Our Church Home and History

St. Paul's has a rich history dating back to the 1840's as one of Iowa's earliest Methodist congregations.   The Rev. John Hodges preached the first sermon to what was to become St. Paul's Methodist congregation in the one-room log cabin of Mr. and Mrs. John Listeberger on the west banks of the Cedar River.  A devout core of pioneer families met and worshipped in humble log houses and Cedar Rapids' first schoolhouse over the next thirteen years led by circuit-riding preachers.

In 1853 the small congregation of about 120 members purchased land for $180 at the site which is currently 87 Green Square Park.  Here the "Little Brick Church" was built in 1856 after much effort and sacrifice.  But the original structure was blown down by a windstorm and had to be  rebuilt from the ground up.  From 1873-78 a growing congregation built a new church at "the foot of the sand hills" on the "far east edge of town" (next to the current YWCA at 4th Ave. and 5th St. SE).

Twenty years later, a rapidly growing congregation of 1100 members needed a new church with more space for Sunday School and social and recreational activities in addition to worship.  The congregation purchased "country property" near the circus grounds in 1909 and hired famed architect Louis Sullivan to design a $100,000 facility.  Sullivan responded to their vision by designing a "modern church for a 7-day program"--proclaimed by the Gazette:  "the Most Unique Religious Edifice in the Country."  The third and current church was dedicated in 1914.

The Education Wing was added in 1963 providing more Sunday School rooms and meeting spaces.  A designated area for handbell choirs was constructed in the sanctuary in 1976, a new pipe organ and console were completed in 1977, and the columbarium was added in 1981.

Since the mid 1990's, the church has been purchasing adjoining properties as they become available.  Planning continues for expanding and renovating our current facilities to accommodate our ever-increasing ministries at St. Paul's.

All to the glory of God.