Mitsawokett: A 17th Century Native American Community in Central Delaware

"Sabbath, June 9, 1962, marked the fulfillment of a dream for the members of the Forest. Grove Church in Cheswold, Del. Not only was the church anniversary celebrated but this was the opening day for their newly remodeled church building. For months both members and friends donated many hours of labor in redecorating the church and adding a new section containing new rest rooms. a Dorcas room, and a children’s Sabbath School chapel.

"The Forest Grove Church is one of the oldest churches in the Chesapeake Conference, having been established at the turn of the century. about 1903. It is one of the few churches left that still maintains a cemetery for its members

"During the afternoon meeting Elder A. B. Butler, President of the Chesapeake Conference, spoke words of appreciation to the Forest Grove membership for their sacrifices and for the beautiful edifice representing the denomination in that area. There was a large attendance at this celebration."

--Chesapeake Conference News

The Seventh Day Adventist Movement

From Stacey Cooper, 19 May 1999

This movement spread to the Indian River Community. My great grandmother was a convert who left "New Church" ("Indian Mission Church) to become a member of the Sussex County SDA Branch. The core family that introduced the religion to the Indian River Community was the Street Family. They even donated the land for the first Church. I was raised multi-religioned -- Seventh-day Adventist Methodist. My great grandfather never converted and remained a member of Harmony Church.

I recently learned from a Seeney relative that the prophettess of this religion, Ellen G. White was a Harmon. Then the wheels started clicking. She belonged to the Harmon family which orginated in Indian River. Her full name was Ellen Gould Harmon White.

Some of the members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Millsboro:

Samuel Norwood
Robert Norwood
Doris Prichett Norwood
Emery Norwood
Catherine Street Norwood
Carlos Street
Myrtle Wright Street
Lester Davis
Theresa Street Carney
Martha Street Hopkins
Shirley Street
Mary Way Wright
Marlene Harmon
Ethel Pritchett Norwood
Josephine Pritchett
Marlene Norwood Pritchett
Amelia Street Showell
Arelia Showell
Earl Street
Joyce Street Wright Shockely