Have you ever strolled the New Castle green, looking at the gorgeous colonial buildings and enjoying the views from this historic park? If so, you've almost definitely noticed the giant church tower near Harmony Street. Immanuel on the Green was founded in 1689, and it is one of the oldest Episcopal parishes in the United States. Though many people pass it every day, few have decided to take a tour of this historic church and see the absolute beauty that it is hiding, right in plain sight.
Immanuel on the Green's roots go back to our Colonial days.
Immanuel was the first parish of the Church of England in Delaware, and they began building the enormous, ornate church building in 1703. Five years later, it was mostly complete, and opened.
The famous bell tower was added to the Church in the early 19th century.
When "Old Church", had fallen into disrepair, the rector Robert Clay loaned the parish $1,600 dollars to repair the condemned building. The Parish then decided to invest heavily in improvements to the building, beginning in 1820. The notable architect William Strickland volunteered his service to direct these improvements.
Immanuel's bells are some of the most unique in the world.
There are only 41 sets of change-ringing bells in North America, and one set is right here in New Castle. The bells at Immanuel are much smaller than most - the largest weighs about 420 pounds, whereas bells at other historic churches weigh up to a ton.Each of Immanuel's six bells has a name: Peace, Mercy, Justice, Faith, Hope and Love.
The interior of the church took on Victorian tastes in the late 19th century.
But in the early 20th century, Colonial revivalists began to bring the church back to its roots, with colonial design that reflected what the church once stood for in Revolutionary America.
If you're from New Castle, chances are you remember the enormous fire in 1980.
In February 1980, embers from a nearby marsh fire got caught up in the wind, and landed on the roof, starting a fire that nobody nearby would ever forget. The building was heavily damaged, but Delawareans quickly began to rebuild. The church was fully restored to the 1820s design, with only a few modern improvements, and it was rededicated on December 18, 1982.
The history of Immanuel is a mystery to many Delawareans who pass by this stunning church when they're in town.
Immanuel on the Green is located at The Strand and Harmony Streets , in New Castle, DE 19720. You can find out more about the historic Church, as well as plan a visit, right here.
Immanuel is one of the most beautiful churches in Delaware, but our state does not lack stunning and historic places of worship. Have you visited any of the other These 20 Churches in Delaware That Will Leave You Absolutely Speechless?
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