1998 COVER STORY 1998 300th Anniversary OF St. George s The last Swedish Lutheran pastor to St. George’s gets its day in ’ serve in the congregation was Nils Collin (1770-1786) who then moved Episcopal across the river to become rector of Gloria Dei, Old Swedes Church at the sun...but it rained (OLD SWEDES) Wicaco in South Philadelphia. St. George’s then became a member By Aleasa Hogate AM-518 of the newly formed Protestant Episcopal Church in 1792. (Source: The Eight Old Swedes’ Churches of n March 29th, St. George’s church. Although the members from Penns New Sweden by The Rev. Dr. Kim-Eric Williams) congregation, historians, Neck and Finns Point made up 40% of the Church reenactors and dignitaries congregation, the church was built north of celebrated the 300th anni- the Christina River, which made the jour- versary of the decision made ney for the West Jersey residents even lon- onO December 3, 1714, to build St. George’s ger. The Penns Neck parishioners remained Church. In spite of the cold and rain, approx- faithful to the congregation and helped build imately 60 guests, plus reenactors, demon- the new church. They remained members strated the true pioneer spirit of the early of the new church, “Holy Trinity,” one of settlers in New Sweden Colony as they gath- our national landmarks still being used as a ered in a large tent in the pouring rain to pay church, until they were finally able to build homage to the founding and dedicate their own fathers of Pennsville, log church, St. George’s. New Jersey. The pro- Stidhams* associated Although all the out- gram was held on the door activities had to A l fre d Ni c o osi by photo grounds of the Penns- with St. George’s be canceled on the day Aleasa Hogate, in ville Historical Societies (Penns Neck) Church of the celebration, the costume portraying her Farmhouse museum. “Little Key,” a multi- New Sweden ancestor, Erasmus [30] Stedham, Jr. and his wife, Elisabeth Dalbo The early settlers Christina Hendrickson Stedham, moved oared sloop, similar to from Pennsville, NJ to Penn’s Neck, NJ in 1739 and became the one the early settlers (Penns Neck in 1714) members of St. George’s Church on 13 Jun may have used to travel included Swedes and 1739.* to church across the Finns who had to travel Delaware, was pulled Benedict [38] Stedham, Jr. dug a cellar for across the Delaware the Upper Penns’ Neck Church in 1721.* inside the tent. The New River to church at Crane Sweden Centre reenac- Hook on the Delaware There are undoubtably others as well, though tors in colonial clothing River, just below the not listed in any official records, as other were seated in the boat, Christina River. In 1697, Stidhams* were known to have lived on the serving as the backdrop New Jersey side of the Delaware River at a new Swedish Lutheran various times and probably attended services for the program and a priest, Rev. Eric Björk, there from time to time, even though they may reminder of the dedica- was sent from Sweden have not been members of the congregation. tion of the early settlers to serve Crane Hook. *The Descendants of Dr. Timothy Stidham, Vol. 1, who braved the water He encouraged this con- by Jack Stidham (2001) and weather on the Del-

www.stgeorgespv.org gregation to build a new aware for decades before 10 11 1998 NEW SWEDEN EVENTS 1998 Colonists’ Day, 2014 A day for Wilmingtonians to educate and celebrate their historic colonial roots

Milt Draper (left), a By Aleasa Hogate AM-518 New Sweden reenactor, portraying one of the early colonial Swedes, olonists’ Day on April 5th in Wilmington, Dela- with the Rev. Dr. Gregory ware gave historians, genealogists, colonial Johnson, Pastor of Zion reenactors, history buffs and the general public, Lutheran Church in C an opportunity to pay homage to the early Swedish Wilmington, portraying the Rev. Eric Bjork, the and Finnish settlers of the Delaware River Valley. This priest at Crane Hook, and year’s event celebrated the 376th anniversary of the te later, Holy Trinity. New Sweden Colony, established on the banks of the

hog a Christina River in 1638 by Sweden, where Fort Chris- tina State Park is located, at 1122 7th Street in Wilm- al e a s ington, Delaware. The procession of colonial reenactors and repre-

photo by by photo sentatives of the Lenape Tribe of Delaware, entered Fort Christina Park at 10:00 a.m. and paraded to the they were able to build their own church. After the opening program, tours of the Carl Milles monument, dedicated in 1638. The Land- Martha Rogers, member of St. George’s current church, built 1872, and the Penns- ing Day ceremonies were conducted by the Delaware Church, organized this historical com- ville Historical Society’s Farmhouse Museum Swedish Colonial Society with a traditional wreath memorative event. Local and state officials, were provided. A Swedish smorgasbord lun- laying and a circle of friendship dance lead by Chief including NJ Senator, President Sweeny, cheon was also held in the church hall. Dennis Coker of the Lenapes. Miss Molly Draper, the participated. A reenactment was performed On June 6th, Pennsville will be celebrat- charming granddaughter of Art and Donna Draper representing the meeting held in 1714 at ing two other anniversaries. The 350th anni- of the Delaware Swedish Colonial Society, presented which the original congregation voted to versary of New Jersey and the 10th anniver- Chief Coker with a fresh bouquet of yellow daffodils. build a log cabin church on their side of the sary of the New Sweden Heritage Monument Molly and her family are direct descendants of Charles river. Apparently the log church was sold in on the Delaware river. Christopher Springer, who was a reader in the Crane 1808. Wouldn’t it be neat if we could find For more details contact info@colonial- Hook Church in 1688, when it was without a pastor. that old log church? newsweden.org or call 302-276-3813. Following the ceremony, everyone proceeded to the grounds of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church where

all the other activities were held this year. ge n e m cc oy by photo Representatives of Delaware, Pennsylvania and Left to right: Mark Hogate, Donna Draper, Aleasa Hogate, New Jersey historical and genealogical organizations Molly Draper (little girl in front), Bill Hutchinson (portraying participated in this year’s event. Peter Minuit), and Chief Dennis Coker Colonists’ Day continues to provide a venue where From the left: visitors can learn about the colonial history of the Del- aware River Valley and enjoy the displays and demon- Martha Rogers, a church member and coordinator strations of early colonial history, including spinning, of the event (also: a weaving, Swedish bread making and more. It also founding member and provides an opportunity for historical organizations, past president of the genealogical societies, colonial reenactors and those Pennsville Township interested in honoring our early settlers to share and Historical Association; Fr. William Boatwright, network about their various projects, sell their colonial wares and promote their programs and events.

the current Priest at te St. George’s church; Planning has already begun for next year’s event, and Julie Acton, Director hog a which will again be sponsored by the Delaware Swed- Chairman of the Salem te

al e a s ish Colonial Society, Old Swedes Foundation and the County Board of

Chosen Freeholders hog a New Sweden Centre. Organizations interested in pro- moting their unique colonial-era specialties: reenactors, photo by by photo al e a s crafters and vendors are invited to participate. While visitors were taking tours of Holy Trinity (Old Swedes) Church, New Sweden Centre educator, Ruth Runkle, played the For more information, contact: info@colonialnew-

photo by by photo organ, which is located in the balcony of the church. sweden.org or call 302-276-3813. 12 13