USA > Delaware > New Castle County > Wilmington > The records of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington, Del., from 1697 to 1773 > Part 36
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Naff. A petition was laid before the vestry signed by 48 persons praying that the vestrymen and churchwardens would pass a law which would secure them in their right to Trinity Church.
On motion made and seconded, resolved, that Isaac Hendrick- son apply to George Read, Jr., to get some particular passages of the charter explained.
Trinity Church, December 1, 1798.
Quarterly meeting of the vestrymen and church- wardens. Present Messrs. Eliot, Vandever, Lynam, Walraven, Brynberg, D. Stedham and Hendricsson. The committee appointed to prepare a bill for member- ship, presented one, whereupon
Resolved, Ist, That all those persons who were considered as members or admitted to vote for ves- tryinen and churchwardens, by the committee selected by the congregation, to report and determine on all right of membership and nominated in the charter to superin- tend the election in March, 1795, and the sons of such persons as may arrive to the age of 21 years shall be considered members and entitled to vote.
Resolved 2nd, That any male person who has descended from the original stock, and has by any means absented himself from Trinity Church, may apply to the vestry- men and churchwardens for admittance into member- ship, and if a majority of them shall deem him or them a worthy member, he or they shall be entitled to vote immediately.
Resolved 3d, That no other person shall be considered a political member of Trinity Church, and be entitled to the privileges thereof, but such persons as shall be first received and approved of by a majority of the ves- trymen and churchwardens, and after their approbation shall take a seat in Trinity Church, and pay a contribu- tion to the support of the ministry or otherwise, five
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years previous to an annual election, then and in such case they shall be entitled to vote and not otherwise.
Resolved 4th, That a former resolve of the vestrymen and churchwardens concerning membership, passed March 5, 1796 is hereby repealed.
Trinity Church, February 23d, 1799.
Meeting of the vestrymen and churchwardens.
Present, Messrs. Lynam, Eliot, Walraven, Brynberg, D. Stid- ham and Naff.
The Rev. James Wilmer had written to the vestry that he was informed that the Rev. Mr. Clarkson had resigned the pastoral charge over Trinity Church. Mr. Wilmer attended the meeting, produced his credentials, stated that he was an applicant for Trinity Church, if the congregation should like him, that he did wish to preach a sermon to them. Whereupon,
Resolved, That Trinity Church shall be open for Mr. Wilmer to preach a sermon in, on Sunday, the 3rd day of March, 1799.
Wilmington, Mr. Naff's, March 2, 1799.
Quarterly meeting of the vestrymen and church wardens.
Mr. Clarkson attended the meeting and demanded the balance due him of his salary for the year 1797. He also demanded a salary of 200{ for the year 1798. He founded his claim on ser- vices done the congregation of Trinity Church.
Mr. Vandever objected against it, said that Mr. Clarkson was not chosen and appointed minister of Trinity Church for the year 1798 by the vestrymen and churchwardens, that he was not entitled to any salary, and with his consent he should not have any.
The subject was postponed for further consideration.
Trinity Church, March 4, 1799.
According to notice given an election was held to fill the seats of Jacob Robinson, Isaac Stidham and David Stidham, which became vacant at this time (it being the expiration of the 4th year), also the seats of the churchwardens, Isaac Henderson and Hance Naff, when Peter Paulson, Isaac Stidham and David
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
Stidham were elected vestrymen, and Isaac Hendrickson and Hance Naff were elected churchwardens.
John Hendrickson, Jr., Joseph Stidham,
Inspectors. At a meeting of the vestrymen and churchawardens, March 9, 1799, it was resolved as Trinity Church is now lying open, Messrs. Hendrickson, Vandever, Walraven and Naff be a com- mittee to apply for and receive supplies.
At a meeting, March 16, 1799, it was resolved that Isaac Hen- drickson and Hance Naff take the key of Trinity Church into their possession immediately. The subject of allowing Mr. Clarkson a gratuity, being taken up, after some debate there- on
Resolved, That Benjamin Eliot, Isaac Hendrickson, Peter Walraven and Hance Naff be a committee to negotiate with Mr. Clarkson, and report thereon to the vestry, on Easter Monday, March 25th.
Trinity Church, March 25, 1799
Meeting of the vestrymen and churchwardens.
Present, Messers Vandever, Eliot, Lynam, Walraven, I Sted- ham, Brynberg, D. Stedham, Hendricksson and Naff. The com- mittee appointed to wait on and negotiate with Mr. Clarkson, reported that Mr. Calrkson, stated to them, that if the vestry- men and churchwardens would give him a gratuity of 175f to enable him to discharge his debts that he would quietly and peaceably deliver up all that doth belong to or in anywise apper- tain to the corporation of Trinity Church, that is or may be in his possession. Whereupon,
Resolved, That Mr. Clarkson shall be allowed 175{ as a . gratuity, providing that he delivers up all as above stated.
