Current Building
Moving the parish church to its present location in Milford was the inspiration and work of two men, the Rev. Sydenham Thorne, first resident rector, and Mr. Joseph Oliver, vestryman and businessman of Milford.
Construction on the present church building began in 1791 on land donated by Mr. Joseph Oliver. The style was that of a typical country church; a plain rectangular building having galleries on three sides and a double row of clear glass windows. The church was renovated in 1833 including a new roof and the first painting of the galleries and pews. The pulpit was adorned with hangings and upholstery of crimson silk “in the most approved style.”
In 1836 the building was consecrated by Bishop U. U. Onderdonk as a House of Worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of America.
Between 1865 and 1866, the building was changed to its present Gothic style with the addition of new windows, the bell tower and chancel and the removal of the galleries.
History
Christ Church, Milford was founded in 1704 by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. It was the second parish in the state established by that society, the first being Christ Church, Dover. At that time, the parish was known as Christ Church, Mispillion and was a part of the Kent County mission. Since there was no town of Milford in those early years, it is not surprising to learn that the mission church was built about three miles west of what would become Milford at a place now named “Church Hill Village” which was in the general area of Cullentown, a trading center on the Mispillion river which existed before the founding of Milford.
About Us
We are men, women and children of God. For over 300 years, we have come together in worship to celebrate God’s love through His Son Jesus. We come together in prayer for the healing power of the Holy Spirit and in thanksgiving. We come together as a family, one who deeply cares for each other. We work for the needs of others.
We work and play side by side as we share fun and fellowship. We warmly welcome all visitors and prospective members of our Christian family. We hold close the Lord’s commandment to love and treat everyone with dignity and respect.
Staff
Priest-in-Charge ; The Rev. Harry Hiltner
Fr. Harry began serving Christ Church as the priest-in-charge on December 1, 2024. Harry has had a career with Hospice for the past 20 years as a Chaplain and as an agency director. Prior to Hospice, he served as a Chaplain at Ancora State Psychiatric Hospital and as a prison Chaplain in New Jersey. Harry had his own business before entering Chaplaincy doing wood work for 25 years.
He received his Master’s Degree from Gettysburg Seminary and his post Graduate work in Spiritual Direction was at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. He has several clinical certifications from the University of Pennsylvania including one for a Clinical Pastoral Education unit at Ft. Dix New Jersey working with returning Veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq. He obtained a duel certification in Hospice and Palliative Care from California State University in San Marcos California. He is a Suicide Bereavement Clinician through the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Harry is a Veteran having served six years on active duty and grew up on a farm. Harry is married with two children and the world’s most perfect granddaughter.
Parish Administrator : Lori Stewart
Lori has been with the Parish Office since 2018, and loves being a working part of Christ Church. She has an extensive background in corporate administrative and paralegal services, an Associate’s Degree in Fine Arts, and an Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies.
Lori relocated to Delaware from Pennsylvania a few years ago with her husband and their two dogs for a lifestyle close to the beach, and enjoys exploring Delaware to learn its history, as well as for new places to eat and shop.
Vestry
The vestry of Christ Church Milford consists of parishioners elected at the annual parish meeting in January to serve for a two year term. This group of lay leaders meets on a monthly basis, and works with the rector and staff to set the direction and vision for the church.
Stephen Walter, 2025, Senior Warden
Jay Bailey, 2025, Junior Warden
Doreen Raub, 2025
Hilary Valentine, 2025
Mitch Edmondson, 2025
James V. Reed III, 2025
Andrea Lake, 2026
Elizabeth Foxwell, 2026