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The original church building, St. Paul's Cathedral
and Chapel, downtown at New York and Illinois Streets. St. Paul's was the first Episcopal Cathedral built in the United States. photo circa 1867 |
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November 17, 1946: The Meridian Street church under construction. |
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St. Paul's extensive renovation and expansion project was completed in December 2007. During the 18-month construction period the congregation worshiped in the Parish Hall.
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Parish History & Renovations
A brief overview of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, established in 1866.
Innovation has been a part of the fabric of St. Paul's since it was established nearly 150 years ago. In 1866, our founders took innovative action and broke away from Christ Church to form St. Paul's. They built a magnificent cathedral-like church at the corner of New York and Illinois Streets in downtown Indianapolis, where St. Paul's Church and prospered for over 70 years.
In the late 1930s, however, the congregation was dwindling, and the parish boldly determined the church building and downtown location no longer facilitated St. Paul's mission. Architects were hired, plans were made, and following World War II, the congregation built a new church in the "country" at the bend on North Meridian Street.
In 2006, a growing congregation, coupled with a church building in need of repairs and failing pipe organ, prompted an 18-month Renovation and Expansion Project. While the 180-degree reorientation of the sanctuary is perhaps the project's most unusual aspect, it is one of many major updates. St. Paul's custom-built pipe organ from Casavant Frères features 72 individual stops, 90 ranks (totaling 5,144 pipes) and two consoles. Additions to the bulding included 210 more seats, a new lobby, nursery, multipurpose classrooms, clergy suite, music office, choir lounge and restrooms (including a family restroom).
Outside, a 123-foot bell tower soars above the tree line. The tower's four bells each bear their own inscription: soli Deo Gloria; St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, A.D. 2007; "Rejoice in the Lord always" Philippians 4:4; and Alleluia. Christ is risen.
With the city's approval St. Paul's vacated the portion of 61st Street that divided the Church Building and Parish Center properties. The street level was then raised several feet and transformed into a recreational area with landscaping, a new playground, and a garth and cloister connecting the buildings. In the Parish Center building, its outdated children's chapel was transformed into a new youth space.
Today, St. Paul's has the largest active membership in the Diocese of Indianapolis. We are proud to be known as a leading supporter of local, national and international outreach initatives, and continuously work to live our Vision, "Innovative Mission for Christ."
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