USA > Delaware > New Castle County > Wilmington > The records of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington, Del., from 1697 to 1773 > Part 29
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A. D. 1750 .- The next Sunday after New Years, I had grace from my God to forcibly set forth to my hearers in a sermon, the great necessity and use of the sacrament of baptism, whereby a young man twenty-two years of age, of Swedish parentage, was moved and awakened to consider his lamentable condition, as he had not yet been christened. He was born at Egg Harbor, where there was no priest at that time. His parents died during his childhood and no one had afterwards taken any care for himn. His name was Olof Paulson. He desired to be baptized now, but as he had scarce any knowledge of religion yet could speak Swedish, I gave him a catechism and psalm book and put him under the instruction of a Swedish married woman, hoping to see God's work carried on in him.
I made inquiry of some of the elders of the congre- gation if it was to be believed that he had already been baptized, for I somewhat doubted him, for he seemed to me somewhat simple. But all were positive that he was unbaptized, and also said that he had lived for some years in this congregation with his father's brother. O, Good God what christians live in this country!
It is necessary to make particular inquiry when persons of such an age ask for baptism, whether they have before been baptized or not, as a Roman Catholic immediately after my arrival brought his child, a half 'year old, to me for baptism, which I did, but learned
428
RECORDS OF
afterwards that the child had been already baptized by a Catholic priest.
The same necessityexists here with regard to marriages A woman once came to me asking to wed her anew, or as it is termed here wed her over again with her husband, although she had been living with him for seven years. The reason for this was that they were married by a Catholic priest, and therefore the marriage was not so law- ful, but I dismissed her with a severe reprimand.
The second Sunday after the 13th of Christmas the tablets were set up for the first time in the church at Christina. That on the north side of the altar for the new psalm books, and that on the south side for the old or the late Bishop Swedberg's edition. At first the folk were much divided in opinion as to their usefulness, but only two or three Sundays had passed before all were very much pleased with them.
On the 4th of March I began preaching on Christ's pains and sufferings, to be continued every week in lent, which it is said has never before been the custom. The Wednesdays were selected for that purpose, so that the preaching days might not come too near together, which might make the people more indolent.
On the 21st of March, after the close of the lenten sermon, those members of the congregation who were present came together to collect money for me to buy a horse. This was done by a subscription, of which part was paid at once and the rest some time after.
Now as the horse was to be for my use in the various errands and business for the church, they gave me the money to buy my own horse, with liberty to select and pay for him high or low, according to my own free will, without regard to the amount of the subscription however high or low it might be.
The subscription was as follows:
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
429
E.
S.
p.
Christopher Springer,
O
7
6
Marten Justice,
0
8
6
Charles Springer,
O
IO 0
Henry Colesberg,
0
IO O
Hans Petersson,
O
7
9
Andrew Justice Mounson,
O
5
O
Jesper Justice,
O
5
0
Charles Springer, (Children)
O
5
0
Timothy Stedham,
I
O
0
Jonas Justice,
O
5
0
Jonathan Stille,
S
5
O
Cornelius Hindrickson,
0
IO
O
Andrew Tranberg,
O
15
8
Wm. Anderson,
O
7
6
Christian Brunberg,
0
5
O
Joseph Springer,
0
IO
O
John Springer,
O
7
6
Jonas Walraven,
0
7
6
Justa Justice,
O
7
6
Hans Smidt,
0
7
6
Peter Peterson,
0
5
O
William Tossa,
0
7
6
Andrew Hindricksen,
0
5
O
Rudolph Wolfsback,
O
5
0
John Loinan,
0
7
6
Lulof Peterson,
0
IO
6
Swen Justice,
0
5
0
Morten Morten,
O
5
O
Ingeber Seneca,
0
5
O
Jacob Springer,
0
8
O
Philip Vandever,
O
IO
0
Jonas Stedhamson,
0
5
O
Andrew Loinan,
0
7
6
Mouns Justice,
O
IO
6
John Vandever,
0
7
6
John Springer Carlson,
0
5
6
Lulof Stedham,
0
7
6
430
RECORDS OF
S
P
Gustav Walraven,
0
5
0
Peter Vandever,
O
7
6
Jonas Stedham Lucason,
0
7
6
Nils Justice,
0
5
0
Moises White,
0
2
0
Mistrice Classon,
O
7
6
I5
17
9
Of these were never paid:
Jesper Justice,
O
5
0
John Springer Carlson,
O
5
0
Rudolph Wolfsback,
O
5
O
0
I5
O
Net. 15
2
9
-
A. D. 1751 .- On the 16th of April or 2nd day after Easter, the congregation inet according to previous notice, and it was presented to them that as the summer was now coming on it was necessary to consider what work should now first be undertaken, of what was de- cided upon at the last meeting, whether to begin with the repairs on the church or with the building of the parsonage house, as there were different opinions. I was finally concluded unanimously,
I. That the church should be repaired this summer where the repair was most necessary. That the north and west doors should be made new, and the whole church should be cleaned and white limed, and if the time and means would allow more, the sacristy should be built, but about this nothing further could be decided now, though this was in all respects proved to be needed.
