Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew & Matthew (SsAM)

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

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You are here: Home / Who We Are / Clergy / Rev. Rod Welles

Rev. Rod Welles

rodWelles2005Click here to listen to his recorded sermons.

A native Wilmingtonian, the Rev. Rod Welles spent the majority of his life in the ordained ministry as a chaplain, teacher, and headmaster in church sponsored schools. The last seven years of his active ministry, he served as Program Coordinator for the Men’s Day Center of Friendship House, a multifaceted ministry to homeless persons in Wilmington. In retirement, he served as priest associate at SsAM.

Rod served the Diocese of Delaware in many capacities, chairing task force groups for special projects such as the Diocesan Camp and Conference centers, anti-racism and inclusion training, and the Bishop Search Committee. He also served as presiding judge of the Ecclesiastical Trial Court.

Rod was educated at Wilmington Friends School, Hotchkiss School, and Yale University in Connecticut and at Episcopal Theological School (now Episcopal Divinity School) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Rod died early Monday morning, June 16, 2014. He was surrounded by his beloved wife Sue, his daughter Kierstin, and son Rod. May Rod rest in the eternal habitations and his soul be at rest in the loving arms of God. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made as of this notice.
—Rev. David T. Andrews Jr., Rector

Bishop Wright about the Rev. Rod Welles:

The Rev. Rod Welles died on Monday, June 16, 2014 following a long illness.  He was 79 years old.  Rod was a Wilmington native and one of our senior clergy.  He had a long and distinguished career of service in ministry and in education. As a young man Rod was one of the original counsellors at Camp Arrowhead. Following seminary he was ordained by Bishop Mosley in 1962.  After serving as curate at Christ Church, Exeter, NH, he became chaplain of St. Paul’s School, Concord, NH from 1964-1971.  He was head of the Sewanee Academy at the University of the South from 1977-1982 and the Arlington School, Atlanta, GA from 1982-1986.  Rod was a nationally-known educational consultant for Episcopal and independent schools.  Returning to Delaware, he became actively involved in community service ministries, serving on the staff at Friendship House. He was primary pastor at St. Nicholas’ Church, Newark from 1995-2001.  Rod served our diocese as co-chair of the Bishop’s Search Committee 1997-1998.  In retirement he continued to be involved in ministry at the Episcopal Church of Sts. Andrew & Matthew, Wilmington.

Rod will be remembered for his steady faithfulness, his deep respect for the dignity of every person, and his love of the natural world.  At this time, service plans are incomplete.  Our prayers are with his wife, Sue, and their family as they mourn this loss. May this faithful servant rest in peace.

–The Rt. Rev. Wayne Wright, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Delaware

The Congregation Poses for Goodbye Photo

SsAM_2014_LetterSizeClick here or the above photo to see it larger. This photo is of the congregation at the 10:30 a.m. service on Trinity Sunday, June 15, 2014. They gathered at the front of the church to send their good wishes to the Rev. Rod Welles as he lay dying.

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NEWS

SsAM Presents: Upcoming Events

Worship God with us this Sunday at 8:00 and 10:30am. Our 10:30 a.m. services are broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook, and are available … [Read More...]

Advent and Christmas – Our Liturgy Unfolded

We prepare for the birth of Jesus during the Season of Advent and celebrate it during the twelve days of Christmas. The seasons of the … [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...]

Children’s Chapel

Children’s Chapel continues Sunday, December 10 and 24 at 10:30am. Children have several activities before rejoining their families during … [Read More...]

Chris White Art Gallery and Shipley Artist Lofts.

Sunday, December 10, Noon to 4pm — Coffee Hour at the Gallery followed by an Open Figure Drawing opportunity. Coffee, tea, and … [Read More...]

A Feast of Carols

Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 7pm — A Feast of Carols The choir of Grace United Methodist Church joins our choir in a festive … [Read More...]

First Friday Walks for Justice and Peace in Wilmington, Delaware

The next walks are on first Fridays, December 1 and January 5, 5:30pm and begin in the SsAM parking lot, 713 N. Shipley Street. Join us for … [Read More...]

Offspring of Inspiration

A reflection by Danny Schweers for December 10, 2023. In my wife’s studio, geometry and color catch my eye. A glance is all it takes. Out … [Read More...]

Wonderful Time of the Year?

Reflection by Mary Lou Edgar for November 26, 2023. Thursday was Thanksgiving and for most of us that is the beginning of the holiday … [Read More...]

Stewardship Means Invite Welcome Connect

Invite-Welcome-Connect: The Body of Christ consolidated at SsAM. A stewardship witness by Pat Hampton for November 26, 2023. The … [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. 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

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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

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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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