For there is no irreg-. ular practice which in their opinion is not supported, and which they do not find justified and authorized by the benefit of toleration and liberty of conscience granted to them, in such manner they abuse that great and inestimable priviledge. You will, Rev. Sir, very much oblige me in giving me notice as soon as possible, of the Honorable Society's intention and resolution about that affair. I am, Reverened Sir, &c.,
Peter SiocrPE."
Writing to the Propagation Society in 1726, he thus describes the state of his church : " That he has baptized six grown negroes and seven negro children, fitted eight young people for the sacrament of the Lord's
HISTROY OF THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER.
Supper, to which they have been accordingly admitted ; and that the number of his communicants at Easter last, was thirty- three." ■
MR. STOUPPE TO THE SECRETARY.
"New Roceelle, Dec. Wth, 1727.
Reverend Sir : -- According to the Honorable Society's order, signified unto me by your last of the 16th June. 1717, here you have the best accounts I could get upon the several heads and matters intimated unto me in the aforesaid years.
1st. As to the church. It was built in the year 1708, upon the public or king's road, of strong materials, joined together with mortar, the inside plastered and whitewashed, of 40 feet length and 30 breadth. Partly by its own members, the inhabitants of New Rochelle, who gave a number of days work towards it, partly b}' the contributions of the following charitable persons, members of the Church of England or well-wishers to it, settled in divers parts of this province, as you will see by the list here set down and recorded in our church book.