Religious Groups in Delaware in 1638: None Established

In 1638, no major religious group had established a permanent settlement or congregation in the territory that became Delaware.

Context

• 1631: Dutch Zwaanendael Colony (near Lewes) — destroyed by Lenape within a year; no religious institution.
• 1638: Swedish New Sweden founded Fort Christina (Wilmington). Settlers were Lutherans (Church of Sweden), but no pastor arrived until 1640 (Reorus Torkillus). No church building yet.
• English/Dutch had trading posts, not religious communities.

First Organized Religion

• 1640: Rev. Reorus Torkillus conducts first Lutheran services at Fort Christina.
• 1699: Old Swedes Church (Holy Trinity) built — oldest surviving church in Delaware.
• Early 1700s: Quakers, Presbyterians, Baptists arrive with English settlers.

1638 marks the beginning of European colonization (Swedish), not established religion.