Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Episcopal Church

"Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled." - Luke 6:21

We looked at this verse, from Jesus' sermon on the plain, earlier this year. In the context of Luke's Gospel, it is part of the good news that Jesus is proclaiming - about how his ministry will bring justice and healing and hope to those who are most in need. But this verse is also very much on my heart and mind right now, as I read the news about millions of people losing access to SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, aka food stamps).

If you haven't looked up the details, SNAP feeds more than 40 million people a month nationally (about 1 in 8). Of those who receive SNAP, the vast majority of people who are able to work do work, and almost 60% of receipients are either children or elderly. With these kinds of statistics, I can guarantee that people we know and love normally receive SNAP (whether or not we are aware of it). And, in the midst of the ongoing government shutdown, many of those people are going to struggle to put food on the table.

So, as followers of Jesus, I hope you will join me in asking how we can provide for people who are hungry in the coming months. In this newsletter, you will see three different opportunties to get involved with making meals or donating to a food pantry. But there are lots of other opportunties as well (and new ideas are always welcome on the Missions Committee!). As a community that has been richly blessed and provided for in the past year, this is a time for us to be in prayer and action, sharing those blessings and proclaiming the good news of God's abundant love.

Service Details:

A memorial service for Dave Rivers will be held at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') on Saturday, November 15, at 2pm. A reception will follow at Penn's Landing Caterers (at the Sheet Metal Worker's Union), located just across Columbus Blvd from the church at 1301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. Parking at the church will be limited to immediate family and those with significant mobility limitations. All others are welcome to drop passengers at the pedestrian gate on Water Street and then park at Penn's Landing Caterers. Please contact the church office with any questions: info@old-swedes.org, or 215-389-1513.

Obituary:

Reverend David B. Rivers passed into eternal life on Saturday, September 20, 2025, in Wyncote Pennsylvania, following a long illness.

Born May 22, 1937, in New Haven, Connecticut, he was the son of Reverend Burke Rivers and Phyllis McCausland Rivers, who predeceased him. A brother, Richard Rivers, also preceded him in death.

David Rivers spent his childhood largely in Johnson City, New York and Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where his father was the priest serving All Saints Church, Johnson City and St Stephen's Church, Wilkes-Barre. He loved vacations on the Maine coast with his family. He graduated from Wyoming Seminary, Kingston and Haverford College. After teaching English at The Pennington School in New Jersey, he earned a Master of Divinity degree at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

In 1961, Rev. Rivers was wedded to Elizabeth Zeller; Dave and Liz recently celebrated 64 years of marriage. He viewed his ministry as their ministry. Their first parish was St. Elizabeth's Schnecksville, where he was ordained in 1965 by Bishop Frederick Warnecke. Interested in adventure, they explored mission opportunities. After several months learning Spanish in Cuernavaca, Mexico, Rev. Rivers became the Priest in Charge at San Esteban, San Pedro de Marcoris in the Dominican Republic. After 3 years as a missionary, they returned to the United States and Rev. Rivers was called to Gloria Dei (Old Swedes) Church in Philadelphia, PA. Rev. Rivers was the Rector at Old Swedes Church from 1972 through 2004. While serving this historic church (the oldest church in Pennsylvania), he oversaw renovations and commemorated the 300^th anniversary of its construction. For several years, he was Dean of the Episcopal Southwark deanery. He was a member of the Swedish Colonial Society. Rev. Rivers then served in interim and part-time roles at Philadelphia area churches, including Holy Trinity Church, Lansdale and St. Dunstan's Church, Blue Bell.

Rev. Rivers was a gifted preacher of the word of God, following in his father's footsteps. He was a leader by example, and genuinely interested in people from all walks of life who he welcomed to church. His sense of humor, fondness for jokes, and love of a good party extended throughout his lifetime. He could be an irreverent reverend.

A fishing, hunting and camping enthusiast, Rev. Rivers enjoyed time outdoors particularly at the New Jersey shore, in northeast Pennsylvania and at Algonquin Park, Ontario. He was a devoted Eagles, Phillies and Penn State fan. He was a skilled photographer, particularly for black and white photos, and maintained a dark room for many years. Rev. Rivers appreciated classical and folk music, and sang bass in church choirs as a boy and adult. He supported music as part of services as well as separate musical programs, considering music to be an integral part of church life.

Rev. Rivers is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Zeller Rivers; children Christine (Stephen Albert) Rivers; Julia (Mark Chatman-Royce) Rivers; Diana (Lawrence) Bloom; and John (Frances) Rivers. He is also survived by his grandchildren Meagan, Nicholas, Kyra, Lukas, Alexander, Robert, Noel, Larson and Beatrice; great grandchildren Julian and Sienna; and numerous nieces and nephews. Rev Rivers is survived by his sister-in-law Virginia Rivers.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations be made to Gloria Dei (Old Swedes') Church, which can be done through our website, www.old-swedes.org. Condolences can also be sent through the funeral home; please visit rachubinskiandrogersfh.com.