Trinity Church, September 7, 1799.
Quarterly meeting of the vestry.
The chairman produced a letter under seal from the Rev. James I. Wilmer which was opened and read, and after due deliberation thereon it was unanimously agreed that the Rev. Mr. Wilmer, shall have the offer of continuing to officiate in Trinity Church every other Sunday for a length of time, not exceeding three
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months at the usual rate of six dollars for each service unless a stranger offers ; in such case Mr. Wilmer is to give place to the stranger.
A meeting of the vestry at the parsonage house, November 9, 1799, when Mr. Hendrickson stated that in consequence of Trinity Church being vacant the Rev. Mr. Price, of Milford, doth offer himself a candidate for the minister therein. Where- upon.
Resolved, That the congregation of Trinity Church be called together and their sentiments be taken on the subject, as an in- struction for the vestrymen and churchwardens.
Trinity Church, November 19, 1799.
Occasional meeting of the vestrymen and churchwardens, with the congregation.
WHEREAS, It appears that those members of the congregation who have attended pursuant to notice given, have unanimously voted in favor of Mr. Price, and that there are divers members of the congregation that have not attended on the occasion,
Resolved, That a piece of writing be drawn corresponding with the subject of Mr. Price's offer and be handed round to those members who did not attend, for their signature, to the same effect. On motion
Resolved, That Messrs. Hendrickson, Walraven and Naff be a committee to wait on Mr. Price and inform him of the proceed- ings of the congregation and vestry in the business and enquire of him what salary would do him, providing he should come to Trinity Church.
Wilmington Parsonage House, December 7, 1799. Quarterly meeting of vestry.
A letter was read from the Rev. Nicholas Collin, the Swedish minister in Philadelphia, to the vestrymen and church wardens of Trinity Church, whereupon
Resolved, That Messrs. Hendrickson and Naff be a committee in behalf of the vestrymen and churchwardens, to send a re- spectable answer to the Rev. Nicholas Collin. Mr. Naff read a letter from Mr. Wilmer. Mr. Hendrickson read a letter from Mr. Price and a letter of recommendation or certificate from the ves- try at Milford.
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
Wilmington Parsonage, December 15, 1799. Occasional meeting of vestry:
The committee appointed to wait on Mr. Price, report that he would be fully satisfied with 175{ salary per annum, exclusive of the parsonage and lots. The subject of the Rev. Mr. Price as a candidate for the ministry in Trinity Church was taken up, after due deliberation thereon, and receiving instruction from a considerable majority of the congregation by their voting in his favor.
Resolved, That the vestrymen and churchwardens do unani- mously accept Mr. Price's offer, and that Isaac Hendrickson and John Brynberg be a committee to inform him that on the part of the vestry and congregation, all things are now ready as far as their ability and charter will permit.
Wilmington, Mr. Hendrickson's January 13, 1800. Meeting of the vestry and churchwardens:
Present, Messrs Vandever, Eliot, Lynam, Walraven, Brynberg D. Stedham, Hendrickson and Naff. Mr. Price attended the meeting and held a conference with the vestry on the subject of his coming to officiate in Trinity Church the ensuing year, when it was agreed if Mr. Price did come the ensuing spring, he should have the mansion house and garden with the stable and chair house in good repairs, the two lots of marsh, (but he must pay the taxes,) the upland lot at the church, (but must put the manure collected at the stable on the premises,) the vestry to put the marsh in reasonable repair, and Mr. Price to leave it so; likewise the vestry agree to pay him over and above, the sum of one hundred and sixty pounds per annum.
Mr. Price agreed on his part to do for the vestry and congre- gation of Trinity Church all those ministerial duties, that an ambassador of Christ ought to do for his flock, as far as his ability would permit.
Trinity Church, March 3, 1800.
According to notice given, an election was held under the direction of the vestrymen and churchwardens present, to fill the seats of Benjamin Eliot, Peter Walraven and James Eves which became vacant at the time, also the seats of the churchwardens,
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Isaac Hendrickson and Hance Naff, when Benjamin Eliot, Peter Walraveu and Joseph Springer were elected vestrymen, and Isaac Hendrickson and Hance Naff were elected churchwardens.
JOHN ELLIOTT, JOSEPH STEDHAM, Inspectors.
March 2nd, 1801.
John Brynberg, Hance Naff, John Hendrickson, Jr., were elected vestrymen, and Isaac Hendrickson and John Sperry, were chosen churchwardens.
