USA > Delaware > New Castle County > Wilmington > The records of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington, Del., from 1697 to 1773 > Part 7
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4th. Then we talked about the movement made by the other side to separate from this side.
5th. Of righting up my salary, and that they bring freely and faithfully, and ought all to give something yearly.
6th. Righting up the bellman's salary.
7th. Of the building on the glebe.
When Herr Tolstadius finally came back, he went on as before, and I again by letter, earnestly represented to him what a disturbance he was causing not only betwixt
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these on both sides of the river, but among them on the Jersey side which belong to my congregation, for they are differing among themselves about the Church place which ought by all means to be between Rattcong Creek and Pumpkinhook, and that he personally may be sure of many a sigh and lament over the disturbance he has produced, exhorting and adjuring him, &c., &c.
I appointed a meeting again at Jacob Van de Ver's on Bartholomew's Mass day, that he might meet mne there and give his reasons for his conduct, when if he should himself be ignorant, I would indeed impart to him what he might need, for I knew how it stood with him.
Bartholomew's day I went over where they were gathered and Herr Tolstadius with them. I saluted hiin but nothing more. In the meantime, while the people were assembling and I had not yet begun Divine service, he called me out to walk with him, which I did, and earnestly by word of mouth labored with him and asked why he behaved so. He yielded, acknowl- edged his fault, prayed me to be lenient with him, and promised to stop his proceedings. I answered him that I am easy to be persuaded, but if he continued to be perverse, he should be sure to hear from me, and find me otherwise inclined, because I had a full commission and appointment and he had nothing.
Therefore, he need not think that I would let slip out of my hands in this manner, what God and the proper authority had committed to me. That I did not do it for the money, of which very little is contributed. I told him that I could not get ten pounds from them all in a year to pay for a piece of land at Rattcong Creek. I bade him be quiet and wait for his commission, and then he would come in with more honor and I should be satisfied. Then I went in and held Divine service and
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afterwards talked with them plainly of the whole matter, during which Mr. Stobey came forward and said that I had accused Tolstadius so and so, and I answered that I would gladly see that matter not mentioned, but that I would stand to my word, yet, if Herr Tolstadius would from now henceforth be altogether quiet, I would be inild as I could.
Then they brought forward a writing of which I had always heard talk, but knew myself never to have seen a copy of which was given them in English, when I first came, and some of them were together from both sides of the river to decide on the place for a church at which time I was not present by reason of sickness at that meeting at Christina. The purport of the writ- ing is, that they should now help build the church on this side and that then again that they should be helped by this side to build when ever they should be strong enough to maintain a teacher for themselves.
In reply to this I said to them that they were not yet able, and a church was not yet in order, and it was not proper for them to join with those on the other side of Rattcoon Creek, for we have never had any connec- tion with them, and moreover they have the same understanding with them at Wicacoe as our people on this side had with those on the west side. The agreement among ourselves was, that when our folks from Rattcong creek down to Pumpkinhook became able of themselves to support a Priest, they should have a church, and so the bond was written.
But as matters stand now they cannot get their money again, and at the same time their pews in the church at Christina will be lost to them, and I will by no means set my hand to any letter to Sweden for 7
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them, for inasmuch as I have come over to them, I will not suffer them to do as they please with me.
They answered that they thought they should have it, and I replied never laying it down, that if they get ten Priests they shall pay me their yearly dues, so long as none of them can show any such calling and author- ity as I have. Because their hands stand under the letter to Sweden the same as the hands of them on the west side, and therefore was I sent, and therefore did I come.
That they must not think to fool the whole authority nor deal with me, since I am come over as suits their fancy, for that shall neither do them nor their children any good. That I have never opposed their having a minister on the east side, whenever it can be brought about in an orderly and proper manner, but it must be done right, with a minister properly commissioned from Sweden, and the church must be composed of those below Rattcong Creek and down to Pumpkinhook, but not to split off after anyone to their great injury and damage.
