USA > Delaware > New Castle County > Wilmington > The records of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington, Del., from 1697 to 1773 > Part 6
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not just up to the street but more out the north side, which the widow found herself satisfied with when Mr. Springer asked her.
October 19th, we had a meeting of the congregation.
Ist .. We read up the income and outgo since the last meeting.
2nd. Decided that a list should be made, and thereon should be marked all who will faithfully adhere to the congregation, and stand to whatever is necessary for the maintenance of the church and minister, and that the Archbishop may be duly informed how things go on here and how things stand, so that in time, other ministers may be sent here when needed; if there is no order and good sense here none can be sent, and also that I may know what I am to expect and what I am to do, and whom I am particularly to look after and whom not to.
3rd. With regard to the back standing debt on the church, that the church wardens ought to take it in produce, yet in the right time, that it be not to their injury, it being delivered to them so that they may dis- pose of it to advantage.
4th. That the Priestland should now be cleared up and that the fencing that has been brought forward should be set up.
5th. I agreed to give a year's produce of the land to pay the cost, if they will take care to reap, thresh and sell it.
6th. We talked of my board with Lucus Stedham and I urged that he ought to be paid for the first year at least by the congregation, and that I should be released for that, whereupon a list was immediately made up by those present, some promising money and some wheat which they would carry to him. 6
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7th. That those who were behind on the 2nd promise to John Stalcop of 20 pounds as first payment on the land ought immediately to pay, which amounts to about 9 pounds, for I have already paid the 20 pounds to John Hanson on the late John Stalcop's account.
8th. That we must write letters to Sweden, the one to his Royal Majesty King Charles, XII., and the other to the Archbishop, Dr. Olaus Swebillius both in thanks for their care and the gift of the books.
A. D. 1701 .- May roth, we held a meeting, but only of those on this side of the river.
Ist. To look out a place for building a parsonage house.
2nd. Decided that the timber for the building should be of oak.
3rd. Agreement was made with Olle Tossa to sow half the Priestland on the following conditions, namely: Ist. I on my part to furnish half the seed.
2nd. I am to furnish a laborer to reap on my side, against a laborer on his side, and the seed on the land to be changed. We had for our witnesses, Mr. Springer, Asmund Stedham, Conratt Augustine, Jesper Walraven, Jonas Walraven, Pietter Pietterson in Bokton, and many others.
N. B .- As the Congregation on the above mentioned Ioth of May, did not enough of them come together, so that we could properly decide upon what was necessary, those who were present requested ine to give notice of another eight days after, and I did so, with the addition of some appropriate words which had the effect that on the 17th, they most of them attended. When,
Ist. They subscribed together a paper pledging thein-
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selves firmly to adhere to and support the congregation.
2nd. About building, they decided that if they could not do the whole now, they would at once set up one and add the other to it afterward.
3rd. It was decided that the carpenters shall be Christiern Anderson, Hendrick Orrane, Eskell Hotton and Thomas Skrika, which four shall build it up two stories high, and then should be free until each one of the others shall have either added labor or money, all equal amount.
A. D. 1701, June 20th .- Upon the engagement of the widow Annika, the late John Stalcop's relict, at Christina, Thomas Pierson came to ineasure the 500 acres of land for us, and the Church wardens, Mr. Springer and Luloff Stedham were present, and had with them Christian Anderson and Matz Tossa to carry the chain, etc. The widow and I were along part of the time, but it was not finished that day, as the land measurer could not hit the right lines. It was post- poned, therefore, till the 23rd of June, when the above named were there again, and with much labor the business was accomplished as well as it was possible to do it. The surveyor, Thomas Pierson, took upon him- self to write the deed, so that it should be delivered over in Court which was to be held on the 24th of June, and the widow was present to deliver it, and Mr. Springer and Luloff Stedham to receive it on the part of the church, but as the deed was not just as it should be, in particular as to the number of acres and also as to the maish which he did not get to measure, it remained unfinished.
