240 th proof saturday

Wesley United Methodist Church History 1778 – 2018

209 South State Street Dover, Delaware 19901 Phone: (302) 678-9626 Fax: (302) 678-9627 Email: church@wesleyumc-dover.com Webpage: www.wesleyumc-dover.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

1.

Introduction: Methodism 1. The Roots of Methodism 2. Methodism in Early America 3. The Christmas Conference and Its Achievements 4. Methodism’s Growth, Divisions, and Mergers 5. Methodist Higher Education 5. Delaware Governors -- Methodists

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13.

The History of Wesley United Methodist Church 5. The Origin of Wesley Methodist Church 6. Richard Bassett 8. Early Days of Wesley Church 9. New Church Building Church History and Memoirs During Each Pastorate 13.

Rev. Dr. John A. Trader [Senior Pastor 1949-1962] 15.

Rev. Edward R. Wilkins [Associate Pastor 1956-1960] 19.

Rev. William Hemphill [Senior Pastor 1962-1970] 20.

Rev. Frederick Seyfert [Associate Pastor 1968-1972] 23.

Rev. Robert P. Whitlock [Senior Pastor 1970-1977] 25.

Rev. Dale Pruett [Associate pastor 1976-1978] 26.

Rev. George Godfrey [Senior Pastor 1977-1986] 31.

Rev. Alvin Willink [Senior Pastor 1986-1991] 34.

Rev. Donald Hurst [Senior Pastor 1991-1995] 36.

Rev. Dr. William M. Fitzhugh [Senior Pastor 1995-2005] 43.

Rev. LeRoy Jones [Associate Pastor 1999-2010] 47. Rev. Donald Godwin [Senior Pastor 2005-2011] 52.

Rev. Harry Baxter [Minister of Visitation 2005-2014] 55.

Rev. Amy Yarnall [Senior Pastor 2011- ]

68. Christian Symbolism in the Sanctuary

Cross

Paraments

Dossal

Lights

Church Structure

Paschal Candle

Star

Stained Glass Windows

79.

Organs and Organists

82.

United Methodist Men

84.

United Methodist Women

87.

Search Class

88.

Outreach Class

89.

Wesley Branches

91.

Clothing Closet

93.

Wesley PreSchool and Play Care

96.

The Cemeteries of Wesley Church

99.

240th Anniversary Fun Facts: DID YOU KNOW‌?

108.

Wesley United Methodist Church Pastor History organized in 1778

Membership Statistics

110.

PREFACE In 1982 Wesley United Methodist Church published the first history book, written by Joseph Bellmeyer and other church members, following its 1978 Bicentennial Celebration. Because of its cover, church members refer to it as “The Blue Book.”

Its Dedication states, “This History of Wesley Church in Dover, Delaware, is dedicated to ‘all the faithful servants of Jesus Christ who from their labors rest’ and who have served the church through the years 1778-1982.

It has been a noble history and a priceless heritage.”

Because 2018 marks the 240th anniversary of Wesley United Methodist Church in Dover, Delaware, the 240th Anniversary Committee decided to celebrate throughout the year in a number of ways. One way was the updating of the church history book. Referring to The Blue Book, Crier newsletter articles, committee reports, and other sources, this new history book grew to include more than 240 years of noble church history and heritage.

In addition, senior and associate pastors were asked to send their memories of their time of service at Wesley Church. This book includes their letters and memoirs.

The theme for the year is taken from both the Purpose and Vision Statements: “Proclaiming God’s Love Through the Years.” Members of Wesley Church are truly blessed to worship in a beautiful historic church building, and they strive to continue showing God’s love through their many ministries and service. Under Wesley Church’s prominent steeple, which is a sign of our commitment to our vision and is a beacon of faith, hope, and love in this state capital, members welcome everyone to become part of this special history.

Again, we dedicate this second history book to the many members and friends who have carried the torch of faith and service for 240 years.

May the caring tradition of Wesley Church continue to extend justice, mercy, and love into the future.

The 240 Anniversary Committee: Ann Baker Horsey Donna Josefowski Larry Josefowski Connie Strickland Alex Vaughan Thomas Welch Amy Yarnall Ray Yarnall

Wesley United Methodist Church History 1778-2018 INTRODUCTION: METHODISM The Roots of Methodism John Wesley (1703-1791) was an Anglican priest. The fifteenth child of Samuel and Susanna Wesley, John was very much influenced by his strict religious training at home. He was educated at Oxford University where he formed the “Holy Club” for members to lead studious, devout, and methodical Christian lives. Wesley’s desire was to reach and minister to the downtrodden, prisoners, victims of alcoholism, and the lower classes who were not welcomed in the Anglican Church. He preached outdoors and advocated social issues for such causes as the abolition of slavery and prison reform. Wesley wanted to reform the Anglican Church, to make it more in tune with the needs of the common people.

John Wesley formed Methodism with his brother, Charles, and with George Whitefield, another Anglican priest. Charles Wesley is known for writing more than 6,000 hymns, with “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” written to commemorate their conversion. These men stressed the importance of growing in knowledge and love of God and experiencing God’s grace.

They advocated living in a disciplined manner and putting faith and love in action. They joined heart and hand in mission, nurture, and service.

Wesley wrote to “do all the good you can, by all the means you can, as long as you can.” Not intending to start a new denomination, they simply wanted their ministry to be based more on care for the souls and lives of the people. Wesley himself, although repudiated by the Anglican Church, kept the movement within that church and always considered himself a loyal Anglican to the end of his life.

John Wesley

John Wesley spent two years as a missionary to the prisoners of 1

Oglethorpe’s Georgia colony and was unsuccessful. On his return voyage, he was impacted with a singular life experience with the Moravians.

During a raging storm, he was frightened for his life. He admired the Moravians onboard who were singing hymns of joy and praising God. This experience made Wesley very doubtful of the firmness of his faith in God and led him to a lot of soul searching.

At a prayer service at Aldersgate in 1738, Wesley had a monumental experience: “… with the reading of Luther’s Preface to the Epistle of Romans, which he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed.”

Thereafter, Wesley was motivated to reform the Anglican Church. A few weeks later, Wesley preached sermons on the doctrine of personal salvation by faith and God’s grace free for all. Aldersgate was the pivotal point in his life and the Methodist movement.

The name “Methodist” was not chosen by Wesley; it was a label placed on Wesley and his movement for the very methodical, orderly way he went about his life and his ministry. This practice included rising at 4:00 to 5:00 a.m. and having lengthy Bible study and prayer. When people gathered to meet with him and decided to follow his teaching and his methods, he would organize them into small groups or classes to study, pray, and live the pure life.

Wesley’s organization was based on an itinerant ministry, in part due to the shortage of available ministers, both ordained Anglican priests and non-ordained local preachers. The local preachers were not allowed to administer the sacraments of baptism and communion. The itinerant ministry involved the clergy traveling to where the people were, often by horseback – “The Lord’s Horseman.” This organizational style became even more important in the colonies where the people either lived in small towns and villages or even more critically in very scattered and isolated farms some distance from the next.

Methodism in Early America John Wesley sent eight English lay preachers to America from 1769-1774.

Among them was Francis Asbury, who became the most influential and dominant missionary. Asbury was to bring order to the Methodist 2

Societies that were springing up in the colonies.

John Wesley was encouraged to follow the doctrine of non-violence and peace rather than war. Wesley and the handful of missionaries were committed to staying connected to the Church of England. Therefore, because of that association, when the cause of independence was embraced by the colonists, the Methodists were considered Tories and suffered in several ways, such as by severe beatings and imprisonment.

The American Revolution precipitated a major break along nationalistic lines. In the year of the battles of Lexington and Concord, all of the Methodist preachers, except Francis Asbury and Thomas Rankin, left America. During the war, a Methodist was considered a Tory until he proved himself otherwise. Kent County, Delaware, protected the itinerant preachers by allowing them Francis Asbury to take an oath of allegiance. This act gave them status as Americans. Francis Asbury is listed as a Delawarean because of this fact. Dr. Thomas Coke joined Asbury and they met in homes called preaching stations, later known as “societies.” They later administered the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion for the first time by ordained clergy in Barrett’s Chapel in 1784.

The Christmas Conference and Its Achievements At the close of the Revolutionary War, Wesley, who had opposed the American cause, realized that he could no longer hold his American disciples under his control; they must be given ecclesiastical independence and an ordained ministry. These purposes were achieved in 1784 at what is known as the Christmas Conference (in Lovely Lane Chapel in Baltimore) where under leadership of a delegation of three preachers sent

by Wesley, the Methodist Episcopal Church was founded. Dr. Thomas Coke, who headed the delegation of three appointed by Wesley, and Francis Asbury were chosen the first bishops. A prayer book, prepared by Wesley and similar to that of the Church of England was adopted; a form of discipline was drawn up; thus a full-fledged church was born.

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Methodism’s Growth, Divisions, and Mergers Worldwide Methodists have grown to 12.8 million (as of 2018) with Africa as the fastest growing area. Methodism is now the second largest Protestant denomination in the United States. Grounded in Scripture and John Wesley’s philosophy, the church is connectional, inclusive, ecumenical, mission-oriented, and concerned about social justice (www.umc.org).

The United Methodist Church has a history of divisions and mergers.

Because of slavery, the Methodist Episcopal Church split. In 1830 a group disagreed about the need for lay representation in governing bodies, as well as the slavery issue, and became the Methodist Protestant Church.

This group itself divided over slavery in the 1850s but reunited in 1877.

The Wesleyan denomination split from mainline Methodism in 1843.

In 1845 15 conferences in the South organized the Methodist Episcopal Church, South because of slavery and the power of bishops. Finally in 1939, the northern and southern churches and the Methodist Protestant Church reunited to create the Methodist Church.

In Dover, Delaware, Methodism was represented first by Wesley Chapel, which became Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church on State Street, by St. Paul’s Methodist Episcopal Church on West Division Street, and by Grace Methodist Protestant Church on South Governors Avenue. As Wesley Church grew, the other churches did not although they often worked together by sharing ministers and facilities. Finally, when membership at each of the smaller churches was coincidentally down to 36, they decided to close and merge with Wesley Church. Grace Church merged in 1948, and the sale of its property helped fund the building of Grace Fellowship Hall at Wesley Church. In 1960 St. Paul’s Church closed, and its members transferred to Wesley Church. The Chapel is named for St. Paul’s.

In 1968 the Methodist Church merged with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to become the United Methodist Church. The latter church had evolved from the 1946 merger of the Evangelical Church and the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, both having similar theology and German heritage. The emblem of the Cross and Flame with its dual tongues of fire symbolizes the union of the two denominations.

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Methodist Higher Education In the field of education, particularly higher education, the Methodist Church has been a leader. John Wesley declared, “Too long have the two great ideas been disjoined, Knowledge and Vital Piety.” The very first Methodist college was initiated in Baltimore at the Christmas Conference.

Named Cokesbury College, it blended the names of the two co-administrators of the church, Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury. The college burned down twice in the first two years under suspicion of arson and was never rebuilt.

The push to make higher education available to Methodists across the nation persisted, with over 100 institutions of higher education, including seven seminaries. Some Methodist colleges are Wesley of American University (Washington, DC), Duke, Purdue, Northwestern, Drew, Iliff at the University of Denver, Methodist Theological Seminary at Ohio Wesleyan, and Perkins at Southern Methodist University. In Dover, Delaware, Wesley College had its origins at a Methodist Annual Conference in 1873.

Delaware Governors -- Methodists Twenty-three Delaware Governors have been Methodists. Richard Bassett, a Federalist (1799-1801), Cornelious P. Comegys, a Whig (1837-1841), and Dr. Gove Saulsbury, a Democrat (1865-1871) were members of Wesley Church. Bassett and Saulsbury lived on The Green.

A founder of Wesley College, Saulsbury, along with Comegys, is buried in Wesley Church’s old cemetery on North and Queen Street in Dover.

Both are mentioned on the lantern tours by First State Historical Park.

THE HISTORY OF WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DOVER, DELAWARE The Origin of Wesley Methodist Church Dover, Delaware, became a center for circuit riding preachers. Bishop Francis Asbury realized that “fervent Dover” needed to have more of a permanent status, so he sent Freeborn Garrettson to preach. Garrettson is 5

credited with organizing the Wesley Society of Dover on September 13, 1778. This missionary had preached from the steps of the old Academy on the day before. He was subjected to indignities as were so many of the early Methodist preachers. Preaching was also held at Mr. Hilliard’s home above Dover, at Gum Swamp, and at Little Creek.

Freeborn Garrettson

Once many joined the Wesley Society, they wanted a place of worship. The first church was built on the northwest corner of North and Queen Streets with Judge Richard Bassett, afterwards Governor of Delaware, contributing $2,000, one-half of the cost of the building. Vincent Loockerman had donated the land for that purpose to a board of trustees on June 1, 1782. A 40-foot square brick building with galleries on three sides was constructed, named Wesley Chapel, and completed in 1784. Incorporated in 1799, the church started with about 20 families.

Bishops Francis Asbury and Richard Whatcoat, pioneers of American Methodism, conducted services at the “rather nice large brick chapel” on many occasions. Francis Asbury preached in Wesley Chapel on October 2, 1784. On May 25, 1801, he preached in the Court House while Bishop Whatcoat preached in the chapel.

Bishop Whatcoat died on July 5, 1806, at the home of Richard Bassett in Dover. He was buried beneath the altar of the church. When the old church was removed in 1855, a stone monument was erected over Bishop Whatcoat’s grave, with the entire plot used as a cemetery. The marble slab from his tombstone was removed and imbedded in the wall in the front hall of the present church.

Richard Bassett In September 1778 there were five trustees who were in charge of the Wesley Society in Dover. Those men were Richard Bassett, Benoni Harris, Jonathon Willbank, John Lowber, and Joseph Harper. The best known, Richard Bassett, was one of Delaware’s leaders on many fronts: government, military, church, and community. Along with Gunning Bedford, Jr., he was a signer of the U.S. Constitution and the Ratification 6

document that made Delaware the first state. He became state legislator, judge, governor, U.S. Senator, and Federal Judge appointed by President John Adams. During the Revolutionary War, he was commander of the local militia, Dover Light Horse Cavalry Company.

His support of the Methodist Church was heartfelt and unrelenting. He was very supportive of the camp meeting movement, attending the first one in Smyrna in 1805. He also started revival meetings in the area.

In general, the wealthier people of the state were not Methodist and certainly did not participate in the excited shouting and praying behavior displayed by many Methodists. Bassett, however, became a personal friend of Francis Asbury and Bishop Richard Whatcoat and helped establish Wesley Church.

Richard Bassett

Bassett continued his important role and influence in the beginning years of Wesley Church. He wrote circular letters to all the Methodist preachers, inviting them to a union meeting in Dover; over 100 attended. He entertained about 80 followers in his house on The Green. Afterwards, the women left singing all the way to the church. The leader was so filled with joy and singing. Bassett, who was standing at the altar with tears streaming down his face said, “… the millennium has come!” He was quoted as saying, “O! Those women sang like angels. I wish you could have heard them; we have no such singing nowadays.” Having died in 1815, Bassett was not to hear sanctioned singing in church in his lifetime.

During his term as governor (1799-1801), Bassett supported Richard Allen, a freed black man from Kent County, who became the first black elder in the church. Allen, along with Absalom Jones from Sussex County, is credited with starting the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1816.

Though originally a slave owner, Bassett freed his slaves and became an avid advocate of abolition. In 1787, the year that he signed both the Constitution and the Ratification document, he introduced a bill to deny slave owners the ability to sell their slaves out of state. This bill, passed in three increasingly restrictive stages in 1787 – 1797, led to Delaware being noted for having the highest percentage of free African Americans of any state.

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The Early Days of Wesley Church In the early 1800s Methodism grew throughout the Delmarva Peninsula.

Thousands of people came on horseback and wagons for annual meetings in Dover. The church buildings could not hold them all, so people congregated at a “church in the woods” and on The Green with great enthusiasm, shouting, and singing. Dover Church played a prominent role in the beginning of the camp meeting, an outstanding feature of Peninsula Methodism.

By 1800 the brick Wesley Chapel (on North and Queen Streets in Dover) received some remodeling. Since it lacked glazed windows, the Board of Trustees ordered two boxes of glass to glaze the windows below and above “as far as they will go.” The old pulpit and benches were replaced, and an aisle was put through the center of the church.

As Wesley Chapel grew, some challenges appeared. Decorum was somewhat different from expectations of today. Singing was related to what was called a “plague” to the church, a sort of rowdiness becoming worse after the death of Governor Bassett. Methodists acquired a reputation for being “Shouting and Singing Methodists.” Besides allowing singing, a rule was passed in 1808 that “all members… both male and female, refrain from chewing tobacco and snuff in said church in the time of public worship.” The sexton, or janitor, was paid $16.00 a year to keep the church clean, light the candles, cut wood, start fires, and open and shut doors and windows.

Another duty was to use his “best endeavor to suppress all disorderly or riotous behavior in the time of meeting.”

Before the use of instruments, singing was indeed considered a major problem. Preachers were encouraged to “improve” the singing “and keep close to Mr. Wesley’s tunes and hymns.” Wesley Church came up with the novel idea which may have been the forerunner of the Choir. The Trustees of Wesley Church were to “purchase or procure a chair to be placed within the altar, and that at all times when public worship is performed, said Trustees shall take their seats… for the express purpose of keeping order 8

during worship and encouraging and regulating… the singing.” This decision could very well be considered the origin of both the Amen Corner and the Choir. The Amen Corner is described as the place where the most vocally devout worshippers congregated. Reserved seats in the Amen Corner for church leaders and the Choir for singers became prominent features of nineteenth century Methodism.

New Church Building The history of Wesley Church is one of growth. As the population of Dover grew, so did the membership of Wesley Church. With more people, the church needed more space. After many improvements to the old church, a new house of worship was considered. The original chapel on North and Queen Streets was sold to another congregation, and the Board of Trustees and congregation approved the building site in the present location in 1850. With bricks from the old building, the present church on State Street was built. Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church, as it was called in those days, laid the cornerstone on September 23, 1850. The first sermon was preached on February 2, 1851.The church became a separate “station” and was no longer the Dover Charge in 1857. This change required a parsonage, so a three-story brick building was constructed to the north.

Judge Powell describes the second-floor sanctuary in an unpublished book: “Wesley Church has a noble auditorium. The lofty ceiling supported by oaken beams, the long deep aisles with a view from the entrance of the gilded pipes of a splendid organ in the recess back of the pulpit. The stained glass windows on either side of the auditorium, rich and beautiful in their dark mellow coloring, picturing scenes of the life of Christ and casting a dim religious light give a cathedral-like effect to the auditorium. [It remained this way until about 1950 when the “gilded pipes” were covered.]

A beautiful sanctuary it is indeed, was and is!”

It may be difficult to imagine the size of the original State Street church 9

since people nowadays are so used to going down the long hallway from the State Street entrance to the Grace Fellowship Hall; however, the building did not extend that far originally. The back of the building was added to several times as years went by. In 1870 the Trustees resolved to extend the church by adding 24 by 30 feet. At that time there were two classrooms near the front where the church office and St. Paul’s Chapel reside presently. The classrooms were partitioned from the main room. People went down two steps to a large main Sunday School room with three rows of support pillars length-wise in the room. Some of the pillars can still be seen in today’s parlor. This large room (55’x36’8”) was used for various meetings and Sunday School classes For many years the floor had three levels, and the young children sat on tiered benches for the full hour. The elevations were removed before the addition was built.

Membership statistics of this period changed for Wesley. In 1820 there were 1,181 white members and 589 people of color which reflected eight and a half percent of the total population of Kent County. By 1836, after a separation with the Camden population, membership stood at 145. During the 1850s with the formation of Whatcoat Church by the African American membership, the church again lost members. By 1870 membership numbered 294 and with the building of the Conference Academy (now Wesley College) in 1873, students attended Wesley Church “in droves.” For the rest of the century, membership fluctuated and peaked at over 1,000 members including the Sunday School during the 1880s. At the time the population of Dover was about 3,000! Because of the need for more space, a second location was chosen in 1887 on Governors Avenue and Mary Street where a chapel was built and used for Sunday School. (Later the chapel was sold and moved.)

By 1866 the women of Wesley wanted to see change and “promiscuous sitting” was allowed, meaning that men and women could sit together.

That same year, the Choir petitioned the Trustees for an organ or harmonium, a type of reed organ. A melodeon, a small reed organ, was placed in the “Sabbath School” and a larger harmonium in the sanctuary. It was not until 1879 that women were officially recognized to become involved in the life of the church. They actually “…were given permission to clean up, straighten out, and paint the auditorium [sanctuary], and to see that the auditorium be kept in proper condition.” And by 1905 progress was made in that “women finally after thirty years or more of trying were allowed to serve church suppers.”

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In the first half of the twentieth century, Wesley Church experienced fluctuations in membership. Financial support grew, and programs developed.

According to the church history book, “Wesley Church continued to serve God and mankind. By 1920 Wesley Church had put on ‘brocade slippers and gold spectacles.’ Decorum in the church was the rule, and ‘Shouting Methodists’ did come to order.”

Even though decorum was shown in worship, however, there was a period of crisis. After strong disagreements about ministerial appointments by the Conference occurred during the years 1908-1909, membership was drastically reduced. The church was split when the Conference questioned the credentials of the minister and appointed another. Many members decided to attend services instead in the Dover Opera House (now the Schwartz Center for the Arts) across the street while the rest stayed in Wesley Church. The independent movement adopted the name “The People’s Church,” now located on Bradford and New Streets in Dover. This occurrence was a tragedy for Wesley, but over time two strong churches were in place to serve the Dover community instead of one. “Perhaps this solution was the Lord’s solution,” according to the church history written for the 200th anniversary in 1978.

In 1924 a one-story structure (30’ x 47’) was added at the eastern end of the church building. It was used as primary room, social hall, classroom, kitchen, and general meeting room. A kitchen was included on the north end. Previous to this time, the few meals that were served at the church were prepared by the women at home or in the parsonage kitchen next door. In 1938 the brick parsonage next door was sold, and a new parsonage was built on Hazel Road in Dover.

As it continued to grow once more, Wesley Church felt the effects of World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II and supported home and foreign mission fields. It contributed to World Service. In 1945 a special program called “Crusade for Christ” was initiated to raise funds for a post war program for relief and reconstruction and to aid two seminaries. Lewis Wells was hired in 1944 as Director of Christian Education and worked with the Wesley Church youth organization named the Epworth League, providing many activities, such as drama, athletics, recreation, class work, and the monthly paper, “The Wesley Flame.” Furthermore, at this time the Sunday School became more departmentalized and grew. A bus service was begun. In 1948 WDOV broadcast the morning 12

worship service. The music program continued to be active, and the use of choir robes began in the 1940s.

Church History and Memoirs During Each Pastorate REV. DR. JOHN A. TRADER [Senior Pastor 1949-1962] Rev. Dr. John A. Trader had the longest pastorate at Wesley Church.

When he arrived with his wife, Ruth, and son, Merrill, church leaders gave him the goal of creating a building campaign. Sunday School and church attendance was up, and again there was need for more space. Youth groups used rooms in the Century Club on The Green, Wesley College, and Grace Church. After Wesley Church merged with Grace Church in 1948, the Grace church building was used as a youth center until the facilities were deemed inadequate. Wishing for a church school in one building, leaders again looked east and contacted Mrs. Henry Ridgley about purchasing her lot at the rear of the church. When Wesley Church sold Grace Methodist Church and Parsonage on South Governors Avenue to the Acme for $36,000 and merged the two congregations, it was able to buy the Ridgely property and ultimately build Grace Fellowship Hall in 1950. The cornerstone for the fellowship hall was laid October 1950.

Grace Fellowship Hall was constructed of brick in Colonial design. It has a solid maple floor originally used for roller skating on Friday nights, among other uses. Children all over town were encouraged to attend since they were “properly supervised.� As many as 200 youngsters skated around the room, shoulder to shoulder. The four rooms in the corners of the hall were first used as classrooms. A large stage and kitchen were also built. The basement included Sunday School rooms also used by the PreSchool today. Because the new fellowship hall provided space for many activities, including worship, plans were then made to renovate the main building and sanctuary.

