CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH DOVER, DE

A HISTORY From the collection of Joseph Gates In 1703 wenty-two Kent County residents signed a petition asking the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, London (S.P.G.), for a religious leader.

Rev. Thomas Crawford arrived in 1704. He was the first of nine leaders sent by the S.P.G. Col. Robert French of New Castle donated a glebe farm of over 100 acres on the St. Jones River southeast of Dover. Within 3 years a wooden church was built, and was used for about 25 years. It was know as the “Church of Dover Hundred”.

In 1717 William Penn’s surveyors formally laid out the City of Dover, designating 2 religious squares:

1. Meeting House Square for the “Dissenters”(Presbyterians)

Glebe farm rental 2. Church Square for the agreement from 1860 Church of England

From the Delaware Archives Revolutionary times map

Colonial map close-up. Notice that State St. was “King” St., Kerbin St. was “Church” St.

Maps from the Delaware Archives colletcion A 1728 report to the S.P.G. described Dover as a city of 40 families.

About 230 people, some former Quakers, had been baptized in Kent County. Rev. Thomas Crawford, our first minister, preached in Smyrna, Milford and Lewis Town as well as Dover.

The people needed instruction in how to use the Book of Common Prayer. Children were offered summer catechism classes.

Early letter requesting support Rev. George Frazier arrived in 1733 and reported that money was being collected for a new brick church. He stated that the old boarded house on the glebe farm was not fit to be repaired. Building was begun in 1734.

The original building was a simple rectangular “meeting house” design.

The first entrance was centered on the south side, opening under a long L-shaped gallery (balcony) which spanned the south and west walls.

1897 photo The aisles consisted of bricks laid into the soil; pews had flooring. The old fashioned family pews were square with high paneling and doors, and rent was charged.

Photos are examples, not actual pews from Christ Church. The exterior was of “fine brickwork laid in Flemish-bond with black headers”.*

The rounded hip on the older part of building, above, is echoed in the right-angle hip on chancel addition, left. Old postcard, undated

Our current porch was added as a separate vestry room in the 1740’s. A fireplace was built in the NW corner, the only heat in the building at that time. There was a small door connecting this room with the nave of the church in the space that is now under the gallery stairwell. There was an outside entrance to the gallery steps at the NW corner of the vestry room. (In the postcard image above, that entrance is shown with a vestibule, added after 1860.) Diagrams of early church.

Space on south wall where The exterior door and part of the original gallery was located. A vertical window with a shutter is visible in the photo above, left where the Saulsbury (Christ the King) window is now located. In 1744 in a deed to Rev. Arthur Usher the first reference was made naming “Christ Church” as such instead of “St. John’s Chapel”.

In 1748 Captain Thomas Benson, of the ship ‘John and Bells” became ill and died in Dover in the home of George and Patience Wilson. He asked to be buried at the “Church of Dover”. ”I desire that good order may be kept and that no liquor whatsoever drunk nigh the Church and that things be ordered here with decency and nobody want…..I bequeath the parson a hattband and gloves , and a pair of gloves to the clerk.” Captain Benson’s marker is now embedded in an old cedar tree. It is the oldest marked grave in our cemetery. Rev. Charles Inglis was called in 1758. When he arrived he corrected building issues. The parish grew quickly during his stay of 6 years. He baptized many and practiced evangelical outreach to all parts of the community.

Rev. Inglis married Mary Vining in 1764. After the death of Mary and their baby he moved to Trinity Parish in New York City, where his loyalist support was well known. Rev. Magaw was buried at St. Peter’s in Philadelphia The Rev. Samuel Magaw (1735-1812), a protégé of Rev. Inglis, took charge in 1764. He was a sympathizer to the revolutionary cause. In 1767 he moved to St. Peter’s in Philadelphia, where he served for 23 years.

In October of 1775 he preached that “ the same pure flame which raises the soul of God “animated ”the real Patriot”.

He was a contributor to the organization of the Protestant Episcopal Church after the Revolution.

During his tenure at Christ Church several major gifts were presented. Nicholas Loockerman , John McDowell, Caesar Rodney and Nicholas Powell all left funds, most being designated for building improvements. In 1788 Elizabeth Pryor gave land for a Congregation of the Church of England. It apparently stayed in the possession of her son John Pryor. During Colonial times gifts were given to Christ Church, often designated in wills.

This 1741 Bible was presented By Mrs. James F. Allee on April 19, 1889. . Other gifts included the colonial silver chalice and paten given by Esther Wynkoop, and a lectern Bible given by her son Benjamin Wynkoop, of Philadelphia.

