Milton Episcopal Church of St. John presents historic document to state

The rector and members of The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Milton travelled to the Delaware Public Archives June 5 to present their original Consecration document to State Archivist Stephen Marz. The document, which was signed by Delaware's first Episcopal Bishop, the Right Rev. Dr. Alfred Lee, on June 5, 1877, was accessioned into the state's collection on its actual 140th anniversary.

Father Tom White presented the document to Marz. "The Delaware Public Archives is incredibly honored to receive this important piece of The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist and Delaware's history," said Marz. "We are glad to be a resource for the church to now safeguard this irreplaceable piece of Delaware's rich history, and make it available to researchers now and in the future."

The Consecration document previously was framed and hanging on the wall in the parish hall of the church under less-than-optimal conditions for many years. After a parish member rediscovered the document and brought it to the attention of the vestry, they voted unanimously to hand it over to the State Archives, which will ensure care for the document in perpetuity.

Marz said, "Many houses of worship and religious organizations have documents similar to this but just have no idea how to ensure its safe care for the future. The State Archives is a ready resource that is available to assist with the preservation of these important pieces of Delaware's cultural and religious history. "