The Catholic faith was first brought to the peninsula that lies betweenthe Chesapeake and Delaware Bays in the seventeenth century by Jesuitpriests who rode circuit from the Maryland colony; offering Mass and bringingthe sacraments to private homes. As the country grew; so too did the Catholiccommunity on Delmarva; and many new churches and missions were founded.From the earliest established churchSt. Francis Xavier Mission in CecilCounty; Maryland; founded in 1704--to Salesianum School; the first highschool in Delaware to be racially integrated; from the involvement in the dioceseof American saints John Neumann and Elizabeth Ann Seton to a variety ofreligious orders and organizations; these honored institutions and remarkableindividuals helped to shape the minds and spirits of young and old alikeThe story of the Diocese of Wilmington; which split off from the Diocese ofPhiladelphia in 1868; is not just one of church construction dates--it is the storyof its people. From the colorful settlement of French exiled after a slave rebellionin Haiti to the New World immigrants of Irish; German; Italian; Polish; andlater; Hispanic descent; the Catholic community in the region has been diverse;vibrant; and steadfast in a shared faith. From its humble beginnings; the diocesehas grown to serve a population of more than 190;000 members with 56 parishes;20 missions; and 37 schools and has fostered a strong civic tradition in athletics;theater; and community festivals.
#1314377 in eBooks 2005-08-03 2005-08-03File Name: B009CDU4KM
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Edgewater Will Always Be HomeBy Gary R. BrittHow many people can look at their childhood photographs in a wonderful book? I appreciate the work that went into this book of photographs. I only wish that I could have contributed some of my own. along with the stories that would tell of my youth. I do believe that they would have been a welcomed addition. All in all though. just about everything important is a part of this book of memories. If you dont know about Hawks Park. then buy this book and be richer for the experience. Edgewater FL Images of America)0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. My hometown!By Bonnie L TomlinsonI did not know this book existed. Who am I? I am a 5th generation born and raised in Edgewater. Florida. My familys name was McLane. I have 3 generations buried in the cemetery there. My grandmother. Vera McLane was a postal clerk there in the 1960s and 1970s. my grandfather was born and raised there. Talked of times he stayed at Dr. Hawks house as a boy who ran away from home. My great grandparents owned a large grove on US 1. My great grandparents owned the first gas station in New Smyrna Beach. Florida. a meat packing plant in Oak Hill. and the first fruit stand in Edgewater. to sell local grown citrus! I love Edgewater! It was the ideal small town to grow up in. At 57 I still miss my childhood there. I now live in the Ocala National Forest in an even older settlement-Salt Springs (Norwalk). Edgewater grew and got too big for us crackers! But I will always miss the place that is my hometown!
