Lewes in Sussex County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Lewes Presbyterian Church

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 15, 2010

1. Lewes Presbyterian Church Marker

Inscription. The origin of this church can be traced to the earliest days of Presbyterianism in America. A congregation was established here in 1692 under the leadership of the Reverend Samuel Davis. The steady flow of immigrants from Scotland and Ireland contributed to its growth. In 1707, the congregation obtained a portion of the present church property on which they erected a small frame house of worship. This building was subsequently replaced by a brick structure in 1727-28. It served the congregation until 1832, when the present church was completed. Also used as a school, the old brick church was demolished in 1871. Over the years, the church has been altered and expanded on several occasions. A Sunday School addition was constructed in 1914, and a multipurpose activities building was completed in 2002.

The adjoining cemetery includes the graves of many prominent citizens including Delaware Governors David Hall and Ebe W. Tunnell. The Lewes Presbyterian Church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Erected 2002 by The Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number SC-157.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures

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. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1692.

Location. 38° 46.346′ N, 75° 8.36′ W. Marker is in Lewes, Delaware, in Sussex County. It is on Kings Highway (U.S. 9N), on the right when traveling north. Located between Washington And Franklin Avenues. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Kings Highway, Lewes DE 19958, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Delaware’s Beaches.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic

and on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Fisher-Martin House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); World Wars I and II Memorial (about 500 feet away); Lewes (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Lewes (about 500 feet away); H.M. Brig DeBraak (about 600 feet away); Zwaanendael Museum (about 600 feet away); Fallen Heroes Memorial Garden (about 600 feet away); David Hall House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lewes.

Regarding Lewes Presbyterian Church. National Register of Historic Places:
Lewes Presbyterian Church (added 1977 - Building - #77000394)
Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering •
Architect, builder, or engineer: Unknown •
Architectural

Lewes Presbyterian Church and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 15, 2010

2. Lewes Presbyterian Church and Marker

Style: Greek Revival, Colonial Revival, Gothic Revival •
Area of Significance: Historic Architecture •
Cultural Affiliation: American •
Period of Significance: 1825-1849, 1850-1874, 1875-1899 •
Historic Function: Religion •

Also see . . . Lewes Presbyterian Church - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form.

The Lewes Presbyterian Church is significant because it to the earliest remaining structure associated with the Lewes Presbyterian congregation, the second oldest in Delaware. Architecturally, It is important because its structural evolution has not destroyed its integrity. Finally, the churchyard, surrounding the building and included in the nominated area, contains the archaeological remains of the 1727 brick church which stood until 1871. Also, buried in the churchyard are Delawareans who have played an important role in local, state, and national history.

(Submitted on April 25, 2025, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)

Lewes Presbyterian Church and cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 15, 2010

3. Lewes Presbyterian Church and cemetery

Lewes Presbyterian Church front door image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 15, 2010

4. Lewes Presbyterian Church front door

Lewes Presbyterian Church and southside cemetery grounds image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 15, 2010

5. Lewes Presbyterian Church and southside cemetery grounds

Ebe W.Tunnell Gravesite, as mentioned image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 15, 2010

6. Ebe W.Tunnell Gravesite, as mentioned

Dec. 31, 1844 - Dec. 18, 1917
Governor of Delaware
1896 - 1900

Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 903 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 30, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.