USA > Delaware > New Castle County > Wilmington > The records of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington, Del., from 1697 to 1773 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49
140
RECORDS OF
gregation, and then come to them, and so they have preaching in the afternoon.
Midlent Sunday, the first of March, I began to fulfill this arrangement to preach in English here at Christina, and then fourteen days after at John Ball's, and so at Christina again, and then at John Ball's, etc., etc.
The 9th of January, 1709, I received a letter from the High Worthy Bishop in Skara, Dr. Jesper Swedberg, dated Brunsbo, the 27th of April, 1708, the contents of which were that his Royal Majesty had been graciously pleased to recall me home with the assurance of a good position for me, and had ordered that two other good and suitable Priests should be selected, commissioned and sent to relieve me, and that his Royal Majesty had also granted to the congregation ten copies of the new revised Bible in folio, and four hundred well bound psalm books. To God be the glory, etc., etc
17II. June Ist I received a letter from Dr. Swedberg dated Brunsbo, August Ist, 1710, of various contents as about the unfortunate war in which Sweden is engaged, which has postponed the sending over of the two Priests, also of a new Swedish congregation in London, who have requested Dr. Swedberg to be their Bishop, and thereupon he had sent to them Olle Norberg, and then he told how that his Royal Majesty had intrusted him with the care of these Churches so far away also, and so is God's grace abundantly shown nis so far away. To His name be the glory now and evermore.
The Ist of May on a Tuesday, there came over to ine through the blessing of God, from Sweden, the Honor- worthy gentlemen and Priestmen, Magister Andreas Hesselius and Herr Abraham Lidenius, Mr. Charles Rumsie being their conductor from Bohemia Landing up here.
141
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
Magister Hesselius' brother Herr Gustaff Hesselius, a portrait painter, came up some days after with their things by boat from Apaquimani.
They had with them His Royal Majesty Carl XII, gracious recall to me home again, dated Headquarters Smorgonia in Lithuania, February 21st, 1708, with his Majesty's hand and Royal Seal thereon, and along with that they had another letter from his Royal Majesty to the Church, with respect to my recall and the sending over of other Priests, dated at the same place and the same day and year as that to me.
Next there was one from the Royal Council in Stock- holm, of various contents, dated Stockholm, June 23d, 17II, empowered witli the Royal seal and some of their signatures underwritten.
Then there was one from the Highworthy Bishop in Skara, Dr. Jesper Swedberg to the congregation, dated Brunsbo Bishop's Gard in Skara September 7, 171I.
And I also received Magister Andreas Hesselius and Herr Lidenins' commission to the pastorate printed in Latin and Swedish dated at Brunsbo, September 7, 171I.
All these except tlie first which is especially mine were read to the congregation and were leit in the original letters with the Church at Christina and they were copied by Mag. Hessellins into the new Church book.
And so do God and the King deal with us so far from the Fatherland with wonderful goodness us Swedish.
I had received a short time before from Dr. Swedberg a letter with regard to the exchange, but at the same time he knew not how the matter could be consummated on account of the great distress which Sweden by reason of a long war with Russia, and his Majesty's disastrous battle at Pultowa and his escape through great danger
142
RECORDS OF
by the unspeakable protection of God, into Tartary and Turkey, but just then against our expectations these Honorworthy Priestmen came. May God's goodness be ever praised.
These Honorworthy Gentlemen remained with me the whole of that year, the two clergymen having their board in the Priesthouse, but Mons Gustaff Hessellius after a few weeks flyted on account of his business to Philadelphia.
The 4th Sunday after Easter, May 18th, I exchanged with Mr. George Ross, he preaching for me at Christina, and I for him at Chester (or Upland.)
Then I with Mag. Andreas Hessellius, Mr. Lidenins and Mons Gustaff Hessellius went up to Mr. Sandall at Wicacoe, and the next day which was May 19th a Monday, we went to Philadelphia to pay our respects to the Vice Governor, Charles Gookin but did not meet him till the next day, when these Honorworthy gentle- men showed him their passport and commission and Gov. Wmn. Penn's letter from London, and thereupon were received very favorably.