In 1950 a hallway was created to divide the old building with rooms on either side of the corridor that people are familiar with today. The first 13

elevator at the rear of the sanctuary was also built that year. In 1951 the sanctuary was remodeled to create a divided chancel with the decorative organ pipes removed. The work of renovating the sanctuary was begun and included the divided altar, with the reading desk at one side (pulpit from Wesley Church) and the preaching desk (pulpit from St. Paul’s Church) on the other side. The large altar was outfitted with a hand woven dossal cloth, and the choir stalls were divided on either side.

The pipe organ was moved to the left side of the altar.

Dover grew during the 1950s along with General Foods and Dover Air Force Base. So many people came to Wesley Church that two services were provided with two sessions of children’s Sunday School.There was great involvement at church during this time. The Methodist Men’s group was started. Membership was over 850. Dr. and Mrs. Trader wanted to become better acquainted with the congregation so they entertained groups of 100 at the parsonage for eight Sunday evenings.

Grace Fellowship Hall

Rev. Dr. John Trader was at Wesley Church for both the 175th and the 180th Anniversary celebrations. At both events Wesley College professor Lewis Wells, authored and directed a pageant called “Unto This Generation” presented on June 4, 1978. The cast included John Wesley, Freeborn Garrettson, Vincent Loockerman, Bishop Francis Asbury, Judge Richard Bassett, Mrs. Ann Bassett, and Dr. Thomas Coke, among others. Starting with the fiery beginnings during the Revolution, it ended with a vision for the future. A banquet was held afterwards in fellowship hall. The drama was once again presented for the 235th Anniversary Celebration.

The WESYA (WESley Young Adults) Sunday School Class was an active Bible study and social group under the leadership of Dr. Donald Douglass, Merrill Trader,Tom Welch, and Gene Sterling, from 1950 to 1974.

Wesley Church was also connected with the small congregation at St. Paul’s Methodist Church. Rev. A. B. Snapp was hired to serve St. Paul’s and at the Dover Air Force Base. Dr. Trader often preached at St. Paul’s Sunday evenings. The next Associate Pastor was Rev. Edward Wilkins, who lived in the St. Paul’s parsonage with his family. Finally, the St. 14

Paul’s property was sold in 1960 when the church merged with Wesley Church. The next Associate Pastor, Rev. C. Jackson Robinson, had a parsonage in the Sherwood neighborhood in Dover.

In 1962, after 45 years as a Methodist minister, Rev. Dr. John Trader retired. ************************************************************

REV. EDWARD R. WILKINS [Associate Pastor 1956-1960] Reflections of My Years as Associate Pastor at Wesley Church, June 1, 1956 to June 1, 1960.

My vision for the church was for it to be a serving congregation, ministering effectively not only to our members, but also in several ways to all the Dover community.

A little background may be helpful for what follows. The Senior Pastor was Rev. Dr. John A. Trader. He was a really good preacher, a good administrator, and a committed, tireless, caretaker of his congregation. He was old enough to be my father, but he always treated me with respect. In fact, he had a son who was a year or two older than me. You know him as Judge Merrill Trader.

It was just before I arrived, or maybe soon after, that Wesley’s membership reached 1,000. Obviously, Dr. Trader needed some assistance, and I was chosen!

Wesley was also responsible for the U. M. Church on Division Street called St. Paul’s. For at least two years (it might have been three), I was the leader and preacher every Sunday evening, but several times a year, Dr. Trader agreed to come and preach. Eventually, maybe in my fourth year, the St. Paul’s congregation agreed to close. Wesley agreed to designate its chapel near the front door as St. Paul’s Chapel. I believe some St. Paul’s funds were used to renovate and upgrade the chapel and thereby reserve some of our history.

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Originally, Dr. Trader shepherded the Trustees, the Finance Committee, and the Administrative Board. I worked mainly with Education and Evangelism. It was my privilege to work with the MYF; we had some great “kids” in our groups.

I was also in charge of the young adult programs. The primary way that functioned was through a monthly dinner meeting in Fellowship Hall.

We often had 25-30 for the meeting, and our programs were selected by our group of officers. A few of the folks from that group are still around – Tommy Anderson, Jim Nolan, and Ralph and Fran Deats. It was a very supportive group for all of us. Some of that group (and it changed every year) were Air Force people. I need to say a bit about our Air Force ministry.

In the middle ’50s when I arrived at Wesley, World War II had been over for a decade, but the Air Base was very much alive. Several times a year several of us local pastors had a lunch-time meeting with their Chaplain.

The base had a full-service hospital in those days, and lots of activities designed for families. But I soon discovered that many Air Force families preferred to belong to and participate in a local congregation.

Wesley hardly ever had a Sunday with no visitors, and many of them were Air Force people. Lots of weeks I spent my afternoons visiting Air Force families, sometimes three or four days a week. Usually the wives were home – the great social change with most women working away from home was not started yet. Many airmen worked shifts, so sometimes I’d find one home. But that regular, sustained visitation was one of the most important contributions I made to Wesley’s ministry.

Generally speaking, whatever I was asked to do or volunteer to do, I hoped it was helping to lighten the load a bit for Dr. Trader. He was very generous to me; for instance, he allowed me to preach at Wesley’s service once a month. He was an efficient leader, and very supportive.

One of the big spiritual events was planned and led by Dr. Trader. I no longer remember the name of the outside group, but he got one of the best known professional stewardship groups in the country to come to Wesley and lead that year’s stewardship campaign. It was not just about money, but also about attendance at worship and participation in the other parts of the church’s program. Actually, the company brought a team (four at least, maybe five) to Wesley to present their program, obviously on Sunday 16

worship and in other group meetings – Methodist Men, United Methodist Women, adult Sunday School classes, etc. But they actually went out and visited the homes of our members. I don’t recall any details now, but I think Dr. Trader felt good about it, and it did increase participation and promoted a new financial bar for Wesley’s future.

When Wesley and St. Paul’s were made one charge, the St. Paul’s parsonage, next to the church on Division Street, became available for the Associate Pastor’s family. It was a nice house, plenty spacious and quite comfortable. It was the house Debbie came home to after being born at Kent General on October 16, 1957. David had been born in New Jersey on the same day in 1954, so he was 1 ½ years when we moved to Division Street.

Another point about the Air Force: In 1956 the base was fast building both on-base dormitories and family housing (across Route 1). The major influx of Air Force families to Dover caused lots of folks with big houses to redesign and add apartments. I visited one family -- which turned out to be two families – they were sharing a house because neither family could afford the monthly rent by themselves. Also, some of the Air Force folks “jumped right in,” because they knew they might not be in Dover too long.

That was especially true of fighter jet pilots, who sometimes were not even here a full year. I do want to mention, too, that each year the annual conference provided some money to Wesley to help support the work we were doing with Air Force families.

A couple more thoughts about working with Dr. Trader: He worked long hours, and did a good job of helping others. We often met in a staff meeting (just him and me) maybe once or twice a week depending on what might be coming soon. I learned a lot of good and important “stuff” at Wesley Church. Also, Dr. Trader had a very good sense of humor.

In those days, there was a ladies’ Sunday School Class which met in the Parlor, about halfway down the hall, where the pastor’s office is today.

Many of these ladies had been together a long time; I think their average age would have been the 70s. I believe it was called the “Friendship Class.” On my first Sunday when Dr. Trader introduced me to the congregation, he said, (this is almost verbatim) “Remember, Rev. Wilkins is a fully-trained, completely authorized Methodist Pastor. I hope you’ll call on him at any time. Anything I can do, he can do.”

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One Sunday about a month later, when he got to announcements, Dr. Trader glanced for a moment at me, and then turning to the congregation, he said, “I think you will remember that when I introduced Rev. Wilkins to you on his first day, I urged you to feel free to call on him, because I said, ‘Anything I can do, he can do.’ But I discovered this morning something that he can’t do: As I was walking down the lower corridor, I came to the Friendship Class, and I opened the door and said, ‘Good morning, Girls!’” ************************************************************ The 1950s started a period of large growth for Wesley Church congregation and its building. The Grace Fellowship Hall was used for elections because of its convenient location across the street from Dover City Hall.

The hall is also well known for its Old Dover Days Pancake Breakfast on the first Saturday morning in May. This tradition was developed over the past three or four decades. Around 300-500 persons meet old friends and start their day with pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage before heading to The Green for the parade, Maypole dancing, historical demonstrations, and reenactments.

In 1960 St. Paul’s Methodist Episcopal Church, located on Division Street between Governors Avenue and New Street, became a part of Wesley with the naming of Wesley Church’s chapel on the first floor. The pulpit in the sanctuary came from St. Paul’s Church.

Wesley United Methodist Church has a history of giving and growing to keep pace with the needs of a changing capital city. In 1963 seeing the rapid growth of the city of Dover, Wesley’s leadership formed a “Survey Committee,” chaired by Walter L. Robertson. The committee developed a number of possible actions to meet future church needs, including relocation from the State Street site, a second church, or expansion of the existing facilities.

In the fall of 1965, after exploring the Survey Committee report, a threeyear building campaign to raise funds for alterations and changes to the present building was begun. Then, an unforeseen opportunity arose. In early August 1967, the City of Dover decided to sell the old Post Office building, located on property adjacent to the church. The same month, the congregation voted to purchase the former Dover Post Office property as Rev. William Hemphill describes below: 18

REV. WILLIAM HEMPHILL [Senior Pastor 1962-1970] Rev. William Hemphill served as senior pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church from 1962 to 1970. He states that he will be 93 years old at the Reunion of Pastors on Homecoming Sunday, November 4, 2018. He will still be recovering from a stroke last fall but hopes to attend.

The following are his memories: When I was appointed to Wesley Church in 1962, the city of Dover was growing rapidly. The new General Foods Jello Plant had just opened, and Dover Air Base was expanding with Vietnam activity. New housing developments were building, public schools were being integrated, and the Delaware (Black) Methodist Conference was being merged with the Peninsula Methodist conference.

For a young pastor to serve a city church at the center of such bustling activity was very exciting. But some folks put pressure on the church to relocate to an enlarged and modern facility. But when the old Dover Post Office was put up for sale by the city in 1967, that changed everything.

The local newspaper carried the notice that sealed bids were to be submitted by a certain date, just long enough away for the church to have a congregational meeting. A large majority voted to buy the P. O. and the five Trustees plus the Senior Pastor were to go to a private room and pray until a unanimous decision was reached on the amount to bid. I will never forget that night. We bid $305,000. When the three bids were opened two days later, one was discarded as incomplete, the second was $290,000 by a prominent bank, and the third was Wesley Church. I shall never forget that night of prayer, discussion, and listening.

I am very thankful to God and the people of Wesley for the 7 ½ years of ministry I shared with them and the Associates and Staff. We saw the Spirit of God working through and among us in so many ways that I can only marvel. God bless you as you plan the celebration as the Launch Pad for the future that the Lord has for you.

Grace, Peace, and Hope

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REV. FREDERICK SEYFERT [Associate Pastor 1968-1972] Rev. Frederick Seyfert was Associate Minister of Education from 19681972. He served with senior pastors, Rev. William Hemphill and Rev. Dr. Robert Whitlock. His vision at the time was to develop the education program. He especially remembers activities at Camp Pecometh, MYF programs, coffee houses, and the trip to England with the bell choir. He worked with adult study groups, the Education Committee, and the Administrative Board. ************************************************************ Educational Center In addition to buying the old Post Office, Wesley Church estimated that an additional $100,000 for remodeling and furnishing both buildings was needed. On August 17, 1967, the Trustees borrowed $306,000 to make the purchase. Wesley’s congregation was urged to give to the Building Fund to support the project. Monthly giving had to be increased in order to meet the new mortgage payments. The theme for that drive was “Growing with Christ,” and the congregation rallied behind the campaign.

The need for growth for Wesley Church was real. The members of the church sensed it and met the challenge. On October 1, 1982, the mortgage was paid in full. The building became the Educational Center in 1968. The interior lobby still displays a significant wall mural by Works Progress Administration (WPA) artist William White. Once used for meetings, the lobby now provides space for The Serenity Church, pastored by Eddie MacDonald.

The rooms on all three floors were used for much-needed Sunday School classes. The center is still used for Sunday School but also has been used for Wesley PreSchool Kindergarten classes and offices of the ARC of Delaware State Council for Persons with Disabilities. At present, Capital School District’s STAR program for handicapped students and the headquarters for the Peninsula-Delaware Conference Dover District Superintendent now use the space. In the basement, the Wesley Clothing Closet, begun in 1973, provides clothing and sundries for the public at bargain prices.

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Civil Rights A very important occurrence involving Wesley Church and many other faith communities happened in April 1968 in the formation of an informal group of right-thinking folks called “Concerned Citizens of Dover.”

Cities across the nation were exploding with rioting, racial attacks, looting, and other extremely volatile situations. While New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Cleveland, and Detroit, among other major cities, experienced the rioting and martial law, Wilmington, Delaware, and Delaware State College (now University) were policed by the Delaware National Guard. But in Dover, to the credit of Jewish, Catholic, Quaker, and Protestant leaders, both lay and clergy, an atmosphere of understanding and pacification was maintained. Many cross-denominational and crossracial friendships resulted from the intentional and concerted efforts to create an atmosphere of brotherhood and understanding. As a result, Dover was almost without the kind of incidents that were occurring all across the nation. While Wesley Church cannot take full credit for the resulting peaceful environment that was maintained, there was a sizeable contingent of Wesley’s membership that took part in the meetings that were held at Holy Cross, Wesley Church, and other congregations.

Cubbage Handbell Ringers Music has been important at Wesley Church for many years. In the 1960s Thomas C. Flynn was the church organist and choir director extraordinaire. The Chancel Choir’s skills increased, and Tom Flynn started a bell ringing choir for teenagers. The following is from the 1969 program and itinerary of the Cubbage Handbell Ringers: Since the inception in the fall of 1965, the musical organization known as the Cubbage Handbell Ringers had developed a repertoire of sacred and secular music. Thomas C. Flynn, founded the group while serving the Wesley United Methodist Church of Dover, as Organist and Director of Choirs.

Originally the Cubbage Ringers used a set of twenty-five American-made bells given as a memorial by the family of Mr. and Mrs. J. Norman Cubbage. Mrs. Cubbage was a teacher in the Dover Special School District, whose guidance and inspiration had endeared her to high school students for many years. During the past few years, a generous donation 21

of twenty-five additional bells was made, thus providing a full four-octave chromatic set.

Performances have been mostly for Church services, but the ringers have played in many secular settings. They have rung for conventions and at banquet halls, in sports stadiums and for military installations. During the summer many concerts were played at national and state forest preserves.

They also have appeared on educational television programs and have one long playing recording to their credit. Last Christmas the Cubbage ringers were invited to perform at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree, during the Pageant of Peace, which is held at the White House in Washington, DC. The group made two national tours in the United States and also toured in Canada.

This 1969 program listed the scheduled performances at many Methodist churches and clubs throughout England, Scotland, and North Wales. The ringers were Todd Dickinson, Lauren Duff, Kris Gifford, Janis Hutchins, Janis Inter, Kathey Mayer, Doug Moore, Francey Pearthree, Bob Seyfert, Bob Spangler, Vic Spence, Temp Smith, Charles Vesledge, and David Wilkens (age 14, who later became the Wesley Church organist in 2004!) The chaperones were Janet Ferrell, Thomas C. Flynn, James H. Hutchins, Lois Inter, Jo Ann Seyfert, and Rev. Frederick C. Seyfert, the Associate Pastor of Wesley UMC. A Memorial Bell The 1960s was a time of upheaval about race relations, “women’s liberation,” and the Vietnam War. Wesley Church did not totally escape from the tensions and sadness. United States Army Warrant Office Donald E. Kenton, who was 21, died on March 8, 1968 in Vietnam, when the small observation helicopter he was flying was shot down by North Vietnamese soldiers. An active member of Wesley Church, Donnie had been president of the Methodist Youth Fellowship (1964-1965) and President of the Subdistrict MYF. After Caesar Rodney High School, he attended Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, before entering the military service.

His friends at Washington College dedicated a “29 C” bell inscribed “in memory of Donald Earl Kenton, a warm, vibrant, and wonderful friend” 22

during the 11:00 a.m. worship service on December 28, 1969. The “29 C” bell, the largest handbell made, was hand cast at Whitechapel Bell Foundry, London, England. Since 1570 this foundry has made bells of distinction, which include those of Westminster Abbey, The Original Liberty Bell, Big Ben (weight 13 ½ tons), and the Ring of the Washington Cathedral. The Cubbage Ringers played at this service.

REV. ROBERT P. WHITLOCK [Senior Pastor 1970-1977] In the blue-covered original history book, Wesley United Methodist Church, published in 1982, Rev. Robert P. Whitlock writes that he came to Wesley Church and wanted to address “the church to a genuine experience of Jesus Christ – And then the expression of that experience in all of life.” He notes that the church exemplified great diversity in backgrounds and professions. For example, “this diversity is intensified by the fact of the merger of three congregations into one in fairly recent years, bringing people who have different heritages and different perspectives into one congregation….

The mere fact that the church is a congregation of some 1,700 members in a community of twenty-five to thirty thousand people gives it a powerful force in number alone.”

“I believe the church in the years 1970-1977 came alive in the sense of the presence of Jesus Christ; the membership was involved in growing, deepening, spiritual experiences; a number of Bible study groups, prayer groups, sharing groups grew up during this period and provided the life blood of the church and also brought to the worship experience the vitality of the experiences that had been taking place in these small groups.”

For example, the Clothing Closet (1973), the Search Class (1974), and the Emergency Food and Fuel Fund were established during this time period.

In addition, Bob Whitlock’s wife, Mary Ellen Whitlock, started the church prayer chain, which continues to this day.

“Community issues were constantly being addressed; the church was aware of its role to speak to the life as well as to dwell upon its deep 23

spiritual roots. It was this kind of excitement that I felt in Wesley Church between 1970 and 1977.” ************************************************************ New Steeple The main church building received a new steeple in 1971 after lightning damaged the old one. The new white steeple rises 50 feet from the roof and is topped with a seven-foot cross. The steeple serves as a beacon to downtown Dover. The bell from the old steeple was taken down and put on display in the front garden. New chimes were added.

Growth Wesley United Methodist Church’s membership grew from 1,457 in January 1970 to almost 1,700 (850 families) in 1977. Members reached out by means of visitations and neighborhood groups. The church then had three worship services on Sunday mornings with Sunday School classes held at both 9:30 and 11:00. Evening services were also held.

In 1972 Frances Johnson was in charge of a two-week vacation Bible School, which had 120 students, 15 youth, and 30 volunteers. Adult classes were quite popular at the time. The Search Class began in 1974 and continues to this day. The Friendship Bible Class ran for many years.

A Singles’ Group was active for a while. Short-term adult seminars were held in 1974 and led by Dave Verma, Grover Johnson, and Tom Welch.

Music Around 1972, Phillip Betts became Choral Director of the Chancel, Youth, Junior, and Cherub Choirs. For a while, Ruth Wiltshire led a youth choir named Grace Notes. The director of Bells I and II choirs was Ronald Shomo while George Wiltshire played the organ. The church was later given its very own “The Advent Song,” written by member Douglas Grudzina with music by Jeff Kern, then Chancel and Bell Choir Director.

This musical duo also collaborated on “Lord Jesus: An Easter Trilogy,” with compositions by Jeff Kern and lyrics by Douglas Grudzina. The work was featured in a sacred music concert on April 5, 1981. On another occasion Wesley combined choirs with Whatcoat-Dover United Methodist Church for 70 voices singing.

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Taking a Stand In 1975 Wesley United Methodist Church took a stand and sent letters to the Delaware Legislature and Governor opposing gambling bills for slot machines and casinos.

Scouts Scout Troop 13 of the Boy Scouts of America was formed on September 1976 and sponsored by the Paradee Gas Company. The Scouts were involved continuously in working on projects which helped the community, enhanced the environment, and aided handicapped or elderly persons.

They were also involved in “fun and adventure” trips. The primary goal of the troop leaders – some of them United Methodist Men -- was that of helping boys become more faithful in their respective religions, to serve their country better by learning good citizenship, and to help themselves grow strong physically, mentally, and morally.

Girl Scout Troup 505 was a Cadette Troop, sponsored by Wesley Church.

The girls attended different camps on the Peninsula, helped collect canned goods for the City of Dover, helped with the “Kids on the Block” program, and welcomed members of the church during a worship service.

REV. DALE PRUETT [Associate Pastor 1976-1978] Rev. Dale Pruett proclaims that “celebration be joyful and bring glory to God as you share your memories of the impact Wesley United Methodist Church has had on the Dover community at large.” The following is his memoir: In 1966 I had an opportunity to serve in a Beyond the Local Church appointment working for the Cooperative Extension Service with lowincome families in Kent and Sussex Counties. While in that appointment, Margie and I attended Wesley United Methodist Church. After four years in that capacity, I felt a strong desire to return to the parish ministry.

Robert Whitlock was the senior pastor at that time, and when he discovered that I missed serving in a local church, he offered me the position of Associate at Wesley which was vacant at the time. It proved to be one of 25

the best decisions I could make.

I soon discovered that under Dr. Whitlock’s mentoring, and the next year with Rev. George Godfrey’s guidance, I had opportunities for ministry I would likely never have had in a smaller parish. Some of my greatest growth occurred at Wesley in the two-year period I was appointed there.

I was given opportunity to teach in much larger classes than I would have had elsewhere. I had hundreds of home visits to make along with hospital and shut-in visits, assisted in worship, conducted wedding and funeral services, led prayer and healing services, counseled with persons for various reasons, cooperated with health and welfare agencies in the area, planned programs to serve educational needs, and periodically took my turn in preaching as needed.

In the process, I matured in my ability to minister, learned better how to meet the needs of a larger community, and had opportunities for spiritual growth that I would not have likely had elsewhere. I am grateful for those two years at Wesley and the way I was accepted by Dr. Whitlock, Rev. Godfrey, and by the congregation as a whole.

May God continue to bless the Wesley Church family as you faithfully serve the larger Dover community. God is good. His love is eternal, and His faithfulness lasts forever. Continue to be a blessing. ************************************************************

REV. GEORGE C. GODFREY [Senior Pastor 1977-1986] I served Wesley United Methodist Church from June 1977 through June 1986 – a total of nine years as Senior Pastor. Over those years there were many full-time associates: Dale Pruitt, Frank Tulak, and Carolyn Swift and also part-time retired clergy, Hartwell Chandler and R. Jervis Cooke. These all contributed a great deal of help.

I didn’t come to the church with any specific vision, knowing that getting to know the 26

congregation would develop a vision. As time went on, getting the church to be warm and friendly with one another and welcoming new people became my vision. And of course, ministering to the needs of the church.

I always considered pastoral ministry very important.

One special activity comes to mind. Dr. Harold Beck from Boston University Seminary came to lead a weekend retreat. It was so well received that the congregation gave him a standing ovation following his sermon. Another special event I remember was an anniversary service.

Whatcoat-Dover United Methodist Church and Wesley U. M. Church held a service at Central Middle School on a Sunday evening. Both church choirs joined together. Occasionally, we would have pulpit and choir exchanges between these predominantly African American and Caucasian churches. In addition, I have vague memories of other campaigns, but they did include spiritual life and finance ones.

I felt I had developed a degree of warmth and caring among the members.

It was always important to visit in homes, the hospital, and nursing homes, helping parishioners cope with and ease the pain of many situations.

George Wiltshire, the organist, occasionally would add a few bars of “Happy Birthday” in a prelude if a choir member had a birthday. He also threatened to tug on my robes if the sermon was too long … and he did!

Choir director, Jeff Kern, added special music to our services.

The secretaries were efficient: Nancy Haines, Pat Riddleberger, and Vicki Stoops. They worked well together and with me. They were most helpful and cooperative.

The parsonage on Hazel Road was in a lovely neighborhood. We entertained at many “Open Houses,” which were new to the people. They were responsive and appreciative. When we moved to Wesley, our two older children were in college, so only Marybeth lived there. They were good years for our family.

Pastoring God’s people was my whole purpose in life. ************************************************************ Rev. George Godfrey and his wife, Carolyn Leister Godfrey, and their 27

children came to Wesley Church in the summer of 1977 just as the church was planning a large and extensive Bicentennial Celebration throughout 1978. The Godfreys jumped right into fellowship with the congregation and the community. The Godfreys had met at Camp Pecometh, and the camp remained significant in their lives as they volunteered there for many years. In addition, they led retreats at Drayton Manor near Centerville, Maryland.

