Episcopal services were originally held in a number of homes as early as 1783 conducted by the Rev. Samuel Andrews of Wallingford. By 1788, our services were conducted by the Rev. Reuben Ives, who was Rector of St. Peter’s Church of Cheshire. This continued until 1791 when our first church building was completed. The church underwent a number of changes in buildings as well as affiliations with other local churches.
The cornerstone of the current building was laid in 1892 and was consecrated later in the year. However, we continued to be considered a mission church. By 1919 St. Paul’s became recognized as an “organized, self-sustaining parish. The parish remained small and relatively self-centered.
The cornerstone of the current building was laid in 1892 and was consecrated later in the year. However, we continued to be considered a mission church. By 1919 St. Paul’s became recognized as an “organized, self-sustaining parish. The parish remained small and relatively self-centered.
In 1953 the Rev. Norton G. Hinkley became Rector and during his 15 years here, St. Paul’s began to take on its current appearance. By 1957 we had added a new parish house and classrooms. In 1960 St. Paul’s received a legacy from the estate of Mrs. Bertha Wheeler. This windfall was shared with All Saints Mission, Wolcott: Berkeley Seminary, Missions to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Navajo Indian reservation and Holiday House Christian social relations programs. Additionally, we purchased a new rectory, demolishing the old one and replaced it with a new parking lot, and completed the undercroft.
In 1982, the Rev. John McGinn became Rector and during his tenure to 1995, the Southington Bread for Life Program was formed from the Southington Social Action Program with other area churches and remained at St. Paul’s for the next 20 years. We began to host Boy Scout Troop #45 and a number of AA groups. We hosted 5 Catholic/Anglican girls from Belfast, Northern Ireland to share a month with 5 St. Paul’s families. We also renovated our kitchen and established the Memorial Garden for a final resting place for the ashes of deceased loved ones.
The Reverend Ophelia Laughlin (1998-2000), our first woman priest, was instrumental in increasing St. Paul’s involvement in social and outreach issues, including sponsoring a displaced family from Kosovo. We began to increase our attention to both youth and adult Christian Education. In December 2007, the Reverend Judith Toffey was appointed Interim Rector after the untimely retirement of Rev. Wysong due to health. She will serve until the parish calls a new priest. Once again St. Paul's Chuch went in search of a new Rector.
In June, 2009, the Reverand Doctor, Suzannah Rohman answered our Call and joined us for the first time on August 9th. |
In 1969 we received matching funds from the Wheeler bequest and began construction of Wheeler Village, a federally funded moderate-income housing project. Members of St. Paul’s continue to serve on the Board.By 1970, St. Paul’s started to move in the direction of “Outreach” with RAFT (Reach A Friend Today) aimed at troubled youth. By the mid 1970’s, with women’s ordination approved by the General Convention, St. Paul’s women began to serve as acolytes, chalice bearers and lay readers.
For the second time within 4 years, St. Paul’s had to search for a new priest. Although this could be a trying time for a parish, we were able again to maintain our internal strength and convictions, by not only increasing our membership, but also increasing financial pledging.
The Reverend Terry M. Wysong came to lead St. Paul’s as Rector from 2001-2007, during which time the parish saw additional increases in membership and funding, as well as program growth, In particular, Christian Education for children and adults, quiet days and retreats. Outreach continued in 2006 with a mission of our youth to Mission Group Camp in Delaware to help build a house. In 2007 our J2A (Journey to Adulthood) group was sponsored on a pilgrimage to Scotland. The parish purchased a parcel of land in anticipation of future expansion and began a Long Range Planning process that continues into 2008 and beyond. |