Church of the Ascension

Worship                    Who Are We                   Visit Us                     Give                            Events                    Calendar     

Whatever your background, you have a place with us. We are a congregation drawn from many ethnic, theological, economic, and political backgrounds. We are young and old, single and coupled, poor and rich, conservative and liberal, catholic and protestant, native born and immigrant, white and people of color, gay and heterosexual. We truly are a house of prayer for all people! 

About Us

stained glass.jpg

Photo: the day of Pentecost
depicted in stained glass

Where we came from

History of our church

The roots of this congregation can be traced to 1843 and the missionary efforts of the Rev. Greenbury W. Ridgely and the Rt. Rev. Alfred Lee, who conducted services every other Sunday in the Claymont Stone School. The church was named for the Church of the Ascension in New York City and we were accepted into the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware as an organized congregation on May 28, 1851. The Rev. Ridgely was elected the first Rector. The first church building was erected on property donated by the Rev. John B. Clemson, on the corner of Church Lane and Philadelphia Pike and was consecrated by Bishop Lee on September 14, 1854. During the long and beloved leadership of the Rev. Charles Rantz the church building was moved across the street to its present location in 1927, and connected to the newly constructed stone parish hall.

As the congregation prospered in the 1960s under the leadership of the Rev. John C. Scobell, the church was substancially enlarged. A new wing for Sunday School rooms and offices was also constructed. The nave and sanctuary were further renovated with the addition of a rose window over the altar and thirteen stained glass windows between 1979 and 2001.The organ was renovated and dedicated on May 18, 2003.

The congregation continues to flourish and to stay true to its original mission of proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ in service to our community.

Meet the Team

BCM Clergy

The Rev. Chris Moore - Assistant to the Rector



DSC_0561.jpg

Staff

  • Sandra Pierce - Music Director/Organist
  • Lyndie Mozzoni - Admin Staff, Treasurer
  • Tracey Nilan - Sexton

BCM Representatives

  • Ann Archer
  • Beth FitzPatrick
  • Babak Golgolab 
  • Genia Thomas

Other Ministry Leaders

Children, Youth & Family -  Beth FitzPatrick

Communications - Lyndie Mozzoni

Giving: Electronic & Planned; Fundraising; Stewardship - Beth FitzParick, Genia Thomas, Sharman Stephenson

Invite, Welcome, Connect: Hospitality, Spiritual Development - Genia Thomas, Jen Glass

Outreach/Community Events - Barbara Berheide,  Ann Archer  

Property & Maintenance - James McDaniel

Vestry

  • Babak Golgolab - Senior Warden
  • Genia Thomas - Junior Warden
  • Lyndie Mozzonni - Vestry Clerk, Treasurer

Vestry Members

  • Mike DuRoss
  • Beth FitzPatrick
  • Adean Freeman
  • Babak Golgolab (Sr Warden)
  • James McDaniel 
  • Genia Thomas (Jr Warden)

Convention Representatives:

Delegates:

  • Beth Fitzpatrick
  • Jennifer Glass

Alternates:

  • Carol Middleton

Become a Member of BCM

Episcopal Church of the Ascension

Calvary Hillcrest Episcopal Church

Connect with the churches of the BCM

Visiting us? Planning an event? Have a matter of faith to ask?

Use the buttons below to Connect with:

2022-05-11 Online Logo.png

VANCO provides an alternative way to give online to Brandywine Collaborative Church, Church of the Ascension and Calvary Episcopal Church in Delaware. Click BCM  Giving Tool button and select the organization to which you wish to donate.