This Towne of Jamaica in the year 1056 was purchased from the Indian Natives by diverse persons our predecessors and Anncestors Subjects of the Realm of England, Protestants dissenters in the manner of Worship from the fforms used in the Church of England ; who settled and Improved the lauds, Have called a Minister of their owne Profession to Officiate among them who continued so to do during the time of tlie Dutch Government and afterwards severall othei*s successively untill the year of our Lord 167|

In the year 1676 the Townsmen set apart divers Lands for the better Incouragement and support of such a Minister.

In tlie year 1693 the Inhabitants purchased a House and other conveniencyes for tlie accomodation of their Ministers who possessed and Injoyed it accordingly.

That about the year 1699 by Virtue of an Act of Generall

218 PAPERS RELATING TO CHURCHES IN QIEEKS COLKTV.

Assembly for tliat purpose tlie MajiV part of -the ITrcehoIders of the Towne built and erected a Meeting house or publick edilice for the Worship and serviceof God after their way, and peaceably possessed and used it.

That in the year 1703 or 1704 being actually and Quietly possessed of the said House lands and otlier convenienc}es and of the said meeting liouse, tliey were \^ith force & violence without any process, Tryall or Judgment at Law turned (;ut and Dispossessed of the same

All whicli tliey humbly submitt to yo Excellencies ccaisideration, Humbly praying such Releife as yo^" Excell'^y shall Judge consists with Equity & Justice