History

300th Anniversary Celebration

On June 4, 2006 Head of Christiana had a celebration which was a mixture of history and the current life of the church. Mike Dixon, well known Cecil County historian, gave a speech and slideshow on what life would have been like in 1706 at Head of Christiana. Our new “Tri-centennial” bell was also rung for the first time. The text of our specially commissioned anthem follows:

Marker Dedication, 2004

1990’s Christmas Pageant

“A Walk to Bethlehem”

1960’s Covered Dish Dinner

Bicentennial Celebration for the General Assembly, May 1989

At Times Such as This

By Jenni Lee Boyden and Rusty Edwards

Music by Hal Hopson

At times such as this, we gather as one,

To honor our past and all you have done.

Through wars and closed doors, discontent, sides and flame

Your mercy sustains us, your gospel remains.

You enter our now in all that we do,

As we live to love and glorify You.

From blueprints to footprints, our dreams become real:

You guide us in mission to save, bless and heal.

New oceans beyond may face us today

With You at the helm, wild storms will obey!

No matter the course, in bright sunshine or wind,

We take on this voyage: let future begin!

We’ll dance with old saints for whom we once mourned,

Now tethered to us with those yet unborn.

May we welcome strangers with one holy kiss:

Let all join Your circle at times such as this.

On September 22nd, 2007 The Sons of the American Revolution held a special commemoration for 36 Patriots of the American Revolution interred in the Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church Cemetery. A bronze memorial plaque honoring the Patriots was dedicated to their memory. If you would like information on the names or tombstones of these patriots, please feel free to contact the church office.

Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church

REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIERS IN HOC CEMETERY

Want cemetery information? Contact

Bob Tolbert at

302-369-1565 or Harold Ferguson at 410-398-2164

Marker Text: The first Presbyterian services in this area were conducted by Rev. John Wilson in 1706. Then pastor of New Castle Presbyterian Church, Rev. Wilson came every other Sunday to minister to the many residents of this area who had immigrated from Scotland and Ireland. In 1708, a modest log structure was erected on land owned by John Steel. The first installed pastor was Rev. George Gillespie, a native of Scotland, who arrived in 1713 and served until his death in 1760. During his tenure the log building was replaced by a brick structure which served the congregation until it was destroyed by fire in 1858. Within one year, the present church was built, and while alterations have been made, the basic structure remains intact.

A number of critical issues have impacted the church over the years. Many members were ardent patriots and active participants in the struggle for American Independence. In the 19th century the question of slavery proved divisive, with partisans within the church on both sides of the issue. During the 1930s a dispute concerning theological matters resulted in an attempt to separate from the established church. For a time the church was closed, but the efforts of a few trustees and elders resulted in a court action that barred the move, and the building was reopened. Since that time the congregation has grown and prospered, adding new members, and expanding its ministry. In 1983, Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.