Welcome To Kenton UMC

Kenton UMC

74 West Commerce Street, Kenton, DE, United States, 19953

Sunday Services = 9 am

A BRIEF HISTORY

159 years ago in the community of Kenton, before any church or community house was ever built, Methodism started to unfold. Methodism had its beginning with meetings in various homes. The Kenton M. E. Church was organized in the homes of the Kenton people. Early preaching was in the Widow Howard's home, and others. Methodist preachers were visiting in the Kenton area as early as 1714.

In the year 1818 William Ringold deeded one acre to the following trustees of the first Kenton Church: James Scotten, Isaac Buckingham, Robert Pearce and Nemiah Clark, with the understanding that this Land was to be used for the erection of a church, and the remaining land to be used for cemetery for deceased members of the church and their families. The first preacher of this church was the Rev. John Durborough.

This church and cemetery was located one quarter mile south of Kenton on the road leading to Downs Chapel. After many years this church was abandoned in 1877 and a second church was built in the town of Kenton. Before the year was over, this second church was completely destroyed by fire. Another church was erected in 1878 and was officially dedicated by Bishop Scott on September 15, 1878.

The corner stone of the present church building is dated 1875; remodeling of the church occurred in 1925. In January, 1965 new pews were installed in the church and an organ was donated by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Johnson. Additions, improvements and corrections to the present Kenton Church building are always in process in order to maintain a functional setting for worship in the Kenton community

- - Written by Mr. H. Clifford Clark, Fall, 1977

Meet Pastor Rick.

Pastor Rick’s Contact Information:

Email: PastorRickKelly22@gmail.com

Cell Phone Number: (302) 260-4421

Pastor Patrick “Rick” Kelly

Pastor, Teacher , Coach, and above all An Advocate for Grace

Pastor Patrick Kelly, known to most as Pastor Rick, is a Deaf pastor, husband, father, teacher, and storyteller whose life and ministry are steeped in grace. This is not the kind of grace that floats above the realities of hardship, but the kind that is found in the middle of life’s deepest struggles. Pastor Rick’s story is a living testimony to the power of God’s mercy to redeem, restore, and resurrect.

He currently serves as the pastor of Hartly United Methodist Church and Kenton United Methodist Church in Kent County, Delaware. In these two small-town communities, Pastor Rick is leading a growing movement of spiritual renewal rooted in hospitality, hope, and the full inclusion of all people. His leadership is marked by preaching that is both immersive and biblically rich, a pastoral heart for the hurting, and a clear calling to build the church into a dwelling place for all who seek belonging.

Born Deaf and raised in circumstances that often left him on the margins, Rick experienced firsthand the barriers of communication, education, and social exclusion. He and his wife Veronica, have endured and overcome seasons of homelessness, poverty, and profound adversity. Together, they have built a life grounded in faith, love, and perseverance. They are the proud parents of four children who embody their joy, strength, and sense of purpose.

The Kelly home is a place of warmth, learning, and unconditional love. In addition to their children, the family is surrounded by animals who are very much a part of their story. Pastor Rick has a deep affection for his dogs and cats, especially his service dog Maddie, whose presence offers comfort, protection, and quiet companionship in both daily life and ministry. Maddie is often found beside him in the truck, in the yard, or walking alongside him as he prays, plans and reflects.

In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Pastor Rick teaches Government, Economics and Human Geography at the high school level in one of Delaware’s diverse public school classrooms. He equips his students to think critically, act compassionately, and believe in their own ability to shape a more just and faithful world. His classroom, like his church, is a place where voices are honored, questions are welcomed, and dignity is affirmed.

Pastor Rick’s first book, titled Call Me Rick: Grace in the Middle, will be published this fall. It weaves together memoir, theology, and storytelling to offer a deeply honest and redemptive reflection on Deaf identity, injustice, addiction, incarceration, and the relentless grace of God that finds us even in the wilderness. The book reflects Rick’s own journey and the heart of his ministry: to meet people where they are and walk with them toward the Gospel that brings healing and wholeness.

His preaching has touched many lives with messages such as “The Porch Light Is On,” “The Children Are Watching,” and “More Than a Social Club,” which proclaim the truth that God’s love is not reserved for the perfect but offered freely to all. Pastor Rick speaks with clarity, compassion, and conviction, calling the church to become a true sanctuary of grace, especially for those who have long felt forgotten.

Pastor Rick lives by a simple truth. Grace is not an escape from the world. It is the fire of God alive within it. His mission is to share that fire, through word, witness, and welcome, with every person he encounters.

Rev. Rick Kelly