New rector leads All Saints’ Church & St. George’s Chapel

The Rev. Shelley McDade accepted a senior rector position at The Episcopal Parish of All Saints’ Church & St. George’s Chapel in March 2020, the same month the pandemic forced a shutdown of life as everyone knew it.

“The hardest part was not being able to really say goodbye to the congregation of St. John’s Slope in Brooklyn, N.Y., where I served the past five and a half years. Coming here wasn’t so difficult, as I wasn’t overwhelmed with meeting so many new people all at once. I met them gradually and often on the phone,” McDade said.

Prior to St. John’s Slope, McDade had served four and a half years at the Church of the Ascension on Fifth Avenue in Greenwich Village. “While at Ascension, I worked with vestry on a new capital campaign for rectory renovation, contracted day-care school, created children’s programs, and worked on social outreach as well,” she said.

Parishioner Henley Graves, a retired Delaware Superior Court judge of 28 years, was one of the dedicated parishioners who served on the search committee to find a new rector. Graves said, “She has a natural ability to communicate with children, similar to an elementary school teacher. In addition to having lots of patience, she is charismatic, spiritual and a great communicator.”

McDade was raised in Claymont and her family owned a home there for many years. Nancy Freebery, a parishioner at St. George’s, also grew up in Claymont and attended Claymont High School with Shelley. “I am energized by Shelley’s appointment both as our spiritual leader and as a former businesswoman with a keen strategic mind. My parents Jane and Charlie Proud were members of St. George’s Chapel for over 30 years, and now I am fortunate to live here and attend as well,” said Freebery.

McDade began her career in production on WTOV channel 9, an NBC affiliate in Steubenville, Ohio, and then built a 24-year career in marketing, managing people and programs for major companies. She was marketing manager/supervisor for the McDonald’s Corporation in Milwaukee, Wis., and Honolulu, Hawaii. She has also worked for DDB Worldwide Communications Group LLC, Foore, Cone & Belding Inc., and 1-800-Flowers.

“People are surprised to learn that the two churches operate as one,” said Helen Hoart, senior warden. “Rector Shelley sees operating two parishes not as a challenge but as an opportunity.”

All Saints' Episcopal Church was built in 1893 for the summer services of an Episcopal congregation and remains on its original site. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it has recently undergone renovations and bright new landscaping on Olive Avenue in the Boardwalk block. In contrast, the original country chapel of St. George’s was built in 1719 on what is now known as Beaver Dam Road to accommodate the needs of farmers and plantation owners who lived on the outskirts of the town of Lewes. Destroyed by fire in 1792, the chapel was rebuilt in 1794 in the early Federal style.

Helen Abrams said she is thrilled to welcome new leadership. “I have felt a powerful divine presence at St. George’s Chapel since I joined 25 years ago. Imagine how many others have felt this way for over 300 years! During the recent pandemic period when the chapel was closed for services, that presence stayed with me and sustained many of us, giving us courage and hope,” she said.

Parishioner Thenia Brasby said, “Our new rector is a kindred spirit. She listens to us but also gives advice. She and Mother Eunice Dunlap, the assistant rector, complement each other very well.”

McDade said, “Fifteen years ago I visited All Saints’ Episcopal Church when I was first studying to become a priest, and I thought, ‘This is exactly where I want to be someday.’ Now two worlds have come together at this point in my life for me to be here. I was called to be right here.”

A new weekly outdoor garden service will begin at 5 p.m., Saturday, June 5, in the new rectory garden at All Saints’. Visitors are welcome to dress casually as they come off the beach, are heading to dinner or just happen to be walking by. Music will be offered by local musicians, visiting guests and talented parishioners.

“My job is to introduce people to a life of God and to let them know they are loved by God,” said McDade, who will turn 60 this year. “I want to raise the next generation of people who haven’t necessarily known God and help them understand that someone loves them no matter what. Everyone is welcome here.”

For more information, go to allsaintsandstgeorges.org.