USA > Delaware > New Castle County > Wilmington > The records of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, Wilmington, Del., from 1697 to 1773 > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49
This year we held no midsummer meeting as I found that it was not necessary, for the income was very small indeed, and very few people came together, but Church- wardens Mr. Springer and Asmund Stedham looked over the church accounts.
At the close of this year there arose a shameful re- port about Herr Tolstadius, that he had a child with a girl in Rattcong Creek, Olle Parson's unmarried daugh- ter Catharine, which proved more and more true, and caused sharp language betwixt him and his hearers, many of whom had been bitterly opposed to me before, now were ashamed and acknowledged their foolishness, and that I told them the truth when they broke off with ine.
I leave to God, the All-wise, to judge if this was not a judgment on Tolstadius and his hearers for their blind- ness and obstinacy.
A. D., 1706 .- It was reported generally that Herr Tolstadius was bound over to court, and as the Governor in New York, My Lord Cornbury, (Governor also at that time of that side down to Cape May) got to hear of
III
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
it, he decided that he himself would take the case in hand when he should come to Burlington in the Spring, and Herr Tolstadius was bound over accordingly. But as my Lord delayed, Tolstadius came to a shocking end. He, alone in a canoe in the river, pitifully perished on the 29th of May, the canoe coming driving straight up to land, with his travelling cloak and plow-iron in it, and his dead body was found at Upland nine days afterward.
May God graciously look on my righteous cause, and grant that he with a truly penitent sigh was enabled to give up his soul.
But still the Church at Rattcong Creek, established and set upon an unjust and irregular foundation, is more obstinate and spunky than ever, yet there was one and another in the meantime, in the ruinous state of things came back to his old church.
But some began in the Summer to pitch upon Herr Jonas Aureen, who was the third person sent over with nie and Magister Rudman at the King's expense, but he, to return home again at the first opportunity, but thus far had let himself be hindered by one and another cause; but the first and principal hindrance was the tidings which were received soon after our arrival here, that the King, Charles XI., was dead, and so he con- cluded to remain here awhile longer till he could get to hear how all things were going on in the Fatherland, and in the meantime, while he held on longer, he came to accept certain whims, and finally, for two years past, he has been a confirmed Sabatarian and has published an almanack in English advocating their notions, which he called "Noah's Dove," which induced me to write an answer to it also in English, according to the ability
RECORDS OF
which God has given me, under the title of "A Little Olive Leaf For Noah's Dove."
About him, I say, they began to confer, and had hope to get him off from his Sabatarian views and ob- tain his services, as he had been for some time in Elk River, preaching for some English in their lan- guage on Sunday's, while he kept his Saturday for him- self. And he began to show more and more that he was not so strong in his opinions, and finally went over to them in the Autumn. But during the Winter, as he could not immediately, until he had inore maturely con- sidered the matter, he left with them for a reader his rel- ative, Brunn John, whom he had had with him during the whole time in Elk River in his Saturday notions. Herr Anreen came to consult with me, declaring that he would do nothing contrary to my wish about it. Then I recited to him briefly (which he also very well knew) how improperly they had dealt with me, and how far he may come with my consent, yet I wish my- self to be considered a liar, if such a church begun in such a manner should ever be prosperous.
On Thursday, January 10th, we held a Thanksgiving for a great victory won by the Duke of Marlborough over the French and the Netherlandish Spaniards, which thanksgiving was ordered, a short time by a proclama- tion of the Deputy Governor in Philadelphia, in the name of the Queen of England, which was the first Thanksgiving day that so far had been held ; I used for a text, the 6th verse of the 20th chap. of Psalm.
Lent Sunday. Talked again about fencing the church yard, and that within three weeks to-day, they must bring the material, so that I can see them in the church- yard for I with the churchwardens have determined to hire men to finish it immediately, for it is a sin and
113
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
a shame before God and man that so little a thing should be managed in so tardy and shiftless a manner, by means of which the Christian people suffer in credit and profit, etc., etc.
For the two following Sundays this was the topic of conversation.
This year we held no general meeting of the congre- gation as I found it useless.