2nd. It was resolved immediately to begin with the building of the priest house, that I might be able soon to begin housekeeping. The expense of this not to be taken from the principal of the church or congregation,
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH. 43I
for the priest should yearly receive his salary, and the church should be kept up from the interest.
Therefore it was decided that this building should be paid for by subscription, to which a part set down their names at once and a part afterwards.
SUBSCRIPTIONS.
E.
S.
p.
Philip Vandever,
5
O
0
Mârten Justice,
5
0
0
Joseph Springer,
5
O 0
Jonas Walraven,
5
O
0
Jan Stalcop,
I
2
6
Andrew Loinan,
5
O
0
William Tossa,
4
O
Jesper Justice,
2
IO
0
Nils Justice,
I
IO
O
Hans Smidt,
5
O
O
Carl Springer,
5
O
O
Lulof Stedham,
5
0
Andrew Tranberg,
5
O
O
Jacob Stille,
3
O
0
Cornelius Didricsson,
5
O
0
John Smidt,
2 IO
O
Swen Walraven,
I IO
0
Zachariah Didricsson,
I IO
O
Justa Justice,
5
O
O
Timotheus Stedham,
5
0
O
Mâns Justice,
5
0
O
Lulof Pettersson,
5
0
0
Hans Pettersson,
3
O
0
Joseph Morten,
5
O
Jonas Justice,
2
IO
0
John Loinan,
I IO
O
Jacob Springer,
5
0
0
Christopher Springer,
3
0
0
Ingeber Senere,
2
O
O
Walborg Classon,
0 IO
6
-
432
RECORDS OF
£.
S.
p.
Peter Vandever,
2
5
0
John Springersen,
2
2 0
Peter Hindricsson,
2
O
0
Henry Colesberg,
5
O
0
Cornelius Heines,
I
IO
O
Justa Justice, Jr.,
I
I
O
Jonas Stedham, Jr.,
5
O
0
William Von Neaman,
I
O
0
Morten Morten,
0
15
O
Swen Justice,
0
7
6
John Vandever,
I
O
0
Peter Petersson,
2
O
O
I34
3
6
Of those the following never paid.
£.
S.
p.
John Smidt,
2
IO
0
Lulof Peterson,
5
O
0
Joseph Morten,
5
O
0
-
12
IO
0
-
I2I
I3
6
N. B. Joseph Morten brought some scantling.
N. B. William Derickson subscribed towards making the banisters in the priest's house, 3%.
Feb. 4th, 1758. = Andrew Tranberg and Henry Coles- berg took upon themselves to oversee and attend to the building, getting materials, stone, brick and lime, as also laborers, whereby the building soon progressed rapidly.
The week after Easter Studiosus Mr. Nils Forsberg began to keep school in Swedish in the house by the church belonging to Mr. Timothy Stedham, but children were few and only from the neighboring house, there-
433
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
fore it seemed in the beginning that this school keeping could not last long.
On the 4th of June which was the second day after Easter, in accordance with previous notice the trustees of the congregation and the vestry-inen came together when the following business was presented and acted upon.
Ist. As now a half year of my service is past and I justly may demand a half year's pay, but during this half year have not been helped except that for the rent paid for my lodging in the house of the late Pastor Tranberg, and for the remainder of the year shall be without ineans. Therefore I asked that the church should bestow on me the whole year's salary previous to the 25th of last March, except the money that had been paid during the vacancy for the services of other priests which was agreed to unanimously.
2nd. That as for the parsonage house now building, lime and scaffolding have been bought, the church should be immediately whitelimed, first using the scaffolding etc. for it and so carry on both works in good order at the same time.
