Old Christ Church in Laurel, Delaware
Which church has had a location in two different countries and three different states while remaining in the exact same spot where it was built between 1770 and 1772? That would be none other than Old Christ Church, where Chipman’s Pond Road and Christ Church Road meet just outside of Laurel, Delaware. Before the United States of America declared its independence from Great Britain 250 years ago, on July 4th, there were some disputes among the colonies regarding Broad Creek.
During the building of the Anglican Church, not only were the colonies facing trouble from England, but two other significant events occurred in the vicinity. One, Maryland and Pennsylvania were working to establish the borders between the two colonies. The Penn and Calvert families were in a heated dispute regarding the borders – until the Mason/Dixon Line was established. Until the year 1775, the “hundred” at Broad Creek was considered Maryland territory.
Two, while the “Three Lower Counties” of Pennsylvania were given legislative autonomy, the colony of Delaware fought to establish itself as a colony in its own right. On June 15th, 1776, legislators voted to separate not only from Great Britain, but also from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. On September 20, 1776, the constitution for the state of Delaware was officially adopted.
Meanwhile, Christ Church in Broad Creek served the area as a “Chapel of Ease” for Stephney Parish. The land close by was an Indian reservation – until the tribe moved to Western Pennsylvania. Soon, people started to settle close to the church beginning in 1789, and a mercantile was established at Broad Creek.
Following the Revolutionary War, Old Christ Church became affiliated with the Episcopalian Church. Four Delaware governors have been members of Old Christ Church: Nathaniel Miller (1805-1808); William B. Cooper (1841-1845); William H. Ross (1851-1855); and Elbert N. Carvel (1949-1953 and 1961-1965). Governor Nathaniel Miller is buried beside the Old Christ Church.
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After St. Philip’s Episcopal Church was built in 1848, regular services discontinued at Old Lightwood. However, to this day, St. Philip’s holds traditional 18th-century services July through September on the first Sunday of the month at 10:00 AM, as well as major holidays.
Old Christ Church is one of the few unaltered wooden structures of its kind in the United States. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1972. It is the Chesapeake region’s only 18th-century frame church with its interior details intact. There is no plumbing, no electricity, and the interior wood remains unpainted. It includes box pews as well as a slave’s gallery. The structure outside is painted barn red.
The church is open on certain occasions, such as the monthly summer services. The building is also available for weddings. Free public tours are offered on the first Sunday of the month between 1:00 and 4:00 PM through the Laurel, Delaware Historical Society. Old Christ Church also serves as a stop for both the Delaware History Tour and the Nanticoke Heritage Byway.
As we remember America’s 250th anniversary, may we remember the spiritual heritage that has guided us as a nation.
