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
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. Kije Mugisha Rwamasirabo - BCM Resource Priest
The Rev. Chris Moore - Associate Rector
Staff
Sandra Pierce - Music Director/Organist
Lyndie Mozzoni - Parish Admin
Tracey Nilan - Sexton
Convention Representatives
Delegates:
Carol Middleton
Beth FitzPatrick
Alternates:
Jennifer Glass
Ministry Leaders
Altar Guild - Beth FitzPatrick
Ascension Guild - Sharman Stephenson
Communications/Social Media - Steve Stephenson
Stewardship - Genia Thomas
Outreach - Ann Archer
Property & Maintenance - James McDaniel
Vestry
Babak Golgolab - Senior Warden
Sandra O'Tanyi - Junior Warden
Ron Chuchola - Vestry Clerk
Lyndie Mozzoni - Treasurer
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