Old Swedes in Wilmington in New Castle County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Bishop Alfred Lee
— Old Swedes Churchyard Walking Tour —
He served as pastor of Calvary Church, Rockdale PA from 1838 until 1841, at which time he was consecrated as first bishop of the Diocese of Delaware. Prior to Lee's consecration, affairs of the Episcopate had been administered by Assistant Bishops of Pennsylvania.
As Bishop, Lee was active in social issues of the time. He was elected to the Wilmington Board of Education, served as President of the Delaware Association for the Education of the Colored People, and during the Civil War he was President of the Delaware Association for the Relief of Sick and Wounded soldiers.
In May 1854, to DuPont wagons, carrying 5 tons of black powder to the docks exploded on the 14th Street opposite Bishopstead, the residence of Bishop Lee. His residence was damaged, but other homes were completely destroyed, and a number of people were killed.
After almost five decades as Delaware's Bishop, Lee died in 1887 at eighty years of age.
[Caption:]
Alfred Lee was born in Cambridge Massachusetts in 1807. He studied law, was admitted to the bar and practiced in Norwich, Connecticut from 1831-33.
After receiving his call to ministry, he attended New York's General Theological Seminary. He was ordained a deacon in 1837 and a priest in 1838.
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the The Colonial Dames of America, National Society of series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1854.
Location. 39° 44.331′ N, 75° 32.406′ W. Marker is in Wilmington, Delaware, in New Castle County. It is in Old Swedes. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Church Street (U.S. 13) and East 7th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 612 N Church St, Wilmington DE 19801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr. Joseph Capelle (here, next to this marker); North Porticos (a few steps from this marker); The Vandever's (a few steps from this marker); Elizabeth Montgomery (within shouting distance of this marker); East Wall Letters (within shouting distance of this marker); Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson (within shouting distance of this marker); Holy Trinity Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War Patriots in the Old Swedes Churchyard (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilmington.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 212 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 7, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
