Historical Notes

The history of St. Paul Lutheran Church began in mid April 1955, when the missionary board of the Lutheran Synodical conference authorized the missionary at large, Reverend William H. Jones, to go to Florida to establish the Lutheran Church in African-American communities. On May 14th, 1955, property at 2730 West's Edgewood Avenue was purchased and the construction of the church began. The completed sanctuary was dedicated on April 22nd, 1956.

While the church was under construction, Pastor Jones visited with families in hundreds of homes in the Magnolia Garden and Floradale communities, informing them about the developing Lutheran Church in their neighborhood. The first respondents to join a confirmation class were Gladys and Ezekiel Bryant, Caruther and Hezekiah Godwin, Gwendolyn and Thomas Friall, Margaret and George Starks, Dora Nicholson and Inez McFashion. On September 23rd, 1956 they were confirmed as charter members of St. Paul Lutheran church. Additional members confirmed in the next three classes are also considered founding members because they established the congregational foundation during that crucial first year between April 26th, 1956 and April 26th, 1957. These founding members were Effie Snead, James Rawls, Herman Nicholson, Alonzo Louis, James Green, Clara Thomas, Flossie Rawls, Harriet Graham, Longwell Horne, Rodine Horne, William H. Jones, David Massaline, Simon Mosley, Mrs. Eddie B. Newton, Ann Lewis, Joyce Graham, Leon Smith, John Cummings, Geraldine Underwood Roby, Joseph Johnson, and Mrs. Freddie McClain.

Among the many first of that year were Gwendolyn Friall, and her son Tommie, as the first to be baptized/confirmed; Hezekiah Godwin, the first Congregational President; Gladys Bryant, the first regular Church Organist, and John Murdock, the first Vicar (1956-1957).

On September 1st, 1957, Pastor William Jones installed the Rev. James Bowman as the first permanent pastor. At that time there were 62 communicants and approximately 125 baptized members. In 1959, the Rev. Floyd T. McAdoo began a four-year pastorate, which saw membership extend beyond the Magnolia-Floradale areas. Pastor McAdoo, the first African-American minister is also remembered for his highly spirited sermons. Rev. A. Gerald Quiram followed Pastor McAdoo in 1963, serving as vacancy Pastor for year. Under his leadership, the congregation stepped out of faith and began to develop plans for its first renovation project. The renovation work was completed under the leadership of Rev. Paul Labrenz, a young preacher who came to St. Paul July 19, 1964 from California. In addition to leading the membership to grow in God's word, he also challenged the Florida-Georgia district over their segregational policies of that time.

During the years 1964-1967, we became increasingly concerned for the poor and involved in the civil rights movement. Rev. Michael Wendt, who served as vacancy pastor after Rev. Labrenz's departure for the West coast, encouraged the congregation to become involved in the development of Lutheran Inner City Center (LICC), known today as Hollybrook Homes.

Our pastoral vacancy period ended when Rev. Dale Gatz was called. Pastor Gatz continued the congregation's involvement in the LICC ministry. Partnering with the District and Synod, 182 subsidized housing units were eventually constructed.

Under the pastorate of Rev. Gatz, St. Paul's membership voted to take responsibility for its own financial affairs. On November 26th, 1972, after 16 years of Synodical/District subsidy, members of the congregation signed a financial "Declaration of Independence." Since that time, we have been blessed by continuous growth in stewardship-giving. During his tenure, the Sunday school wing, on the location of the Church's 24th anniversary, was named William H. Jones education wing in memory of the Church's organizing pastor. Pastor Gatz served as pastor for almost 13 years and developed the "Song and Service Supplement" before leaving to become CEO Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida.

Upon his departure, Rev. Arnold Hilpert served for two years as a vacancy pastor until the Rev. Duane Geary was called. Pastor Geary introduced the congregation to many different aspects of liturgical worship and meditation. It was during his pastorate that the congregation adopted the Lutheran Book of Worship, with Edgar Graham providing musical leadership for the congregation's adjustment to the new liturgical order of service. Pastor Geary later accepted a call to congregation in Tennessee and in his absence, the Rev. Mark Yates served as vacancy pastor.

In spite of the vacancy period, the congregation continued to grow spiritually. This growth has been sustained under our current spiritual leader, the Rev. Frank T. Marshall, who accepted the call to St. Paul in August 1986. Pastor Marshall arrived at a critical point in St. Paul's history-the congregation was beginning to seriously focus on expanding its worship facilities to better accommodate its growth in membership and Christian ministry. On April 14, 1991, the groundbreaking service for a beautiful new worship edifice was held.

Approximately seven months later, Sunday, November 17, 1991, marked the dedication service for the third and most significant structural change since the church construction was observed. Under the leadership of Pastor Marshall, co-chairs Mrs. Myrtice's Canady and Mr. Rodell Shuford, God enabled the congregation to plan and construct a new worship sanctuary with the administrative offices and the conversion of the old sanctuary into a fellowship hall. The new facilities greatly enhance Christian growth and fellowship in many ways.

Over the past 15 years, we have continued to unite in Christ, to increase in our stewardship of God's resources, to nurture the spiritual well-being of one another and to win souls to Christ. At the helm has been our spiritual leader, Rev. Frank Marshall supported by strong congregational leadership in various church commissions, four choirs, usher board, church council, Youth Department, Sunday school, Men's Club, Dorcas society, Christian leaders in action, aid Association for Lutherans and the Lutheran Brotherhood.

In support of Pastor Marshall's vision, St. Paul entered the new millennium with a brand-new $28,000 van to enhance its youth programs, evangelism and outreach ministries. The van acquisition was made possible by funding from the 1999 Anniversary program, which was augmented by collective donation of $13,500 from individual members who made an extra sacrificial effort to secure the purchase.

During Pastor marshals tenure, the congregation became home to the "Servant Event," a National synodical experience that allows youth from across the country to use their muscles, sweat and labor to help elderly citizens remain in their homes. Oliver Washington, the church's second vicar, arrived in the summer 2000, and served the congregation until the spring of 2001. St. Paul also became one of three churches, along with Woodlawn Presbyterian and Ebenezer United Methodist, that gathered together in an ecumenical demand soaks service each New Year's eve. St. Paul has been represented both locally and nationally in religious politics through Pastor Marshall, who served as the circuit counselor of the Jacksonville Lutheran Circuit of the Missouri Synod, and as a member of the National Board on Black Ministry.

(Edited by Dr. Ezekiel W. Bryant)

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