THE REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA. DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE. EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD. VOL. IV.-NO. 24. PHILADELPHIA, DEC. 12, 1829. *NO. 102. OF PHILADELPHIA. For the following interesting sketch of the history of cient. The disorder in the Congregation, became eve. the German Lutheran Congregation, we are indebted to ry day more alarming. The conduct of the schoolmasone of its members. Ters, who then performed the duties of Ministers, became so notoriously bad, that the Lutherans were sneered at, GERMAN LUTHERAN CONGREGATION, by all the other devominations. Towards the end of this period came the Count of About the year 1680, the Germans commenced emi- Zinzendorf; and as history* ' records it, held a Synod grating to America; and among other inducemenis, that here, under an assumed name, and wished to be acknowlof enjoying, unmolested, their religious opinions, was a edged Inspector of the German Lutheran Congregation principal one. in Pennsylvania, and Minister of Philadelphia. In the first period, from 1680 to 1708, numbers arri. The better and regular members of the Lutheran ved from the Lou Countries, whu appear to have been Church, felt the deplorable situation, in which they had influenced by one Henry Fry; many of the descendants so long been placed, and taking into serious consideraof these early settlers, were living in 1754. tion how they could extricate themselves and their In the second period, from 1708 to 1720, when the brethren out of this dilemma, came to the conclusion to large emigration from the Palatine to England touk seek for relief in Germany, and resolved to send Depuplace, a great number of them in the reign of Queen ties to England and Germany. Anne) were sent to the Province of New York; and from Accordingly a Deputation was sent to England and thence came to Pennsylvania. They had been supplied Germany, for the purpose of making known their wants, with religious books by the Chaplain of the Court of St. of not only proper and regular Ministers, but also of James, A, W. Bochmens. There came also many who churches and schools. The Lutheran Congregations of had separated themselves, in Germany, from the Luthe Philadelphia, New Hanover, and Providence, interested ran Church. Towards the latter end of this period, many themselves particularly for ibat purpose; they instructfrom the northern parts of Germany made their appeared their deputies to apply first, to the Rev. F. M Zie. ance here, of almost every description, such as Separa- genbagen, the King of England's Chaplain, who not ontists, Dunkers, Menonists, &c. &c. ly promised them his aid and assistance, but gave them In the third period, from 1720 to 1730, the number of letters to several Divines in Germany. Among the depGerman Protestant emigrants, that came to Pennsylva- uties Daniel Weissinger was the most conspicuous-an nia was very great, principally from Wirtemberg and intelligent man, and a good German scholar; he publishDarmstadt, and some from the Province of New York. ed in Hildesheim, in 1734, an account of North AmeriMany settled in the interior-they were not in a condi. ca, and at the same time, the letters of Mr. Ziegenhagen tion to build churches and schools, or provide places to on the state of the Lutherans in America, the whole was build such on, at a future time. In this period there ar- afterwards republished at Leipzic. Mr. Ziegenhagen rived several German Lutheran Ministers, who had ei- had particularly written to Dr. Franken, Director of the ther accompanied the German settlers, or came of their University of Halle, who from that time made every ex. own accord-among them was Hinkel, Falkner, Stoev- ertion in his power, to discuver and find a suitable min. er, &c. some few only were an honour to the Lutheran ister for the German Lutheran Congregation of Penn. Church. The German Lutherans of New York and New sylvania and it may here be remarked, that through the Jersey, found themselves for some time, situated like exertions of Prosessor Franken, and that of his succesthose of Pennsylvania, but afterwards obtained several sors, the German Lutheran Church of North America Ministers from Holland and Hamburg, as Kachendahler, has been supplied with men, who as pious ministers, Falkner, Breckenmeyer, Kroll, Wolt, and Hartwich, and were surpassed by none; and as men of learning and obtained from