The same day Tuesday, May 20th, we went up to Oxford where we met with some Priests, Mr. John Tal- bot from Burlington, (who preached from Matthew 5th, chapter 16th verse,) and Mr. Evans of Philadelphia, Mr. Clubb from Apaquimani, Mr. Humphrey here at Oxford, Mr. Sandall of Wicacoe, Magister Hessellius, Herr Lidenius and myself from Christina, who after the sermon laid the corner-stone of a brick church in the place of a clap-board church only 24 feet long. May God prosper this work for His glory.
Then we were invited to dinner at Mr. Malice's, and then we Swedes went to Mr. Sandall's for the evening
143
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
Mr. Evans the clergyman at Philadelphia, our especial friend, treated these new comers with peculiar respect and kindness, and took them around to all the most respectable persons in Philadelphia who were connected with his Church to make them acquainted with thein, and a short time after there came to Mr. Evans, the High-worthy Bishop Henry of London's letter of recom- mendation, a copy of which I will take this opportunity " to record that our posterity may see how we Swedes and the English, (i. e. those of the English Church, ) lived together in truth and fellowship.
I recommend to you these two Swedish Missionaries Mr. Andreas Hessellius and Mr. Abraham Lidenius, who came overto supply the place of Mr. Rudman whom I desire you to receive with all brotherly friendship and charity, and to cultivate the best under- standing you can with them, and to assist with any direc ions they may stand in need of, and in my name recommend them to the good will and protection of the Governor.
I pray God direct you and believe me, Sir, Your most assured friend and Brother,
Fulham,
Henry
Feb. 8th, 1712,
London.
And we have always been counseled and instructed from Sweden to maintain friendship and unity with the English, so that we and the English Church shall not reckon each other as dissenters like the Presbyterians, Anabaptists, Quakers, &c., but as sister Churches.
Easter Day, June 8th, I gave notice that as now these Honor-worthy gentlemen had presented themselves to the Governor, therefore to-morrow which is Easter Mon- day, all the letters and credentials will be read to the
The Bishop has made a mistake here as Mr. Rudman had been for some time dead and they sent to take the place of Mr. Biork.
144
RECORDS OF
congregation, and therefore they will diligently come together.
Easter Monday, June 9th, I gave notice of a general meeting for Saturday 12 days thereafter, at which time after the close of Divine Service in the presence of a very large congregation, many being present from the other side of the river and fromn St. Georges, I read the above named Royal letters and that of the High worthy Father Dr. Swedberg, with here and there some necessary explanation of them and I then called their especial attention to the gracious favor shown them by God and the King who so cares for nis here while at home in Sweden they are suffering great hard- ships and are in difficult circumstances on account of a protracted war.
And now as the hardships of a single minister in attempting to serve this congregation have been made known and represented by my letter the High worthy Father Dr. Swedberg to whom has been confided the spiritual care of these churches as their Bishop, has especially requested of the King that Mr. Hessellius should have another with him for a help, so that the congregation may be better served and cared for than I alone have been able to do or could have done here- after, therefore this congregation should earnestly give thanks to God and pray for such pious and gracious authorities.
Then I said to them as they are new comers and not yet acquainted with and accustomed to this country, I will not immediately relinquish all my duties but will still go forward in my care for them as far as practica- ble.
I therefore mostly for the whole of this year preached
I45
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
and held Divine service with the help of these Honor- worthy gentlemen.
Holy Trinity Sunday, June 15th, at High Mass, Magis- ter, Hesselius preached his first sermon May God bless the preaching in the future.
The 21st of June we held the meeting notified as above stated, instead of the usual Midsummers' day meet- ing the 25th of June, and the following business was done and agreed to.
Ist. Wm. Van de Ver and Erick Erickson were re- appointed churchwardens.
2nd. All those who are back on their subscription for the Priesthouse promised to pay up by Autumn.
3rd. Wm. Van de Ver should get a new church book.
4th. All who are in arrears to the bellringer must pay up by Autumn.
5th. Philip Van de Ver promised to serve as bellman as long as he lives at Christina.
6th. Mr. John Hanson Stellman must be notified to come up and meet me to settle up his accounts in the presence of the Church Council on the Ioth of October next coming.
7th. That the churchwardens must collect the Priests salary yearly, so that they shall not be obliged to under- go that hardship.
8th. That all who know themselves to be in arrears with my salary must pay in the coming spring without further delay.
