USA > Delaware > New Castle County > Wilmington > The records of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington, Del., from 1697 to 1773 > Part 13
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II. Olof Fransson's (from the other side,) child Peter, born July 28th, baptized the same day by Mr. Lidenius, Sponsors Anders Hendricson, Anders Seneca, Mrs. Brita Dunken and Mrs. Ingrid Peterson.
12. Samuel Hall's child Elizabeth, born June 15th, baptized August 2nd, Spousors Johan Hindricson, Joseph Hedge, Johan Hindricsson's wife Brita, Gustaf Rock's wife Anna.
13. Robert Rekman's (other side of river,) child Thomas, bap- tized August 13th, five months old, Sponsors the Rev. Mr.Liden- ius, George Morris, Anna Gioding and Anna Peterson.
14. John Casparsson's (over the river), Anthony, baptized 6 months old, Sponsors John Mink Olof Frantsson, Mary Carter and Catharina Ericsson from Chestnut Hook.
15. John Farr's of Chester County, child Catharina, born February, 14th, baptized September 13, Sponsors Hans Petersson, Capt. Johan Von Calen, Rebecca Redly, Elizabeth Cadie.
16. Olof Von Naeman's (over the river), child Elizabeth bap- tized by Mr. Lidenius, September 14, Sponsorr, Jacob Van de Ver, Gabriel Peterson, Mrs. Catharina Van de Ver, Virgin Elizabeth Van Neeman.
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
17. Wm. Philpot's child Anna baptized by Mr. Lidenius, 19. Cornelius Wallraven's (over the river), child Elizabeth, September 20, Sponsors Johan Seneke, Jacob Savoy Ingrid Hindricksson, Margaretta Philpot.
18. Anders Cock's, child Annika, born September 15, baptized September 27, Sponsors Johan Hindricksson, Philip Van de Ver, Johan Hindresson's wife Brita and Hindri Hindersson's wife Judith. 19 Cornelius Walraven's child Elizabeth baptized by Mr. Lidenius, October 14, Sponsors, Matz Stark, Zackarias Bertetsson and his wife Sara, Carin Savoy.
20. Henrin Wainam's (over the river, child), Anna, baptized by Mr. Lidenius, October 4, Sponsors, Anders Hindriesson, Anders Seneke, Ingrid Hindriesson, Johan Hindersson's wife Beata.
21. Anders Johan (over the river), child, Margareta, baptized by Mr. Lidenius November 1, Sponsors, Thomas Guilliaison, Hans Sher, Beata Hinderson, Catharina Guilliamson.
22. Anders Seneke's, (over the river), child, Anders baptised by Mr. Lidenius November 17, Sponsors, Albert Bilterback, Johan Hindricsson, Jr., Ingrid Hindriesson, Catharina Vainam.
23. Albert Bilterhouse (over the river), child, Daniel, baptized by Mr. Lidenius November 17, Sponsors, Anders Senekesson, Seneke Senekesoon, Anna Sher and Beata Hindersson.
24. Johan Mink's (over river) child Johan, baptized by Mr. Lidenius, November 25, Sponsors Lucas Petersson, Johan Von Neeman, Anna Frantssen, Christina Franssen.
RECORD OF COMMUNICANTS IN CHRISTINA CONGREGATION IN THE YEAR 1713.
May 23. Peter Anderson, Maslander 's wife Helekin, Maria Stalcop
May 31. Anders Mink Grelsson, Eric Ericsson and his wife Emma, Goran Eictken and his wife Kerstin, Old Mrs. Annika and her daughter Kerstin, Brita Clemens, Thomas John's wife Anna.
June 7. Jonas Walraven and his wife Annika with their daughter Brita.
June 21. Johan Gioding and his wife Annika.
July 5. Provost Erick Biork and his wife, Mans Gustafsson and his wife Catharine.
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July 19. Anders Gustafsson and his wife Brita.
August 2. Elizabeth Von Neeman with her daughter Elizabeth.
August 3. Pastor Hessellius and his wife Sara, Mr. Lidenius, Brita Stalcop, Johan Von Culen, Kerstin Pälsson, Maria Pälsson.
October 18. Peter Mänssons wife Carin, Olof Mänsson, Annika Tassawa.
November I, Conrad Constantin and his wife Kerstin.
November 8. Peter Canpony and his wife Helena.
