Our Story
Originally, St. Paul Catholic Church was organized to serve 40 German families living in east Pilsen in 1876. Three years later, the parish purchased a large wooden building on 18th Street and Carpenter from St. Francis of Assisi Parish. That building was moved to our present location in 1880. When the need for a school arose in 1892, parishioners began construction and it was opened one year later. Construction of our church building would take a bit longer. In 1899, the first Gothic-style church in America – built by skilled volunteers – was dedicated, and forever became known as the “church without a nail.”
Our Future
St. Paul members have been through a lot over the past few years. Many have come from other parishes like St. Ann’s Church, which closed in June of 2018. This transition has been difficult for those of us who were planning to raise our children in the parish we grew up in. We are praying for the other parishes in the city preparing for transition but are proof that God’s plan is greater than our own. We have learned that a church is not a building, it is a community of people. We are committed to creating moments where people can encounter Christ and become life long missionary disciples. Get involved. Stay involved. Welcome home.
Do you want to grow in faith? Do you want more out of your relationship with Christ? We do too. Always. Because we are committed to missionary discipleship and we understand that Catholicism is a life long journey. Join us on this great adventure!