History of St. Paul's
by Martha Holland, senior church historian
On May 23, 1868, a group of members from the Reformed Church Members living in Westminster
set forth on a mission -- not to foreign soils, not to teach to non-Christians,
but on a mission to build a church. Since before the Civil War, members of the
Reformed Churches in Carroll County had been trying to erect a house of worship
in downtown Westminster. Through years of hard work, perseverance, and
dedication, the dream became a reality.
In service to our Lord since 1869, St. Paul's was built with 25 members to the congregation at a cost of $16,500. In eight short years, the mortgage was paid in full. Dedicated for use in 1870, St. Paul's was praised for its beauty and compared to none others in the Maryland Classis.
In 1893, the current parsonage building was completed for use as a home to over one dozen pastors in the following 100 years. In 1993, the parsonage was rededicated as the Parish House, currently home to our church offices.
The 1950's brought growth and change. The decade began with
the addition of our Fellowship Hall and ended with the purchase of the Royer
building and remodelling of the Sanctuary. In 1957, the union of the
Evangelical and Reformed Churches with the Congregational Churches resulted in
the formation of the United Church of Christ.
St. Paul's is a friendly and caring church. We have worked together in love
and fellowship for a common cause -- to love God and serve all humankind. We
hope that our future history will reflect the same spirit of self-sacrifice and
compassion that our forebears displayed.
Last update: October 28, 2003