The 8th Sunday after Holy Trinity Sunday, July 14th, I requested the congregation to stop in front of the church to talk about the brickmaking again, because now it was sure that Pietter Johnson would come on the morrow, and it was suggested that they should so appor- tion the work among themselves that all this week he should have two continually to help him. And after sermon it was done and arranged.
Finally he came this week and it was decided that at first he should make 12000, which he said he could make easily enough in the week, but he stayed only until Friday, and on counting them there were but 7000 and alleging various excuses he went away, but prom- ised to be on hand in 14 days to finish his work.
Then they laid the bricks and made the roof, making it of boards in haste, as there was but little time hop- ing that he would keep his word, but finally he proved a liar, and so nothing more was done this Summer or autumn. The first Sunday in Advent we had occasion to have a general thanksgiving to God, who caused John Hanson Stellman to give 100 pounds with all interest backstanding thereon freely to the church, it being part of the money that we borrowed of him for the building of the church.
The first incentive to this was that a rumor came this Summer to the ears of Vice-Governor John Evans, that 8
114
RECORDS OF
Mr. Stellman took unlawful interest, viz: 10 per cent., while the lawful interest was 8 per cent., whereupon I and Mr. Springer who had the most to do with it were put on our oaths. The amount of the testimony being that I gave a note to Mr. Stellman for 100 pounds at 10 per cent. interest, but we could not surely say that he had it in his mind to take it, for we never had any settle- ment with him. Mr. Stellman was hereupon cited to court, but in the meantime after various consultations, and for the sake of his credit he gave the hundred pounds with the interest to the Church, and that under hand and seal.
For this gift was promised him the first seat on the main aisle, both on the men and women's side, and a burial place in the Church for himself.
On the 7th December, we held a general meeting on the Old land, which was notified two weeks previously, at which I first rehearsed the matter of Mr. Stellman's gift aud read his own writing thereon, a copy of which may be read at the close of this year's record, but as the original was done in a very concise manner, and was so preserved, I added thereto a further statement that for the other 220 pounds back standing, the interest in full at 8 per cent. was afterward paid up so that we are indebted for no interest until the end of the coming year.
But this meeting was especially called on account of iny circumstances, to let them know how matters stood with me, as regarded them, and how illy they conducted towards me. That I had been here so long and was not considered worthy to have a house provided for me near the Church on the land bought for that purpose, and that they on the other side while they were in unity with us, fulfilled their promises and brought timber and
115
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
shingles for the house, and finally it was built up and roofed, but is fast going to ruin as it remains at present.
And now I gave them to understand that I would no longer submit to live so far from the church and though I, may yet have some strength, yet, am ten years older than when I came here, have borne varions burdens, and may reasonably begin to be to myself the nearest, and if I cannot soon have a change for the better shall be under the necessity of seeking other expedients and if nothing better offers I must go home again.
That I am straightened in my living and see no way of improving my condition. That I am an incumbrance on my wife's relations. That I have improved the land for two or three years, but with more trouble and expense than all I have got from it, so that I am under the necessity of abandoning it and living in a place where each one sets his price and gets it carried to his house, while I have to pay dearer and send for it. And though some have had compassion on me, yet unless I now had among others my wife's relations to stand at my back, I had not known how to keep up. All my savings might be put on a horse's back. But no matter how bad the weather I must go ont, but get very little thanks for it.
That I live worse than a common laborer, for a good inan servant gets with us about 20 pounds, and some extras and has his board, lodging, washing and drink free, while I even if I should get all the dues get little over 30 pounds, and with house and all not 40 pounds, and I must therewith clothe myself and procure food and be at much expense besides, so that I am more than 20 pounds worse than nothing every year that I remain here. The congregation ought to have more consideration, of which I see no sign. I bade them
I16
RECORDS OF
think upon God's daily mercies and goodness bestowed upon them, and in conclusion I said to them that I could not hold out any longer in this way, but that they must help ine to a house, and then I very well know that I shall thereafter have other burdens, for I shall then newly begin housekeeping and must incur expense for all kinds of things which pertain to housekeeping, and that if I could have been some years before at housekeeping it would have been better for ine and for mny calling. It would have been easier, and I said decidedly that I neither will nor ought to send around the Parish after what is due to ine, and that each one can easier send once to me, than that I should keep a horse and boy to send to each one, neither will I as I have heretofore given notice perform service on week- days as at burials, weddings and etc., without a reason- able compensation therefor, for I cannot keep my horse on nothing nor will anybody give me my saddle, etc. for nothing. And now if they really intend to deal justly by me it is time for them to begin in earnest to bring stone for the cellar and have the house done this year next coming, so that at the farthest by the Autumn I may have my flitting time.
