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St. Paul's Church is a blend of both old and new. Established in 1740, we have a rich history of over 250 years of worship and ministry in the Woodbury area. At the same time, we are an active and vibrant community of believers in Jesus Christ whose membership includes over 300 households from Woodbury, Southbury and surrounding towns.

We have a dynamic children's church school as well as active retirees. In addition to our weekend worship services, there are programs and special events that bring us together during the week.

Our parish facilities are utilized for a variety of community activities ranging from scouting to recovery groups.

We would love to have you as a part of our family. Come to one of our services and see what St. Paul's is all about first hand. If you have any questions we can answer, please call our offices at (203) 263-3541, or send us an e-mail at...

st.paulswoodbury@charterinternet.com

A Brief History

St. Paul's Church, organized in 1740, is the birthplace of the American Epsicopate. On March 25, 1783, ten Connecticut clergy met in the Glebe House (St. Paul's rectory at that time) and elected the Reverend Samuel Seabury to be the first Bishop in Connecticut. Bishop Seabury was consecrated Bishop in Aberdeen, Scotland on Novemeber 14, 1784 and thus became the first American Bishop of the Episcopal Church.

The Parish called John Rutgers Marshall as its first rector in 1771. The Reverend Mr. Marshall organized a vital, active parish despite the great difficulties faced by a Church of England clergyman during the American Revolution.

In 1785, St. Paul's Parish voted to begin construction of "a worthy edifice for the conduction of services." After much travail, the building was consecrated in 1822. The main church building has undergone several renovations. In the 1950s, it was returned to its original colonial elegance under the direction of Reverend Nelson Pearson, who in addition to being Rector, was also an architect. The Reverend Mr. Pearson also designed the adjoining Parish House, which was built in 1960 and incorporated the former Woodbury Probate Court building. In 1987, a major renovation of the parish House was completed.

In 1990, St. Paul's celebbrated its 250th year of ministry in Woodbury. In 1994, the church interior was renovated and freshly painted, giving new brilliance to its historic grandeur. In 1995, we dedicated a wonderful new instrument to the glory of God, the Walker Organ, a traditional English tracker action pipe organ.

© 2005 St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 294 Main Street South, Woodbury, CT 06798 • (203) 263-3541 • stpaulswoodbury@charterinternet.com