We then separated with the understanding that Tolstadius should not meddle with them any more. I bade them to consider well and support one well first and pay yearly what they had promised, before they attempt to take another and then deal in like manner with him.
· Soon after, Tolstadius was taken sick, and after he was somewhat better he came down to me at a wedding at Pumpkinhook, and there earnestly renewed our former agreement, to the effect that he will not meddle with them until the decision comes from Sweden, either in answer to his, their or iny letter, only asking that he might baptize children, which indeed I could not refuse,
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on account of danger of sudden death and especially now in the winter, but that he was by no means to preach betwixt Rattcong creek and Pumpkinhook. He asked that he might, on the next Sunday, resign his services to them, and I assented to that but nothing inore. He did this at Jacob Van de Ver's, and Jacob Van de Ver a short time after ingeniously repeated the discourse to me. As he was not fully recovered he fell into a relapse and was very dangerously sick, so that he himself thought nothing else than that he should take his departure, being speechless for some days at his lodgings on the other side of Rattcong creek.
The 23rd of October, 1702. - I held a meeting with them on this side which we have been accustomed to hold earlier, but this year it was postponed on account of my wedding and so only this was held
Ist. That because the people will not be united and help to finish the lingering parsonage house, I am now, on account of circumstances, which the dear God has been pleased to place me, necessitated to remove farther from the church instead of, as I trusted, on account of all iny labor and all iny weary footsteps to have come nearer.
So I have concluded with myself not to vex myself so much about it, but will only ask that they will do so inuch as to bring home the timber which was cut for a schoolhouse, and with that timber build a barn for mne to thresh the grain in, which I have put there in stacks at my own expense. This first year's increase the con- gregation would take care of and get away for ine if they had the good will toward me that the upper congregation have towards Mr. Sandell, who, so far, has not had so hard times as we, who first came.
2nd. That as I learn more and more, to look a deal
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farther than the teeth, and realize their cold heartedness towards me, I have made up my mind that if they will not do better and let me have my support without in vain coming to one meeting after another, and only some few take hold of the burden, while I am on duty at all times and occasions, so they shall find me and that soon other- wise disposed, and they shall come to Church in vain, etc., and I then read a letterjust received from Herr Thellin (a) in which he says it pains him to hear what he has heard of the congregation's behavior and negligence, wishing them better hearts and expressing the fear that such con- duct may grieve those in Sweden who have interested themselves so much for them, and also that the hearts of the authorities inay be quickly turned away from them, if they thus neglect and set themselves against their teachers.
3d. How the Churcha debt shall be shared, and if we shall defer making up a list of subscribers till they on the other side will help or see to it, that we each one do his very best, so that they on the other side shall have nothing to claim or grumble about it further.
If we can make the number up to 50, and each give 6 pounds by Midsummer day, 1704, the 300 pounds prin- cipal would be all paid off.
The decision with regard to the first point was, that they would rather put a roof and floor to the parsonage house, and to thresh there this winter, than begin on the other building and not finish it.
So it was agreed with Eskill and Hendrick Orrane that they should undertake to do the roof both together for 5 pounds, all necessary stuff to be provided in addition to what is there already, and should be brought forward by those who have promised, viz : shingles, lath, raft- ers, &c.
a. It was through Thellin that the King & Ecclesiastical authorities were informed of their desire for these clergyman and to him they wrote their promises.
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As to the 2nd point they promised me sympathy and support by words and resolutions, and especially Mr. Springer and Asmund Stedham promised to go round right away from house to house, and with sharp earnest- ness, get an account of all who will hold themselves honorably to pay what they ought to the Church and to me, and thus prove how God will prosper their inten- tions.
As to the 3rd point they hesitated about the decis- sion, and were inclined to wait for information from the other side, if any of thein still held themselves here, and so our payment be lightened. But I said it would be better for thein to do their utmost, as I would not set down any exact list of them more; and if it is so that any adhere to us here, we shall learn it when it will be needful to our assistance.
