The curse of the then possessor may be formidable ; not that of one who is not possessor.
But, with respect to Church property, the case is different. The Church is a corporation, and a corporation never dies. The durability of her claim to any given property is commensurated with her existance, and that is forever. Her right, therefore, of defending that property exists also forever; because through her it is offered to Him of Whom, through all ages, " It is witnessed that He liveth."a
The first notice of this parish subsequent to the Revolution occurs in the minutes of Diocesan Convention, held in New York, Oct. 3d, 18 10, when "on motion, it was resolved, that the delegates from the Episcopal Church of South Salem (of the incorporation of which, the convention has no legal evidence) be admitted to Honorary Seats." Mr. Henry Hoyt, delegate from said church was accordingly admitted to an honorary seat. The earliest record of the proceedings of the vestry, is dated Monday, 15th of October, 1810. The officers then chosen, according to the provisions of the act of 1795, were th^ following: Augustus McCarroll and William Sherwood, church-wardens; Henry Hoyt, Gould Bouton, Jesse Jams, Samuel B. Isaacs, Samuel Ambler, Joseph Nash, Absalom Holmes and James Church, vestrymen. On the 19th of Mav, 171 1, the church was incorporated under the style of " The Church-wardens and vestrymen of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Salem." At this period the Rev. Nathan Felch was officiating minister. In 18 10, he reported to the Convention: " That a new Episcopal church had beeiT incorporated in South Salem. Their prospect is truly pleasing at present."* At this time services were held in the Brown mansion occupied by Samuel B. Isaacs, Esq.