They made fair promises and thereupon I left thein.
A copy of Mr. Stellman's discharge for the 100 pound bond which stood at 10 per cent. interest.
Know all men by these presents, whom it may or hereafter shall concern, that I, John Hance Stellman, of ye County of Ce- cill, in ye province of Maryland, Merchant, Doe heareby acquitt, release and forever discharge Magister Ericus Biorck, Minister of Christeen Congregation, of a Bond and obligation Dated in Elk River, ye 30th of June, 1698, Containing one hundred pounds sil- ver money, with Ten pound Interest Yearly, and every yeare which money Magister Biorck had upon ye account, and for ye use of Christeen Congregation, for ye Building of ye Church,
II7
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
which Bond and ye Sum and Interest, I doe give freely and of a pure and conscientious heart for ye honor of GOD, to ye Holy Trinity Church, and doe heareby alsoe declare and testifye that I never did design, nor have taken any Interest for ye aforesaid hundred pounds, for I have never made up my account until this Day, nor have disclosed my minde, what I have resolved and had in minde until now, wheareunto I have Sett my hand and seaj.
Christeen, ye 16th of Nov'br, JNO. HANS STELLMAN. 1706. The lines in ye margin were
L. S.
written before ye signing, sealing
and Delivery. Witness: His
PIETTER X P. STALCOP,
Mark. JOHN JUSTASON.
A. D. 1707. There was held as in the former year a not- ified Thanksgiving on the 16th of January, for another victory gained over the French by the Duke of Marlbor- ough. This year I was compelled to hire a man to split 500 rails and stakes thereto for the Church yard, for I was both disgusted and weary with talking any more about it.
Palm Sunday, the 6th of April, I received a letter from Mr .. John Orriott, dated London, April 18th; 1706, and therein one from the Swedish Minister, Herr Leon- krona, dated the 13th of May, 1706, and therein a Bill of Lading to me with this mark G. P. E., dated London, April 16, 1706, subscribed by Joseph Palmer, Captain of a ship called Warren Brigantine, who brought the two letters and the Bill of Lading of the contents of a chest full of books which I sometime before had written for, which were presented by his Royal Majesty, the now in Sweden reigning King Charles XII., with which was the follow-
1
118
RECORDS OF
ing duplicate of a letter to Magister Rudman from the Herr Secretary, Gustaff Perringer Lillieblad, dated Stockholm, July 20th, 1705, with the following therein.
According to the contents of His Royal Majesty's inost gracious letter dated Heilborg, in Poland, April 20, 1704, are the following books granted by His Royal favor to the Swedish congregations in America.
Viz: In a board chest are packed 4 new church Bibles, Royal folio.
40 Bibles octavo printed in Amsterdam.
4 Psalın books, quarto.
300 Swedish Psalın books, of which 100 are octavo, and the rest duodecimo, but 40 of themunbound.
44 Autobiography, 16 mo.
6 Specula Religiona blansula.
2 Children's books.
2 Sermons on His Royal Majesters Victory at Cliscon.
3 Christ's bloody offering for the sins of the world.
These books were divided in two parcels, half to Wicacoe, and the other half down here at Christina, and none to the recently set up church on the other side of the river at Rattcongs Creek, because they separated from us their churches and ininisters so irregularly, as is more fully related above. For it was thought no more than reasonable and right, that those who are left with the whole burden upon them of the payment of the debt on the church, and the support of the ministers, should first be participants in the King's bounty for them and their children. And they on being informed of the matter, agreed, as a thanksgiving to God, for the safe arrival of the books, to give to the church as they did before, for a Bible, 6 shillings; for a Psalm book, 3 shillings; but for the octavo, 3 shillings and 6 pence, and yet the King's gift would be none the
119
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
less a Royal gift on account of their contribution to the church. But it was rumored that one and another were foolishly dissatisfied herewith, but they came to a right understanding.
