The parish of St. Paul symbolizes a great heritage. It began with a small German community that established it in 1876. These newly arrived immigrants came with a strong creative work ethic accompanied by a staunch faith in the providence of God. They initiated a spirited civic community filled with a culture brought from their native land. The school was the first thing built in 1892. In 1897 the corner stone was laid for the church. The exterior was completed in three years and singled out in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not as “The church built without a nail.” The two exceptionally tall church spires and school building portray a faith community bent on producing responsible leaders ready to serve.
German immigrants, as many other groups, came to this land to live in freedom and pursue the American dream. They took part in developing a democratic society respecting individual rights. Local businesses along with productive industries were born from their talents and hard work. These gifts are still evident in the school they instituted, homes built and local businesses established.
In recent years the neighborhood has changed. It is now multi cultural but predominately Latino. The parish remains as a catalyst for neighborly understanding and civic pride. Education takes high priority. Surrounding streets are kept clean and safe. Homes are continually being improved. Essential services are found locally. The initial spirit of the founding community continues. What makes it different are the cultural changes brought from different countries. This is the story now told by the church spires and the walls of original school