The Organization of the Congregation in the Early Lutheran Churches in America

by B. M. Schmucker

"3. The term of office was always fixed, but the period varied in different congregations. There was no life term, except in the ministry.

"4. The mode of selection probably varied in different churches as it does now. I imagine that in most churches the most prominent members met on an appointed day to hold the annual 'Kirchenrechnung,' and then quietly 'made out,' without a formal election, who were to fill the vacancies in the consistory. Very frequently, no doubt, retiring members nominated their own successors, to be approved or rejected by the congregational meeting." This clear description of German Reformed usage shows how great similarity there was in this respect between the American Reformed descendants of Hollanders and Germans. These Swedish and Reformed modes of congregational organization were here fully in operation in the territory on which our earliest German congregations were established.

3. The Lutheran Congregations at Amsterdam and London. The constitution of the Lutheran Church at Amsterdam is the most important and influential original source of Lutheran congregational organizations in America. It is the model from which the constitution of the Dutch Lutheran Churches in New York and New Jersey are directly derived. It is the original source of the constitution of the Savoy Church in London, which claims to be a simple translation of it, with some modifications. The Amsterdam constitution was, therefore, the immediate basis of the congregations in New York City, Albany, Loonenburg, Hackensack, on the Raritan, and of other congregations in New York founded by Falckner, Berkenmeyer and Knoll. The London constitution was the on which the congregations founded by Kocherthal at East and West Camp, Rhinebeck, Newburg, Schoharie, and those which grew out of them all along the Hudson and Mohawk rested, modified by the influence of the previously existing organizations, based on the Amsterdam constitution. So that is may be said that the Amsterdam constitution, with the modifications made at London, is the source of organization for all the older congregations in New York and upper New Jersey. In Pennsylvania, if my surmise that the Swedish Wicaco Church received its constitution through Fabritius from New York be correct, the Amsterdam constitution underlies the Swedish organization, the influence of which on the German churches we have described. The London book was in the hands of Muehlenberg and the other German pastors in Penna., given to them by Ziegenhagen in London. Muehlenberg became acquainted with the Dutch Lutheran constitution, based on that of Amsterdam, in 1745, at the Raritan, and in 1750-1752 at New York and Hackensack, where for two summers he was pastor of congregations in which it prevailed. His estimate of it was very favorable; he says: "These Pastors (of the Dutch Church in New York) introduced a constitution, which they have prepared after the model of that of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Amsterdam, and it was subscribed by them, as well as by the Elders and Deacons, and hitherto the Agende of Amsterdam has been used, all which were very well suited to the circumstances in America, and served to edification." The influence of these two constitutions, of Amsterdam and London, on those by whom the gradual completion of the work of organization in Penna. was made was very prominent. The London Constitution was the basis of that furnished by Ziegenhagen, Urlsperger and Francke to the Salzburgers, who settled in Georgia, and exerted an important influence on later congregations in that State and in the Carolinas. Having had the continuous approbation and commendation of Boehme and Ziegenhagen, court preachers at London, by whom, to so large an extent, the German immigration to this country was directed and counselled in religious matters, to whom nearly all correspondence was primarily directed, and who stood so near to the sovereign of the colonies, by whom also the calls to the Halle Missionaries were given them though the men were chosen at Halle; this constitution came to the Halle Missionaries clothed with great weight of authority. It is, therefore, right and proper, that above all others, these two constitutions should receive our careful examination. As that of Amsterdam is the earlier, and the original basis of the other, we will first describe it, and then show the modifications made at London.

The Constitution of Amsterdam was originally adopted in 1597 and bore the title "Kerkelijke Ordonnantie, for the government, in the doctrines of the Divine Word, administration of the Sacraments and other matters pertaining to the administration of the Church, of the Congregation and Church at Amsterdam, which assembles in a house and adheres to the genuine unaltered Augsburg Confession, prepared and established by the Ministers and Deputies there, in the year of Christ 1597." The congregation dates from about 1588, and built its first church in 1632, before which time it worshiped in a house arranged for its use, but not having the form of a church. This constitution was revised in 1614, and in 1644 it was accepted as the general constitution for the Lutheran churches in the Netherlands. In 1682 it was materially changed and brought in the shape which it afterwards retained. The original form of 1597, with the changes made in 1614 and 1682 indicated in foot notes, is given in full in the "Geschiedenis der Amsterdamsche Luthersche Gemecnte, door F. J. Domela Nieuwenhuis, Amsterdam, 1876, 8vo. pp. 298, 124." Appendix pp.32-62. It is very full and minute in its provisions and covers thirty octavo pages. A German translation of the edition of 1682 is given in Benthem's Hollaendische Kirch und Schul Staat, Francfurt, 1698. It is divided into two parts.

