USA > Delaware > New Castle County > Wilmington > The records of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington, Del., from 1697 to 1773 > Part 12
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
hundred Swedish psalm books to be distributed among the members of the congregations, and we doubt not that these two ministers sent out will do everything in their power to give a satisfactory and edifying service in the Church, and they may be assured of the continued favor and good will of His Royal Majesty as he has most graciously declared to them in his Royal letter dated February 21st, 1708, the original of which is annexed.
And to conclude; we respectfully suggest, that in all things possible you endeavor to retain the favor of the English Court and the good will of Wm Penn the pro- prietor, we being especially moved to this on account of the fact that he has inade complaint to our Royal Min- ister resident in London, Count Gyllenborg, about some small neglect toward him, Mr. Penn being Governor over the country, which complaint in case it shall be found well grounded, can easily and willingly be cor- rected in the future to his satisfaction and the good and convenience of yourselves.
And we commend both churches in common, and each in particular, to God's most gracious protection and care.
For greater surety we have signed this with our own hands and confirmed it with the seal of His Royal Majesty.
Given at Stockholm, the 23d of June, 17II. [L. S.] F. WREDE, G. FALKENBERG, C. D. G. FRALIK, N. STROMBERG, KNUT POSSE, ARVED HORN, J. SPENS, A. LEYONSTEDT To the Swedish Churches in the West Indies.
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LETTER OF BISHOP SWEDBERG.
To the Christly Swedish Churches in the West Indies and Pennsylvania
With the desire that the grace, peace and blessing of God Almighty be with them through our Lord Jesus Christ.
So does God show to you his grace iny beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, to you though far sepa- rated from us, that now through my efforts you receive more of God's word and Godly books, and also two learned, mild and God-fearing Priest men of whom their commission, letters and testimonials will fully certify.
I cannot doubt that God's grace and the King's earn- est desire and care for your spiritual welfare will be cause of great gladness to you, when you get to know of it. Wherefore the Christly congregation has especial reason to praise God for his goodness, and acknowledge His Royal Majesty's favor, and also by their acts and christian walk, daily being obedient and submissive to God, so that he shall be pleased now and henceforth to grant them abundant grace to their eternal salvation and it will be great joy to me to hear that these priest- men are heartily welcomed.
And I amn pursuaded that they as good priests will be faithful in their teaching and service and give good sat- isfaction.
And so long as God shall spare me life it shall be my greatest pleasure to be able to do you all necessary ser- vice, if I only am informed of your needs and circum- stances.
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I was the means of the sending your faithful soul- carer, the Honorworthy Mr. Ericus Biork, who by his faithful labors and earnest zeal has been of great and highly satisfactory service to the congregation, and he will have a suitable reward and recognition here in Sweden when God shall help him home.
Obey now these servants of the Lord sent out to you, who will in accordance with their office and trust be ready for all needed service for the church with good will and love.
Honor and treat them as messengers of our Lord, and so will God bless and reward you in body and soul. Fear God with a pure heart. Hold firmly to your Saviour, Jesus Christ, and he will never fail you if you trust in his promises. Live in brotherly unity and love with each other that Satan may not sow tares and dis- cord among you.
I say with the Apostle Peter, I exhort you as strangers and (a) miserable (who are far from your country) ab- stain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul, and walk circumspectly among the heathen, so that they who are accustomed to speak of you as evil doers, may see your good worksand glorify God when (b) it comes to the light of day. Submit yourself to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether it be to the King as Supreme or unto governors as unto them that are sent by Him for the punishment of evil doers, and the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that by well doing, ye may put to silence the ig- norance of foolish men. As free, yet not using your
a. The Bishop follows the old version.
b. This is a correct quotation from the old version but their new has in the day of visitation like ours. "
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liberty as a cloak of maliciousness, but as God's ser- vants. Honor all, love the brotherhood, fear God; honor the King. Ist Peter, 2d, Irth, &c.
God keep you altogether from all evil. God bless and increase you all in all good. God bless you more and more, you and your children. Ve are the blessed of the Lord who hath made heaven and earth.
