St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 11th and market streets in Parkersburg will soon celebrate its 125th anniversary, offering tours on July 11 and a light luncheon after the July 12 church service. (Photo provided)

PARKERSBURG – St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 11th and Market Streets, will celebrate its 125th anniversary on July 12.

Tours will be given on Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. The tours will include the history of the stained glass windows and a special viewing of the stained glass dome from above, as well as the bell tower. For those with mobility problems, there is an elevator and a few steps to these areas.

Christmas ornaments featuring the church will be sold for $5. Light refreshments will be offered in the Fellowship Hall after each tour.

On Sunday, July 12, the church will open at 10 a.m. to welcome guests and the service will begin at 11 a.m. A light luncheon will be held after the service in the Fellowship Hall.

St. Paul’s was built on the corner of 11th and Market Streets in 1900 at a cost of $15,800. The stated seating capacity was 600-700 people, plus 300 more in the adjoining Sunday school classrooms.

On July 7, 1901, the Sunday morning dedication of the new church, all seats were filled and newspaper reports stated approximately 2,000 attended.

The need for additional space prompted the church in 1908, to purchase the neighboring property on 11th Street for $4,000. It had a small house on it that was used for classroom space.

In 1930, St. Paul’s membership was 650 with 400 enrolled in Sunday school. In 1940, membership was 850 with 300 in Sunday school. The need for expansion was critical for continued growth, according to a release from the church.

In 1953-54, a $200,000 building campaign was begun, and on May 8, 1955, the cornerstone was laid for the education building. The dedication was held on May 13, 1956. The building added 22 new classrooms plus a chapel, parlor, kitchenette, fellowship hall, stage and a full kitchen.

In early 1950, the bell tower and steeple were declared unsafe and were removed. In 1992, the church voted to restore the bell tower and build a new steeple. On Sept. 13, of that year, they were dedicated, and the bell rang again on Sunday mornings to beckon people to worship.

From its beginnings St. Paul’s has been known as “The Church with the Warm Heart,” a friendly and giving church with a mission, the release said. St. Paul’s mission is to Know God, Serve God and Share God. Through study, prayer, fellowship and outreach, the church works towards that goal.

The church serves the community by housing the Parkersburg Urban Ministry, Tuesday’s Breadline, a children’s closet, fourth Saturday breakfasts, second and third Sunday community meals and local missions.

St. Paul’s is a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network and welcomes all people to participate fully in lay worship and service.