From these docnmcnts it would appear that there was a Presbyterian church standing here someiime prior to 1751. The pastor at this period was the Rev. John S:nith, D. D., who served the Presbyterian churches of Rye and While Plains, and died in the year 1776, leaving flourishing congregations and commodious houses of worship in both places. His remains repose in the burying ground, near those of his wife and daughter, in the rear of the church. A plain head-stone marks the spot, and bears the following inscription under a rudely carved similitude of a cherub.

Here lie the remains of the Rev. John Smith, the first ordained minister^

of the Presbyterian persuasion in Rye

and the White Plains, who was born in

England, May 5, 1702, wore out with

various labours, and fell asleep in Jesus.

Deceased Feb'y 26, 1771, aged 68 years. 9

months, and 22 days.

By faith he lived, in faith he died, and faith

foresees a rising day when Jesus comes, while

hope assumes and boasts his joy among the

tombs. Oh death ! Oh grave ! where is thy victory.

" Thanks be to God that giveth us the

victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

His brother was the Hon. William Smith. Lorenzo Sabine,

» Mr. Smith's name appears in the record of tho Synod in 1753 as minister of Pye.

COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER. 365

Esq., ill his very valuable work on American loyalists, says of this individual, " That he was chief justice and a member of the council of the colony, and considered to be in office in 17S2. His father, the Tlonorable William Smith, an eminent lawyer and judge of the supreme court, died in 1769. William Smith, the subject of this notice, graduated at Yale College in 1745. It appears, that he was at a loss as to the side which he should espouse in the controversy which preceded the Revolution, and that he made no choice until late in the war.