History

A Humble Beginning.
In 1928, Will Vickers began a tent meeting in Roxana, Delaware. From this humble beginning a church was formed - Roxana Pilgrim Holiness Church. This new congregation built their first building in 1929 and called their first pastor, Rev. Sewell Bradford. Bradford was followed by Rev. Merrick Lowry who led the church to relocate the building across Roxana Road where the church currently sits.

A Spiritual Awakening.
In 1968, Roxana Pilgrim Holiness Church became Roxana Wesleyan Church. Though this was a significant moment in the life of the church, the defining moment came in March of 1973. Johnny Revel, a well-known traveling evangelist, and the Taylor Family Singers were used by God to usher in revival at Roxana Wesleyan. Several people who currently attend the church trace the beginning of their spiritual journey back to those revival services.

A Strategic Location.
Through the faithful leadership and sacrifice of pastors and lay leaders through the years, the church sits on 4.2 acres of land at a major intersection in Lower Sussex County. The current campus houses a sanctuary, fellowship hall, and parsonage, and is strategically positioned near areas of new growth and development.

A Compelling Vision.
In March of 2008, Pastor Chris Williams and the Local Board of Administration began to share a compelling 20-year vision for the future. The vision calls the church to serve the community and meet real needs that people are facing in their everyday lives. It invites the church to find fresh ways to communicate the timeless message that true life is found in Jesus Christ. And it challenges the church to expand its impact by planting new churches. The end result of this vision is to see lives changed and the community become different and better.

A New Beginning.
In the fall of 2008, the congregation made three major decisions, signaling that they were ready to advance into the future that God has for them. Over a series of months, the church redesigned its programming and implemented a new model of ministry, entered into a campus improvement project, and changed the name of the church from Roxana Wesleyan Church to The River, A Wesleyan Church. All of these initiatives have come together to launch this 80-year old church into a new beginning.

A Bright Future.
With a new model for ministry, a new name, and a complete renovation of their campus the church is excited about the days ahead. They are focused on multiplying disciples, leaders, and churches as they seek to make a greater impact in the Indian River area.