Bicentennial The Bicentennial Celebrations began with an organ recital to be followed by the Westminster Choir College Chapel Choir of Princeton, New Jersey.

Later Donald Banschbach directed the Brass Collegium Musicum of Kent County. In March Bishop James K. Matthews preached in a special Sunday service. On April 30 the church hosted the past president of the World Council of Churches, Cynthia Wedel, and on June 4 Professor Lewis Wells of Wesley College presented an original play of the church’s history with a “visit” of Bishop Garrettson, who traveled to Dover from 1778 to the current time. The play has been presented several times since.

Held at Central Middle School in Dover, the big Bicentennial Celebration occurred on September 13, 1978, as close to the original date of September 12, 1778 as possible. Special memorabilia was displayed, and the special speaker was Rev. Dr. William Holmes, senior minister of Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church, Washington, DC. His message was “When Backward is Forward.” The church welcomed area choirs to join into a massed choir of 200 singers.

Then because people enjoyed the experience so much, another massed choir service was planned at Central Middle School on May 25, 1980 when 210 singers from 16 United Methodist church choirs from Smyrna to Seaford, Delaware, sang on Music Recognition Sunday with Jeff Kern 28

as conductor. Almost 1,000 people attended. The speaker was Rev. Dr. Woodie W. White, later a bishop but at the time, the Executive Secretary on the General Commission on Religion and Race in Washington, DC. Women in Ministry In 1980 Wesley Church sponsored two women in the ministry. Laura Martin was in seminary while Carolyn R. Swift, a former science teacher, completed her seminary and was ordained as an elder in the Peninsula Delaware Annual Conference. To honor Carolyn’s ordination, Wesley Church had a church dinner followed by a bell concert directed

by Ron Shomo.

1970s-1980s In the late-1970s and 1980s, Wesley Church had age-level councils for children, youth, and adults. Children had Sunday School classes, children’s choirs, and Vacation Bible School, as well as seasonal parties.

The United Methodist Youth Fellowship, led at the time by Associate Rev. Carolyn R. Swift, had Sunday night sessions, along with counselors, Jim and Connie Strickland. The youth were thrilled when she allowed them to create a Halloween haunted house throughout the Educational Center. They wrapped the place with black plastic and gory sights and charged an entrance fee to fund projects. The haunted house was held on a Saturday night, yet the Educational Center was cleaned up, spotless, and ready for Sunday School classes the next day. Rev. Carolyn Swift also ran a Clown Ministry. Later youth leaders were Ken Horn, Rev. Jim Hartman, Rev. Steve Wallace, and Pat Foard. The youth had everything from Bible studies, lock-ins, canoe trips, ping pong, and volleyball.

Classes were provided for all age groups. Adult Sunday School classes were the Search Class led by Dave Verma, Maranatha Class led by Terry Feinoir, and the Friendship Adult Bible Study Class led by retired Rev. Douglas Milberry. In the summer of 1978, Associate Minister Carolyn R. Swift led an Intergenerational Sunday School class, held between the 8:30 and 11:00 services. The first day started with a “circuit rider” on a real horse. People of all ages sang hymns by Charles Wesley, made banners, and studied stained glass windows. In addition, Wesley College students were invited to become involved in the church with E. Winfred Fraser as 29

Wesley College Ambassador in 1977. Fifteen to twenty college students attended services.

Adult Council coordinator, Frederick Lauter, sponsored a series of Adult Christian Studies which lasted from three to five weeks on Sunday and Monday evenings in 1980. Rev. Hartwell F. Chandler led “The Will of God.” Rev. George C. Godfrey led “Making Your Marriage Better.”

Rev. Howell O. Wilkins led “Rich Christians in a Hungry World”, and social worker, Elizabeth Bang, led “After the Children Leave Home.”

In addition, “Jesus Against the Rapture” was led by Rev. Nathaniel L. Miller, and H. Thomas Welch led “The Christian’s Use of Money.”

Delaware State College history professor, Fred Lauter taught “Five Good Conversations.”

Wesley Church members have been active with helping others throughout the years. The Missions Committee influenced members to be involved with the Hunger Task Force, World Vision, Angel Tree, Habitat for Humanity, and CROP walkers. The Kent Country Ecumenical Food and Crisis Fund (KEFCF) accepted gifts of canned goods and money to help the poor. The church also supported the Ruth Dorsey Shelter in town.

Diane Boyce continued the Prayer Chain, thus forming a loving, caring group which continues to pray for people in need. Wesley Church hosted a Lay Witness Mission in April 1989.

Wesley Methodists have always been a social group which enjoyed covered dish suppers in Grace Fellowship Hall. In the early 1970s, around 46 couples met in the Adult Couples’ Club, which participated in scavenger hunts, dinners, and other social activities. From that group, the Search Class was created for those who wanted a Sunday morning class experience. In addition to Sunday School classes and dinners, adults participated in United Methodist Men and United Methodist Women. In 1981 Joe and Mary Bellmeyer and Art and Liz Carlson started the Wesley Merry Mates for couples with grown children. They developed a large social group, which later was renamed Merry Makers, thus opening up the group to singles, widows,and widowers. Betty Wootten, Liz Carlson, and Rev. Wilbur Bubb led the Merry Makers in the late 1990s.

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REV. ALVIN WILLINK [Senior Pastor 1986-1991] From 1986-1991 Rev. Alvin Willink became Wesley’s senior pastor. He was of the United Brethren background and embraced Wesley ministries. He continually taught the congregation to reach out to visitors and to “give a Warm Wesley Welcome!” Rev. Willink was an accomplished pianist and often played for the children during services.

Various financial campaigns were used in the 1980s. For six years “The Circuit Ride” was organized with Route Riders and Trail Bosses who gathered the Estimate of Giving cards in saddle bags. Members pledged to the annual budgets and took the saddle bags to members in the neighborhoods. In 1989 the church used an Every Member Canvas Crusade with Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Alton Miller as consultants.

The Millers helped recruit members to visit each member to gather pledges to the budget. The theme was “God’s Love The Delaware State News published in October 1989 a large photo of Rev. Alvin Willink and Thomas Holt, the general crusade chairman, with a display board showing pledge totals for the Stewardship Crusade. The headline read, “Members heed the call at Wesley Church.” Staff writer Kim Hoey wrote the following: DOVER – After a month of visiting, members of the Wesley United Methodist Church have successfully completed a Canvass Crusade collecting money and members’ concerns. The theme of the crusade was God’s Love Through Sharing.” “We try to bring the church to their home,” said Thomas S. Holt, general chairman of the crusade. The emphasis of the crusade was on personal visits to all friends and members of the church. Mr. Holt said that about 800 families belong to the church and there were about 100 people who visited the homes. As a result of the crusade, which lasted from Oct. 5 through Oct. 24, $616,596 in pledges was raised to help the church’s general fund and building improvement fund. Mr. Holt said the visitors went to members’ homes in groups of two in order to learn about the memberships’ concerns. Members were also asked if they had any problems they wanted to discuss with one of the ministers. The greatest problem worrying the congregation seemed to be 31

drugs, said Mr. Holt. Many people said the church should be more involved with the drug problem. Youth ministries should be available to help children decide against drugs, members felt.

During the visit, the conversation would turn to tithing the church.

“The generally accepted tithe, biblically, is 10 percent of one’s income,” said Mr. Holt. Members signed pledge cards donating money, often on a weekly basis so they could bring it to church with them each Sunday.

Of the money raised, $523,116 goes to the general fund and $93,480 goes to the building fund. The general fund pays for such things as the salaries of church employees and for the outreach missions and Sunday school programs. The building fund goes toward the upkeep of the buildings owned by the church, such as the education building. This was Dover’s Post Office at one time. Last year the building had asbestos removed at a cost of $56,000. The money raised will help replenish the coffers depleted by that project. Funds will also be used for roof repairs and to keep the boiler system running, said Mr. Holt.

This is the first time in 15 years the church has held such a large-scale canvass.“That’s one of the reasons we had to do it,” he said. “It’s something that needed to be done.” The church is located at 209 South State Street. The senior minister is the Rev. Alvin Willink and the associate minister is the Rev. Stephen L. Wallace. There are about 1,500 members. ************************************************************ The 1980s also provided many events for the community as well. A film series, “Focus on the Family,” sponsored by Dr. James Dobson was very popular at the time. The Lebanon Valley College Choir sang in the sanctuary March 1984. That same year George Wiltshire and Jeff Kern both gave an organ concert. In November 1989 Wesley Church showed a film series on marriage enrichment. In December 1985 and 1989 senior pastor, Alvin Willink, and choir director, Cathy Devine, officiated at Love Feasts at the historic Barratt’s Chapel in Frederica, Delaware.

In 1986 church custodian and pastor, Eddie MacDonald, started Serenity Church housed first in the basement and later in the lobby of the Educational Center. He and his son, Calvin, still reach a predominantly AfricanAmerican congregation who like a more contemporary worship style with 32

enthusiastic praise. They minister especially to those in need.

Wesley Church published a Lenten Devotional organized by Heidi Wuller in 1987. Each entry provided scripture and a story or devotion written by a member. Another publication came in 1990, when Rev. Alvin Willink wanted an updated public relations booklet. Artist and member, Donald Parks, provided a sketch of the church facade for the cover of the 24-page booklet. “Wesley Has Something to Share” described the many church activities and groups, as well as Methodism. The booklet stated the following about missions: “For many years Wesley Church had ‘readying’ responsibility for the infirmary at Camp Pecometh through the Cabin Adoption Plan. Or, as has indeed happened, we might be writing letters during morning worship for Bread for the World, seeking greater justice for the hungry by lobbying the nation’s policymakers. Or, we might be sending textbooks to an Indian Reservation in Montana, or to our Red Bird mission in Kentucky. Or we might be engaged in the Angel Tree Project of Prison Ministries at Christmas, so that children of prisoners in Delaware will receive a Christmas gift from members of the congregation.”

Others supported by the church were missionaries, Wilmington Neighborhood House, Ranch Hope for Boys in New Jersey, the Ruth Dorsey Shelter in Dover, the Kent County Emergency Food and Crisis Fund, and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

The Junior High and Senior High groups of Wesley United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF) had Christian fellowship through Bible study, sharing times, weekly Sunday evening UMYF meetings, fundraisers, retreats, and recreation. Some of the teenagers’ projects included helping to restore old housing, sponsoring a child in another country, a bike hike for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, sponsoring families at Christmas time, and caring for foster grandparents.

After many years in “The Pit,” organist George Wiltshire retired but continued to attend church. He was followed by organists, Crystal Pepper and Michael Perza.

Several lay people at Wesley Church became interested in preaching at other churches and some received a call to ministry. Anne Milberry 33

Goodrich became a certified Lay Speaker and then enrolled in Perkins School of Theology. She later served two congregations near Millsboro, Delaware. Retired Air Force pilot, Roland Wolfe, went to Iliffe Seminary in Denver, Colorado. William Thompson served as a lay pastor with three congregations in Seaford, Delaware.

REV. DONALD HURST [Senior Pastor 1991-1995] Don Hurst was the Senior Pastor of Wesley UMC from 1991 to 1995. His vision with the help of lay persons was to organize and implement ministries to meet the needs of church members and the community and to increase parking for all who attended worship services.

Don and his wife, Muff, moved into the parsonage along with their older daughter, Diane, and her son, Michael, so Diane could enroll in the nursing program at Wesley College. Michael attended Wesley PreSchool. The Hurst family enjoyed their neighbors and church gatherings. Muff sang in the Chancel Choir and established the Wesley Parish Nurses. She worked with the nurses, who often provided blood pressure screenings in Grace Fellowship Hall.

Muff also helped other churches begin Parish Nursing Ministries.

1990s In the early 1990s the Mission Committee was active. Members served meals at the Salvation Army. Ten people traveled to Red Bird Missionary Conference in Beverly, Kentucky, April 2-3, 1991. The church had a Blanket Sunday with the congregation collecting blankets for the needy.

Furthermore, Jack and Gerrie Willis started the Wesley Samaritans, a group which coordinated with social workers to enable families to become independent. Angel Tree gifts for children of prison inmates continued each Christmas season. The Wesley Branches visited hospitalized and home-bound members and kept in touch through the years.

Diane Boyce started the weekly prayer guide, which is still included in Sunday bulletins.

Rev. Hurst started the Wesley Healing Ministry Team and a Card Ministry.

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Working for church growth, the New Service of Worship Task Force was a small worship team established to analyze demographics and worship and music styles in order to reach out to the unchurched. Rev. Hurst also sponsored Holy Land Tours.

Softball Team Wesley Church participated in the Dover Churches Softball Team League from 1993-2003, with 80 players participating over those years. In 1992 Pastor Don Hurst and Steve Devine initiated the idea of starting a softball team and joining the Church League that had been playing since 1983.

Steve and Rick Latourette made all the arrangements to get the team going for the 1993 season. Rick “volunteered” to be the coach and served in that role until 1997. The league had 18 teams and played about 17 games each year, plus end-of-season playoffs. While the team never won more games than were lost, the Wesley Church team was usually competitive and “on any given night” might even beat the best team in the league.

The Wesley team was perennially one of the oldest teams in the league with many players in the 40-60 age group and a few over 60. The team also had many talented younger members of the church and was one of the two to three teams in the league to have female players every year. While winning was always a desirable goal, the team had been committed to have all the members play and for the experience to be an expression of Christian fellowship. As a church league all games began with one of the players leading both teams in a prayer at home plate, and often the two teams gathered after the game for a more spontaneous prayer.

Because the Wesley team had older players, with most of the original group having graduated to golf and spectator status, it was hard to field a full team in later years. To provide the opportunity for interested players to continue playing, the church team merged with others. During the 2000 and 2001 seasons, Ron Zink was the coach for a combined team with the House of Pride players joining the Wesley Church team. During the 200235

2003 seasons, there were about six to eight members of Wesley playing with the Wyoming United Methodist team.

All in all, there was a great deal of camaraderie, and members of the church got to know one another and became acquainted with hundreds of other Christian lay men and women in a very informal setting that may not have been possible without the ministry called the Wesley United Methodist Church Softball Team. Other coaches were Janet Krauss and John Shoemaker.

United Methodist Youth Fellowship In 1991 Janet Garrett became Youth Director with great enthusiasm. She organized picnics, games, snacks, and volleyball games. The UMYF sponsored “Soldiers of the Cross” which performed the latest Christian music. The youth studied the Bible and discussed their faith and took part in progressive dinners, lock-ins, youth rallies, raking leaves, and caroling in nursing homes. In addition, they went white water rafting.

REV. DR. WILLIAM M. FITZHUGH [Senior Pastor 1995-2005] I was appointed to serve as Wesley’s Senior Pastor in 1995 (23 years ago). I left Wesley U. M. Church in 2005, after 10 years of service, when the Bishop appointed me to the Wilmington District Superintendency.

My vision for Wesley Church was that I would make a positive contribution to this historic church as it continued to seek to be a faithful witness in Delaware’s Capital. In the early years of my ministry at Wesley, the church’s leadership intentionally engaged in a time of discernment in order to write a new vision statement. A special committee was appointed, and it presented a number of possibilities to the Administrative Board. As I remember, the Administrative Board “worked hard” to produce a statement that could be embraced by a majority of the Board 36

members. I embraced the Vision as approved, I valued it, and I sought to focus my leadership upon it throughout my ten years of service.

The following is the VISION OF WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: Historic Wesley Church in downtown Dover, Delaware, is an open and welcoming congregation, which makes disciples of Jesus Christ by proclaiming God’s love through: * A variety of Worship Services which speak to both heart and mind, * Bible study, fellowship, and nurture which lead to meaningful and disciplined Christian living, * Christian outreach ministries which serve those near and far, & combined activities which involve other area churches and faith communities.

Wesley Church welcomes all individuals and seeks to minister to their spiritual and physical needs and concerns, as God reveals them to us: Members and neighbors of all ages and stages in life; the homeless, hungry, and hurting; employees of the various levels of government, including the military; and people in the nearby education and business communities.

Wesley Church’s prominent steeple is a sign of our commitment to our vision and is a beacon of faith, hope, and love in this state capital.

I [Bill Fitzhugh] consider the ten years that I served at Wesley Church as the most productive of my 41 years of service. I was fortunate to have been appointed to Wesley at the same time that the Dover area was beginning to “to grow”! We had Sunday morning visitors on many Sundays, and the Evangelism Committee faithfully worked with me to make “follow up” contacts.

The congregation had many dedicated lay persons serving on committees and programs. It is “dangerous” for me to list these since I will unintentionally fail to remember all of them; however, the positive ministry that took place during this ten-year period was because of the faithfulness of those members who supported the Acolytes, Administrative Board, Adult Music Ministry, Altar Flower Committee, the Annual Conference 37

Sessions, Baptism Orientation Classes, Board of Trustees, Children’s Music Ministry, Christian Education, Clothing Closet Ministry, Council on Ministries, Disciple Bible Study, Emergency Shelter, Evangelism Committee, Family Ministries, Finance Committee, Lay Readers, Missions and Outreach Committee, Membership Orientation Classes, Monthly Healing Services, Men’s Study/Discussion Groups, Nominations and Personnel Committee, Office Volunteers, Outreach Class, Pastoral/Staff Relations Committee, Sound/Recording System Ministry, Sunday Morning Worship (two traditional services as well as a new 8:30 a.m. informal service), Stewardship committee, UM Women and UM Men, Ushers, Wednesday Morning Intercessory Prayer Group, Wesley Branches Visitation Ministry, Wesley PreSchool, Worship Committee, Youth Ministry, and…. I am sorry if I failed to remember your specific area of service; however, I trust that you get the point: Wesley Church members WERE ENGAGED IN MINISTRY!!!

I intentionally tried to support each of these volunteer groups; however, Wesley Church, also, had dedicated “employed” personnel who made their witness and “shared the load.” Positive contributions to Wesley’s ministry were made by the office staff and the custodians. Invaluable to the church’s Pastoral Ministry and to me, professionally and personally, were those who, during these ten years served as full-time or part-time “Assistant Pastors.”

As in any gathering of human beings, the Wesley Church congregation had its “easy times and hard times,” its “joyful times and sad times”; however, I am convinced that during these ten years, Wesley’s pastors, employees, and members contributed Christian love and compassion, grace and mercy, truth and wisdom not only to one another and to downtown Dover, but also to the Dover area and to the mission outreach throughout the world.

A FUNNY STORY: Wesley Church was the largest congregation with the most non-clergy persons participating in “the leadership” of worship that I have ever served. If you were ever “behind the doors” of the sanctuary (BEFORE the Jeremiah Project was completed) on “those Sundays” when the Adult Choir, the Children’s Choir, the Youth Choir, the Organist, the Acolyte, the Lay Reader, the Assistant Pastor were all “getting robed,” “rehearsing,” and “getting lined-up,” THEN YOU WERE IN FOR AN EXPERIENCE! 38

United Methodist Pastors start their new appointments in July when church schedules are often slower and choirs are “off for the summer.”

I had “MY EXPERIENCE” in late September of my first year at Wesley when all the choirs were ready “to do their thing.” After two or three Sundays of these “experiences,” I said to someone (Not Intending Any Harm!), “This Is A Circus Back Here!”

Well, not mentioning any names, I was soon informed that my comment was “not appreciated”! I apologized, and they let me “join the circus behind the door,” and the Rest Is History! ************************************************************ Coming in the mid-1990s, Rev. Dr. Bill and Christine Fitzhugh energized ministry. Christine taught a Wesley PreSchool class, as well as Sunday School and Disciple Bible classes. Wesley Church continued its mission outreach with Angel Tree gift collections and Salvation Army bell ringing.

A group led by Christine Fitzhugh tutored children at Liberty Court housing on a weekly basis. Ginger Conley began calling homebound members on a regular basis to stay in touch. She also provided a display of African violets, which enlivened the church hallway. There she kept a Birthday Book listing birthdays of members so that others could also call one another. Later Alma and Jim Yerger and Mary Ann Evans continued the flower and birthday book ministry. Sigrid Mills and The Wesley Branches took turns leading worship services in area nursing homes. Another mission outreach was prison ministry with involvement by Kim Book and Jack Willis.

Mission Area Ministry Furthermore, Wesley Church joined with other area United Methodist churches to form Mission Area Ministry (MAM). Representatives from each church met to worship together and seek ways to combine ministries.

The representatives of Wesley Church were Liz Carlson, Rev. Dr. Fitzhugh, Bob Moyer, and Lay Leader, Connie Strickland. The Mission Area Ministry hosted “Thank God for Kids’ Ministries” on the parking lot of Whatcoat-Dover United Methodist Church. Families came to see live animals of Bible times. In addition, the MAM representatives helped rebuild the foundation of Roby Church in Leipsic, Delaware. Men and 39

women served by digging and hammering, as well as feeding the workers.

MAM held a Back-to-School Prayer Meeting on the steps of Legislative Hall. It also held Vacation Bible School off-sites for under-privileged children in their own communities. The MAM group also heard speakers from the local NAACP and the Whatcoat Ruth Dorsey Shelter.

First Night For several years First Night was held in downtown Dover where the town came out on New Year’s Eve to celebrate with family events. Wesley Church participated with classical pianists in the sanctuary and bands in Grace Fellowship Hall. In addition, the ministers were on hand to serve communion in St. Paul’s Chapel throughout the evening.

Musicals The church hosted additional musical productions and concerts. The Chancel Choir sponsored a Dinner Variety Show on January 27, 1996.

The congregation came out for a covered dish dinner and lots of talent acts. Another dinner had Harmony Zone Barbershop Quartet entertain.

That year choirs from Juniata College and Eastern College gave concerts and sang in the services. In November 12, 1997 director Janet Spengler led combined choirs to sing Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria in D Major.” The following year the Chancel Choir performed the Christmas Cantata: “Seasons of Praise” by Joseph Marlin.

Jeremiah Project In 1997 Wesley Church started “The Jeremiah Fund, God’s Solution for Wesley’s Future.” This capital campaign was to build for the twenty-first century. Just as Jeremiah purchased land during the siege of Jerusalem in 588/587 B.C. as an outward and visible sign of his faith in and commitment to the hope of a productive future for God’s people in Jerusalem and Judah, Wesley Church “claimed our land in downtown Dover” as a sign of our faith in the future. At the time, there were 1,369 members and 632 active member households. The church had bought for one dollar the former Delaware Family Court Building of Kent County on neighboring North Street, called the Arden Building. Because it contained asbestos, it had to be razed by January 1998.

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The Administrative Board passed authorization for the Trustees to demolish the Arden Building on the other side of the parking lot. The lot was then graded and paved to add more parking spaces. At the same time, the Trustees decided to renovate and expand the kitchen and create a classroom under the kitchen.

A portico (porte cochere) was erected at the kitchen door, making the church building handicap accessible. The fundraising campaign was named the Jeremiah Fund with the goal of raising or borrowing $400,000. This second-mile giving campaign had a great start when $375,000 was on hand or pledged by the congregation.

In October 12, 1997 Ruth Wiltshire organized a Swim-A-Thon at the Dover YMCA to benefit the Jeremiah Fund. Swimmers collected pledges for each lap swum in the pool. Many people went to cheer them on. The swimmers raised more than $1,200.00 for the project.

On June 27, 1999 the church celebrated the completion of the Jeremiah Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Jim Skeans, president of the Board of Trustees, was the organizing force behind the project.

Dinners IV In 1997 Jack and Nancy Royston shared a wonderful idea for fellowship that they had experienced in a previous church. Members could get to know others better by sharing a meal together. With that in mind, Dinners IV was started. Four couples took turns to host a meal one month. The next month a second couple hosted the meal. After four months, people signed up for a different grouping. Singles were also included. Meals ranged from formal dinner parties to cook-outs. After a while, many people loved to share information about the time when the dinner was burned or when…. Dinners IV still continues at Wesley Church.

Stewardship In 1997 and 1998 the Stewardship Committee led the theme “In His Steps” campaign as members tried to raise their pledges “to the next 41

step,” thus funding the budget. In 1999 the theme was “Blessed to Share, Blessed to Serve.” During each Sunday service a member shared about one of the many missions and ministries of the church. The Stewardship theme for 2002 was “Expressing Our Gratitude – Thank You, Lord!”

Bereavement Committee With Jan Records, Sigrid Mills saw a need and started the Bereavement Committee, mostly composed of UMW members. When funerals were held at Wesley Church and the bereaved family wanted to meet for refreshments in Grace Fellowship Hall afterwards, the women provided a meal.