From the records of Gloria Dei -

November 2, 1835 - Baptism of Jeanette & Rebecca Dietelbach. A third daughter died several days before her sisters were baptized. The first triplets recorded at Gloria Dei. They were born on October 5, 1835.
November 10, 1777 - Robbery of the Church’s Vestry room.
November 24, 1777 - Justus Fulckner ordained a minister at Gloria Dei.

Remarkable Occurrence - Rev. Nicholas Collin
November 1806 - When I begun the records of marriages in this volume, I set a part a considerable number of pages for this disagreeable subject. But, although several were omitted, and many were briefly stated, those pages are filled, and I must allot not a few more.

November 8 - In the even. a young man came with the intended bride, and her sister. He is, by his own account 22, and appears to be so; served his time to a shoemaker in New Ark in E. N. Jersey, and left his indentures there. The girl is 22 also, as she and the sister said, and looks so, both also have a genteel appearance. Their mother is living. I told them that my only doubt was whether the young man is free, as impositions are common, and requested some good evidence, as the shoemaker with whom he works. This he refused with a miff, saying he was free and independent. He behaved otherwise civilly; but has no idea of civil order. If one or two other clergymen refused, he will probably either quit the woman, or live with her without wedlock. I have observed several suspicious cases of a man coming alone with two women; in this the female partner appeared more willing than the male

November 1, 1809 - A youngish man, clerk of a merch., as he said, in company with an elderly, both Germans, came to engage me for join. him in wed. to a girl whose guardian, he avowed, after some quibbling was not willing. She is 18, and has property - Refused.

November 28, 1809 - A youth by app. 20. saying that he was a lieutenant in the English Army and by his pronun. Scotch or Irish apply with extraord. affiduite praying promise reward on my own terms. and by repeated refus. greatly aff. He said that the bride was 25, and had no pay. liv. and was of a rep. fam. Although to a late case of pub. notoriety. he also said that the Bishop of the Ep. Ch. here had nuble written on the pub. declared that a clergyman of their profess. is in duty bound to marry a memb. of their church if no legal objects. exist. I desired him apply to one of this Clergy if he is of that commun. He at last went and much grieved, but behaved with civility all the time. Advice against imprudent marr. as my duty generally and part. to strangers. Still more those that had respect. families my regard, moreover for British off. was taken in good part, and he express. respect for the clerical function.

Tombstone Inscriptions

In Memory of Alice Ferguson Tanner
Youngest daughter of Benjamin & Mary Tanner who died Nov 16 1826
aged 6 years & 9 days
Suffer the children to come unto me
For of such is the Kingdom

Lewis Gillingham
“He was a Good Man.”
Born Nov. 5th 1808 died Sept. 13th 1870
Erected by the Sunday Schools of Gloria Dei Church, as a tribute of their affection and appreciation of his faithfulness unto death

Old Swedes’ To=day

November 1916 - First issue of Old Swedes’ To=day printed. Percy R. Stockman Rector. It was printed four times a year. The booklet included a message from the Rector, general notes about what was happening in the Parish, Calendar of events, Parish records of baptisms, marriages and burials, general missions and historical notes. Historical notes listed in this issue. 270 years ago- Church built on Tinicum Island, by the Swedes.; 239 years ago-Block House-Church built at Wicaco.; 200 years ago- Rev. Andrew Sandel was Rector Gloria Dei; 150 years ago-Rev. Charles M. Wrangel, under whom the churches at Kingessing and Upper Merion had been built, was called to return to Sweden; and though his departure was delayed, he finally did return and was made a Bishop; 100 years ago-At a meeting of the Vestry it was ordered that the Warden should supply the Rev. Dr. Collin with three tons of hay. The yearly income of the corporation was reported as $1,541.48 and the Rector’s share of it was $533.33.; 50 years ago- The church was closed during the summer in order to be papered and cleansed. The Vestry decided to raise the pew rents fifty percent. Plans were approved for the schoolhouse to be built west of the Rectory; and hollow trees in the southern part of the churchyard were cut down.

November 1917 - Service of Consecration - At the ten-thirty service on Sunday morning, November 18th, two important memorials will be consecrated. The marble and bronze pedestal to the font has been placed in the sanctuary as a memorial to the Rev. Jehu Curtis Clay, D.D., a former Rector of the Church, and presented by his grandson, Mr. R. Edey Clay, a member of the Vestry. A communion set, for use at the Chapel services, also given by Mr. Clay, is a memorial to the late Rector, the Rev. Snyder B. Simes. These two memorials will be consecrated at this time, the Rt. Rev. James Bowen Funsten, D. D., Bishop of Idaho, Consecrator.

