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.

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.  

More Delaware history: Christopher Columbus and Wilmington, what statue means to city’s Italian heritage

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.