HISTORY OF DUCHESS COUNTY.
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assembled that morning for services, when a messenger arrived and informed them that Rysdyck was dead. He was found alone in his room, with his completed manuscript sermon before him. His remains were placed beneath the floor in front of the pulpit (an ancient Dutch custom) in the old church at New Hackensack. When the old edifice was taken down in 1834, they were removed to the burying ground. In the year 18OO, a few Baptists began to meet for social worship in this place. They had but little preaching. Mr. Palmer was one of their first preachers. A council met at George Parker's, June loth, 18O7, and organized a church of r6 members. Francis Wayland, Sen., was their first pastor, who remained with them four years, during which time they built a house of worship. Rev. John Lawson, a missionary, when on his way to India, preached for them some time. He
Old Quaker Church, Mill Street.
was succeeded by Lewis Leonard, of Massachusetts. In i 815 a Convention met with them at their request, and organized the Hudson River Association.` Aaron Parker succeeded Leonard as pastor, remaining one year. Their next pastor was Rufus Babcock, Jr., who was ordained with them. He continued there three years and was much esteemed. He was succeeded by R. W. Cushman, and Hutchinson. In 1826, Rev. A. Perkins returned, and was their pastor four years. In 1839, the church again obtained the services of Rufus Babcock, D. D., who served them as * Thia asssociation at one time numbered over 12,000 members.
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Dutchess County Historical Society