the same places aid to erect churches and science, ranked high, here and in their native country; schools, Disunion among these Ministers,prevented their several of them have been Professors in the highest giving their German Lutheran friends in Pennsylvania, Seminaries here, and in New York. A regular corresthat assistance they so much needed. Towards the end pondence continued between them and the Professors of of this period a large number of German Lutherans ar- ibe University of Halle, until the death of the last of the rived, among these were some Students of dubious char- twelve ordained ministers, they had sent out to North acters; these at first performed the duties of schoolmas- America. ters; afterwards on Sundays, read sermons, and at length Through the exertion of Dr. Franken, Mr. Henry Mel. thinking themselves competent, undertook to act as chior Muehlenberg, was prevailed on to go, as Minister Ministers, administering the sacrament, &c. to America. He was born in Eimbeck, in Hanover, and A large body of Separatists arrived from Germany,and arrived in Philadelphia the 25th November, 1742.did all in their power to injure the German Lutheran On his arrival, he was told that no German Lutheran Church in America. There were no churches or school. Congregation existed in Philadelphia-he then rode to houses, a few huts excepted, that were called such, and New Hanover, and the 28th Nov. 1742, preached for which were in a decayed state. the first time in Pennsylvania; the 5th of December folThe following period, from 1730 to 1742, was almost lowing, he preached the first time, in Philadelphia, in like the last. Many of the Lutherans who would have the morning in the frame house, (which stood in Mulber. nothing to do with the worthless schoolmasters, applied ry near Fifth st. and which had been rented by the Gerto the Swedish Lutheran Synod, for the aid of their man Lutheran and the German Reformed CongregaMinisters, and which was cheerfully granted--this help, tions, for this purpose, and was occupied by them alter: however, on account of the language, and the distance the Germans lived from each other, was very insuffi. *See “Pennsilvanische Nachricten." Vol. IV, 47 nately, on Sundays,] and in the afternoon in the Swedes' Church. to take down part of the,vall; when a person offered to strengthen them so that they should answer the purpose they were intended for. He for this purpose built the two portals on the north and south sides of the Church. It was not completely finished until 1748--and on the 14th August, same year, finally consecrated. The whole cost of the church was, exclusive of the ground, about 8000 dollars. fulness in building, and of those whom they were com pelled to employ, was so great, that it cost them no Mr. Muehlenberg found some difficulties before he small sum, to correct the errors committed-the roof of could enter upon the duties of his office. The Congre- the church had been made too heavy, this added to the gation had at that time for their Minister, a man named weight of the steeple, caused a dangerous rent in the Valentine Kraft, a dismissed and disowned clergyman of wall, it became absolutely necessary to remove the steeGermany, who had been appointed, because of the de-ple, and it was taken down-it was also contemplated lay of the expected Minister from Germany. Count Zinzendorf did all in his power to prevent Mr. Muehlenberg, obtaining the consent of the Trustees, to preach in the Swedes Church. Consent having been obtained, the German Lutherans held divine service there for some time after, occasionally using their frame meeting house. The Congregation now acknowledged Mr. Muehlenberg their Pastor; and Count Zinzendorf was requested by the civil authority, to deliver up the Church Books to the Congregation. The Count left Philadelphia, 1st January 1743; after his departure, his adherents tried in vain, to prevent the Congregation receiving Mr. Muehlenberg as their minister. Mr. Muehlenberg was now engaged in performing the duties of the three congregations of Philadelphia, New Hanover, and Providence, (the latter two about 36 miles from the city); he had arranged it so, that he resided at each place one week; on week days, he instructed the children in the schools. The Congregation at Germantown also appplied to him for his services, and he agreed to hold divine service there, on a week day, of his term in Philadelphia, He found a German