Mr. Springer and Asmund Stedham undertook then to go from house to house to take obligations of each one for their contribution, which was inade out that year 1702, on the 7th, 8th, 9th, 12th, 15th, and 16th of December.
The 23rd Sunday after Trinity, November roth, I had given notice for gathering on the other side of the river at Jacob Van de Ver's to preach, Tolstadius being long sick, and they did not take the trouble to come over and thus had no opportunity to hear God's word, which perhaps has been partly from shame. If they will not come over I will still care for them as I ought, though they as undutiful and unthankful children, set them- selves against me as if I wish them injury.
I intended to bring forward somewhat of the old busi- ness again, but when I came there I found only eight persons present. I was greived over such foolishness, and that they conducted themselves so thoughtlessly, and
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would not come to hear God's word from mnie, and they cannot effect anything by such means.
So I left it to those present to relate to the others when they should meet them, the following things.
Ist. That I wished to know for certainty who will hold themselves to Christina and who not. That they who will, shall have their pews reserved, the others not, and this shall be ascertained by one and another going from house to house, to take down the names in writing of those who will adhere to me surely, and what they will give towards the payment of the debt, and towards iny support.
They who have their pews retained for thein are obli- gated in requital, to give yearly something for the support of the church and minister, and if they do not, they ought to sell i to some one that needs it, through whom the church and Priest shall be helped to their support, and those who withdraw from the church and do not fulfill their obligations, need never speak of having their money again, nor having their pews retained, for it is not reasonable that they should stand empty on their account.
4th. That they who are behind in their payments for their first and second promises for the Church, are bound to pay as well as the others, i. e., on this Jersey side, for they will have the name as well as the others, that they helped to build Christina Church.
5th. To gather in my dues which are back for many years. While I was there at that time it was told me that they at Rattcong Creek and around there, had met with them on the other side of Rattcong Creek, and agreed upon a churchplace and a church building and such like, and so those on this side of the creek have not waited
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for what was agreed upon, viz. : to hold still until they receive an answer from Sweden, which defection would not have taken place if Herr Tolstadius had not offered his services therein, which was contrary to his stipula- tion with me, viz .: not to meddle with them between Rattcong Creek and Pumpkinhook till he got such au- thority from Sweden as he ought to have thereto.
That this has been in great part the fault of Herr Tolstadius (for had he refused them his services and re- minded them of the agreement and bade them be quiet, the defection would not have taken place,) I became more and more of the opinion, as I soon after received a letter from Mr. Sandell, saying that he was on the other side and met Herr Tolstadius and had a conference with him, when he, among other things, denied that he had resigned his service to that part of my congregation on that side contrary to what is above related.
Then I decided to write to him again of the scandal he had caused, in place of which he should have helped to hold the people in order and obedience. And that he should consider what he had undergone so recently. And I furthermore said to him, that these transactions would by no means be a sign of his right call, and it was shameful to so behave and to represent and answer that he had not resigned them when he never had hon- orably had them, &c., &c., committing the whole mat- ter to the Chief Shepherd Jesus, who now as heretofore, will have the best care for His Church that he may set me right if I improperly oppose what I ought to set for- ward, which was dated Dec. 15th, 1702.
And as I heard that Mr. Wholley Stobey had had his hand in the broth at Rattcong Creek, I met him after- wards and gave him what he needed, with the advise to
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be careful what he did, for the people depended much upon him1, because they were continually asking small favors of him, and for the most part were in his debt, and he must consider that he has more wisdom than they, and being with them a native of that part of the country, he knows what they are taking upon them- selves, and that he should not bring in and misuse his English customs in our church matters, which we have nothing to do with, and that such a course will not pro- cure them ministers hereafter from Sweden, and that greater responsibility thus rests upon him and he will be more blamed than any other one will be.