3rd. Andrew Tranberg said that he was under the necessity of nullifying the contract which Timothy Stedham made with the two laborers, Darby Jordan and Martin Lawler when he was trustee, with regard to a piece of meadow belonging to the priest land which they agreed to improve, but neither of which had fulfilled hls promise nor given any hope that it would be done in the future, nor can they agree betwixt themselves about the work.
Therefore he had paid them 4{. 10 shillings for what work they have done, and also had paid them and some 28
434
RECORDS OF
other folk for setting the fence and putting the bank in order along the creek.
It was now asked if the same piece of meadow should be let out anew to some one for improvement.
I answered that it would be a great benefit to me if it was left in my hands henceforth, as I should not get any use of it for a long while if some strangers took it again. The vestry resolved that it should be so, and that the expense already incurred as well as what may be still necessary should be taken from the church chest.
4th. I stated that of the purse money which had been offered since my coming, I had appropriated If 19 shillings for binding the old psalmn books, which be- fore lay thrown around in the church and otherwise would have been of no further use. When they are dealt out to their owners again in the church the price of binding, 3 shillings each, must be repaid by them.
5th. It was determined that when the bier cloth shall be lent for burying strangers, 5 shillings shall be paid for each time.
6th. The trustees gave in their accounts for 1749, which were proved and accepted and the bonds or obli- gations for the inoney lent out were looked over.
7th. Andrew Tranberg purchased pew room on mens' and women's side in the corner pews, which are the first in the church, paying for both together 5£ 1osh.
July 20th. The foundation was laid for the house and when the division wall in the cellar was laid, I, with my own hands, laid the two bricks which lie in the inner cellar room by the west door post next over the lime band which is in line with the door sill's upper surface.
The 24th, 25th and 26th. The church was whitelimed
.
435
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
for 60 sh., under the supervision of Timotheus Stedham and the sons of the present Churchwarden Lulof Sted- ham. The scaffolding used there was then taken to the priest house building.
Extract of a letter from the Most High Worthy Father and Archbishop Herr Doctor Henric Benzelius and the venerable ecclesiastical consistory of Upsala brought over by Herr Magister Olof Parlin, as follows :
As it is learned not only by written communication but also by printed works, that the Zinzendorfian distur- bance of the sect of the Hernhuters is more and more spreading in America, the conistory cannot refrain or miss the opportunity to exhort not only the Herr Pro- vost but the other Swedish priests not only to call on the Great God for Grace and support, but have a vigi- lant eye upon them and also warn their hearers and ex- hort them faithfully to remain steadfast in the whole- some teaching of God's word, which they have been accustomed to hear from their former zealous and praise- worthy pastors and they themselves from their youth have been taught and received.
Consistory will not in this connection omit to imform you concerning a certain well known missionary from Hernhut by the name of Arvid Gradin who for some time resided in Sweden; now since his actions have been publicly and properly examined although a born Swede, he has by a stringest order of the King been banished and conducted beyond the limits of the King- dom by the proper officials and forbidden ever to come into the country again. Consistory considers this in- formation quite important as it is very probable that in his present unpleasant circumstances the said Gradin will direct his course to America, and disturb the Swedish
436
RECORDS OF
Lutheran Church, there and perhaps under another name, such desceptions among that folk are not uncommon. Wherefore the Herr Provost with the help of all the other Priests will need to have a watchful eye over the flocks, that the enemy may not sow tares, as he through Gradin's residence here very industriously did. Com- mending both teachers and hearers to God's gracious protection in purity of doctrine and undefiled christian walk,
We remain, The Honorworthy Herr Provost's Most Willing and Ready Servants, HENRIC BENZELIUS. OLOF CELSIUS, MATTHIAS ASP,
ENGELBRECHT HALLENIUS, GABRIEL MATTHESIUS,
LAUR. BENZELSTIERNA. LAUR NORIN.
The priesthouse was now so far advanced that the walls were up and the roof on, but money was lacking to pay the mason and the laborers, and also to pay for the lime, scantling and the remaining work. There- fore it was necessary to remind the congregation of each one's duty to carry on the work, and to announce that they who now neglect to come forward and do their part shall not hereafter be acknowledged members of the congregation when a list thereof shall be inade out.
