Brandywine Hundred Cook Book Published by The Ladies' Guild of Grace P. E. Church Brandywine Hundred Delaware 1915 Chas. L. Story, Printer Wilmington, Del. Short History of Grace Parish, Brandywine Hundred, Delaware The preliminary meeting to organize this Parish was called to order in Talley's School House, on Naaman's Creek road, December 30, 1835, Dr. A. Prince being chosen as Chairman, and James A. B. Smith as Secretary of the meeting. The following heads of families agreed to form the Parish: W. Gray, John Gray, Wm. Smith, James Smith, Isaac Smith, Joseph Guest, John McKevor, Thomas Robinson, Nehemiah Delaplain, Elihu Talley, Jehu Talley, Abner Vernon, Isaac Arment, John Lodge, James Dutton, Valentine Forwood, George Williamson, Wm. F. Grubb. On February 6, 1836, the old school house, in which the meeting spoken of above was held, was purchased by the Parish and furnished, so it could be used for church services. Mr. Isaac Smith and Dr. Abner Prince being chosen as Wardens for the Parish. The Rev. Wm. J. Clark was called as rector, and he has been followed by the Reverends L. H. Mansfield, S. F. Hotchkin, Wm. H Jeffries, R. H. Wright, Jeremiah Karcher, F. L. Wells, S. C. Shatton, J. B. Clemson, C. M. Callaway, N. G. Schorr, L. H. Jackson, Jacob Miller, J. H. Chesley. And the present rector, the Rev. J. W. Areson. In 1872, ten acres was purchased on the Concord Pike, north of Talleyville. Three years later, July 4, 1875, the present stone church was opened, having cost about eight thousand dollars. Ample room in the large plot of ground was reserved for a cemetery. The sexton's house is on one corner of the church plot, and the rectory was placed a few years later on the northern corner, through the kindness of Mrs. Wm. P. Cresson. This splendid acreage, church and opportunity to permanently establish this Parish was possible by the munificence of Messrs. Louis Smith, Wm. P. Cresson and Francis Tempest. Among those who have been and still are active in its affairs are: Benjamin Atwell, Christopher C. Righter, Robert Beatty, Jr., Moses Palmer, Hugh Ramsey, Stewart Ramsey, Harry W. Ramsey, Henry F. Bartels, Jr., Ernest L. Smith. This Paris has much for which to be grateful, in the aid given them through the generosity of Daniel Forbes in establishing the John Alexander Forbes Memorial Fund of four thousand dollars in 1907. The interest of which to be used to assist in meeting the salary of rector. The Sunday School, under the leadership of Miss Elizabeth J. Ramsey, has always been and still is a very important factor in the life of the community. The Ladies' Guild is active in its support and help in all parish needs: The present officers are: Mrs. Casper S. Beideman, President. Mrs. Stewart Ramsey, Vice-President. Miss Elizabeth J. Ramsey, Secretary. Mrs. Moses Palmer, Treasurer.