Since its incorporation as the “First Protestant Episcopal Church and Society of Maumee and Miami City” in 1836, St. Paul’s has remained a spiritual and temporal landmark in the Maumee Valley.

The parish began in the mid-1830’s when a small log chapel was constructed on the grounds of James and Mary Wolcott’s home in the “lower end” of Maumee. The Reverend Burton Hickox, “a man of distinguished eloquence and piety,” arrived from the East in 1837 to tend these remote worshippers on the edge of civilization. Hickox held services on Sunday afternoons in the chapel so that he could share his message with the Episcopal mission in Toledo (Trinity Church) and other members of his scattered flock.

Soon after Hickox’s arrival, a “neat edifice” at the “upper end” of town was under construction. St. Paul’s was the first area congregation to utilize an organ and a “respectable choir” in the worship service. By the time this chapel was completed in the summer of 1837, parishioners were already considering a larger and grander house of worship.

The current church was built in 1841 on land donated by Judge James Wolcott. The neo-Gothic architecture reflected a fascination with ritual and tradition. In addition to the high peaked roof, the elongated lancet windows, and doorways, the early structure supported a four-spider square bell tower. It was removed in the 1880’s because of its weight. The supporting beams of the brick church were hand-hewn. Tree bark still remains on many of the rafters. Furnishings were likely made by local artisans and the original altar, a small table, still stands in the baptistery as a reminder of a humble beginning.

For over a century and a half, a succession of dedicated clergymen have guided St. Paul’s through prosperity and adversity. The Reverend Hickox, during his relatively short ministry, was first to establish a tradition of community service and involvement. He spoke openly of the evils of slavery and pushed for the formation of an Anti-Slavery Society in Maumee. He also joined neighboring clerics in the formation of a Temperance Society.

Also notable is the Reverend Mark Jukes, who began his ministry at St. Paul’s in 1852. Jukes and his wife, Harriet, set an example of selflessness and service during the cholera epidemic of 1854 as the pestilence nearly decimated the community. Jukes, in spite of the obvious dangers, persisted in caring for the sick and dying until he too, succumbed to the deadly disease. Harriet was stricken on the eve of his funeral, leaving six orphaned children. Her letters to England offer a stirring account of life in Maumee and the St. Paul’s community. The letters are a testimony of her faith in God, her compassion for others, and the perils of the disease. (click here to read her letters! )

As the role of the church in the community and in the lives of its parishioners has expanded, the physical church has grown accordingly, beginning with the Chancel and Sacristy. The rectory, built in 1836, was relocated in 1934 to allow construction for the new parish hall. The tower, and its twenty-five bell Degan Carrillon, was added in 1938. The Education Building was constructed in 1958 and has been the home of a parish sponsored preschool ever since. The Rev. Malcolm Ward Library was added in 1971. The Respite Care Program was begun in 1990. The Current Rector, J. Paul Board began his ministry at St. Paul’s in 1997.