The People’s Christian Congregational Church

“The People’s Christian Congregational Church of Dover. The Rev. Dr. A. W. Lightbourne was pastor of Wesley Methodist Church, in Dover, when the validity of his credentials was questioned by the Conference, meeting in Asbury Church at Wilmington, in 1908. After a trial Dr. Lightbourne was acquitted. In 1909, at the Conference in Milford charges were again brought against Dr, Lightbourne relative to his credentials. Dr. Lightbourne refused to stand trial a second time. As a result, Dr. Lightbourne with about 250 members who sympathized with him withdrew from Wesley Church. On Apr. 4, 1909, they started to hold Sunday meetings in the Opera House. The church was duly organized and the name ‘‘People’s’’ selected at a meeting held at the pastor’s home on Fri., May 28, 1909. A court action to decide just who owned the Wesley Church property was decided in favor of the minority who had remained at Wesley. The project of building a church was immediately undertaken and, in July, a lot was purchased on s. Bradford St., near Reed St.

On Aug. 29, a one-day rally was held at the Camden camp-grounds with hacks to transport those attending, to the grounds. It was an eminent success. In the meantime People’s Church became identified with the Southern Christian Conference.

The corner-stone of the new church was laid on Oct. 31, 1909, at 3 o’clock. The congregation met at the Opera House and marched in a body to the new site. The ceremonies were conducted by Dr. Lightbourne. Thomas J. Stevenson read a sketch of the history of the church which was enclosed in the stone. The church was dedicated on Sun., June 5, 1910, by the Rev. W. W. Staley, assisted by Dr. Lightbourne. Gifts of ornaments and furnishings were presented by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Morris, Mrs. John B. Hutton, the W. T. Smithers’ class, the Usher’s Union, the Lend-a-Hand Society, Miss Lizzie Clark and Miss Mary. Godwin.

The dedication service took place in the evening and as they were completed at 11 o’clock, Miss Clara Heverin and Harry Raymond, with their attendants, proceeded to the altar and were married. This was something unique in dedication day ceremonies. A window in memory of Catherine Benson was unveiled on Mar. 5, 1916. The property adjoining the church on the corner was purchased and plans were prepared for rebuilding the church and adding a parish-house.

The corner-stone was laid on Thurs., Apr. 17, 1924, by the Rev. Dr. Roy Helfenstein. The first service in the new building was held in the parish-house on June 8, 1924. The dedication service was held on Oct. 5, 1924. It was in charge of the Rev. W. H. Denison, J. O. Atkinson and L. E. Smith.

Mr. Eldridge Johnson, a former Dover boy, contributed $100,000.00, the tubular chimes, the Westminster clock and the memorial tower. The building has modern departmental Sunday School rooms, a chapel, a gymnasium, two bowling alleys, banquet room, reception room, church parlor and kitchen. The tower is surmounted by an electrically lighted cross.” (1)

Photo Gallery:

Resources Related to Dover:

Text Source:

1. Frank R. Zebley, The Churches of Delaware, Wilmington, Delaware, 1947, p. 213-214.