The first settlers of Westchester, appear to liave made early provision for tlie education of the young, and the support of religion among them. This is abundantly seen in the town records. The church at this period was Congregational in its form of government, and so continued until the organization of the English Colonial Church in 1693.=^

On the 11th of February, 1680, occurs the following entry in the town books. " There was sprinkled with water by Morgan

* For a long period, Westchester appears to have been associated with Eastchesler, in the support of a minister . .,.■.., , ..

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 201

Jones, priest, (what they call baptizing) William Hunt, son of John Hunt of Westchester; witnesses present, Joseph Hunt and Bridget Waters." The same year, " Morgan Jones married Isaac Dickerman of this towne, to Bertha, the daughter of Henry Gardner. Recorded by me, Francis French, clerk,"^

At a town meeting held in AVestchester, April 2nd, 1684, " it was voted, that the justices and vestrymen of Westchester, Eastchester and Yonckers, do accept of Mr. Warham Mather as our minister for one whole year, and that he shall have sixty pound in country produce, at money price, for his salary, and that he shall be paid every quarter. Done in behalf of the justices aforesaid, signed by us,"b

John Gtuimby, Joseph Hunt, John Bayley, John Burkbee.

In the year 1692, the church appears to have been without a minister ; for, " at a lawful town meeting held in Westchester, by the freeholders and inhabitants, and residents of said place, the 2nd day of January, 1692, in order to consult, conclude and agree, about procuring an ortliodox minister in said town. It is voated and agreed upon, that there shall be an orthodox minister in the town aforesaid, as soon as possible may be, and to allow him forty or fifty pound per annum, equivalent to money, for his maintenance.