Lutheran Church in Germantown-it then consisted of the front part of the church, (which was enlarged in 1746 by adding a building in the rear, something more in breadth than the old part of the church,) which many of us may recollect by its antique appearance, and a belfry containing 2 bells. This venerable building, was most probably the first German Lutheran Church, erected of durable materials, in Pennsylvania, it was a few years ago destroyed and razed to the foundation, to make room for one of our new fashioned churches. Of the three first mentioned congregations, that of New Hanover was the largest, it consisted of 120, that of Philadelphia of 100, & the Providence congregation of 50 heads of families. InNew Hanover there was a Block Church, in an unfinished state; in Providence, divine service was held in a Barn; in Philadelphia as before stated, divine service was held in the frame house, and in the Swedes church—this privilege was to continue only until a Minister of their own, who was expected, should arrive from Sweden. The Congregation therefore saw the necessity of providing a church for themselves and their children. The Trustees, or Elders as they were called, were at this time J. V. Unstadt, L. Bast, J. H. Keppele, J. G. Burghard, J. D. Seckel, H. Miller, L. Herrman, the 8th had left the congregation. It was now arranged that Pastor Muehlenberg should serve the three congregations 4 months in the year, at one time. In 1743, the lot of ground, corner of Fifth and Cherry streets, and Appletree alley, on which St. Michael's Church stands, was purchased for about £200 currency; on the 5th April, same year, the foundation stone of the Church was laid, and on the 20th October following divine service was held therein, the windows had no lights, and the floor was not laid; light was admitted between the boards with which the windows were closed, boards placed on blocks, were the seats of the hearers. The Church is 70 feet in length, 45 feet wide, and 36 feet high-it had, when erected, a steeple at the west end, about 50 feet high, from the top of the roof. The members were far from being wealthy; the debt of the congregation was increasing daily; the church as it was, when divine service was first held in it, had cost £1310 currency-to meet which, debts to the amount of £649 had been contracted. Such was the distress and difficulties of the Congregation at this time, that they could not for two years, pay the rent of the parsonage house-and the unskil Mr. In January, 1745, Pastor Peter Brunholtz arrived, and with him came Messrs. Schaum and Kurtz, students of divinity; the former was employed as schoolmaster in the German school at Philadelphia, the latter in the school at New Hanover. Mr. Bunholtz on account of the infirm state of his health, had asigned to him the Philadelphia and Germantown congregations. Muehlenberg officiated in Providence and New Hanover, often visiting and preaching in various other places. The congregation in Philadelphia increased daily, and the state of their funds allowed them now to build an organ in the church, which was consecrated on the 12th May, 1751, and was the considered the largest in the Provinces. In 1759 it was found necessary to purchase the lot N. E. corner of fifth and Cherry streets, for a burial Ground; it cost £915 currency. The want of regularly ordained ministers continued to be felt in Pennsylvania, and Professor Franken, prevailed on Pastor Frederick Handschuch of Halle, to go there; he arrived in Philadelphia 5th April,1748, and on the 16th May following was installed Pastor of the Ger man Lutheran Church at Lancaster. On account of the bad state of Pastor Burnholtzs health, a pressing letter was sent to Halle, for two more ministers, the choice fell on Pastor Frederick Schultze, of Konigsberg in Prussia of John Dietrich M. Heintzelman, they arrived in Philadelphia on the 3d December, 1751, the latter was appointed Adjunct, to pastor Brunholtz, the late assistant to pastor Muehlenberg. The 9th of February, 1756, pastor Heintzelman died, aged 29 he was born in Saltzweded in Brandenburg studied Divinity at the University of Halle, had been an Inspector of the Orphan School connected with the University, and was ordained in Wernigeroda the 11 July, 1751-he was minister in Philadelphia about 5 years, and was interred in St Michaelis' Church. The 7th October, 1757, paator Peter Brunholtz died, he was born in Nuebel, a town