Esther’s grave is in the older part of our . cemetery. The marker, now illegible, became Photo by Bob Bruce buried under several feet of soil. th These are still used on special occasions at Christ Church. It was recovered in the early 20 century. The 1701 Bible given to Benjamin Wynkoop, merchant and son of Esther Wynkoop, Christ Church in 1767 lived in Philadelphia. He was an associate of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Wynkoop through membership in the Philadelphia Rumseian Society. is now preserved at the Delaware State Archives.

Benjamin Wynkoop owned Absalom Jones, taking him from Sussex County DE to Philadelphia when Wynkoop moved there. Jones paid for his freedom in 1784. Services were intermittent before and during the Revolution, and the building has been described as full of moles, bats, wild boys and cattle. The Church of England was out of favor along with the King’s rule. Clergy were withdrawn. Without the support from England the new church was treated with hostility; attendance fell. There were many changes of rectors at Christ Church.

Robert Piggott – 1830-1833 Thomas Crawford – 1704-1710 Daniel Higbee – 1833-1835 Jacob Henderson – 1710-1711 H. T. McCallum -1836 -1837 George Frazier – 1733-1735 S. T. Carpenter – 1850-1856 Arthur Usher – 1738-1745 Marshall B. Smith – 1859-1860 Theophilus Morris - 1745 John Crockar White – 1860-1863 Thomas Bluett – 1748-1749 T. Gardner Littell – 1865-1866 Hugh Neill – 1750-1756 Lucius Sweetland – 1867 Charles Inglis – 1759-1764 Edward H. True – 1868-1869 Samuel Magaw – 1764-1781 James W. Hoskins – 1870-1871 Samuel Roe – 1786-1791 Samuel McElwee – 1871-1873 George Dashiell – 1794 Lewis W. Gibson – 1873-1894 Walter C. Gardner – 1799 George M. Bond – 1895-1907 Henry Judah – 1818-1819 Henry Olmstead – 1907-1910 C.F. Cruse – 1824 Rev. James W. Hoskins 1870-1871 In 1783 the vestry of Christ Church and three other groups met to form an American Church.

Rev. Samuel Roe (1786-1791) became the first rector at Christ Church under the newly organized

Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America.

Our church became incorporated on May 17, 1790 as “The Episcopal Congregation of Christ Church Dover”

Elected as trustees, the signers included: James Sykes John Banning Nicholas Ridgely George Truit Joseph Taylor The first half of the 19th century was the most depressing period for Christ Church. There were no representatives to the Diocesan Conventions 1833 – 1859. The church and the yard were neglected.

In the 1840s a fire in the vestry room destroyed valuable records and damaged the Wynkoop silver. There is a story of the sexton rushing into the fire to save the silver. Mary Brereton Ridgely had the silver repaired

Bishop Alfred Lee was consecrated in the fall of 1841 as the first Bishop of Delaware

In the 1840s Bishop Lee did not want to preach in Christ Church Dover because he had heard it was in a “rueful Plight”, full of snakes and other vermin.

Sept. 9, 1807 – April 12, 1887 Bishop Lee’s leadership helped restore the church’s position in Dover and in Delaware.

On February 15, 1860 Christ Church was incorporated as

”The Episcopal Congregation of Christ Church Dover”

Rector Marshall B. Smith Wardens James F. Allee and Henry Ridgely

Vestrymen: J. P. Comegys Edward Ridgely J. P. Wild John C. Pennewill John C. Craig R. C. Justis Rev. T. Gardner Littell Served at Christ Church 1865-1866 Letter of invitation to Rev. Littell. Note the blank space left for salary! Beginning in 1859 the interior of the church was repaired and extensively altered. The glebe was sold for $1800 (or $3000) and part of the price was used towards this work.

This major renovation included architectural elements of the Oxford Movement (England), which revived interest in gothic design.

Clear glass windows began to be replaced with stained glass.

The high pulpit and the reader’s lectern were removed from the north wall and moved to the east side in front of the new chancel.

The arched clear glass windows were replaced with squared off stained glass.

Major support came from Mrs. Charles I. duPont (Ann Ridgely) and her daughter Mrs. Eugene duPont (Amelia Elizabeth).

The building was reconsecrated by Bishop Alfred Lee On Ascension Day, Thursday May 17, 1860. Circa 1875 The writing and decorative trim on the walls were paper. The Lord’s Prayer was located on one side, and the Creed on the other.

Mrs. Elizabeth Worrell paid for this work and for the addition of the belfry and bell in 1876-1877.

