INTRODUCTION When reading this biography and the accompanying early history of the church in San Francisco it is important to define a few terms that will aid the reader’s understanding. There are various names in referring to the church that are used interchangeably; The New Jerusalem Church (N.J.), The New Church (N.C.), The Swedenborgian Church, The Lord’s Church of the New Jerusalem and The Church of the New Jerusalem. The term Society is frequently used in place of the word church. Today, the sole remaining congregation of the New Jerusalem Church in San Francisco is called “The Swedenborgian Church of San Francisco”. General Convention or simply Convention refers to the overarching legislative body of the church. It also refers to the annual 4 – 5 day assembly of the various societies for discussion of various topics. A “receiver” refers to a person who has completely accepted the doctrines of Swedenborg but may be isolated and not connected to a society. Ordinance is a Protestant Christian term for baptism, communion and other religious rituals.
EARLY HISTORY OF THE NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH OF SAN FRANCISCO According to an account written in the June 9, 1867 Daily Alta California1 newspaper, the first New Jerusalem Church was organized on February 15, 1852 with 15 members, 14 men and 1 woman. However, an announcement was found in the earlier February 8th edition of the Daily Alta2 in that year which reads: "The New Jerusalem Church. Morning services at 11 o'clock, at the Superior Court Room, corner of Jackson and Dupont streets."
It is entirely possible that the members who were interviewed in 1867 did not remember the exact date of their first meeting. In fact, the formal society was formed on 8th of February 1852 after the morning services. However, before discussing the formal beginning of the church in San Francisco in greater detail we must examine the person who allegedly was the first to preach the doctrines of Swedenborg in California.
1 2
Daily Alta California, June 9, 1867, Vol. XIX, No. 6295 Dal Alta California, February 8, 1852, Vol. III, No. 38
Copyright 2011 Paul S. Puente
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