November 22. Provost Eric Biörk and his wife, Pastor Magis- ter Hessellius and his wife Sara, Maria Stalcop.
November 29. Judith Van de Ver in her sickness.
December 2. Johan Cock in St. Georges in his sickness.
December 25. Jacob Hinderson and his wife Maline, George Litien and his wife Kerstin, Jacob Van de Ver and his wife, Hans Peitterson and his wife Sara, Gabriel Peterson and his wife Kerstin, Hans Sher and his wife Anna, Henric Roisko, Christian Petersson, Olof Nilsson and his wife Margaretta, who all liveon the other side of the river, and were communicated by Mr. Lidenius.
December 26. Johan Gustafsson and his wife Brita, Mäns Gus- tafsson and his wire Catharina, Johan Van de Ver, Judith Van de Ver.
RECORDS OF DEATHS IN CHRISTINA CONGREGATION IN 1713.
1. Peter Canpony's child Anders, buried the 5th of April.
2' Matz Tosawa's child Maria, buried the 28th of July.
3. Peter Classon's wife Dorothea, buried the 22d of September.
4. Paul Paulson (in Crane hook Church yard) 25th of October.
5. Gertrude Mink buried by Mr. Lidenius over the river, buried the 6th of November.
7. Johan Cock of St. Georges, buried in his own garden on the 15th December.
1714, June 24. A general meeting of the church was held at the Priest house on the Old Land, when the fol- lowing subjects were discussed and acted upon:
Ist. Eskill Johanson presented a bill on his and Henry
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH
Orkan's account which had been received from Provost Biork, for 118 days, work done on the parsonage and barn, for which they had received only 16, 13 shil, 6 pence for Eskill, and 6 shillings for Henry. Eskill re- quested the congregation to pay them at once, as he had been for a long time waiting remuneration for his ser- vices.
It was resolved that as soon as Eskill and his comrade Henry shall present a clear bill of each piece of work they have done, they shall be paid according to the judg- ment of good men appointed to decide upon it, but they will not agree to pay them according to their account of day's work, for there is doubt if they have made up full day's work.
2nd. William Van de Ver, rendered his account for the past year up to the present time, which was com- pared with the account of the Priests, as it stands below.
3rd. Wm. Van de Ver resigned the office of warden and Johan Gustafsson was elected in his place to serve along with Jacob Van de Ver for this year.
4th. Peter Petersson Canpony was elected to the Church Council in place of Johan Gioding, who both for his removal to Maryland, which he gave notice of, and for other reasons which the Church Council on consul- tation deemed sufficient, was put out of his office, which action was approved by the pastor after some discussion.
5th. Samuel Stedham resigned as sexton, and Timo- theus Lylofsson Stedham was chosen in his place, and he was admonished and charged to perform the duties of his office better than his predecessor had done.
6th. The congregation was enquired of with regard to the Swedish boy Solomon Ahlmon what they knew about his in fancy and whether he had ever been baptized and
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Eric Ericsson, of Cranehook, and Regner Von Culen said that having been acquainted with his parents and guar- dians, they were certain that he had never been baptized and the boy also said the same of himself. Thereupon each one who might have the opportunity was requested to persuade his present employer to bring him for in- struction in christian doctrine so that as soon as practi- cable he may be admitted to the church by baptisin.
7th. The congregation were reminded of their free will offering of money to pay the expense of the journey home of the the Provost Mr. Biork to Sweden, and that they should immediately make the collection, for the time of his departure is near at hand.
8th. The pastor proposed to the congregation the pur- chase of two tables from the Provost Biork, to remain in the parsonage as an inventarium so that the present ministers as well as their successors may not have to go into the house without any table which they would deem very hard.
Pastor Hessellins said in addition that he had for some time though of buying the tables for himself if he had received his salary for the year, but as this has not been paid except by a few, he left it to the congregation to decide.
Thereupon Mr. Lucas Stedham and Mr. Edward Robinsson consulted about the matter and decided to assist the congregation in this way viz: they would pay the Provost for the tables and be repaid by con- tributions made for the purpose, paid in to the Church- wardens each one according to his share which was ap- proved, and was fulfilled when the (a) Herr Provost left the place.
a .- No English word quite takes the place of Herr, but it means about what Mr. or Sir did two hundred years ago but they have lost their mean- ng and will not translate it.