Before the 15’ chancel was added, the communion table was centered under the east end window with a surrounding railing. The 15’ chancel is visible at the east end of the church.

1897 photo The south entrance was closed, and a new entrance was cut into the west wall north of the vestry room.

The south side of the gallery (balcony) was removed.

The floor was raised off the ground and constructed of wood. Around or after the 1860 renovation: The small vestibule tucked into the North side of the vestry room contained the new entrance into the nave as well as the entrance to the gallery steps.

Note the rectangular gallery window visible just above the covered entrance. Photo with clear view of small “vestibule” leading to nave entrance and gallery steps. In 1867 the east window was fitted with stained glass. We have no clear photos of it.

In 1875 high box pews were replaced with our current pews, and faced the east.

Seating was rearranged to accommodate more people.

Some decorative trim is still visible; the writing is gone.

Note the stabilizing bar visible A shallow 15’ chancel was added to the east wall by 1887. At the top of photo. Photo 1887 (Note the old brownstone baptismal font in left corner.) The rood screen was added sometime between 1887 and 1897. This interesting church floorplan (undated) was created after the 1887 15’ chancel was added. This is the only map that shows the vestibule entrance to the church and the gallery steps. We also see a flue for a fireplace in the west wall, cellar steps, the lectern and pulpit bumped out, and a small inset showing an old parish house west of the church. In 1876-77 the current bell tower was built and in 1877 the bell was installed. It was cast by Meneely & Kimberly’s of Troy NY. This work was paid for by Mrs. Elizabeth Worrell. The Robbins window displays a neo-gothic representation of the feeding of the 5000. It carries a vocational connection to Mr. Robbins, who was a founder of the Richardson and Robbins cannery in Dover.

“IN MEMORIAM JAMES WASHINGTON ROBBINS BORN MAY 27TH 1831 DIED JUNE 27TH 1876”

(South side front)

Installed after 1876 The Worrell window is an excellent example of early United States stained glass, with no anthropomorphic (human) imagery, in obedience to a commitment to the second commandment, “Thou shall not make any graven images…… or have any gods before me.”

The dove representing the Holy Spirit was a daring element.

“+ I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETH” DR. EDWARD H. WORRELL”

“+ BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHICH DIE IN THE LORD”

“ELIZABETH RINGGOLD WORRELL HIS WIFE”

(North side front)

Installed after 1877, gift of Mrs. Worrell In 1879-80 the rectory at 502 S. State Street was purchased. Part of the money from the sale of the glebe farm was used for the acquisition.

502 S. State Street, 2019

The house was built in 1770, bought by Capt. James Bellock in 1776. Capt. Bellock was a member of the Continental Army from Kent Co. By 1806 it was being used as a store. In 1879 the gallery (balcony) was lighted. An organ was purchased in 1880. It was moved to several locations, including the gallery. The baptismal font is now on right. (The roud screen appears in this 1897 photo.) 1897 photo The Lucinda Hall Bradford window, created in Munich, presents the image the baptism of Jesus. Jesus and John the Baptist are dominant, with two Disciples and two other figures behind.

Bethlehem in the far left symbolizes the Gentile church. Jerusalem in the upper right symbolizes the Church of the Circumcision, representing Jewish Christians.

At the bottom: “Behold the Lamb of God which Taketh away the sins of the world.”

”TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN LOVING MEMORY OF LUCINDA HALL BRADFORD IN PEACE SEPTEMBER 5 1888”

The banner in John’s hand: “VOX CLAMANTIS IN DESERTO” A voice in the desert (referencing Isaiah 40:3) Installed after 1888 The railing at the altar was also dedicated to the memory of Lucinda Hall Bradford. The window reads: The Heverin window, “To the Glory of God located on the south wall center, And In Memory of portrays the nativity in the left lancet. James H. Heverin Died April 13th, 1893” Jesus is blessing the children (Born April 21,1844) in the right lancet. “Nihil Sine Labore” The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove (Never without labor) is placed at the top.

Installed after 1893 The Risen Christ is represented in the Bonwill window found on the north side rear of the church.

Given in memory of William Bonwill, it reads: “BECAUSE I LIVE YE SHALL LIVE ALSO”

TO THE MEMORY OF WILLIAM GIBSON ARLINGTON BONWILL AND HIS WIFE ABIGAIL ELIZABETH WARREN (July 12, 1829 – April 15, 1889) AS A LOVING TRIBUTE BY THEIR DAUGHTER LENORE BONWILL MILNE”

This window and the Mary Magdalene directly across from it were created in a modified 3D style of Louis C. Tiffany. The glass is layered to create depth.