Drama April 1998 Rev. Dr. Wilbur W. Bubb, the Minister of Visitation, directed a living dramatization of “Jesus and the Twelve Disciples” by Louis J. Kover. Men from the congregation dressed as Jesus and the disciples and positioned themselves around a long table in the front of the sanctuary. They were patterned after The Last Supper by Leonardo DeVinci. The tableau was silent and dark until each disciple was spotlighted and took a turn at coming to life and telling his experience with Jesus. Then in 2002 the women of the church had a turn with “The Other Twelve Disciples” by Rev. Charles Erewood Goodin. Twelve women of the Bible, dressed in biblical attire, recited stories how they were touched and influenced by Jesus.

Study Groups Study groups have been a tradition at Wesley Church. Disciple I and II Bible study classes were led by Christine Fitzhugh, who had a devoted, hard working group. Dr. Fitzhugh led a Wednesday Night Bible Study in 1998 on “Breaking the Code” in the Book of Revelations. He continued to lead Wednesday noon and night Bible studies. Several adult Sunday School classes were popular at this time. Bill Thompson, followed by Dick Dunlap and Connie Strickland, led the Friendship Class, which used the Adult Bible Study booklets. Christine Fitzhugh led The Heart to Heart Class, Dave and Sally Verma led the Search Class, and Jane LeverageWillis and Sean Wright led the Outreach Class.

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Staff The church office was effectively run by dedicated secretaries, Nancy Haines and Vicki Stoops, and treasurer, Pat Riddleberger. Pat grew up in Wesley Church and volunteered as a pre-teen assistant helper to Vacation Bible School teachers for several years. In the 1960s she was a member of the Wesley MYF. She volunteered with Yolande Thomas in the church library and helped Rev. Carolyn Swift with various projects. It was natural that Pat would become employed as secretary/treasurer from September 1974-1976. She later returned to work from 1979-2012 (33 years).

Pat remembers that she, Nancy, and Vicki worked so well together that they became friends in and out of the office. An excellent grammarian and perfectionist, Nancy Haines was honored in 2000 when she retired after 34 years. She was replaced by Paul Barker, who served for five years.

In the late 1990s the youth fellowship was led by Scott Berry, John Foltz, Pan Scrutchfield, Deana Miller, and Lisa Torbert, and the Director of Christian Education and Youth was Sandhya Verma Higgins.

Rev. LeRoy Jones became an important part of Wesley Church. Growing up in Millsboro, Delaware, he was a boyhood friend of George Godfrey and Ed Wilkins, who all became Methodist ministers. LeRoy went to Wesley Junior College and later served on the Wesley College Board of Trustees. Because LeRoy Jones served in the Pittsburgh conference, he told many tales about Pittsburgh. His storytelling was always apropos and inspiring.

REV. W. LEROY JONES [Associate Pastor 1999-2010] My wife, Barbara, and I moved to Delaware in 1996 and immediately associated with Wesley Church. Barbara became very much involved in United Methodist Women’s activities. I was asked to go on the staff in 1999 at the parting of the Associate Pastor. I continued on the staff until 2010. I thought it was to be an Assistant to the Pastor, but it turned out to be an Associate.

I was excited about it with the ministry of Dr. William Fitzhugh. The church was growing and some exciting programs were being held. With 43

the addition of the Reverend Harry Baxter as Pastor of Visitation, the staff was very well accepted. I shared visitations with the other ministers and preached when asked by the Senior Minister.

I was involved in the life of the church. I taught a Men’s Bible Study for 18 years with an average attendance of seventeen to twenty at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesdays. We took a break over the summers but were back together again each fall. Once a month we met for breakfast at Hall’s Restaurant in Wyoming, Delaware. I also attended the United Methodist Men for the entire time I was in the church. On three occasions, we attended the National United Methodist Men Convention held every four years.

I was on the staff when two Jeremiah Projects were held but not a part of the group who conducted them. After retiring from the staff, I headed up the annual financial campaign one year to support the program and expenses of the church. While chairman of the Stewardship Committee, I also served on the Finance Committee.

Wesley Church has a great group of people. ************************************************************ Beginning of the 21st Century The Vision 2000 Task Force, appointed by the Administrative Board to draft a church vision statement mentioned above by Dr. Fitzhugh, consisted of Eunice Craig, Liz Carlson, Garry Courtney, George Dunning, Bill Fitzhugh, Nancy Haines, Charlie Martin, Sigrid Mills, Bob Moyer, and Connie Strickland. Once the vision was voted upon by the Administrative Board, the task force presented the Vision Statement to the congregation on Vision Sunday, January 9, 2000. Afterwards, each committee and board tied its goals to the Vision Statement.

On April 27, 2001, the first historical marker was dedicated at the site of the original chapel which was to become known as Wesley. The congregation from Wesley was led in procession down Loockerman Street to the site on North Street between Queen and Slaughter Streets for the ceremony. The marker, composed and coordinated by Ann Baker Horsey, states the following: In 1778, a Methodist Society was organized in Dover by Reverend 44

Freeborn Garrettson. Desiring a permanent place of worship, members acquired a one-half acre lot at this location from Vincent Loockerman in 1782. Future Delaware Governor Richard Bassett contributed toward the construction of a forty-foot square structure, which was named Wesley Chapel. Bishop Asbury preached the first sermon here in 1784. The building was used until 1850, when a larger Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church was constructed on State Street. Notable burials include those of Bishop Richard Whatcoat, Delaware Governors Cornelius P. Comegys and Gove Saulsbury, and Representative Nathaniel B. Smithers.

In 2002 reorganization within the United Methodist Church structure made a change at Wesley Church. The Council on Ministries and the Administrative Board were combined into the Church Council. Most members were pleased with fewer meetings to attend and less redundancy.

In 2002 Jane Grudzina handed over the hand bell directorship to Daniel Briggs.

Jeremiah II Project Church Trustees began the Jeremiah II Project in 2002. Their goal was to raise $250,000 to $300,000 in order to build an additional music room east of the existing choir practice room. They added a handicap-accessible restroom on the sanctuary level, as well as storage space and an emergency exit. The sacristy was totally remodeled with added cabinetry including eight foot long drawers to accommodate the altar, pulpit, lectern, and cross vestments. Space for the acolytes was also created and a refrigerator was added.

Jeremiah II also brought necessary renovations in the sanctuary. The circularly laid pine floor was refinished with dark red carpeting added for better acoustics. The narthex floor was completely refinished including asbestos abatement and laid with the addition of bound carpet running on the stairs to both ground floor and attic. The oak pews were renovated and outfitted with new cranberry colored velvet cushions. Cranberry colored velvet kneelers made by Connie Freer were added to the communion rail.

In addition, an appropriate period style oak cabinet was crafted for the narthex to contain supplies for the ushers. While the sanctuary was being renovated, worship again was held in Grace Fellowship Hall.

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225th Anniversary On Sunday, May 4, 2003, as a kick-off of the 225th Anniversary Celebration, the second historical marker, again coordinated by Ann Baker Horsey, was unveiled to the congregation. It continues the story of the establishment of Wesley in 1778 with a brief history. Located on the State Street façade entrance, this marker states the following: WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH The origin of this congregation can be traced to its establishment as a Methodist Society in Dover in 1778. Land on North Street was obtained in 1782, and a church was completed there in 1784. Bishops Francis Asbury and Richard Whatcoat, pioneers of American Methodism, conducted services at the “rather nice large brick chapel” on many occasions. Needing more space, the present site was purchased for a new church. The cornerstone was laid on September 23, 1850, and the building was dedicated the following February. To accommodate further growth, the church was enlarged in 1870 and 1884. A major rebuilding project in 1897 included the addition of stained glass windows, organ pipes, and a lofty beamed ceiling, giving the church a cathedral-like appearance.

Another addition was built in 1924. In 1950, Grace Fellowship Hall was added, St. Paul’s Chapel was created, and a major redesign of the sanctuary took place. The former Post Office Building to the east became the Education Center in 1967.

The 225th Anniversary Committee organized a Homecoming Reunion similar to the 200th event in 1978. All former members of Wesley, families and friends were invited to attend. A banquet in Fellowship Hall followed.

Family Life Also in 2003 Wesley Church had a group performing liturgical dance.

Later when the City of Dover had its Festival of Lights to turn on its Christmas display with caroling, Family Life sponsored a Live Nativity Scene on Loockerman Street. Jim and Sandi Thistlewood and the Family Life Committee have organized families to dress at Nativity Scenes for many years. Family Life has also sponsored Family Fun Nights, Easter Egg Hunts, and Advent Dinners each year.

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Wesley Church is always mindful of the whole person, including health.

In 2003 three AEDs were placed throughout the campus: in the narthex, Grace Fellowship Hall, and the main lobby of the Educational Center.

Each year the Board of Trustees sponsors a CPR/AED class for members taught by a Delaware state trooper.

Staff Changes Church staff changed in 2004 and 2005. David Wilkins became our church organist. Vicki Stoops retired as secretary after 31 years. Patsy Brown and JoAnn Kulhanek became secretaries, and Pat Riddleberger marked her twenty-fifth year as secretary/treasurer. Minister of Visitation, Rev. Wilbur Bubb, retired, and Rev. Harry Baxter replaced him.

Rev. LeRoy Jones was the Associate Minister.

Reaching Out Wesley Church continued to be part of the community. The Sunday School participated in the 2004 St. Patrick Day Parade. Children and youth publicized Vacation Bible School by handing out 1,000 bags with VBS dates in the coming summer. The church gave flyers to Wesley College students inviting them to worship. In addition, the Evangelism Committee led by Diane Boyce distributed cookies to visitors after their third visit to worship. The Missions Committee continued to work with The Shepherd Place and Whatcoat Shelter. Twenty-five school supply bags were given to The Shepherd Place. The Wesley Samaritans continued to work with helping families become independent. Sixty “Welcome Bags” were given to 801 House youth.

REV. DONALD GODWIN [Senior Pastor 2005 – 2011] Going to Wesley In the spring of 2005 I received a call from Rev. Sandra Steiner-Ball, Dover District Superintendent. She wanted to meet me at the Conference office in Dover to discuss an appointment change.

At our meeting she shared with me a new appointment in the Dover District she thought I should 47

consider. After our conversation she told me I had a few days to decide if I wanted to go to Wesley Church in Dover. After a lengthy discussion with my wife, Margaret, and several prayers, we decided to accept this new appointment. The Rev. Dr. Bill Fitzhugh had been the pastor at Wesley for 10 years and was now becoming the Wilmington District Superintendent.

My friendship with Bill had gone back to 1987 when I worked with him in New Castle. Bill had also been my counseling Elder during my candidacy process. I knew the pastoral history of Wesley and had a good conversation with Bill as I prepared for this new appointment.

As always a new appointment brings new challenges, getting to know and understand the Lay ministry of the church. I was excited to begin the process of knowing a new church and congregation. Getting to know all the folks at Wesley would take time since it normally takes four years for a pastor to get to know a congregation the size of Wesley Church. I was excited and happy to begin this process. I had two very seasoned Associates to help me get to know and understand the church.

I was very blessed to have so many people reach out to me and share their understanding of Wesley. Richard Satter helped me understand where we were financially, and he was a ready and helpful resource. Ann Baker Horsey was a Trustee who helped with any housing issue we had and additionally was a great resource on the historical background of Wesley.

Throughout my tenure as Senior Pastor at Wesley, Doug Boyce was our Lay Leader. Doug was an invaluable asset to me during my pastorate.

Doug had such a great understanding of Wesley Church’s congregation.

Doug knew what would work and what wouldn’t work. Doug’s counsel was so important.

We had a very successful financial campaign titled “Grow One.” We had a number of people and organizations Wesley had helped share with the congregation what it meant to them. This sharing impacted many of our members because it resulted in 75% of the congregation giving more the following year. Doug said we had never had such a stewardship result such as this. We only had one such campaign during my time at Wesley.

As I reflected on my time at Wesley I thought about our Congregational Survey by PEM (Proactive Evangelism Ministry). A generous family of our church made this survey possible. PEM did an extensive survey of our 48

Congregation and presented us with the results. After this presentation, our Church Council decided to enter into a three-year relationship with PEM. This relationship was to help our church move forward as we ventured beyond our walls to reach the world for Jesus Christ and to make disciples.

They would provide the necessary training, encouragement, and accountability for ministry at every level of Christian discipleship. This began a time of intense training weekends for everyone in our church who wanted to grow in his or her faith and who came to the trainings.

I am sure everyone has in his or her own mind how this PEM relationship went. However, if you examine it, I know that many people grew in their faith. We saw changes in our congregation that made a difference in many people’s lives. When it’s all said and done, I was thankful and blessed with my six years at Wesley. I grew in my faith, I was able to help people with my medical background, and I was able to bring comfort to many people in difficult moments. I made many friends that I still have today. Margaret had some of her most meaningful ministry while we served Wesley and loved the opportunity to reach out to others.

Our wish for Wesley Church is for a rich and continued blessing as the church makes disciples for Jesus Christ. Congratulations on your 240th Anniversary. ************************************************************ Rev. Don Godwin became Senior Pastor at Wesley Church in 2005. His wife, Margaret, participated in Chancel Choir, UMW, Wesley Branches, and Sunday School and often played her flute in worship on special occasions. A registered nurse, Don emphasized health along with faith. He included health tips in the Sunday bulletins. AED and CPR classes were held in the church annually. Don Godwin’s philosophy was “team-based ministry” in leadership, bonding, lay involvement, and evangelism. He was interested in Spiritual Gifts Assessments to help members decide areas of strength for service and leadership.

In 2005 church membership was 1,052.

Mission Mindedness Jack Willis led the Church Council to promote “Mission Mindedness” with the concept embraced in 1996 to work toward returning one hundred 49

percent of the net annual Clothing Closet revenues back to the community.

By 2006 Wesley Church succeeded and continues the tradition.

With Mission Mindedness, the church also gave to such projects as Fair Trade Coffee, the Heifer Project, the Salvation Army bell ringers, the youth work camp trip, the men’s emergency shelter, CROP Walk, and Angel Tree. In 2017 the Clothing Closet provided $27,873 for the local community.

Dave Verma and Jack Willis

Youth counselor, Tom Morrison, received the call to become a pastor, and Wesley Church sponsored him.

PEM Rev. Godwin tried a different approach to a stewardship campaign by introducing Rev. Jim Hollis with the Proactive Evangelism Ministries (PEM). In 2007 and 2008 Rev. Hollis and his team from Atlanta, Georgia, came to visit Wesley Church. They sat in on classes and interviewed committees during three-day visits. Wesley Church members voted at a town hall meeting to try his Discover Reflection process. PEM’s 36-month covenant was presented and passed by Church Council. PEM provided accountability training. Members joined leadership and prayer ministry teams. There were spiritual growth opportunities, weekend trainings, and door-to-door evangelism visits in the community.

Music In 2007 the Chancel Choir and the First Baptist Church Senior Choir joined their 70 voices to present the Palm Sunday Cantata, “Footprints in the Sand.” Janet Spengler Miller was the choral director, and Richard Miller was the director of the 26-piece orchestra. When Janet Spengler Miller retired in the fall of 2007, Wesley Church hired Jonathan Emmons, a music professor at Wesley College, as the new chancel choir director.

He served Wesley from 2007-2010.

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Drama On March 20, 2008, thirteen men again presented the “Last Supper Tableau.” Once again two years later, the “Women of the Bible, The Other Twelve Disciples” was a dramatic presentation which highlighted the special women in the life of Jesus. Both were directed by Ann Baker Horsey with assistance from Rev. Wilbur Bubb and Linda Wasko on the latter drama.

Helping the Homeless At this time the Dover Interfaith Homeless Shelter was organizing with rotating churches on hand to provide overnight facilities for homeless men during cold nights. Jack Willis and other United Methodist Men represented Wesley Church, and members contributed dinners and breakfasts and sometimes overnight chaperones.

Tuesday Morning Men’s Group Rev. LeRoy Jones started the Tuesday Morning Men’s Group. In spite of the early hour, 20 men have enjoyed the fellowship of studying together.

The class remains strong today under the leadership of Jim Skeans. Every third Tuesday the men are now gathering for breakfast at Hall’s Restaurant in Wyoming, Delaware.

230th Anniversary On All Saints’ Day Sunday, November 2008, Wesley Church celebrated its 230th Anniversary with one 10:30 service followed by a luncheon for 175 people. The planning committee was composed of Alice Guerrant, Don Godwin, Tom Holt, Ann Baker Horsey, Grover Johnson, Vicki Stoops, and Tom Welch. The sanctuary was packed to hear Rev. George Godfrey return to preach. Other ministers who came for the reunion were Rev. William Hemphill, Rev. Fred Seyfert, Rev. Dr. Bill Fitzhugh, Rev. LeRoy Jones, and Rev. Harry Baxter.

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REV. HARRY BAXTER [Minister of Visitation 2005-2014] Rev. Harry Baxter retired to Smyrna, Delaware, with his wife, Lou. He was pleased to be offered the position of Minister of Visitation, and she became involved in United Methodist Women as a circle leader. Harry says that he always knew he was going to be a minister, even as a kid.

Growing up in Philadelphia, before moving to Upper Darby, his family took the trolley to church every Sunday. “Sunday morning was church. My father always bought us candy in the store on the way to church so that we’d be quiet during the service. We always sat on the next to last pew and shared the candy with the children around us.”

After attending college in Arkansas, Harry went to Wesley Seminary in Washington, DC, and joined the Baltimore-Washington Conference.

He served many churches in Maryland and was active with protest movements concerning civil rights and Vietnam. He liked to tell about his experience being on the Mall to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak.

Once retired, Harry served Wesley Church by visiting the shut-ins and hospitalized. He participated in the Wesley Branches and shared his skills with those lay members who also visited. He remembers giving comfort while visiting the sick and dying. When his Parkinson’s forced him to give up driving, Lou drove him on his rounds of visitation. Harry also held a weekly book study with a devoted group and taught a Disciple Bible study. In addition, he occasionally preached.

Family Life The Family Life Committee organized Thanksgiving dinner for the community to be delivered to less fortunate families in 2008. Members contributed fully home-cooked dinners to share.

Staff In 2009 Cindy Mayan became office manager at the church, and she worked in the office until 2015.

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Contemporary Worship Don Godwin worked with interested members to start a contemporary worship in Grace Fellowship Hall. He and new Director of Christian Education and Youth, Christopher Countryman, as well as member Becky Gill, used different formats and introduced different music from the traditional worship in the sanctuary.

2010 On Sunday, February 14, 2010 the Boy Scouts celebrated their 100th Anniversary by presenting Harry Satterfield the Cross and Flame award for outstanding service to youth at Wesley United Methodist Church.

Another special Sunday was Appreciation Day for Pastor LeRoy Jones on April 11, 2010, to celebrate his ten years of service as Associate Pastor.

The Family Life Committee continued to provide opportunities for fellowship with bowling and Farm Fun Night, in addition to the annual Easter Egg Hunt with lunch and entertainment from Mark Jaster’s Piccolo’s Trunk.”

March 28, 2010 all the Sunday School classes hosted “Walk Through Holy Week” in Grace Fellowship Hall with each grade and class depicting a different day in Jesus’ last week. Chris Countryman, Sue Krabill, and all the other teachers organized the adults and children.

Mission mindedness has been continuous at Wesley Church since the beginning years. The United Methodist Women sponsored a Backpack Program at South Dover Elementary School. Harry and Nicky Satterfield delivered on Fridays the backpacks filled with food for the weekend, and Pat Weaver picked up the empty backpacks on Mondays to be refilled.

Needy families appreciated the help to feed their children over the weekends. In addition, a group went to New Orleans, Louisiana, on a mission trip to run a vacation Bible school there and rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. The Church Women United held its annual CROP covered dish supper at Wesley Church to raise money for the Delmarva Rural Ministries. Meanwhile, during the summer, the youth group held a 30-Hour Famine to “experience” world hunger. The leaders were Chris Countryman, Sandy Teel, and Sean Wright. Mardi Pyott-Spangler led the Vacation 53

Bible School in July. Its theme was “Voyage on the High Seas.” Other members were involved with the Fifth Annual CROP Hunger Walk, encouraged by George Dunning. Twenty-three members walked with 120 others from 14 different churches to raise over $10,000 in contributions.

Melody Heavner (followed by Jill Hammer Street) organized Angel Tree donations while Candy Casto (later Kelly Devine) scheduled Salvation Army Bell Ringers from the church. Furthermore, the Sunday School children had a Sock Drive to collect socks for those at the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing Homeless Men. The Clothing Closet coordinator, Barbara Berry, reported that 45 volunteers worked 19,440 hours in 2010.

During the fall of 2010 Wesley Church had four worship services – at 8:30, 9:30, 11:00, and 11:15, with the latter in Grace Fellowship Hall with Chris Countryman and contemporary music. Dr. James Wilson, Wesley College’s music professor, became the new Music Director at Wesley Church. Family Life sponsored a Chili Contest, as well as a fall event at Fifer Farms.

For the New Year, in order to fight extra weight and obesity, Dave Verma encouraged the congregation to start a Portion Control Diet by reducing portions of food most liked by one tablespoon at each meal. One hundred and fifty-one members participated by getting weighed and trying the approach.

2011 On Palm Sunday afternoon, April 17, 2011 Dr. James Wilson directed the Chancel Choir with the choir of Christ Episcopal Church in the sanctuary.

They sang “Requiem”by Gabriel Fauré.

Once again the church performed a drama by Rev. Charles Erwood Goodin. This time “The Lesser Disciples” portrayed both well-known and not-so-well-known disciples of Jesus with church members taking part on May 11, 2011. Ann Baker Horsey and Linda Wasko directed.

Associate Pastor and Wesley College Trustee, W. LeRoy Jones, was awarded the Francis Asbury Conference Leadership Award given by the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church for his contribution to the church’s ministries of higher education.

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Jeremiah III Project The Board of Trustees sponsored the Jeremiah III Project, raising over $500,000 for a modern fullsized commercial elevator. The project included handicap-accessible entry with lobbies on both floors and space for a full-sized casket. A vehicle drop off portico was built with an exit onto State Street. The dedication service was later held on February 12, 2012.

REV. AMY YARNALL [Senior Pastor 2011 - ]

My appointment to Wesley began as such things generally do: with a phone call from the District Superintendent. Rev. Boyd Etter and I spoke by phone in the evening to set a breakfast meeting for the next morning. As the evening phone conversation ended, I had this feeling that Wesley Church in Dover was going to be the church we would be discussing. I did not know Don Godwin was planning to retire; it turned out to be a nudge from the Spirit. At breakfast, Boyd indeed invited me to prayerfully consider serving Wesley. After discussing it and praying with my husband Ray, we both agreed that this felt like the way God was leading. I didn’t realize until later that I would be the first woman senior pastor. When we arrived in Dover, our children were entering 2nd and 4th grades. As of this writing we are in our 8th year of service, and our children are entering 9th and 11th grades. The time has gone so quickly.

We love this church and community. We are grateful to God for bringing us to this place. It has been a blessing to serve here and to raise our children here. Many of the things we have done in ministry have been beautifully collected together by Connie Strickland in the following pages.

These include a change in our worship schedule, Covenant Discipleship Accountability groups, the increased support for long-standing Clothing 55

Closet ministry in both servant power and donations, and closer ministry ties between the church and our preschool. We have made building improvements including a new surface for the playground and all of the Sunday School/Preschool rooms in the primary building (both of which the Preschool budget paid for). Wesley Church has been refurbishing and putting into service the previously vacant Student Ministries Center (SMC) and providing Code Purple emergency cold weather shelter there.

In addition, the church has participated in three Habitat for Humanity constructions, started a monthly community meal, established the Congo Partnership relationship generally and adopted the 7th grade class of the Mama Tola School specifically. We have upgraded our media capability in the sanctuary to include projection on the front wall and continued support for the Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing, of which Rev. Fitzhugh led Wesley in being a founding partner. Rev. Carlos Reyes has established La Caminante Spanish prayer service Wednesday nights with church members providing weekly dinner. A smart phone app has been launched.

Furthermore we are preparing to host mission teams next summer using the SMC for housing and partnering with Milford Housing Development for home repair ministry.