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
Income of the church from offerings in the church, £. S. P. and sundry gifts from June 28th, 1713, to January
25th, 1714. 8
1 2 II 12
Expenses during the same time, 2 3 51/2
Leaving Cash, 6 9 6
1714, June 29th. The greatest part of the congrega- tion on this side the river were present at the house of Herr Provost, Magister Biork, and took an affection- ate leave of him, as their faithful old pastor, and heart- ily wished him and his family a prosperous journey, upon which they set out the same day when the well born Herr Provost, just before he started ordered that all his books left here both those at the parsonage- house and at John Stalcop's except those he had sold or freely given away should belong to the church and he commissioned Mr. Springer and Mr. Edward Robinsson to put up somebook shelves for them. And he also left his own and his beloved wife's portraits.
He also directed that the three old chairs left in the Priest house should remain as an inventarium.
The same day Mr. Lucas Stedham paid this Church's portion of the freight on the Bibles and Psalmn books. which came over last, amounting to 37s. and 6d. new currency, which was received by his Honor worthiness Magister Sandall in the name of the congregation at Wicacoe, as they had already paid the whole sum for the freight.
As soon as the congregation proportionately pays up Mr. Stedhamn is to be paid.
When all this was finished the Herr Provost with |his dear wife and children journed from this place toBohemia accompanied by all the Swedish Priests and the Elders of the congregation and several of the Wicacoe Church,
I3
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RECORDS OF
and the next day they took final leave of him at Bohemia.
1714, August 28th. A general parish meeting of the whole Christina congregation, from both sides of the river and from St. Georges was held, when the following important business was brought forward and transacted.
Ist. The pastors informed the congregation of the reason why they and the Church Council had called this meeting of the Church, viz: that as to all Christly unity and working together, there can be found no more effic- ient means than a deterinination to adhere to the regular ordering of the Church, and to serve the Chuach with earnest zeal, and each do his part faithfully, and that from their first entering upon their service here they had earnestly and diligently labored, but a self-willed freedom and neglect of a common interest and effort for the increase and forwarding of the interests of a colli- mon christianity, have rendered an improvement almost impossible, yet through God's grace with all Christly prudence and circumspection there may be an improve- ment, and thereto next to God's powerful word have no better means been found to hold the Church in good order and in the performance of their duties, than the published Church Laws of His Swedish Majesty. But unfortunately we have seen but little or no improvement in many. Now therefore to bring about this most to be desired, and this far least accomplished end, the whole congregation is warned and exhorted.
Ist. To keep faithfully the Sabbath day and to faitli- fully attend the services in the church, to by no means be promenading around the churchyard during Divine service, and when the confession is said to be all in the
a Bohemia Landing in Maryland was at that time the most important shipping point south of New York.
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
church and on bowed knee suplicate God to pardon their sins.
2nd. That parents should be careful to have their children brought early to baptism, and not as often happens, let their babes remain at home a whole or many months, yes, even a half year, notwithstanding they live so near the church or Priest's house, that they have no excuse, and also in good time to give in the names of sponsors to the Priest that he may judge of their fitness.
3rd. To be faithful and constant in partaking of the Lord's Supper, and not excuse themselves therefromn by insufficient reasons as is the customn of some, and even the great part of those who hold themselves to be prominent members of the church.
4th. That betrothals and marriages proceed in an orderly manner according to the ordinances of our church.
5th. The Church Council were reminded of their duty to keep a watch and oversight, each one in his neighbor- hood, and note how the members live, whether Christly or not, in peace and unity, or otherwise, etc. And when they find any living otherwise, that they earnestly exhort and warn the erring, and when they find that insufficient, they must without any indulgence bring them before the Church Council and ministry, that they may be properly examined and be corrected according to the nature of the offence.
6th. Christian Joransson and John Stalcop were elected a church watch to keep good order and propriety both within and without the church during God's service, they being instructed to use their utmost diligence that none should walk around in the churchyard during
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RECORDS OF
Divine service, nor sit and gossip in the houses which are near by the church, but humbly kneeling, say their prayers.
And when the creed is sung and the text is read all must reverently stand, and no one go out of the church before the close of the service by the benediction, etc., ctc.
Whenever any one shall be cited before the Church Council, it shall be the duty of either of the designated church watchmen to arrest him and bring him forward and do whatever else tiine and circumstances may render necessary and proper.
