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All Saints: Former thrift store location deconsecrated

Standing in front of the area of a major leak caused by the rain outside, the Rev. Shelley McDade welcomes participants to the deconsecration event at the parish thrift shop’s former Ocean Bay Mart location in Rehoboth Beach. DENY HOWETH PHOTOS
Deny Howeth
January 18, 2026

Members, clergy and staff of All Saints’ Episcopal Church gathered along with parish thrift shop volunteers and customers Jan. 10 at the former location in Rehoboth Beach Plaza to deconsecrate the building that housed the charitable operation for nearly 20 years.

Standing among the bins used to catch the multiple water leaks from the ceiling and a virtual waterfall behind a tarp in the center of the building, the Rev. Shelley McDade said, “Just as we offer blessings for new buildings, we offer the same thanksgiving for buildings and sacred elements that have served the community.”

After the opening prayers, McDade carried a thurible filled with incense throughout the building, including the warehouse, with blessings for each room, ending at the front entrance near the cash registers. Participants were encouraged to contribute a story or a trinket that represented their connection to the space, which will be added to a time capsule to be buried at the new location under a garden area and a statue, to be opened in 25 years. 

Joanna Carty, director of thrift ministries, said the vestry has been saving and searching for years to find a new location, realizing the Ocean Bay Mart center, aka Rehoboth Beach Plaza, would eventually be vacated. Everything divinely aligned with the purchase of the Harbeson property, which will open in 2026 at 26804 Lewes Georgetown Hwy. west of Lewes. The house, barn and grounds are being renovated and a pole building erected. Parish thrift shops contribute more than $200,000 a year to nearly 100 community service organizations and causes. 

The Rev. Shelley McDade moves throughout the parish thrift shop building carrying a thurible filled with incense. The smoke symbolizes the prayers drifting up to heaven.
Attendees gather at the cash registers for the final stop on the deconsecration tour. They attended to say goodbye and thanks to the sacred elements that helped the thrift store thrive for almost 20 years.
The youngest volunteer, Izzy Doyal, age 8, and Gladys Kellner, a volunteer for more than 18 years at the parish thrift shop, settle into a couple of leftover chairs for a photo.
Gladys Kellner, left, a parish thrift shop volunteer for more than 18 years, and volunteer Paula Evans show photos of their crew that will be placed in the time capsule.
Standing among the bins collecting rainwater from ceiling leaks, participants bow for a prayer in one of the former thrift shop rooms.
Joanna Carty, thrift ministries director, talks about the plans for the new location and the impact the store has had on the community.
Congregant Roger Pryor writes a memory for inclusion in the time capsule.
The Rev. Shelley McDade offers a final prayer for the thrift ministry at the cash register and front entrance.
An intimate group of about 20 people, including congregants, volunteers, vestry, rectors, staff and shoppers, gathers in the furniture room to begin the blessings.
Returning from the warehouse after the blessing are Kevin Morris, the Rev. Shelley McDade, Bill Scharzabel and Joanne Carty.
Puzzle tester volunteer Izzy Doyal, age 8, writes her memories for inclusion in the time capsule while mom Sherry Taylor looks on.
The Rev. Shelley McDade swings the censer during the deconsecration.
Kevin Morris, delivery coordinator at the parish thrift shop, holds the thurible as the Rev. Shelley McDade fills it with incense.
The Rev. Shelley McDade fills the thurible with incense.
The Rev. Shelley McDade begins the ceremony as Joanna Carty, thrift ministries director, looks on.
Senior warden Julie Almont, right, shares a laugh with Joe Antisavage, toy volunteer, who has his time capsule contribution ready.

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