A History of Slavery in Delaware. Click here to read this short six-page history written in 2009 by a committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware.

History of Saint John’s

The Cathedral Church of Saint John is the Cathedral for the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware and the seat of the Bishop of Delaware. June 13, 1857, the cornerstone was laid, and the church was consecrated on November 3, 1858. Alexis Irenee du Pont is credited with founding the church and donating the funds for its construction. John Notman of Philadelphia who designed the Athenaeum on Independence Square as well as Saint Mark’s Church in Philadelphia, designed the church.

Because of the use of pointed arches, the design is considered Gothic; however, it might be more accurately described as typical English Village Church style. The church is constructed of Brandywine granite about three feet thick. Mr. Notman adhered to the old custom of sitting the church to meet the North, South, East and West compass bearings. The church itself was 116 feet long with the altar at the East end, and the center aisle runs East and West. The open roof has all its massive oak rafters, purlines, jack and hammer beams open to view. The total cost of construction including the land was $26,173.49.

November 3, 1885, a parish house and new Sunday School building erected parallel to the church on the north were opened.

March 13, 1920 brought the cornerstone laying for several additions including: extension of the chancel to the East, more class rooms, the Great Hall, a rectory on the church grounds (now the Bishop's office and home of the Diocesan staff), and the Saint Mary’s Chapel.

May 14, 1935, Saint John’s was proclaimed The Cathedral Church of Saint John and the Rev. Dr. Hiram R. Bennett was installed as the first dean.

The final additions to the building were dedicated in 1953 and included the kitchen, nursery, children’s chapel (now the choir room) and cloister. Extensive rehabilitation of the old buildings was carried out during the 1960s.

During the late 1990s, further renovations were done to include modernized heating and air conditioning, new dormer windows, and handicap ramping, bathrooms and elevator. The Sunday Schoool rooms and nursery were completely refurbished in 2002.

The Next-to-New Shop was at one time a popular thrift shop located in Cathedral properties on Market Street. It began in the 1950s. The last year of this ministry was 2009. Click here to read a history of the Next-to-New Shop ministry in Wilmington, Delaware.

The facilities are maintained, in part, by the Delaware Cathedral Association. Click here for details.