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HISTORY
OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCH CHESTNUT HILL
St. Paul's Episcopal Church sits on a tract of land that was purchased in 1856. The land was subject to a yearly ground rent of $120.00, later forgiven.
During its almost 150 years, St. Paul's has had a rich history, one that is currently being written by local historian David Contosta. Publication of the history is set for November, 2006, as part of the church's 150th anniversary (sesquicentennial) celebration.
Three of St. Paul's 10 rectors - the Rt. Revs. William Hobart Hare, Malcolm Edicott Peabody and James Russell Moodey - have gone on from St. Paul's to serve as bishops of our church. Many parishioners have been active in the diocese and national church.
A brief history of the buildings follows after which we are including the history written for our centennial in 1956. Enjoy our history. Every Christian is welcome to be a part of our future.
The chapel (the first building) cost $4,874.50. The architect, E. J. Carver was paid a fee of $251.37.
The chapel had 32 pews holding five each, and three unenclosed seats. The communion table cost $25. Outside there were sheds for horses and carriages. The chapel stood where the southwest corner of the parish house now is, and part of the present wall of the parish house was the wall of the chapel.
By the fall of 1861, the church had grown so much that it was necessary to build a larger church. The cornerstone was laid October 25, 1861. This was the church that stood until it was replaced by the present one. The contract price for the building was $6,250.00. The church measured 90'x 47', not including the chancel and vestibule, and would have fit into the nave of our present church. The interior reportedly was bare and depressing. The beauty that was added to it in the following years came as an expression of love from parishioners.
In 1911 plans for enlargement were again presented. By February, 1928, the vestry decided to begin construction at once. The last service was held in the old church in June, and the cornerstone of the new church was laid July 8, 1928.
The present church was built on the foundation of the first church. Opening day of the new church was May 19, 1929. The church debt was cleared and in 1942 the church consecrated.
The ceiling of the church is built like a boat, symbolic of the Ark and the boat of the Fishermen. The altar faces east, and the rose window is located to the west. The first window east of the side door was dedicated in 1948. It is the Martyr Window dedicated to the memory of the men of the parish who gave their lives in World War II. The ornamental carvings in the altar rail include: grapes (the symbol of the sacrament of Holy Communion), pelican (the symbol of the atonement of Jesus) and the Pomegranate (the symbol of resurrection).
Inscriptions over the entrance doors
"O go your way into his courts with thanksgiving and into his gates with praise."
"Enter ye in by the narrow gate, for narrow is the gate that leadeth unto life."
"I am the door, by me if any man enter in he shall be saved."
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