If however there were any left over, those others should share, but so that the money should be given to this church.
The big Bibles and Psalm books that I especially wrote for were two of each kind left up there at Wicacoe and two down here, one of each on the Pulpit and the others on the Altar.
Easter day, this year, I spoke especially of this busi- ness, and of the Royal favour as at that time there was a large attendance, though no books were given out at this time for I first got them down the 18th of May, when Jonas Walraven went for them in a boat and they were given out afterwards as a list thereof shows.
To the Great God be praise for his Fatherly care for his Church, and may such a King be crowned with Heavenly grace, joy and blessedness.
In Spring-tide of this year, they at Rattcongs Creek began more and more to procure Herr Aureen for their Minister, and made an especial application to the Governor in New York for his permission and agree- ment thereto.
Now in this matter for Herr Aureen's sake, and as a conscientious man, I will not meddle with them who will not adhere to the Church here.
Herr Aureen laid before the Governor a special com- munication from me, as he had been cited before the Governor on certain grave charges, but after a hearing he was acquitted and granted permission to act as Minister for thein.
I20
RECORDS OF
Now directly after this, those below Jacob Van deVer's down to Pumkin Hook began a movement to obtain Herr Aureen to preach every other Sunday for them.
He did not consent, nor come to any agreement with them, but came over himself finally to confer with me about it but I bade him be still for I would never agree to his going over thereto give me further trouble, for he had already got a bit of iny bread, which I had given up in compassion for his circumstances, and therefore he should let the remainder alone.
He represented the matter to mie in this wise, and said that if they on the other side should ask him to come among them for the sake of charity and good feeling he will enter into no arrangement with them without my consent, and will leave it altogether to mne to have the most to say about it.
I answered him that if they first seek you of their own accord, and the others do not move them thereto, I will talk further about it, but in the meantime I told him that he well knew how we were written for, and came here, and that he was not to remain here as a pastor to take charge of a congregation. And that he knew how - disorderly they had separated themselves from us, and that he should therefore be circumspect and careful in what he did. For said I, if the Governor has given you permission, he cannot thereby interfere with me, for I have as good and valid a commission for my office to the Swedes on that side of the river, as any Governor can have to his office as Governor, and that he can, and shall not take from me what the high authorities the King and Archbishop have delegated to me, and so long as I conduct myself properly and honorably cannot be taken from me, and though it is in an another govern- ment, yet it is not in another kingdom, and that we not
121
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
only live under the same God, but under the same Queen and the same Bishop in England. I afterwards went over to visit them, as they had heard a report that I was never more coming over to thein in the capacity of a minister, and consequently one and another of them was minded to follow after Herr Aureen, but they were glad when they saw mne and found that the report was entirely untrue. They then said that so long as I would be their minister, they would never leave me who had for their sakes risked so much.
They furthermore asked my advice as to what they should do if they should come to solicit thein, and I bade them answer that they depended entirely upon me, and that unless Herr Aureen come to an agreement with me, and comes on my account, they will have nothing to do with him.
On the 8th of June, Holy Trinity Sunday, as I had given notice, Easter day, that whatever that Sunday should fall in the purse, should be reckoned as a general thanksgiving gift for the new Bibles and new Psalm books, a so valuable gift to our church, as they had done heretofore, so now should make a free offering to God.
There fell into the purse 14 shillings, much more than the Sunday collection ordinarily, but a much greater difference from that which fell in at the recep- tion of the church purse, which however was in the winter, when not so many folk come together, which shows how scarce inoney is, and as it has been every year since I came-growing harder and harder, and especially since the building of the church.
