By Mike Finney

DOVER — Christ Church, a worship space since 1734 at South State and Water streets, may have a rich history, but its members are also thinking ahead.

With the help of the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, the congregation unveiled the newly renovated Parish Hall on Tuesday, after a four-month renovation.

The facility sits on the second floor of a brick building adjacent to the church.

Not only will the hall serve as a gathering space for the church’s events, it will be available to rent as a versatile venue for meetings, receptions and other celebrations.

“It’s wonderful to be able to open Christ Church up to the greater community and for us to be a part of the community and for the community to be a part of us,” said Deacon Patricia Malcolm.

“(It will be a place) where people can go where they’re close to home, and they can park and have their meetings, birthday parties, anniversaries, wedding receptions, whatever they want to have. We have audio/video equipment, and we have a full-service kitchen with industrial appliances.”

Christ Church, an Episcopal site, is home to one of the oldest congregations in the state. It is found on one of two public squares set aside for houses of worship in the Dover town plan, created by William Penn’s surveyors in 1717.

And the location is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Christ Church is known for welcoming an inclusive community, embracing individuals from all walks of life.

Deacon Malcolm said it took donations from all members to make the renovations possible.

“All the parishioners gave money,” she said. “We needed to have some endowments, and some members of the church that have passed away have contributed and left money for the renovation of this building.

“The people that come to church here, if we need anything, they try to meet the need as best as possible.”

Christ Church also has a strong reputation for giving back. It offers a variety of worship services, music and outreach activities, such as the Blessings Box, recovery meetings, meals for Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing and tours.

The current church building, constructed in the Gothic Revival style, dates to the mid-19th century. Its architecture features stained glass windows, a towering spire and stone carvings, reflecting the craftsmanship of the era.

Christ Church’s cemetery is also the resting place of many of the city’s earliest leaders. And, while there is a monument for lifelong member Caesar Rodney in the graveyard, he is not buried there. The statesman’s grandfather, Charles Inglis, served as pastor from 1759-64.

On Tuesday, George Dawson, a vestry member for the church, got the ribbon cutting started with the Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce.

“This is an occasion where we want to celebrate the renovation of our space to the wider community of Dover and surroundings, ... so we’re here with the thankful cooperation of the CDCC, and we’re here to celebrate,” he said.

He added that congregants are excited to offer a valuable space to the public. The revenue will boost the church’s mission to uplift the community and continue to give back in even greater ways.

Jen Sutter, director of memberships for the chamber, was also pleased to take part in the ceremony.

“It’s my job to welcome new companies in, and the thing I don’t think people realize is we do ribbon cuttings but not just for the initial openings,” she said. “It’s anything you want to celebrate — anniversaries, new construction, even promotions. To me, it’s great fun.”

Moving forward, Deacon Malcolm said Christ Church stands as a beacon of faith, compassion and community spirit, and continues to inspire those who come through its doors and live nearby.

“We have almost anything that anybody would need for a meeting or a party. We have it right here,” she said.

For information, visit christchurchdover.church or call 302-734-5731.

Staff writer Mike Finney can be reached at 302-741-8230 or mfinney@iniusa.org.
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