RECOGNIZING THE HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE OF MOTHER AFRICAN UNION CHURCH AND EXPRESSING THE SUPPORT OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR ITS CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY FOLLOWING THE DEVASTATING FIRE OF MAY 17, 2026.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Lockman & Sen. Brown & Rep. Ortega

Sen. Huxtable

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 198

RECOGNIZING THE HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE OF MOTHER AFRICAN UNION CHURCH AND EXPRESSING THE SUPPORT OF THE DELAWARE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR ITS CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY FOLLOWING THE DEVASTATING FIRE OF MAY 17, 2026.

WHEREAS, Mother African Union Church is one of the oldest Black congregations in the State of Delaware and a foundational institution in Wilmington’s African American history and spiritual life; and

WHEREAS, the church traces its origins to 1813, when Peter Spencer, a formerly enslaved man founded the Union Church of Africans in Wilmington, establishing one of the first incorporated African American congregations in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Mother African Union Church has served for generations as a place of worship, fellowship, education, advocacy, and community support for Delawareans, carrying forward a legacy rooted in faith and liberation; and

WHEREAS, the church and its congregation have played an important role in preserving and celebrating Delaware’s Black history and cultural traditions, including the historic August Quarterly festival, one of the nation’s oldest continuous African American religious celebrations; and

WHEREAS, on May 17, 2026, a devastating fire destroyed much of the historic church building located on North Franklin Street in Wilmington, deeply impacting the congregation and broader community; and

WHEREAS, although the physical structure suffered catastrophic damage, the history and mission of Mother African Union Church remain strong through its congregation and community; and

WHEREAS, leaders and members of the church have already expressed their commitment to rebuild and continue serving Wilmington and the State of Delaware with faith and determination; and

WHEREAS, the Delaware General Assembly recognizes the profound cultural, spiritual, and historical significance of Mother African Union Church and stands in solidarity with its congregation during this difficult time;

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that the members of the General Assembly hereby recognize the historic importance and enduring legacy of Mother African Union Church and express their deepest support and solidarity with the church congregation and surrounding community following the devastating fire of May 17, 2026; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Assembly commends the resilience and faith of the church community and expresses its hope and encouragement for the rebuilding and continued ministry of Mother African Union Church for generations to come.

SYNOPSIS

This Concurrent Resolution recognizes the historic and cultural significance of Mother African Union Church in Wilmington, one of the oldest Black congregations in Delaware. This Resolution expresses the support and solidarity of the Delaware General Assembly for the congregation and surrounding community following the devastating fire of May 17, 2026.

Author: Senator Lockman