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GENERAL HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION

 St. Paul's Episcopal Church is one of four beautiful buildings in Duluth designed by the prominent New York City Architectural firm of Cram, Goodhue, and Ferguson.  All were erected more or less contemporaneously in the second decade of this century, St. Paul's construction having been begun in April of 1912 and the first service held in it in May of 1915.

 It is built in the perpendicular Gothic architectural style characterized by massive stone work inside and out, slate roof, leaded glass casement windows and truncated bell tower.  The Parish House is a later addition, having been built in 1928-29.

 The church itself is of typical cruciform shape having been patterned, on a much smaller scale, after Canterbury Cathedral.  The Chancel comprised of the sanctuary and choir forms the short top arm of the cross. The transept aisle extending the width of the church below the chancel steps forms the cross arms, while the nave of the church forms the bottom leg of the cross.  It is said that the high vaulted ceiling resembles the Inverted hull of a ship, hence the derivation of the word "nave".  The cross aisle and vestibule at the rear are called the narthex.  The nave is lighted by a series of clerestory windows high up in its walls and by the side windows at nave level (only one of which is a memorial) and the beautiful large rear window.

 Since it would be virtually impossible to list all those members of St. Paul's who were instrumental in the building of our present church, let it be noted that almost everything in it was acquired through the loving gifts of faithful past parishioners.  These gifts include the altar itself, the beautiful painting and reredos above and behind it, the altar appurtenances, the jeweled chalice inset with precious gems given by the first ladies of St. Paul's, the magnificent organ, the bells in the tower, much of the church furniture, even the big lectern Bible, and the windows and furnishings of the chapel.  All these were gifts to the Glory of God from the grateful and generous hearts of our predecessors.  Let us receive and above all preserve them in the same spirit and with the same grateful hearts.

(This article is the first in a 4-part series on THE TREASURES OF ST. PAUL'S beautifully written by Ann Hartley and presented for your interest and knowledge.)