What more may be necessary to teach, exhort, remind and set in order, your priestman will rightly attend to the blessing and grace of God, the powerful and mild presence of Jesus Christ, and the comfort of the Holy Ghost fill your soul, spirit and heart, and may we all meet in heaven at last with mutual love and joy among the angels of God, and praise God and the Lamb and converse with each other to the ultimate enjoyment of of all desires.
Your Faithful Servant and Advocate
Brunsbo, Bishops Gard. JESPERUS SWEDBERG,
at Skara, Sept. 7th, 1711. Bishop in Skara.
May 30th, 1713 .- A meeting of the congregation of Holy Trinity Church at Christina, was held in the priest house on the old land, and they were present from both sides of the river.
The Priests present were Magister Andreas Hesselius and Mr. Abraham Lidenius and the following matters were brought forward and acted upon.
First there was a faithful and earnest prayer to God for his blessing on whatever was before us.
Then the Priests stated and urged the necessity of the congregation remaining in concord and good order, not only in church matters and public worship, but also in christian life and character, and that their children
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should be properly brought up and instructed in their own homes.
And as regards the former there is no more expedient means to be found, next to the preaching of God's pure and sanctifying word and a right use of the sacraments, and strictly following the doctrines and teachings of the catechism, than a strict attention to the system of church discipline which his Royal Majesty's Highness of Sweden promulgated, and which he presented to this church which was adopted by it and approved by them, but owing to the situation of the country and its circum- stances as to government and secular affairs, should be applied only to religious and spiritual matters.
The ministers also said that in accordance with their Priestly oath which was at the same time read and explained to the congregation, they would not deviate under any pretext from this good order and regulation, and that they would not only insist upon a strict con- formity to their oaths by their comrades, but would hold the congregation itself in its members to a good and proper church discipline, whereby we glorify God and save the souls of men.
And it is moreover in accordance withi our duty to our gracious sovereignty in this part of the world, to so . orderly conduct ourselves in as much as this church discipline will in no way prejudice the government of this country, and the Priests themselves who are sent here as faithful Swedish by His Royal Majesty in Sweden, are assured of the gracious permission and free license of her Majesty the Queen, of Great Britain, to teach and enjoy the Christian Lutheran religion in this country, and so long as God and the authorities ordain and decide that we shall remain in the country belong- ing to the Crown of Great Britain, we will bind our-
I2
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selves in all humble respect and veneration to her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain, being indebted to her the same as her own subjects are.
These matters having been presented and fully approved by the congregation, the Priests mentioned and called the attention of the congregation to some particular articles of the church ordinances or canons, viz:
Ist. To be always all present when the general con- fession for sin is read, Chapter 2nd of the Canon, Section 5th, verse 2nd.
2nd. To present children at an early age for baptism, Chapter 3rd, Section 2nd, verse 3rd.
3rd. Concerning the witnesses at the baptism of children-what ought to be the qualification of those who are asked to serve in that capacity, and that they should be previously mnade known to the pastors, Chapter 3rd, Section 5th, verse 4th.
4th. To frequently celebrate the Lord's Supper, Chapter IIth, Section 2nd, verse 4th.
5th. Regulating espousals and marriages-that they are not allowable according to church law before mature age, and not without consent of parents, and must be without compulsion or secrecy, and not before being well instructed in Christian doctrines, Chapter 15th, Section 5-6-10-11-12.
Ist. After all these things had been presented and explained in a suitable manner, the congregation assented to and adopted them as rules to guide them, and the pastors promised that at a proper time they would again read these and other important articles of the church discipline from the pulpit in churchi.
2nd. In order that the above resolutions should be efficient, the pastors asked the congregation if they
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were willing to elect some persons who were suitable to serve as a Church Council, who should have with the pastors a consistorial authority with regard to the church discipline and Divine service, and in the name of the whole church determine and decide all matters connected with our Christian community, to which the congregation unanimously consented.
And after consultation it was concluded that twelve suitable members who were devoted to the interests of the church should be chosen, and the following good men were selected with their own consent and that of the congregation, of whom each shall have one vote to two for each Priest man, that all of tì em together may conduct the offices of the church in a perfect manner.
From this side of the river:
I. Mr. Carl Christopher Springer,
2: 66 Peter Mansson,
3. Edward Robinson,
4. Jonas Walraven, 6.
5. Matthias Peterson,
6. " Jean Anderson Gioding,
" Lucas Stedham.
