The original tar paper building with saw dust floor of the Pilgrim Holiness Church of Millsboro.
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Rev. Lida Brasure - Founding Pastor
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This is the building dedicated in 1951 - however the addition on the right was added later.
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Our Story: A Legacy of Faith
Our Beginnings (1947-1968)
The Wesleyan Church of Millsboro began in 1947 as a small but passionate group seeking a deeper experience with God. With the support of the Pilgrim Holiness Church’s Eastern District, a portable tabernacle was set up, and Rev. Lida Brasure was appointed as the first pastor. Early services were marked by fervent worship, community support, and a growing congregation committed to prayer and outreach. At this time the church was known as the Pilgrim Holiness Church of Millsboro
By 1951, a permanent church building was constructed on donated land, setting the foundation for decades of ministry. Through the years, the church expanded its facilities, including a parsonage, Sunday School annex, and additional worship space to accommodate growth. Ministries flourished, from youth programs and Bible studies to outreach in the local community and beyond.
One That The World May Believe (1968-2009)
In 1968, the church became Millsboro Wesleyan Church following the denominational merger of the Pilgrim Holiness and Wesleyan Methodist Churches. While the name changed, the mission remained the same - to bring men, women, boys and girls to faith in Jesus Christ - that they may believe. The following decades saw continued expansion, both in facilities and in mission, as passionate pastors and committed members carried forward the vision of faith, prayer, and service.
The Journey (2009-present)
As the new millennium began, a change began taking place at Millsboro Wesleyan Church. A new pastor brought a renewed perspective and vision. In the mid-2000's the sanctuary was remodeled, given a fresh new look to the church. The church saw some of its greatest growth and began to outgrow the building, so the leadership began to look at creating satellite campuses. Rather than have location based names for each campus, the church petitioned the Chesapeake District to change its name to The Journey. As part of that change a tagline was added, "meeting people where they are."
This tagline is still appropriate as we seek to move beyond the four walls of our building. For most of the 2000's the church has hosted an annual Trunk 'N' Treat for the community. This annual event is met with anticipation by the community. Over the last several years, The Journey has been serving lunch during the local middle schools in-service day at the beginning of the year. The school looks forward to this event.
This past year The Journey joined the Chamber of Commerce in order to reach business leaders in the community and our pastor currently serves as the Market place Chaplain in this business community. Over the last year we have renewed our focus on meeting people where they are - spending time at community events like the police bike rodeo and a police sponsored 3 on 3 basketball tournament. In all of this, God continues to be in our midst. This idea of meeting people where they are is part of our new mission statement:
The Journey is a community of believers dedicated to meeting people where they are, teaching them to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, and transforming lives through love and service.
Whether it be the Pilgrim Holiness Church of Millsboro, Millsboro Wesleyan Church, or The Journey, the mission remains the same - the transformation of lives. That continues to be our prayer. As we reflect on our past, we look forward with the same faith and expectation that first inspired our founding members.
The current look of the building. We now worship as "The Journey," but the mission remains. To God alone be the glory.