in the Principality of Gluecksburg, Duchy of Sleswig, he was ordained at Wernigerode 12th April, 1744, he left his Library to the Church,) he had been minister in Philadelphia 12 years and was buried in St. Michaelis' Church. After the death of Mr. Heintzelman, Pastor Handschuck assisted Mr. Brunholtz, in performing the duties of the Philadelphia Congregation, pastor Handschuch had been stationed at Lancaster, afterwards at Germantown, but on account of some disagreements, had left both places, he was employed in a German Printing of fice, at the time of Mr. Heintzelmans' death, after the death of Mr. Brunholtz he was elected minister of the Philadelphia congregation in November, 1757. In 1761, Pastor Muehlenberg was necessitated to come to Philadelphia, and again to officiate as senior minister; after his arrival the dissatisfaction before manifested disappeared. The 10th of November, 1764, Pastor John Frederick Hanschuch died, he was born in Halle, and educated at the University and that of Leipzic; he was ordained at Altenberg in 1744, and for some years after had been Chaplain,at the Court of Christain Earnest Duke of Saxe 1829.] GERMAN LUTHERAN CONGREGATION. Salfelett, he was minister in Philadelphia 7 years, and was buried in St. Michaelis' Church. 371 arrived; he was the eleventh ordained minister, who On the 1st April, 1764, pastors John Andrew Krug of Saxony, and John Ludwig Voight of Mansfeldt, arrived in Philadelphia, the former after some time, was stationed and died at Frederickstown, Maryland, the latter had In 1773, pastor Muehlenberg, a son of Recter Muehthe congregations of Peikstown, New Providence and lenberg was appointed assistant minister of Philad’a. Pottstown, he died in Vincent township, Chester Coun- The Philadelphia congregation now bad three min. ty. The congregation obtained a charter 25th Septem-isters, viz: Rector Muehlenberg, his son, and the recber, 1765, (and a confirmation of the Church constitu- tors son-in-law Mr. Kunze. tion of the 18th October 1762) from Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, Proprietaries &c. by the corporate name of "the Rector, Vestrymen and Church wardens of the German Luthern congregation in and near Philadelphia -and pastor Muehlenberg was appointed Rector." The 24th October, 1765, pastor Christian Emanuel Schultze of Probstzell arrived, he was appointed junior minister of Philadelphia, he was a son-in-law to Rector Muchlenberg. By the purchase of the Parsonage House and Lot, and the building in 1761 of the school-house in Cherry street, the congregation incurred a debt of £2500 currency. In 1774 Rector Muehlenberg resigned, and went to reside at Providence (called also the Trap) where he died in 1787, at the age of 76-he had been minister in Philadelphia, 1st three years-2dly thirteen years. In 1777, the British took possession of Philadelphia. St. Michaeli's Church was used for a garrison church and Zion was converted by them into a Hospital, the pews were removed and stoves placed in the church, the congregation were allowed the use of St. Michaelis Church day on Sundays; before the end of the revolutionary war, Zion was repaired at the expense of the congregation of £1,300, and the 22d September 1782 was again consecrated. It was now the opinion of many, that the corporation of this congregation, could not for a long time, venture After the British left Philadelphia, the scattered mem. 、on any matter of importance, involved in debt as they bers returned, and the congregation increased so much, were, they must desist from all expensive undertakings that they were obliged to provide another grave yard, -the congregation was increasing most rapidly, St. Mi-and the square between Race and Vine, and 7th & 8th chaelis' church which 20 years before, was thought too streets, was purchased for this purpose, the annual revlarge a building, for the congregation, was now too enue of the congregation was at this time, about £2,000 small, the school-house was also used on Sundays, this currency-the two houses in 4th st. south of the Parsonwas yet insufficient to contain all; application was made age had been bought before; about this time the house to the trustees of the Academy in 4th st. for the use of corner of Cherry and 4th was erected—part of the debt their hall, and divine service was held there, by the had been paid off every year; during the war the corpocongregation for a considerable time. ration had