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The name of the second order in German is either Diacon or Vorsteher; the former name probably more ecclesiastical, the latter more popular. The term of office was always fixed, but the period varied in different congregations. There was no life term, except in the ministry. The mode of selection probably varied in different churches as it does now.
Its first pastor was M. Irenaeus Crusius, in whose time the constitution was adopted, in 1695. The preface says: "We, the present Pastor and Deputy Vorsteher, have taken the Kirchenordnung used by our brethren in Holland, have caused it to be translated into German, and, except for urgent reasons, have altered nothing therein, in order that our unity might the more clearly appear."
This preliminary arrangement is merely described in the record of the church council. It was not prepared in form as a written constitution, indeed a moderately full account of it is not given until 1757, though the duties of the Vorsteher are described in 1746. Then there was no written constitution at Philadelphia until 1762, so far as any known evidence shows.
As often as necessary the pastor shall, through the vorsteher, call the church councilmen together, or himself invite them at a public service, to the end that together they may consider, consult and decide when there is need to build or to repair, to resolve or to execute.
There were two orders of officers in each congregation, called Elders and Vorsteher, elected by the members for a definite term.
The congregation shall, by virtue of this new constitution, have the perpetual right and liberty, to elect and confirm, in Christian order, by a majority of votes, the officers and ministrants necessary for the congregation. The Church Council of the congregation shall hereafter consist of the Trustees, six Elders and six Vorsteher, regularly elected or confirmed by the congregation.
The rules for the Government of the Reformed Church at Amwell, N. J., 1749, are signed by the 'AElteste und Diaconen oder Vorsteher. It seems, therefore, that the two terms were used interchangeably. With regard to the points of doubt you suggest, I can only say: "1. The two distinct orders, elders and deacons, have certainly existed from the beginning in the American churches.
When any important and weighty matter arises in the congregation, of whatsoever kind, whether within or without the church, whether it concerns the parsonage or school-house, the church yard or the burial place, it shall not be decided by the Pastors alone, nor by the other Trustees alone, nor by the Elders alone, nor by the Vorsteher alone; but it must be carefully and well considered by the whole Church Council, and be approved by, at least, two-thirds of their whole number, and after that be laid before the whole congregation, and be approved by two-thirds of the communicant members of the congregation, especially when it demands contribution from the members.
The provision for installation is omitted, so that in all probability there was no imposition of hands. Otherwise, this chapter is taken bodily from that concerning deputy elders at Amsterdam, with the mere substitution of the word Vorsteher. The Vorsteher shall appoint two of their number, every two months, to take charge of the offerings, collections, legacies, etc., for the poor.
In connection with these men, I chose four men as vorsteher, one-half to go out each year, as has since then been the custom. 3. These elders and vorsteher, when assembled under the direction of the pastor, were called the church council, because in their meetings they took counsel together and made decisions.
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