About Us

St. Paul United Methodist Church began as a mission of the Wesley Church in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1865.  This was true of many African American community and religious development projects of the aftermath of the Civil War.  History tells us that the recently freed slaves of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas were members of the mission.  In 1873, the St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church at 1816 Routh was organized by Reverend H. Boliver, its first pastor, and William Bush, District Superintendent.  The land was donated by Anthony B. Norton, Dallas postmaster and the Board of Missions. 

The church building served as a school for African American children and as a church during this time, this was one of very few schools open for African Americans in Dallas.  The Reverend Harry Swann, 1874-75, directed the educational programs and religious activities throughout the difficult years at the end of Southern Reconstruction.  Other teachers were assigned by the Freedman’s Aid Society.  Attending this school were two pioneer members of this church, T. D. Marshall, and educator, and George Shirley, a businessman. 

SamuelHuston College (now Huston Tillotson University) was organized by the Reverend G. W. Richardson on February 22, 1876, at Dallas, Texas, and held its first classes in the St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The first twenty-five years of St. Paul’s growth and success can be attributed to many pioneer ministers who had the vision, refused to be broken in spirit, and worked hard to build a church that continues to teach and incarnate the doctrine that all are brothers and sisters as children of God. 

Many distinguished and dedicated pastors shared abilities and experiences that projected St. Paul into a new dimension of progress during the early 1900’s. 

The Reverend W. T. Handy, Sr. was assigned to St. Paul in 1941.  Under his leadership, a mortgage Burning Ceremony was held on Emancipation Day.”  Bishop Robert E. Jones shared in the ceremony. 

The Reverend G. Haven Caldwell, Sr. became pastor in 1944. Under his leadership. The Dallas Bethlehem Center was organized at St. Paul.  He served on the Board of Directors and worked diligently to make the love of Christ visible in the community it served. The office was housed at St. Paul church for several years. 

In 1948, Dr. Ira B. Loud was assigned to St. Paul and served as its pastor for thirty-two years.  He was a respected and persistent voice in the 1950’s and 1960’s, when public integration came to Dallas and the city escaped much of the racial turmoil that occurred throughout the South.  Under Reverend Loud’s leadership, the St. Paul congregation helped to organize other Methodist churches in the metroplex: Hamilton Park, Carver Heights, Highland Hills, Grand Prairie Trinity (now disbanded as an active congregation), Warren and Crest Moore-King Memorial United Methodist Churches. 

Dr. Ronald D. Henderson served as pastor from 1980-1990.  Under his leadership, the quality of worship, outreach programs and various other services became concerns of the total congregation.  The E. C. Ransom Library was dedicated in 1981.  St. Paul United Methodist Church was designated a “Historic Landmark” by the City of Dallas on October 17, 1982.  The church celebrated the event as it unveiled the historic marker. 

The North Texas Caucus hosted the Black Methodist for Church Renewal National Convention in 1986.  Bishop Leontyne Current Kelly, the first African American female Bishop in the United Methodist Church, preached the opening Holy Communion Service at the historic St. Paul Church. 

The I. B. Loud Fellowship Hall was dedicated on October 18, 1989. 

The Reverend John W. Tatum, Sr. was appointed pastor of St. Paul on 1990.  He, too, accepted the challenge to perpetuate the greatness that St. Paul had achieved.  During his tenure, the Intergenerational Choir and additional Bible Study groups were organized. 

The Reverend Rick L. Hawkins, a native of Dallas, Texas was appointed pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church in 1993.  He was an integral part of the Justice for the Homeless Task Force, Greater Dallas Council of Churches and Conference Commission on the Black Church.  Reverend Hawkins’ experience as a teacher and a minister enabled him to strengthen the children and youth ministries. 

In 1990, Dr. Henry L. Masters, Sr. was appointed Dallas South District Superintendent of the North Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church.  While in this position, he founded and pastured Jubilee United Methodist Church.  In 1995, in the same position, he was assigned to St. Paul United Methodist Church and was appointed Senior Pastor in 1997.  Under his leadership, St. Paul became a church with a vision called. “Renaissance 2000.”  In addition to membership growth, a variety of ministries was developed.  The church annex redesigned and completely furnished.  This facility was dedicated in 1997. 

Today, St. Paul United Methodist Church uniquely sits in the Downtown Arts District. 

Dr. Sheron C. Patterson was appointed to St. Paul United Methodist Church in 2001.  She was a trailblazer and champion of women’s advancement.  Dr. Patterson was the first African American woman to be ordained in the North Texas region of the United Methodist Church.  Her spiritual leadership, relentless faith, and good works were noteworthy.  Under her leadership, a Capital Campaign was initiated to “Restore Our Legacy” at St. Paul. 

Reverend L. Charles Stovall was assigned to St. Paul United Methodist Church in 2005.  Shortly after his arrival, Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast.  Under his leadership, St. Paul became headquarters for Project Harambee, an ecumenical coalition for long-term community building with the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.  The St. Paul United Methodist Church Women’s was reorganized. 

   The current Senior Pastor, Reverend Elzie Odom, Jr. was assigned to St. Paul in June 2006.  The members of the St. Paul United Methodist Church family proudly welcome Pastor Odom and his family… wife, Reverend Dr. Janet Bell Odom and children, Asheley, Victoria, and Elzie III.