Then and Now: St. Thomas of Villanova Church

Originally located on Middlesex Avenue is yet another example of just how much Wilmington has grown over the years.

In 1988 the first St. Thomas of Villanova chapel was built on Middlesex Avenue near the site of the current Wilmington Memorial Library. The Catholic Parish was officially founded in 1919 and remained at this original location until approximately 1960.

At that time the current building, located at 126 Middlesex Avenue, was erected and church services were moved. Eventually, in 1968, the old chapel was torn down to make room for the new library.

Today, the church boasts a congregation of approximately 2000 and is well known for its Youth and Bible Study Programs. For the past ten years has proudly participated in programs sending parishioners out of state to rehabilitate and build homes for those in need.

Like so much of Wilmington, has grown over the years but, at the same time, continues to remain an active part of the local community.