East Dover Hundred in Kent County, Delaware — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Wesley United Methodist Church

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010

1. Wesley United Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. The origin of this congregation can be traced to the establishment of a Methodist society in Dover in 1778. Land on North Street was obtained in 1782, and a brick chapel was completed there in 1784. Bishops Francis Asbury and Richard Whatcoat, pioneers of American Methodism, often conducted services there. Needing more space, the present site was purchased for a new church. The cornerstone was laid on September 23, 1850, and the building was dedicated the following February. To accommodate further growth, the church was enlarged in 1870 and 1884. A major rebuilding project in 1897 included the addition of stained glass windows, organ pipes, and a lofty beamed ceiling, giving the church a cathedral like appearance. Another addition was built in 1924. In 1950, Grace Fellowship Hall was added, St. Paul’s Chapel was created, and a major redesign of the sanctuary took place. The former Post Office Building to the east became the Education Center in 1967.

Erected 2003 by Delaware Public Archives. (Marker Number KC-79.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Delaware Public Archives, and the Francis Asbury, Traveling Methodist Preacher series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1846.

Location.

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39° 9.461′ N, 75° 31.448′ W. Marker is in Dover, Delaware, in Kent County. It is in East Dover Hundred. It is on South State Street, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 209 South State Street, Dover DE 19901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is 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 Capitol Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Constitution Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Revolutionary War Patriots (within shouting distance of this marker); Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, Inc. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War II Memorial (about 300 feet away); Votes for Women (about 400 feet away); The Golden Fleece Tavern (about 400 feet away); Crawford Carroll, the Man… (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dover.

Photographed by Adam Margolis, January 19, 2022

2. Wesley United Methodist Church Marker

National Register of Historic Places Plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010

3. National Register of Historic Places Plaque

Door of Wesley United Methodist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010

4. Door of Wesley United Methodist Church

Wesley United Methodist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, December 15, 2010

5. Wesley United Methodist Church

Wesley United Methodist Church and Marker (at right) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, October 17, 2012

6. Wesley United Methodist Church and Marker (at right)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,169 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 18, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on January 19, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 18, 2010, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 6. submitted on October 21, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.