Church History

     An early history of Fairfield County states that Episcopalians in Newbury had erected the walls of a church building with an unfinished roof prior to the Revolutionary War.  It is most likely that this was the start of a missionary effort by John Beach, the Rector of Trinity Church in Newtown, Connecticut.  The war disrupted the continuity of the Episcopal Society of Newbury.

     On January 21, 1785, fifty-five persons residing in the Parish of Newbury (later to be incorporated as the Town of Brookfield in 1788), declared themselves to belong to the Episcopal Church.  Records indicate that our first church building was erected about 1790, and occupied a portion of land south of the present Congregational Church of Brookfield.

     The first regular priest of the Episcopal Society of Newbury was Philo Perry, who had been ordained by Bishop Samuel Seabury, the first Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America.  The Reverend Perry, born in Woodbury, Connecticut, also served Trinity Church in Newtown, as his primary church.

 
    The second church edifice, constructed on our current property, was erected in 1837-1838, and consecrated as “Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church at Brookfield, Connecticut.”  This church building lasted 100 years and was totally destroyed by fire on St. Valentine’s Day in 1937.

     Our current stone church was constructed in 1937-1938 on the site of the destroyed frame structure.  It was architecturally designed to model a country church in Dorset, England.  The pulpit and the lectern now in our church are two of the few articles rescued from the 1937 fire.  The present church is built in the shape of a cross with the altar being at the head of the cross.  An extensive addition, including offices, a “Guild Room,” and classrooms, was completed in 1957.

     Our stained glass windows were designed and made by Leonard Howard of Kent, Connecticut and follow the liturgy of the Episcopal Church.  The altar window, given by the youth of the parish in 1938, commemorates Saint Paul.  The baptismal window is “Jesus with the children.”  The choir, or music window, features harps and angels.  The east and west windows continue the church liturgy and commemorate The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as well as the twelve Apostles.

     The history of St. Paul’s has paralleled the growth and vitality of the community of Brookfield.  There are many fascinating tales in the church’s 225 years of history, including “St. Paul’s School for Boys” that flourished during the late 1800’s and early 1900’s and the first rectory built on Long Meadow Hill Road in 1876.

      Now…..we forge ahead, building on the past vision of those who have gone before us while embracing a present moment that will lay a foundation for those who follow.

  Please join us in “Celebrating 225 years in the Spirit.”  This is our moment!