York, for the purpose of taking measures to organize a Cletus or Assembly of Ministers and Elders, subordinate to the Classis of Amsterdam, with powers somewhat similar to those now exercised by the Classes of the Reformed Dutch Church, in this country. At this meeting the Rev. Mr. Freeman attended, on behalf of the churches on Long-Island. A plan was adopted for the organization of such a body, and was submitted to the churches, for their approbation. On the 27th, of April, 1738, the meeting again convened, in the city of New-York, for the purpose of hearing the reports on this subject. At this meeting the churches on Long-Island were represented by the Rev. Mr. Freeman, and the Elders Peter Nevius and Dirk Brinkerhoff. The plan having been approved by the churches generally, it was now ratified and adopted, and immediately sent over to the Classis of Amsterdam, for their approval. But for some cause not known, the approbation of the Classis did not reach this country until the year 1746. It was brought over by the Rev. Mr. Van Sinderen, of whom we shall presently speak.

Mr. Freeman died in the year 1741. He was succeeded by the Rev. Johannes Arondeus, in the year 1742, who




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