Part I. Chapter I. Of Doctrine. "The pastors of this congregation shall regulate and determine all their teaching and preaching by the rule of the divine Word, the biblical, prophetical and apostolical writings, and according to our Symbolical Books, to wit:—the unaltered Augsburg Confession, delivered to Charles V., Anno 30, the Apology of the same, the Smalcald Articles, and Formula of Concord, together with both Catechisms of Luther throughout, and shall not teach or preach anything contrary to the same, be it privately or publicly, nor shall they introduce or use new phrases (forms of statement) which are at variance with the same, or contradict them. In like manner in all points in dispute between us and others, they shall be guided and governed by the aforesaid Scriptures and also the aforesaid Symbolical Books, and shall decide and judge them by these alone, and shall plainly declare the foundation and understanding thereof to the congregation. They shall also order and direct all their preaching to the edification of the congregation, in such wise that the Word of God may be taught purely and clearly, the true doctrine be distinguished from the false and the true doctrine be urged on the people so that they may understand how to guard themselves against false teaching and teachers." This chapter is long and defines the whole obligations of the preachers of the Word. Chapter 2. Of the times and places of assemblage for the preaching of the divine Word. Chapter 3. Of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Chapter 4. Of the Sermon of Repentance (Boetpredicatien) and the absolution before the administration of the Lord's Supper. Chapter 5. Of the administration of the Most Holy Supper. Chapter 6. Of Christian Discipline and the Ban. Chapter 7. Of Marriage. Chapter 8. Of the Visitation of the Sick and of the Poor, who cannot come to church. Chapter 9. Of the Burial of the Dead.

Part II. The Christelijcke Ordonnantie of the Congregation in Amsterdam, of the Conventu Ecclesiastico or Consistory, of the Calling, Office, Ministrations of the Preachers, Deputies (Deputy Elders 1682) and Deacons. Chapter 1. 'Of the Consistory. To the Consistory belong the Preachers, with the Deputy Elders (Gedeputierden Ouderlingen); such other persons may attend as by the usage of the Congregation are called thereto. At the meetings first of all the Holy Spirit shall be invoked, in prayer, and the session shall close with the giving of thanks. The oldest Pastor shall preside, and he, or the oldest Elder, shall present the matters for consideration, call on each for his opinion, and take the vote. In matters of doctrine, where we have the Word of God, the Preachers alone shall decide according to the same (after consultation with the Elders, 1682), but in matters of government the majority shall decide. In matters of great importance, as the calling of the Preacher, all former Elders, and also the Deacons, shall be called to take counsel and the majority of all votes shall decide (1682 all former Elders, called Oudste Raeden, and all former Deacons). Occasions of discipline of Preachers, Elders, Deacons, or other members were subject to action by the Consistory.

Chapter 2. Of the Call, Office, Duties, Salary and Dismissal of Preachers. The Call, which consists in a nomination and an election, shall be made by the Preachers, Deputy Elders, former Elders (Oudste Raeden), Ruling Deacons and former Deacons (Oude Diaconen). The Candidate, if previously a Pastor, must present testimonials from his previous charge of his irreproachable life and of his adherence to the pure doctrine of our Confession and our Symbolical Books, or if unordained be fully examined and approved, and his ordination promised by the proper authorities, and he must subscribe and obey this constitution with all its provisions. Provision is made for the trial of all charges against a Preacher. The widow of a Pastor receives his salary for nine months after his death.

Chapter 3. Of the Call and Office of the Deputy Elders. The congregation is exhorted on the Sunday before election to pray God that pious and devout men may be chosen. The Preachers, Elders and Deacons select twice the number of persons to be elected, whose names are publicly presented to the congregation, and any who have well-founded objection to make against any one proposed, is exhorted to present it. At the election the Preachers, Elders, former Elders, Deacons, former Deacons, and the contributing members of the congregation, in this order, present their votes, and those who receive most votes are chosen. The elders elected must present themselves before the congregation, answer publicly the questions as to their confession of faith, promise faithfully to fulfill the duties of their office, and be installed, with the laying on of hands and prayer. Their duties are described at length, and in summary are these: 1. To watch that the Word be purely preached by pious Preachers, the sacraments administered as Christ commanded, and the constitution observed. 2. To see that the Preachers and other ministrants duly and promptly receive their salaries. 3. Watch over the congregation that all sin, shame and offence be avoided. 4. Keep accurate account of all expenditures. 5. After their term of office expires attend all meetings of the Consistory when called. 6. Carry out, when they enter upon their office, all measures taken by their predecessors for the peace and prosperity of the congregation. 7. On all festive and Sunday services stand at the church doors with plates to receive the offerings for the use of the church.

Chapter 4. Of the Call, Office and Duties of the Deacons. The Deacons are elected at the same time, place, and in all respects in the same manner as the Elders, and they also are installed exactly as the Elders. Their duties are these: Like the Elders to collect the offerings at the church doors made for the poor, and to keep an account of the receipts in a separate book; annually to visit the families of the congregation and receive their offerings for the poor, and to use and apply these gifts for the benefit of the poor; when distinguished and wealthy Lutherans visit the place to call upon them and ask an offering for the poor; to receive all legacies intended for the poor, and to keep an account of all these receipts. Then follow full directions for the care and relief of the poor, the needy, the stranger, with a thoroughly organized system for the whole work. The Deacons have nothing to do with the general affairs of the congregation, but are charged with the care of the poor and needy, and with this alone.

Chapter 5. Of the Office and Duties of the Comforter of the Sick, and Sexton. The congregation shall have a Ziekentrooster, who shall also be the Sexton (Koster en Knaap). The duties of this office are: Diligently to visit the sick, especially such as are in need, and to bring to them the comfort and directions of the Word of God. To give notice to the Pastor of those who desire the sacrament. To report to the Deacons any cases needing relief. To serve also as Sexton to the church. They shall receive a proper salary from the Consistory.