Delaware
After fire destroys historic Delaware church, congregation finds temporary home
One week after a fire destroyed a historic church in Delaware, the congregation has found a temporary place to worship.
In the early morning hours on Sunday, May 17, 2026, a massive fire broke out at the Mother African Union Church along North Franklin Street.
The fire spread throughout the entire building, shooting flames 20 to 30 feet into the air. Nearby homes had to be temporarily evacuated because of flying embers.
Firefighters fought the blaze from the outside because the conditions were too dangerous, and it took more than an hour to bring the fire under control.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries; no one else was injured.
The church was left largely in ruins, and investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.
Leaders of Mother African Union Church say the mission to rebuild begins now after the historic building burned down over the weekend. NBC10’s Tim Furlong reports.
Rev. Dr. Ronald W. Whitaker II, the Senior Pastor of Mother African Union Church, held a press conference alongside Governor Matt Meyer and other community members just one day after the devastating fire.
“The flames may have touched our building, but they did not consume our faith,” Whitaker said as he announced the path to restoration would begin.
Pastor, Delaware Governor and other community members provided details following the fire that left a historic church in ruins over the weekend.
A few days later, on Sunday, May 24, worship services resumed at a temporary location in the Congo Legacy Center in Wilmington.
“This Sunday at the Congo Legacy Center, the Motherland Nation gathers again. Not defeated. Not broken. But resilient, faithful, and moving forward together in our #GoldenRestoration season,” church leaders wrote in a statement.
Church leaders have also launched a GoFundMe campaign to help support recovery efforts saying in part:
“As we begin the long and difficult journey of recovery and rebuilding, we humbly ask our local community, extended partners, friends, and supporters across the nation to continue lifting our congregation in prayer. We remain steadfast in our belief that although our physical sanctuary has been damaged, the spirit, mission, and legacy of Mother African Union Church remain unshaken.
Should you feel led to support our rebuilding and restoration efforts in any capacity, your generosity and partnership would be sincerely appreciated as we work faithfully to restore this historic pillar of faith and community service for future generations.”
If you would like to support Historic Mother African Union Church efforts to rebuild, click here.
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The countdown to America’s 250th year of independence has begun – but how can you even begin to celebrate such a milestone moment in just one day?
Short answer: It’s impossible. That’s why Delaware has a series of events and celebrations leading up to the big day.
With only a weeks left to go until that fateful Fourth, here are some of the biggest happenings planned this summer.
Attention all blues and Motown enthusiasts: American Legion Post 17 in Lewes will host a night full of the history, appreciation and spirit of blues music. This event was inspired by the historical Happy Day Club, a Lewes-based social club and gathering place for Black community members.
But this isn’t just about music ‒ it’s also about remembering the people, stories and lives that shaped the town’s cultural landscape.
Cost of entry is $75 per person. There is an additional service charge if purchased online. Attendees are encouraged to come decked out in their favorite shade of blue.
American Legion Post 17 (115 American Legion Road), Lewes, 6 to 10 p.m. May 30.
250 Ride, from Dover to Philadelphia
This year not only marks 250 years of independence for the United States, but also 250 years of Caesar Rodney’s famous, 80-mile journey from the state capital to Philadelphia.
Rodney ‒ who, like many of America’s founding fathers, has a complicated legacy, as previously reported by Delaware Online/The News Journal ‒ trekked through stormy weather to cast the deciding vote that declared the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1776.
Beginning noon June 12, a historical reenactor will make their way from Legislative Hall in Dover to Independence Hall in Philadelphia in a period-appropriate carriage, alongside fellow reenactors and other guests. The ride also will include welcome stops and moments for public engagement.
Legislative Hall (411 Legislative Ave.) June 12 at 7 a.m. to June 13 at 8 p.m.
Another one of Delaware’s oldest traditions marks a similar milestone this year: the state’s independence from both England and neighbor state Pennsylvania. Held every year in historic New Castle, this two-day celebration kicks off with food, drinks and music at the town center, and features a colonial-styled parade, a beer garden, an artisan and vintage market and children’s rides the next day. It then leads to a grand finale of fireworks over the Delaware River.
New Castle Battery Park (West Third Street) June 12 at 6 p.m. to June 13 at 11 p.m.
This community festival aims to bring together visitors and residents alike for a day filled with family-friendly activities, live music and good old-fashioned craftsmanship. The festival also will feature a variety of arts and crafts, food vendors and even a scavenger hunt.
Intersection of South Race Street & East Pine Street, Georgetown, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 13. Rain date is June 20.
Tracing Black Family Histories at the Delaware Public Archives, Wilmington
Presented by the Delaware Public Archives, this event provides available resources for researching the history of Black families in Delaware, up to the present day. Participants also can learn ways to unearth details about formerly enslaved predecessors and the history of free Black communities in the First State.
Woodlawn Library (2020 W. Ninth St., Wilmington) 6 to 7 p.m. June 15.
Colonial Punches: Flavors of History, Prices Corner
This one’s for the history lovers and the punch aficionados in Delaware. This Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm-sponsored event takes you on a whirlwind history and tastebud tour of drinks, accompanied by trivia and stories about punch and drinking habits from way back when. Participants can even sample five different punches, featuring the likes of rum, brandy and whiskey.
Greenback Mills and Philips Farm (500 Greenbank Road, Prices Corner), 7 to 8 p.m. June 18.
