Christ Church
3rd and Church Sts., Milford, DEOne of the original Anglican parishes in Delaware, Christ Church Parish was established in 1704 by the missionaries of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts . It was served by the Society until 1777. The first parish church was built between 1704 and 1720 on "Church Hill," about three miles west of present-day Milford. This frame church, called "Christ Church of Mispillion," was commonly known as "'Savannah Church" because of a swamp near the site.
In 1787 Joseph Oliver laid out his farm into town lots, forming the nucleus of Milford. He set aside two lots, and aided The Reverend Syndenham Thorne in the erection of the present Christ Church. Parson Thorne donated the timbers, sawn in his own mill, and paid for the bricks from Oliver's brickyards to erect the "Christ Church in
Milford." Begun in 1791, the church was yet unfinished in 1793 when Thorne died. In fact, the building was not fully completed until 1835, under the direction of The Reverend Corry Chambers; Christ Church was consecrated in 1836 by Bishop Henry U. Onderdonk.
Since its completion in 1835, Christ Church has undergone several alterations and additions. Between 1863 and 1894 various alterations were made under The Reverend J. Leighton McKim. Included among these were the removal of the gallery and box pews and the replacement of the two rows of plain glazed windows with pairs of lancet windows. A chancel, sacristy, entry porch, and bell tower were also added. Christ Church is notable as the parish of several outstanding persons. It was sometimes served by The Reverend Charles Inglis, rector of Christ Church Dover from 1759 to 1765, who was consecrated Bishop of Nova Scotia in 1787, thus becoming England's first colonial bishop. The Reverend Syndenham Thorne, builder of the present church, was one of the few Anglican rectors to continue services during the Revolution by officiating at services only when the liturgy did not
require state prayers.
In addition to Joseph Oliver, the co-founder of Milford, the churchyard contains the graves of two governors of
Delaware who were members of Christ Church parish: William Burton and William Tharp.
Local significance of the building:
In 1787 Joseph Oliver laid out his farm into town lots, forming the nucleus of Milford. He set aside two lots, and aided The Reverend Syndenham Thorne in the erection of the present Christ Church. Parson Thorne donated the timbers, sawn in his own mill, and paid for the bricks from Oliver's brickyards to erect the "Christ Church in
Milford." Begun in 1791, the church was yet unfinished in 1793 when Thorne died. In fact, the building was not fully completed until 1835, under the direction of The Reverend Corry Chambers; Christ Church was consecrated in 1836 by Bishop Henry U. Onderdonk.
Since its completion in 1835, Christ Church has undergone several alterations and additions. Between 1863 and 1894 various alterations were made under The Reverend J. Leighton McKim. Included among these were the removal of the gallery and box pews and the replacement of the two rows of plain glazed windows with pairs of lancet windows. A chancel, sacristy, entry porch, and bell tower were also added. Christ Church is notable as the parish of several outstanding persons. It was sometimes served by The Reverend Charles Inglis, rector of Christ Church Dover from 1759 to 1765, who was consecrated Bishop of Nova Scotia in 1787, thus becoming England's first colonial bishop. The Reverend Syndenham Thorne, builder of the present church, was one of the few Anglican rectors to continue services during the Revolution by officiating at services only when the liturgy did not
require state prayers.
In addition to Joseph Oliver, the co-founder of Milford, the churchyard contains the graves of two governors of
Delaware who were members of Christ Church parish: William Burton and William Tharp.
Religion
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Delaware is a state too small to be a nation, too large to be an insane asylum
About Kent County
Kent County Timeline
Kent County, located in the state of Delaware, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the colonial era. The area was originally inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlers arrived in the early 17th century. The first permanent European settlement in the county was established by the Dutch in 1631, but they were soon displaced by the English who took control of the region.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
During the 18th century, Kent County played a significant role in American history, particularly during the American Revolution. The county's proximity to important waterways, such as the Delaware River, made it a strategic location for trade and transportation. Dover, the county seat, became the state capital in 1777 and hosted the state's constitutional convention. It was also the site of the historic Golden Fleece Tavern, where the Constitution of Delaware was ratified.
In the 19th century, Kent County experienced economic growth and development, largely centered around agriculture and industry. The county became known for its large agricultural estates, such as Dover's Green Thatch Plantation, which contributed to the region's prosperity. With the advent of railroads, transportation became more efficient, allowing for easier movement of goods and people.
In the 20th century, Kent County saw further growth and diversification. The establishment of Dover Air Force Base during World War II brought economic opportunities and employment to the area. Additionally, the county's location between two major cities, Philadelphia and Baltimore, contributed to its role as a transportation hub and a growing business center. Today, Kent County continues to thrive as a blend of agricultural, industrial, and residential communities, while also preserving its historical heritage through numerous museums, historic sites, and landmarks.
Kent County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Kent County, Delaware.
- 1680: Kent County was established as one of three original counties in Delaware.
- 1682: The county's first courthouse was built in Duck Creek Crossroads, now known as Smyrna.
- 1701: Kent County became the new capital of Delaware, replacing New Castle.
- 1777: The Battle of Cooch's Bridge, the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware, took place in the county.
- 1787: Delaware became the first state to ratify the United States Constitution at the Golden Fleece Tavern in Dover.
- 1829: The Delaware Railroad was established, connecting Kent County to the growing transportation network.
- 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment, abolishing slavery, was ratified by Delaware in Dover.
- 1978: The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village opened in Dover, showcasing the county's agricultural history.
- 2013: Kent County celebrated its 330th anniversary with various events and activities.
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