St. Paul's Episcopal Church (Georgetown, Delaware) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Paul's Episcopal Church
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St. Paul's Church
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 Location in Delaware
Location in the United States
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| Location | 122 East Pine Street Georgetown, Delaware |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1844, 1880 |
| Architect | Charles McKim |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000649 |
| Added to NRHP | November 13, 1979 |
St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a very old and important church in Georgetown, Delaware. It is located at 122 East Pine Street. The church community started way back in 1794. The brick building you see today was finished in 1844. Later, in 1881, it was updated by a famous architecture firm called McKim, Mead, and White. They gave it a beautiful early Victorian Gothic style.
This church is one of 38 churches in the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a special place that is important to the history of the United States. Many important people from Sussex County are buried in the churchyard. These include Caleb R. Layton, Daniel J. Layton, and Charles C. Stockley.
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History of St. Paul's Church
The St. Paul's church community officially began on June 21, 1794. This was soon after the American Revolutionary War ended. At that time, the Anglican Church in the United States became the Episcopal Church. The group first bought some land on Front and Pine streets. However, they never used it and sold it in 1806.
Early Church Buildings
Since they didn't have a church building, Reverend James Wiltbank held services. He would sometimes hold them in the local courthouse. In 1804, the community bought the land where the church stands today. It is at East Pine and Academy streets. Over the next 20 years, they built a church made of wood.
In 1805, the Delaware government passed a law. This law allowed the church leaders to raise money. They could raise $1500 by holding a lottery to help build the church. New churches were learning how to support themselves. A wooden church was built, and Reverend Hamilton Bell dedicated it on January 25, 1806. It wasn't fully finished yet, though. In 1827, the government allowed another lottery. This one was to raise $10,000. The money was for building a school and a Masonic Hall in Georgetown. It was also meant to help finish St. Paul's Church. However, this lottery never happened.
Building the Brick Church
In 1843, the old wooden church was moved from the site. Workers then started building a new church made of brick. This new building was completed in 1844. It was officially dedicated on November 19 of that same year.
By 1881, almost 40 years later, the church needed repairs. It was renovated and updated in the early Victorian Gothic style. This work was done by the famous architectural firm McKim, Mead, and White from New York City. This firm was well-known for designing many important churches across the country. The church has been kept in this beautiful style ever since.
Church Improvements and Additions
Reverend James C. Kerr arrived at the church in 1885. He was the one who installed the church's first pipe organ. The next year, a Sunday School chapel was started. A building for the Sunday School had already been built in the 1870s.
Finally, in 1897, the church complex was completed. A two-story wooden house was built next to the church. This house was 29 feet by 43 feet. It was built by John W. Messick for $1500. This house became the rectory, which is where the church's minister lives. Reverend John Warnock was the first minister to live in the rectory.
In 1930, U.S. Senator Willard Saulsbury, Jr. left money to St. Paul's Church in his will. This money was used to create a beautiful stained-glass window for the altar. This window is called "The Te Deum Window." It shows the beliefs of the Church, as described in the old song "The Te Deum." The window was designed by James H. Hogan. He worked for James Powell & Sons in London. The bishop dedicated this special window on February 9, 1930.
Recent History and Recognition
The National Register of Historic Places added St. Paul's Church to its list in 1979. This recognized its importance in history. In 1987, a fire started for an unknown reason. It destroyed the parish hall, Sunday School classrooms, and the sacristy. However, the main church areas, like the sanctuary and nave, were not damaged. These parts were rebuilt in 1990.
Important People Buried Here
Many important people are buried in the churchyard of St. Paul's. These include:
- Caleb R. Layton (1851 - 1930): He was a doctor and a U.S. Representative. This means he was elected to represent Delaware in the United States Congress.
- Daniel J. Layton (1879 - 1960): He was a lawyer and served as the Attorney General of Delaware. He also became the Chief Justice of the Delaware Supreme Court.
