Saint Pauls Pentecostal Church

Can a church be born from a prayer meeting? Saint Pauls Pentecostal Church can trace its origins back to a simple prayer meeting. In 1957, a group of faithful individuals commuted from Brooklyn to New Jersey. They attended services at Faith Tabernacle. They also held their own prayer meetings in each other’s homes. Under the spiritual leadership of Sister Dorothy Wright, this group became known as St. Paul. Sister Wright, while still attending Faith Tabernacle, nurtured the burgeoning St. Paul group. She eventually became a Missionary and was ordained as Pastor in 1963. Saint Pauls Pentecostal Church quickly outgrew the confines of their homes. They established their first official location in a small storefront at 2020 Fulton St. In 1964, Saint Pauls Pentecostal Church secured its current home at 133 Hopkinson Ave, now known as Thomas S. Boyland Street. With a mere $500 down payment, they purchased the former Volunteers of America building. For over 50 years, this location has served as a spiritual anchor for the community. The adjacent vacant lot, once an eyesore, became church property in 1998. The City of New York, recognizing St. Paul’s contributions, transferred ownership to the church. This expansion allowed Saint Pauls Pentecostal Church to grow without leaving its beloved neighborhood. Saint Pauls Pentecostal Church has become a pillar of the community. It provides spiritual guidance and runs various programs. These include Youth in Action, a summer work program, a children’s day camp, scouting groups, sports leagues, sewing clubs, mentoring programs, adult literacy classes, job fairs, and health fairs. The St. Paul Enrichment Center also contributes to the church’s mission. Through these programs, Saint Pauls Pentecostal Church extends its reach beyond the pulpit. It shares the message of faith through tangible actions and community involvement.