Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
Please enjoy this recording of our Historical Marker unveiling for Mount Joy United Methodist Church, an important part of Wilmington’s Black Methodist community. Its history dates back to the 1870s, when members established Whittington Chapel in South Wilmington, creating a place of worship that also served the broader community.
To look at upcoming events, including Historical Marker Unveilings, check out the link below:
archives.delaware.gov/dpa-programs-and-events
Marker Text:
This church grew from Wilmington’s early Black Methodist community, with ties to the Old Asbury and Ezion Methodist Episcopal churches. In 1873, members built Whittington Chapel on A Street in South Wilmington. Destroyed by fire in 1875, the chapel was rebuilt and also served as a public school and meeting space for other congregations. In the 1880s, the congregation purchased lots on Townsend Street, where the cornerstone for a new church was laid in 1889. The congregation gave thanks with such joyful singing that they were hailed as 'The Singing Church' and the church was renamed Mount Joy. Today, it remains a pillar of the community.
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Please enjoy this recording of our Historical Marker unveiling for Mount Joy United Methodist Church, an important part of Wilmington’s Black Methodist community. Its history dates back to the 1870s, when members established Whittington Chapel in South Wilmington, creating a place of worship that also served the broader community.
To look at upcoming events, including Historical Marker Unveilings, check out the link below:
archives.delaware.gov/dpa-programs-and-events
Marker Text:
This church grew from Wilmington’s early Black Methodist community, with ties to the Old Asbury and Ezion Methodist Episcopal churches. In 1873, members built Whittington Chapel on A Street in South Wilmington. Destroyed by fire in 1875, the chapel was rebuilt and also served as a public school and meeting space for other congregations. In the 1880s, the congregation purchased lots on Townsend Street, where the cornerstone for a new church was laid in 1889. The congregation gave thanks with such joyful singing that they were hailed as 'The Singing Church' and the church was renamed Mount Joy. Today, it remains a pillar of the community.
FOLLOW:
Website - archives.delaware.gov
Subscribe - youtube.com/channel/UC7_WXMeC-vpYdJmxBIJR7uQ
Instagram - instagram.com/DEPublicArchives
Facebook - facebook.com/DelawarePublicArchives
Twitter - twitter.com/DEPublicArchive