Viewing it from outside will add to an understanding of the technique.

Installed after 1889 In the center of the north wall is the depiction of Jesus blessing the children. It is a fine English copy of an Italian window.

The window is a memorial to Dr. Henry Ridgely, a well-known pediatrician.

The inscription reads: “TO THE GLORY AND LOVING MEMORY OF DR. HENRY RIDGELY”

(Born April 15, 1817 – Died Sept. 17, 1904)

Installed after 1904 Cemetery map. February 22, 1897 Restored by Delaware Archives 20th Century After expressing some concerns about a malaria outbreak in the Dover area, Rev. Benjamin F. Thompson became rector of Christ Church in 1910. He served until 1939, and retired to a home on Elm Terrace. He was influential in another major renovation. Major work began with the east end of the interior on July 22, 1913. The chancel was deepened to 31’ and the altar window was moved and raised as high as possible to allow paneling above the altar. The organ was moved to the choir area and choir stalls placed in the chancel. The gallery (balcony) was changed from gothic to colonial paneling.

Lighting was entirely revised. The gas lighting was converted to electric.

The choir room and sacristy were added with a door cut through on the north end of the east wall to access this new area.

Paneling was added to nave walls and front of gallery. Woodwork was painted white with mahogany caps for the pews and molding.

The walls and ceiling were painted in 3 tones of colonial yellow. Previously the walls were green and ceiling was blue.

The carpet was removed and floors were finished in varnish with runners in the aisles.

Cushions were rebuilt and covered in a deep tone of brown to match aisle runners.

All work was finished in one year with a special service on Sunday Nov. 9, 1913, when the vested Boy Choir sang for the first time. The work was designed by Watson & Huckle of Philadelphia.

Photo 1919 A new belfry was planned to be installed over the new choir room, but was never built.

The drawing (top right) shows the chancel. On December 7, 1913, Delaware Day, (second Sunday of Advent) Bishop Kinsman presided over a Benediction Service on completion of the enlarging and redecorating of the church interior.

Bishop Kinsman was instrumental in bringing Rev. Thompson to Christ Church. On Sept. 30, 1916 the church wall, about 1700’, and lych gate were begun, with completion in March of 1918. The wall and gate were designed by William Heyt Thompson of Philadelphia, the rector’s son. The wall and gates were built in memory of the Ridgely family, given by Mrs. Amelia Elizabeth duPont.

. 1916 2019 Map of entire wall.

Very detailed drawings like the lamp design shown here reveal Mr. Thompson’s precise skills and attention to detail.

The wall replaced a thorn hedge whose broken gaps had been stopped up with barbed wire. In preparation for building the wall, the property opposite the rectory (502 State St.) was purchased in February of 1917 so that the main entrance could be placed on State Street. Previously the main entrance had been on Water Street, which in 1934 was referred to as the postern gate. The walk from that gate led to a parish house, which was moved south to create a green in front of the church.

North lych gate wall dedication: “In memory of Amelia Elizabeth duPont, widow of Eugene duPont, and daughter of Charles Irenee duPont and Ann Ridgely, his wife, by whom these Churchyard walls were built. Through a long life fulfilled with blessings and dedicated To benevolence she held fast her girlhood ideals and reverence for the sacred places of her youth. Feb. 16, 1842 Dec. 29, 1917”

South lych gate wall dedication: This wall was built as a Memorial to the Ridgely Family Communicants in this Parish since 1740, and to Ann Ridgely duPont, through whose efforts the Church was reopened Ascension Day 1860. Lych gate model designed by William Heyt Thompson

Lych gate 1920 Lych gate 2019 Note lack of street paving Driveway gate

Postern gate

Front gate

Inspiration for the brick wall came from Old St. Peter’s in Philadelphia. The oxbow cap was copied from there and created in Dover brickyards. On November 2, 1918 Bishop Frederick Kinsman rededicated Christ Church Cemetery.

1939 map On Feb. 21, 1919 more work began on the west end of the church building.

This work was also designed by William Heyl Thompson, son of Rev. Benjamin F. Thompson.

The old entry to the vestry room (located right of center) was removed and replaced by a central double door. Before 1919 The northern vestibule entrance was walled up.

After 1919 Church interior before central door was installed in 1920. A fireplace in the center of the back wall was removed. The old stairway to the gallery was repositioned to its current place on the south side of the porch.

2019 1920 The porch ceiling was removed to expose the 1740 rafters.

A double door interior entrance was opened, creating a new centered entrance to the nave. The floor was filled with cinders A window was installed and concrete on the north side to bring it up to the level of the porch. of the church floor and tiles were laid.