been under the necessity of paying some debts Thus situated, the congregation notwithstanding their with depreciated money, but as soon as circumstances heavy debt, saw the necessity of erecting another church permitted, which was about this time, they made the -the lot corner of Cherry and Fourth streets, was select-loss good to the different persons, who had suffered; the ed for this purpose, 98 feet on 4th st. was bought of Daniel Wister, for £1083 12 0 and 36 feet, on same st. of Paul Weitzel and Andrew Graff of Lancaster, for £456 17 making together £1540 9 currency. The 16th May, 1766, the corner stone of Zion Church was laid-the length of the church is 108 feet, the breadth 70. At the end of the year, the building was under roof; at an expence of £3756, exclusive of the lot, the quantity of bricks used in this large building, was 525,567-the foundation of the Tower (which is placed on the east side of the church) is deep; the lower part projecting some feet, from the perendicular line of the wall, inside and outside, so that each side rests on a wall from 24 to 30 feet wide at the bottom, and gradually narrowing to the surface of the ground. The 5th January, 1767, the debt of the congregation amounted to £4632 15 9 currency; in this year the church was plastered and the floor laid, the finishing of it was postponed, as it was deemed imprudent to increase the debt, and difficult to obtain any sum, on interest, owing to the scarcity of money. In 1769 the 25th June, it was so far finished as to be consecrated, the whole cost was about £8,000 currency exclusive of the lot, the debt had increased to £5,200 currency. This church was the largest and handsomest in North America, the roof and ceiling were supported by eight large columns, of the Doric order, which served for bases of the arches of the ceiling, which was ornamented and finished in a most magnificent manner, no expense was spared in finishing the inside of this church-this most supurb temple was afterwards destroyed by fire. On the 2d of April, 1769, pastor John Frederick Schmidt, and J. Henry Christian Helmuth, arrived in Philadelphia, the latter was appointed minister at Lancaster. The former officiated some time in Philadelphia, when the Germantown congregation, which had become numerous, invited him, and the synod consented to his accepting a call to that place. In September, 1770, pastor John C. Kunze, of Artern sum paid was some hundred pounds, they did not finally get out of debt, until 1785. In 1779, pastor Henry Muehlenberg resign'd, he had been ordained in America, in 1770, and died at Lancaster-he was Minister in Philadelphia only 6 years. Same year J. H. C. Helmuth was elected minister of Philada. In 1780, the Charter was by the Legislature confirmed with amendments-the title of Rector abolished-the style and title of the corporation is now "the Ministers, Elders and Church wardens, of the German Lutheran Congregation, in and near the City of Philadelphia." In 1784, pastor Kunze resign'd, and accepted a call to the city of New York (where he died,) he was minister in Philadelphia, 16 years; the same year an election for a second minister for Philadelphia congregation was held, the candidates were Messrs. Schultze, Kunze and Kurtz-Mr. Schultze was elected, but declined accepting the call. The Philadelphia congregation, had now only one minister-the corporation applied to pastor Schmidt of Germantown for his assistance, he granted their request, on condition of officiating alternately in Philadelphia and Germantown. In 1785, pastor Schmidt was almost unanimously lected minister of Philada. A resolve having previously been made, that in future the distinction of senior and junior ministers should cease, and that in point of rank and previleges they should be equal, for the future. In August 1786, arrived pastor John Frederick Weinland, of Roemhild; he was the last of the twelve ordained German Lutheran ministers, sent by the Directors Professor of Divinity of the University of Halle, to A-. merica, he was immediately appointed minister of Ger mantown; he died at Providence, Pennsylvania. In 1789, the Legislature of this state gave to the congregation, for the use of their Poor School 5,000 acres of land in Tioga County. In 1790, the 10th October, the Organ in Zion Church was consecrated, this was the largest, and best organ in America. The frame was 24 feet front, 8 feet deep and ing, in the Churches, was