Each one of the above was led by amazing laity who used their spiritual gifts serving God in inspiring and beautiful ways. The Code Purple shelter ministry in particular requires a special level of dedication. It is because of Christina O’Connor, Janet Krauss, and Valerie Bradshaw that this ministry has been serving the community for five years.

I have also become well educated in the process of hiring staff! During my tenure, we have had several staff hires including Marian Hudson as treasurer following Pat Riddleberger’s retirement; Michele Dryda as office administrator following Cindy Mayan’s and Patsy Brown’s retirements; Jennifer Scott as preschool director following Debbie DeBreuil’s retirement; Amy Kellen as Children’s Choir director; Mandy Stant as volunteer children’s bell choir director; Rev. Gail Chupein and then Rev. Jewett Short as Ministers of Nurture, Witness, and Visitation (Gail followed Harry Baxter’s retirement and Jewett followed Gail); Joy Gordy-Stith as Director of Youth and Children’s Ministry following Chris Countryman’s six years of service; Becky Root Davis following James Wilson’s six years of service; Tim Plimpton followed by Joshua Bogus leading contemporary 11:15 music; and Debbie Walker as part time custodian. Staff who have been here for a longer term than I are David Wilkins, organist/pianist for 56

traditional and contemporary worship; Lester Jones, head custodian; Eddie MacDonald, custodian; Dan Briggs, Bell Choir Director.

I close by sharing an excerpt from a sermon I preached April 22, 2018.

This was a time to celebrate what God is doing and has done through this community of faith.

At the leadership dinner that we had this week, Dave Buchanan asked me to share two stories of how it is that God is at work.... I shared five.

And I am going to share them with you now… because there are so many ways God is at work among the people of this corner of the flock. What we receive from the grace of God makes us able to give in profound and wonderful ways. Perhaps you saw in the newspaper several months ago an article about a woman who was a part of the Code Purple Shelter ministry, not this past winter, but the winter before. In that article, it was celebrating that she had gotten back on her feet again. She had gotten a job at DelDot, and, in fact, when she was featured in the newspaper, she was standing at a job fair on behalf of DelDot as a person who was successfully employed by them now. She was able to put a roof back over her own head, and she was able to buy a vehicle. That was due in no small part to the support that she received from our Code Purple servants: Valerie Bradshaw, Janet Krauss, and Christina O’Connor. They gave her clothes to wear to her interview, coached her on how to interview well, supported her as she walked through this time of trial in her life, and because of this, her life has been changed.

A few months ago, a single dad walked into the church, it was the middle of the day, and he had four young children in tow. The oldest was about nine, and the youngest was a toddler. They had just come here from North Carolina. Originally from DE, the family had been living in NC without heat. The landlord had refused to fix it, and they could not live through the winter without heat. He had found some help here in the past, and so he came again to ask if he could have some help. Don’t tell anyone, but I tend to bend the rules when there are children involved. And so we made arrangements to get him set up in the local hotel for the night. As we walked outside, the winter wind was blowing, I realized that I was the only one with a coat. It was Friday morning; it was almost time for the Clothing Closet to close. We trotted down the stairs to the Clothing Closet, and everybody who was there on that Friday stayed late so that we could 57

get the clothing that those children and that dad needed to be sure they would be warm through the rest of those winter months.

Our Preschool ministry is almost 50 years old. Every week we have 140 children who are in our care, children who are experiencing God’s love through us. Every year, we have offered parenting classes for the parents of young children, and this year Jennifer Scott and I co-led it. Every year I have co-led with someone different. The parenting classes are in their third year. They are provided in no small part thanks to Jack Willis’ memorial funds that fund the curriculum, food, and childcare. They make an amazing difference in the lives of families and children. Every year it is so wonderful to see families from both our church and our preschool, and this year, four families from our community, who had heard about it through our Facebook posting, joined us. To watch these parents learn, and discuss, and share, and report back the successes they were having… it was wonderful to experience. My favorite was when I saw one of the families at the YMCA a couple of days after one of the classes. A preschool mom shared with me, “Well, I tried the bedroom time with my son” (which is a form of a time out; she stood outside the bedroom door while he was in there). He calls from inside his bedroom, “Where did you learn this? Is this what you are learning at the classes in my school?” Smart kid! Just to see how it is that these classes make a difference in the lives of our families, to bless each and every one of them because of being a part of this community of faith is beautiful.

At our Chamber of Commerce Mixer that we hosted, it was so cool to see so many people blown away by learning how many ways this church is in ministry. When we shared that we raise and give away about $25,000 per year just from Saturday sales in the Clothing Closet, and that we clothe for free an average of 500 adults and 200 children every year; that we serve a community meal every month; that we support and open the Code Purple Shelter for women and children; the ways we are in ministry with children and youth through our music ministry, our preschool ministry, our United Methodist Men and Women, and also through Al-Anon and Narcotics Anonymous… I could see the surprise on their faces. (By the way - People still do not know that is our cemetery down the street. Y’all know that, right? Down State Street, on Silver Lake that’s our cemetery.) All of these were highlighted at the mixer. It was a wonderful event to be a part of.

Last story: the story I have seen of how Joy Gordy-Stith, our Director of 58

Youth and Children’s Ministry, is present for our youth and children: the way that the young children in this church literally take off running down the hall so that they can jump into her arms for a hug; the ways that our teenagers feel such a connection to her that when they are in times of crisis, they know they can call Joy, even if they are not sure they can talk to anyone else, they know they can call Joy. What a powerful witness this in the lives of our young people!

I want to share one more thing, and that is that we have lots of people who serve very faithfully in our community. Do you know that it was a member of Wesley who chaired the committee that got that new library built? Do you know that Jane Ragains goes and sits with babies that are born addicted? She rocks them…every week. Jan Kirk has been serving in Girl Scouts for 40 years. Forty years of blessing girls with her leadership.

I called Bri Tobin, to see if she was going to be at the community meal and she said, “No, Emily and I are both coaching little kids’ sports teams.”

They are investing themselves in the lives of these young people. There are so many ways that members of this church family give of themselves to bless our community. That too is being stewards of God’s grace.

We are stewards of the mysteries of God’s grace. One of my favorite sayings from John Wesley is “grace received and not passed on loses its efficacy”; it loses its power. The people of this church know how to receive and pass along grace. So on this Good Shepherd Sunday, I invite you to reflect upon how it is that you follow the voice of the Good Shepherd and how it is that you too are a steward of the mysteries of God’s grace. It is truly powerful and beautiful to see how God can take our efforts and multiply them for good in the world. Thanks be to God. ************************************************************ Pastor Amy Yarnall moved into the parsonage on Hazel Road with her husband, Ray; daughter, Shannon; and son, Jacob. They quickly became involved in the church activities, as well as those in the Capital School District. Not only did Ray help take care of the home front, but he also was President of the Camp Pecometh Board and has served on the church Missions Committee. Pastor Amy immediately got to know the church committees and boards. She held a Town Meeting August 2011 to have “Holy Conferencing,” part of the Methodist heritage. Over 100 people attended to sort through priorities and determine an emphasis for the 59

coming year. The group decided to experiment with the format of the 11:15 service and to form more small groups.

Fall Activities During the fall some new activities emerged. Wednesday Night Dinners started with Kids Klub for children and Bible Study for parents. Patty Vivo-Aucoin started the Wesley Women’s Book Club. While Windsor Allen led the Children’s Choir, Dr. James Wilson led a new variety in styles of music. James and Amy had attended a Drew University conference on music and returned with some new ideas. Soon the Chancel Choir entered the sanctuary to an energetic processional accompanied by conga drums. Anthems ranged from Bach to contemporary black gospel sacred music, not just traditional and contemporary music. The Chancel Choir pledged to explore different traditions. It also welcomed the Wesley College Gospel Choir on occasion. Covenant Discipleship Groups formed in 2012. Members pledged to support one another on their Christian journeys by meeting weekly. Another new activity was the new Stewardship Challenge of “Extravagant Generosity” led by retired pastor, Rev. LeRoy Jones. In addition, volunteers scheduled

by Dr. Jo Ann Fields collected food in front of grocery stores for the annual Kent Ecumenical Food Drive.

September 2011 brought a new worship schedule with traditional worship in the sanctuary at 8:00 and 9:45am. Sunday School classes for all ages ran from 8:459:40am while the new intergenerational contemporary praise and worship service was held at 11:15 in the sanctuary.

Recently Sunday School has organized three rotations for children of craft/game, Bible lesson, and snack stations. Adult Bible Studies are held in the home of Rev. Conrad “Connie” and Joann Cohen. Rev. LeRoy Jones and later Jim Skeans lead the Tuesday Morning Men’s Group, and Diane Boyce leads the Women’s Bible Study. The Search Class continues.

Over the years, other short-term adult classes were offered by Larry Josefowski, Dave Evans, Janet Krauss, Rev. Harry Baxter, Brantley Craig, and Pastor Amy. Also new was the Holy Joe Café on the First Fridays held in Grace Fellowship Hall. Live music and free coffee were offered during 60

the City of Dover’s events for a while.

Throughout the year the Family Life Committee holds its annual Halloween Trunk or Treat event, followed later by Chili Cook-Offs, Game Nights, bowling, dinners, and special events.

Youth Groups Wesley youth groups continue each year. Christian Education and Youth Director, Chris Countryman, led sessions for teenagers on Sunday evenings at church and Thursday evenings in his home. In 2011 the church sent two teens, Emily Teel and Ronald Clayberg, on a mission trip to Nicaragua, and they reported about their exciting experiences. Later, the next director, Joy Gordy-Stith, provided many activities for the youth, such as a lock-in, youth rallies, picnics, pool parties, bonfires, and trips to Hershey Park and Killen’s Pond. The teens helped in the Clothing Closet, had a car wash, and packed Back-to-School Bags.

World Wide Communion Each October the World Wide Communion service takes on global aspects. Former Visitation Minister Rev. Harry Baxter started the tradition of coordinating people reading Scripture in different languages in the service. Common breads from different countries have also been used.

In 2017 church member George Bockius provided grape juice from his German relatives’ winery.

Advent and Christmas at Wesley Church The Christmas season usually starts with the Family Life Committee organizing the Live Nativity as a part of the City of Dover’s Festival of Lights. The United Methodist Women has offered a Grab & Go Chili Dinner for those attending the city’s celebrations. Church members attend the Advent Dinner where carols are sung and the Dover High School Jazz Band entertains. Holly Day with the Cookie Walk, Luncheon, and Silent Auction is held again. The church supports the Salvation Army Bell Ringing and Angel Tree annually.Wesley Church children present a Christmas pageant each year. In 2011 they presented “The First Christmas,” on Christmas Eve, directed by Windsor Allen, Mardi Pyott- Spangler, and Sue Krabill. The children ended 2013 with a Christmas play, “Sing a Song of Christmas” while in 2014 Mandy Stant wrote and ac61

companied “A Traditional Christmas Together.” Her play was directed by Amy Kellen starring the church children.

The season of Advent is filled with glorious music in the Wesley Church sanctuary.

December 4, 2016 Music Director Becky Davis led a Christmas Cantata, “Everlasting Light”

by Claire Cloninger and Mark Hayes during the 9:45 service. It included actors, narrators, congregational singing of carols, and candle lighting.

Lizzie Hazlett choreographed some young liturgical dancers. The following year, the Chancel Choir sang the Christmas Cantata, “Almost There” by Michael W. Smith complete with dancing angels.

Prayer Shawl Ministry The prayer shawl ministry began in 2013 when Gerrie Willis got the idea from a friend. Gerrie, Pat Bockius, and Jane Ragains all helped to organize this caring ministry and make it an enjoyable time of fellowship for a talented group as they work together in the parlor. As of mid2018, the women have knitted or crocheted 369 shawls, baby blankets, and lap robes. All babies and adults who are baptized receive a blanket or shawl. Shawls or lap robes are given to those ill or grieving. The prayer shawl ministry uses the prayer request list as a guide. Sometimes members of the church request a shawl for themGerrie, Harry & Pat selves, a friend, or loved one. Every November, shawls or lap robes are given to residents of six local nursing homes, and depending upon the number of available shawls, as many as five shawls are given to each facility. The creations are lovingly made and prayed over. Each blanket, shawl, or lap robe is a blessing not only to the one who made it but also to the recipient.

Helping Others The congregation continues to place ministries for others as a priority.

One highlight was the mission trip in July 2013 to Endicott, New York, where Pastor Amy, Tom Hufnal, Denise Knox, Janet Kraus, Sandy Teel, 62

and Heidi Wuller all worked together to rebuild a house. As usual, the congregation has been active with the causes of Habitat for Humanity, Angel Tree, Narcotics Anonymous and Al-Anon, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, and the Kent County Food Pantry. Because of the donations given by the Clothing Closet, Wesley United Methodist Church received the Community Service and People’s Place Supporters of the Year Award for 2014. Missions Chairperson Donna Josefowski and Fred Ragains accepted the award in Milford for the church. Another highlight is the Stop Hunger Now when the fellowship hall is filled with people wearing shower caps and scooping, measuring, and bagging 15,000 high-protein, vitamin-rich meals for the hungry. The Missions Committee occasionally works on the Wesley House at Camp Pecometh.

New Technology Other changes at Wesley Church have had to do with technology.

Wesley Church’s website and Facebook page are updated by Larry and Donna Josefowski and Pastor Amy. The church launched a smart phone app with echurch/pushpay as the vendor. Members are excited about reaching people with social media.

An additional change was in the sanctuary. A video projector was installed so that images would project on the front walls so screens were not needed. The projector console and the sound system are in the balcony.

Lent During Lent members often participate in a soup and pretzel dinner before the Ash Wednesday service. In May 2014 Frances Johnson and Michele Dryda borrowed a Labyrinth Walk, a 30-foot canvas labyrinth from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Lewes, Delaware. People were invited to walk in contemplation around the labyrinth in the fellowship hall.

For the fifth time in 18 years, Ann Baker Horsey and Tom Welch directed “The Last Supper” on Holy Thursday, April 14, 2014.

Church men portrayed Jesus 63

and the 12 Disciples in a tableau echoing Leonardo da Vinci’s painting.

Women Together For Lunch Minister of Visitation Rev. Gail Chupein and Cindy Parker started the Women to Women’s lunch group, which meets at a restaurant monthly.

They wanted to provide opportunities for women to get to know others from different services.

Spring Activities Old Dover Days always begins at Wesley Church with the United Methodist Men’s Pancake Breakfast and the United Methodist Women’s Bake Sale. In the 2017 Old Dover Days, Wesley Church also hosted a “Free Patriotic Concert” with the University of Delaware Osher Lifelong Learning Chorus of 50 Singers from the Wilmington campus. The concert consisted of rousing patriotic songs conducted by Janet Spengler Miller.

Music filled the church once again May 2017 when a free Benefit Concert occurred in support of the new Spanish language prayer service launching in September in St. Paul’s Chapel. Seminary student, now Deacan Carlos Reyes Rodriguez would lead the La Caminante (The Walker) services.

He planned a soup and bread dinner and 45-minute service in “a venue through which we can start such experience together.” A love offering was taken in order to purchase Spanish hymnals. Becky Davis had the whole music department involved with music by the Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, Children’s Choir, the praise band, orchestra (ages 12-70), and soloists along with ensembles.

Summer Wesley Church has summer celebrations of the old and young. June brings a special Sunday for the annual birthday celebration for those 90+ years old. A large cake is enjoyed in Grace Fellowship Hall. In addition to youth activities, children often attend church camp. The church offers scholarships, and Sally Verma advertises Camp Pecometh and encourages the children of the church to attend this camp on the Chester River in Maryland during the summer.

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240th Anniversary The beginning of 2018 started a time of celebrations for the 240th Anniversary of Wesley Church. A committee was formed to organize ways to commemorate the special history of this church established in 1778.

Connie Strickland was joined by Pastor Amy and Ray Yarnall, Larry and Donna Josefowski, Tom Welch, Alex Vaughan, Ann Baker Horsey, and Becky Davis. They decided to celebrate with worship, concerts, drama, and fellowship. The theme of “Proclaiming God’s Love Through the Years,” was taken from the church Purpose Statement. Because Pastor Amy always likes to report on some “fun fact” to the congregation, the committee decided to include a “240th Anniversary Fun Fact: DID YOU KNOW…” in the Sunday bulletins. With ideas from Ann Horsey and Tom Welch and the church’s blue history book (1982), Connie Strickland chose 52 bits of information about various events from the past. In addition, Ann Horsey and Connie Strickland wrote articles about church history for the Crier newsletters.

Chamber of Commerce Mixer On February 28 the Chamber of Commerce Mixer was held in Grace Fellowship Hall. Members arranged tables with information about the many ministries of Wesley Church. Tom Welch and Ann Horsey gave tours of the sanctuary. Donna and Larry Josefowski had a slide presentation showing activities while Alex Vaughan ran the public address system. Doverites had a great time meeting one another, eating, and learning about Wesley Church and its 240 years of service.

Wesley Church Historians Spread the Word Ann Baker Horsey and Tom Welch visited some Rotary and Lions Clubs and other service clubs to provide a history of this historic church.

The Bishop Visits Celebrating its 240th Anniversary, Wesley Church hosted Bishop Peggy Johnson on Sunday, March 11, 2018. She preached on God’s love as shown through the lives of people at Wesley Church.

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The 21-Day Challenge Pastor Amy Yarnall and Lay Leaders, Larry and Donna Josefowski, suggested the focus of 2018 for Wesley Church: Joy, Positivity, Encouragement, and Gratitude. They encouraged the congregation to enter the “21-Day Complaint-Free Challenge” by avoiding complaining, sarcasm, and gossip. Recognizing that it usually takes 21 consecutive days to form a habit, they passed out purple bracelets to be worn as reminders.

ERT Disaster Responder Church member, Jim Short, became an Early Response Team (ERT) Disaster Responder in the United Methodist Church. Motivated by the many hurricanes of the season, he talked with Pastor Amy about getting started. After participating in many training sessions taught by authorized UMCOR trainers, Jim became certified to enter disaster zones when deployed with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief). He is a wonderful inspiration and example to all.

240th Anniversary Concert and Dinner Theater April 15, 2018 was a special date for Wesley Church. Celebrating the 240th Anniversary, members hosted an afternoon concert in the sanctuary followed by a dinner theater in Grace Fellowship Hall. Music Director Becky Davis organized all the groups for a fabulous concert. It started with mezzo soprano, Meg Thompson, singing “The Lord’s Prayer.” Then the Wesley UMC Praise Ensemble, led by Josh Bogus, and Children’s Choir, led by Amy Kellen, sang.

They were followed by the Orchestra, directed by Becky Davis, and the Children’s Bell Choir, directed by Mandy Stant and accompanied by Pat Root on the piano. The Joyful Ray Yarnall & Tom Welch Noise Bell Ringers played “Hymn to Joy” and “Ten Thousand Reasons,” directed by Dan Briggs. The Chancel Choir sang “Here I Am, Lord” and “The Heavens Are Telling.” Organist David Wilkins literally pulled out all the stops with the Postlude of “Toccata from the 5th Organ Symphony” by Charles Marie Widor (Paris 1879).

The concert was supported by Michele Dryda who made the beautiful 66

programs and by Tony McLellen who worked the sound system. Former choir director, Janet Spengler Miller directed one of the anthems.

After the concert everyone adjourned to Grace Fellowship Hall where children served a spaghetti dinner prepared by James Turner and Mardi Pyott Spangler. The drama involved Ann Baker Horsey as narrator, Ray Yarnall as Richard Bassett, and Tom Welch as Allen McLane. The two men, who had known each other for over 40 years, had a “conversation” in 1813. They first shared many experiences as part of the founding of the new nation in the Revolutionary War and the new government. Then they took that same enthusiasm toward the formation of the Methodist Church on the Delmarva Peninsula. They each gave generously to start two churches: Wesley in Dover and Asbury in Smyrna. They both signed the Ratification Document at the Golden Fleece Tavern on The Green, an action which led to Delaware being about to claim the name “The First State.” This play was researched and written by Tom Welch as he envisioned a conversation on the occasion of the 35th Anniversary of Wesley Methodist Church in 1813.

Honor the Gift Sunday On April 29 the church had Honor the Gift Sunday with a combined worship service at 10:00am. Guest preacher was Rev. C. David Buchanan, who led the stewardship campaign. A church-wide lunch followed in the fellowship hall where groups and committees shared their activities.

Fall 2018 In September Wesley Church again held a Ministries Fair to highlight the many classes and areas of service and to recruit participants.

The special day to celebrate the 240th Anniversary was on Homecoming Sunday, November 4, 2018. The church sponsored a reunion of members and ministers past and present. After a combined special worship service, there was a luncheon in the Grace Fellowship Hall and displays of memorabilia.

Historic Wesley Church, founded in 1778, in downtown Dover, Delaware, continues to be an open and welcoming congregation, which makes disciples of Jesus Christ by sharing God’s grace and proclaiming God’s 67

love through the years. May it be so in the years to come!

CHRISTIAN SYMBOLISM IN THE SANCTUARY Christian symbolism is visual aid to the proclamation of the Gospel story.

It originated centuries ago as a secret language when the early Christians were being persecuted and had to worship in secret. Continuing through the ages, as cathedrals and churches were built, symbolism was used in windows, paintings mosaics, and carvings. It acted as reminders of certain doctrines and verses of Scripture for the many Christians who did not have Bibles and for those who could not read.

Churches use many forms of symbolism to enrich the house of worship.

According to the Old Testament writers, God taught the people by means of symbols, with many evidences of it in the Bible. Vibrant colors and hues are used in the stain glass windows which decorate the sanctuary.

However, only certain colors and hues are used in church hangings: white for purity, perfection, and joy; green for hope, nature, and life; violet for penance; black for mourning and sorrow; and red for martyrdom, fire, love, and zeal.

In the days of Moses, the people of God built the Tabernacle as the center of worship and the record says: “And of the blue and purple and scarlet they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place” (Exodus 39:1).This scripture was the inspiration for the new dossal cloth hanging behind the altar.

Cross The most familiar Christian symbol is the cross. There are 400 forms of the cross, but only about 50 are used in Christian symbolism. The others are used in heraldic designs, but even some of these are used in the decoration of church buildings.

At Wesley, before the large plain wooden cross was made and hung above the altar by Robert Bargo, there was a brass cross on the altar. This was a Latin cross with a base of three steps called the Calvary, or Graded Cross.

In descending order, the steps represent faith, hope, and love. “Faith, 68

hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Very symbolic – the basis of Christianity is love. The Calvary or Graded Cross is the usual type of altar cross and may have IHC (the first three letters of the Greek word for Jesus) or the Chi Rho in the center.

The Bible markers bear the monogram of the first two letters, Chi (X) and Rho (P) of the Greek word for Christ (XPICTOC) but are really more of an abbreviation than a monogram. This is an ancient traditional symbol for Master.

The cross – any cross – directs special attention to the sacrifice of our Lord and the manner of his death, and calls us to personal dedication to our Redeemer. The cross with no figure of our Savior symbolizes his victory over death; we worship a living Christ – the resurrected Christ!

Around 2012, Merle Cleeton made a beautiful plain wooden processional cross, which is carried down the aisle and back by the lay reader each Sunday morning. It resembles the plain cross hanging above the altar, as well as the original cross of our Lord.

Paraments Wesley Church is fortunate to have five sets of paraments, those “hangings” which cover the altar, lectern, and pulpit in a color (green, purple, white, red, and blue) for each season of the church year.The first four were designed by JoAnn Seyfert, wife of former associate pastor, Fred Seyfert, and crafted by the Needlepoint Committee of the Altar Guild. They are worked in the finest grade of wool in needlepoint and satin stitch during the late 1960s to the 1970s. The blue set, designed by Nancy Franks and Ann Baker Horsey were dedicated for Advent 2004.

Upon the altar, and covering the foundation cloth, is white fair linen, representing the purity of our Lord in his sacrifice.

The GREEN paraments, dedicated January 1, 1971, are used during the seasons of Epiphany and Kingdomtide. The season of Epiphany is from January 6 to Ash Wednesday, and the season of Kingdomtide occurs from the first week of August to the third week of November. The color of green, usually the most evident 69

color of nature in freshness of bloom, is symbolical of hope and growth in Christian life. The paraments are visual signs to remind the congregation of these times of celebration and teaching themes in the Christian year.

