Trinity Church (Swedesboro, New Jersey) facts for kids
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Trinity Episcopal "Old Swedes" Church
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Trinity Church in Swedesboro, New Jersey, U.S.
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 Location in Gloucester County, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Location | Northwest corner of Church Street and King's Highway, Swedesboro, New Jersey, U.S. |
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| Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
| Built | 1786 |
| Architect | Rev. Nicholas Collin |
| Architectural style | Georgian, Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001098 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | January 29, 1973 |
Trinity Church, also known as Old Swedes' Church, is a very old and important church in Swedesboro, New Jersey. It stands at the corner of Church Street and King's Highway. This church is a significant landmark in Gloucester County, New Jersey, U.S.
The church community started in 1703. It was a Swedish Lutheran group. People in the area were tired of traveling across the Delaware River to Philadelphia for church. The first minister, Lars Tollstadius, arrived in 1701. This was the first Swedish church in New Jersey. At first, they met in a log building. Services were held in Swedish until 1784. The church building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It was recognized for its special architecture and religious history.
Contents
History of Trinity Church
Early Swedish Settlers
In 1641, Peter Hollander Ridder was the second governor of New Sweden. He bought the entire eastern side of the Delaware River from local Native Americans. This land stretched from Raccoon Creek to Cape May. The first Swedish settlers built their homes along Raccoon Creek. This area was first called Raccoon, then later became Swedesboro.
Building a New Church
Swedish settlers in Raccoon had to cross the river to Wilmington or Philadelphia to go to church. This trip was very difficult. So, they decided to build a new church closer to home. They chose a spot near the new bridge for Kings Highway. This road connected Burlington to Salem. In 1703, they bought 100 acres (about 0.4 square kilometers) of land along Raccoon Creek. They built their own church on part of this land. It was the very first Swedish language church in New Jersey.
From Swedish to Episcopal
Trinity Church began as a Swedish Lutheran church. From 1703 to 1786, ministers from Sweden led the church. By 1786, a new church building was finished. At this time, the Swedish Mission was ending. The Swedish language was not used much anymore. People no longer felt a strong connection to Sweden. The churches in New Jersey did not want new pastors from Sweden. They also could not afford to pay them well.
In October 1789, Trinity Church started to join with the Episcopal Church in America. Today, the church is called Trinity Episcopal "Old Swedes" Church. It is part of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey.
Trinity Church Cemetery
The Trinity Church Cemetery is also known as Trinity Episcopal "Old Swedes" Church Cemetery. It is located right behind the main church building. Many important people are buried here.
Famous People Buried Here
- Louis H. Carpenter (1839–1916): He was a general in the Spanish–American War. He also received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his bravery in the Indian Wars.
- Charles Garrison Harker (1835–1864): He was a Brigadier General in the Union Army during the American Civil War.
- Benjamin Franklin Howey (1828–1895): He was a Republican Congressman. He served in the Forty-eighth United States Congress from 1883 to 1885.
- Charles Creighton Stratton (1796–1859): He served in the United States House of Representatives. Later, he became the 15th Governor of New Jersey.
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Mortonson-Van Leer Log Cabin, built around 1700, with the cemetery between the cabin and the church.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Gloucester County, New Jersey
- Churchtown, New Jersey, site of Penns Neck church
