St. Paul’s Gothic Revival church, erected in 1900-01, reflects the national movement to establish permanent religious institutions in emerging American resort communities. The building’s design exemplifies Victorian Gothic architecture adapted to a coastal barrier island. St. Paul’s serves free hot meals five days a week and operates a food pantry for neighbors experiencing food insecurity, including many who are unhoused or living in unstable conditions. The church also maintains a temporary shelter on its property for people who are ineligible for other local shelters due to background-based admission requirements. St. Paul’s community kitchen has operated continuously for more than 15 years. Five days per week, hot, nutritious meals are served to 50-75 people daily, totaling approximately 13,350 meals annually. In addition, the Shepherd’s Crook Food Pantry distributes canned and baked goods four days a week.

A National Fund grant of $157,746 with $157,746 in matching funds raised by the congregation will address critical preservation needs including stained-glass restoration, roof and beam repairs, moisture mitigation, and pest eradication.

Photo by David Noonan