After enduring the steamy heat June 27 on a bike ride or trek along the Lewes-Georgetown Trail, many folks were interested to see an event hosted by Coolspring Presbyterian Church in their path. 

The church is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year and commemorating its rich, extensive history as a pillar of the community by hosting a series of events throughout the summer.

The June 27 event started off the celebrations as the 300th Anniversary Committee offered homemade pizza and ice cream in the church parking lot to passersby.

Anne Ledbetter, serving as church pastor since February 2025, expressed what a focal point the church is even to those who don’t necessarily attend services. “Many people use our parking lot throughout the week with the benefits of easy access to the Lewes-Georgetown Trail and video surveillance of their parked vehicles,” she said. 

This event provided a chance for church members to meet and greet some of them, strengthening the sense of community in terms of both the giving and receiving roles of the church.

The ice cream was provided by the Lewes staple Hopkins Creamery, and pizza was made by a gentleman who has enjoyed using the church’s lot when he walks the trail. He just wanted to say "thank you" by preparing pizzas, he said.

Ledbetter stationed herself at the trail intersection near the church, inviting those who crossed her path to enjoy the free lunch.

Some cyclists hesitated, unsure whether the offer of free pizza and ice cream was genuine. Others accepted the invitation and spent time exploring the church grounds, including its historic cemetery. One couple even returned to the church where they had married more than four decades ago.

The hospitality reflected a philosophy church members said has helped Coolspring remain active for three centuries.  

Cindy Wedel, leader of a small group that is writing a book about the 300-year history of Coolspring, emphasized how immersive the presence of the church is in the surrounding area of Sussex County.

She referenced several groups who use the community hall during the week, such as the Lewes Senior Activity Center, several other congregations who use the hall for their worship services, weekly AA meetings, and even groups that use it for homeowner meetings, tai chi, funerals, receptions, birthday parties and more.

“Many churches call their hall Fellowship Hall. We chose to call ours Community Hall, because we wanted it to be in service to the community,” Wedel said.

The homemade pizza and ice cream were just another service to the community the church has offered throughout its rich and meaningful history. For their 300th anniversary celebration, members simply did what they have always done: welcomed their neighbors.