Then it was reported that the widow claimed with regard to the bargain what was never heard of before, viz: that the words in the contract "half the Hook-
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meadow" should be understood to mean half of the 3 tracts of marsh the late John Stalcop then owned, which would be but 712 acres in place of what we had always understood, viz: that it should be 10 acres, as 5 acres was always in the tract which belonged to the old land, so called Pickering land, and then we were to have half of the late John Stalcop's 10 acres which belonged to Christina, which half part is also 5 acres which the late John Stalcop promised us besides, because we said there was too little marsh for so much land, and so we were to have 10 acres in all.
June 24th, Midsummer day. We had a general meet- ing with the whole congregation, and
Ist. All those from the other side of the river as many as were present subscribed their names, and also some from this side who were not present before.
2nd. Read up the income and outgo for the whole year.
3d. We resolved with regard to the out-standing debt which is in all for the Church and Priestland, 300 pounds. Pennsylvania currency, that they will raise during the coming year and pay in a sum as near as possible to that amount, and they who do not pay in shall pay the interest on subscription, because it is not reasonable that those who shall have already paid should stand equally liable to pay the back interest which has been the case till now, thus keeping back payments on the principal. Those present subscribed as the list will show.
4th. My salary was made sure with a subscription therefor.
5th. We agreed that the bellinan should be paid 2 sh. and 6 pence by each one.
6th. We consulted about laying out the church-yard, giving each one a place of burial, and that each one should set a mark around his burial place or lot.
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7th. Talked of a Church chest in which the income of the Church should be put, and I relieved from the reckoning which is now burdensome to me.
8th. I am promised shingles for the Parsonage by those on the other side of the river.
9th. As it seems that Thomas Skrika succeeds poorly at carpentering, being hired by Brewer Seneke on his part, therefore will have nothing to do with Brewer Seneke if he will not set his hand to like the others, and either Thomas Skrika or himself must do as the other three are doing.
Then Mr. Springer and Luloff Stedham took hold together to build, as they neithar of them could be from home so constantly as the others who were unmarried.
Ioth. It was resolved that as some come to the meet- ings and some stay away, so that nothing can be decided upon, the few who do come loosing their day, and if they resolve on anything, those who stay away will not agree to it, saying, "I was not there, and that those who have agreed to a thing may carry it out," and such like unreasonable words are put in circulation therefore that they who without weighty reasons are absent, shall forfeit to the Church 6 shillings.
IIth. We had some talk about asking a price for mar- rying, and it was thought that I ought not to do it for nothing, as for one and another reason I have done thus far.
Michaelmas Day, A. D., 1701. General meeting:
Ist. We read up the income and outgo from midsum- mer to this day,
2nd. Talked further of the parsonage building.
The sixteenth Sunday after Trinity, which fell on the 9th of Oct., I finished in the Lord's name, the reading of the New Testament by chapter, for the first time which
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I began when I first came here, and I began at the Pro- phet Isaiah, that I might the sooner finish the Old Tes- tament.
Oct. 1Ith, 1701. - Thomas Pierson and Charles Springer and Asmund Stedham met to lay out the marsh which should belong to the glebe, but did not ac- complish anything that day, but on the 7th of Nov. Thomas Pierson finished this work of running out the three separate pieces. The first line betwixt the 5 acres belonging to the old land, or the so-called Pickering land, the second betwixt the Pickering land and John Stalcop's own land, and the third separa- ing John Stalcop's 10 acres in two parts, of which one should belong to the Pickering land sold to us. Marked trees are in the corner of the inarsh and then the division is marked with stakes. This day Hendrick Orrene and Hendrick Pahlson were along to bear the chain, and except them none but me.
On the 16th of Oct., the priest-house was finally be- gun by Mr. Springer, Christiern Anderson, Eskell Hot- ton and Hendrick Orrene, which house is within the walls 27 ft. 9 in. long and 20 ft. broad. I meant to have had it at least 30 ft. long and 25 ft. broad, as I ordered the timber, but when we began upon it we found the timber very irregularly cut, so that it was difficult to find enough sticks to make it the above length and breadth. It went forward very happily, God be praised, and without any accident, though hindered by some rainy weather, and they finished the two stories high, the 22nd of Nov., at mid-day.
