Remember Houston’s burgeoning south end in the early 1900s? That’s where the story of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church begins. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church stands as a testament to faith. It also showcases the power of community.
In December 1905, a group of individuals gathered at the J.O. Ross family home. They envisioned a new Methodist congregation. They even held Christmas Eve services in the city auditorium. On January 14, 1906, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church officially organized. It started with 153 charter members. Bishop Joseph Key preached the first sermon. He suggested the name St. Paul’s. The Ross family donated land at Milam and McGowen streets for a new building. Architect R.D. Steele designed the church building. It was consecrated in January 1909. The design reflected a Grecian style. It included a dome reminiscent of Byzantine architecture.
As Houston grew, so did St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. In the late 1920s, members began a campaign for larger facilities. Generous contributions came from Jesse H. Jones. Walter Fondren Sr. also gave. James Marion West Sr. added to the donations. Each contributed $150,000. Noted architect Alfred C. Finn was hired to design the new building. The location was the corner of Main and Binz streets.
The new St. Paul’s United Methodist Church featured a Neo-Gothic style. It had a cruciform plan on a steel-frame structure. Limestone cladding was added. Stained glass windows came from the original structure. The tower housed bells also from the original sanctuary. It became known as one of Houston’s grandest houses of worship.
In 1954, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church started a Mothers’ Day Out program. It served children up to age 3. St. Paul’s School was launched in 1973. It served 3 and 4-year-olds. A kindergarten program was added in 1982. St. Paul’s School gained accreditation. The National Association for the Education of Young Children gave it accreditation. It was the first in the city to be accredited by NAEYC. In 2024, St. Paul’s School celebrated its 70th anniversary. A gala was held in its honor.
The Bankston Green was dedicated in September 2014. It honored retired pastor Jim Bankston and his wife Sandy. It is a plaza on church property. It adjoins the city’s Museum Walk. It features wider sidewalks and green areas. Enhanced seating and lighting were added. A pavement labyrinth was constructed. The Mayor’s Proud Partners program of Keep Houston Beautiful gave the project the Landmark Award.
St. Paul’s United Methodist Church has a strong emphasis on social justice issues. It also focuses on radical hospitality. An advocacy group called Texas Health Care For All operates here. They advocate for a single-payer health care system. Rev. Dr. Jim Bankston served as pastor from 1995 to 2013. He was an outspoken advocate for immigration reform. He led the Breaking the Silence movement. This movement welcomes all people into the church. It also works to ordain members of the LGBTQ+ communities. The current senior minister of St. Paul’s is Rev. Dr. Jeff McDonald.
From its humble beginnings to its current status, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church has remained a beacon of hope. It is a place of worship. It is a center for social justice. It welcomes all. The church’s history reflects Houston’s growth. It also mirrors the changing needs of its community. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church continues to evolve. It will continue to be a vital part of Houston for years to come.