9th. The congregation promised to give me money for my journey when the good God is pleased to grant me in accordance, with my calling, to go from here to my earthly Fatherland.
roth. Christian Juransen presented to the church an Ironbound Shrine.
IO
146
RECORDS OF
IIth. They promised as the Priests were now boarding with me for this whole year they would help me in meat and drink.
12th. Finally, in accordance with the late Aaron Johnson's Testament of the 2nd of November 1701,. that a portion of the land should belong to me, which the then present churchwardens should inake over to me when he died so it was that in this meeting, Mr. Charles Springer, Edward Robinson and Matz Pietterson in presence of witnesses gave it over to me under their hands and seals as a true copy thereof here follows:
Know all men by these presents whom it may or shall here- after concern, that whereas Aaron Johnson of Bread and Cheese Island, deceased, by his last Will and Testament did for several good causes and reasons him then there thereunto moving, give unto ye Reverend Minister Magister Ericus Biorck, part of his estate which was left and given in charge to see it done and executed by those churchwardens which then were churchwar- dens when ye said Testatour dyed. Now in Consideration of what is heare specifyed doe wee the underwritten give and grant unto ye Reverend Minister Mag. Ericus Biorck his heirs Execu- tors, Administrators, or assigns, a certain Tract of land, situate, being, and lying near James Robinson's containing One hun- dred and Tenn Acres of Land more or less as ye Pattent more at large makes appeare Whereunto wee have sett our hands and seals.
At Christeen
2Ist day of June
Anno Domi 1712
Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of
Andrew Hessellius
Jos. Anderson.
Wm. Van de Ver,
CHARLES SPRINGER, [L. S.]
Pietter Pietterson.
MATTHIAS PIETTESON, [L. s.]
Jn. Stallcop,
EDWARD ROBINSON. [L. s.]
Erick Erickson,
Jonas Walraven.
147
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
The first Sunday after Trinity, June 22nd, Mr. Abra- ham Lidenius preached his first sermon. May the good God bless.
Monday, June 23rd, I was with Magisters Hessellius and Lidenius at a meeting of ministers at Philadelphia, for the purpose of writing to the Queen and Bishop in England, with reference to two acts of the Assembly.
I was also with the Queen's Surveyor General Cor- nelius Querry, who upon Churchwarden William Van de Ver's bespeaking, presented the church a new church book in folio, which was left to these new clergymen.
The 5th Sunday after Holy Trinity, July 20th, after I had held Oct song, I rode to John Ball's to preach, and Magister Hessellius was with me and baptized a child, it being the first baptized by him since he came here.
The father's name was Stephen Cornelius, the mother's Hustru Willeminkie, and the child's name Cor- nelius, born eight days before.
Friday, October Ist, I went to St. Georges, and Mr. Lidenius went with me and preached there for the first time.
Thursday, October 16th, I went over the river and Mr. Lidenius was along and preached for them for the first time.
The 2nd of November I went to Philadelphia to receive the chest of books from the ship Philadelphia, Captain Spencer, which through God's grace had come over safely from Sweden. The chest cost, betwixt England and here, 2 pounds 15 shillings stirling for freight. The books were to have come along with Messrs. Hessellius and Lidenius, but as on account of the war they could not go direct from Stockholm to Den- mark, but must go by land to Giotheborg and from there
148
RECORDS OF
by an English ship to England. The books being mentioned in letters brought by them could not come with them, but they were sent from Stockholm, and so to God be the glory, safely came here.
Wm. Mahlander and young Pietter Jaquette on Swan Cove, carried half of them down in a boat, and Wm. Mahlander willingly and unasked put his horse to the cart, and late Saturday evening the 22nd of November, came from Swan Cove here to Christina with then. The Lord's name be praised. Magister Hessellius has the list of them, how inany bibles in folio and psalin books great and small of various sorts.
Friday, December 5th, while I was at St. Georges, they from over the river came and requested and made agreement that Mr. Lidenius should be with them over the winter, and took him home with them. May the Lord God for his Glory bless his forthgoing.
A. D. Thursday, January 8th, I went to St. Georges and Mr. Hessellius went with me and he preached there for the first time.
The first Sunday after Epiphany, January 1Ith, I gave notice of a general meeting of the congregation fourteen days from the next coming Saturday on the Old Land in good time, and reminded them of it the two following Sundays also.
