THE TOWN OF WESTCHESTER. 315 



The Rev. John Megapolensis, in a letter to the Classis of Amsterdam, 

 dated New Netherland, 5th of August, 1657, says: — 



'• On the west side of the East River, about one mile through Hell- 

 gate, (as we call it), opposite Flushing, on the main, another English 

 village has been begun over two years. It was named Oost-dorp. The 

 inhabitants of this place are also Puritans, alias Independents. They, 

 also, have no preacher. They hold Sunday meetings, reading from an 

 English book a sermon, and making a prayer."* 



As " all ecclesiastical business, at this time, was conducted by the 

 town, assembled in town meeting ; and as a meeting of the town was a 

 meeting of the congregation, which, after having disposed of matters 

 secular, could attend to the Church ; " therefore, the early history of 

 religion is to be found principally in the town records. 



Under date of July 29th, 1674, twenty-four years after the settle- 

 ment of the village, appears the name of the Rev. Ezekiel Fogge ; prob- 

 ably the first Independent or Congregational minister that officiated 

 here. 



The following entries are taken from the town books : — 



"On the 11th of February, 18S0, there was sprinkled with water by Morgan 

 Jones, (what they call baptizing,) William Hunt, son of John Hunt, of Westches- 

 ter; witnesses present, Joseph Hunt and Bridget Waters." 



"Westchester, Oct. 7tu, 1680. — Morgan Jones married Isaac Dickerman, 

 of this towne, to Bethia, the daughter of Henry Gardener. 



Recorded per me, Francis French, Clerk." 



At a town-meeting, held in Westchester, April 2nd, T684, it was re- 

 solved : — 



"That the Justices and Vestrymen of Westchester, Eastchester and Yonckers, 

 do accept of Mr. Warham Mather, as our minister for one whole year ; and that 

 he shall have sixty pound, in country produce at money price, for his salary, and 

 that he shall be paid every quarter. Done in behalf of the justices aforesaid. 



Signed by us, John Qcimbt, John Baylet, 



Joseph Hunt, John Burkbee.- 5 



At a lawful town-meeting held in Westchester, by the freeholders and 

 inhabitants, and residents of said place, the 2nd day of January, 1692, 

 m order to consult, conclude, and agree, about procuring an orthodox 

 minister in said town, — It is voted and agreed upon, " that there shall be 



a Doc. nist. of New York, vol. lii., 107. 



& West Chester Town Bee, commencing A.D. 1665, p, 42. 



