February 24, 2008 Historic Moment

Did you know.... The following Revolutionary War veterans are interred in our cemetery: Private John Churchwell, 2nd Regiment; Captain Henry Dodge Esq., 4th Regiment, the line; Colonel Zephania Platt, Military Associate Exempt; Private Thaddeus Raymond, 7th Regiment; Major Peter VanBunschoten, 1st Regiment, the Line; and Captain Matthew VanBunschoten, 2nd Regiment. Colonel Zephaniah Platt served in the NYS Senate and was a member of the NYS Convention which ratified the Constitution of the United States and was the presiding Justice of the Dutchess County Court from 1781 -1795.

February 24, 2008 Remembrance

The Remembrance Corner - A Brazen Cross, Two Brazen Candlesticks with candles to be kept alight through every worship service. Twin candlelumes. We light beside the cross where now it stands before a tinted window sacred to memory. One flame denotes remembrance, one our covenant with Christ. Withal we lift a memorial to those king's daughters who have pierced the veil to stand within the presence at the king. Time has relieved the ancient ugliness of Calvary: Symmetrical and pure, behold the symbol of redeeming love! With what prismatic beauty it will shine, when sun rays filter through the colored panes and fall in calm cascade of light and shadow! And when there's lamplight in the sanctuary, may it caress with gentle reverence the cross, the candlestick, the slender flames; our gift of humble, grateful, glad remembrance. Donors: This lovely unit is given to the remembrance corner by the King's Daughters in devoted memory of their members who have passed beyond the veil. It is made possible through the gracious bequest of one of these, Mrs. William Marshall.

February 17, 2008 Historic Moment

Did you know.... On November 18, 1765 Joris Brinckerhoff and his wife, Ida Monfort, presented the New Hackensack Reformed Church Congregation with the actual title to the land for a church and a burial ground. During the year 1766, the first church was actually erected and was located on the site of the current cemetery.

February 17, 2008 Remembbrance

A picture - "The Head of Christ" by Sallman. Look far, Lord Christ, with your majestic eyes. Past numberless bewildering horizons to the fullness of our labored, slow salvation. Command us with your kingly countenance, where laughter waits behind the aching shadows of your sorrow-burdened life. Quicken our grateful, glad remembrance now to keep the fire of brotherhood and faith! Trouble our hearts, and never let them rest till we have earned your perfect, holy peace. Donors: This picture, a print, is given by Rev. and Mrs. Delmer Cooper in memory of Rev. Cooper's parents, Rev. and Mrs. Edward Cooper, and of Mrs. Cooper's uncle, Albert VanTassel.

February 10, 2008 Historic Moment

DID YOU KNOW... Our first pastor, the Reverend Rysdyck, died while preparing his sermon on November 20, 1790. He was survived by his wife and six children. He was buried under the pulpit of the original New Hackensack Reformed Church according to Dutch practice at that time. When the original church was taken down and replaced in 1835, the remains of Reverend Rysdyck were removed to our cemetery and placed in what is known as the Pastor's Plot. The inscription and name on the headstone are still readable today.

February 10, 2008 Remembrance

An antique stand with marble top for the church vestibule. The stately entrance chamber of our venerable church has now its simple dignity enhanced by this fine and graceful accent from the past. May treasured yesterdays revive as time-filled eyes look down upon this table; and often may the young give pause, amid their easy banter to observe how graciously its antique beauty blends with living greens and flowers of today. Donor: Mrs. David B. Sleight in loving memory of her parents, Mr and Mrs. James M. Alley.

February 3, 2008 Historic Moment

Did you know.... In 1764 a call was put out to The Netherlands for our first pastor, and the Reverend Isaac Rysdyck accepted. He was born about 1720 and was considered the most learned theologian of the Dutch Reformed Church at that time. The Reverend Rysdyck spoke both Dutch and English and could write Greek, Latin, Dutch, and English. He was installed as pastor of New Hackensack (along with Hopewell Reformed, Fishkill Reformed, and Poughkeepsie Reformed).

February 3, 2008 Remembrance

A Pulpit Bible Marker, 1950... The beauty of remembrance has imprinted the cross as with a gold luster in grateful Christian hearts. Thus now it glows at the heart of this remembrance to mark our pulpit volume of God's Word. Donor: Mrs. Joseph Schmaltz in loving memory of her mother, Louise Marie Wacker Ehler (1862-1929). This Remembrance Book is displayed in the case under the clock in the Gathering Area.