Paul's Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia, A Church Steeped in History

Saint Paul's Episcopal Church, located at 815 Grace Street in Richmond, sits across from the State Capital and is home to an active congregation that participates in several outreach activities while embracing the history of the church in which they worship. The church holds several services per week, has activities aimed at children and seeks to minister to every member of the family.

This church also has a rich history. The first church to be built on the site was called Monumental Church. Built between 1812 and 1814, the church was to serve as a memorial for 72 people who died in an 1811 fire in a theater that once stood on the site.

When the size of the congregation grew too large for the church, the leaders decided to build an Episcopal church that could minister to the increasing congregation. In 1842, ambitious plans for a 1,000 seat church were set in motion. It would be the largest church built in Virginia up to that time.

The new church was completed in 1845 and is a wonderful example of Greek Revival architecture. The leaders of the church during that period would not hold to mores of the time. They baptized, married and held funerals for blacks, both slaves and free.

During the Civil War, Richmond was the Confederate capital. Both Robert E. Lee and Confederate President Jefferson Davis attended church at St. Paul's. It was also at this spot that Davis was informed that the Union troops were approaching Richmond.

Visitors come to see the place where the famous historical figures worshipped and others come to see the beautiful stained glass windows. One visitor said, "Beautiful church in the heart of downtown Richmond. You can see where Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee worshipped. Their pews are marked and easy to find. Many other historical features can be found. The pipe organ is very impressive as are the stained glass windows.''

So important is outreach to the current congregation that a full 20 percent of all money collected throughout the year is spent on the various outreach programs. Some of the outreach programs are listed below.

Emmaus Ministry

The church feeds a hot lunch to nearly 200 homeless men and women each Thursday. This ministry has been part of the church since 1973.

The Micah Ministry

Church members have partnered with a Richmond school to assist teachers and provide mentors who encourage high school students to consider attending college after graduation from high school.

Hull Street Feeding Ministry

Volunteers prepare and serve meals to residents of the Hull Street Community Shelter.

Those wishing to attend service or visit the church can see the churches website for updated service times and other information.