New Castle, Delaware - II
Founded in 1689, Immanuel Church in New Castle, Delaware is one of the oldest Episcopal parishes in the United States. Immanuel's parishoners have been worshipping on the spot where the church stands for over 325 years. Our history and that of the town of New Castle have always been closely linked, and continue to be so today.
A Colonial Church
Immanuel Church was founded in 1689 and was the first parish of the Church of England in Delaware (then still part of Pennsylvania). Work on a church building began in 1703, and was mostly completed by 1708.
The Reverend George Ross was the first rector of Immanuel, arriving in 1705 as a missionary sent by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. Ross served as rector for Immanuel parish from 1705 until 1708 and then again from 1714 to 1754. Much as we do today, Ross offered two services on Sunday, and administered Holy Communion regularly. He also served in other churches in the area, and was willing to travel to meet the needs of the colonial population.
Anglicans were a minority in the colony, which had been heavily settled by Presbyterians, Anabaptists, and Quakers. Ross felt a keen sense of competition, and made it his life's work to bring as many people in the village to Anglicanism as possible. Although he often grumbled about the lack of dedicated attendance, Ross was successful in his goal, and left a flourishing church behind him.
Revolutionary Times and Beyond
The American Revolution was a difficult time for the Anglican Church in the colonies. As the official state church of England, it struggled to find a role once the United States and England were no longer considered one nation. The church continued to exist and became self-governing as the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America otherwise known as the Episcopal Church after the Revolution.
During the later years of the 18th century, the church, known as the "Old Church", had fallen into disrepair to the point where it was dangerous to be inside. The rector at the time, Robert Clay, himself "loaned" the parish 1600 dollars to perform repairs on the church.
Despite declining membership, in 1820 the parish decided to invest heavily in improvements to the church building. William Strickland, a noted American architect of the early 19th century, directed these improvements at his own expense, which included the addition of the bell tower and an extension of the transepts. Within a short time, the parish was among the leaders in the diocese and as the Episcopal Church enjoyed a resurgence in the mid-nineteenth century, Immanuel too grew and prospered.
Starting in the late 1850s, the interior of the church was changed to suit Victorian tastes. The interior was again altered around 1900, when Victorian elements were replaced with Colonial Revival architectural features. This style reflected an idealized vision of what Immanuel once was, but did not accurately reflect the way the church ever actually looked.
From the Ashes
On February 1, 1980, embers from a fire in the marsh by the river caught in the wind and landed on Immanuel's roof. The church was badly damaged in the ensuing fire, one of the more traumatic events in the town of New Castle's long history. Talk to any long-time resident of New Castle today, and they most likely will be able to tell you exactly what they were doing when they heard that Immanuel was on fire.
Although the building was heavily damaged, the spirit of the congregation remained strong and faithful. They resolved to rebuild the church and continue to worship on the same spot where Anglicans had worshipped for so many years. The church was restored to its 1822 William Strickland design, with modifications to the sanctuary to accommodate modern liturgical needs. The church was rededicated on December 18, 1982.
New Castle, Delaware - open house day
Historic New Castle
New
Castle, Delaware was originally settled by the Dutch West India Company
in 1651 under the leadership of Peter Stuyvesant. Originally named Fort
Casmir, the town changed name and ownership several times over the next
30 years and through the second and third Anglo-Dutch wars. It wasn't
until 1680 that New Castle was conveyed to William Penn by the Duke of
York and served as his landing place and where he first set foot on
American soil on October 27, 1682.The transfer of New Castle to William Penn raised disputes over boundary lines and was hotly contested by Lord Baltimore. The dispute led to a property survey conducted by Mason and Dixon - now famed in history for the Mason-Dixon Line.
Today, Historic New Castle, Delaware is located just 10 minutes south of downtown Wilmington, encompasses 3.2 square miles and is home to approximately 5,200 residents. Overlooking the Delaware River, Historic New Castle is the oldest continuously occupied town in the Delaware Valley. And, thanks to the efforts of legendary preservationist, Louise du Pont Crowninshield, this vibrant, fully occupied community remains one of the most important Colonial/Federal villages in America - second only to Williamsburg, Virginia in the number and authenticity of its historic structures.
Planning for the Museum Council’s 2016 Holiday House Tour: Houses with History is underway! This unique tour features homes that will not be opened for a public tour again for a generation–if ever. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to tour Wilmington’s most spectacular historic homes decorated for the holidays. The Tour will coincide with the Museum’s Annual Winter Arts Festival , which will feature 20 regional artisans and live holiday music. Proceeds support the Museum’s educational programs. WHAT WILL YOU SEE ON THE 2016 HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR? Have you noticed the mansion on Kennett Pike, which has undergone a remarkable renovation? After years of benign neglect and hiding behind a thicket of trees and underbrush, this home is being restored to its original glory. For privacy and noise control, the owners have planted a well-planned screen of greenery. Just wait until you see inside! Oberod, the family home Harry and Jane duPont Lunger built in the 1930s, has undergone major renovations and updating of systems to preserve this building without damage to its original design. Oberod may well have been the inspiration for the nickname “Chateau Country,” by which the Centreville, Delaware area is known. You’ll be able to drive up the sweeping driveway to the gorgeous ironwork gate at the entrance to the cobblestone courtyard. You’ll walk on the bricked sidewalk through that courtyard to the front entrance to the home. You’ll want to wear your walking shoes! Three other homes have had duPont family connections. Two of these places were in dreadful condition, and might have been lost, but for the thoughtful, well-planned, and extensive restorations they received from new owners. Each of the homes has a compelling history. You will have a glimpse into how modern families live in historic sites. A SPECIAL LUNCHEON LOCATION In addition to these five houses, we’ve reserved the Greenville Country Club , a former duPont family home named Owl’s Nest, for luncheon which will be opened only for those who purchase an additional luncheon ticket. A limited number of luncheon tickets will be available so please order yours early so you won’t be disappointed. No need to worry about parking; you’ll be able to drive right up to that canopy at the front door for valet parking–without an additional charge. WINTER ARTS FESTIVAL On Holiday House Tour day, your wristband/tour ticket will grant you admission to the Museum on Kentmere Parkway where, in addition to marvelous art collections, a well-stocked Museum Store, an excellent cafĂ©, and delightful holiday music, you will find Winter Arts Festival with 20 first-rate artisans offering holiday gifts and artistic treasures. This festival will continue on Sunday as well. Click here to learns about the artisans. WHERE CAN YOU BUY TICKETS? ***Tour and luncheon tickets will be mailed out on or before November 1, 2016 .*** Tickets may be purchased using your credit card online and at the Museum. Use cash or checks at these retail locations: Everything But The Kitchen Sink, Janssen’s Market, Minster’s Jeweler’s in Newark, Old Country Gardens, Purple Sage Herbs & Gifts in Middletown & Studio 882 Furniture + Design in Glen Mills. If you decide you want luncheon tickets, please order them online or call or visit the Museum because they will not be available at these stores. All Delaware Art Museum members will receive a mailed invitation, which will contain a mail-in order form for both tour and luncheon tickets. Tour ticket are $35 with advance purchase and $40 on the day of the tour. Luncheon tickets will be $25. Please save the date and join us on this special day, Saturday, December 10, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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