“God’s table” defines St. Clement’s Episcopal Church. All are welcome here. Our true selves are needed. Let me share the story of this special place with you.
St. Clement’s Episcopal Church is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community. It achieves this through worship services and support programs. This historic church in Saint Paul offers Holy Eucharist services on Sundays. It also provides formation programs for all ages. Pastoral care is available for those in crisis.
St. Clement’s actively engages with its neighbors. It provides essential support rooted in compassion and love. The church’s vibrant community celebrates diversity. It encourages personal growth and spiritual development. It is a welcoming space for everyone regardless of their spiritual journey. All are invited to meaningful worship and fellowship.
The story of St. Clement’s began as a mission church named Emmanuel Mission in 1893. In 1894, Mrs. Theodore Eaton donated money to build a church. It was to honor her husband. He had been the rector of St. Clement’s Church in New York City. The Bishop of Minnesota chose Emmanuel Mission. It was renamed St. Clement’s.
Minnesota’s best-known architect, Cass Gilbert, designed St. Clement’s. He drew inspiration from English parish churches. The exterior features dolomitic limestone. The roof is Vermont slate. The south entrance portico is decoratively carved. A tower houses eight working bells. Gilbert also included a lychgate. Large lawns and gardens surround the church.
The interiors reflect the Arts and Crafts movement. They feature polychromatic plaster painting and stenciling. Douglas fir trusses and carved oak elements add beauty. Tiffany and Charles Lamb created stained glass. Encaustic tile and Georgia marble complete the interior.
Music has always been important at St. Clement’s. Music directors have led the choir for over a century. They developed the choral groups. Music directors and parishioners have written original pieces. The choirs have performed in England and Ireland. The Aeolian-Skinner organ is known for its stacked pipes. The building’s acoustics are excellent.
St. Clement’s has a commitment to children and youth. They can participate in worship services in many ways. In the 1920s and 30s, youth put on theater productions. Boy Scout troops and one of the first Girl Scout chapters in Minnesota met here. From 2000 to 2012, youth went on pilgrimages and mission trips.
Service to the larger community has always been a priority. In the 1920s, the church supported the Church Home. It also established a mission Sunday school. Hospitals and Sheltering Arms orphanage received support. During World War II, the War Service Club sent supplies to service people. In the 1970s, St. Clement’s sponsored Vietnamese refugees. A Haitian family and a Nepali family were also supported.
Lay leadership has been an important strength. Long-tenured rectors have guided the church. These include the Reverends Glenn Lewis, George Stierwald, and Daniel Pearson. Beth Royalty was the first female rector.
Amelia Earhart was a parishioner at St. Clement’s. She sang in the choir.
St. Clement’s Episcopal Church has a rich history. It is a welcoming community. It continues to grow in faith and love. It proclaims the Good News of God in Christ.