I also read to him the newly received letter and reminded him that the agreement was betwixt the people, me and Herr Tolstadius, bidding him to salute Herr Tolstadius and say to him that with respect to his denial, I will have him called to account, when I will let him know what I have to do with it.
The people from around Jacob Van de Ver's down around to Pumpkinhook were now in uncertainty and much troubled, for they could not have any advantage from the church over Rattcong Creek, especially in the winter, nor either of this at Christina.
I bade them thank Herr Tolstadius and the others for their situation, they not having been faithful and honor- able to them, nor fulfilled their promises and resolutions, but in the meantime, to be of good hope and pray God graciously to turn all things for the best to His glory and the upbuilding and prosperity of the church.
New Year's day, 1703, I read the whole list of those who have given obligations in writing towards paying off the church debt with various things connected there- Mith, which the list in five points shows.
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1703, on the 17th and 18th of June, Mr. Chiarles Springer and Asmund Stedham took on themselves the trouble to go over to them on the other side of the river, to thoroughly learn their minds, and if they were not affected by what had so often been set before them, and to know certainly who had fallen off and who had not, and to make up their reckoning as to what they had promised towards my support.
They found that all from Rattcong Creek down to Jacob Van de Ver's had fallen off, but from Jacob Van de Ver's, himselfincluded, all down, to Chestnuthook and Pumpkinhook adhered still to Christina.
Midsummer day this year we held the usual meeting of the Congregation and read up the income and out- gift but did nothing of any consequence besides, and this year we discontinued the general meeting at Micli- aelmastide as we did not find it necessary anymore as neither the income or outgift are so great as formerly.
Those on the other side who still held to us, were yet mostly indifferent and tardy in coming over to church, laying the cause now upon one thing, then upon another, but the amount of it was finally, that they wished me to come over and preach to them; they wished me to come every 2nd or 3rd Sunday and so on. And I answered them in part that I was not so sent nor so came here, neither could I do it, but will come oftener over, if they will have more care to get me there and back, for the reason that I came over so seldom was, that I did not find such willingness to help me as I found, the first year. I promised them to come over in three weeks and give them the chief festival, with now and then a Sun- day, and that they in the meantime should try to come over to church between times, and it should be under-
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stood that they should engage some one to set ine over each time so that I may take care of my time and make the inost of it.
Monday after the 22nd Sunday after Holy Trinity, which was the 25th of October, I went over the river and with Jacob Van de Ver rode up to Rattcong Creek and around about there, doing what I never before had done, namely, asked for what-for so many years before-my annual payment was in arrears-according to the. reckoning which Mr. Springer and Asmund Stedham's summary stood against that side, which I demanded, and will have according to their promise for my support, until he whom they run after shall show such commis- sion and authority as I have, inasmuch as they on that side as well as these on this side have written together for a minister. And so soon as Herr Tolstadius can get a true commission to be a minister of a congregation, I will gladly give in.
Some admitted that it was entirely right, and could therefore give no other answer than that it was too hard to have to pay two. I answered that it is your fault and not mine. Some were however inore foolish and especi- ally Hans Lucasson.
At the same time on Thursday, the 28th day of Octo- ber, St. Simon and St. Jude's day, I preached at the late Powel Jaquettes place for them who have not fallen off from me, as the place lies somewhat central among them, when I discussed somewhat the above mentioned busi - ness and said that I would give in free the first year, but that I could not promise more for fear that it would fall too heavy on me; and if Herr Tolstadius could in the meantime get the proper credentials from Sweden, very well.
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This was agreed to by mnost of them with here and there an exception, and among the latter Pietter Lucas- son was superlatively foolish, who however had not for four or five years been in unity with the Church, and got an answer suitable to the circumstances reprimand- ing him, and he came soon after and asked forgiveness.
And this was the understanding betwixt us, and Swen Colesberg was engaged to set me over for the year for pay.