The 3Ist of January, on Saturday, was held the meet- ing as notified above, wherein was read the account I have with Mr. John Hanson Stellman on the debt against the church on their notes.
2nd. It was resolved to call him to a reckoning whether or no, for I am in earnest to go over to Sweden the coming spring. And they chose Charles Springer and Matz Pietterson to attend to it.
.
149
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
3rd. We talked of my journey home and how it could creditably be accomplished, and whether they could promise and provide something thereto or not, so that I could arrange my affairs and have no hindrance.
4th. Magister Hessellius, on account of various rumors among the folk with regard to his time of being here, read anew his commission from Sweden to thoroughly enlighten them so that they had nothing more to say about it.
5th. That this year ought to be reckoned as my fahr- dag or moving year, for one cannot here as in Sweden and other similar countries break up just on a set day and move from one church to another, and therefore all the income till May ought to belong to me, but after the coming May I will have nothing to do with the church or income.
6th. That the Priesthouse and the land will then belong to Magisters Hessellius and Lidenius except what is there at present which has all been collected by me and at my own expense and belongs to me to retain and take away.
7th. Those present wrote down their yearly contribui- tion for the support of the Magisters.
Sth. Some on another paper set down what they would give me for traveling expenses.
The first Sunday in Lent, February 22nd, there came over correct news that Mr. Jonas Aureen, the night betwixt previous Monday and Tuesday had died having been taken the Thursday before with pain in the breast of a stabbing and burning kind, and that he was to be buried Tuesday the 24th, but as I could see no convenient way of going over at that season of the year and as Mr. Lidenius was then on that side I bade the
150
RECORDS OF
messenger salute him from me and ask him to do what he could through God's grace, as also to inform Mr. Sandall all of which was done, and he preached a funeral sermon over him though not requested. He left behind a widow and two sons the youngest not over five weeks old.
And so Rattcongs Creek is again without a minister, and of the three sent over here by God and the authorities, I alone remain by the good pleasure of God, while the other two who confidently expected to go back to their earthly Fatherland, must lay their weary bones in this wilderness land. What God will be pleased to do with me time will tell. Let his will be done.
The 2nd of March I went up to Mr. Sandall, and the 3rd of March we both went up to Matz Keen. Then the 4th of March we went up to Burlington to the meet- ing, as the English Priests were to come together from York and Jersey with us from Pennsylvania but as the others did not come only us from Pennsylvania, seven persons, and Mr. Talbot of Burlington, the eighth, we wrote a letter to the Society and Thursday the 5th of March we came back to Frankfort or Oxford to the conse cration. We laid the corner-stone last May and Mr. Talbot preached again from Acts 5th chapter, 29th verse the last words.
Thereupon we went to Mr. Malice's to dinner and staid over night with Matz Keen, and so home again to Mr. Sandall's. To God be the glory.
Sunday mid-lent, March 15th, I gave notice of a ineeting next coming Saturday on account of Magister Hessellius and Mr. Lidenius, for the cause tha I not only am to leave the congregation on next coming May
.
151
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
day, but for the special reason of Magister Hessellius talk to me that either he or I must leave the parsonage house.
But indeed I never thought to have moved out of the Priest-house but to go to sea, but now must flit to my old dwelling place on my late father-in-law Pietter Stal- cop's land, but so they are to be left with empty house and hands, for all which is there is mine, and there was (a) no inventarium provided for me, and nothing thus far has been furnished for the parsonage.
Therefore the congregation must consult and provide for them, or else when I leave they must leave also and they must look out for themselves elsewhere, and so they will not come back to them if the congregation fail to provide for them now where they are and should be, and I bade them take into consideration God's daily mercies to them and be careful what they did.
The 21st of March they came together, and Magiste. Hessellius explained the above farther, and assured them that he would be satisfied with what they had in their own houses, and that the congregation should provide what necessity required as well for food as other house- hold stuff.
And also that they should providea horse and boy, for otherwise if they wish either of them to come to them they must send a horse for them, but if they would get a horse for the Priest house they would do as I had been used to do and visit them often at their houses.
I also further instructed them that in this business the first thing in setting a Priest house in order is to procure an inventarium, and that if they had done so for me and sowed the land for me at their own expense, and then delivered it to me and given mne poultry and other things, I should now be able to deliver it over to
a. Inventarium household furniture, horses, cows, slaves, servants &c.
