Architectural Beauties

Lewes Presbyterian Church

by Hazel D. Brittingham

It would not be unusual for an overnight visitor in coastal Lewes, Delaware, to inquire about the identity of the church on Kings Highway that is bathed in light each evening. A resident would reply, "0h, that's the Lewes Presbyterian Church." When considering projects to mark the nation's Bicentennial in 1976, Lewes Presbyterians included the daily illumination of the exterior of their church front by floodlight from early dark 'til an hour or so before midnight. Initiated as a temporary emphasis upon the church fellowship and its representation over the years, the lights have yet to be extinguished. Even today there are favorable comments about the startling beauty as the stark white of the building is intensified in contrast to its gray slate roof.

As light and shadow have their sway each evening, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The history of the Lewes Presbyterian Church is, indeed, extraordinary. Its congregation was established in 1692 and the first church building appeared in 1707——one year after the establishment of the first Presbytery in Philadelphia. That wooden structure, built on a small portion of an original land grant, is thought to have been Delaware's second church of the denomination. A brick church was constructed in 1728 and even after the 1832 dedication of the present building, the brick church remained as a schoolhouse for many years.

Presbyterians have been known for their emphasis upon educated clergy who, in turn, taught and preached concurrently. The appearance of any house of worship by this denomination in Lewes assumed that it would also play the role of an institution of learning.

The impressive structure seen on Kings Highway today, the third building on the original location, is the culmination of many alterations and additions. Windows of Gothic design and the Victorian-era roof brackets are a far cry from the box-like meeting-house without steeple that appeared in 1832. Entering the church through an entryway that has experienced much change, one is struck with the incongruity of the handsome Corinthian pillars and header, the wainscoting, and the rear balcony. The balcony is the section which remained after the side galleries were removed during renovations in 1886, when the building was crowned with a steeple to house a large bell.

The new century brought a new pipe organ, and before the effects of World War I were felt, the spacious Sunday School building was added. Church and community activities are held in this addition, and the kitchen facilities below expand the possibilities of socializing. White side walls in the sanctuary welcome the six magnificent stained glass scenes featuring Biblical events. These windows represent a project dated 1926 when the original ones were replaced.

A tradition was started just two years before the new windows appeared——the Christmas candlelight service. On one night each year the interior of the church vies with the outside illumination as lighted candles are reflected in the excited eyes of young and old alike. On this special night, a spotlight from the outside gives renewed meaning to the Nativity window which calls attention to The Light of the World.

The "Guide to Lewes Presbyterian Churchyard" directs one to the resting places of illustrious persons who are buried there. Two governors of Delaware—localites David Hall and Ebe W. Tunnell—rest in the company of former pastors and veterans of wars, including the Revolution and War of 1812. Brief information given about the contributions of the colorful patriot, the church’s Rev. Matthew Wilson (1731-1790) and one of the governors, Col. David Hall (1752-1817) serves to whet the historian’s appetite.

The congregation of Lewes Presbyterian Church has proved itself worthy of its historical heritage as many celebrations can be recalled when costumed churchgoers have portrayed personages and their religious and civic stands through the years. The church is on the National Register of Historic Places.

©Copyright 1997 Hazel D. Brittingham