Bet you didn’t know that St. Paul’s Episcopal Church began with a disagreement. This disagreement centered on Reverend William McClenachan. Some parishioners from Christ Church supported him. Others did not.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church emerged in 1760. It was formed by those who broke away from Christ Church. They supported Reverend William McClenachan. He was associated with evangelical beliefs. These beliefs were part of the Great Awakening. Some leaders and the Bishop of London blocked McClenachan. They stopped him from getting a position at Christ Church. They worried about his past and his Presbyterian support. His followers left and created St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. McClenachan became their minister.
The first meeting was at Independence Hall on June 22, 1760. Soon, they started building their own church. This church would be on Third Street. To fund the construction, the church held a lottery. This was a common fundraising method. They hoped to raise 3,000 pieces of eight.
An advertisement appeared in Benjamin Franklin’s Pennsylvania Gazette. It described the church and the lottery. It mentioned well-disposed Christians who contributed. The building was already under construction. The lottery aimed to complete it. They issued 5,000 tickets at four dollars each. The advertisement promised favorable odds. Many prizes were available including a grand prize.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church was completed later in 1761. The first services were on December 20, 1761. Reverend McClenachan remained the rector for a few more years. He retired in 1765 and moved to Maryland. He died a year later. His departure helped resolve the conflict. In 1773, his successor was ordained by the Bishop of London.
Reverend William Stringer became a source of controversy. During the American Revolution, he stayed loyal to the British. Many parishioners supported the patriots. In 1777, the British army captured Philadelphia. Stringer preached from Ezekiel 20. He spoke of Israel’s rebelliousness. A verse seemed like a threat. It mentioned purging rebels. Church members saw it as a veiled threat. This sermon ended Stringer’s time as rector. He left and returned to England.
During the 19th century, St. Paul’s had prominent rectors. Stephen H. Tyng served from 1829 to 1833. He led the evangelical wing of the Episcopal Church. His ministry focused on social services for the poor. He also altered the church building. He made space for Sunday school programs. He removed old-fashioned elements including the high-back pews. William Strickland oversaw the project. The building was re-dedicated in 1831.
R. Heber Newton was another notable rector. His father had served there before. The younger Newton became rector in 1866 at age 26. He left after three years. He became rector at All Souls’ Church in New York City. He became a leader in the Social Gospel movement. He faced heresy charges for his views. He retained his position until 1902.
By the late 19th century, the neighborhood declined. Many affluent parishioners moved away. Attendance and revenue dropped. In 1901, the leaders wanted to dissolve St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. They wanted to transfer the property to St. Peter’s Church.
The building remained in use by the Episcopal Church. Today, it still stands with few exterior changes. It is now home to Episcopal Community Services since 1906. This organization offers assistance programs. It focuses on food, housing, healthcare, and education. It fulfills the Social Gospel ideals of ministers like Tyng and Newton.
It is interesting to note that the churchyard is the final resting place of Edwin Forrest. Forrest was a famous tragedian. He was known for roles like Spartacus.
So, while St. Paul’s Episcopal Church may no longer hold traditional services, its legacy of community service and social justice continues. It stands as a testament to the evolving role of faith in a changing world.