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Our HeritageThe history of St. Paul's spans almost five decades. In the early fifties, with Monroe growing in the north, the idea of a Methodist church in the area was born. At the Annual conference in June of 1952, the formation of the church was approved and Dr. Ben Oliphant was appointed pastor. Services were held at Georgia Tucker School until Lexington Elementary School was opened in September and services were held there. Sunday, September 7, 1952 was designated Charter Member Day with 204 people being recognized as Charter Members.Property at the corner of Orell Place and Lexington Avenue was purchased by First Methodist Church ad the Monroe Board of Missions. The decade of the fifties was a period of constant growth. The first parsonage at 1626 Milton Street was constructed, the original sanctuary was completed for Christmas services in 1953, educational space was added, and the remainder of the block was purchased. St. Paul's Day School was a vital part of this growth with the numbers of classes reaching nine by the end of the decade. Church enrollment had grown to over 600 members. This remarkable growth remained through the sixties. As the membership grew to near 1100, more space was required to accommodate the needs of an active church. With the parsonage and original church building paid for, plans for expansion were make. A beautiful new sanctuary, office, educational space, and parlor were completed in May, 1969. The 1970's were years of constant growth in hte lives of more than 1100 members through worship, the children's programs, activities of the Women's Society of Christian Service, and Men's groups. In 1977, the 25th Anniversary of St. Paul's was celebrated with a gift to the church by the congregation of the Carillon Bell System. The decade of the eighties saw continued growth, both in the physical plant and membership. The older section of the church and kitchen were refurbished and a new parsonage on Morgan Street was acquired for the senior minister. The parsonage on Milton Street became home to the associate pastor. The closing decade of the century was a period of meeting the needs of a large and varied congregation through worship, Christian education, social occasions, and outreach to the community and beyond. The need for further renovation of the existing plant and additional space was contemplated. Near the end of the nineties, ideas became plans, and plans became reality as renovations and construction gave a new look to St. Paul's. As the congregation of St. Paul's moves into the new century, the renovation and construction is a reality. Worship in the warmth of the sanctuary with the wonderful Christ window or the Grayson-Godfrey Chapel with its beautiful stained glass window dedicated to the memory of Tim Allen is being in the presence of God. This spirit is evident in the caring, sharing soul of St. Paul's and will lead us into the twenty-first century.
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Senior Pastor: J. Roddy Taylor 
