“St. Paul United Methodist Church. ” The name whispers history. It’s a grand old brick building, steeped in the heart of Dallas’ African American community. It’s an imposing structure, built in the Collegiate Gothic Revival style, with towers and arched windows. The red brick walls have been lovingly maintained, bearing witness to a century of faith-filled lives.
St. Paul United Methodist Church was founded in 1873, during a pivotal time for freedmen and women, as a mission of the Wesley Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. Freedmen returning from New Orleans were its first members. Its first building stood right here, at 1816 Routh Street. But remember, this was long before Dallas became the bustling metropolis you see today.
And did you know? St. Paul didn’t just serve as a place of worship. For a time, it also housed in the same space a school for African American children. This was crucial. Imagine how important that education was for a community trying to rebuild their lives after slavery.
In 1913, the current sanctuary began rising from the ground. The design was entrusted to William Sidney Pittman, Dallas’s first African American architect. Today, generations later, we can still admire the craftsmanship of its intricate details. The interior features stained glass windows, balconies, sloping pews, and a beautiful choir loft. Now, imagine the echoes of voices singing hymns, prayers offered, and the spirit of community that thrives inside.
St. Paul has been a beacon of hope for African American communities not only in Dallas but beyond. The church even played a role in the founding of Huston-Tillotson College in Austin, Texas.
The church is a silent witness to history. It stood witness to the resilience and determination of a community that has weathered years of segregation and social changes. It still stands tall, a reminder of what they achieved together, and of the enduring power of faith.