A. D. 1704 .- This year I changed the promise made by me that for my life-time I would hold Evensong on Holy Trinity Sunday to Octsong, as I found the time will be too long for some to tarry for Evensong, and I have decided to hold Octsong yearly, hereafter.
This year's general meeting was held the Saturday before Midsummer day, which was the 17th of June, when,
Ist. Was shown the income and outgift for the year 1703.
2nd. Talked again about enclosing the church yard, and some were in favor of a dyke around it and then two or three railings as is commonly done would be a sufficient fence, and sow grass seed on the dyke and plant trees on one side thereof, but some wanted to make a worm fence around it for the present, and it stood at that.
2d. How to keep it cleared, as trees and bushes yearly grow up, whereupon it was resolved that at a convenient time, I should give notice that on a Saturday all should come with axes and hooks to clear it off, and that this shall be done immediately after the most hurrying time of harvest is over.
3rd. That I had heard that certain persons talked of
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decreasing their payments to me, instead of which they ought to consider my circumstances and increase it. And especially if they who live near the church and can always come wish to diminish, what can be expected but that those who live further away will diminish inore.
I bade thein remember that a part of those on the other side as they knew had separated from us, and con- sequently mny pay was decreased, and that I live un- handy to the church, and cannot get them to finish the Priest-house, but I did not wish to press them hard for money which was hard to get hold of, with much more that I bade them consider and reflect upon.
4th. The election of a new church warden in the place of the late Lutloff Stedham, and I, with those present, decided to elect his brother Asmund Stedham, because he had already shown in certain things, his carefulness and untiring affection for the best good of the church, congregation and ininister, as is shown by the church book. As also he lives near the church and must always be called upon for assistance in many things, and is well worthy and fit for the office.
5th. Sunday after Trinity I gave notice for the clearing of the church yard for the next Saturday, which was done.
A. D. 1705, March 3rd We held a Parish meeting when they came together as usual, but for the most part the elderly people. Then I earnestly remonstrated with them and said to them, that they must see themselves that they very illy used me, in not performing what they had promised; not preparing that house for me as they ought to have done, but still I have as it were, and consequently, to be at expense as I ought not to
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be, and now must be new-housed again if I can get one, and therefore they should get it ready or sell it, for I had a difficult task to get the land, and yet have no advantage from it, etc. etc.
Hereupon they decided to begin to go on again with energy and they subscribed 700 feet in addition to those already sawed, viz: Brewer Seneke 100 feet, James Seneke 100 feet, Matthew Petterson 100 feet, Edward Robinson 100 feet, Pietter Stalcop 100 feet, Pietter Mounson 100 feet, Gilbert Walraven 100 feet, which Matz Pietterson and James Senexson were to contract for and measure at Empson's mill at the quickest. Again we talked of the fencing of the church-yard, and I said if they did not make it ready by Easter I would hold no service, nor celebrate any festival until I saw it finished as I perceived them to be so miserably negligent about it when they might so easily do it.
We consulted about the brick-making and concluded that Pietter Hanson at Sandhook should be conferred with about it, as he owed a bill to the church and could pay it in that way.
Third Sunday after Easter I asked the congregation out before the church to confer about the brick-making, which also took place.
Then I reminded them of the church-yard fencing, and what I promised in the meeting next before Easter, if it was not ready before Easter, and there are three weeks gone since, and I·assured them that I would keep my word.
They asked for still further delay till Whitsuntide to have it finished. The next week we went to the old land to look out a place for the brick-making which place was selected, and Pietter Johnson promised to
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come, but fooled away the whole summer for us and did not come at all.
The 2nd Sunday after Holy Trinity Sunday, it was given out that Herr Tolstadius invited us to come to the Church consecration at Rattcong Creek the next coming Sunday but as he has done that and everything else that he has been concerned in; on his own responsi- bility, and disorderly, I said that I should use my own discretion and judgment in the matter and will not go there but others.may do as they please. But at any rate it is our duty to pray God and desire that His Church may proceed in due order according to his word.
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