The Presbyterian Church of Dover has gathered on South State Street in downtown Dover, Delaware since 1714, making it one of the oldest congregations in the state. The church's own motto, "Compassionately reaching out to each other, our community, and the world, since 1714," captures both its deep roots and its outward focus. Members travel from across southern Delaware each Sunday to be part of a congregation that treasures its diversity, celebrates music-filled worship, and takes seriously the call to serve those in need.
Three Centuries on South State Street
What sets this congregation apart, in Pastor Mark Parsons's words, is that "when we say we welcome everyone, we really mean it. In fact, we go the next step. We CELEBRATE everyone!" Long-time members describe the church as "a generous, passionate and loving people," and the congregation has written that it values "fellowship, belonging, reaching out to the community and world's needy, celebrating our music-filled worship that holds the church together, and a need for lifelong learning." One member named Lois put it simply: "What I love most about our church is that we are a family."
Worship on Sunday Morning
Worship takes place at 11:00 AM each Sunday, both in the sanctuary and through a livestream on YouTube. Each service follows the Reformed tradition and includes communal prayer, scripture readings, preaching, and affirmations of faith. Pastor Mark and the music staff design every service carefully so the congregation can worship with authenticity and integrity, "bringing all that we have and all that we are as an offering to God."
Music at the Center
Music is the thread running through the church's life. The Chancel Choir and Bells of Praise handbell ensemble lead the singing, and individual members often offer special music during the summer months. Worship draws on classical and beloved hymns, gospel, and world music, and organ and piano music is heard in every service. Guest musicians - members and friends of the church - frequently add other instruments.
Michelle Taylor, Director of Music, brings more than twenty years of piano and accompanying experience, along with master's and bachelor's degrees in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from Utah State University. Betsy Gray, Handbell Director and Interim Choir Director, has been ringing handbells since 1974 and joined the Bells of Praise in 1995. A cradle Presbyterian, she has spent decades working with young children alongside her musical life.
A Matthew 25 Congregation
The Presbyterian Church of Dover is a Matthew 25 church, joining other Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations that focus on three commitments: building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism, and eradicating systemic poverty. The congregation considers all who walk through the doors brothers and sisters in Christ and invites everyone to join in its mission.
From Downtown Dover to the Congo
Mission work extends well beyond the church's own neighborhood. The Interpreting Mission, Peace, and Justice (IMPJ) Committee informs, challenges, and empowers the congregation to minister locally, nationally, and internationally. Members partner with sister churches in downtown Dover to respond to hunger and to care for women, children, and men experiencing homelessness. Through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), they direct resources toward mission and disaster relief, and they maintain a long-standing partnership with the Kananga Bobumue Parish in the second-largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Faith Formation Across the Lifespan
Learning and growing in faith is treated as a lifelong pursuit. Weekly Sunday school gathers children, youth, and young adults, and a youth group for middle-schoolers meets monthly for fellowship and recreation. The "Unders" group nurtures members in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, while Presbyterian Women Circles meet monthly both in the community and online. The Pastor's Study Group typically gathers four times a year for multi-week studies on scripture and faith, and adult faith formation classes are offered in the Fall and during Lent.
Care, Deacons, and Community Assistance
The Board of Deacons serves as the caregiving arm of the church, praying for and supporting members of the congregation and the wider community with compassion and love. A Community Assistance program helps connect those in need with resources, and a Community Assistance Form is available online. Dr. Heather Thomson, an ordained deacon who also serves as Technology Coordinator, helps coordinate the church's livestream broadcast and Zoom programming.
Pastor and Staff
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Parsons II became pastor in November 2022. He holds a Doctor of Ministry in Theology and the Arts from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, a Master of Divinity from Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and a Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia University. Before coming to Dover, he most recently served as pastor of Gallipolis First Presbyterian Church in the Presbytery of Scioto Valley and previously served the Presbyterian Church of Dover itself in music and pastoral ministry. His doctoral work focused on developing a spiritual exploration curriculum for queer Christians.
The Session, the Board of Elders, provides spiritual leadership and governance, while additional committees handle Administration, Nominating, Fellowship, Membership, Property, and Worship. A Memorial Garden on the property offers a place for remembrance and dedication.
Visiting the Church
The church sits at 54 South State Street in downtown Dover. Parking is available on the street around the building or in the City Offices parking lot across from the front doors on State Street. Guests are welcome to participate fully in the worship service and the life of the church.
The church office is open from 9 AM to 2 PM, Tuesday through Thursday, and can be reached at 302-734-3313 or predvr@verizon.net. Donations can be made online, and services and a sermon archive are available on the church's YouTube channel.