Even the Methodists of Rosewood Heights were surprised when in August 1953 Dr. E. M. Dycus, Superintendent of the East St. Louis District, initiated a survey in the area for the possible site of a Methodist congregation. This survey resulted in the decision to proceed with the basic organization needed for a new church, which would meet in the basement of Zike’s Pharmacy on East Airline Drive until a proper facility could be built.

Every church needs a pastor and a name. Rev. Carl Mitchell, pastor of Main Street Methodist Church in Alton, served as pastoral leader during the crucial first six months. Christ, St. Paul and Wesley were suggested as names. On Sunday, September 27th, members of the congregation decided it would be the St. Paul Methodist Church.

On October 18, 1953, Bishop Charles W. Brashares came to Rosewood Heights to officially organize the new church and welcome 103 men, women, and youth as charter members. That historic Sunday became the birth date of St. Paul Church.

In November of that year, lots were purchased at the northeast corner of Airline Drive and Center Street. In February 1954, the first pastor was appointed: Rev. Roy Baugh, who arrived to find a brush-covered parcel of ground having neither church building nor parsonage. Construction of a home soon began, and was completed in December of that year.

Before the parsonage was finished, ground was broken for the first phase of construction – a 40’x40’ two story brick building. After nearly twenty-one months in the pharmacy basement, worship was held for the first time at the new location on Sunday, May 8, 1955, with Dr. Dycus as guest speaker.

Additions were completed on what is now the lower level of the educational building in October 1958. The following spring, ground was broken for the current worship center and fellowship hall, which were officially opened April 4, 1965, by Bishop Lance Webb.

The Randolph Room for youth was added in 1984 to the west wing of the upper level, with two new classrooms added to the upstairs east wing in 1988. Additional parking facilities have been constructed numerous times.

Just as the appearance has changed through the years, so has the name. With the 1968 merger of the Methodist and the Evangelical United Brethren denominations, we became the St. Paul United Methodist Church.

During our 45th anniversary year, several renewal projects were undertaken. These included the replacement of the glass entrance doors to the educational building, air conditioning units for the sanctuary and fellowship hall, sanctuary carpeting and sound system. Also resurfacing the original asphalt parking lot and converting the pipe organ to solid-state technology.

What will the next 50 years bring? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain – if the past has any bearing on the future, whatever challenges must be met for the ministry of St. Paul UMC to continue will be accepted and accomplished.