Upon the 25th of February, 1711-12, "at a town meeting held by the freeholders of Eastchester, the said freeholders did agree by vote, that Judge Drake, Isaac Taylor and Moses Fowler, should be empowered to constitute and hire a man or men, as they shall think proper, to repair and finish the meeting-house and making a pulpit in the same ; and also

a Doc. Hist, of N. Y. vol. III. 92- S.

232 HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.

to have power to make a rate on all and every of the freeholders and inhabitants of the said town, that shall amount to as much money as shall defray the said charges." On the 20th of March following, this resolution was repealed and the same men empowered to " Repair the meeting-house, in making a pulpit and pew in it, and also seal and make seats in the same so far as the boards that are already bought will go."

The next year the Rev. John Bartow contributed £9 6s. 6d. towards rectifying the pews and seats in East and Westchester churches.

In 1 7 1 8, Mr. Bartow informs the Society that some efforts were being made to introduce a Presbyterian minister at Eastchester. This must have been the celebrated William Tennent, who officiated here for a short time only, from whence he removed to Bedford.

MR. BARTOW TO THE SECRETARY- [extract.] Westchester in the Province of New York, Nov. 1 8th, 1 7 18.

Worthy Sir,

" I am sorry that I have occasion to acquaint the Society that there are endeavours now on foot to bring in a Presbyterian minister at Eastchester. Some of their main agents have been with me and signified their design, from which I laboured to dissuade them, but in vain ; for they told me if I would undertake to come and preach every Lord's day in their town, they would be contented, otherwise, they wouid have a minister of their own.