Founded in 1818, the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston is a historic Epicopalian cathedral with a thriving congregation.

History of Cathedral Church of St. Paul

St. Paul's was founded in 1818. At that time, there were two other Episcopal parishes in Boston - Old North Church and Trinity Church - both of which were founded as Anglican churches before the Revolution. St. Paul's was the first parish church with entirely American origins in the city, as well as the first Neoclassical building in New England.

In 1912, St. Paul's was consecrated the cathedral church of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

The Cathedral Church of St. Paul has witnessed a number of historic events over the centuries. In 1846, Alexander Crummel was ordained deacon; he was the first African-American to be ordained in Massachusetts and only the third in the entire country. It would be 121 years before another African-American was ordained in the state.

In December 1985, the first public AIDS healing service in Boston was held at St. Paul's. In September 1988, the first woman bishop in the Anglican Communion, Barbara C. Harris, was elected in St. Paul's. Muslims have used the building for Friday prayers since before 9/11.

What to See at Cathedral Church of St. Paul

Located on Boston Common, St. Paul's Cathedral has a Neoclassical facade atop monumental steps. The open interior is topped with a coffered barrel vault. The dean describes the architecture this way: "[it] looks like a bank on the outside and a United Nations meeting on the inside."

Quick Facts on Cathedral Church of St. Paul

Site Information
Names:	Cathedral Church of St. Paul
Country:	United States
Categories:	cathedrals
Styles:	Neoclassical
Dedication:	St. Paul
Dates:	1818
Status:	active
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	42.355747° N, 71.062333° W
Address:	138 Tremont St. Boston, Massachusetts 02111
Phone:	617-482-4826
Email:	[email protected]
Hours:	Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Lodging:	View hotels near Cathedral Church of St. Paul

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

1. Historical marker outside the church.
2. St. Paul's Church (Episcopal) (Boston) - National Historic Landmarks Program
3. The Cathedral Church of St. Paul - official website

More Information

• Photos of Cathedral Church of St. Paul - here on Sacred Destinations