Mr. Springer and Luloff Stedham were on the corner on the east side northerly, alternately, as they could be from home. Hendrick Orrene was on the south corner only; in the last week he had Joran Skrika in his place
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on the west side and south corner. Eskell Hotton from the beginning to the end; on the other corner Christiern Anderson, but only the first part as toward the end he was hindered by other engagements, but in the mean- time he had various others at his own expense who car- ried on the work. These people were all boarded by Mother Hustru Britta, on the old land, the time being eight weeks and two days, though it is to be noted that Luloff Stedham was only boarded 14 days, and the rest of the time he kept himself.
For this maintenance there was reckoned for Mrs. Britta I pound, 4 shil. as her part toward the house, but for the remainder she ought to be paid.
November, 26th 1701. - A meeting of those on the other side of the river at Jacob Van de Ver's.
Ist. With regard to the shingles which were promised at the former midsummer day meeting, which promise has not been performed, and which was the principal reason for this meeting with them.
I talked with them about it so they promised 5000 shingles which Mr. Stobey promised to furnish, and all who were present contributed each his 3 shillings except the late Staffan's son, on Pumpkinhook, gave 4 shillings.
2nd. I talked with them about the timber which was intended for the Parsonage, and urged that it should be taken over, and not lie and rot.
3rd. That they should make up my salary for the coming year either in money, or wheat.
4th. The money for the bellringer which was promised to be delivered to Mr. Stobey, to whom I had them pay my dues on salary, and also what they had promised for the church.
5th. As Hans Stahl was engaged to keep school for
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a year in Rattcong creek, I advised them to go there every Sunday and Holiday to hold Divine service, as I had written to Hans Stahl about it, and had left my pos- tilla on the epistles by Lukerman to read to them which was all I had.
March 2Ist, 1702. The surveyor, Thomas Pierson came to thoroughly correct and finish the measuring of the woodland as it fromn one or another error came 5 acres short which he now admitted, and I and Luloff Stedham were there and John Matz Smith's son to bear the chaim, and Mr. Springer assisted, as Matz Smith at this time was hindered and so there is an end of this land measuring as one hopes.
About May Ist, particularly about Easter-tide, there was a report of irregularity and foolishness among that part of my congregation on the other side of the river, Jersey side so called, purporting that they are minded to break off from me and the Church on this side, taking a minister for themselves after their own will, and uniting with them on the other side of Rattcong Creek, who belong to Wicacoe congregation, and with whom we have had no connection since I came here in any church or congregational matters, nor they with us.
The cause of this was a Priestman by the name of Lars Tolstadius, who on his own responsibility about a month before Christmas 1700, had come over with the intention of taking the place of Magister Rudman, as he knew that he had written requesting to be recalled to Sweden, but he had come without any authority from the King or Archbishop for any such charge or appoint- ment, yet through his malevolence and misrepresentation he was received in Magister Rudman's place, though only for a half year i. e., until May, until Mr. Rudman and the Church should become more certain about hiin,
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for when he was asked for his pass he said he had left it in York, and under the pretext that the Archbishop's commission was left with it, he was received. But now what happened! Fourteen days before Easter, 1701, there came the true and accredited exchange from the King, (or the King's Council in Stockholm for the King him- self was in the war against Russia and Poland, ) and from the High Worthy Father Dr. Erick Bezelius.
His name was Andreas Sandall, of whom we had knowledge before ..
They then learned the whole history of Tolstadius' management, his departure from Sweden, how it stood with him there, why he could not get a commission from the Archbishop, and more such like which was all circumstantially written.
Herr Tolstadius was much troubled and changed by his coming, and had to relinquish his place to Mr. San- dell, who was the one duly authorized for it, but not- withstanding the manner of his behaviour, there were some of the congregation at Wicacoe that were befooled by Tolstadius.