7.
From the other side of the river:
8. Mr. Jacob Van de Ver,
9. " Jacob Hindersson,
IO. " Lucas Petersson,
II. " George Litien,
"
12. Jean Vanneman.
3d. With regard to the support of the Priest, the con- gregation said that they in proportion to their ability would provide not only for their lodging and maintain- ance but would provide all necessary household furni- ture, servants and small animals.
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And that they will also clean, till and plow the land for them, and that they would give them also a stated salary for their service. The salary had been considered at the last meeting, but no decision was come to on account of want of unanimity and agreement of the members upon the subject, wherefore it was now resolved to leave the matter to the Churchwardens, who were to conclude upon the salary as soon as possible, and to facili- tate the business two Churchwardens on the other side of the river were chosen, viz: Oloff Van Naeman, and Timothy Stedham for that part of the congregation.
4th. The pastors offered their services to the congre- gation in visiting their homes, teaching and catechising their children, provided they would send a horse for them, as it would be impossible to visit families so scat- tered and distant on foot, to which Mr. Edward Robin- son answered that he would as soon as possible provide a horse to be used for that service.
5th. That part of the congregation living on the other side of the river, asked if it could not be so arranged that one of the Priests could take up his per- manent abode with them, to which the Priests replied that they very willingly would, agreeably to their duty and calling, be at their service so far as they should be supplied with necessary support and means of living, and in answer, that part of the congregation promised to show proof by paying for services thus far performed with further promise of payment for the incoming year.
After all had been done and concluded, the assembly earnestly hoped that all had been done to the Glory of Good, and the good of the church, and therefore after a loving good-bye, we separated.
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That all was at the above named general meeting, done and assented to, we the underwritten Church Council are witness to on the part of the congregation.
CHARLES SPRINGER, His His
PETER PETERSSON,
PETER P. MANSSON,
Mark.
LUCAS D STEDHAM, Mark.
EDWARD E. ROBINSON, JACOB VAN DE VER,
JONAS M. WALRAVEN, JACOB HINDRIKSSON,
MATTHIAS PETERSSON, GEORGE LITIEN,
JOHN GIODING. 1
A. D. 1713, June 7th. So many of the Church Coun- cil as were present, were called together after the close of Divine service and before them
Ist. Was read the before mentioned, and it was ap- proved.
2nd. Church warden Eric Ericksson on Cranehook was directed to visit all those of the congregation who have not contributed toward the support of the Priests, : before the next meeting of the members that they may without delay, be forward to do their part toward the support of Divine service according to the determina- tion of the last church meeting, which the Church warden promised to attend to.
3rd. The Priests propose that the improper custom of laying money on the cloth at the administration of the Lord's Supper be discontinued, which proposition on account of the good reasons alleged, was unanimously approved.
4th. The Church Council were instructed to notify their neighbors during the coming weeek to clear, pre- pare and fence the Priest land, which they promised.
A. D., 1713, June 24. There was a meeting of the congregation at the parsonage house, on the Old Land, at which the following business was transacted:
Ist. The Protocol of the last meeting with the attesting
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signatures of the present Church Council affixed, acting for the congregation, was read.
2nd. Elected Churchwardens, viz: William Van de Ver and Jacob Van de Ver by unanimous consent.
3rd. The Priests offered their service to keep the church accounts, provided the Churchwardens shall receive and take care of them without further trouble to themselves.
4th. The congregation assembled, resolved that the church money shall be deposited in the chest given to the church by Christian Joransson for that purpose, which should always stand in the church, the Church- wardens keeping the key of the same, so that whenever any of the members of the congregation want to make change in payment, it can be made to them by the Churchwardens in the church, and thus all mistakes and misunderstandings be obviated. This was agreed to and so done.
5th. It was resolved that when it was necessary to pay out any money for church expenses, the Church Council shall consider the case, and the Churchwardens shall then give out the money according to their decision.
6th. It was proposed with regard to the regular salary of the Priests, that there should be a certainty, where- upon it was resolved that the Churchwardens should take care for it, but as regards the present year's salary, Mr. Springer promised to bring it to a certain and just conclusion.
