In the same neighborhood is Belmont^ the property of Jacob Lorillard, Esq. The house, which occupies an elevated position, commands a very extensive view of the Mill brook vale and the country adjacent.
The Dutch Reformed Church stands upon rising ground on the north side of the road leading from Fordham to Kingsbridge. This edifice was erected in 1801. It is a neat wooden structure, but contains nothing worthy of particular notice. The old church,^ which has long since been destroyed, stood
0- This building was standing in 1724. Mrs. Steenwyck and William Dyckman are said to liave been liberal benefactors towards its erection.
332 HISTORY OF THE
on the farm of Mr. James Valentine. Little is known concerning the early history of this church, except that as early as 1671, "The inhabitants residing between the two kills of Haarlem and the Broncks were obliged to contribute towards the support of its minister." Upon the 11th of May, 1690, it appears to have been regularly organized by the Collegiate D. R. Church of New York; the Rev. John Montague being at that time minister of the latter and Henricus Selyns, William Beeckmau, Johannis Kerbyle, Johannis de Peyster, Jacobus Kipp, Isaac de Forrest, and Isaac de Reyner, elders and deacons. The last minister prior to the Revolution was the Rev. Dom. Tetard.
The following minutes are extracted from the record of the New York Classis :
"At a classis held in Flatbush on Tuesday, September 2d, 1800, c^c. The church in the Manor of Fordha7Ji, being reduced during the war, and a prospect now opening of their being restored, Resolved, that this classis encourage and countenance them, by assisting and supplying them. Resolved further, that Dr. Livingston visit and preach to them as soon as convenient.''^