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by Stefan Bielinski Godfredius Dellius was the pastor of the Albany Dutch church during the 1680s and 90s. He was born in Europe about 1650. He was called to Albany in 1683 to assist the aged Dominie Gideon Schaets. Because Schaets continued to preach until 1690, Dellius focused more on missionary work during his early years in New York. He displayed a particular interest in converting and educating the Native peoples of greater Albany. On a number of occasions he received funds from the province of New York for missionary purposes.He also occasionally ministered to the Christians in Schenectady, Kinderhook, and Kingston. During the mid-1680s, he took charge of the negotiations that brought title to "the Pasture" - encompassing a large chunk of the south side of Albany, to the Albany Reformed church.In 1696, Governor Fletcher granted Dellius and others a large tract of land (537,600 acres) north of the Saratoga Patent. The so-called "Dellius Patent" occasioned great conflict among the various interests in provincial landholding. It eventually was nullified! However, it initially served notice that Albany people would be active paticipants in the initiatives to parcel out investment real estate in New York. In 1697, his home was configured on the Albany census. Two years later, he joined with other Albany notables in swearing allegiance to the king of England. In 1699, some of these Albany people petitioned for the reinstatement of Dominie Dellius. But by that time, Dellius had returned to Holland. His wife's name was Isabella and the marriage produced at least two daughters baptized in America. Dominie Godfredius Dellius died on March 1, 1710. notes
first posted: 12/30/04 |