He having thus tricked the 25 pounds from Magister Rudman, now knew hardly what next to do with him- self, but finally caused it to be reported that he had resolved to go back to Sweden, but this was soon seen to be far from his intentions, for some on the other side of the river who belonged to the Wicacoe Church began to hang to him and he to them. So he loitered as long as he could with his journey to York, to take ship until he could conveniently go over to them. Then he was very decided to go to Sweden, and came to Magister Rudman and requested of him a testimonial as to his behavior here, and he will immediately take his depart-
-
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ure, only he will go as quickly as he can to Passayunk for his things. Magister Rudman bade him go then and in the mean time he would write it, for Tolstadius must come back that way as he wished to send by him letters to the Dutch Lutheran Church in New York, for Magis- ter Rudman had on their two invitations promised him- self to them for a year's service. But Herr Tolstadius will by all means have the testimonial immediately. Magister Rudman gave it to him but expected him back directly from Passayunk. But a canoe lay there ready with folk to take him as soon as he came, and carry him, over to the other side of the river with whom he im- mediately went.
Then among other things, he used Magister Rudman's writing to induce the people across the river to cleave to him, misusing it to lead the ignorant folk more and inore into foolishness.
He promised them to preach and hold Divine service notwithstanding he had before in the general meeting at Wicacoe, when he was dismissed, been admonished and warned not to commit any offence or scandal whether he stayed on this side or went upon the other, but to take himself a school and refrain from preaching, and especially not to run into that part of my congrega- tion at any rate without getting my consent, but Tolstadius gave no answer to the admonition and paid no regard to it, but after having preached in that part of the Wicacoe congregation, began to come into the part of my congregation at Rattcong Creek during the Easter holidays, and as far down as Jacob Van de Ver's to preach, though entirely without my permission.
Soas I observed that the people did not come over to the Easter Festival, and was questioned by one and another with regard to the fuss and turmoil, I sat down
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and wrote a letter privately to Tolstadius, asking him why he so conducted himself, not saying the least word to me, and pointing out to him the various things he was doing contrary to his calling, and his Priestly oath, and warning him and conjuring him to cease from such doings, through which he may be assured that the fool- ish folk would suffer great damage and shame.
Then I wrote to the people reminding them of their obedienceto me, and showing them that they cannot take for their minister whomsoever they choose, and that they are to remember that they wrote in connection with those on this side for a minister together, and to support in common for both sides, and to heed the shame and injury that their doings would cause in Sweden with the authorities for a long time to come.
The Church Warden, Mr. Springer went over with these letters Saturday evening and met Herr Tolstadius at Jacob Van de Ver's on Sunday, and performed his errand according to my directions, and added what he himself knew, and how the whole matter from the begin- ning hung together. But as I saw that this would not be sufficiently effectual, I requested furthermore that they should meet me at the same place the 2nd Sunday after Trinity Sunday, and that this Herr Tolstadius should be there to give his reasons for so conducting himself.
I went over there, held service, but my good Herr Tolstadius came not, and so the business did not turn out as I wished, but I stated to the people circumstan- tially the whole matter in question as in the following points:
Ist. That they on this side, Jersey side so called, had along with them on the other side, where now the Church and Priest-gard are, wrote for only one Priest for them- selves as did the congregation at Wicacoe write for one
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for themselves, and our commission so reads, and we were so accredited and received, and therefore they ought not to impose upon us in this way nor upon the author- ities in Sweden who have sent us over at their own expense on account of their letter to them.
2nd. That they should not forget the grace of God aboundingly shown to them in the most worthy remem- brance of them by the King Carl XI., and also by the late Archbishop Dr. Olle Swebillius, and furthermore by their successors, King Charles XII., and the Arch- bishop Dr. E. Benzelius, and their care for their eternal welfare.
3rd. That they had made an agreement among them- selves on both sides of the river, as my congregation, that the church should be on the west side and that the minister should live here as formerly, and that they on the south side should adhere to this side till the church should be in good condition, (and that was why so much was undertaken,) and when afterward they so increased and prospered that they could maintain a separate min- ister, the people from the west side should help them as much again for their church building, and join in a request for a minister from Sweden, -to be sent by the proper authorities.