7th. Philip Van de Ver resigned as bell ringer, and in his place James Stedham was chosen with the assur- ance of the congregation that he should have the same pay as the former bell-ringer.
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8th. Oloff Von Neeman, the Churchwarden from the other side of the river, came and presented a list of hearers on the other side, who were willing to subscribe for the support of a Priest who should live with them the whole year round. The amount of subscription was twenty pounds old currency, exclusive of board, and the proposition was referred by the Priests to the congrega- tion for their decision, and they decided that such an allowance was not a reasonable one, because a Priest man should be considered of more value than an ordinary hired man of ordinary work, who can at this time get a like sum for his yearly wages.
Thereupon Capt. Jacobus Van de Ver and Church- warden Oloff Von Neeman who were the only ones present from the other side, said that they would bring the hearers on their side of the river to a reasonable determination. And after all this through a useful dis- cussion, and in love and friendship was concluded, the whole meeting separated each to his home with an affectionate farewell to the pastors.
July 5th. After the close of Divine service the last minutes were read to those of the Church Council who were present and by them approved.
July 19th. The Church Council was called together after the close of Divine service.
Ist. To present the occasion of the coming ministers meeting here at Christina, viz; to cherish and maintain christian unity betwixt the English and Swedish churches with brotherly confidence betwixt the teachers of both, which the Council thought well of.
2nd. The Priests announced the conclusion of His Honorworthiness Mr. Lidenius to journey home to Sweden again for lack of support, of which lack how-
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ever both Priests are sharers, and so will the congrega- tion have less to answer for before God if they fail to properly support one Priest than if two should suffer need.
But to this the Church Council would not consent and said the Priests must be patient still longer and wait for the decided and authoratative opinion thereon of the congregation.
3d. Mr. Springer complained that evil reports against the church were circulated among the English, and it was answered that it ought to be inquired into, and the falsehood of the slanderous reports be shown, and in case anyone may be able to trace such by private inquiry and discourse, the best way would be to refute by word and protest, and never give strangers occasion or oppor- tunity to blame them.
The Priests promised as much as in them lay to arrest further trouble.
4th. Again it was inquired with regard to salaries of the Priests why a list had not been made up, therefor and presented, and Mr. Springer answered that on account of the present harvest time, he could not yet attend to it but promised that in a month he would have all made out in a right and proper manner.
A. D. 1713, July 28th. Mr. Edward Robinson prom- ised in presence of some of the Church'Council a lick (a) spade for the church which promise he fulfilled April 12th, 1715.
Mr. Gioding received from the church a copy of Hafenrefferi's compendium in Swedish, for which he promised to pay five shillings old currency as soon as possible.
August 2nd, Mr. John Cock and Joran, Andersson came before the Church Council as delegates from the
a. For burials.
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Swedish families in St. Georges, with the request that the Priests might visit them and hold Divine service in their houses, to which the Priests as they understood that they were members of the church at Christina, replied that they would give them all the service accordant with their calling, so soon as their proper hearers can render their pastors able to journey to them.
But if in the meantime they should not be faithful to the church but should go after other teachers, the Priests will be excusable if they refuse them their ser- vices, which afterwards and at another time will not be easily recovered. The deputies answered that they would do the best they could.
2nd. The Priests inquired about the mass wine, where it should be obtained.
Wmn. Van de Ver said that it was customary to take as much from the church money each time as was needed therefor.
The Priest thought that it would be more convenient to get as much as will be necessary on the credit of the church, and then at the end of the year pay for the whole at once, which was agreed to.
August 16th, Mr. Springer gave in a list of the hearers in Christina congregation on this side the river with what they had promised toward the yearly salary of their soulcares, amounting to 486, 9 shillings old currency.
This list was accepted by the pastors on the condition that for the present year it may be proved whether or not they can subsist upon it but if it should fall out otherwise they will not be bound to be satisfied with such small compensation without an increase.
The Church Council thought this reasonable, and that there ought to be an increase and that the Priests ought
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to be generously supported, and promised them all necessary help for the cultivation of the land.
As to what the other side would do they promised to ascertain and help them to, as soon as the hearers on that side shall perfect their list.
