Cow Marsh Old School Baptist Church
a.k.a. Mount Moriah Baptist Church
NE of Sandtown on DE 10, Sandtown, DECow Marsh, or Mount Moriah, was the fourth Baptist Church established in Delaware. Today it is the oldest Baptist congregation in the state still holding regular services. Architecturally, it is unusual because it has survived since its construction in 1872, virtually unchanged.
Baptists were among the first dissenters to answer William Penn's invitation for religious minorities to settle in his territorial claims in the new world. In the Lower Counties on Delaware, now the state of Delaware, a Baptist congregation was worshiping as early as 1703.
Delaware's first Baptist congregation was organized in Wales in 1701, and settled as a body in western New Castle County in 1703. Its members constituted themselves as a "church emigrant" before leaving their homeland. They traveled together until they settled on the 30, 000-acre grant that Penn had awarded to several of their countrymen.
The Welsh Tract congregation was the parent of other Baptist congregations, including Cow Marsh, Bryn Zion, and Mispillion in Kent County, and others as far away as the Cape Fear River in North Carolina. Bryn Zion's corporate body still exists, but the church is no longer standing.
According to Morgan Edwards, the chronicler of early Baptist churches, the Welsh Tract congregation introduced singing, laying-on of hands, church covenants, and other practices among the Baptists of the middle colonies.
John Sutton, pastor at Welsh Tract, preached in western Kent County during 1780. In 1781, the Cow Marsh church was constituted. In 1782, it was admitted to the Philadelphia Association. By 1791, the congregation was prepared to build a meeting house. The first building was erected before 1796.
On September 7, 1793, Job Meredith conveyed a 99-year lease on the original portion of the church site to Joseph Flood, "professor of theology." The place was described in the deed of lease as formerly called "the stand," but now called "Mount Moriah." Flood transferred Mount Moriah on June 4, 1796 to the trustees. By now, a meeting house had been erected on the site. Another acre was added in 1926. The present frame chapel was completed in December 1872.
Local significance of the building:
Baptists were among the first dissenters to answer William Penn's invitation for religious minorities to settle in his territorial claims in the new world. In the Lower Counties on Delaware, now the state of Delaware, a Baptist congregation was worshiping as early as 1703.
Delaware's first Baptist congregation was organized in Wales in 1701, and settled as a body in western New Castle County in 1703. Its members constituted themselves as a "church emigrant" before leaving their homeland. They traveled together until they settled on the 30, 000-acre grant that Penn had awarded to several of their countrymen.
The Welsh Tract congregation was the parent of other Baptist congregations, including Cow Marsh, Bryn Zion, and Mispillion in Kent County, and others as far away as the Cape Fear River in North Carolina. Bryn Zion's corporate body still exists, but the church is no longer standing.
According to Morgan Edwards, the chronicler of early Baptist churches, the Welsh Tract congregation introduced singing, laying-on of hands, church covenants, and other practices among the Baptists of the middle colonies.
John Sutton, pastor at Welsh Tract, preached in western Kent County during 1780. In 1781, the Cow Marsh church was constituted. In 1782, it was admitted to the Philadelphia Association. By 1791, the congregation was prepared to build a meeting house. The first building was erected before 1796.
On September 7, 1793, Job Meredith conveyed a 99-year lease on the original portion of the church site to Joseph Flood, "professor of theology." The place was described in the deed of lease as formerly called "the stand," but now called "Mount Moriah." Flood transferred Mount Moriah on June 4, 1796 to the trustees. By now, a meeting house had been erected on the site. Another acre was added in 1926. The present frame chapel was completed in December 1872.
Architecture; Religion
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
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 was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, and as a result, the state played an important role in the early history of the United States. In the early years of the country, Delaware was known for its thriving shipping industry, and the District of Delaware was an important port for goods coming in and out of the state.
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.