Little Italy in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
St. Anthony of Padua
Roman Catholic Church
Photographed By Don Morfe, April 7, 2013
1. St. Anthony of Padua Marker
Inscription.
St. Anthony of Padua. Roman Catholic Church. By the late 1800s, the opportunities offered by Wilmington’s expanding economy made it a desirable destination for persons from Italy seeking freedom and prosperity. Settlement accelerated in the early 20th century, and in 1924, the Bishop of Wilmington appointed Father J. Francis Tucker, OSFS to establish a parish for the city’s rapidly growing Italian community. There would be no physical boundaries to the parish, so that it could serve all those unified by Italian culture and heritage. Father Tucker and his building committee began fundraising immediately. On Christmas Eve 1924, the parish gathered together for the first time to celebrate Midnight Mass in a temporary chapel which had been constructed. On January 4, 1925. St Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church was formally incorporated, and on March 8, ground was broken for the present place of worship. Many parishioners were highly skilled artisans, and their talents are reflected in this impressive Italianate edifice. One year later, on Palm Sunday, the first Mass was celebrated in the new building. On June 13, 1926, the church was officially dedicated during the Feast of St. Anthony. The bell tower was completed in 1938, and stained glass windows were added in 1940. St Anthony of Padua Church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
By the late 1800s, the opportunities offered by Wilmington’s expanding economy made it a desirable destination for persons from Italy seeking freedom and prosperity. Settlement accelerated in the early 20th century, and in 1924, the Bishop of Wilmington appointed Father J. Francis Tucker, OSFS to establish a parish for the city’s rapidly growing Italian community. There would be no physical boundaries to the parish, so that it could serve all those unified by Italian culture and heritage. Father Tucker and his building committee began fundraising immediately. On Christmas Eve 1924, the parish gathered together for the first time to celebrate Midnight Mass in a temporary chapel which had been constructed. On January 4, 1925. St Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church was formally incorporated, and on March 8, ground was broken for the present place of worship. Many parishioners were highly skilled artisans, and their talents are reflected in this impressive Italianate edifice. One year later, on Palm Sunday, the first Mass was celebrated in the new building. On June 13, 1926, the church was officially dedicated during the Feast of St. Anthony. The bell tower was completed in 1938, and stained glass windows were added in 1940. St Anthony of Padua Church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
Erected
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2008 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number NC-180.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Immigration. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1951.
Location. 39° 45.145′ N, 75° 33.996′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Little Italy. Marker is at the intersection of West 9th Street and North Dupont Street, on the left when traveling east on West 9th Street. The marker is affixed to the front of the church on the right side of the entrance as you face the church. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilmington DE 19805, United States of America. Touch for directions.
The fountain sits directly in front of the church.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 595 times since then and 45 times this year. Last updated on February 23, 2020, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 21, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 13, 2013, by Stephen J Duncan of Wilmington, Delaware. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
