Church of the Ascension
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About Us
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. Kim Capwell - Interim Rector
The Rev. Chris Moore - Assistant to the Rector
Staff
- Sandra Pierce - Music Director/Organist
- Lyndie Mozzoni - Admin Staff, Treasurer
BCM Representatives
- Ann Archer
- Babak Golgolab
- Genia Thomas
- Beth Fitzpatrick
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 - Cheryl Datillo, 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
- Beth FitzPatrick
- Genia Thomas
- Adean Freeman
- James McDaniel
- Mike DuRoss
BCM Convention Representatives:
Delegates:
- Beth Fitzpatrick
- Jennifer Glass
Alternates:
- Carol Middleton
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Vanco Services provides an alternative way to give online to BCM, and Ascension, Calvary, and Grace churches. Click Tool button and select your gift recipient from the BCM member churches: Church of the Ascension, Calvary Church or Grace Church.