“Why not?” That’s the question that seems to echo through the halls of Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church. This isn’t just a church. It’s a living testament to faith in action.
Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church stands as a beacon of radical welcome on the Upper West Side. Its story began far away on the Lower East Side in 1834. It was then known as the Second Wesleyan Chapel.
Economic shifts and disagreements caused changes. The location and name changed but the mission endured. In 1897, the congregation completed the church building at 86th and West End Avenue. It was then known as Saint Paul’s Methodist Church.
Fast forward to 1937. Saint Paul’s Methodist Church merged with Saint Andrew’s Methodist Church. Saint Andrew’s was located on 76th Street. This union created the Church of Saint Paul & Saint Andrew.
In the 1930s and 40s, the sanctuary thrived. 1,200 people would fill its seats. Its services became known for their vocal quartet. A famed Metropolitan Opera soprano, Eleanor Steber, was even a member. But times changed. By the 1960s, families moved to the suburbs. Church membership declined. Instead of closing, the remaining members chose a different path. They decided to serve the needs of their neighborhood.
This ethos defines Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church. It continues to shape its thriving community. The church launched social outreach programs in the 1970s. These programs continue to tie the church to the community today. The West Side Campaign Against Hunger began in a small cupboard. Now, it serves over 10,000 families each month. The sanctuary even became an emergency food warehouse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church has a deep commitment to New York’s immigrants. In 1963, it launched its first Spanish-language ministry. It continues a dual language Sunday School program. A weekly Homework Help program serves children from Spanish-dominant households. In 2018, the church offered sanctuary to a Central American family facing deportation. This act gained national and international attention.
In 2022, a new wave of immigration arrived. The church inaugurated a “Miracle Mondays” resource fair. It welcomes hundreds of refugees and asylum-seekers. They provide food, clothing, legal services, and healthcare referrals.
Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church nurtures interfaith relationships. They work with Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. In 1991, B’nai Jeshurun’s roof collapsed. Saint Paul & St. Andrew shared its sanctuary. The synagogue still holds High Holy Day services there. The church has shared space with many other religious groups.
Active involvement in the arts is another key component. A renovation created the West End Theatre. It supports the performing arts. The theatre has launched successful productions. Films and TV shows have also been filmed here. Today, Bedlam Theatre Company manages the West End Theatre.
Since the 1990s, Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church has advocated for social justice. In 1991, it became a reconciling congregation. This welcomed LGBTQ+ individuals. In 2019, members shut down the United Methodist Church General Conference. This protested anti-queer legislation.
For over forty years, Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church has mentored progressive Christian leaders. Today, its people serve communities worldwide. Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church embraces change and new ideas. It sees itself as “The Church of ‘Why Not?'” Building on its vibrant community, it trusts in the power of the Holy Spirit. They are excited to face the future with open arms.