March 7th, 1801.
Resolved, That the Rev. Wm. Price be called to supply Trinity Church the ensuing year, and that he be allowed 160{ salary.
Trinity Church, September 19th, 1801.
At a special meeting of the vestrymen and churchwardens, the committee appointed to make exertion to raise money to put a roof on the church reported that they have called upon Peter Jaquett who promises to pay the interest and as much of the principal as he possibly can in ten days. Also that they have called on John Welsh, who promises to pay his part of the bond due to the church in a few days.
March Ist, 1802.
John Lynam, Isaac Stedham and David Stedham, were elected vestrymen, and Isaac Hendrickson and John Sperry, were chosen churchwardens.
March 6th, IS02.
The Rev. Mr. Price, was again engaged for the ensuing year.
Trinity Church, August 14th, 1802.
Special meeting of the vestrymen and churchwardens.
Present, Messrs. Lynam, Eliot, Springer, Naff, Brynberg, D. Stidham, John Hendrickson, Isaac Hendrickson and John Sperry.
On motion made and seconded, the subject of erecting a belfry was taken into consideration. Whereupon, resolved, That the belfry shall be built at the west end of the church, twelve by fourteen feet, and thirty-four
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
feet high, of stone and brick, with a sufficient cupola to swing the bell in above the roof, etc. On motion made and seconded, resolved, that John Sperry, Isaac Hen- drickson and Hance Naff, be a committee to confer and agree with carpenters, masons and other workmen, pro- vide materials etc., and shall be invested with full power to set the business on foot immediately. August 9, 1802.
At a meeting of the vestry it was decided to build the belfry of brick.
December 4, 1802.
At a meeting it was resolved that Isaac Hendrickson, John Sperry and Hance Naff be a committee to hold a conference with Thomas Cole upon the form or plan of the cupola to be erected on the brick walls at the west end of the church, and take the approbation or sentiment of some other skillful carpenter upon the best plan.
May 7, 1803.
Peter Walraven, Joseph Springer and Benjamin Eliot were selected vestrymen and John Sperry and Isaac Hendrickson were selected churchwardens.
March 15, 1803.
The Rev. Mr. Price was again engaged at the same salary.
It being stated by Isaac Hendrickson. the chairman, that he would endeavor to get the road or street repaired between the town and the church by the corporation of Wilmington, but he doubted they would complete the walk. Therefore, Resolved, That there shall be a subscription started in the congregation to assist in completing the walk down to the church.
September 3, 1803.
At a meeting of the vestry it was resolved, That Isaac Hendrick- son shall be released from craving aid from the corporation of Wilmington toward the walk, but the committee on the subscrip- tion should be continued, and John Brynberg and Isaac Hendrick- son were appointed a committee to draft a letter, to be laid before the board of vestrymen and wardens to be sent to the Rev. Nicho-
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las Collin to advise with him on the subject of the independence of Trinity Church.
October 8, 1803.
Isaac Hendrickson laid before the board of vestrymen and churchwardens a letter from the Rev. Wm. Price concerning making a collection for Bishop Clagget, of Maryland, for his trouble in administering the ordinance of confirmation in Trinity Church. Whereupon, Resolved, That Isaac Hendrickson, John Brynberg and John Lynam shall be a committee to prepare an answer to the Rev. Mr. Price on the subject and lay it before the board of vestrymen and churchwardens.
Trinity Church, December 3, 1803.
The committee appointed to receive Wm. Vanneaman's legacy from Peter Brynberg, report that they have received the fifty pounds bequeathed, with the interest due, and have paid off several bills for the belfry.
The committee appointed to draft an answer to the letter of the Rev. Mr. Price laid before the board of vestry-men and church- wardens a sketch, whereupon
Resolved, That Isaac Hendrickson and John Brynberg be a committee to copy the sketch as it now stands and send it to the Rev. Mr. Price.
Trinity Church, March 5, 1804.
According to notice given an election was held to fill the seats of John Brynberg, Hance Naff, and John Hendrickson Jr. Also the vacant seat occasioned by the death of Peter Walraven, and the seats of the Churchwardens John Sperryand, Isaac Hendrick- son when Jacob Derrickson, John Brynberg, and John Hen- drickson Jr. were elected for three years, and Aaron Paulsou was elected in the place of Peter Walraven deceased and Israel Hen- drickson and Hance Naff were elected Churchwardens.
Isaac Hendrickson, John Hedges, Inspectors.
Wilmington Parsonage House, March 24, 1804.
A meeting of the board, when Isaac Hendrickson was chosen chairman, and John Brynberg secretary for the ensuing year.
