Again the Hermits at the consecration of the new Swedish church—Gloria Dei—July 2, 1700, act as choristers and furnish instrumental music.[30]
The first German minister ordained in this country was Justus Falckner, who was consecrated by the Swedish Lutherans. In a letter to Rev. Heinrich Muhlen, of Holstein (1701), Falckner shows that, even at that early day, music was considered an important adjunct of the church service. He says:
“In short there are Germans here, and perhaps the majority, who despise God’s Word and all outward good order; who blaspheme the sacraments and frightfully and publicly give scandal....
“I will here take occasion to mention that many others besides myself, who know the ways of the land, maintain that music would contribute much towards a good Christian service. It would not only attract and civilize the wild Indians, but it would do much good in spreading the Gospel truths among the sects and others by attracting them. Instrumental music is especially serviceable here. Thus a well-sounding organ would perhaps prove of great profit, to say nothing of the fact that the Indians would come running from far and near to listen to such unknown melody, and upon that account might become willing to accept our language and teaching, and remain with people who had such agreeable things; for they are said to come ever so far to listen to one who plays even a reed-pipe (rohr-pfeiffe): such an extraordinary love have they for any melodious and ringing sound. Now as the melancholy, saturnine stingy Quaker spirit has abolished (relegiert) all such music, it would indeed be a novelty here, and tend to attract many of the young people away from the Quakers and sects to attend services where such music was found, even against the wishes of their parents. This would afford a good opportunity to show them the truth and their error.
“If such an organ-instrument (Orgel-werck) were placed in the Swedish church ... it would prove of great service to this church.
“If there were music in the church, the young people would consider church-going a recreation.
“The Lord of Hosts ... would be praised and honored with cymbal and organ.
“And it may be assumed that even a small organ-instrument and music in this place would be acceptable to God, and prove far more useful than many hundreds in Europe, where there is already a superfluity of such things.
“There are in Europe masters enough who would build such instruments, and a fine one can be secured for 300 or 400 thalers. Then if an experienced organist and musician could be found, and a curious one, who would undertake so far a journey, he would be very welcome here. In case this could not be, if we only had an organ, some one or other might be found who had knowledge thereof.”[31]
The writer of this missive was somewhat of a poet himself, and composed several fine hymns, some of which are in use at the present day.[32]