was the title given to a responsible citizen in New Netherland and later Dutch colonies who had semi-official duties in local law, education and religion.
Etymology The word as used in English texts is a variant of the Dutch word , which means "one who reads (to others)". However, both spellings are used interchangeably when referring to the title used by colonial Dutch Americans. It has several different translations or interpretations, such as "lay reader", "public reader","Original 1685 Bell." Friends of the Old Dutch Church & Burying Ground. Retrieved 2010-08-01. "fore-reader", and "church reader".
History The title was commonly used from the mid-17th century to the late 18th century. In the villages of the era, one person could accomplish many tasks. After the English took over the Dutch settlements of New Netherland, Dutch settlers continued relying on the for maintaining village records and documentation. The last person given the title resigned in 1789; his successor was given the title of "clerk". However, documents were maintained in Dutch until 1809. The population grew beyond the ability of one person to maintain, and the majority of settlers began speaking and keeping records in English. Thus, the role of the disappeared, and the 's tasks were redistributed.
Duties The had numerous local duties and was considered an important member of the communityVan Winkle, Daniel (1910). "History of Bergen Village." The New York Times. Retrieved 2010-08-01. by the early settlers. Each had jurisdiction over virtually all legal and religious actions and ceremonies in their community. s required scholarly qualities, as they acted as the village clerk and schoolmaster, typically educating the youth in the same building where religious services were held.
As a de facto minister, occasionally reading the scriptures, the was responsible for baptisms, communicants and marriages. When a death occurred, were given full charge of funerary tasks, serving as an undertaker, grave-digger, or sexton, and attending the burial. The led the congregation in singing during church services, and in the absence of a proper pastor, performed the ceremonies on Sabbath, which consisted of prayers and typically, a prepared sermon by a theologian from the Netherlands. They also read the law and creed, as well as portions of the Psalms.
Notable s Stuynhuysen, Engelbert – Old Bergen's first , gaining the title in 1662. Bertholf, Guiliam – began working in Harlem, New York City on April 24, 1690. Sickels, Abraham – Old Bergen's last , retired in 1789.
Advisory boards Other prominent members in the community of New Amsterdam (which included all the settlements around the Upper New York Bay) were part of councils that advised the Director of New Netherland. Called upon at various times during the colony's existence, they were known as the Twelve Men, the Eight Men and the Nine Men.
See also
Voorlezer's House
References