St. Hedwig’s Roman Catholic Church, Wilmington

Saint Hedwig’s Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington is a prominent symbol of the city’s Polish-American heritage. Designed in 1904 by E. Brielmaier and Sons of Milwaukee, the church exemplifies the late Gothic Revival style, featuring a cruciform plan, three naves separated by ornate columns, and an arched ceiling. Its facade includes three double-door entrances and two 80-foot towers-the only twin towers on a church in Delaware-capped with cross-gabled spires. Constructed of soft gray brick with limestone accents, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

The church became a cultural anchor for Wilmington’s growing Polish immigrant population, which began settling in the city around 1880. Initially, Polish Catholics attended services at Sacred Heart Parish under German Benedictine care, but by 1896, a dedicated Polish parish was formed. Father John S. Gulcz, a native of Poznan, Poland, was appointed pastor and led efforts to construct the current church. Saint Hedwig’s quickly emerged as the spiritual and social center of the community, offering religious services, a parish school, and a gathering place for Polish-American identity.

The parish school, operated by the Felician Sisters, served over 500 pupils in the early 20th century and later expanded to include Saint Hedwig’s High School, active from 1960 through the 1970s. The church also initiated its now long-running Polish Festival in 1956, a tradition that continues today with Polish food, music, and carnival attractions, drawing visitors from across the region.

As the only architecturally dominant institution representing Wilmington’s Polish roots, Saint Hedwig’s remains both a religious sanctuary and a cultural touchstone. Its architectural significance, historical role in immigrant integration, and enduring community presence continue to make it a notable landmark in Delaware’s capital.