The old fireplace in the The south window was north west corner is gone. lowered and widened. The Mary Magdalene in the Garden window, south side rear of the church, was given :

“IN LOVING MEMORY OF MADELEINE BONWILL GELLATLY (Jan. 10, 1864 – Oct. 1, 1927) BY HER SISTER LENORE BONWILL MILNE”

This window was created in the same Tiffany style as the Risen Christ window dedicated to Madeleine’s father.

Installed after 1927 1889 1927 The CHRIST THE KING window was donated in 1929 by William Saulsbury as a memorial to his parents, Willard Saulsbury and Annie Ponder Saulsbury.

This is a high medieval style window referencing the second coming of Jesus. The zodiac signs behind the angels’ wings signify the whole cosmos.

There was a problem placing this window because the belfry created an obstruction and shadow. Glass was selected which would diffuse light and yet not be affected by the bell housing.

Photo: Lee Ann Walling 1934

200th anniversary of the church building: June 20, 1934, 11:00 - a “festal day”

The church and lawn were decorated.

Bishop Philip Cook attended. The service was followed by the presentation of a Detailed historical paper.

Mrs. Henry Ridgely planned a colorful display of colonial gowns.

The Endowment Fund for the preservation and maintenance of the church was established. Old parish house, which had been in front of the church, and was moved south to create a “Church Green”.

The Parish House Building Committee: William D. Denney, Sr. Warden Eyvind Finsen William P. Richardson, Jr. Warden Harry V. Holloway Paul A. Kellogg, Rector

A 1945 brochure asking for subscriptions for a new parish house describes the need for better facilities. “Church School Teachers struggle under handicaps: confusion, interruptions, drafts and gloomy surroundings.” Churchmen in the diocese were interested in a central facility in Dover for conferences and other activities. Before WW II ended plans were being made to construct a parish house with the guidance of the new rector, Rev. Paul A. Kellogg

Mrs. Normal Morris complained that there were no worktables or activity spaces. Space was needed for small weddings, meetings and private devotions.

November1944 Sketch of new Parish House Note cupola.

Drawing by Wm. Pfender for William H. Thompson, architect Circa 1944 front and side elevations of proposed Parish House Parish House plans of 1944-1945

Date on the east side of the Parish House. The actual drawing is life size.

Only photo of phase 1 of Parish House construction, 1947. After World War II work also began on renovations of the chancel with funds donated by Mr. William Richardson in memory of his wife Alena.

The work included a chancel screen, lectern and pulpit, a new hymn board, new paneled wainscoting and trim for the organ opening, and a revised door to the choir room/sancristy. An ambry for reserved sacraments was built on the north side of the altar and a credence table was added on the south side. Clergy and choir stalls were constructed in a colonial style. Lighting was modernized and a walnut sedilia was designed.

“Churches of Delaware”, Frank Zebley

This price estimate is not dated, but appears to be a list for this time period. The removal of the rood screen is mentioned. Undated chancel plan with altar moved forward and choir behind, facing the congregation. Plan: Raley Wainscoting, lectern and hymn board design.

Chancel and sanctuary design

Chancel rail and lectern design Original design created a high pulpit with a canopy in the southeast corner where our church Glorify band plays.

Current pulpit with wainscoting Aumbry design

Sedilia design In 1943 Mrs. Henry Ridgely and daughter Mrs. Harold Horsey offered to replace the pipe organ as conditions permitted.

Money was given and invested in war bonds until the value increased and the M. P. Moller organ company (of Hagerstown MD) was free to do the work.

In 1946 the Moller organ was purchased. It was installed after the end of WW II under the guidance of Rev. Paul Kellogg. It was dedicated to the memory of Henry Ridgely, husband of Mabel Lloyd Ridgely. Organ cabinet design

Music cabinet to the right of the organ In this photo.

1944 blueprint plan of organ chamber 1944 plan

1954 revised plan north: elevation of parish house Note the absence of the cupola 1954 revised parish house plans, 1st and 2nd floors Looking ahead: future presentations as research continues!

• More about the Parish House features and the 2002 renovation

• The baptismal font 1963 and church furnishings

• Church kneeler project - 1967

• Major church foundation work – 1968

• Cemetery history

Photo: Brad Richardson • Gifts to our church

• Our Rectors’ accomplishments – 300 years of history

• Notable members of our congregation and their contributions

• Properties and deeds from Colonial time to present

The baptismal area was originally designed to be situated in the back of the church next to the Bonwill window. It included a raised platform and special light.