Experience had taught me that it was useless to call them to a general meeting, for few would come, especially when it was a question of raising money. So I found it best both at this time and afterwards to avail myself of some Sunday when I saw that there was a full congregation, to request that all should remain in their seats, so that the women folk, who in many houses
437
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
rule more than the men, might have opportunity to hear what was presented, and thereafter for their part both agree and direct for the best, and also to show to the Swedish wives of English husbands that they must hereafter do their duty if they expect to remain members of the congregation.
In pursuance of this on the 7th of October, which was the 17th Sunday after Trinity, I spoke to the con- gregation as follows :
Ist. That money was needed immediately to continue the work on the Priest-house, That those who had already subscribed should now pay the money, and that they who have not yet either subscribed nor paid any- thing should not hold back so. Every one promised well and the money flowed in tolerably thereafter.
2d. Now as I had already held Divine service twice in English and proposed to continue and have it every fourth Sunday, therefore, because some of the church had expressed dissatisfaction therewith, part for fear that the Swedes would be crowded out of their seats by strangers, and part for the apprehension that in the end the strangers would increase in the concerns of the church, I consulted the congregation about it and there were none who had anything against it, though none of them believed that the strange folk would crowd the church every fourth Sunday.
I also put them in mind to help me for my horse's keeping over winter, and a part of them immediately after sent me corn, maize, buckwheat and oats, there- for. On the 13 of November the vestrymen of the congregation met for the transaction of the following business:
Ist. It was asked if a new vestryman should be chosen
438
RECORDS OF
in the place of Philip Vandever lately deceased, or if the number should remain at six. After some consulta- tion it was resolved that as now. for the most part, several on account of sickness and other hindrances were absent from the meetings, it was best to increase the number to ten, and so the vestrymen from hence- forth are Timothy Stedham, Christopher Springer, Mouns Justice, Carl Springer, Morton Justice, Jonas Walraven, Hans Peterson, Peter Hindricsson, Olof Tossa, and Peter Stedham.
2nd. John Springer resigned the churchwardenship and Gustaf Peterson was chosen in his stead.
3rd. Regarding the burial of strangers in the church- yard, the enquiry was made if it should be allowed as heretofore in Pastor Eneberg's time. By unanimous resolution it had been refused as may be seen recorded in the church book. Afterwards in pastor Tranberg's time it was allowed but no record thereof was made in the church book. It was answered that hereafter it shall be admissible, for those of the English Church with the proviso that for each burial there shall be paid to the church 6 shillings, and to the sexton 2 shillings 6 pence, for a child under one year old, and for a year old and upwards 12 shillings to the church, and 5 shillings to the sexton.
Timothy Stedham took upon himself to formulate regulations which provided that whoever wished a burial should first notify him, and he should then show the application to the priest that he may record the name of the deceased in the church book, and give an order to the sexton for the burial. If the money is not willingly paid it shall be the church wardens' business to obtain a note or obligation and require its payment.
-
439
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
4th. As I have lived in the house of Hans Smidt, or that part of the house which he left to his son, and am to stay until I can remove into the new house, and as Mrs. Anna Smidt on account of her circumstances now asks for money, she should have pay for the time already past at 8{ a year, and afterwards for what shall remain when I remove.
5th. What must be done on account of the slow pay- ment of the subscription for the parsonage-house and the consequent hindrance of the work ? It was resolved to take from the principal so much as may be required to hasten on the work.
6th. It was decided that no one is allowed to cut wood on the church land for any purpose whatsoever without a written order of Hans Peterson, who is appointed to oversee the wood land so that he may know who are directed, and for what purpose to cut, as also see that no trees may be sold at disadvantage.
On the 27th of December a general parish meeting was held, and the following matters were brought forward and decided upon.
Ist. That as a meadow was very necessary for me, and there was no other to be had except a piece belong- ing to the church and lying alongside the church-yard, which from the time of the purchase from the Stalcop family has been used by the inhabitants of Rocksen, that piece might be now given to me for my use. Timothy Stedham who always especially interested himself in my welfare, had told me of this place, and showed me the boundaries all around it. But as the boundary was somewhat uncertain on Peter Peterson's side, who at that time dwelt on Roxen, it was decided to set a day when I, Timothy Stedham and the Church-
-
440
RECORDS OF
wardens on one side, with Peter Peterson and others whom he should authorize on the other, should meet there and agree upon the line as established already by the deeds and charts.
2nd. Peter Peterson said that hereafter he would not without compensation allow any church path over his land, which had been heretofore used by those coming from the west side of the town, and by those coming over Christina creek, because he had received no com- pensation therefor.
