Use By The Dutch Reformed Congregation
While never officially consecrated as a place of worship, the Voorlezer's House was used as a meeting place for members of the Dutch Reformed Congregation until the French Church (established in Greenridge, and lasting only about 15 years) was built in 1698, and later in 1718 when a permanent Dutch Reformed Church was established on the north shore of the Island. Despite the congregation's brief stay in Richmond, the Voorlezer's House was attended actively and its presence there (only the second or third building in the village) was the beginning of Richmonds significance as a service and civic center for Staten Island. Only a few years later the country seat would be established there, as well as St. Andrew's Church for English congregation in 1709-1712.
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