Memorials and Improvements - The Church is under a deep sense of obligation to that member of the Vestry who, during the past year, has given more for its permanent improvement than any living benefactor has ever given in the same manner before. It is of particular interest to note the varied character and extreme usefulness of some of these gifts. In the first place there is the memorial pedestal, which provides a fitting and enduring support for the greatly treasured marble bowl of the font, one the oldest possessions of the Church, which tradition tells us came from Gothenburg before the present Church was erected. If, so, it was probably in use in Tinicum Island in the Swedish Church there. The last pedestal to the font was of wood, very appropriate in design, but not sufficiently strong and permanent for such a valued relic. It was apparently, a part of the new Chancel furniture placed in the Church about 1846, when several alterations were made, in the Rector ship of the Rev. Jehu Curtis Clay. Therefore, in placing the new pedestal, it seemed particularly appropriate to make it as far as possible a replica of the wooden one, and to inscribe it as a memorial to Dr. Clay. The capping to receive a bowl is of bronze, cast in sections and accurately fitted together; and the base and column are of white Vermont marble, the whole carefully reproducing the design of the previous wooden pedestal. Around the base is the inscription, “The Pedestal in Memory of Rev. Jehu Curtis Clay, D.D.”

There is also the memorial communion set, including the silver chalice and paten, with glass cruets, and a specially constructed case for carrying. This is for use in those services of the communion held outside the Church itself, especially those conducted in the Chapel by the gate, otherwise used as the Men’s Bible Class room. On the third Sunday of each month, and on certain saints’ days, the communion service is held here, as being more convenient for a small number that the Church building. Inscribed on the base of the cup are the words, “Chapel Chalice-In Memory of Rev. Snyder B. Simes,” and on the under part, “Communion Set for Use at Chapel Services of Gloria Dei Church-Presented by R. Edey Clay-1917.” On the plate, to mark it as a part of the same, is inscribed, “Chapel Paten.”

There is also the new paving laid in the Chancel, composed of six-inch English tiles with facing and step tread of Tennessee marble. This gives a permanent character to the Sanctuary in keeping with the aisles of the nave. It was not intended to make a restoration, for the old Chancel was probably paved with bricks and flagging, but to conform, so far as seemed feasible, with contemporaneous work of like character. Kneeling cushions cover the first chancel step.

In front of the Rectory a very handsome wall has been built, which, with the city improvements to the sidewalk and street, makes the approach from that side in its substantial and highly dignified appearance, adequate to the rest of the Church property. This piece of wall conforms to that on the south side of the Church, facing Swanson Street, erected some time ago by the Sunday-School. The iron-work is duplicate of the design of the gateway on the south side, and is carried between the pillars, above the base, so as to let light into the front yard. The gate is the same distance from the Chancel exterior as the one on the south, and opens upon steps leading up to the walk between the Church and the Rectory, disclosing a vista through the Church yard, which includes in the background both Sunday-School buildings and clear to Water Street.

The parking space for autos is another improvement, made possible by this gift, and was effected by cutting off a small portion of the lawn on the south side at the west end of the Church yard. The gate letting out on Water Street was found to be wide enough for motorcars to enter, and the curbing was lowered to make an easy approach, and additional bricks laid at that point in the yard, making a convenient space for five or six cars.

Included in the provisions of this donor’s generosity was also the electric lighting system in the Sunday-School room, and the stereopticon and screen, which have been previously noted, and were installed in the spring.

November 2 - 21st Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 1:10-18
Psalm 32:1-8
2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Luke 19:1-10

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

November 9 - 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Job 19:23-27a
Psalm 17:1-9
2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Luke 20:27-38

O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of the devil and make us children of God and heirs of eternal life: Grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

November 16 - 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Malachi 4:1-2a
Psalm 98
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Luke 21:5-19

Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

November 23 - Last Sunday after Pentecost & Christ the King
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 46
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

November 30 - First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 2:1-5
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44
Psalm 122

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

A Word from the Rector

Day of the Dead

Missions Committee

10 minutes of prayer on Zoom

Memorial Service for Rev. David Rivers

Musical Meditation

Lunch Packing

Lucia 2025

Angel Tree Collections Beginning Soon!

O Brother, Where Art Thou? Tribute

Christmas Flowers

Christmas Music Donations

Jazz & Joe

Our Christmas Season

History Committee

Sunday Eucharist

November Lectionary

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