History, Architecture & Campus
Historic St. Paul’s
St. Paul’s has served Wilmington since 1858. Our history includes worship across racial lines at the parish’s founding, disruption during yellow fever and the Civil War, ministry through a school for Black children during Reconstruction, the formation of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church by Black members of St. Paul’s, several church buildings, and generations of worship, music, education, service, and community partnership.
Our present church brings together historic stained glass, neo-Gothic architecture, sacred furnishings, and excellent acoustics. The building tells a story of continuity and renewal, while the parish continues to open its doors in welcome.
Parish History Timeline
Architecture & Campus
St. Paul’s Today
Today St. Paul’s is a vibrant, open-minded, and diverse community of faith. We give priority to meaningful worship in the Anglican tradition, music of exceptional quality, warm hospitality, faithful outreach, and pastoral care. Our church’s acoustics and two organs draw people from across the community for concerts and recitals, while Sunday receptions and parish life help visitors become friends.
We continue to grow as people of God, worshiping faithfully and serving the community in which we live.
The Ormond Center
The Ormond Center is located at 1624 Princess Street, at the southwest corner of 17th and Princess streets. Formerly a dental office, the building was purchased by St. Paul’s in 2016 and named for the Rev. John J. Ormond, rector from 1980 to 1988. Fr. Ormond remembered St. Paul’s in his will, and his gift provided the funds for the purchase.
The Ormond Center now serves as the parish office and houses the offices of the rector, church administrator, finance manager, and associate for youth and parish life. The music director and pastoral-care offices have been located in the Parish Hall.
Tour the Church
Join a guided tour on the first Sunday of the month after the 10:30 a.m. service, or use the self-guided architectural tour to explore the building’s history, windows, furnishings, and sacred spaces.
PDF/DOWNLOAD for Self-guided tour booklet for St. Paul’s Church link to print a copy.
