Prior to the building of the old church, the members of this society appear to have contributed one-fourth part towards the salary for the support of the Rev. minister at Philipsburgh, or Sleepy Hollow ; for in the second Book of the church memoranda, at the latter place, occurs the following entry : -- "A beginning will be made on the next page, but also by common accord it is resolved by the inhabitants of Philips, of one part and the respective inhabitants of the manor of Mr. Cortlandt, to wit, that the said communities will be holden (without having to move any exception against it) to pay and to deliver a legal fourth part, yearly, for divine service in the church here at Philipsburgh, in order that the Rev. minister of God's word may and can receive in a better manner, his salary and satisfaction for his true performed service in the respective community. At Philipsburgh on the other side will be holding to satisfy the other three parts for the said divine service, for the satisfaction of the Rev. minister, and further they will be henceforth together and as one community, and members of the Christian church ; and henceforth they will be annoted in the church memoranda book in such a manner as it will be called for." The following list of communicants occurs soon after, dated April 2 1 st, A. D. 1717, entitled: -- "A continuation of the persons, members, living in the manor of Cortlandt and patent of Captain Dekay and Ryck Abrahamson. First, Sybout Herricksen Krankheyt and Geertje his wife, Jan Corne Van Texel and Annentj his wife, Francoy de Paw, Mathys Brower and Marretye his wife, Nathan Beesly and Esther his wife, Catharine Van Texel, wife of Hendrick Lent, Geertje Brouwer, wife of Samuel Brouwer, Hendrick Lent and Cornelia his wife, William Van Texel and Irynje his wife, Annetje Sybout, wife of Jan Beesly, Maria de Paw, wife of Abram Lent, Aeltje Brouwer, wife of Jeurisen Wall, Thunis, Kranckhyt and Sophye his wife, William Teller and Marietje his wife, Jeremy Gennuyss and Annetje his wife, Marrietje Blauvelt, wife of Ryck Lent, and Eljzabeth, the wife of Comelis Michgrelzen.