agitated, and the fourteenth 27 feet high; the divisions consisted in front of 5 turrets February 1803, an election was held, to decide this and 4 planes, all two storied except the two side question, and those opposed to its introduction, bad turrets, wbich on account of the large pipes, were a considerable majority —this did not allay the disonly one story; in the front were upwards of one turbance, each party endeavoured to elect their corpohundred metal pipes, the largest 16 feet' in height, this rators, in 1804 the Germans succeeded by a majority of instrument contained about 2,000 pipes, and had ibree only 7; in 1805, by a majority of thirty-four; after this esets of Keys--and the following Registers. lection, the Germans offered their English bretheren, on GREAT MANUEL. condition of separating from the German congregation, 10 Registers. Registers. St. Michaelis Church, and the burial place, in which it 1 Principal Sfeet 6 Trumpet 8 feet stands; the School house in Cherry street, and the privi2 Quinta den 16 do 7 Octave 4 do lege of burying in the other grounds, to such as had al3 Gamba 8 do 8 Quinte 3 do ready relations interred there—the new congregation to 4 Gemshorn 8 do 9 Octave 2 do pay one third of the debt of the Congregation, which 5 Gedact 8 do 1 10 Flute 4 do was then $6,831, those in favour of English, declined this offer. 11 Mixture 4 and 6 ranks. In 1806, the election for members of the corporation Upper MANUEL. was warmly contested, near 1,400 votes were polled, 1 Principal, dulc. 8 feet | 6 Nacht horn 4 feet the Germans had a majority of 130—those in favour of 2 Quinta dena. 8 7 Solicet 4 English preaching, now held divine service in the A3 Vox humana 8 8 HolAute 2 cademy, where the present minister, Mr. Mayer, offici. 4 Flute amab, 8 9 Cimbel 4 rks. ated for them, they afterwards built a church in Race st. 5 Gedact 8 10 Fistelquint 3 feet In 1811, the present organ was put in Zion Church, Echo to Tenor F it is not so large as the former one; it was built by Lowe. 1 Dulcian 8 feet | 4 Hautbois 8 feet The 12th May, 1812, died paster John Frederick 2 Flute Traver 8 5 Fistula Octay. 4 Schmidt, President of the German Lutheran Synod of 3 Roer Flute 8 6 Nagt horn Pennsylvania, in the 67th year of bis age; he was born 7 Echo Bass 8 feet. in Froseh, Anhalt Bernburg, and educated at the UniPEDAL. versity of Halle; while employed at this University, as 1 Princip Bass 16 feet 1 2 Subbass 16 feet Latin, and Greek master, and instructor of the senior 3 Trumpet 16 4 Oc Bass 8 class in the higher branches of Mathematics, he was se5 Quinta 6 6 Octave 4 lected to go to America, and accepted of a call for this In addition to the Registers were Cimbel Stars (2] purpose, he was examined and ordained the 3d August Tremulent. Sperr Ventil--2 couplings and 5 large belo | 1768, by the Consistory of Wernigerode, besides the lows placed in tower. Latin, Greek and Hebrew, he was well versed in the The organ was built by David Tannenberg, a self Syriac and Arabic, on his arrival in Philadelphia, he offi. taught artist. ciated here for some time, when he accepted a call to In 1793, the congregation lost 625 members by yel. Germantown, where he was minister 16 years, and in low fever,&c. Philadelphia 27 years--he was interred in St. Michaelis' In 1794, on 2d Christmas evening the vestry room was Church. discovered on fire, and the whole of the wood work of of the nine pastors the Philadelphia congregation the tower, was consumed, many of the books of the li had, only Messrs. Heintzelman, Brunholtz, Handschuch brary were burnt; from the tower, the fire reached the and Schmidt, died ministers of the congregation. upper part of the Church, between the roof and ceiling, In 1811, pastor Frederick D. Shaefer of Germantown, the whole fell a prey to the flames, part of the organ the present minister was elected--be is a native of Gerpipes were saved, these were afterwards delivered to many. Lowe, who built the organ now in Zion, this great fire About the year 1814, another party arose, in the conwas caused by putting hot ashes in a box which was left gregation in favor of English preaching, it appeared, in the vestry. The light of this fire was seen many [by an election about this time) that this party was rathmiles. er more than one fourth of the congregarion; they like 'The congregation this year erected the School house their predecessors, afterwards held divine service in the in the Northern