He now demanded therefor seats for himself and wife in the church, and though Peter could at most only ask it for his lifetime, yet to content him he was given a seat in a long pew in the first quarter on the men's side, and seats in a long pew in the upper quarter for his wife and children for perpetual time.
3rd. After the death of Goldsmith Folwell, Lulof Stedham was elected clerk of the church's estate, and Jesper Justice was chosen Churchwarden in his place.
4th. In place of Peter Peterson, Nils Forsberg was chosen sexton.
5th. Lulof Stedham's account as Churchwarden was examined and approved.
6th. John Springer also presented his, but as it was somewhat more extensive and was found not to be entirely correct, a certain day should be set when said account should be examined and proved in the presence . of myself and Andrew Tranberg, and then left with his successor, Lulof Peterson.
7th. It was resolved that the churchwardens and trustees should render their accounts at the end of each year to a parish meeting to be holden in the month of May.
441
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
Sth. I exhibited my account of the purse offerings for the past year which was approved, and there was enough taken there-from to purchase a new mass sur- plice which should be used for the first time at New Years, after the garment had for many years been disused in the church at Christina through the clergyman's own negligence.
9th. From love to God's house and beautifying God's services, Timothy Stedham gave a white altar cover because the former one was altogether abominable.
Ioth. It was decided that the seats in the church should be numbered and a list be made of them with names of those who rightly possess them.
At the end of this year certain authorized persons came to me from St. James' Church desiring meto hold Divine service in their church once a month, sometimes on Sunday and sometimes on a week day, which I promised to do if Christina church will assent to it. And as the congregation have agreed to it there will be henceforth Divine service with sermon on the last Sun- day of each month or on the Saturday preceding.
A. D., 1751 .- After the vestrymen in behalf of the congregation had given up to me the two meadow lots belonging to the church and the piece of church pas- ture named on page 15, I had the meadow grass taken out and had it sown with clover, timothy, and ditched, as also the enclosed pasture field by the church, and made an agreement with Peter Peterson on Rok- sen, that in consideration that he should be freed from putting up his share of fence next to his plow land and should only be held for his half of the fence next to his marsh, he should give the watering place which was enclosed by his line, for the use of the church pasture
442
RECORDS OF
lot, and allow a ditch to be dug up from the Christina creek that the tide water might fill the well.
Furthermore it is his duty to throw up a ditch under the whole fence of the meadow which I and he hold, to keep the sheep from his meadow, while I throw up a dyke under all of the other part of the fence to keep his sheep out of my pasture.
For this fencing of the pasture land and the improve- ment of the marsh, I have received from the trustees, Mr. Henry Colesburg and Andrew Tranberg 15£, and what more was needed I have taken from my own money as the accounts will show.
The folk up the country had learned that I have held Divine service at St. James' Church once a month and that the members of that congregation were very much pleased with my so little service. Therefore there came to me messengers from Malborougn and Folk's Manor asking me also to hold service in those two churches once each month, and not withstanding I felt that the low state of religion in my own church gave me plenty to do at home, yet, after I had made several visits to these churches and seen how that they had stood desolate for over four years and had ten or twelve children to baptize each time, even up to eleven years of age, and heard the poor folk's request and desire to have Divine services, I consented to their request with the understanding that I should preach once every other month in each of their churches, leaving it to them to determine which church should be visited first as they were accustomed to attend each other's churches calculating so that I could hold ser- vice on Sunday in one or the other of these churches once a month, and at St. James' the alternate month, and also shifting the Saturday services in the same manner
443
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
so that the one that did not have service on Sunday should have it the preceding Saturday and so take both places on the same journey.
October 21st. The church vestry met, and
Ist. It was agreed that a list should be made of all who belong to the congregation with their household that they thereby may the stronger be bound to their duty toward the support of the church, and as a means whereby those whose conduct shall require it, may be disciplined and corrected.
2nd. The parsonage building was examined and found satisfactory to all, and I reminded them of certain things needful, as the baking and cooking conveniences needed improvement, laying stone around the house to keep the water out of the cellar, private house, and fencing the garden, etc., etc. which they promised should be undertaken immediately.
3d. It was established for law that hereafter such a meeting should be held yearly, composed of Trustees, Vestrymen and Churchwardens, whose clerk, Lulof Stedham, should be ordered to look over the accounts and see that they are correct before they are subscribed.
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