EAD
TABLE OF CONTENTSInventory |
Guide to the First Reformed Church of Astoria Records
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Descriptive Summary | ||
| Creator | First Reformed Church of Astoria (Queens, New York, N.Y.) | |
| Title | First Reformed Church of Astoria Records, | |
| Dates: | 1838-1928 | |
| Abstract: | This collection though consisting only of six bound volumes (most not very full ones) contains some of the basic records of the church, and date in some instances to the earliest days of the church. There are probably also some incidental references to other "sister” churches which may have had some affiliation. | |
| Extent: | 1 box, .5 cubic feet | |
| Identification: | F-3 | |
| Location: | The material is located in the Archives at Queens Library. | |
Historical/Biographical Note
The First Reformed Church of Astoria was organized in 1839. Just prior to that time the area was known as Hallet’s Cove. Originally, the church was called the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of the Village of Astoria. Over the years, there were probably slight variations either pertaining to the official name, or as to how the church was familiarly called by its members. Early pastors were the Rev. Alexander Hamilton Bishop, Rev. William H, Ten Eyck and Rev. Matthias L. Haines.
A fairly full account of the history of the Church is found in an anniversary booklet published in 1939, titled, AN ACCOUNT OP THEE FIRST HUNDRED YEARS.
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Scope and Content Note
This collection though consisting only of six bound volumes (most not very full ones) contains some of the basic records of the church, and date in some instances to the earliest days of the church. There are probably also some incidental references to other "sister” churches which may have had some affiliation.
Marriage Register, 1842-1892 - Less than half of the volume has been utilized. Besides the names of bride groom and bride and their witnesses, most entries give ages of the couple, and their residences, apparently not all couples coming from Astoria itself.
Baptismal Register and Membership Register, 1840-1892 - This one volume is a "turn-about” volume containing two different types of records - baptismal and membership. The baptismal entries are for 1840-1892. Names of parents, including what appears to be maiden name of mother, are given as well as name of infant (in some cases, adults) baptized. Date of birth of child, as well as date of baptism also included, as well as a brief remark as to condition of child (sick) or place of baptism (house, at consistory meeting, etc.).
The “Roll of Members in full Communion...” covers period 1839-1892. Names arranged in chronological order by date received into the Church. In some cases such in formation as date of death will also be supplied, as well as age when received into the Church. There is an occasional mention of a dismissal.
Several pages have been torn out of volume, and it would appear that at least some of them contained writing. Apparently, a note stating that the leaves had been so torn out had been noted at the time.
Record of Dismissions - Small volume containing printed certificate forms. Form simply gives name of individual who was dismissed (in the sense, usually, of seeking affiliation with another church, probably when moving out of the old neighborhood), and new church with which affiliated, Certificates are signed by pastor and contain a "Register Number" of the individual in question. Period covered is 1916-1923. Inserted into the volume are 4 certificates signed by the pastor of the church (1925 - 1928) which would appear to have been re turned to him by former parishioners now reregistered in other Reformed churches.
The volume apparently contained another portion of a document, evidently the actual certificate given to the dismissed parishioner for his or her own use, so that the portions remaining in the volume are actually the receipts retained by the church as their record of dismission certificates issued.
This account book was maintained by one treasurer, J. R. Rapelye, and covers period 1853-1875. Among the entries are payments made for such things as insurance on the parsonage, sexton’s salary, insurance on organ, and the like. From time to time, notations are made stating that the accounts have been audited by a committee.
Written onto many pages are receipts, for payments made by Rapelye for salaries or other purposes.
About half-a-dozen sheets containing an obituary of Cornelius Rapelye (perhaps a relative of the treasurer) reprinted from the "Long Island Weekly Star” of Dec 5, 1890 is inserted in volume.
Treasurer's Account with the Church - This account book is different in format than the above, which was really in a day book format, though essentially deals with the same type of data. The treasurer’s name, James S. Burroughs, appears on many pages, and no doubt it was he that kept the accounts for the entire period which the volume covers, 1875-1881. This volume also gives details regarding pew rents that are, apparently naming the various individuals comprising the congregation who contributed such rents.
Account Book - This account book is also different in format than the previous two, and though there is no indication as to who maintained it, it was no doubt the treasurer at the time. Period covered is 1888-1895. This volume also appears to contain a listing of pew rents, though the section which contains it does not appear to be so labeled.
Receipts are usually defined as being from Pew Rentals, Collections, Rentals or Sundries, while expenses usually fall under such categories as New Church Pastor, Music, Sexton, or Sundries.
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Administrative Information
Preferred Citation
Published citations should take the following form:
Creator of item, date of item (if known), identification of item, if a photograph its control number. The First Reformed Church of Astoria Records, Archives at Queens Library, Queens Borough Public Library.
Access Restrictions
Open for research without restrictions. Manuscripts are only available in the Archives at Queens Library, please call (718) 990-0770 for hours. Manuscript users will be required to complete the division's Manuscript Usage Form and deposit their photograph identification or Queens Borough Public Library card with a staff member. The identification will be returned to the user after she/he has returned the material. Manuscript users will deposit all their personal items behind the reference desk. Manuscript users must use the division's loose sheets of paper for note taking. To reiterate, no pen of any type is permitted. Paper and a pencil are available upon request. Manuscript users may be required to use special handling procedures depending on the conditions of the material.
Use Restrictions
Permission to publish materials must be obtained in writing from the:
- Archives at Queens Library
- Queens Borough Public Library
- 89-11 Merrick Boulevard
- Jamaica, NY 11432
- Phone: (718) 990-0770.
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Access Points
Subject Organizations:
- First Reformed Church of Astoria (Queens, New York, N.Y.)
Subject Places:
- Astoria (New York, N.Y.)
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Inventory
[The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.]