The first panel of the altar piece depicts Christ as the sacrificial Lamb standing with the banner of victory. He is no longer wounded but stands suggesting the victorious nature of his sacrifice. Over the head of the Lamb is the tri-radiated nimbus, (Latin for cloud) or halo, representing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

In the right-hand panel is the descending dove, also with nimbus, expressing innocence and purity. It is the only authentic symbol of the Holy Spirit and is referred to in Luke 3:22, Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, and John 1:32.

It signifies the Holy Spirit and the Presence of God as hovering over the water at creation and above Jesus at his baptism.

The center panel depicts the Hand of God, symbol of the Father as blesser who is reaching down to help. The three open fingers express the threefold quality of the blessing. The nimbus with the three bars of a Greek cross represent Deity. References to the Hand of God and the Lamb of God are found in both the Old and New Testament Scriptures and in several hymns.

The pulpit hanging depicts the tri-quetra, superimposed upon the equilateral triangle – ancient symbols of the Trinity. Equality is expressed in the three arcs. Eternity is expressed in its continuous form. Individuality is shown in its interweaving and its center is a triangle, and a vesica is formed by each pair of arcs. A vesica (or vesica piscis), the conventionalized form of the fish minus fins or tail, was the earliest Christian symbol.

Icthus is the Greek word for fish. Its letters taken separately were found to be in Greek the initials of the words, “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.”

This symbol was used by the early Christians themselves so as not to arouse the suspicions of their oppressors.

The Bible markers on the lectern bear the fleur de lis, which is a conventionalized form of the lily, the flower of the Virgin Mary, which also symbolizes the Annunciation of our Lord.

Wesley Church once used PURPLE, the color paraments used during the seasons of Advent and Lent, indicating the special seasons of the church 70

year which speak of penitence and preparation. Now the purple ones are used for Lent only. These paraments are replaced by the white for Easter Sunday. On Good Friday, the altar will be bare except for the cross draped in black.

The cross and passion flower design on the altar piece symbolize the “shadow of Calvary falls long upon the road from Bethlehem to Jerusalem.” During Advent the Church recalls the first coming of our Lord as the Babe of Bethlehem, and members look forward to the day when He will return in glory, victorious and triumphant. The pulpit piece depicts this by a circle of stars symbolizing His coming, the lamp which stands for watching and waiting, and the prayer Veni Jesu (“Come, Lord Jesus”).

The WHITE paraments, dedicated December 24, 1969, are used during Christmastide and Eastertide. White represents the “purity of our Lord, the perfection to which we are called, and the joy which is held out to his followers.”

The rose on the left altar piece represents the Messianic promise “and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose” (Isaiah 35:1), as well as the purity and strength of the Christ Child. The lily on the right piece represents “Easter resurrection and immortality. The bulb decays in the ground, and yet from it new life is released,” thus signifying the attainment of immortal life though the body perishes.

The pulpit hanging bears the cross and crown, representing the reward of the faithful in life after death to those who believe in the crucified Savior: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the Crown of Life” (Revelations 2:10).The circle without beginning or end is the symbol of eternity and the constant love of God. The Bible markers contain the familiar Alpha and Omega – the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. The two words stand for the eternal existence of God. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “Who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelations 1:8). The white paraments will be replaced by the red the last Sunday in May. RED is the color used during the Pentecost Season. The red paraments, dedicated May 21, 1972, are used beginning the last Sunday in May and 71

remain through the fourth Sunday in August. Red symbolizes blood, fire, love, and zeal.

The altar piece depicts the descending dove with tri-radiant nimbus and is the only authentic symbol of the Holy Spirit. It is found in all four Gospels in the account of our Lord’s baptism (Matthew 3: 16, 17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21, 22; John 1:32).

The flames on the altar piece depict the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost coming to the apostles at Pentecost in “cloven tongues like as of fire” (Acts 2:1-4).

The flame emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit.

The pulpit hanging displays the ship of the ecumenical church. The Ark of Noah has been a symbol of the Christian Church from ancient times.

It is a reminder of the new covenant God made with the Church. In early days the Church, symbolically speaking, was the ark or ship of the Lord – the ship in which Christians sailed the sea of life. The ship on the pulpit piece is pictured as being tossed about on stormy seas and represents the Church which has always been opposed by storms of persecution, heresy, and schism. The ship symbol also suggests the story of Jesus stilling the tempest. The sail of the ship is marked with the Chi (X) Rho (P).The Bible markers on the lectern bear the official symbol of The United Methodist Church. It was commissioned by the uniting conference in April 1968 and adopted October 1, 1968.

The traditional Christian symbol of the cross is combined with the flame to relate the church to God the Father, through the second and third persons of the Holy Trinity: God the Son symbolized by the cross, and God the Holy Spirit symbolized by the flame.

The newer BLUE paraments, replacing the purple for Advent, were dedicated December 5, 2004. The central altar piece shows an Advent wreath, or crown, a garland of evergreen branches representing eternity. It has five candles, ornamented by seed pearls and petit point, which represent the coming of the light of Christ into the world. The first “Prophesy Candle” is in remembrance of the prophets who foretold the birth of Christ (Isaiah 7:14). The second “Bethlehem Candle” represents love symbolizing the manger of Christ (Luke 2:12). The third “Shepherds Candle” represents joy (Luke 2:8-11). The fourth “Angels Candle” represents peace (Luke 2:13-14). The central “Christ Candle” represents the life of Christ that has 72

come into the world. White represents purity; Christ is sinless, spotless, and pure Savior. Those who receive Christ as Savior are washed of their sins and made whiter than snow (Isaiah 1:18).

On flanking panels of the altar, a jeweled orb is topped with Chi (X) and Rho (P), the first two letters of the Greek spelling of Christ. On the pulpit parament is a wreath with the Christ Candle worked with pearl ornaments and petit point. The lectern hanging displays the contraction of the Greek word IHS for “Jesus� and echoes the same symbol in the center on the very top of the altar.

Knowledge of Christian symbolism can enhance our spiritual journeys.

When the newly formed Altar Guild in 1969 spent a meeting devoted to study of symbolism in the Church and worship, a spark of interest was kindled in the art of needlepoint. The women were soon determined to make a set of altar cloths and hangings for the sanctuary of Wesley Church that would express their devotion, and at the same time be a visual aid to the proclamation of the Gospel story.

A committee of women was organized by the Altar Guild to design and craft the first two sets of paraments in needlepoint on canvas. In this the Wesley ladies would be perpetuating an ancient ecclesiastical art form.

Needlepoint and canvas work have had a revival in popularity in recent years, especially for church appointments. Perhaps this has something to do with its durability. The famous needlepoint kneelers at Washington Cathedral are expected to be useable 200 years from now!

The Needlepoint Committee (1969-1970s) *Yoshie Briggs, *Clara Boss, Mary Buckson, Ethel Carpenter, *Matilda Coudright, June Foster, Adele Gibbs, Sara Hemphill, *Margaret Hurd, Delsie Kemp, Marge Kenton, Dot Kilvington, Betty Martin, *Dot Matthews, Elva Nelson, *Mary Robinson, Beulah Rodway, *Mary Roper, *JoAnn Seyfert, *Lyle Short, Ruth Strickland, Ruth Trader, *Ona Weimer. *Indicates members who worked on red paraments.

The Needlepoint Committee (2003-2004) who worked on the blue paraments: Nancy Franks, Alice Guerrant, Ann Baker Horsey, Sherry Moore, and Doris Walls Rowlinson. Plans are in the works for needlepoint covers for 73

the kneelers at the communion rail.

The Altar Guild in 2018 consists of dedicated members, Louise Andrews, Alice Guerrant, Karen Hammer, Pat Nichols, Nancy Vaughan, Jim Yerger, Helene and Daniel Zeman.

Previous Altar Guild members over the years were Pat Bell, Helen Breeding, Sylvia Cooper, Michele Dryda, Melody Heavner, Frances Johnson, Margie Kenton, Phyllis Marvel, Dot McDaniel, Sally Nichols, Bea Sapp, Etta Webb, and Alma Yerger.

Dossal In 1951 when the sanctuary was renovated, the “gilded” organ pipes were covered with a hand woven dossal cloth. The first dossal cloth was red with four vertical gilded blue stripes. In the 1970s that was replaced by a gold brocade dossal cloth. Hanging behind the altar, each was held in place by a frame. The frame’s cornice has a shield with the monogram IHS in its center. The shield, also appearing in the sides of the dossal frame, is an emblem signifying trust, and its origin is found in Ephesians 6:16, “In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.”

In 1994 the Worship Committee determined that the gold dossal cloth was aged and needed to be replaced. Nancy Franks recommended a weaver, Mathilda Murphy, whom she had met at Chautauqua, New York. Presented to the Trustees after much consultation, the committee decided to have a new dossal cloth woven. Nancy, Ann Baker Horsey, Frances Johnson, and Sigrid Mills worked with Mrs. Murphy to weave linen panels echoing the colors of the original curtain at the Temple in Jerusalem, as sited in scripture.

Composed of greens, blues, and cranberry, the panels duplicate the colors found in the stained glass windows. The valance has crosses worked in couched metallic gold embroidery reflecting the historical style of church textiles.

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Lights Symbols can also be found in the sanctuary in the tops of the light fixtures which are designed as crowns. The crown signifies victory and the Sovereignty or Kingly office of Christ (Revelations 17:14). Around the base of the fixtures and in the woodwork supporting the ceiling and in the ceiling itself are found quatrefoils within circles. The quatrefoil represents the Four Evangelists – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, or the four perfections of God – unity, power, goodness, and wisdom. The circle without beginning or ending shows perfection, completeness, and continuity and is an ideal representation of the thought of eternal life, world without end, the eternal existence, and constant love of God. Church Structure According to Christian Symbolism in the Evangelical Churches by Thomas Stafford, “a noble church structure may be a sermon in stone… if it is built with sensitive regard for the best traditions in Christian art and architecture. As an offset to the secular and paganizing influences which press upon us in our daily lives, the Church structure and its appointments should speak to us of the high life and of communion with that which is divinely uplifting and ennobling. It is, therefore, important that the character of the church building suggest a complete departure from the background against which we do our daily work. When we enter it, we should feel instinctively that we are standing on holy ground.”

The spire pointing upwards is a reminder of things about “where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God the Father.” The bell was intended to proclaim the priority of worship over work and play – when there is no bell, chimes serve the same purpose. The open door says, “This is the House of Prayer for all people.” The outside cross, whether rising above the spire or gable, should remind us of the words of our Lord: “I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me.” The altar and cross are the center of interest. The lighted candles on the altar are to remind us that Christ is “the Light of the World.” The Westminster chime system, which is programmable to play hymns and bell tolls, was given by Jean Gruwell in memory of her husband, Hudson Gruwell.

The plain pointed arches, designed in woodwork at the end of each pew 75

and with tracery on the front of the altar and the pulpit signify aspiration and striving for growth in spiritual life. They are designed by influences of historic Gothic architecture. Wesley is planned with the narthex, or vestibule, to the west, the altar to the east. The altar is not obstructed from view but is visible as one enters the nave, the main body of the church proper. Nave is an interesting term derived from the Latin word navis, meaning ship. The pine floor boards have been laid in a circular ship building manner.

The chancel, raised by several steps with the lectern and pulpit on either side, is separated from the nave by an aisle or “crossing.� The altar rail is always left open in front of the altar.

Paschal Candle The Paschal candle, given in memory of Addie Pack by John and Michele Dryda, is a rich symbol of our faith. It reaches its pinnacle at Easter. The Paschal candle remains in the sanctuary on its special candle stand during the full 50 days of the Easter season and is lit for liturgical services during that time. After Pentecost the candle is placed next to the Baptismal Font.

The candle is lit during all baptisms throughout the year, passing the light of Christ to each person baptized. The candle may also be used at funeral services and placed next to the casket during the service. At these services it is a reminder that the sacrament of Baptism is itself a death and resurrection in Christ and testifies to Christian certainty in the resurrection of the dead and life with Christ in the world to come.

Shells On both sides of the altar are shelves of lighted scallop shells, which symbolize baptism and pilgrimage journeys.

Star The Star of Bethlehem Light hanging in the balcony was given to the Glory of God and in memory of Dr. and Mrs. George E. Wood by Miriam Wood Teaff in 1962. It is always lighting our paths.

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Stained Glass Windows Installed in 1898, the Gothic style stained glass windows have various symbols, some in modified form. The Madonna lily appearing in several is the symbol of Easter and immortality. It also signifies the virginity of Mary and the Annunciation, as well as purity and innocence. The cross and crown in one symbolizes the death and victory over death of our Lord and the reward of the faithful in life. In another window are the anchor and crown. The anchor is one of the earliest symbols and was used in the catacombs. It is a disguised form of the cross and symbolizes hope in Jesus Christ and is based on Hebrews 6:19: “This certain hope of being saved is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls….”

Another window shows the open Bible, signifying “The Word of God” and open to all who care to follow its teachings. In still another is the lyre, the symbol for music, especially when rendered in praise to God. (Psalms 98:5) Even the leaded pieces in many of the windows are in symbolic forms, such as the circle, the modified fleur-de-lis (lily), the rose, and the vesica or vesica piscis (fish).

In the round rose window over the balcony, the cross and Crown are in the center of a quatrefoil, the four petals of which are suggestive of the fleur-de-lis.

Until the 1990s there were only four picture windows in the Sanctuary: one depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd (John 10:11), one with Jesus and the woman at the well (John 4:13-15), another with “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), and the fourth, “Christ at Heart’s Door.”

This fourth window is designed from Holman Hunt’s painting. There is no latch visible on the outside of the door. Christ is waiting for the invitation to enter. The latch-string is on the inside. He enters our hearts only upon our invitation to enter. The background ivy, which is symbolic of faithfulness and constancy, depicts the faithfulness of our Lord and His ever constant presence and love when we need him.

The 19 windows of Wesley Church are traditional leaded stained glass 77

windows. Most are fabricated using both American Cathedral glass (a transparent colored glass with a mechanical finish imparted by a roller) and American opalescent glass (an opaque, multicolored glass). The “Christ and the Children” window and the figure and symbol areas of other windows were fabricated using handmade, mouth-blown antique glass and painted in the traditional Trace and Matte technique of glass painting. This technique was also used on the oldest windows in the church, the grisaille windows with the diamond patterned field. Some of the antique glass is “flashed,” when the base glass color, usually clear, is fused to another thick layer of color. This enables the glass artist to sandblast or acid etch one of the layers to create special color shading and effects in a single piece of glass.

The windows are an eclectic collection of stained glass artistry and have been designed and fabricated over a period of time by different studios.

The oldest windows are the grisaille windows that were probably installed into all of the windows and then replaced as memorials became available.

Except for the “Christ and the Children” window, which was fabricated by the Willet Studios, all of the other windows are Victorian Opalescent windows, some with symbols, some with figures, and others that are just ornamental. It is a period design style that was popular around the early 1900s. The glass that was utilized is almost all of American origin. The windows were designed and fabricated by an American stained glass studio. One of the figure windows is signed by the old William Reith Studio of Philadelphia.

American Opalescent glass was invented in the mid-1800s by an American glass artist named John LaFarge. It became popular when Louis Comfort Tiffany of the famed Tiffany Studios of New York began using it extensively in his window and lamp creations. During the great church building period around the turn of the twentieth century, over half of the windows then being installed in churches were made with opalescent glass. One of the outstanding features of this glass is that it is opaque and both reflects and transmits light. Unlike other types of stained glass, color in the glass is visible from the exterior during the day.

Given in the 1980s, one memorial window was “Christ and the Children,”which reads, “For of Such is the Kingdom of Heaven.” It was dedicated “To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Henry K. Roscoe, Jr. by his wife Gladys Deaver Roscoe.”

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In 1998 the Board of Trustees decided the stained glass windows needed to be refurbished. With the exception of the Roscoe window (“Christ and the Children”), the windows were approximately 85 to 100 years old at the time. The lead had gotten “tired,” and the glass had become loose and started to bulge from its own weight. Members were asked to contribute toward the refurbishing. Small plaques were placed on each window sash indicating the donors. The following gave toward this project: • In Memory of Louis Edgell by Margaret Edgell • Richard R. Vehslage by Ruth L. Vehslage • Dr. George B. Miller and Lillian Postles Miller by Dr. Mary Emily Miller • William Cashier Torbert, Sr. by Rose Torbert Bradshaw • Rev. Robert P. and Mary Ellen Whitlock • Given by Wayne and Sylvia Cooper and by the Chancel Choir The name of the person to whom each window was originally dedicated will always be there.

Three memorial windows were given and dedicated to Wesley Church in 1998: The window of Jesus praying in the garden says, “NOT MY WILL BUT THINE BE DONE- Luke 22:43” To the Glory of God and in Honor of W. Charles and Eleanor Clement Paradee.

One depicts Noah and the Ark, donated by Eleanor Clement Paradee to the Glory of God and in memory of W. Charles Paradee, Sr. March 31, 1906 – July 1, 1998 – A Faithful Member for eighty-one years.

The Nativity Window on the south side of the sanctuary states, “FOR UNTO YOU IS BORN THIS DAY A SAVIOR WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD” To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Louis E. Edgell, February 8, 1910 – January 21, 1993 – Given by his wife, Margaret M. Edgell.

The Wesley Church congregation is blessed by the many Christian symbols which surround them as they worship in their beautiful and historical sanctuary.

ORGANS AND ORGANISTS Music has been important to Methodists who often sing the hymns of 79

Charles Wesley, brother of the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. A variety of organs appeared over the years once Wesley Church allowed the first organ, a harmonium or pump organ, in 1866. A second organ was acquired in 1870. In 1907 a “grand” pipe organ with “gilded pipes” was purchased for $3,500, of which $1,500 was donated by Andrew Carnegie.

The organ has been rebuilt, enlarged, electrified, or replaced ever since.

Installed in 1960 by the Tellers Organ Company of Erie, Pennsylvania, combining the best features from its predecessor, a Kimball organ of considerable age, with new installations to improve the instrument, the organ includes 16 voices, 18 ranks, seven extensions, 28 stops, and 1,112 pipes.

It is located in a central chamber area behind the altar dossal. Both manual divisions are enclosed in separate expression chambers with horizontal louvered tone openings. The Pedal Organ is not enclosed and located to the right of the expression chamber. The console is detached and located just to the rear of the pulpit in an area fondly referred to as “The Pit.” The original console was equipped with tilting tablets, with all standard controls, including 15 pistons, reversible, three general piston studs, general cancel, 11 couplers, two express pedals, and a crescendo pedal.

In the 1960s organists, Thomas Flynn and Thomas Mowbray, maintained an active interest in the performance of the organ. Service contracts for tuning and maintenance were entered into by Wesley Church, and before his departure, Mr. Mowbray was able to secure additional major repairs involving the regulation of the relay system, organ voltage, and wind pressure designed to improve tone quality and prolong its useful life.

In the 1970s and 1980s, during the tenure of George Wiltshire, housecleaning and further work was accomplished on the “piston capture” system, the wind “pouches” were “releathered,” and the wind conduits were replaced. In 1988 through the generosity of a memorial gift, a 50note Maas-Rowe Electronic Carillon replaced an aging 25-note unit. The carillon was given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Gertrude Lynch Slaybaugh by her husband, Wesley College President Dr. J. Paul Slaybaugh, and their daughter, Eleanor Jane Jones.

In 1994 Wesley Church announced to the community the completion of a total renovation of the organ console, including new solid state coupling systems, new solid state relays, rectifiers, rebuilding of manual keyboards and pedal keyboard, and a new “clean” power supply to ensure 80

the proper function of the new systems. Finally in 1996, an upgrading of the two electric expression shade motors was accomplished, in effect “clearing the throat” of the organ, enabling its message to reach all corners of the sanctuary.

Wesley United Methodist Church has been blessed by the skilled hands which have “made a joyful noise unto the Lord.” Organist George Wiltshire provided this information for The Crier (1980 and 1996). He gave a nod of approval to those who have frequented “The Pit,” such as Thomas Flynn, Thomas Mowbray, Philip Betts, Ron Shomo, Vi Tebo, Melinda Marsh, Jeff Kern, Pat Sullivan, Crystal Pepper, Mike Perza, Odile Jacob, and Florence Ruley. They were followed by David Wilkins in 2004.

Each organist has shown a particular flair, focus, or whimsy, such as George Wiltshire’s insertion of “Happy Birthday” in the middle of a piece during a service to acknowledge Rev. George Godfrey’s birthday.

David Wilkins likes to report about the background and history of hymns and other works of music. David Wilkins states that “Mssrs. Flynn and Mowbray taught a high-school-aged organ student who was a member of Wesley in the 1960s.... His name was David Wilkins.” They definitely planned for the future!

On March 9, 2002, a group of men helped reinstall 138 organ pipes that had been refurbished by the Trivo Organ Company of Hagerstown, Maryland. They worked from 10:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. to put the pipes in and then tune them ready for Easter. The three Trivo craftsmen started their own organ reed pipes business after the Moller Organ Company went out of business. “Trivo” stands for “3 Voicers,” their old jobs at Moller. Wesley Trustees, music staff, and Chancel Choir members had visited the historic barn in Hagerstown, Maryland, where these pipes are created by hand by these craftsmen.

The organ has received enhancements in more recent years. With the support of Trustees and Memorial Gifts, Wesley has improved the organ with two new sounds. In 2006 an English Horn rank of pipes was added to the Great Division, and in 2009 a Festival Trumpet was added to play independently on all three keyboards. The congregation can hear the loud, brassy Festival Trumpet at times of celebration: Easter, Christmas Eve, and joyful days throughout the year.

The organ at Wesley Church continues to be a priority for worship.

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UNITED METHODIST MEN In 1955 men of Wesley Church started a group that became certified by charter and recognized as the Methodist Men of Wesley Church. After the 1968 church unification, the name changed to the United Methodist Men (UMM) of Wesley United Methodist Church.

The purpose of the United Methodist Men states, “United Methodist Men shall be a creative, supportive fellowship of men who seek to know Jesus Christ, to grow spiritually, and to seek daily His will.� Every member is encouraged to share in leadership, discipleship, mission, and the spiritual life of Wesley Church. All the current active members are part of the Tuesday Morning Study Group.

The UMM set goals each year to provide direction and focus to their efforts. Over the years, goals have centered on fundraising, fellowship events, youth and scout support, church and community projects, and giving to missions.

Two of their biggest fundraisers are the Old Dover Days Pancake Breakfast as part of Old Dover Days festivities on the first Saturday in May and the November Spaghetti Dinner. These two big events are well supported by the church family and the community. Men are supported by women, youth, and scouts to make each fundraiser a success.

The funds realized are used to support the UMM goals for the year. In 1974 they funded new air conditioning in the sanctuary, as well as downstairs. Later the UMM contributed toward the Jeremiah Project for the new kitchen and purchased 12 new coffee carafes (the cost split with the UMW). In 1993 they organized the Wesley Keys, a small group which takes turns opening the church buildings each Sunday morning. Hank Schlagenhauser was the first chairman of the Wesley Keys. In 1998 the UMM funded a wood and brick sign and lighting for the Educational Center. The sign contains a time capsule. They refurbished the bell that was once in the old steeple and is now in the Memorial Garden on State 82

Street. In addition, the UMM does cleaning, painting, and repair work on the Wesley House at Camp Pecometh that was adopted in the mid-1980s.

United Methodist Men also have provided many purchases for facilities, such as new sound speakers, extra lighting for Grace Fellowship Hall, and new wooden fencing separating the church garden and parking lot.

They purchased and presented a Baptismal Font to Wesley College Chapel in memory of Rev. Howell O Wilkins, who was an active member and Wesley College Trustee for many years. They provided funds for Adam Dulin’s China trip, UMCOR’s flood and tornado relief in needy areas, and the Cubbage Bell Ringers’ European trip in 1969.

In addition, the UMM once supported the Boy Scouts and Cub Pack #100 but still now help with Scouting Sunday services. The men also bought the large metal Cross and Flame sculpture of the United Methodist logo that sits between the playground and the Educational Center. The UMM provide the Strength for Service Devotional to deployed military personnel and first responders. In more recent years, the UMM contributed to Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing, Pecometh Retreat Center Godfrey Commons, Sue Porter Nursing Dorm in Liberia, Society of St. Andrews, CROP Walk, No More Malaria (formerly Nothing But Nets), Heifer Project, Clear Water Projects, and the Mama Tola School in the Congo.