3rd. The Council requested the Priests to take the money which has been collected from the first of May until this time, and therewith help themselves in their present strait as far as it will go, and they accepted the offer on condition that they would keep an account thereof, and so the congregation see to what necessities the said money is applied.
4th. Mr. Gioding and Churchwarden Jacobus Van de Ver promised to visit those hearers who have not yet contributed anything toward the support of the pastors in order to bring them to reason by some means.
5th. Mr. Hessellius promised to spare his colleague from this side the river, to the hearers on the other side, on condition that they once a month while the water is open, send for himself to do for them as his parishioners the proper services pertaining to the duty of a lawfully called Priest, which was considered reasonable.
August 23d. The over river folk came with their list of hearers on that side with a statement of dues toward the salary of the pastors, amounting to 44 pounds old currency.
September 13th. There was presented to the Church Council a bond of the amount of 3 pounds, 15 shillings given to Brigita Gilliamson by Peter Mayer, collectable by the customary demand the Ioth of November next coming, which bond she gave to the church and it was
a. The Swedes to this day use the term mass for the Lord's Supper even those who are Methodists.
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acknowledged by the Church Council and delivered to Churchwarden Jacob Van de Ver by Mr. Hessellns.
1714, January 17th. Paul Gustafsson was called before the Church Council and earnestly talked to on account of the unseasonable connection he has with his be- trothed, and he was admonished that until the wedding takes place they must live apart, and in chastity, and in honesty wait the fulfilment of their marriage.
RECORD OF MARRIAGES IN CHRISTINA CONGREGATION. IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD 17-13.
Ist. Martin Gustaffson and Britta Walraven married the 18th of October.
2nd. Olof Mansson and Annika Tossawa married the roth of November.
RECORD OF BAPTISM OF CHILDREN IN CHRISTINA
CONGREGATION IN THE YEAR 1713, WITH NAMES OF PARENTS AND SPONSORS.
Ist Zacharias Didriksson and wife Hellena's child Zacharias, baptized 25th of January, Sponsors, Cornelius Comneliisson, from the other side the river, Johan Peter Mansson, Peter Ja- quettes wife Mariah and the late Johan Van de Ver's daughter Judith.
2nd. Mons Gustaff and wife Catharina's, child, Christina baptized 8th March, Sponsors, Jonas Walraven, Jesper Walraven, Johan Gustass's wife Britta and Britta Walraven.
3rd. Gustass Kock and wife Anna's child Francina, bap- tized Aril 5th, Sponsors, Johan Gioding, Philip Van de Ver, Mrs. Annika Gioding, and Mrs. Anna Kock.
4. Christian Joran and wife Elizabeth's, child Sophia, born May 6th, baptized May 15th, Sponsors Peter Anderson, Edward Robinson, Seneca's widow and Peter Anderson's wife Magdalena.
5. Staffan Tossawa and wife Catharina's, child Anders born March Ist, baptized May 24, Sponsors James Anderson, Anders Stalcop, James Anderson's wife and Johan Gustaf's wife Brita.
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6. George Reed and wife Sara's, child Mary, born March 6th, baptized May 24th, Sponsor Jonas Walraven, Johan Skagen, Elizabeth Skagen and Mrs. Elibabeth Colesberg.
8. Johan Hendrickson and wife Brita's, child Susanna, born May 5th, baptized by Mr. Lidenius June 7th, Sponsors Pastor Magister Hessellius, Constantin, Mrs. Sara Hesselius and Maria Conrad's daughter.
8. Robin Clood and wife Gertrude's child Lydia, baptized June 14, eight months old, Sponsors Peter Mansson, Lars Persson from over the river, Margaretta Culen from Wicacoe congregation, and Maria Stedham.
9. James Watkins child John, born April 7th, baptized June 2Ist, Sponsors Lucas Stedpam, Lucasson, Timothy Lylofson Sted- ham, Mary Snecker and Conrad Constantine's daughter Mary.
10. Rev. Eric Biork's child Maria, born July 18, baptized July 19, Sponsors the Pastor Magister Hessellius, the Rev. Abraham Lidenius, Johan Stalcop, Martin Gustafsson, William Van de Ver's wife, Mrs. Helena Canpony and Ingeborg Stedham.
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