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH. 539
The Rev. Mr. Price was unanimously chosen minister for the ensuing year at a salary of 1606, which after confering with Mr. Price was mutually agreed on. On motion
Resolved, that John Brynberg and David Stedham be a com- mittee to settle with the committee who superintended the build- ing of the belfry and make report to this board at their next meeting. On motion
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to take measures respecting the debt due to Trinity Church by Peter JaQuette Jr., and proceed on the business at their discretion and make report at the next meeting.
Parsonage House, December 1, 1804. Quarterly meeeting of the vestrymen and churchwardens.
Present, Messrs, Lynam, Derickson, Paulson, Brynberg, John Hendrickson, Naff and Isaac Hendrickson. The com- mittee appointed to settle with the committee who were ap- pointed to superintent the building the belfry, report that they have attended to their appointment. They presented a state- ment of subscription money received by John Sperry to the amount of 334 dollars and 33 cents, and of Sundry bills that said Sperry had paid, amounting to 335 dollars and 85 cents, there being 53 dollars on the subscription not yet paid which John Sperry is requested to collect. On motion,
Resolved, That John Lynam and John Brynberg be a com- mittee to settle with the executor of Hance Stampeart de- ceased, for a quantity of stone taken off the glebe at Red Clay creek, to receive the money for the payment of said stone and apply it to the payment due Susanna Tussy, and if there should be any money remaining over, they are directed to pay the surplus into the hands of Hance Naff, churchwarden.
Mr. James M. Broom produced Mr. Clarkson's account against Trinity Church.
Resolved, That Hance Naff, John Brynberg and Isaac Hen- drickson be a committee to settle Mr. Clarkson's account with James M. Broom.
Parsonage House, January 12, 1805.
At a a meeting of the board. The committee of ways and means appointed at the last meeting reported, that in their opinion
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in the present state of the finances it was best to borrow at 6 per cent interest enough to pay off the remaining indebted- ness on the belfry.
Resolved, That John Brynberg, Hance Naff, John Lyman and Isaac Hendrickson, the committee of ways and means shall borrow 400 dollars on the credit of the corporation of Trinity church and pay off the debts on the belfry as far as it will go.
Parsonage House, March 2, 1805.
Quarterly meeting.
The committee appointed to borrow the sum of 400 dollars for the use of the corporation of Trinity Church report, that they succeeded in obtaining the money from Susanna Tassey, widow, upon the condition that the corporation of Trinity Church will punctually pay the interest on the bond to be given. Where- upon.
Resolved, That an appropriation is hereby made of the first money that shall be received, and the honor and good faith of the corporation of Trinity Church is pledged for the punctual payment of the said interest when due. It was unamimously agreed that the said 400 dollars be paid into the hands of Hance Naff, churchwarden, for the purpose of paying off the balance of the bills due for building the belfrey and Hance Naff was ordered to pay them immediately.
Trinity Church, March 4, 1805.
John Lynam, Isaac Stedham and David Stidham were re- elected vestrymen, and Hance Naff and Isaac Hendrickson were re-elected churchwardens.
Trinity Church, March 16, 1805.
Special meeting of the vestrymen and churchwardens.
Resolved, That Isaac Hendrickson and John Lynam be a com- mittee to make out a list of the pews in Trinity Church, with their number, their rates and the persons names who rent or oc- cupy them for the year 1805, and a list of the several lots of ground upon ground rent, and the person's names who pays and the several sums that each man pay yearly, and enter the same in the book of minutes for the use of the board of vestrymen and 'church wardens.
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
Resolved, Unanimously that the Rev. Mr. Price be called to continue to officiate as minister of Trinity Church, the coming year.
Trinity Church, March 3, 1806.
Benjamin Eliot, Joseph Springer and Aaron Paulson were re- elected vestrymen, and Isaac Hendrickson and Hance Naff re- elected churchwardens.
March 15.
Resolved, Unanimously that the Rev. Wm. Price shall be and is hereby called to supply Trinity Church the ensuing year.
March 29th.
Resolved, That John Brynberg shall be trustee to proceed forthwith to recover from Peter Ja Quett and John Welsh, the re- spective debts which they owe to Trinity Church, on bond.
April 12th.
The committee appointed to confer with Mr. Price on the sub- ject of his continuing to officiate in Trinity Church, the ensuing year, report that they conferred with him and that he is willing to serve at the rate of one hundred and sixty pounds per annum. On motion
Resolved, That the same committee are hereby instructed to offer Mr. Price the pew rents of Trinity Church, the present year at their present rates, and 60 pounds in money for this year's salary; to exhibit to him a statement of the income of the church yearly, and to mention to him that it is the opinion of this board that the measure of Mr. Price being the collector of the pew rents would be the means of cultivating a more particu- lar acquaintance between the minister and congregation. The said committee are empowered to agree with Mr. Price and make the best terms they can.
