Cuyler Family Collection of Photographs and Papers, 1860-1974 | Historical Collections

Series 1: Box 1, 2, 3 & 4

Family photographs arranged by individual (if identified), as well as miscellaneous individuals. Also includes exteriors and interiors of homes, family vacations, military photographs, framed portraits, family photo albums, associated negatives, and postcards.

Series 2: Box 5

Certificates, diplomas, and graduation programs arranged by individual, plus wedding album.

Series 3: Box 5

Lafayette Church programs and newspaper clippings arranged by material.

Theodore Ledyard Cuyler was born in Aurora, New York in 1822. He graduated from Princeton University in 1841 and from Princeton Theological Seminary in 1846. In 1853, he became pastor of the Market Street Reformed Dutch Church in New York City. There, Cuyler cultivated a large following and was approached to head a new church to be built in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. In 1860 he became the first pastor of the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, which grew to be the largest and most powerful Presbyterian church in the country. Cuyler wrote for a variety of newspapers such as the Christian Intelligencer, Evangelist, Independent and others, and was the author of over 20 books. He was an ardent supporter of the temperance movement as well as numerous charities such as the YMCA and Children’s Aid Society. As a speaker, he was known for his natural and easy-going style. Cuyler had a large circle of acquaintances and an influence that extended to Great Britain, where he was widely admired.  Reverend Theodore Cuyler died in Brooklyn in 1909 and was buried at Green-Wood Cemetery.

Chronology for Rev. Theodore Ledyard Cuyler:

1822 January 10, Born, Aurora, New york

1841 Graduated, Princeton University

1846 Graduated, Princeton Theological Seminary

1846 Presbyterian Church, Burlington, New Jersey

1849-1853 Pastor, Third Presbyterian Church, Trenton, New Jersey

1853-1860 Pastor, Market Street Reformed Dutch Church, New York, New York

1860-1890 Pastor, Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, Brooklyn

1909 February 26, Died, Brooklyn