The Van Nest Reformed Dutch Church in Peekskill, was incorporated on the 3d of January, 1843, and called by the above name, " in consideration of the private virtues and public liberality of Abraham Van Nest of New York." The consistory also resolved to confide the manaofement to a board of nine trustees. The following gentlemen were elected to this office, on the 16th of January, 1843: James Goetchius, William Leavins, John P. Cruger, Washington S. Whitney, J. Henry Ferris, Thomas Nelson, Hercules Lent, Charles A. G. Depew and N. S. Jacobs. a

The Presbyterian Church is situated on the south side of Magrigaries brook, upon land the gift of Nathaniel -Brown, Esq.

The first edifice was erected A. D. 1799 ; the principal benefactors towards which, were Stephen Brown, Esq., and his motherin-law, Mrs. Hannah Brewer. In possession of the present Dr.

a Relig. Soc. Lib. B. 80, 82.

68 HISTORY OF THE

Brewer of this place is preserved an account of monies expended

by Messrs Samuel Haight and Stephen Brown, in building the

meeting house in Peekskill. Total expenditure £371 8s. Id. dated

Peekskiil, 13 Sept. 1799.

Samuel Haiorht, ) rr< Stephen Brown, \ Trustees.

During the ministry of the Rev. Silas Constant, a division took place in the congregation. The seceding party erected a new church, but subsequently became merged in the Reformed Dutch Church in 1826. The present building which was erected in 1845, is a handsome wooden structure, surmounted with a neat tower and spire ; the former contains a large bell and clock. In the cemetery adjoining the church are monuments to Capt. Isaac Conklin, who departed this life, January, 13th, 1815, aged 68 years, Zebulon Philips, and Samuel Strang, M. D., and others. There are also inclos ure belonging to the Brown, Bedle and Rundle families, in which numerous interments have been made.