Emmanuel Episcopal Church
101 North Cross Street

This is the cradle of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States.

The original structure was erected 1767-1772 as a chapel of ease in then-new Chester Parish. Its first appearance would be difficult to imagine due to constant modifications of its original 2 story, 5 bay design.

The Georgian effects were altered about 1880 when the sanctuary was moved to the southeast end and the entrance shifted to the northeast. Original clear windows gave way to stained glass. These changes, including removal of the Colonial box pews, conformed to the Victorian style of the day.

There have been extensive additions since 1880, the most thorough one taking place in 2002 when the parish hall's quaint kitchen received a complete reconfiguration. The Fellowship Hall was refurbished with customized interior shutters, handicap accessible facilities and an elevator. Similar improvements were built on the upper level to serve Sunday School and choir alike. From the interior you may enter a courtyard beauty spot.

If visiting before sundown, be sure to view the window produced at the Louis Comfort Tiffany Studio in New York.

Stewards: the Parishioners and Rector Fr. Gregory Straub.

K#51, p. 201, Historic Houses of Kent County