But it was never agreed that part of the congregation on that side should unite themselves with that part above Raccoon creek belonging to Wicacoe's congrega- tion, as we have never had anything to do with them, nor they with us in any such business. But if it had been so, they should have written for three Priests direct.
But they must not engage one without the High- worthy Archbishop's permission and so lose their credit in Sweden, which now seems likely to happen, and gives
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me anxiety on their account by reason of this Tolstadius' coming in and intrusion.
And, moreover, the authorities in England have given permission but for two churches, and now can you make them three by taking one who has no such proper authority, as we have with the King's hand and seal, which is necessary for us all.
5th. To be careful for if they now receive one who comes from Sweden without a proper call, and without the King's and the Archbishop's authorization and commission, they may not expect that another time one will be sent to thein when needed if they now so thoughtlessly proceed and take whoever they fancy, whatever kind of a tramp he may be.
And moreover in case the authorities should wish to send anyone, there would be no one found who would risk such a hazardous journey, for fear that some inter- loper would in the meantime be received and their own authorization and appointment not be respected.
And that they should not so soon cast behind the back the dangers which I as well as Mr. Rudman, had dared on their account and for their salvation in coming over to this country, and also since I have been in danger both of my life and honor, if Satan's wiles had had their course, and also that I have given for the common good all that I have received in order that their burdens should not fall too heavy on them, and now that they should reward me with such unthankfulness as to let another whoever he may be, cast his sickle in my field, I concluded by assuring them, that if they persisted in these inconsiderate proceedings I should nevertheless still continue to work for their advantage and would favor them if need be, with his Majesty and the Arch- bishop in Sweden.
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But they must not receive anyone without due authority and proper testimonials, and thus be favored hereafter as they have been thus far, and any appli- cation or proceeding ought to be by mne, who though unworthy yet by God's grace am come here. I know the circumstances of the congregation both in general and particularly better than themselves, and that they are not yet by any means able to support a minister by themselves, for they are not yet much stronger than when I first came here to this country.
This seemed to weigh with some, but there were found enough stiff-necked and obdurate ones to render it of no avail, so that the talk was, they will, and they shall have a Minister. I answered them that nobody has said they should not have one, but that they must proceed orderly and reasonably and in the usual manner as it ought to be done. And the church should be some- where from Rattcong Creek to Pumpkinhook so that those out beyond Chestnuthook and Pumpkinhook would not be left out, which would happen if they on Rattcong Creek and round about, unite with those on the other side of Rattcong Creek belonging to Wicacoe, with whom we have had no connection.
They alleged their hardship of coming over the river etc., and I answered that they should have taken that into consideration before sending for a minister. I bade them come to the general meeting on midsummer day according to the yearly custom, that we might talk further, which they promised to do.
After that Tolstadius went to New York with a letter to Sweden, written to have him appointed as their min- ister, witli a list of their number, and was away from them for five or six weeks, on account of various misfortunes
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which befell him. I wrote to the Archbishop, imme- ditely, giving the details of the whole business from the beginning to the end, with their allegations, &c., and an answer to whatever pleas made by them so far as they had come to my knowledge, dated June 29th, 1702, which was immediately sent on Messrs. James & Her- cules Coutts' vessel.
June 24th, 1702 .- Midsummer day-When only two or three from the other side came partly on account of bad ferriage and mostly perhaps from unwillingness.
In this meeting the following matters were considered 'on :
Ist. Read the income and outgift.
2nd. Paying off the debt of which very little had come in either, of principal or interest, which was promised on the last year's midsummer day meeting, 1701.
3rd. That therefore, we should now divide the whole sum among us to be paid certainly in the course of two or three years, with grain or money, and as not all were present at the past midsummer meeting, 1701, and prom- ised in order that those who promised then, and have paid some shall not suffer wrong, there should be so much deducted from the sum set to be paid in 1704 in the case of each of them.
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