Stryker, Peter

Stryker, Peter, a (Dutch) Reformed minister, was born in New York city in 1764, studied theology under Dr. Livingston, was licensed by the General Synod of the Reformed Church in 1788, and for over forty years actively engaged as minister of the following churches of that order Northampton and Southampton, Pa., 1788-90; Staten Island, 1790-94; Belleville, N.J., 1794- 1809; Stone House Plains, 1810-12; Berne, N.Y., 1828-29, when, on account of feeble health, he resigned all pastoral service. For many years he was the oldest living clergyman of that Church. In his best days he is said to have been "a powerful preacher, plain, practical, and pungent a real orator." His piety was eminent. He said that not a doubt of his personal acceptance with God beclouded his soul for several years before his departure, which occurred in 1847. His end was peace, and he is remembered among the patriarchs of the Church. He preached with equal ease in Dutch and in English. See Corwin, Manual of the Ref. Church, p. 474. (W.J.R.T.)