The soaring spire of Saint Paul Church pierces the Savannah sky. Its red brick facade whispers tales of resilience and faith. This isn’t just any church. Saint Paul Church stands as a testament to Savannah’s enduring spirit.
Established in 1852 Saint Paul’s began as a City Mission. This was a “Free Episcopal Church”. This meant it didn’t charge rent for pews. People of all incomes could worship here. The Mission thrived. By 1857 enough money was raised to build a church on Calhoun Square. Generous donations fueled this. A legacy from Mrs Dorothy Abrahams helped too.
Tragedy struck. The original Saint Paul Church burned in 1866. Accounts of the fire conflict. Some say boys playing caused it. Others claim it was arson. Regardless the church was lost. Its furnishings destroyed. Worse still the building was used as a military hospital.
The parish persevered. Saint John’s Parish helped. They secured new land. The church became St Matthew’s Chapel. A series of setbacks followed. A yellow fever epidemic hampered growth. Eventually St Matthew’s became Saint Paul’s again in 1892. It moved to Duffy and Barnard Streets.
Rev John Scully became rector. He brought in changes. He introduced Catholic customs. This included weekly Eucharist celebrations. He used ancient vestments. Some Savannahians criticized him. They called him a Jesuit. He insisted on Eucharistic candles. He required women to wear veils at confirmations.
A generous bequest from Mrs Eliza Lewis Clinch changed Saint Paul’s forever. The bequest was for $40000. Saint Paul’s sold its building on Duffy and Barnard Streets. The money funded a new church. The new land was at Abercorn and 34th Streets.
John Sutcliffe designed the current building. He modeled it on a 14th-century English Collegiate Church. The exterior is Augusta red brick. The interior is Birmingham red brick. The wood is Georgia heart pine. The furnishings were crafted in Oberammergau Germany. The great West Window depicts Jesus blessing children.
The cornerstone of the new Saint Paul Church was laid in 1907. The first service was held in November 1907. Rev Samuel McGlohon served as rector for 24 years. He also served as Archdeacon of Savannah. A parish house was built in 1927. Tragedy struck that year. A construction worker died. McGlohon’s daughter also passed away.
The story of Saint Paul Church is one of unwavering faith. It’s a story of rebuilding after fires and epidemics. It’s a story of generous benefactors. It’s a story of architectural beauty and spiritual resilience. As you stand before Saint Paul’s Church you feel the weight of its history. You feel its enduring strength. You feel the quiet devotion that permeates its walls.