7th. The congregation were reminded to be attentive, to have the music of the church performed in a proper, decent and devout manner, and that all who have received God's gift to be capable of singing with a pleasing voice, and with psalms to praise their God, ought by no means to neglect the gift and stand silent when one should lift his voice to God's glory.
Also those who have not received the gift or have not vet learned to sing should by no means by their harsh and untrained voices make discord and be a hindrance to others, but either hear in silence or by low after-sing- ing, accustom themselves to the melodies and learn them better.
8th. The old distribution of the pews was examined and those who have not yet obtained any certain place in the Church were promised that for a proper sum they should be put in possession of pews left by former own- ers, or for any cause shall hereafter be declared vacant, and the new owners may consider such pews as the property of themselves and their heirs, like any other possession, on the strength of such grant to them for their use.
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
9th. The congregation were also reminded of Mr. Hessellius' back-standing salary for 1713, and that it ought at once to be paid in, and that they should no longer delay the fulfillment of their promises made for the support of their pastor, and that the obstinate will have to answer before God if they allow their promises to be roughly effaced.
It was resolved that the Churchwardens according to the received list of arrearages should make the effort to collect in what remains back on the salary of the pastor.
9th. As to the fencing of the Church-yard at the cost of Herr Provost Biork, the congregation to do the work, which was promised.
Ioth. It was proposed to repair the Priest's house by covering it with clapboards, because in rainy weather particularly on the north and north-east sides it is almost impossible to find a place for a bed or table, or books to be kept dry in the parsonage library.
The congregation promised thorough repairs and also a window in the south gable of the large cellar room.
IIth. It was impressed upon the congregation that they who have enjoyed the gift of His Royal Majesty of Sweden of invaluable Bibles and Psalm books and have not to this day either paid the freight for the over-sending of the books, nor shown any mark of thanksgiving to God by remembering our church according to their promise, have acted very unjustly and unreasonably.
The parties concerned, after much discussion and expression of opinion, agreed that those who have re- ceived bibles should pay the whole freight on the books and the others none the less should remember God's house with a free will offering of thanksgiving for God's great grace bestowed upon them.
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RECORDS OF
In the same talk, opportunity was taken to inform the assembly with regard to the distribution of the bibles, and that as they were so few and so costly they could not be dealt around to many families, Magister Hessellius with the advice and concurrence of Herr Provost Biork decided to give them out in those families that could best use them with the understanding that they should lend them to their neighbors whenever it seemed necessary, and best, but they must in that case without fail be re- turned to the house from which they were first lent out.
12th. It was also said to the assembly that when on special occasions the services of tlie Priests were re- quired, such as publishing bans, betrothals, marriages, burying the dead, and such like extraordinary service, they should not be so ungrateful as to burden them, without any return for their labour.
Then it was resolved that the present Priests should have the same perquisites as their antecessor, viz: 12 shillings for each bridal pair, and for a burial according to the circumstances and ability of the friends.
13th. The folk from St. Georges were earnestly questioned why they had absented themselves from this their church for a year or more. They answered that the long distance was the cause, to which it was replied that the way was no longer now than formerly. Then they laid the blame on the women folk and children, etc., all of which did not amount to a sufficient excuse, and they were therefore given to understand that they would lose all their church privileges, unless they changed for the better, while the pastor would not consider it his duty to go down and preach for them as he had for the last two years on various occasions done, and yet had not received from them the least compensa- tion or thankfulness.
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH. 199
Hereupon the St. Georges' folk began to give better words, and promised to be more diligent to come to church, and that they would provide the school house in St. Georges for a preaching place when Magister Hes- sellius should come to them, therewith the matter was let rest for the present till further evidence of improve- ment, and in the meantime Magister Hessellius promised to performn all necessary service agreeable to his calling in the same manner as for his other parish- ioners.
1714 September 26 .- There was a meeting of the Church Council.
Ist. It was ordered that Churchwarden Jacob Van de Ver should procure the window for the parish house which was promised last parish meeting when he goes to Philadelphia, and pay for it out of the church funds.
2nd. It was resolved that if after exhortation and warning the St. Georges' folk will not cleave to the church, their pews shall be forfeited.
