New Paltz
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There seems to be no definite information as to the course the Huguenots took in coming to America. They were hospitably received by the Dutch at Wiltwyek, or Wildwyck, the modern Holland for wild retreat, or wild parish, from its primitive and rough appearance. Soon after the granting of the New Paltz patent the Huguenots set out for their new home in the wilderness. Their weary way lay through the trackless forests; and their families and household goods were conveyed in wagons so constructed as to answer the double purpose of transportation and shelter. Arriving at a broad meadow on the banks of a limpid stream they named the place “Tri-Cors,” Three Cars, in allusion to the three primitive vehicles in which the possessions of the exiles were transported. The river itself they named Walkill, probably from Wad, one of the branches into which the Rhine divides itself before emptying into the North Sea, and Kilt, the Dutch for river; while to the settlement was given the appellation of New Paltz, in remembrance of their ever dear Pfaltz-their ancient home on the Rhine. Here, in the midst of the beautiful alluvial valley, the crystal waters of the river at their feet, the blue dome of heaven above them, and the towering hills a gallery of attendant witnesses, the Huguenot refugees opened the Bible brought from their old homes, read a lesson from the holy book, and with faces turned toward France, joined in a hearty and joyous thanksgiving to the God that had led them safely thus far, and had permitted them once more to breathe the air of religious freedom.
The first conventional act having been that of public worship, it was resolved that their first building should be a church. This was built of logs, and was also used as a school-house. Temporary residences were at first put up on the west bank; but the Indians advised their removal to the higher ground on the opposite side, as the place first chosen was subject to overflow during the spring freshets.
From a minute in French, still in possession of the church, we find that on January 22, 1863, M. Pierre Daille, Minister of the Word of God, arrived and preached twice at New Paltz. He proposed that the people choose, by a vote of the fathers of families, an elder and a deacon, to aid the minister in the management of the church. They chose Lewis Du Bois, elder, and Hugh Frere, deacon. Thus was organized the Walloon Protestant Church of New Paltz, and for fifty years service was held in the French language. But the Holland tongue had become the vernacular in Ulster and adjacent counties, and gradually became adopted by the Huguenot settlers of New Paltz. The first Dutch entry in the church bears date of the 6th of July, 1718. During the period intervening between 1709 and 1730, there was no stated supply at New Paltz; the earnest Christians were obliged to go to Kingston to attend preaching-whither they often went on pious pilgrimage.
Hugh Frere, deacon. Thus was organized the Walloon Protestant Church of New Paltz, and for fifty years service was held in the French language. But the Holland tongue had become the vernacular in Ulster and adjacent counties, and gradually became adopted by the Huguenot settlers of New Paltz. The first Dutch entry in the church bears date of the 6th of July, 1718. During the period intervening between 1709 and 1730, there was no stated supply at New Paltz; the earnest Christians were obliged to go to Kingston to attend preaching-whither they often went on pious pilgrimage.Rev. Stephen Goetachius accepted a call from the congregation, at New Paltz and New Hurley. His ministry healed the breach that threatened to disrupt the church at New Paltz. He is described as small in stature, and bent in form. He boarded at the house of Lewis Du Bois, and married his daughter. He was a sound preacher, and occupied a high place in the estimation of his people. His vacant Sabbaths were spent at Wawarsing. At that time the Indians were visiting the defenseless inhabitants with fire and slaughter. Goetschius writes of preaching in a pulpit cut and disfigured by the tomahawks of the savages; the church itself showing evidence of having been set on fire by the same agency, but which providentially went out. He further writes: "At the close of the war I perceived there were places where new congregation might be gathered. I did undertake to collect the people together, and under the blessing of God organized nine churches." At that time Goetschius was the only minister in the Dutch church in Ulster. The log church was soon found to be unequal to the demands of the growing colony. A new church was built of stone, “of small dimensions,” the records say, “and finished with brick brought from Holland. Its form was square, each of the three sides having a large window, and the fourth a door inclosed by a portico. In the centre of the steep and pointed roof was a little steeple, from which a horn was sounded for religious services.” This was dedicated December 29, 1720. October 25th, 1771, it was resolved to erect a third house of worship. The site of this edifice corresponds nearly with the location of the present church, and is described as having been a “substantial, well-proportioned stone building, with a hipped roof, surmounted with a cupola, and a bell.” The building was dedicated in 1773. The old square church was broken down, and the material used in the construction of a school-house, which was afterward converted into a residence. It is worthy of note that both churches were built while the people were without a pastor.
It was during the ministry of Rev. Douw Van Olinda, a gentleman of marked executive ability, that the New Paltz academy was erected and put into active operation; and he was largely instrumental in carrying forward the project to a successful termination. During his pastorate the third church was taken down and a new brick church erected on its site, which constitutes the eastern extension of the present house of worship.
Rev. Douw Van Olinda, a gentleman of marked executive ability, that the New Paltz academy was erected and put into active operation; and he was largely instrumental in carrying forward the project to a successful termination. During his pastorate the third church was taken down and a new brick church erected on its site, which constitutes the eastern extension of the present house of worship. There were twelve original proprietors of the New Palts patent. These twelve patentees exercised the governmental control of the colony, one of their number presiding, constituting what was known as the “Dusine,” a primitive form of civil administration, out of which sprang the Town Meeting of New England. Most of them constructed substantial stone dwellings along one street, now known as Huguenot street. Six of these stone edifices are yet standing, and are shown in the accompanying illustrations. The Holland bricks, the quaint little Dutch windows with glass set in lead, and the ancient portholes in the walls of the houses, are yet shown to curious visitors, and yearly attract scores of antiquarians to the locality.
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