Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

Seeking to know and love God in every person, here, now.

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Dr. Joseph E. Johnson Recognized by City of Wilmington, Delaware

Dr. Joseph E. Johnson portrait

Highlands Elementary School has been re-named for Joe Johnson.

Highlands Elementary School was re-dedicated and re-named for Joseph E. Johnson on Monday, May 23, 2022.

Mayor’s Press Release

The former school superintendent, Army veteran, civil rights activist, and long-time member of our church died in Wilmington on April 21, 2020, at the age of 85. The Mayor’s Office released the following press release on May 5, 2020:

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki today honored the memory of former Red Clay School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph E. Johnson, who passed away at his Wilmington home at the age of 85. The Mayor characterized Dr. Johnson as one of Wilmington’s “most caring, effective, forward-thinking, dedicated, and memorable residents whose work influenced the lives of countless people.”

“It is particularly fitting that we celebrate Dr. Johnson’s remarkable life of service during Teacher Appreciation Week,” the Mayor added. “A beloved educator and advocate, his profound impact on the lives of so many will be his lasting legacy to a grateful City.”

Born in Wilmington in 1934, Dr. Johnson was a graduate of historic Howard High School and held a B.S. in Biology from Central State University, a master’s in School Administration from Seton Hall University, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Massachusetts. He was selected by the Rockefeller Foundation to participate in a superintendents training program, served two years on active duty as an officer in the U.S. Army Surface-to-Air Missile program, and taught science in Montclair, NJ, before returning permanently to his hometown.

Joseph E. Johnson School, Wilmington, Delaware, renamed on May 23, 2022.
The Joseph E. Johnson School was re-named and re-dedicated on Monday, May 23, 2022.

Once back in Wilmington, Dr. Johnson began his career in school administration at Warner Junior High School. In 1968 he became principal of P.S. DuPont High School then, after serving as District Director of Personnel, he was appointed Superintendent of the Wilmington Public Schools. Finally, he became the first Superintendent of the Red Clay School District, serving in this capacity for nine years until his retirement in 1990.

Born and raised on Wilmington’s east side, Dr. Johnson was deeply involved in the struggle for civil rights and actively engaged in the important issues of his time. He participated in Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington in 1963, and the Million Man March in 1995. Dr. Johnson ably represented the interests of City students and teachers, and articulated requirements for their equitable treatment, during the landmark Evans v. Buchanan desegregation case. And over the years he served as a consultant and valued contact in the many federal cases concerning strategies to desegregate schools and to provide quality education for all students.

Among the many honors that Dr. Johnson received during his long life was his being chosen as the first subject of The Delaware Historical Society’s “Voices of The Elders – Stories of African Americans in Delaware.” Click on this link to see Dr. Johnson’s contribution to that project.

Click here to see all the Member photos on this website.

We worship God on Sundays at 8am and 10:30am and offer prayer services other days.

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NEWS

Clergy Transition – Our Search for a New Rector

SsAM IS NOW RECEIVING NAMES FOR OUR NEXT RECTOR! If you are a clergy person and interested in our open rector position, we invite you to … [Read More...]

The Rev. Deacon Clay Brown

The Rev. Deacon Clay Brown will be ordained a priest on Saturday, February 4, at 11am. He joined the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew … [Read More...]

Worship God with us this Sunday in downtown Wilmington, Delaware

You are invited to worship God with us in person this Sunday at 8:00 or 10:30 a.m. in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. Our newly-ordained … [Read More...]

Welcome To SsAM. You are invited!

SsAM, the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, welcomes you. Come to God’s Table! Come, you … [Read More...]

SsAM Presents: Upcoming Events

Silent Walk for Justice and Peace, 5:30pm on Friday, February 3 Join us for this peaceful, prayerful walk through the center of … [Read More...]

The Extraordinary Life of Rosetta Henderson

An interview with Rosetta Henderson and a digital exhibit exploring her life and accomplishments is now at the Hagley Museum and Library. … [Read More...]

Reflection – Things kept going wrong but that didn’t bother us.

A reflection by Danny Schweers for January 29, 2023. Why did our companionship, in spite of events, continue as cheerfully as ever? Why … [Read More...]

First Friday Walks for Justice and Peace in Wilmington, Delaware

The next walk begins on Friday, February 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the SsAM parking lot, 713 N. Shipley Street. Join us for this peaceful, … [Read More...]

Spiritual Music in Wilmington, Delaware

Wilmington Children’s Chorus Teaching Fellowship applications are due February 10. The Wilmington Children's Chorus is accepting … [Read More...]

Children’s Chapel continues on February 12 at 10:30am.

Children’s Chapel will meet on February 12 and 26, and on every second and fourth Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in Crypt Hall. Children have several … [Read More...]

See all the News & Upcoming Events posts

Worship Services

We will be delighted if you worship with us in-person or via video this Sunday at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Click here to learn more!

Visit Us

719 N. Shipley Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
with free parking weekends and evenings next to the church at 713 N. Shipley Street. Click here to learn more about parking and directions.
Office Hours
Monday – Thursday, 9:00 to 4:30
Friday, 9:00 to 1:00

OUR MISSION

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.

Contact Us

PHONE: 302 656-6628

EMAIL: Click here to use our email form.

FACEBOOK: Click here to see our Facebook page. You need a Facebook account to see it.

YOUTUBE: Click here to see our YouTube Channel. Some smart TV sets will allow you to stream YouTube, so you can watch in your den or living room. Search for “Saints Andrews and Matthew”.

Are You New to SsAM?

If you are new to SsAM, please click here to see the Welcome to SsAM booklet in PDF format. The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew is a dynamic and diverse congregation in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.

Our Vision

The Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew and Matthew seeks to be a dynamic, spiritual center that is active in the pursuit of peace and justice in the community and a place where all God’s people are honored.

LINKS

  • Worship at SsAM: Sunday Documents, Church News, and More
  • eNewsletter Sign Up
  • YouTube Service Videos
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  • Recent Announcements at SsAM
  • On-Line Calendar
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  • Clergy Transition
  • Episcopal Church in Delaware
  • Episcopal Church USA
  • Michael Curry’s blog: the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
  • Episcopal Digital Network
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  • Book of Common Prayer
  • Camp Arrowhead, Delaware
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  • Calendar
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Donations Are Welcome, and a Necessity
Our ministries are dependent on financial donations. Click here to make a secure credit-card donation on-line or to learn

Our main focus is ministry, not money!
We offer a host of ministries for which you can volunteer. You can participate in worship services, help make the church hum, or offer your time and talent to the local community.

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