Newark Revolutionary History Stroll, Newark
Considering Newark is located right on the nation’s East Coast, it shouldn’t be surprising the town has witnessed some action during the American Revolution, from the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge to the Battle of the Brandywine at Chadds Ford. But what is lesser known is the British Army’s march through the town from one battle to the other. This tour takes residents back to that very day and what went down between the soldiers and the townspeople.
Newark Revolutionary History Stroll 10 to 11:30 a.m. June 27. Event is free, but preregistration is required at newarkde.gov/play.
Tall Ship Tours, Wilmington
For all big boat enthusiasts out there, this one’s for you. Come aboard and explore the deck of the Tall Ship of Delaware for free on Independence Day. The event also will feature food vendors, live music and activities on the riverfront for the whole family to enjoy ‒ plus, of course, fireworks. Organized by the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.
Dravo Plaza (920 Justison St., Wilmington), 2 to 7 p.m. on July 4.
‘Revolutionary Tavern Night,’ Prices Corner
Thought the festivities were over July 4? Better think again: Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm is also sponsoring a Revolutionary Tavern Night. Participants will dive into a five-course meal, with recipes harkening backing to the flavors and taverns of the past.
Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm (500 Greenbank Road, Prices Corner), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on July 11.
For more events and information, you can visit delaware250.org.
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.
Delaware
Mother African Union Church in Delaware announces temporary worship site a week after massive fire
The congregation of Mother African Union Church in Wilmington, Delaware, now has a temporary place to worship a week after a fire destroyed the historic church last Sunday.
On Sunday, services will be held two miles away at the Congo Legacy Center.
The church, which was founded in 1813, also played a role in the Underground Railroad and the Civil Rights era, according to Congo.
In a post on social media, the church said they are committed to rebuilding.
“The building may have suffered loss, but the spirit of the people still stands strong. We’re not just rebuilding a church. We’re witnessing a Golden Restoration,” the post said.
The Wilmington Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating what caused the massive fire.
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Balloons drift overhead. Bands march and play. Spectators line the streets, watching as the parade rolls by.
For generations, Memorial Day parades have been a fixture in Delaware, with Wilmington’s — the state’s oldest — stretching back more than 150 years.
But a recent video shared on Reddit of Newark’s May 17 parade, showing sparse crowds and few participants, has sparked new questions about turnout. City officials say just 22 groups took part this year, down from 29 a year ago.
“This is just sad,” commented a user under the post.
With parades taking place across Delaware this weekend, some are asking whether these longtime events can keep their footing — and stay relevant in a digital age — at one of the year’s biggest moments for turnout.
Connecting with community
Parades take many forms, from the solemn tone of Memorial Day to the playful Middletown Hummers’ Parade. But at their core, they all share the same purpose: bringing communities together around a common cause.
“It’s so important to permit outreach, and strengthen partnerships within the community,” said Fred Cooke, an organizer for Middletown’s Memorial Day parade. “That’s what allows these things to grow.”
Cooke pointed to Middletown’s Memorial Day parade as a model, where the town brings together local businesses, fraternities and sororities, church groups and others to build a larger community event.
“By tapping into the resources around us, we’ve created a real event,” Cooke said.
Multiple parade organizers attributed the success of these events to their ability to make connections, and stand by them.
“Putting things together and developing these relationships certainly helps,” said Marvin Pedigo, an organizer for Smyrna’s parade slate.
Some lacking turnouts can’t be solved
Those partnerships don’t always come easily. Jayme Gravell, Newark’s chief of community engagement, said the University of Delaware’s student move-out often limits collaboration — and likely contributed to lower turnout this year.
“People are moving out, people are leaving town,” she said. “It’s just hard to draw interest or support when people aren’t here.”
The uncontrollable factor of conflicting events creates a dilemma for parades like the one in Newark. As Cooke pointed out, it’s one that smaller areas of Delaware don’t have to face, giving them an advantage.
The purpose behind a parade can shape its audience. While many are built around celebration, Memorial Day carries a more solemn tone, honoring those who died in military service. For that reason, Pedigo said the Smyrna-Clayton parade focuses less on turnout and more on showing respect for those lost.
“We really only partner with smaller civic organizations, and it’s a smaller turnout,” he said. “The emphasis should be placed on honoring those who fought for this country.”
Both communities pointed to other local parades as proof crowds are still there. Newark’s Halloween parade draws about 50 groups each year, compared to 22 for Memorial Day, while Smyrna’s Christmas parade typically brings in 90 to 100 groups.
“We haven’t seen any kind of dramatic parade fall-off,” Pedigo said. “Just the occurrence of certain circumstances.”
Where will Delaware Memorial Day parades take place?
Three parades will take place across the state this coming week, allowing locals to honor fallen veterans. They are listed below:
- Middletown Memorial Day Parade- Begins at Redding Middle School, 201 New St., Middletown, at 10:30 a.m. May 25.
- Smyrna-Clayton Memorial Day Parade- Parade begins at Market Street Plaza and West Commerce Street, Smyrna, at 10 a.m. May 25.
- Wilmington Memorial Day Parade– Begins at Delaware and Woodlawn avenues, Wilmington at 6 p.m. May 30.
Adam Denn is an intern reporter for Delaware Online/The News Journal. You can reach him at ADenn@delawareonline.com
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