This Sunday I gave notice of a general meeting for the next Sunday after Holy Trinity, the occasion for
1
122
RECORDS OF
which was that some wish new church wardens in place of those in office, to see if they who are fresh in office could not quicker put forward the Parsonage house to its completion, for some foolishly charged me. (for their is no wheat without chaff) with having elected the former church wardens, which indeed was entirely untrue, and so they wanted a meeting now to choose for ` themselves and after their own will and pleasure.
Therefore I told them that I should not be present with them at that time, but exhorted them to be gentle and quiet, and especially that whoever they might choose, they should be very careful to choose no one who does not seek to honor God, whether they confirm the old or elect others.
The first Sunday after Holy Trinity the 13th of June, I was at the upper congregation, and on that occasion I preached in English in the church above Frankfort, and Swen Colesberg read out of the Postilla, and afterwards. they went into the election.
Herr Aureen was there at Christina that Sunday with John Gooding, who was familiar with such usage in Sweden, and also said that the English are accustomed to do so, and they call it a Vestry.
And Herr Aureen explained the whole business to. them, and persuaded them to choose six proper persons for a church council, (like as Herr Aureen had brought about at Rattcong Creek since he had been there, ). which they on his indication chose, viz: Charles Springer, Brewer Seneke, Pietter Mounson, Cornelius Van de Ver, Lucas Stedham and James Seneke, and these elected two church wardens, Matthias Pietter- son and Edward Robinson, and so Mr. Springer, Peter Mounson and Asmund Stedham were out (as wardens,)
123
HOLY TRINITY (OLD SWEDES) CHURCH.
which all as I heard proceeded satisfactorily with pro- priety and quietness, and they all agreed to come to me at my father-in-law's the next Saturday.
The next Saturday the 21st June, these eight came up to me and notified me of their election, and John Gooding also came with them, and said that he had been elected by the congregatien to serve as clerk for the church-council, but a dispute arose and it was averred that it was not so. Then John Gooding began to be very decided in his claim, but when the matter was further looked into, no one could be found to have named him for that office, and the church-council said that they did not need a clerk, as they had among them- selves some who could write.
So as it was entirely unknown to mne that any such choice had been made and as it devolves upon me to decide the question, I can say no otherwise than that the congregation do not need to choose such an officer, as the Church council have among themselves men like Mr. Springer and James Seneke who can write and that expertly, it is entirely unnecessary to burden another therewith in this council. But if a council should be chosen hereafter of whom none shall be able to write they may then choose one whom they may think serviceable for them. And so John Gooding was relieved · from his cares, which he did not very well accept, but it could not be helped.
After this some inconsiderate persons blamed the former Churchwardens' irregular management of the church income (as for causes before mentioned I had not had a general meeting for some time), and it was also represented to me by the church council that the congregation wished to have a settlement financially, for they think that the church debt is paid off by this time.
124
RECORDS OF
But I replied that they could not demand of me any reckoning yet.
Ist. Because all the bills are not paid; a good inany no part of them, a good many but little on them and so the settlement would be very difficult and trouble- some for me, and
2nd. That I stand as a security for the whole congre- gation with Mr. John Hanson Stellman and he can go to no one but me for his money.
Is it reasonable that one who is in debt for what he cannot pay at present, having gotten one to stand security for him, shall call him to account who has gone security for him.
I therefore was resolved that the churchwardens should call in the bills as fast as possible.
And I also drew up a subscription list for the wardens to take around to hurry the finishing of the Parsonage house, and nothing more could now be accomplished.
On Midsummer's day in accordance with the agree- inent with me of the above-named church wardens Matz Pietterson and Edward Robinson, made the Sunday before, we raised the belfry on the north side down by the east corner of the church, right opposite a walnut tree the whole labor of which cost one pound and 13 shillings, which Jesper Walraven and Pietter Pietterson on the old land ought to have.
It was finally resolved that each house-holder and each free man in the congregation should pay one shilling to settle with them, and if it came in so plenti- flly that something should be left over the surplus should be appropiated to something else, notice of which was given out the next Sunday.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.