Papers of John Adams, volume 19
th.1789.
Dr. Rodgers presents his most respectful Compliments to His Excellency the Vice President of the United States, & informs Him, there are two Pews set apart for the Members of Congress in his Church in Wall Street—nearly opposite the Governor’s Pew & lined with Green. And another Set apart for the same Purpose in the Brick Church on the Side of the fields, distinguished by the federal Arms and on the West Side of the Church.1
His Excellency has a distinguished Right to either of the ’bove Pews, and Dr. Rodgers will be happy in his occupying them whenever it Shall be convenient for Him.
RC (Adams Papers); addressed: “His Excellency / John Adams Esqr. / Vice President of the / United States”; endorsed: “Dr Rogers.”
JA first heard Rev. John Rodgers (1721–1811) preach in Aug. 1774 and again in May 1775, and lauded his “excellent Prayers and sermons.” Rodgers presided over one
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Presbyterian congregation split into two locations, with one church at Wall Street near Broadway, and a second site at the corner of Beekman and Nassau Streets. Throughout 1789, JA and AA regularly attended services led by Rodgers (
AFC
, 1:196; 8:413–414, 417; JA, D&A
, 2:104).