WILMINGTON, DE — In a heartfelt tribute to a life spent in service to others, Wilmington has named a stretch of Thatcher Street in honor of the late Reverend Madison J. McRae. Mayor Mike Purzycki, accompanied by City Council Member Zanthia Oliver and other guests, unveiled the new street sign on Friday, designating the section between Vandever Avenue and 22nd Street as “Rev. Madison J. McRae Way.”
The unveiling took place outside the Christ Center, which McRae founded in 1990, on the eve of what would have been the Reverend’s 100th birthday. The Mayor also acknowledged Apostle Andre Harris and Council Member James Spadola for their support of the street renaming.
“Today we honor the late Reverend Madison McRae for an extraordinary life of service to the people of Wilmington,” said Mayor Purzycki. “A civil rights activist who took to heart the biblical commands to feed the hungry and house the homeless, Reverend McRae had a huge impact on the people he not only ministered to but aided in so many other ways.”
Born in Scotland, Georgia, Rev. McRae first arrived in Wilmington in the mid-Seventies to serve as Pastor of Foster Memorial Church, and later Scott AME Zion Church on the city’s east side. He was the first pastor in Wilmington to create a program for feeding the community at Thanksgiving, a tradition that continues to this day.
Rev. McRae’s contribution to the city went beyond spiritual guidance. He transformed the site of LeRoy’s Bar at the corner of Thatcher Street and Vandever Avenue into a house of worship – the Christ Center. The church’s original motto, “Bring Your Bible Where Your Bottle Used To Be,” reflects McRae’s conviction that faith can transform lives.
In addition to organizing food drives and Thanksgiving meals, Rev. McRae provided low-cost rentals to residents in need of affordable housing. He also started a clothes closet and car washes, and initiated a bricklayer training program for local youth. His work was driven by a deep belief in the dignity of every individual and the power of community.
The renaming of Thatcher Street is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to serving others and improving his community. Reverend McRae’s legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration for current and future generations, reminding us of the profound impact one person can have on a community.
As Wilmingtonians traverse Rev. Madison J. McRae Way, they will be reminded of a man who transformed a simple bar into a church, a hungry and in-need community into a nourished and thriving one, and a bustling city street into a meaningful symbol of service, kindness, and compassion. Through his impactful actions and now through this commemorative street name, Reverend McRae continues to inspire and lead the way for generations to come.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.