Besides financial contributions over the years, the Methodist Men volunteer their time and talents in various projects. A monthly task which the men perform is the delivery of collected canned goods to the Food Pantry housed at First Baptist Church on Walker Road. Each Advent the men assemble and install a large Advent wreath on the church facade. On May 8, 1998, they hosted the “All Daughter Luncheon.” They fixed the stage and helped restock and clean up the new kitchen prior to its first use. They weeded the church garden around the old bell and volunteered to “ring” it 13 times in response to the Delaware State Museum’s request for the church to participate on a July 4th 2:00 p.m. city-wide ring. When the Dover District hosted the Peninsula Delaware Annual Conference in June 1999, the men supplied parkers, guides, and bus drivers at Wesley College.

In addition, when the area churches’ Mission Area Ministry reconstructed the foundation of the Leipsic Roby United Methodist Church in 2002, the UMM supplied workers to dig and hammer.

Past United Methodist Men Presidents, starting in 1981, were Bill Wright, 83

Rod Himelburger, Terry Feinour, Hank Schlagenhauser, Dr. Atlas Jones, John Foltz, Tom Holt, Harry Satterfield, Doug Boyce, and Ralph Deats.

James Turner is the current president of UMM. UNITED METHODIST WOMEN “United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the Global Ministries of the Church.” Wesley Church’s United Methodist Women begin each circle meeting by reading the above purpose in unison. As they sit around a circle, they do indeed develop creative, helpful friendships, and camaraderie. They continue a very strong tradition at this church.

Even in the early days, women were quite formidable in claiming equal participation Wesley UMW Retreat 2010 in worshipping and furthering the Gospel. They grouped themselves in aiding others both home and abroad in such organizations as the Ladies Aid Society, the Woman Foreign Missionary Society, the Women’s Home Missionary Society, the Young Women’s Society, and the Wesleyan Juniors. In September 1940 the groups reorganized and merged into the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS).

During the 1940s to late 1960s, the women of Wesley Church studied together, provided nursery care, and welcomed at services. They often gave teas for all the church women and provided dinners for the United Methodist Men. Occasionally they had fashion shows, Calendar Dinners, and talent shows. When the Building Fund was created to pay off the mortgage of the Educational Center, the WSCS pledged toward that fund.

They always had a fundraiser-luncheon and sold crafts.

After the 1968 merger of the Methodist Church with the Evangelical United Brethren Church to form The United Methodist Church, the women’s organization then became known as United Methodist Women 84

(UMW) and is described in The Book of Discipline. In addition, Wesley’s unit of UMW is connected with the district and conference organizations and the Women’s Division of the General Board of Global Ministries.

All women are encouraged to participate in the activities of the church and assume positions of leadership.

Circles have evolved over the years at Wesley Church. At one time, they were numbered one to eight with members changing around every two years. In recent years, the now five circles are named for special women or symbolism. Barbara Circle honors the memory of Barbara Powell and Barbara Jones, active members who passed away in 2009. Martha Circle chose the name Martha to honor Martha and Mary, who seem to belong together in God’s portrait gallery. Likewise, Mary Circle chose its name to honor all the Marys in the Bible. Rosemary Circle remembers that rosemary symbolizes love, friendship, remembrance, and fidelity, which are what UMW is all about. The name of Rosemary was suggested by Alice Mills for her mother, a circle leader for many years. Rosemary is also a healing herb that grows in the Holy Land. The fifth circle is the Sylvia Circle, named for Sylvia Cooper, a long-time member who passed away. In 2018 the UMW is considering developing an e-circle if there is interest.

The Wesley Church UMW continues in service. For many years the circles provided greeters for the Sunday services and helpers for the Clothing Closet. Now those opportunities are open to all members, men as well as women. Circles were responsible for altar flowers and saw that they were delivered after church to someone in the hospital or to a shut-in.

The circles also helped the Altar Guild each Saturday. With the urging of Sigrid Mills, Janet Records organized a Bereavement Committee in 1998 which once provided food after funerals. The women also have made health kits for migrant workers and school kits for the Delmarva Rural Ministries. They supported the hospital’s Neighbor to Neighbor program by knitting baby blankets and have worked together with district women at The Hub in Christiana, Delaware, to combine items into relief kits and buckets for United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). They have sponsored teas and Calendar Dinners, too. Now they take meals to the Wesley Women’s Shelter and The Shepherd Place. The women also coordinate donations of hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves for school children. Circles send representatives to chaperone the ARC Dance for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In addition, the 85

unit sponsors a UMW Sunday service each year.

Fundraising provides ways for the women to provide for others. The women raise money at the Dover Days Bake Sale as part of the United Methodist Men’s Pancake Breakfast and also at the December Cookie Walk and Holly Day luncheon/auction. Recently, the UMW has sold lollypops at Easter time, as well as connected with local restaurants which donate percentages of their receipts.

Wesley UMW is proud to be a conference evaluated “5-Star Unit” because of its emphasis on missions and benevolence. Members pledge to Mission Giving, which is earmarked to improve the lives of children, youth, and women locally, nationally, and internationally. The UMW circles all have additional World Thanks Offerings and programs to show gratitude. The unit also honors members with Special Mission Recognition Pins and Certificates. At the unit meetings, members who have been in UMW for 40 years of more are recognized. The Gift to Mission in honor and the Gift in Memory are also part of the 5-Star Program.

Wesley Church UMW circles foster spiritual development by studying the Bible and other books to encourage growth in self-knowledge, critical thinking, sensitivity to all, and participation in God’s mission. The women share such topics as justice, violence, education, faith, and world conditions, especially as they impact children, youth, and women. Some individuals also participate in a reading program, as well as the School of Christian Mission or Mission u, often held at Wesley College or Camp Pecometh. In addition, the unit organizes Spiritual Life Retreats.

The UMW groups have many memories of working together. Barbara Circle, once named Circle 6, remembers working in the kitchen for many events. They have taken turns helping sort and clerk at the Clothing Closet, and they greet and donate altar flowers. The women have taken turns being the circle leader, but they laughed that Mary Cronshaw has been the circle treasurer for ever.

During the 1980s Circle 7, followed by Circle 8, became known as The Young Mothers’ Circle. The women supported one another with the challenges of raising toddlers. However, as fleeting as youth is, that circle folded as many of the women returned to work and joined other circles.

Sometimes special events take place. One year the women brought their 86

own china tea cups and saucers, along with their silver services, and the UMW had a lovely tea party. On May 8, 1999, an All Daughters’ Luncheon was held. One hundred and fifteen women and their daughters were served lunch by the United Methodist Men. They were treated to the songs of teenaged Paige Cutrona. In 2016 the UMW held a combined circle meeting at Barratt's Chapel where the women all gathered in the chapel for a program about women of the Bible. Afterwards they had a history lesson on Barratt's in the museum and then enjoyed lunch outside, ending the day with a visit by an ice cream truck complete with music.

Again in 2018 the June unit meeting picnic was held at the chapel.

At the end of each circle meeting, the women say the benediction asking for God’s blessing. “May He give us light to guide us, courage to support us, and love to unite us, now and evermore. Amen.”

SEARCH CLASS The Search Class is a Sunday School class for adults of all ages. It meets in the back of the Educational Center in The Search Class Room on Sunday mornings. The coffee pot is always on, and refreshments are always available.

This class was started in 1974 by Sally and Dave Verma, Sally and Jack Nichols, Carolyn and Rev. Bob Starrett, and Adelaide and Rev. Hartwell Chandler. In a short time, the eight people grew to a regular 15-25 in attendance, which is still strong in 2018.

Over the years this class has studied a variety of subjects and used many formats. Dave Verma, Jack Willis, and Tom Hufnal were the leaders originally, but now members take turns as leaders. The Bible, social issues, marriage relationships, Christianity and world religions, and United Methodist doctrines have been studied. In 1998 the class discussed Tony Campolo’s video series, “Curing Affluenza,” which dealt with giving. Some other video series were “Faith and Reason, “Between Two Altars,” and “Talking About God.” In recent years 87

they have watched sermons by Rev. Adam Hamilton of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas. His insights inspire lively discussions.

Search Class has been very much a part of Wesley Church over the years. From 1977-1981 its members put on international dinners to raise money for various ministries and Camp Pecometh scholarships. Class members provided costumed entertainment too. The group has had many service projects, such as painting the Grace Fellowship Hall, as well as Barratt’s Chapel, where they also helped park cars. In addition, the group fixed cabins at Camp Pecometh. They now participate in hosting Coffee Hour in Grace Fellowship Hall on the second Sunday of the month. They also serve meals occasionally at the homeless shelter and Wesley Women’s Shelter.

A special aspect of this class is its supportive fellowship. Members get together at homes for pot-luck dinners. They remember many picnics, camping, and ball games at the home of Candy and Jack Detwiler. They have enjoyed Christmas get-togethers, complete with white elephant gift exchanges, for many years at Sally and Dave Verma’s or Tom and Jerry Spangler’s homes.

Once a “young couples’ class,” the Search Class became a prime mover with members, both couples and singles, actively participating in many service projects and committees, continuing to search for and live their faith.

OUTREACH CLASS Wesley Church has always cared about educating students with intellectual disabilities, as well as children and adults of all ages. The church began a Sunday School class for “retarded children” about 1967. In 1972 Betty Lou Bargo and Emily and Charles (Bud) Gleadow established a special education Sunday School class filled with love. Later in 1983 Jane Leverage-Willis O’Hara continued the class and named it the Outreach Class.

In the beginning there were three students: Carolyn Rhodes, Cindy Goodman, and Michael Sills, who were young adults by that time. Within a decade, Sean Wright joined Jane in teaching the class and found this class to be his mission. By 1997 the class had around 15 people, and student ages ranged from 13-68. Some of the older students lived in group homes, 88

and Sean gave them rides. This Sunday School class focuses on Bible lessons and often takes an ecumenical approach when there are students of different faiths. Members study God’s Word and the Ten Commandments.

Since many of them have jobs, they often talk about God in the workplace.

They discuss problems at work and how God would want them to act.

Sometimes they see videos about Bible stories.

A report from 1997 told that class member, Larry Quinn, known for his singing, often sang to God what happened to him that week. Charles Scott, known for his friendly ability to bring a smile to everyone’s face, often prayed for “safety on the highways and byways.” Joe Hastings was the class Bible authority. One of the highlights of the class was singing with pianists, Becky Deutsch and Liz Carlson. Class member Peggy Everett always made a beeline to the piano so she could accompany the music with cymbals, bells, and blocks.

In recent years the Outreach Class is taught by Karen Thistlewood McLellan and Mary Ann Evans. They use a church curriculum and have a small class with Kenny Farrow, Katye Lacklen, Carolyn Rhodes, and Peter Yerger.

The Outreach Class members have been participating for years in the Special Olympics Delaware, thanks to Pam and Mike Williams who got them started. The church sponsored the team, which participated in many sports. Sometimes the class had a spaghetti dinner to raise money for uniforms. Occasionally, they have greeted or ushered as a group during the Sunday services.

WESLEY BRANCHES The Wesley Branches of Wesley United Methodist Church is a group started in 1992

by Sigrid Mills for the purpose of ministering to the shut-in and hospitalized members of the congregation on a regular basis.

Based on John 15:5 (“I am the vine, you are the branches.”), this group works hand in hand with the pastors and is committed to serve as long as they are able. Its orientation session for new members includes 89

Sigrid Mills

sensitivity training and guidance in listening and praying. The Associate Minister for Pastoral Care (Dr. Howell O. Wilkins, Dr. Wilbur Bubb, Harry Baxter, Gail Chupein, and followed by Jewett Short) assists the Wesley Branches. The group exemplifies outstanding, selfless, dedicated, and creative stewardship. As many as 19 members have been part of the Wesley Branches over the years.

At the Peninsula Delaware Conference Laity Banquet held on May 19, 2000, Sigrid Mills and the rest of the Wesley Branches were inducted into The Order of St. Barnabus for their special stewardship for the four T’s.

The T’s are Target Prayer, Time, Treasure, and Talent. Target prayer is especially important to this group. Individuals pray with their “Special Friends” and with the other branches for particular needs, continued blessings, and gratitude. They pray at worship services held in nursing homes.

The Branches also use their time for their fellow church members. Members are assigned to each Special Friend, whom they visit and call once a month. Sigrid visits all the Special Friends and calls on the other shut-ins at random. She makes hospital visits daily, often taking food and gifts.

She believes in never going empty handed. She started a weekly sharing group at Silver Lake Nursing Home. The members also meet or email monthly to update and support one another.

As for treasure, each Wesley Branches member uses his/her own resources and creativity to share with the shut-ins. Monetary gifts, and sometimes other gifts such as bookmarks made by circles, are also given by church members to further this ministry. Gifts to Special Friends are often individualized with gifts of socks, meals, desserts, smiles, caresses, listening, songs, poetry, etc. Particular gifts are given for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas. Sigrid even worked part-time in order to have gas money and to be able to buy birthday gifts for each Branch member, thereby showing her appreciation with a card, little gift, and call.

The Wesley Branches uses its talents as a representative of Wesley UMC. The members distribute the weekly bulletin and Upper Room devotionals to the shut-ins and hospitalized as they visit with gifts, good cheer, and sympathy. Sigrid Mills coordinates the placing of a natal rose on the altar. After the Sunday service, the family receives the rose, along with a personalized card containing a poem by Ethel Hopkins and calligraphy

by Ann Baker Horsey. Sigrid also provides a rose on the altar to signify a death. She tries to visit the family of the deceased as soon as pos90

sible to deliver a rose and card. She provided a grief ministry with Doris Torbert for many years to follow up and support each family with a lunch or visit. Sigrid also notifies bereaved families of the annual All Saints’ Day memorial service. In addition, she coordinated a rotating schedule of church services at four local nursing homes with four of the area United Methodist churches. Whenever she is aware of certain needs, such as for caretakers, the Branches uses its contacts to find someone to help a family or individual. The Branches also helps to coordinate the 90+ Birthday Celebration on a Sunday in June and the All Saint’s Sunday in November.

A report from 2007 shows how much the Wesley Branches accomplished.

It states that there were 16 active members and four honorary members.

The Special Visitation List had 50 names (27 in nursing homes and 23 at home). From April 2006 to April 2007, the group made 451 home visits, 530 nursing home visits, 594 hospital visits, 622 phone calls, 356 cards sent, 29 bereavements, 44 funerals attended, 19 sharing groups, 282 transportations, 111 flowers/plants, 39 birthday cards, 111 church special services, 366 food/gifts, 49 errands, 513 bulletin deliveries, and Ginger Conley and members made 632 telephone assurance calls.

Jewett Short

Sigrid Mills and the Wesley Branches continue to show God’s love without fanfare. They work behind the scenes to care for church members in times of need. They are truly part of Christ’s vine as they spread and entwine His outreach of love.

CLOTHING CLOSET The Clothing Closet was started by Bertha Heritage and Mary Willis in 1973. The congregation still contributes used clothing and household goods to be sold at bargain prices so that those in the community who cannot make purchases at the “going” rates can buy. It also provides an opportunity to recycle usable items, such as shoes, drapes, linens, blankets, kitchenware, toys, books, jewelry, seasonal items, knickknacks, all types of clothes, and even pliers and screw drivers. People often come to find suits for interviews or dresses for Dover Days. Clothes continue to be sorted by hand on Monday and Friday mornings. Referrals come in for free clothing and shoes on those days. As many as 80 referrals are serviced in a busy month. The Saturday morning store hours have as many 91

as one hundred people come through the door.

A committee was formed in 2007 to set guidelines for volunteers and cashiers. A Purpose Statement was created stating: “The Purpose of the Wesley United Methodist Church’s Clothing Closet is to provide essential clothing to individuals and families in need, at no cost, and to all others who desire to purchase affordable clothing. All donations and collections are used to support local missions in the greater Dover area.”

For example, during 2015, 715 adults and children were referred to the Clothing Closet and given free clothing. People working on Mondays and Fridays volunteered 2,838 hours. The Saturday sales generated almost $29,000, and those volunteers served 765 hours. In 2017 $23,500 was donated to Habitat for Humanity, Kent Ecumenical Food and Crisis Fund, The Shepherd Place and other shelters, First Baptist Church Food Pantry, Home of the Brave I and II, and Wesley UMC Community Meals, Dover Interfaith Mission, Code Purple, and others.

The Clothing Closet is located in the basement of the Educational Center.

Originally, the Serenity Church led by custodian Eddie MacDonald used the room on Sundays, so the organizers had to put out tables and display things on Friday for the Saturday sales. Afterwards, they packed things up again so that the Serenity Church could use the room. Now that the Serenity Church uses the Lobby in the Educational Center, the Clothing Closet is spread out, decorated, and permanent in the basement. For many years, the United Methodist Women took turns clerking on Saturdays.

Now volunteers help to organize and price items, as well as sell them.

The Clothing Closet is composed of a hard-working and dedicated group of men and women who are providing a much-needed service to the community. Some of the volunteers have worked for many years. More than 42 people have been involved with serving in the Clothing Closet over the years. Coordinators have been Doris Bose, Barbara Berry, and currently Beatrice Lacklen. Bea Lacklen keeps track of all the referrals, and Fred 92

Ragains is the chairman of the Clothing Closet Committee while Mary Ann Dashiell serves as the Saturday scheduler.

When Mary Willis helped start the Clothing Closet, she encouraged her husband, John Willis, to work there too, and it soon became a “family enterprise in serving others.” The Wesley Church Clothing Closet was so important to Mary Willis that she gave $5,000 for renovations and a new counter. Now in 2018, their children still continue the tradition by supporting the Clothing Closet and encouraging others to continue this ministry.

WESLEY PRESCHOOL AND PLAYCARE Wesley PreSchool began as Wesley Nursery School in 1970 with Irene Seeling as director. After it began, the Associate Pastor Bob Starrett served as financial administrator and advisor to the directors (Lee Kingery [1972-1974] and Carolyn Pruett) until 1976. Then a PreSchool Board was created to set policies and oversee the operation of the school. Frances Johnson followed Carolyn Pruett as director in January 1976 until 2002. The next directors were Debbie DuBreuil (2002-2015) and Jennifer Scott (2015-2018). Lyndsey Collison, a current teacher, serves as interim director while the PreSchool Board seeks a new director. The board has representatives from church committees and at-large church members and parents. The Associate Pastor and the Director are non-voting members along with a rotating teacher representative.

The school has grown from one class to ten, and the Play Care program has changed from a predominately drop-in program to a program that provides some all-day care and extended care for many PreSchool working families from September through May. Wesley PreSchool and Play Care is a licensed child care program through Delaware Child Care Licensing. An extension of the educational program of Wesley Church, Wesley PreSchool has a developmentally appropriate curriculum with the Christian ideals and philosophy of learning through play. In addition, it has a low pupil-teacher ratio. Over 20 staff mmbers serve 125 children.

The students sing on The Green during Dover Days events, and they sing during the City of Dover’s Christmas Tree Lighting celebration.

Wesley PreSchool students often bring their families to participate in the activities of Wesley Church because they feel so much at home. In 2018 93

Wesley Church Pastor Amy Yarnall and Director Jennifer Scott presented a parenting class together.

From the 2018 Parent Manual: I.

Wesley Preschool’s Philosophy of Learning and Curriculum

Philosophy Offering a caring and positive environment, Wesley Preschool and Play Care strives to create a warm and happy place for preschoolers to learn and grow. We pledge to provide an environment in which to guide the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual growth of each child.

We recognize the importance of teaching Christian ideals and positive attitudes towards others. Spiritual components of the program include prayers of thanks for food, prayers and songs of praise, celebration of traditional Christmas holidays, and biblical storytelling by the pastor during the monthly assembly. Wesley Preschool and Play Care welcomes all children, regardless of sex, race, religion, cultural heritage, disability, economic status.

Wesley Preschool and Play Care values the active communication and involvement of parents and families in our program. We welcome parents and family through classroom participation. Having parents participate in our classrooms enables the children to see their parents as important and concerned members of the school environment while providing parents with opportunities to view their child with teachers and other children….

Wesley Preschool and Play Care has an open door policy to families to participate or observe in their child’s classrooms.

Wesley Preschool is pleased to collaborate with the Delaware Early Childhood Center Early Choices Program. This program is an early childhood special education program serving students in one of our Preschool classrooms. Half of the students enrolled in this program will receive specialized instruction from an early choices teacher. This classroom will provide a smaller staff-to-child ratio with two teachers in the classroom. It offers a great opportunity for typical children to be role models and leaders in a classroom setting. This program is a federally funded program in which case the spiritual components of Wesley preschool will not be offered to those served.

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Curriculum Delaware Early Learning Foundations: Preschool Success will be a guide for curriculum development and implementation. The Early Learning Foundations guiding principles that Wesley Preschool will follow are: • All children are learners.

• Children learn through play.

• Every child is unique and is accepted for his/her differences in development, culture, home environment, and learning style.

• Wesley Preschool will be accessible and ready to meet the individual physical and developmental needs of all children.

• Parents and families are the child’s first teachers: they play a key role in preparing children for success in school through being involved in their child’s education from birth.

• Quality early learning experiences are essential to prepare a child for success in school.

• The learning opportunities provided need to be developmentally appropriate for preschool age children.

• A developmentally appropriate learning environment fosters kindergarten readiness.

• It takes partnerships among families, early care and education professionals, schools, health care providers, and other community resources to promote children’s development and success.

(Early Learning Foundations Guiding Principles cited from Delaware Department of Education Early Learning Foundations) Wesley Play Care Staff will implement the use of Creative Curriculum to guide instruction in the Play Care classrooms. Creative Curriculum is a comprehensive research based curriculum designed to help educators at all levels of experience plan and implement a developmentally appropriate, content-rich program for children with diverse backgrounds and skill level.

(Creative Curriculum cited from the Creative Curriculum book) Based on the theory that children learn through play, the classroom routines encourage active involvement, meaningful experimentation and reinforcement of repetition. Schedules are designed to balance structure and free choice, as well as active and quiet times.

Parents may gain valuable insights and techniques from the expertise of 95

the staff; and, at the same time, share their own talents and interests to maintain the excellent quality at Wesley Preschool and Play Care. School then becomes a shared experience.

We are ALWAYS interested in making the Wesley experience a happy one for each child.

THE CEMETERIES OF WESLEY CHURCH The Old Methodist Cemetery After the 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday, April 27, 2001, the congregation walked over to the original site of Wesley Church, at the old cemetery on North and Queen Streets, to dedicate a state historical marker, erected by the Delaware Public Archives. At 12:30 there was a brief service. Worship chairperson at the time, Ann Baker Horsey, had coordinated the marker with the archives and the Legislature. The information on the marker was written by Robert Moyer and edited by Rev. Dr. Bill Fitzhugh and Ann Baker Horsey. It says: In 1778, a Methodist Society was organized in Dover by Reverend Freeborn Garrettson. Desiring a permanent place of worship, members acquired a one-half acre lot at this location from Vincent Loockerman in 1782. Future Delaware Governor Richard Bassett contributed toward the construction of a forty-foot square structure, which was named Wesley Chapel. Bishop Francis Asbury preached the first sermon here in 1784.

The building was used until 1850, when a larger Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church was constructed on State Street. Notable burials include those of Bishop Richard Whatcoat, Delaware Governors Cornelius P. Comegys and Gove Saulsbury, and Representative Nathaniel B. Smithers.

The old cemetery is now comprised of two-and-a-half acres made of two additional parcels of land purchased in 1823 and 1852. Near the North Street fence, marking the spot where the chapel once stood, is an obelisk monument to the Rev. Richard Whatcoat, third Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The monument states that it was “erected A.D. 1855 by the Philadelphia Annual Conference and Congregation of Wesley Church in Dover. This stone marks the site of the Old Wesley Church erected in 1780, the grave being under the pulpit.� Bishop Whatcoat had 96

requested to be buried under the altar. Part of his original tombstone was later removed and imbedded in the wall of the front hallway at the present Wesley Church. The monument states that: Rev. Richard Whatcoat was born in Quinton, Gloucestershire, England 1736, became a traveling preacher in 1769, was ordained elder

by Rev. John Wesley and sent to America with Dr. Coke to assist in organizing The Methodist Episcopal Church in 1784, was constituted Bishop at the General Conference in 1800, and after six years’ faithful service in the episcopal office, died in great peace in Dover, Delaware July 5, 1806. In life and death, he was the model of a Christian, a minister, and a scriptural bishop.

