2024 COHORT

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Marquette, Michigan

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, a landmark in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, has served as a center for and catalyst of community activity since its mid-19th century founding.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Photo by Fred Cole

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Photo by Fred Cole

2024 Cohort

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Marquette, Michigan

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, a landmark in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, has served as a center for and catalyst of community activity since its mid-19th century founding.

St. Paul’s congregation began in 1851 when the first Episcopalians of Marquette held services aboard the steamship Planet in Marquette Harbor. Many of the founding members of Marquette were members of St. Paul’s, and the parish hired renowned architect Gordon W. Lloyd to design the Gothic Revival sandstone church, which was completed in 1875.

St. Paul’s has nurtured and supported many community groups that have gone on to become strong assets in the community of Marquette, including the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity, Marquette Women’s Center, Camp New Day (for children with incarcerated parents), Room at the Inn (a shelter for people experiencing homelessness), and Northern Michigan University’s Ripple Effect student assistance. The arts and music programs at St. Paul’s are particularly strong, including hosting the Pine Mountain Music Festival and Superior String Alliance. The Michigan Vocal Music Association Solo & Ensemble, Lake Superior Community Theater, and Queen City Dance Company have also shared space at the church.

A National Fund grant of $135,000 to be matched by $135,000 raised by the congregation will allow St. Paul’s to address urgent masonry and stained glass window restoration.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Photo by Fred Cole

Spotlighting Women’s History at Historic Houses of Worship

Religious institutions have served both as a platform for the advancement of women’s rights and opportunities, and women have played critical roles in advancing religious traditions. The leadership and community building opportunities within these sacred sites have been critical to increasing female independence outside of the home and allowing women to develop institutions that strengthen their congregations and broader communities. The four historic houses of worship highlighted embody positive examples of how the histories of women and religion are inherently linked.

First Church in Oberlin

Stories and Media Coverage

Read more about how the National Fund for Sacred Places is helping congregations around the country rehabilitate their sacred places.

Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church by Luis P. Gutierrez