Saint Paul’s Church

In 1763, under the oversight of the Bishop of London, Saint Paul’s was founded as a mis­sion church. It was the first non-Puritan church to be gathered in what is now Portland. The first building was located on Church Street off Mid­dle Street in the old city. During the Revolutionary War, Portland became one of only a couple of cities to be burned by the British. Saint Paul’s was lost in the attack. The second building on Pearl Street at New- bury Street , was destroyed in the Great Portland Fire of 1866. The present church, of 12th Century Simple Gothic design, was started in 1867, intentionally away from the city center on Congress Street. It was designed by architect Mr. George Pelham and planned to be forty feet longer and fifteen feet wider with a large tower and spire, but never finished. A beautiful stained glass Trinity window is located on the west wall. A Rose window graces the east wall above the high altar symbolizing the four evangelists, Mathew, Mark, Luke and John . The attached rectory, from the same period, is one of Portland’s best examples of Gothic Revival style and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Since the War of 1812, Saint Paul’s has enjoyed serving as the Maritime Church for the local seagoing community. This includes all who serve and work on the world’s seas and their families. One of Saint Paul’s more notable members was Commodore Edward Preble, Commander of the USS Constitution. Now in its 247 th year, St. Paul’s has remained true to the Anglican faith while others have changed. Please feel welcome and join us for worship that is rich, spiritual and traditional. Please join us for coffee after our 10 am Mass.

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