Hi All! I'm basically unfamiliar with NY research, since my TRAVIS family in Orange and Dutchess counties has been a real challenge to find records for. I'm most familiar with Pennsylvania, particularly the Pennsylvania "Dutch" in the east-central counties. The majority of these early emigrants were either of the Lutheran or Reformed faiths, many leaving their homeland during and shortly after the 30-Years' War. As these Germans of the Reformed faith came into this area the number of pastors to serve them was meager, often there was just a "leser" or lay reader who read prepared sermons for those in attendance. The need was there for churches to be organized and regular circuit pastors to officiate. At first the Reformed congregations were supplied through the Synod at Amsterdam, Holland and were referred to as "Dutch" Reformed. As the population grew it was necessary for a more "local" administration of the churches, so the headquarters for at least Pennsylvania was formed in Philadelphia. When the Synod operated out of Philadelphia it was called the "German" Reformed church. For many years you will find the same church referred to as either "Dutch" or "German" Reformed - or even "Calvanist" since they followed the teachings of the reformer, John Calvin. Hope this helps a bit, even though it is Pennsylvania! -Linnea Travis Miller Annville PA