Liberties, on the lot corner of 2nd and Academy, pastor Krause, a native of Philadelphia, is Brown st. which had been purchased some time before. their minister, they are now building a Church in New After the destruction of Zion, some of the other con street near Fourth. gregations, generously offered the use of their church. At the commencement of the question of English seros, part of each Sunday; the offer on the part of the vice in the congregation, this party had a large majority German Reformed Congregation was accepted. in the corporation, the most influential and wealthy part The members of Zion, and St. Michaelis subscribed of the members were in favour of it, neither of the pas. liberally for rebuilding the church, others also contrib- tors were then opposed to it, one had already began to uted, and the rebuilding commenced immediately, at cathechize the children in the English; some of the Gerthis time the tower was raised to its present height. mans did not conceal their fears, that their language About this time an opportunity offered of purchasing would in time be entirely abolished from their churches. the lot of ground, south of the church, (on which the From this time the Germans began to oppose it seriousSchool house now stands) and notwithstanding the ly, and successfully, and although the offer to secure heavy expense, of rebuilding the church, it was thought the German, was afterwards made, it was too late. Subadvisable to make the purchase, the lot cost £3,500. sequently the corporation, consisting wholly of Germans In November 1796, the rebuilt Zion was consecrated. taking into consideration the impossibility of rearing In 1800 they had 4 schools and 250 scholars.. At this children, in the centre of an American community, to time pastor Schmidt stated in an account which was understand the German language properly, that as they published in Germany that the number of German Lu- grew up, they must leave the church; that the congretheran Ministers, in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virgin- gation must depend upon emigration, for its supply of ia; belonging to the Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania members, and that strangers would supplant the natives; was 53; these officiated in 300 Congregations; in these attempted a plan of introducing the English, by which congregations the number of families was about 50,000 the German language would have been continued as long -that in the State of New York, the Synod consisted as 50 persons should desire it—but they failed in obtainof 8 ministers, the Synod of North Carolina of 5. ing the consent of the congregation. In 1802, the question of introducing English preach. In 1820, it was by an election dccided, that the con 1829.] SWEDISH DOCUMENTS. 373 gregation would dispense with the services of 1 of their 1 millions six hundred and nineteen Rix dollars, to be coltwo ministers, and shortly after, pastor Schaefer, was re- lected each year from the excises upon tobacco, yet as elected. Pastor Helmuth of course retired, he died in it has been subsquently found that the said excises ain 1823, and was buried in St. Michaelis-- he had been mounted ordinarily but to one half of the aforesaid sum, educated at Halle, and was the last of the 12 ordained we have therefore judged it proper to grant, and do ministers sent from Germany to this country. permit and grant by these letters patent, that the ComShortly after the re-election of pastor Schaefer, it was pany of the South may, for the State as aforesaid of again by election decided, that the congregation need. New Sweden, and for the support and payment of those ed two ministers, and pastor Demme, an able divine and in their employ, retain and require the third of the exthe present minister was elected; he is a native of Ger- cises of our Crown upon all confiscated tobacco, as also, many. whatever profit the fines, imposed for the contravention The annual revenue of the congregation is about of our prohibition against the importation of tobacco, $5,000 and is derived from the rent of the houses, have already yielded, or which may in the future arise ground rents, rents of seats in churches, fees for inter- from the violation and insidious eluding of our ordiments, and voluntary contributions by the members. nances against the secret introduction of tobacco into Many years before the destruction of Zion, and after our kingdom or