Our Building's History

St. Paul's church was founded in 1838 and predates the incorporation of the city of Milwaukee (1842), the state of Wisconsin (1848) and the Diocese of Wisconsin. In fact, it was host to the Diocesan founding convention on June 24th, 1848. The current building, constructed of red Lake Superior sandstone and dedicated in October of 1884, is a stunning example of Richardsonian Romanesque ecclesiastical architecture.

The church property occupies one-half of a city block and includes a parking lot and small urban park. The sanctuary seats 430 people for services. The first floor of the church building contains a large meeting hall (the Great Hall), the nursery, a commercially equipped kitchen, the Parlor and a small library. The second floor contains administrative offices and the choir rehearsal room. The basement has a charming children's chapel, numerous classrooms and an activity center. During the work-week a daycare center operates in the basement space.

Also on the property is a turn-of-the century cream city brick building that houses the Thrift Shop and a residential apartment. The Thrift Shop began in 1951 and has been in continuous operation since, raising funds for St. Paul's as well as community outreach programs. It is staffed by twelve dedicated volunteers.

Just before Christmas 1950, a fire caused extensive damage to the property. The main body of the church was saved, but the total cost of reconstruction was considerable. Fortunately, most of the windows survived - an important detail - as St. Paul's has the largest collection of Tiffany windows in Wisconsin. Among the 16 large stained-glass windows are ten creations of the Tiffany Studios including some bearing Tiffany signatures.

Very early in St. Paul's history, the possibility of starting a cemetery was considered and in June 1845, the first ground for what is now Forest Home Cemetery was purchased in 1849 - 72 acres "for the Sleep of the Dead." Purchases of land through the years 1850 to 1910 brought the area to 200 acres. Both the cemetery and the chapel are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Forest Home Cemetery is a public trust administered by the rector, wardens and vestry of St. Paul's.