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

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 Reverend Clay Brown

Father Clay will celebrate his first Eucharists at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at SsAM. The 10:30 a.m. service is … [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

The Rev. Kevin Clayton Brown, will celebrate Eucharist for the first time on Sunday, February 5, 8:00 am and 10:30 am By the Grace of God … [Read More...]

Charisse Rodgers is New Co-Chair of Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission

Charisse L. Rodgers has served the church in numerous capacities, to include, vestry person, church treasurer, ECW board, diocesan … [Read More...]

Reflection on Winter – A Time to Slow Down

A reflection for February 5, 2023 by Mary Lou Edgar. It is hard to believe that we are in the middle of winter. We have had many nice … [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...]

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

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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

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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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