Interpreting the Evidence
Correspondence from America, Rev. Gideon Schaats, June 27, 1657
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Document Description
Correspondence from America written by Rev. Gideon Schaats, paster at Rensselaerswyck, June 27, 1657.
Historical Context
Ministers were considered an important part of the Dutch community. Colonial inhabitants viewed the minister as a representation of their culture. He stood as a leader in the church and the colony and held a multitude of duties and responsbilities. Among these many responsibilities, ministers would deliver the sermon, administer baptism and communion, take care of the spiritual and physical needs of the members, and discipline members for violating the laws of the Bible. He was expected to be humble, modest, godly, intelligent, articulate, and eloquent.
Gideon Schaats arrived in New Netherland in 1652 as the newly appointed minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in Beverwijk. He was a former school master who had decided to become a minister. When he arrived in 1652, he had a church membership of 130 inhabitants. By 1660, his membership had risen to 200. Under his leadership, a poorhouse was built and funded by the church. Dominee Schaats died in 1694 and was buried in the churchyard.
Gideon Schaats arrived in New Netherland in 1652 as the newly appointed minister of the Dutch Reformed Church in Beverwijk. He was a former school master who had decided to become a minister. When he arrived in 1652, he had a church membership of 130 inhabitants. By 1660, his membership had risen to 200. Under his leadership, a poorhouse was built and funded by the church. Dominee Schaats died in 1694 and was buried in the churchyard.
Essential Question
What role did ministers play in the colony?
Check for Understanding
Describe the role of the minister and the problems he discusses.