Next to the Bishop Whatcoat monument is a whiter obelisk for the Rev. Ezekiel Cooper (1763-1847). On one side it states: “I was born. I lived.

I died.” On the other side, it states: “I sinned, but I repented. I believed in Jesus and went to Heaven.” A minister and abolitionist, Ezekiel Cooper was appointed general book steward in 1798, succeeding John Dickens, the founder of the Methodist Book Concern, a precursor of Cokesbury Publishing. It is said that John Wesley had a “passion for printer’s ink,” since he stressed the need for providing book rooms and publishing and distributing Bibles and religious materials, especially by the circuit riders in America. Under Cooper’s skillful management, the Book Concern’s stock increased from almost nothing to $45,000 before he resigned at the end of his term in 1808.

Other ministers buried in the graveyard are Rev. William Fletcher Talbott, who died in 1903, and Rev. John Wiltbank. Found in the middle of the cemetery, the tallest obelisk is the monument for Governor Gove Saulsbury, which is in the family plot surrounded by a fence. Most of the gravestones have dates in the 1800s, though some are so old they cannot be read, and a few are dated in the 1960s. The headstones of Samuel Morris (1861) and David Stricker (1864) noted that they died fighting in the Civil War. Other graves read like a “Who’s Who” of early Dover, with the family names of Stanton, Mills, Hoffecker, Postles, Manlove, Todd, Clark, Smith, Dawes, Webb, Smallwood, Marvel, and Fisher, to name a few. The tombstone of William Taylor (1817-1882) reads: “He was an upright man and charitable to the needy, thus exemplied the true Christian character.” Other small stones simply say, “Mother,” “Father,” “Husband,” and “Our Baby.”

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Lakeside Cemetery Wesley Church bought land overlooking Silver Lake on North State Street in Dover from Thomas Bradford in 1869 and then purchased additional land in 1891 for a total of eleven and one-fourth acres to establish Lakeside Cemetery. Over 4,000 people are buried there. Both of the church cemeteries are controlled and maintained by the Wesley Church Trustees.

Some Trustees who supervised the cemetery in recent years have been Bob Moyer, Dick Stoops, Edith Gillis, Jim Strickland, Jack Royston, and Lacy Nichols, Jr. Daniel Waite is under contract to maintain the cemeteries. Dan follows his father, Dale Waite, who did the job for many years. The Trustees also oversee the endowment which funds the perpetual care. For many years both George Wiltshire and Jim Strickland served as cemetery treasurer.

At present, treasurer Patrick Weaver sells plots and pays bills.

In the mid-1990s, the Trustees updated landscaping at Lakeside Cemetery by adding over $1,000 of beautiful flowering trees and bushes. They added a 48-compartment columbarium and recently added another one.

In 2018 the cost of a compartment is $2,100, which includes the cost of lettering on the mahogany shutter cover. On the other hand, a burial plot costs $1,100, which does not include a headstone or opening costs. Both of these costs include perpetual care. (In 1875 the price was two dollars per grave.)

On October 15, 2017 Wesley Church had a service to dedicate the new archway entrance sign. The sign reads, “Lakeside Cemetery� with the United Methodist cross and flame in the center between the two words. Pastor Amy Yarnall conducted the ceremony with Mayor Robin Christiansen and the creator of the sign, David Collier of Broken Hammer Forge, present.

Trustees Jim Thistlewood and Bernie Henry had spent countless hours on the project. In addition, Rain Designs Contracting Services constructed the beautiful support pillars and Teal Construction widened the entrance way and provided new curbing where needed. Wesley Church continues its historical stewardship of these cemeteries. Church members today admire the planned care of our forefa98

thers, and we appreciate the time and efforts of the Trustees.

240th ANNIVERSARY FUN FACTS: DID YOU KNOW...

January 7, 2018 -- that when Francis Asbury was commissioned by John Wesley to come to the colonies in 1769 to organize and supervise the ministry to Methodists in America, there were only about 1,000 practicing Methodists, and that at the end of his ministry when he died in 1816, there were over 200,000 Methodists?

January 14, 2018 … that Freeborn Garrettson, a young itinerant minister, called Dover “a proverb of wickedness” in 1778, before he “joined those who were deeply awakened into a [Methodist] society” on September 13, 1778 – and Wesley Church was established?

January 21, 2018 … that The Delmarva Peninsula is called the “Garden of Methodism” because of the boundless energy of such early ministers as Freeborn Garrettson and Bishop Francis Asbury, John Wesley’s representative from England?

January 28, 2018 … that Vincent Loockerman donated land at North and Queen Streets to build the first Wesley Chapel in Dover in 1782, and Judge Richard Bassett (later Governor of Delaware) funded it? In 1784 Bishop Francis Asbury preached the first sermon in “the rather nice brick” 40-square foot chapel with galleries on three sides.

February 4, 2018 … that Methodism in the United States dates back to 1736 when John and Charles Wesley came to the New World to spread the movement they had begun as students in England?

February 11, 2018 … that in 1778 Mrs. Miriam Barratt, “the gaoler’s wife, who sat at her window at some distance [yet was able to hear Freeborn Garrettson preach on The Green in Dover] was awakened, shortly after found peace, and became a heavenly-minded woman,” who then influenced many others to convert and join the Methodist society? Years later when her 99

240th ANNIVERSARY FUN FACTS: DID YOU KNOW... husband Phillip Barratt retired from being a sheriff, he returned to his farm in Frederica and donated an acre of ground for the building of the chapel which bears his name.

February 18, 2018 … that in 1806 Bishop Richard Whatcoat was buried under the altar of Wesley Church on North Street? When a monument was erected in his memory in 1855, the marble slab from his tombstone was removed and imbedded in the wall in the front hall of this church. Have you noticed it?

February 25, 2018 … that Wesley Church maintains two cemeteries in Dover? The old cemetery is on North and Queen Streets (acquired in 1782, 1823, and 1852) while the more recent Lakeside Cemetery on North State Street was purchased from Thomas Bradford in 1869.

March 4, 2018 … that Wesley PreSchool and Playcare was originally called Wesley Nursery School when it was established in 1970? With the philosophy of “learning through play,” the school for 2-6 year olds teaches Christian ideals in a developmentally age-appropriate curriculum. Directors have been Lee Kingery, Irene Seeling, Carolyn Pruett Guerin, Frances Johnson, Debbie DuBreuil, and Jennifer Scott.

March 11, 2018 … that the Wesley Church congregation sold the previous chapel and built the present building on South State Street in Dover, Delaware, in 1850?

March 18, 2018 … that in 1856 the three-story brick building next door became the parsonage? It was home to many clergy families until it was sold to Ernest V. and Esther W. Keith in 1938, when the present parsonage was constructed on Hazel Road.

March 25, 2018 … that gas lighting was installed in the sanctuary in 1859?

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240th ANNIVERSARY FUN FACTS: DID YOU KNOW...

April 1, 2018 … that Barratt’s Chapel in Frederica, Delaware, is called “The Independence Hall of American Methodism” because it was at Barratt’s Chapel that the very important meeting between Thomas Coke and Francis Asbury occurred? The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, sent Rev. Thomas Coke to the New World after the Revolutionary War in order to discuss with Asbury the future of American Methodism.

This servicewas the first time people received Holy Communion from an ordained clergy. Afterwards, Methodists convened the Christmas Conference in December 1784 in Baltimore and created the “Declaration of Independence for American Methodism,” severing the connection between the Methodist Church and the Church of England and organizing the Methodist Episcopal Church for the first time.

April 8, 2018 … that music was not allowed in the church before 1866 when the first organ (a harmonium or pump organ) was purchased? A second organ was acquired in 1870. In 1907 a “grand” pipe organ with “gilded pipes” was purchased for $3,500, of which $1,500 was donated by Andrew Carnegie.

The organ has been rebuilt, enlarged, and electrified since that time.

April 15, 2018 … that as Wesley Church grew, it built Wesley Chapel in 1887 at Governors Avenue and Mary Street? The chapel was used for Sunday School work by this church until the chapel was sold to another church in 1892?

April 22, 2018 … that the United Methodist Church was created on April 23, 1968, when The Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB) and The Methodist Church united to form a new denomination? (50 years ago!) The EUB had been formed when two formerly German-speaking denominations, the Evangelical Association and the United Brethren Churches in Christ, merged in 1946.

April 29, 2018 … that 1908-1909 was a time of “discord and disruption”? The pastor, Rev. A. W. Lightbourne’s credentials were in question, causing his ministry and membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church to be null 101

240th ANNIVERSARY FUN FACTS: DID YOU KNOW... and void. When the Conference then appointed Rev. E. L. Hoffecker to Wesley Church, the Official Board declined to accept him and locked both the church and parsonage! Therefore, Rev. Hoffecker preached in the Dover Opera House (the present Schwartz Center). After a settlement was made, the church accepted Rev. Hoffecker while Dr. Lightbourne led a break-away group, which eventually became the independent movement of The People’s Church on Bradford Street.

May 6, 2018 … that the youth group of the Methodist Episcopal Church was called the Epworth League before 1939, when the church merged with the Methodist Protestant Church? The youth group’s name then became the MYF, Methodist Youth Fellowship.

May 13, 2018 … that women have always been active members at Wesley Church?

Women’s groups were once the Ladies’ Aid Society, Women’s Foreign Missionary Society, Women’s Home Missionary Society, Young Women’s Society, and Wesleyan Juniors. Unification of the church in 1939 changed these organizations, which unified in September 1940 to become the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS). Now after unification in 1968, women are part of UMW, United Methodist Women.

May 20, 2018 … that in 1924 a one-story structure (30x47’) was added at the eastern end of the church building? This multi-purpose room was used for meetings, classes, and as a social hall and equipped with the first kitchen.

May 27, 2018 … that in 1941 the church steeple was repaired, thus enabling the bell to once again sound the call to worship? When lightning damaged that old steeple in 1971, the bell was retired in the Memorial Garden next to the church on State Street. Recorded chimes now peal from our new, tall, white steeple.

June 3, 2018 … that in 1920 there were two 18 x 15-foot classrooms on either side of the hall where the chapel and church office are now?

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June 10, 2018 … that the use of choir robes in Wesley Church began in the early 1940s?

June 17, 2018 … that the first Director of Christian Education at Wesley Church was Lewis Wells in 1944? Under his leadership the youth were involved in sports, drama, class work, evening meetings, and they published a monthly paper, The Wesley Flame.

June 24, 2018 … that in 1830 the Methodist Protestant Church split from the Methodist Episcopal Church over whether laity had a voice and vote? Then in 1844 tensions over slavery split the denomination into two conferences, the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

In 1939 the northern and southern Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Protestant Church merged to become the Methodist Church.

July 1, 2018 … that Wesley Church and St. Paul’s Church on West Division Street were both Methodist Episcopal churches while Grace Church on South Governors Avenue near Loockerman Street was a Methodist Protestant Church? Grace merged with Wesley Church in 1948 while St. Paul’s joined in 1960.

July 8, 2018 … that the longest serving pastor in Wesley Church’s history was Rev. Dr. John A. Trader (1949-1962)?

July 15, 2018 … that as Wesley Church grew, it needed more space, and therefore, the church purchased property at the rear of the church from Mrs. Henry Ridgley in 1950 in order to build Grace Fellowship Hall?

July 22, 2018 … that in 1951, after the completion of Grace Fellowship Hall, services were held there so that the sanctuary could be renovated? Work there included the divided altar, with the reading desk or lectern at one side (pulpit from Wesley Church) and the preaching desk (pulpit from St. 103

240th ANNIVERSARY FUN FACTS: DID YOU KNOW...

Paul’s Church) on the other side, the large altar at rear with a hand-woven dossal cloth, and the divided choir stalls. The pipe organ was moved from the right to the left side of the altar.

July 29, 2018 … that at the 175th anniversary banquet on November 17, 1953, Lewis Wells, Director of Drama at Wesley College, presented a pageant depicting the events through the years?

August 5, 2018 … that a Methodist men’s group was organized at Wesley Church in 1955?

July 29, 2018 … that at the 175th anniversary banquet on November 17, 1953, Lewis Wells, Director of Drama at Wesley College, presented a pageant depicting the events through the years?

August 12, 2018 … that Wesley Methodist Church and St. Paul’s worked together with our associate minister living in St. Paul’s parsonage? Later in 1960, the St. Paul’s members voted to close the church and join Wesley. The chapel here was then named for St. Paul’s Church. The St. Paul’s property was sold in 1962.

August 19, 2018 … that the electrical star hanging in the balcony of the sanctuary was presented in1962 by Miriam Teaff in memory of her parents, Rev. Dr. and Mrs. George E. Wood? The star serves as a symbol of light – Christ, the Light of the World.

August 26, 2018 … that the Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS) was prominent at Wesley Church 1949-1962? The women pledged money for the Building Fund (to pay for the new fellowship hall). They cared for children in the nursery, welcomed people to services, and participated in women’s activities in circles and district programs. They often hosted Calendar Dinners, teas, fashion shows, and talent programs.

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September 2, 2018 … that in October 1962 the Official Board, headed by George Carroll, selected an architectural firm to draw up plans to build a new educational building constructed in the parking lot? A three-year building fund campaign was started to raise funds; however, in 1967 the City of Dover advertised the sale of the City Post Office Building, a one-acre property adjoining the church on the east. After much prayer and discussion, the Trustees offered a high bid, which was accepted. The Consecration Service of the New Wesley Church Educational Center included a parade with flags, Bible, banners, etc. from the front entrance of the church on State Street to the steps of the new Wesley Educational Center. After the service in the sanctuary, the whole community was invited to a joyous open house.

September 9, 2018 … that the Peninsula and Delaware Conferences merged in May 1964?

Formerly, the Peninsula Conference was predominantly white, and the Delaware Conference was mostly African American. Now the Peninsula-Delaware Conference rejoices in its diversity.

September 16, 2018 … that “gilded” organ pipes were in view until 1950 when they were covered first with a red dossal cloth with four vertical gilded blue stripes and later with a gold brocade dossal cloth? In 1994 the present dossal cloth of five loose-weave jewel-toned panels with valance was woven for Wesley Church by Mathilda Murphy.

September, 23, 2018 … that the cornerstone of Wesley United Methodist Church was laid on September 23, 1850? (168 years ago today!)

September 30, 2018 … that music became a major emphasis at Wesley Church with the arrival of Thomas Flynn in 1965? This organist and choir director worked with 11 separate choral groups, including 200 people.

October 7, 2018 … that the first set of 25 handbells of our present inventory was a 105

240th ANNIVERSARY FUN FACTS: DID YOU KNOW... memorial gift by the family of Mr. and Mrs. J. Norman Cubbage, who were long-time members of Wesley Church? In addition, Mrs. Cubbage had been a lifelong teacher of youth. The Cubbage Memorial Handbell Ringers were organized and directed by Thomas Flynn in the late 1960s.

At first, only boys rang the bells, but later girls became ringers, too, and they were divided into three teams. Touring each summer, the first team had a high point with a tour to the British Isles for three weeks in 1969.

Currently, our Joyful Noise Handbell Choir rings from a five octave set, which is 60 handbells.

October 14, 2018 … that since Grace Fellowship Hall was built in 1950 it has been used for many purposes, including church dinners, weekly coffee hours, Boy Scout and Girl Scout activities, Friday night roller skating, wedding receptions, City of Dover elections, Old Dover Days Methodist Men’s Pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners, First Night programs, theatrical productions, Holly Days bazaars, Sunday School, and Bible School?

October 21, 2018 … that Wesley Church people have participated in a number of special spiritual retreats over the years? Some of them were Camps Farthest Out, the Order of St. Luke, Ashram spiritual renewal ministries, Chrysalis, Walk to Emmaus, and Lay Witness Weekends.

October, 28, 2018 … that in 1975 Wesley Church took a stand against gambling when the Administrative Board sent letters to the Delaware legislature and governor opposing the bills for slot machines and casinos?

November 4, 2018 … that the Clothing Closet in the Wesley Educational Center basement was established in 1973 by Bertha Heritage and Mary Willis? It continues today to be an outreach to the community thanks to its many volunteers.

November 11, 2018 … that the murals “Harvest Spring and Summer” (1938) in the lobby of the Education Center were painted by William D. White, an artist for the Treasury Relief AA Project of the WPA (Works Progress Administration) during the Great Depression?

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November 18, 2018 … that when the sanctuary was rebuilt in 1897, 19 stained glass windows were placed, most with memorials, to visualize colorful stories of Jesus with symbols of faith? Five of the windows are on the front of the building facing State Street while there are seven on each side of the sanctuary. The magnificent circular rose window in the balcony has the cross and crown in the center of the quatrefoil. The windows were restored in 1998, when three new pictorial memorial windows were added.

November 25, 2018 … that a special education class began in 1967 at Wesley Church?

Later the class included adults and developed into the Outreach Class, which is still going strong today.

December 2, 2018 … that after 30 years of trying, the women of Wesley Church were finally allowed to serve church suppers in 1905?

December 9, 2018 … that many enlargements, additions, remodeling, and rebuilding projects followed at Wesley Church in 1870, 1884, 1897, 1924, 1941, 1950, and with Jeremiah I in 1998, and Jeremiah II in 2003? The Arden Building, which the church purchased from the State of Delaware for $1.00 in 1996, had to be razed. Following this, an enhanced kitchen, a memorial hallway, portico, and better parking facilities were created.

December 16, 2018 … that St. Paul’s Chapel was furnished with an organ in the mid-1990s, and a new elevator tower was installed and dedicated in 2012 as the Jeremiah III Project? In addition, new arched front doors with stained glass windows, reminiscent of the original, were added in 2001 by Barbara and Robert D. Reed in memory of their parents and his sister.

December 23, 2018 … that Wesley Church received its very own “The Advent Song” in 1981, written by Douglas Grudzina with music by Chancel and Bell Choir Director Jeff Kern?

December 30, 2018 … that The Memorial Hallway, the church’s handicapped accessible entrance near the kitchen, was dedicated to W. Charles and Eleanor Clement Paradee in 1999? Charles Paradee had been President of the Board of Trustees for many years.

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1779 1780 1781 1783 1784 1785 1786 1787 1788 1789 1790 1791 1792 1793 1794 1795

WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PASTOR HISTORY organized in 1778 Francis Asbury, Caleb B. Pedicord, Freeborn Garrettson, Louis Alfree Micaijah Debruled Caleb B. Pedicord William Gill, John Coleman, Lee Roy Cole, John Tunnell William Glendenning, George Kimble Nelson Reed, Adam Cloud Samuel Dudley, Joseph Wyatt

Ira Ellis, George Moir Jacob Brush, Aaron Hutchinson George Moore, Benton Riggin Jacob Brush Christopher Spry, Fredus Alderidge Thomas Foster, Evan Rogers Walter Fountain, George Pickering John Milburn, William Page John Milburn Walter Hunter, J. Jewell, William Jessop 1814 James Ridgeway, William Lummis 1815 James Ridgeway, William Ryder 1816 James Moore, Daniel Fidler 1817 Charles Reed, James Polhemus 1818 Charles Reed, Thomas Miller 1819 Thomas Miller, John Collins 1820 William Ryder, Joseph Osborne 1821 Alward White, William Torbert 1822 William Torbert, Jesse Thompson 1823 John Smith, Edward Stevenson 1824 Solomon Higgins, Philip Dixon 1825 Solomon Higgins, John Ludenham 1826 James Bateman, Walter B. Jones 1827 James Bateman, Levi Scott 1828 Daniel Lambdin, William Ryder 1829‐1830 William Bishop, Samuel McElwee 1831 Solomon Sharp, S. D. Jones 1832 Solomon Sharp, T. Hickey 1833 William Barnes, J. F. Couch 1834 William Barnes, M. Jerman 1835 J. Buckley 1836 J. H. McFarland 1837 Eliphalet Reed 1868‐1870 J. H. Lightbourne 1871‐1872 James B. Merritt

1798

Thomas Jackson, Joseph Whitby

1799 1800

Daniel Crouch, Nathan Swain Archibald Foster, Luther Taylor

1801 1802 1803 1804 1805 1806 1807 1808 1809 1810 1811 1812 1813

William Bishop, Leorner Blackman T. Smith, T. Dodson, William Earle William Hunter, Jessie Justice, T. Walter Ephraim Chambers, Edward Larkins Richard Lyons, John Ruth Henry Boehm, James Bateman Joseph Aydelott, Abraham Dawson Henry White, George Sheets Thomas Walker, John Kimberdin John Sharpley, Stephen Martindale Arva Melvin, William Leonard Asa Smith, Manning Force William Bishop, Samuel Pl Levis

1838 1839 1840 1841 1842 1843 1844‐1845 1846 1847 1848 1849 1850 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855‐1856 1857‐1858 1859 1860 1861‐1862 1863‐1864 1865‐1867 1916‐1922 1923‐1925

Eliphalet Reed, J. Mason L. Storks, B. F. Price Joshua Humphreys, Henry S. Altmore Joshua Humphreys, M. D. Kurtz Ignatius Cooper, W. L. Gray I. T. Cooper, J. D. Long E. R. Williams, E. Cooper H. Sutton, J. R. Anderson H. Sutton, S. G. Hare James Allen, E. G. Asay G. D. Carrow, William Merrill G. D. Carrow, C. I. Thompson J. T. Hazzard, C. I. Thompson J. T. Hazzard, T. B. Miller H. E. Gilroy, R. W. Todd H. E. Gilroy, H. T. Jones C. Karsner W. C. Robinson Charles Cook Charles Cook, E. F. Cooper J. D. Curtis T. J. Thompson Henry Colclazer James W. Colona Leonard White

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1873‐1874 1875‐1877 1878‐1880 1881‐1883 1883 1884‐1886 1887

G. D. Watson J. H. Caldwell W. P. Davis J. H. Caldwell Vaughan Collins T. E. Martindale D. McFaul

1926‐1927 1929‐1932 1933‐1935 1936‐1940 1941‐1943 1944‐1948 1949‐1962

1888

I. N. Foreman

1962‐1970

1889‐1891 T. E. Terry

1970‐1977

1892‐1895 William L. S. Murray

1977‐1986

1896

1986‐1991

E. E. Avery

1897‐1901 Alfred Smith

1991‐1995

1902‐1906 L. E. Barrett

1995‐2005

1907‐1908 Albert W. Lighburn

2005‐2011

1909

2011‐ present

Edwin L. Hoffecker

1910‐1913 William L. White 1914‐1917 Walter E. Gunby 1920 James W. Colona

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E. W. Jones Milton S. Andrews Essel P. Thomas Earl M. Shockley Marion W. Marine C. Stanley Lowell Sr. Pastor ‐ John A. Trader Edward R. Wilkins, Jackson Robinson Sr. Pastor ‐ William Hemphill, Jr Hubert Jicha, William Smith, Frederick Seyfert Sr. Pastor ‐ Robert P. Whitlock Frederick Seyfert, Robert W. Starrett, Hartwell F. Chandler, Dale R. Pruett Carolyn R. Swift Sr. Pastor ‐ George C. Godfrey Dale R. Pruett, Carolyn R. Swift, Hartwell F. Chandler, Frank Tulak Sr. Pastor ‐ Alvin Willink Steven Wallace, James Hartman, Jervis Cooke Sr. Pastor ‐ Donald Hurst Steven Wallace, Bernard Shuhayda, Howell Wilkins Sr. Pastor ‐ William M. Fitzhugh Bernard Shuhayda, Howell Wilkins, Wilbur Bubb, W. LeRoy Jones Sr. Pastor ‐ Donald Godwin W. LeRoy Jones, Harry T. Baxter Sr. Pastor ‐ Amy D. Yarnall 7‐2011 ‐ Harry T. Baxter – 2014 Gail Chupein 2015‐ 8‐2016 Jewett M. Short 10‐2016 ‐

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MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS 1778 1820 1836 1870 1879 1883 1912 1916 1919-1920 1925-1926 1931-1932 1939-1940 1940-1941 1946-1947 1953 1959 1962 1970 1974 1975 1977 1980 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

20 Families 1,770 145 294 450 1,000 202 235 352 560 368 597 352 742 850 1,000 1,457 1,457 1,674 1,700 1,700 1,500 1,466 1,485 1,479 1,511 1,564 1,588 1,567 1,564 1,482 1,447 1,431 1,411 1,409 1,397 1,378 1,369

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

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1,264 1,191 1,153 1,125 1,099 1.083 1,074 1,052 1,031 1,009 987 967 951 915 868 867 856 841 808 792

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