History: Building a Church, 1874


While Dr. Collin was in New Jersey, he kept a remarkable set of church records as well as a Journal covering the years 1770-1786. During this period the present church building was erected to replace the 1703 log church which was in disrepair as a result of occupation by soldiers and of age. The congregation had also outgrown the building.

"After lengthy and serious consideration of all the difficulties and the danger of involving myself and my best members in a risky obligation, the undertaking was begun in the summer of 1783". Collin set about gathering subscriptions for the new church. He invited "a few and twenty" of the best members to his house "to further the cause by their example". This flattering distinction had good effect and he managed to subscribe 300 pounds. A few weeks later 300 more pounds was subscribed. He traveled with Dr. Otto and increased the pledges to 1200 pounds. He admits in his Journal that "a few signed their names hoping that the undertaking would never be accomplished because it appeared to be an impossibility". His Journal further notes that "after considerable effort I finally got the plan according to my own taste, because none of those elected on the committee were acquainted with the art of building". The church records show his committee members as Robert Brown, Esq., Dr. Frederic Otto, Robert Clark, William Matson, Felix Fisler, Andrew Henricson, Isaac Vanneaman and Samuel Denny.

His frequent visits to Philadelphia were an inspiration for the building. It has many similarities to St. Peter's Episcopal Church and Zion Lutheran Church. The building, with dimensions of 60'L and 40' W, not including the tower, was an enormous project for that period. Collin's committee felt it should be smaller, and he relates marking out the ground in smaller dimension and stating that "it was necessary on every principle of prudence and public spirit to form the new church on a plan suitable to the prospect of a future age. Its dimensions ought to correspond with the increase of population for at least a century and its appearance with the gradual progress of taste in a country advancing fast to the modes of civilized life…" As you can see, Collin won the argument!

At the end of May 1784 some of the bricks were finished and the work begun. The roof was not erected until after the middle of November. "Since the bricks for the gable walls were spoiled by rain and frost so that they must be dried before a fire and for lack of cash to pay unwilling workmen, I had to take part of the work myself". Through this work Collin caught a severe cold with rheumatism, "so that my face became terribly swollen and I was ill during the entire following winder and spring".

The roof was completed in December and by "March 1786 benches, windows, balconies, etc. were all completed. The paneling of the arched ceiling, the white-washing and painting still remains, but this will be done, when more money comes in". He further notes that he will begin "Divine services in the church as soon as the vault is ready". Collin's financial troubles continued and he stated "if it was difficult to collect promises, it was still more difficult to collect the money." (Ed. Notes - Some things never change!) Collin was proud of the results however and noted that the church "is a source of perfect joy to the people . . . and it surpasses all other churches in state of New Jersey". His Journal describes the 3 doors and 28 windows (for comfort in the hot climate). "The balcony runs along three sides of the church and is lit up by 15 windows, of which one in the front gable is in triple pane, or so-called Venetian. The balcony is supported by 8 pillars". He also writes that "the altar and pulpit are engraved in the American Style".

Receipts for workmen and materials involved with this building project are detailed in the church records. Felix Fisler manufactured and delivered the bricks; Isaac Van Neaman (Vanneman) was a mason who worked at the rate of two dollars per thousand and furnished stone for the foundation at 6 shillings a perch. Ezechiel Foster had a contract for the carpentry and joiners work. The majority of materials came from the City of Philadelphia. A final plea in the Spring of 1786 for one hundred and fifty pounds proved successful and the building was completed.

By the 100th Anniversary of the building, the center aisle had been removed and two side aisles created to allow more seating. In 1839 the tower was added to the rear of the building at a cost of $2,941.88. Restoration work completed in 1999 returned the finials and paneled acroteria to the steeple as originally designed. The interior design of the tower structure is identical to that of Independence Hall tower. It is believed that the Master Carpenter on the Independence Hall project, James Clark who was born in Swedesboro and baptized in Trinity in 1811 at age 13, pirated the plans to his relatives to assist Trinity. As more as the building of present-day Trinity Church is detailed in church records and in Collin's Journal, little is noted in the records about the tower except to state "a committee was formed to investigate a tower". A year later it was reported that it was built!

Other changes over the years included a slate roof to replace the wooden shingles in the late 1800's; installation of electricity in 1899; Strawbridge and Clothier redecorating of the interior in 1911 which included stenciling around doors, windows and the arch; and the white painting of the woodwork around the 1930's when the altar and chancel area were expanded.

The extensive receipts and records of Nicolas Collin have been an asset to historians and the architects and engineers during the restoration work. His efforts allow us to appreciate the dedication and foresight in the building of this church.