our great Dutchy of Finland. And as it, the churches were crowded on Sundays and contin- we have examined and found that the said excises upon tied to be well filled until the separation of those in 1805, tobacco bave not in 1641, 164, 1643, 1644 and 1645 who built St. John's Church. been appropriated to the prescribed state of New SwedThe Births and Deaths in this congregation from 1774 en according to the resolution aforernentioned, but thať to 1783 inclusive, were as follows: they have been employed for other purposes of the Years. Births. Deaths. Crown, and especially for the construction of the Cha1774 379 156 teau of Stockholm, and that in the mean time the state 1775 338 175 of New Sweden has been supported by other revenues 1776 389 124 of the Company of the South; we will and agree that 1777 298 169 the said company require and receive from the Coun1778 303 sellors of our chamber of the kingdom, whatever, on their account, the company aforesaid have advanced 1780 320 158 and have not had refunded. In case the aforesaid ex1781 323 162 cises upon tobacco and the fines arising from the secret 1782 398 introduction of tobacco are insufficient to furnish the necessary sum for the annual support of the state of New Sweden, we bave decided and willed that the de- 3485 ficit be made up from the other resources of the Crown; Average Births 3481-Deaths 174–1-5. per ann. but if the excises upon confiscated tobacco with the fines, are more than sufficient to supply the amount reFrom 1800 to 1805, when St. John's Congregation quired for the support of New Sweden, the overplus separated. shall be returned and deposited in the chamber of revYears. Births. Deaths. enue of the Crown,each year an exact and clear account 1800 300 187 of it being presented by the Book-keepers of the com1801 296 pany, which shall be deposited in our chamber of ac1802 271 counts. Finally, whereas the Company of the South, in order to facilitate and continue its commerce in New 1804 298 Sweden, is desirous that a part of all the manufactures of Holland arriving at Gottenburg, should be trans ported to New Sweden; we have agreed and resolved Tolal, 1834 that such merchandize as shall come from Holland for transportation to New Sweden, and which shall not be Average, 305-2-3 187-2-3 landed in Sweden to be there sold, may pass without From 1806 to 1810 after the separation. paying duty, as well as the tobacco and furs which come into this kingdom from New Sweden. But the Years. Births. Deaths. tobacco sent by the Company to Holland shall be sub1806 405 178 ject to a duty according to the tariff. In consequence 1807 441 171 hereof, we forbid all those who owe to us submission 1808 457 165 and obedience, and particularly the treasurers of our 1809 527 168 kingdom, our counsellors of the Chamber, and our ad1810 541 ministrator general of customs, and those employed in our Custom-houses, to oppose in respect thereto, let Total, 2311 or hinderance in any manner, to the Company. In faith Average 474–1-5 Births 168-4-5 Deaths. of which, &c. &c. Given as above. CHRISTIANA. In 1786, the number of clergymen belonging to the Nils Tungel. Synod of Pennsylvania was 24; in 1816, 82. A few years ago this Body divided itself into two Sy- Donation to Captain John Amundson Besh, of a tract nods, the Susquehanna is the division line. of land in New Sweden. Stockholm, August 20th, 1653. FROM MANUSCRIPTS We Christiana &c., make known that by grace and IN POSSESSION OF THE AMER. PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY. } favour, and in consideration of the zeal and fidelity with which we have been served, ourselves and the crown of SWEDISH DOCUMENTS. Sweden, by our very faithful snbject, the brave and Letter patent in relation to the State of New Sweden, courageous Capt. John Amundson Besh, and furth Stockholm, January 20, 1648. er, because he has engaged to serve us, ourselves and We Christiana &c. &c., make known that, although the crown of Sweden, with similar zeal and fidelity so our Guardians and administrators of the kingdom and long as he shall live and his strength permit him; we government, did in 1642, decree and assign for the state accord and grant, and by these letters patent, have acand support of the government of New Sweden, of the corded and granted, to himself, his wife, and to his heirs garrison under its orders, and others in its employ, two and their heirs, a tract of land situated in New Sweden, |