Old Swedes in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Iron Letters on the Church
— Old Swedes Churchyard Walking Tour —
Notice the numerals on the bell tower's north side and the letters on the south side.
The church was built with a hip roof at both ends. Before the consecration in 1699, Matthias de Foss, a blacksmith of the colony, forged iron letters and drove them into the mortar high up on all four walls. On the west wall, the abbreviated Latin letters translated, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" They acknowledged Proprietor William Penn, English King William III, Swedish King Charles XI, and Pastor Ericus Björk. On the east wall, the translation was, "Light from on high, shines in the darkness." The west wall letters were removed and used in alternate sites when the bell tower was built in 1802.
Many of these letters can still be seen. Note the small "1802" above the larger "1698" on the north side of the bell tower.
Erected by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America of the State of Delaware. (Marker Number 8.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Colonial Era. In addition, it is included in the The Colonial Dames of America, National Society of series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1699.
Location. 39° 44.314′ N, 75° 32.443′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Stidham Family (here, next to this marker); "M. B." Stone (here, next to this marker); Thomas and Ann Cole (a few steps from this marker); Brinckle Family (a few steps from this marker); Charles Springer (a few steps from this marker); In Memory of John Hendrickson, Sr. (a few steps from this marker); Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson (a few steps from this marker); Burr Family Vault (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 591 times since then and 420 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 6, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
