Nestled on the edge of southern New Castle County lies the quaint town of St. George’s. As the construction of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal began in 1823, this community was divided in two with the majority of the buildings now located north of the C & D Canal. While only a few blocks in diameter, the name’s founder of this town was more than just a saint.
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation, Mark 16:15.
George Whitfield was born in Gloucester, England in December of 1714. An educated man, Whitfield attended Pembroke College before meeting the Wesley brother’s, founders of the Methodist Church at Oxford University. As the first Great Awakening began to spread, Whitfield traveled to America to play his part. Preaching a series of sermons at tent revivals in Delaware, large crowds flocked to hear George Whitfield speak at Pike Creek and what is now St. George’s. These messages transformed the spiritual climate of Delaware, giving birth to churches throughout New Castle County.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth, 2 Timothy 2:15.
Today, the amphitheater upon which Whitfield spoke is gone, leveled during construction of the C & D Canal. However, his legacy continues in the form of a new school that bears his name. St. George’s Vocational Technical High School stands about a mile southwest of St. George’s. Although most students are likely unaware of this saint, history has not forgotten the passion that George Whitfield preached with, winning over founding fathers like Benjamin Franklin. Just as Paul Harvey ended each of his programs, it’s fitting to say “now you know the rest of the story about St. George’s.
by Jay Mankus
