SsAM 25th Anniversary

April 26 , 2021, will mark 25 years since the founding of the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.

This silver anniversary will be celebrated in many ways. If you would like to help us celebrate, please click here to contact us using the form on this website or reach out to Pat Hampton, chair of the 25th Anniversary Committee.

Our Mission Statement

To be an inclusive Christian community which worships God, follows Christ in all aspects of our lives, and serves the Greater Wilmington area through actions and ministries which promote peace, justice, reconciliation and empowerment for all people.

Our Vision Statement

SsAM will be a dynamic spiritual center which is active in the pursuit of peace and justice in the community, and a place where all of God’s People are honored.

The Guiding Principles of the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew (1994)

(Adopted at the Joint Vestry Meeting, May 14, 1994; that is, at a time just before the two churches consolidated — St. Andrew’s and St. Matthew’s — two churches with histories going back for decades.)

1. We will create a new Christian Community.
2. We will have an Eucharistically-centered Liturgy that is mission driven and varied in format.
3. We will be mission driven in our work and life together so that we go forth into the world as representatives of Christ.
4. We will include individuals from all walks of life, all cultures and all races in the life of the Community.
5. We will be advocates for social justice.
6. We will share authority and ministry with the congregation in the design and implementation of worship and Christian formation, education, services, activities and program.
7. We will model a multi-cultural community in everything we do.
8. We will respect the needs of individuals and families.
9. We will offer Christian formation in a variety of ways.
10. We will have multi-cultural and/or diversified education.
11. We will use all our resources in ways that strengthen both our faith community and the surrounding community.
12. We will be supportive of those in physical and/or spiritual need.
13. We will confront issues and conflicts openly, honestly, and with care for each other and the Community.
14. We will honor and celebrate our historic roots and differences in ways that move us toward our Vision.

OTHER HISTORICAL LINKS

A Short History of SsAM. St. Andrew’s history dated back to 1829; St. Matthew’s, to 1846. In 1996, the two churches consolidated.

History of Slavery in Delaware. Diane Clarke Streett, a member of SsAM, is one of the authors of this six-page history. In 2010, she was sworn in as the second black woman to serve as a Delaware Superior Court judge.

History of Wilmington Garden Day. An annual tour of gardens and homes to benefit charities in Wilmington, Delaware.

Thanks goes to Ken Francis, who created the 25th Anniversary Logo above.