St. Joseph On the Brandywine, Wilmington

Saint Joseph on the Brandywine, located in Greenville near Wilmington, is one of the oldest Catholic parishes in the state and part of the Diocese of Wilmington. Founded in 1841 to serve Irish and Italian DuPont mill workers, the church began through community petitions and support from the Du Pont family, with Charles I du Pont donating the land and joining the original parish board. The church was officially dedicated in 1842 by Bishop Francis Kenrick of Philadelphia.

The church complex includes the main sanctuary, a rectory, a former school, a convent, and a large cemetery. The church building itself is a yellow-painted stuccoed stone structure with a steeple rising through the gabled front. Expansions were made in 1848 to accommodate a growing congregation, with further additions in 1878, 1941, and 1950, leaving little of the original structure visible today. A bell tower was added in the late 19th century and enclosed during 20th-century renovations. The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, with a state historical marker placed in 2016.

Education played a central role in parish life. A school opened in 1853, first staffed by the Sisters of Saint Joseph and later by the Order of Saint Francis. It operated until 1972, after which the sisters left to pursue their broader mission. The convent building now serves as the repository for the diocesan archives, housing records that span over two centuries. Fires in 1853 and 1866 led to rebuilding efforts, with support again coming from the Du Pont family-particularly Amelia du Pont, who was instrumental in reconstructing the convent.

In addition to its religious and historical significance, Saint Joseph on the Brandywine is also known as the home parish of President Joe Biden. The church continues to serve as a spiritual and cultural anchor for the region, reflecting the legacy of immigrant labor, community resilience, and deep Catholic roots in Delaware.