A. D .- 1715, January Ist. There was a meeting of the Church Council, when after a sincere wish of a blessed New Year, the pastor explained the High Bishop Swedberg's views about getting together a good and orderly Church inventarium as expressed in his letter of June 15th, 1713, to the establishment of which the pastor promised to give all possible help, but the Church Council and particularly Mr. Springer and Ed- ward Robinson should deliver in the books given to the Church by Provost Biork, which was promised by those present. As regarded the Priest's house there was no inventarium except two tables, three old chairs, one bedstead and one horse. Then the pastor enquired for greater security of holding his own without fault-finding,
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RECORD OF
if anyone knew of anything else that belonged to the parsonage to which they answered that they knew of nothing.
Then Edward Robinsson was asked with what intent he gave Magister Hessellius the young red horse more than a year ago.
He answered for the use of the church. It was fur- ther inquired that if in case the horse should die while under the custody of Magister Hessellius he would be be liable to provide another horse for the church, and the answer was no ! And so also with regard to the old chairs, if they by use should become worthless whether he should be holden to supply their place, which was resolved in the negative. Of the inventa- rium of cows, see p 43, and of that of sheep, see p 148.
A. D .- 1715, February 12. A general Parish meet- ing was held at the usual room and place, those from both sides of the river being in attendance.
Ist. The explanation and reasons why this meeting had been called was given, viz .: That notwithstanding all possible diligence and earnestness had been used both in foriner meetings and on all private occasions to bring the members of the Church into unity and good relation- ship with each other, yet it is found, unfortunately, that through the ever new and insidious wiles of the enemy, this little flock of Christ is daily attempted to be scattered and divided, and especially since it is known how that Edward Robinsson, secretly and with- out the least communication with the Priests or the congregation, has induced the late Aaron Johansson's widow Barbara, to give away to him and his heirs all of her property both real and movable, notwithstanding it should in accordance with her late husband's will be- long to Christina Church after her decease as an undis-
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH'
puted estate and possession the property having in the meantime been left as to trust and disposition to Matthias Petersson and Edward Robinsson as guardians to render an exact account therefor and care for her.
But now not only has Matthias Petersson been thrust . out by Edward Robinsson from an equal guardianship and possession, but Robinsson has taken all into his own hands and full possession, by which not only the church is much injured, but discord is kindled among the members and evil words and judgments are discov- ered on all sides and like noxious weeds spread around.
Therefore to obtain help in such important business and also that Edward Robinsson might have opportu- nity to explain and to give in a proper account, this general meeting has been called.
2nd. On calling the roll Edward Robinsson was not present and he had before told Mr. Springer that he would give no explanation or account though he was earnestly admonished and warned that if he remained away he would be put out of his office.
Nevertheless, notwithstanding, he by his disobedience had made himself liable to the condemnation of the church, they examined into his case, impartially and according to his own acknowledgment inade before to Mr. Hesselius in the presence of Mr. Springer, judged the matter and finally came to such conclusion thereon as the pastors and the congregation find to be reasona- ble and just, all being at liberty to discuss the business and speak for or against. And indeed if the smallest reason for Robinsson's procedure can be brought for- ward in his behalf it shall with all kindness be ad- mitted.
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RECORDS OF
3rd. Hereupon Mr. Springer presented a copy of the late Aaron Johansson's will, which was not witnessed, he refusing to produce the original, which he had in his possession, what reason no one knew. This copy of the will which he brought before the meeting, he declared to be of the same tenor and meaning as the original and so we took his word for good, (though all knew that he favored Edward's side,) and it was read before the meet- ing as it is here found inserted.
(a)Know all men that I, Aaron Johnson, being in perfect sense and memory, doe give my soule to God that gave it me and next I doe order that my body be decently interred. And I doe order that my wife doe administer and pay all my just and lawful debts. And I doe give and bequeathe all my whole estate to her, both real and personal. And this I doe make my last will and testament, revoking all former wills and testaments what- ever. As witness my hand and seal this third day of January, 1694.
His AARON X JOHNSON. Mark.
His Signed and sealed in the presence of JOHN B GARDNER.
Her
Mark.
MARY M HUMMERS, WILLIAM GUEST.
Matk.
My name and mark underneath these following lines is, and shall be, of that force and virtue that I will have this the above written my last will and testament, to stand in full force and to be truly kept, and will have nothing to be therein altered. But by some further consideration afterwards, how the merciful God and Father which hath pleased to bless meand bestowed upon me so'manifold mercies without any of my deserts, and should again be thankfully honored, not only in my and my wife Barbara James' lifetime, but also after our deceases, do I only add this
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