Voorleser facts for kids
A voorleser was a very important person in the old New Netherland colony, which was founded by the Dutch. Later, they were also found in other Dutch colonies. These people had special jobs related to local law, education, and religion. They helped their communities in many ways.
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What is a Voorleser?
The word voorleser comes from the Dutch word voorlezer. It means "someone who reads to others." Both spellings were used. People also called them "lay reader" or "church reader."
This important job was mostly used from the mid-1600s to the late 1700s. In those times, small colonial villages often had one person who did many different tasks.
How the Role Changed
When the English took control of the Dutch settlements in New Netherland, the Dutch settlers still relied on the voorleser. They helped keep village records and important papers. The last person to hold the title of voorleser left his job in 1789. After him, the person doing the job was called a "clerk."
Dutch records continued to be kept until 1809. The job of the voorleser slowly faded away as towns grew bigger. One person could no longer handle all the tasks. Also, most settlers started speaking and keeping records in English.
What Did a Voorleser Do?
Voorlesers had many duties in their local communities. They were seen as very important members by the early settlers. Each voorleser was in charge of almost all legal and religious events in their town.
Education and Records
Voorlesers needed to be smart and educated. They worked as the village clerk, keeping all the important papers and records. They were also the schoolmaster, teaching the children. Often, the school and the place for religious services were in the same building.
Religious Duties
Voorlesers also acted like a minister. They would sometimes read from the Bible. They were also in charge of special religious events like baptisms, communion, and marriages.
When someone passed away in the community, the voorleser took care of the funeral tasks. They might act as an undertaker, dig the grave, or help with the burial. They also led the singing during church services. If there was no proper pastor, the voorleser would lead the services on the Sabbath. This included prayers and reading a prepared sermon from a respected religious leader in the Netherlands. They also read the laws and beliefs, and parts of the Psalms.
Famous Voorlesers
Here are a few people who held the title of voorleser:
- Stuynhuysen, Engelbert – He was the first voorleser in Old Bergen. He started in 1662.
- Bertholf, Guiliam – He began working in Harlem, New York City on April 24, 1690.
- Sickels, Abraham – He was the last voorleser in Old Bergen. He retired in 1789.
Community Leaders
Other important people in the community of New Amsterdam also helped advise the leader of New Netherland. These groups were called the Twelve Men, the Eight Men, and the Nine Men. They were asked for advice at different times during the colony's history.