152
RECORDS OF
iny successors, and if they will now do it they will be hereafter rid of this trouble when again a change shall be inade, and as this is an unaccustomed for them they should not let it seem strange and hard.
Those present resolved to contribute, and also that two (this time Churchwardens Erick Erickson and young Jacob Van de Ver,) should go around and see what each one would promise to provide, so that it should be in by May, and so that they who are inore able shall be first in the meantime, and then the others when the sinall animals come to grass, and then one send one thing, and another something else the well to do, first, for this year has been the poorest year generally among the people there has been since I came here into this coun- try; for some there was immediately something written down on this list.
At Easter Mr. Lidenius was to come from the other side of the river again.
Long Friday, April 3d, when I was to preach both sermons, it happened that towards morning I became very sick with a chill and thereafter pain in the whole body which held me over Easter till the fourth day when I began to find e se. In the meantime Magister Hessellius and Mr. Lidenius conducted Divine service.
The 3d Sunday after Easter, April 26th, I was so far recovered that (God be praised) I preached, and as this was the last Sunday of my 16 years' labor and duty, for the next Friday was the first of May, I intended to have something specially moving thereon, but was compelled to omit it on account of the powerful storm that came up, so that few people came to the church and so I deferred it till if God will, I may get another oppor- tunity and freedom to do it.
I53
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
God be sincerely praised for his grace and mercy so faithfully shown to unworthy me all these sixteen years' service and administration, in his dear bought church here in this wilderness.
What now hereafter follows are various experiences and happenings to me personally.
The fourth Sunday after Easter the 3rd of May, (the first Sunday of Magister Hessellius and Mr. Lidenius taking charge at Christina) as with the church, Christ's prepared spiritual bride, so did Magister Hessellius enter into matriomony with Jonas Walraven's daughter Vir- gin Sarah Walraven, which after three times publishing took place in Christina church, the above named Sun- day when I preached the marriage sermon over them from John 3rd Chap., 29th verse ; He that hath the Bride, is the Bridegroom, etc., and Mr. Sandall, from Wic- cacoe performed all the rest with the speech to the bride at the house and. the marriage ceremony, etc., which I would not do on account of my love for and adherence to the customs of my Fatherland and its old customs which I see are being done away with, such as crowning the bride, etc., through the introduction of these English customs. I also read to the congregation at the same time a letter written and signed by Magisters Hessellius and Lindenius concerning what had twice before been discussed, viz: that they must now bring in what they promised or have no more Divine service. I remarked upon this writing as well as I could, and said to the people that they should never let such a scandal be spread and thus anger and grieve God, the authorities and me, etc., etc.
So from present appearances there is no Divine ser- vice to be expected here next Sunday or for many
154
RECORDS OF
following. In the meantime I talked with Magister Hessellius and Lindenius with regard to their satisfac- tion, to get exact terms with regard to what they ex- pected as it is not enough to have a thing unless I know how to use and exhibit it on proper occasions.
While in the meantime Mr. Springer, who from the first beginning has been a willing and useful instrument of the Lord in this congregation, though entirely un- honored and unrecompensed therefor, now particularly in this business interested and concerned himself. He offered to keep Mr. Lidenins a whole year freely with- out any charge to the congregation and furnish him a horse to ride whenever he wished, and nevertheless do his part for Magister Hessellius in the Priest house with the rest of the congregation, if they will take his good- willing offer for the sake of the credit of the church till we can be in somewhat better order and condition. This very much affected the Magisters and as in the meantime Mr. Springer, Conrad Errick of Crane hook, Lucas Stedham, etc., had brought in for them to begin with at their housekeeping, they promised to begin Di- vine service the following Sunday, which was Rogation Day, May roth, which was done and Mr. Lidenins preached. and Thursday following he moved into the house as I had on Tuesday, the 5th of May, left alto- gether, wife, children and furniture and removed to my house on iny late father-in-law Pietter Stallcop's place, and my wife's sister, Mariah Stallcop was with us the whole time.
Saturday, the 9th of May, Magister Hessellius with his wife moved into the house to go on with his service and calling, and thereto may the good God give both to them and the church his grace and blessing, that lov-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.