Saint Paul's Church, built in 1739, occupies a unique place in Norfolk's history, in that it is the only link between modern Norfolk and the city's colonial origins. The church continues to be not only a reminder of our past, but a living church as well.

In the 1620's, settlement began on the land that would eventually become the county of Norfolk, and about 1637 the Elizabeth River Parish was created. The first recorded minister was the Reverend John Wilson. The earliest "Parish Church" was erected between 1638 and 1640 at "Mr. Sewell's Point" (on or near the grounds of the modem [modern] Norfolk Naval Base). However, this location was inconvenient for colonists who lived in the Elizabeth River region, which was rapidly becoming the population center of the parish. The colonists agreed to pay the Reverend Thomas Harrison 100 pounds a year, for preaching at a new "Chapel of Ease," a building that would be easier for people to attend. Like most buildings of the day, both the Parish Church at Sewell's Point and the Elizabeth River Chapel were constructed of wood.

In 1686, glebe land (parish land) of about one hundred acres was granted to the parish by Governor Howard of Virginia to support a minister and the parish. By 1700 [no, 1690], a brick and wood building had replaced the earlier "Chapel of Ease," and it had become the Parish Church. The church was erected in the southeast corner of the church yard (the corner of what is now Saint Paul's Boulevard and City Hall Avenue). In 1701, Samuel Boush, who was one of the church leaders, had a chalice made in London to present "the Parish Church of Norfolke Towne."

Around 1736, Norfolk Borough was established by Royal Charter, and Samuel Boush was chosen as the first mayor. By 1738 the old church had become inadequate for the needs of the thriving Borough, and the vestry decided to erect a more suitable structure. The new church was based on the cruciform design, which had first been used in Virginia in 1715 at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg. In keeping with 18th century Virginia standards, emphasis was placed on balance and restraint, so the church was not highly decorated. The church was completed by 1739, and the date was picked out in bricks over the south transept door. The churchyard wall was built in 1751.

By 1857, the turret had disappeared, but it was replaced by
a wooden tower on the northeast It too has gone.
On January 1, 1776, Norfolk was shelled by ships commanded by Lord Dunmore, the last Colonial Governor of Virginia. A cannonball lodged in the southeastern corner of the church. Not long after Dunmore's attack, Norfolk was burned by Virginia patriots. The church walls remained standing, though the rest of the structure was destroyed. Hessian troops used the burnt out church in 1781 as a fort. The church was rebuilt in 1785-1786, and thus remains as the only relic of colonial Norfolk. In 1840, a cannonball believed to be one which had lodged in the wall of the church, was discovered underground, beneath a depression in the wall. The ball was replaced in the hole and remains there today.

During the Revolution, the Church of England became disestablished in Virginia, and the Protestant Episcopal Church in America was incorporated. In 1789, Elizabeth River Parish divided into two quarreling congregations; one congregation formed what would eventually become Christ Church (an ancestor to the present Christ and Saint Luke's); the other congregation remaining in possession of the building until 1803. The old church was then occupied by Baptist congregations from 1805 to 1827 before it was reopened as an Episcopal church of worship. In 1832, the old church was reconsecrated under the name Saint Paul's by Bishop Richard Channing Moore.

During the Civil War, Norfolk was occupied by federal forces and Saint Paul's became a Union Army chapel. Seven months after General Robert E. Lee surrendered, the building was returned to the parish. It required many repairs, and received an elaborate Victorian interior in the style of the day. A vestry room was added at the northeast corner in 1877, the present tower was added in 1901, and a parish house was built in 1909.

In 1912-1913, the church's interior was restored to its Colonial style, and in the 1980's, under the direction of the Rev. Hugh White, further changes were made, with hand-made glass windows and a period reredos (altarpiece) from the 1750's donated by Saint John's Church in Hampton.

Today, Saint Paul's continues its long history as an urban center of worship and ministry, drawing members from all parts of the Hampton Roads community. We invite you to share the rich heritage of our Church, our commitment to the present and our hope for the future.