Hance Naff reported 559 dollars and 93 cents back on ground rents and interest, and 37 dollars and 63 cents due him on bel- fry.
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December 20, 1806.
The committee appointed to make out a list of pew rents and ground rents, &c., report the following amount of income.
Pew rents, $362.24 Deduct I14.24 for bad debts and commission.
$248.00
$248.00 £. S. d.
Ground rents, 66 8 2
Deduct Commission, 3 19 8
62 8 6 or $166.47
Interest on bonds, 101.52
$515.99
Deduct 97.39
Nett, $418.60
Counting
Tax on Glebe $12.00
Public Drain
7.25
Repairs on Church.
10.00
Draining and Fencing . .
6.00
Sexton's Salary
30.00
Clerk's Salary
20.00
Interest on Tussy's bond 12.14
$97-39 Thus it will be seen that the net income for the year is $418.60 It may be noted that Trinity Church is indebted at present as follows:
To Mrs. Tussy . . . $202.35 To Mr. Price, old credit . 196.97
Mr. Price, this year . 426.67
To Thomas Colesberg . . 100.00
$925.99
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
March 2, 1807.
Jacob Derickson, John Brynberg and John Hendrickson were re-elected vestrymen, and Isaac Hendrickson and Hance Naff wardens.
Trinity Church, March 23, 1807.
Resolved, That a committee be appointed to draw some rules, by-laws and regulations for the congregation, and offer them for the consideration of the board at the next meeting, and the said committee are requested, to ask the friendly aid of James M. Broom, to assist them in drawing up and digesting said rules and regulations.
Resolved, That the Rev. Mr. Price be called to supply Trinity Church the ensuing year, and that he have 175L., provided he take the pew rents, amounting to $360.24.
Resolved That it is the opinion of this board that in the present situation of the finances, it is not in their power to engage to pay Mr. Price as a certain salary, much more than 350 dollars. June 6, 1807.
The committee appointed to draw up rules, reported that they had nothing, on the account of the removal of James M. Broom to Baltimore, and John Lynam was appointed in the place of Mr. Broom.
January 2nd, 1808.
SPECIAL MEETING.
The committee appointed to draw up rules for Trinity Church congregation report as follows:
WHEREAS, The right of inheritance in and to Trinity Church, and the property thereunto belonging, descended unto those members of the congregation whose names are on record in the books of said church, after the bishop and consistory of Sweden withdrew their mission from said church, and the powers of governing the temporalities of Trinity Church being vested in a board of vestrymen and churchwardens elected out of the congregation, and
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WHEREAS, It appears to be equitable and just, that if any person desires to enjoy an equal right to the inheritance of Trinity Church and her property that they ought to pay therefor an equivalent sum of money to be added to their general stock to enlarge the income of said church.
Therefore be it enacted by the vestrymen and church- wardens of the Swedes Lutheran Church, called Trinity Church, in the Borough of Wilmington, that from and after the passing of this act, any stranger either Lutheran or Episcopalian, who desires to enjoy an equal right to the inheritance and property of said church and her political privileges, shall pay therefor into the hands of the vestrymen and churchwardens the sum of
dollars, to be added to the general stock of said church.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That if it should so happen that any of those persons who enjoy the right of inheritance to and in Trinity Church and her property, and whose names are on record as members of said church, or the sons of any such persons as may hereafter arrive to the age of 21 years, shall hereafter become negligent or refractory, and omit or refuse to pay their proportion toward the support of the public worship in said church, that the vestrymen and churchwardens shall hereafter annually appoint a committee by ballot out of their own body, to wait upon every such negligent or refractory delinquent at least three times in one year, and use their utmost skill and judgment by reasonable argument in a christian and brotherly like manner to reclaim them, and bring them back to their duty, which arguments and the negligent or refractory person's answers the said committee, shall report to the board of vestrymen and church-
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HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
wardens, and if from the whole of what has been done, it doth appear, and the negligent or refractory person candidly and openly declares, that it is not his desire either to retain or enjoy his right of inheritance and membership in Trinity Church, then, and in such case the board of vestrymen and churchwardens may at the expiration of one year after, declare his seat vacant, and his right of inheritance and privileges. as a member of Trinity Church suspended, until he shall see cause to apply for it again, according to an act. or resolution of the board of vestrymen and churchwardens, passed at Trinity Church, December Ist, 1789.
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